A review of Cinderella at Nottingham’s Theatre royal.
It is a delight for all the family, from the youngsters all the way up to the grandparents in the audience. This year the Theatre Royal has pulled out all the stops to give families a brilliant Christmas evening out with their production of Cinderella with amazing sets, fabulous song and dance routines, bright and colouful costumes, lots of magic and illusions and even a spectacular coach ride, complete with animatronic flying horses, delivers a mind-boggling feast for the eyes.
In a fairy-tale kingdom, poor Cinderella is a servant to her cruel ugly sisters. When a handsome prince invites all the maidens of the land to his party, she only has rags to wear. With the help of her friend Buttons and a sprinkling of magic from her Fairy Godmother, will she make it to the ball after all?
This year’s must-see, magical pantomime stars Corrie’s Connor McIntyre (Pat Phelan) and comedian and actor Les Dennis as the Ugly Sisters, alongside Gareth Gates as Prince Charming. Joining them are Richard Cadell as Buttons and Kimberley Blake as the Fairy Godmother. Jack McNeill plays the role of Dandini. Jack is returning to the Theatre Royal following his star turn in last year’s pantomime as Peter Pan. Hannah Grace Lawson makes her pantomime debut as Cinderella after recently starring in the West End as first cover for Cosette in Les Miserables. Sooty appears as himself with lots of magic and a water pistol!
Brought to you by Qdos Entertaiment, Cinderella features a fabulous cast and orchestra, laugh out loud comedy, stunning scenery, special effects and plenty of boos and hisses for all the family to enjoy.
Cinderella is high energy and infectiously good fun from the moment the curtain goes up in act one. There is a constant stream of local references, great dance routines, plenty of laughs and a high energy performance by Richard Cadell who stole the show with his comedy and magic.
Cinderella runs at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Sunday January 5th with tickets available from only £18. You can book online at www.trch.co.uk or by calling the box office on 0115 989 5555
Ghost or Ghost B.C
(Their name in the United States) are a Swedish rock band that formed
in 2006.
Since then they have
been honing their craft as songwriters and live performers. Over the
previous thirteen years they have pretty much paid their dues by
playing the grubbiest and smallest venues and working their way up
the pecking order.
During that time, they
even started to perform at festivals accepting appearances low down
on the bill at events such as the prestigious Download festival.
More recently they were
the support band for none other than the mighty Metallica. On the
back of that they launched into their own headlining arena tour
entitled the “Ultimate tour named death”.
Over the years, Ghost
have managed to entertain fans with their live shows in small venues
and it worked exceptionally well. However, when they announced an
arena tour questions were raised as to whether their show is
transferable to the bigger venues. There were certainly doubts as to
how their performance could possibly work in the larger venues.
Ghost have built a
reputation for being easily recognisable live because of their
eccentric (sometimes spooky) on stage presence. Most of the band wear
face concealing costumes and are called ‘Nameless Ghouls’,
however there are rumours that they have female instrumentalists and
so include ‘Ghoulettes’. The only person whose face is
recognisable is the lead vocalist (Tobias Forge) although he takes on
the part of a spooky almost demonic character called Cardinal Copia.
Over the years this character has gone through various changes,
previous characters have included Papa Emeritus I, Papa Emeritus II,
and Papa Emeritus III, all with different face make up and with a
full background story.
This mystique of the
nameless ghouls and ghoulettes has helped Ghost stand out form the
plethora of bands that are currently touring. However, any touring
band would soon fade away if it relied purely on the visual aspects.
Thankfully, Ghost can write songs that really hit the mark. Which
gained them an accolade from music magazine Kerrang! for their song
“Ritual” Kerrang! Voted “Ritual” as one of “The
50 Most Evil Songs Ever”.
Whilst the adoring
crowd at Motorpoint Arena were waiting for their satanic heroes to
arrive on stage, the music being played over the house pa system
sounded very spiritual, (I think it was ‘Miserere Mei, Deus’).
Unlike other rock music gigs where the band play an intro to rev the
crowd up, Ghost appeared to be setting the fans up for a chilled-out
evening.
Moments before the
band arrived on stage, “Ashes” is played as their intro music
which starts of with a haunting rendition of “Ring a Ring o’
Roses”, the curtain dropped to reveal a set designed to look like
the inside of a place of worship, with a backdrop of three huge
pretend stain glass windows depicting the previous characters from
Ghost.
This sent the
worshipping crowd into a wave of frenzied swaying and headbanging.
