Chaka – The Music Of Chaka Khan

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

23rd November 2024

Lee Williams

Photography : Lee Williams Photography

Chaka Khan – The Music of Chaka Khan, a great and exhilarating night. Sulene Fleming (The Brand New Heavies, Incognito, The New Master Sounds) played an amazing live set with a great accompanying bad playing Chaka Khan’s unmistakable soul, funk and dance. All of the big hits were played – I’m Every Woman, Aint Nobody, I Feel For You, Through The Wire and Like Sugar. Cant wait for her to return!

The Bohemians Queen Tribute

Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Friday 18th October

By : Nigel Gambles

Photographs : Studio 55 Photography

It was fantastic to see a full house at the Town Hall last night, there was certainly an air of expectation and as the time rolled round to 7.30pm we were asked to welcome The Bohemians to the stage and did the audience do that.. plenty cheering as Freddie marched out in his famous yellow leather jacket and went straight into the opening number and didn’t stop for breathe finally pausing to ask if “Sutton Coldfield Magic on Friday is that alright” which of course it was.

We were treated to all the songs you would expect along with a few less famous numbers and were treated to many costume changes by Freddie.

The band were excellent and played flawlessly the set included all your favourite Queen songs , Its A Kind Of Magic, Another One Bites The Dust,I Wanna Break Free,Under Pressure, Hammer To Fall, Radio Ga Ga, Bohemian Rhapsody; as well as the famous vocal chant De Da De etc etc.

As someone who saw Queen a number of times in the 70’s and early 80’s The Bohemians are truly one of if not the best Queen tribute acts.

For Full Gallery Click Here

For Video Click Here : Coming Soon

Matilda – Script Youth Musical Theatre Company ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Matilda – Script Youth Musical Theatre Company

Crescent Theatre – Birmingham

Friday 27th September 2024 (Dress Rehearsal)

By : Nigel Gambles

Photographs : Studio 55

Tim Minchin’s extremely popular musical about a young girl called Matilda and her escapades and travails at the hands of her crazy family, a psychopathic headmistress, and a love of books, is now so entrenched in children’s psyche that I think every preteen and tween will know the plot. Not only a full-scale musical, and now a feature film too, this Junior version proves to be a very popular and effective production for youngsters to perform and follows on from the “juniorising” of many other favourites and making them available and suitable for young people to perform.

Script Youth Musical Theatre have a large and thriving youth theatre, and their many members produce an annual show to the delight of family and friends.

I have never seen Matilda in any of its incarnations including this Junior version. The one thing I am told that truly makes this show is the fact that all the more boring, or less interesting sections of the musical have been shaved away, leaving the main storyline, all the best songs, and a child-friendly show of full-on, non-stop entertainment for both cast and audience.

Tilly Cartwright made for a lovely Matilda. A strong and sympathetic young actress with strong vocals and good stage presence. Maddie Howard gave a comedic and forthright turn as Agatha Trunchbull, and was so powerful and nasty at one point, even made me jump. An empathetic librarian Mrs. Phelps, was played with confidence by Peyton Lockley, and the more-than-sympathetic school teacher who befriends Matilda, shielding her from the wrath of Trunchbull was another confident and talented performer, Gracie Reynolds. Niamh Mulligan impressed as Matilda’s self-confessed best friend Lavender, whilst Arlo Conway-Ford brought much comedic campery to bear in his role as ballroom dancing teacher, Rodolpho. The cast completed with Poppy Kerr (Acrobat), Mae Gregory-Martin (Bruce), Lois Rollins (Escapologist), Edward Lawlor (Mr. Wormwood), Darci Rice (Mrs. Wormwood), and other smaller principal and cameo roles, as well as a rather large group of ensemble/chorus members. The entire cast gave their all from start to finish, and obviously had worked very hard bringing their energy, commitment, and enthusiasm to this production making it as enjoyable as it truly was. Congratulations to all the cast!