From here on in, Ghost had the congregation eating out of the palm of
their hands. Vocalist Tobias Forge moving around the stage in a very
spooky fashion, every move carefully coordinated to add to the
spiritual atmosphere. Whilst moving around the stage the other
nameless ghouls and ghoulettes were also moving around the stage to
create a visual spectacle that was very surreal.
Ghost had clearly come
to prove that they are a tour de force when it comes to live shows,
sure enough, the high-octane pace was delivered throughout the entire
evening.
The band made it
obvious that this tour was about promoting their most recent album
“Prequelle” and their setlist was heavily influenced with
tracks from that particular album songs such as “Ashes”,
“Rats”, “Faith”, “Miasma” and “Dance Macabre”
all demonstrating how talented the band are at creating disturbingly
heavy rock songs with a devilish twist.
During “Miasma”
the band brought out Papa Nihil, a shade wearing, saxophone playing
band member to bring the song to an end. Throughout the evening there
were lots of visual treats which link to historical things that have
occurred in Ghosts history things like coming out on stage on a
tricycle. (Almost reminiscent of the film Saw).
This was one of those
live shows that had everything, a music fan could wish for. Great
music, entwined with a world class theatrical performance not only
from vocalist Tobias, but from the nameless ghouls and ghoulettes as
well. Throughout the evening they all get a chance to take centre
stage, including an amusing tongue in cheek duel between two of the
guitarists. From high speed guitar solos to the more sedated choral
chants. This is rock music for the masses.
When it comes to
playing live, Ghost appear to be one of the bands that are focused
solely on providing the fans with a great night’s worth of
entertainment and incredible music. Even the use of confetti canons
is used to such good effect during “Mummy Dust”. Any other
band trying to do what Ghost do, would just come across as tacky.
However, Ghost worked it into their live performance without it ever
being tacky.
Tobias Forge commanded
the congregation of adoring fans with his melodic vocals, and Freddie
Mercury like stage presence. The interaction with the fans was
reminiscent of the way Metallicas James Hetfield engages the
audience. Making them all feel like they are part of the family.
(Maybe Ghost picked up some tips after supporting Metallica).
Thankfully, all the
raised questions and fears regarding Ghosts ability to make the step
up to arenas have been answered. Ghost not only can hold their own in
terms of big shows, but they took the challenge and raised the bar to
a point where only a handful of bands can match them.
Dare I say, that it
would be no surprise to see Ghost headlining the main stage at
Download Festival in the next few years.
Steve Parker from Bullwell in Nottingham, who is a kitchen porter at The Grand care centre in West Bridgford, has ‘braved the shave’ for leading cancer charity Macmillan. Steve who is a cancer survivor himself wanted to give something back to the charity for all the support that he received while undergoing treatment, and for the ongoing support that his father Mick Parker (age 77) is receiving for his terminal diagnosis of cancer of the oesophagi.
The caring team at The Grand made a day of the charity event, starting with lunch for the family who had all come along to offer moral support. Mick took great pleasure in administering the first shave of Steve’s head; after that, the electric shaver came out before there was any time to change his mind. In total the event raised £420.00.
Steve said: “The support that both my father and I have received from Macmillan has been exceptional, and I was delighted to accept this challenge and give something back.”
Home manager at The Grand, Yana Whitehouse, said: “Staff and residents have been supporting this cause by sponsoring Steve for his head shave and giving ongoing support to Steve’s dad and to Macmillan. Everyone is so proud of Steve for his bravery here at The Grand.” To keep Steve’s head warm one of The Grand’s lovely residents Mrs Cairns knitted Steve a woolly hat.
New Care is one of the UK’s fastest growing development-led care home operators. Catering for the aspiring needs of its residents, its ‘new generation’ care facilities provide high quality, person-centred care and an exceptional clinical offering, including residential, nursing and specialist dementia care services, in an expertly designed purpose-built environment. In addition to communal lounges, formal dining rooms and gardens, residents enjoy the privacy of their own well appointed and restful bedroom, complete with en suite wet rooms, and a host of hotel-style services including fine dining, a hair salon, nail bar, concierge and a busy and varied programme of activities and events.
For further information on New Care and its care homes across the UK, please call 0800 240 7200 or visit www.newcarehomes.com.
For further editorial information please contact Philosophy Public Relations Victoria Maltby, 07944 150043, victoria@philosophypr.co.uk Gemma Carey, 07944 150051, gemma@philosophypr.co.uk
Christmas gets underway at Belvoir Castle and the Engine Yard on 20 November when the festive lights will be switched on by reality TV star Georgia ‘Toff’ Toffolo, former ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’ Queen of the Jungle.
Currently on screens in ‘Celebrity Hunted’ with Jungle campmate and father of the Prime Minister Stanley Johnson, the former ‘Made in Chelsea’ star will turn on the Christmas lights in the Engine Yard at 6.30pm on Wednesday 20 November. The opening of Santa’s Grotto, live music from a brass band and carol singers will add to a magical Christmas atmosphere. The event, in support of Hope Against Cancer, runs from 5pm to 9pm with free admission and parking.
This year will also see Belvoir Castle open for an extended period of 12 days with the stunning interiors dressed for Christmas with sparkles, costumed guides and spectacular decorated Christmas trees. Book online for visits between 24-29 November and 1-6 December.
Emma, Duchess of Rutland, said: “We love this time of year at Belvoir as the Castle and Engine Yard both look so magical twinkling with starry lights. Perfect for a festive experience away from the busy high street, visitors can expect a wonderful time browsing our shops and fairs, meeting Santa and sampling some festive fare. We do hope you’ll join us.”
There’s also plenty going on during this festive season at the Engine Yard for visitors of all ages, with the magical Santa’s Grotto complete with all manner of snowy scenes and festive features and the first of four weekend Christmas Fairs opening on 20 November.
Children can meet Santa in his magical Christmas Grotto where he will be taking up residence on selected days from 20 November to 23 December. As well as the array of quality retailers in the Engine Yard, there will be free to enter Christmas fairs taking place every weekend starting with the Golden Button Christmas Fair offering quality gifts, clothes and food on 20 November followed by the Golden Button Countryside Christmas Fair for all things relating to country pursuits; the Golden Button Festive Food and Drink Fair and an extended popular monthly Makers Market.
For further information, times and prices and to book online, go to www.belvoircastle.com and www.engineyardbelvoir.com
With winter fast approaching, take a look at this handy advice about log burners and how to comply with the Clean Air Act. Chimney Log burners are a lovely way to keep nice and warm during the winter months but when using them it’s important to remember that Ashfield is situated within a Smoke Control Area (SCA) which means that any building with a chimney operated in a SCA is required to comply with certain conditions to prevent smoke emitting from your chimneys.
What must I do? You should only use authorised fuels and exempt appliances according to the Clean Air Act 1993.
What if I don’t use the correct items? It is regarded as an offence for solid fuels and any type of appliance to be used within the District and therefore you will be liable on summary conviction to a fine.
What if I am using the correct items but my neighbours are complaining about the smoke, would this constitute a statutory nuisance? No, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 legislation deals specifically with statutory nuisances. However if you do receive any complaints from your neighbours your first point of call would be to contact your installers or manufacturers, as there may be a concern with the positioning. If all else fails then you may wish to contact the Local Authority Planning and Building Control department on: 01623 457389 or 01623 457333
How do I know what to buy? If you’re planning to purchase any items, here you can find a list of certified fuels and appliances from the DEFRA website by clicking on the links below, which will give you an idea of what’s expected:
I’ve installed the correct items, now what? Nothing more, just ensure you check the manual(s) or call the manufacturer for guidance on relevant maintenance
Broxtowe Borough Council has named Bowmer + Kirkland as the contractor for the cinema and retail elements of second phase of its Beeston Square development. The mixed-use development forms the second part of the regeneration of the area and will include an eight-screen cinema, 132 new homes and a range of food and drink outlets.
Councillor Milan Radulovic, Leader of the Council for Broxtowe Borough Council said: “We’re delighted to announce Bowmer + Kirkland as the contractor for the next phase of the scheme. There is a great deal of momentum behind the development, which will revitalise Beeston’s night-time economy and drive increased footfall to the town from the local and surrounding communities.
“With the announcement of The Arc as the cinema tenants earlier this year and positive ongoing talks with food and beverage outlets, it’s a really exciting time for the town of Beeston and the wider Broxtowe area.” owmer + Kirkland regional director, Gary Bradley, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract and look forward to working closely with Broxtowe Borough Council to continue the transformation of Beeston. “This next phase of the Beeston Square development will bring new and exciting entertainment opportunities for the town and will boost the local economy.”
Councillor Steve Carr, Deputy Leader of Broxtowe Borough Council added: “This is a key landmark in what is an important project for both the town and the borough. Bowmer + Kirkland has an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality work, and we are looking forward to seeing work on site getting started in the very near future.” The scheme has been designed by Leonard Design Architects and is being project managed by Faithful+Gould, and is set to be completed by the end of 2020.