Finally it would be very remiss not to mention the production team Louise Sall and Tim Rice who’s dedication commitment and support to the young cast was superb. Credit also to Erin Mooney who choreographed for the second time on this show who has put together some fantastic routines.

The Simon & Garfunkel Story

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Sunday 15th February 2024 By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles

This touring show of the West End hit is as authentic and exciting as you can get. You could really close your eyes and listen and convince yourself it was the real Simon & Garfunkel on stage in front of you.

Playing to a packed Town Hall the show started with the unforgettable notes of Sounds Of Silence coming from the speakers. The song one of my favourites was performed beautifully.

The show is as it says a story with both Simon and Garfunkel telling their story from humble beginnings in Queens New York to global stardom. As well as I knew the music there were parts of their I had not heard before, such as when they first started they called themselves Tom & Jerry and made one record “Hey, Schoolgirl” in 1957, played here to much applause.

They played the songs in a type of chronological order from the album release dates the first half of the show covering the albums Wednesday Morning 3AM, Sounds Of Silence and Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme. The second half covering their 2 most successful albums Bookends and Bridge Over Troubled Water.

This is a terrific show for anybody who is a fan of the duo or just likes good music. The show ended with a standing ovation unsurprisingly, and this fan went home very happily remembering days gone by.

Heritage Day

Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac Tribute

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Friday 6th September 2024 By Lee Williams

Photography – Lee Williams Photography for Whats On In Sutton Coldfield

Go Your Own Way – Such an immersive and atmospheric show with the lead singer (as Stevie Nicks) deep in character. Makes you realise just how many hits Fleetwood Mac had, and how many you know! From foot tapping, guitars and bright lights to long sequence almost ‘prog-rock’ songs with a touch of folk, they sure did Fleetwood Mac proud. The lighting and acoustics at the Town Hall really got the place alive and all who attended went away with smiles of their faces and songs playing in their heads!

Sutton Coldfield residents can have their say on plan for ‘new era’ of local delivery

PRESS RELEASE 02/09/24

Residents in Sutton Coldfield are being urged to have their say on a Draft Strategic Plan which represents a new era for the Royal Town – aiming to deliver more local control of community services and assets.

Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council’s Draft Strategic Plan for 2024-2027sets out its priorities for the next four years, and reveals ambitions which include:

Working through the Town Centre Regeneration Partnership to strengthen project delivery and help create a revitalised Town Centre.
Using devolution powers to transfer control of 14 valued local parks and green spaces to Sutton Coldfield and working with others to create a new Trust to oversee Sutton Park.
Stepping in to help avoid reductions in services currently provided by Birmingham City Council, such as library and community services.

For the first time since its inception in 2016, the Town Council is also proposing an increase in the annual precept that residents pay for its services – to help fund this new era of local delivery for Sutton Coldfield.

The Strategic Plan for 2024-2027 is a document that helps set the direction of travel for the Town Council, which can be shaped by all its stakeholders to identify priorities and commitments.

Now the Public Consultation, which runs until Friday, September 27th, 2024, is asking residents to comment on what they think the Town Council’s priorities should be, including if it should step in to support or help avoid reductions in some services currently provided by Birmingham City Council.

The survey also covers topics such as sustainability, heritage and improvements to the town centre.

Launching the consultation, Councillor Simon Ward, Leader of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, said: “The Draft Strategic Plan is an important document that sets the ambitions for the Town Council over the next four years, and its vital that we hear residents’ opinions on what they think should be the town’s priorities going forward.

“Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council is now firmly established, and we are about to enter a new era of local delivery for residents, bringing more control of valued assets and services into the Royal Town.

“For example, we have identified more than a dozen valued green spaces and parks across Sutton which we would like to transfer to local control, and we want to work with others to make the dream of a trust that oversees Sutton Park a reality.

“We also understand concerns about local services being impacted by reduced budgets at Birmingham City Council, so we are also looking at how the Town Council can step in to help support locally-delivered services.

“And the next four years will be crucial to the rebirth of the Town Centre, and the Town Council will work with the Town Centre Regeneration Partnership to drive forward delivery of the change that everyone wants to see.

“In order to help fund this new era of local delivery, the Draft Strategic Plan also includes the first increase in the annual precept since the council was created – an increase that will help us take control of our own future, protect the unique character of the Royal Town and support threatened services.

“I would urge all Sutton Coldfield residents to engage with the Public Consultation into the Draft Strategic Plan – this is your opportunity to have a say on the future of Sutton Coldfield.”

For the consultation, from the 2^nd – 27^th of September, thousands of returnable surveys are being delivered to addresses across the Royal Town.

The surveys can be either filled in and posted back to the council offices, at Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, 62 Anchorage Road, Sutton Coldfield, B74 2PG, or returned through 16 drop boxes situated in local churches, community centres and libraries.

Drop boxes will be found at:

Sutton Coldfield United Reformed Church
Banners Gate Community Hall
Wylde Green United Reformed Church
St John’s Church
St Chad’s Church
Four Oaks Baptist Church (Olive Branch)
Boldmere Library
Walmley Library
Mere Green Library
Sutton Coldfield Library
Harvest Fields Centre Ark Community Church
Our Place Support
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
Second Thoughts (Falcon Lodge)
Trinity Centre

The survey includes a summary of key points in the Draft Strategic Plan, and residents can view the full document by visiting www.suttoncoldfieldtowncouncil.gov.uk.

Alternatively, the survey can also be filled in online at the Council’s website.

You can also have your say in face-to-face community meetings across Sutton Coldfield throughout September – see below for dates and locations.

Date	Wards	Location
Monday 2^nd September	Four Oaks and Mere Green	Four Oaks Methodist Church
Wednesday 4^th September	Walmley and Minworth	Sutton Coldfield Rugby Club
Thursday 5^th September	Reddicap	Falcon Lodge Methodist Church
Monday 9^th September	Vesey	Wylde Green United Reformed Church
Monday 16^th September	Wylde Green	Wylde Green Community Hall
Thursday 26^th September	Trinity and Roughley	Trinity Centre

Visitor Information

Guidelines For Visitors To Aston Wood Business Club

Meetings are held every Friday at Aston Wood Golf Club, post code, and three words attached along with a map

The visitors business category must be eligible

Visitors may visit Aston Wood Business Club twice during these visits you will be able to do a two minute talk on your business – what’s happening and what sort of introductions you are looking for.

If you decide you want to join AWBC, on your third visit you will be required to do a five minute presentation on your business and what you can bring to AWBC

You will be expected to attend all meetings and in the case you cannot attend you will be expected to supply a substitute

A full English breakfast will be served, if you have any dietary requirements please inform us ahead of the meeting.

Sample Agenda

7.10 – Welcome To Members & Guests

Education Slot

Two Minute Talks

Breakfast

Feature Presentation

Contributions – Referrals & Testimonials

Membership Info and AOB

Social Events

8.45 – Close

Handy hints

Here’s a checklist of activities you could go through at the start of your meeting. They give you a clear summary of what everyone should expect to be able to do, and how they can expect to be treated.

Ask yourself ‘Have I…’

• Checked the agenda

Made notes on what I want to say
Got written responses to anything I’ve been asked to reply to
Arranged to be there for the whole meeting

Tell yourself ‘I will…..’

Really listen to what people say
Leave me own problems at the door
Make my criticisms constructively
Make at least one well prepared contribution
Enjoy myself

Manor Musical Theatre Company – Fiddler On The Roof ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fiddler On The Roof – Manor Musical Theatre Company

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Tuesday 24th October 2023 – Dress Rehearsal

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography

Tradition – something Manor has always been respectful of, and tradition is the main theme of this classic musical.

This the tale of Tevye, the turn-of the century Russian peasant wishing he were a rich man. Battling the wills of his five daughters and keeping the Jewish faith, as sinister forces infiltrate the peace of an historic village, and modern life starts to shift the balance of power. This production is more earthy than showy, and it was all the better for it. It was a stripped-back piece of theatre performed in a way that gave it an especially human touch and immediacy. Beautifully-textured costumes contrasted the threadbare layers of Russian winters with silky, Sabbath finery. Tam Weir a newcomer to Manor anchored the piece as conflicted Tevye (his third outing in this role) complemented by the wonderfully expressive Paula O’Hare as wife Golde, each trapped in the circumstances of changing times, their duet “Do you love me” was perfect. I’m sure we all remember Topol’s wonderful rendition of “If I Was A Rich Man” well Tam’s doesn’t disappoint.

The three older daughters played by Sasha Marsh (Tzeitel) Malaika Martin (Hodel) and Eliza Tall (Chava) play their roles wonderfully showing their struggles with what tradition dictates and what their own hearts want.

The story flows well, the cast gel superbly, and the show set as it is in 1905, resonates in today’s political landscape even more than the company must have anticipated when it was first programmed in.The importance of community is a message clearly at the heart of this production.

Directors Pam and James Garrington have done an amazing job creating a cast with a strong bond supporting each other and sharing their enjoyment at performing with the audience. The group numbers were performed beautifully and choreographed perfectly by Jennie Mason

Tudor Musical Comedy Society – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang– Tudor Musical Comedy Society

Sutton Coldfield Town hall

Monday 9th October 2023 – Dress Rehearsal

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography

The most phantasmagorical stage musical has flown into Sutton Town Hall

We have never seen this show so were very excited to be able to see this production by Tudor Musical Comedy Society

A quick recap of the story, originally written by Ian Fleming (Of James Bond Fame) follows the adventures of Caractacus Potts, his wonderful children and their eccentric Grandpa Potts. They meet up with the beautiful Truly Scrumptious who joins them on their adventures, including a trip to Vulgaria a few lucky escapes and of course a very impressive automobile.

‘Team work makes the dream work’ is a recurring phrase within this musical and never has a truer word been spoken than with the company of Tudor Musical Comedy. Choosing such a technically advanced production, filled with prestigious musical numbers, was always going to be an enormous challenge to undertake. However it was met and overcome with great gusto and enthusiasm.

The show has numerous fantastic characters, and I feel I must highlight the two comedic duos who stole the stage every time they appeared. Firstly the dimwitted Vulgarian Spies Boris (Alex Nash) and Goran (James Fisher) certainly in the running for double-act of the year their timing was perfect and their rendition of “Act English” is a highlight.

Vulgaria must be the centre for producing fantastic comedians as the Baron and Baroness performed by Mark Skett and Karrise Willetts were just that. They especially shone during “The Bombi Samba” playing the audience brilliantly.

Moving on to the stars of the show, Natasha Cartwright as the lovely Truly Scrumptious really does have the most delicious vocals and her chemistry with Caractacus (Ben Foulds) was wonderful to watch. Anyone who has seen the movie musical will remember the iconic music-box scene and Natasha was superb in this – she is a natural leading lady.

Lets not forget the children Jemima (Myleigh Davis alternating with Rachel Kirk) and Jeremy (Jack Brayley-Boddington alternating with Peter Barker) who were wonderfully entertaining.

Credit must also go to Director Richard Poynton who has managed to make every character shine individually but also come together as a strong and united ensemble. He is supported by musical director Andrew Timmins who’s direction ensured the musical numbers were performed perfectly from the title song to “Me Ol’ Bamboo” and “Toot Sweets” all this accompanied by Jenny Morris’s excellent choreography makes for a not to miss spectacle.

One last mention must go to all the tech teams and back of house teams whom without them the show just would not be.