This month’s aerial photo shows Nottingham Railway Station. The present building was opened in 1904 and the tram bridge was added in 2013.
The photo was taken by Robin Macey who is a member of Nottingham & Derby Hot Air Balloon Club. The club is currently looking to expand. Members take turns being on the chase crew as well as flying in the basket. For further details about how to get involved phone 0115-8541028 or visit www.facebook.com/ndhabc.
The skate park on Titchfield Park, Hucknall is to be painted by a local Mural Artist. The popular skate park has suffered from graffiti in recent years. In a bid to make the area look more appealing, local mural artist Peter Barber has been commissioned to cover the walls of the skate park with a modern, geometric design, in a colour scheme that ties in with the rest of the park environment.
Works are due to start in early November and will also include the riding surfaces being cleaned and cleared of graffiti. Cllr Lee Waters, who lives next to the park said “The urban mural will make a huge difference to the look of the skate park, and Titchfield Park as a whole.
The design will be modern, yet sympathetic to the environment and something the young people using the skate park can relate to. “This is just part of the works we have planned for Titchfield Park which will see over half a million pounds of investment, subject to successful award of external funding bids. Plans are in place to relocate the playground into the centre of the park, making is more accessible and visible from the Café and car park. Funding has also been secured from the Environment Agency and Nottinghamshire County Council to naturalise and de-culvert part of Titchfield Park Brook where it runs through the park.”
Marie Gowns have been a fixture of Sutton town centre for the past 72 years. First opened in 1947 by Marie, the gown shop situated on Outram Street and is renowned for selling quality ladies wear along with the attractive window display.
The current owner of Marie, Anne Cooper, has worked at the shop for 50 years and took over ownership in 1981. Anne was presented with her plaque to celebrate the impressive milestone by the Leader of Ashfield District Council, Cllr Jason Zadrozny alongside Cllr Samantha Deakin, ward member for Central and New Cross. Cllr Zadrozny, Leader of the Ashfield District Council, commented “It is wonderful to see an independent business based on Outram Street thriving after 72 years of trading. It goes to show that hard work and a determination to succeed pays off.
Trading for over 70 years is a real accomplishment and deserves celebrating, we are proud to have local businesses that have stood the test of time.” “We need local retailers to continue to succeed alongside national chains to ensure that our town centres are buzzing once again. Hopefully Marie Gowns will remain a fundamental part of Sutton’s high street for many years to come.”
Small but perfectly formed, DHP Family’s Bodega is celebrating its well earned reputation as Nottingham’s go to venue for catching acts on the way up with a special 20th birthday weekender.
The artists who have passed through its intimate room over the last 20 years make for impressive reading. The Strokes, The White Stripes, Arctic Monkeys, The xx, Scissor Sisters, Florence and The Machine, The 1975, Easy Life and Slowthai are just some of the better known names to have played the 220 capacity venue.
Now the Nottingham institution is marking its birthday with a special series of shows and DJ sets. Headline acts from The Orielles (Thursday 28 November, sold out) and Stealing Sheep (Sunday 30 November) nod to its history with the Heavenly Records, while Kagoule (Sunday 1 December) is one of a raft of homegrown bands to have gone on to bigger things after showing off their artistic chops at the venue.
Cai Burns, Kagoule, said: “We feel very honoured to have been asked to headline The Bodega 20th anniversary show alongside some of our favourite Nottingham bands. It has been a kind of spiritual home for us over the years and has been an integral part of ours, and many others, growth as musicians. We are truly looking forward to celebrating its legacy on 1st December.”
Bodega’s Sam Keirl said: “It’s crazy to think of bands playing to a couple of hundred people in Nottingham and then a couple of years later they can be headlining Glastonbury. It’s very exciting to see who will be next! With a gig on most nights, we see a lot of amazing bands, some go on to huge things and some stay underground hidden gems.”
The Nottingham music scene has also benefited from the nurturing environment of The Bodega from Saint Raymond getting a top 10 album to Amber Run touring the US, while upcoming band Do Nothing have spent a lot of their formative years within its four walls honing their performance skills.
Club nights have also played an important part in the appeal of the bar, club and music venue with the legendary Pop Confessional taking place every Friday since its inception in 2006. Share favourite gigs, pix and club nights at #20yearsofbodega. For more info, go to http://www.bodeganottingham.com/
