11 minute read
Arts & Entertainments
Children over the moon to see way up high
Thanks to the kindness of others, almost 200 excited youngsters from Bethany School in Boscombe followed the Yellow Brick Road to Ferndown’s Barrington Theatre to see The Wizard Of Oz. The panto adventure was organised by the Wessex branch of Variety, the Children’s Charity. What a fantastic show it was. The children, aged from seven to nine, were enchanted by the story, booing and hissing when the wicked witch came on stage and cheering with delight each time Glinda the Good appeared. There were classic sketches, great songs, a touch of magic and some skillful acrobatics. And, of course, there was Toto the dog, played by Bumble, a delightful and well-behaved Puggle. Frances Cornelius, chairman of Variety Wessex, thanked everyone who contributed to the theatre visit, saying: “The children had an amazing experience. So many people’s Christmas traditions include a pantomime but this is far too costly for many families now. “Thank you Shan and the Bournemouth Boys Club for funding for children who would otherwise miss out.” She also thanked Laguna Coaches for always taking the children safely to and from events and Judy, Lorraine and Jenny for being there to represent Variety and make everything run smoothly. Elisabeth Rawson Jones pastoral lead at Bethany said: “The cast were amazing. It is a classic story but new to many of our pupils who really enjoyed their visit. “What fun to see Krazy Kev as the scarecrow! “He is a favourite with us all. Thank you Frances and Variety for funding this opportunity - we are so grateful that through 2022 you have organised so many days for our children. “It makes a huge difference, giving them memories to treasure. “But the biggest thank you must be for the cast and production team who put together such an amazing show. It was absolutely fantastic.” n See review, opposite page
OVER THE RAINBOW: The cast of the Wizard of Oz with Variety representatives Lorraine Segal, second left, Judy
Hiscoke and Jenny Davies, standing right Picture: HATTIE MILES
Although it is not currently a legal requirement, please consider wearing a face covering to protect yourself and others when visiting the Tivoli. PLEASE KEEP CHECKING OUR WEBSITE
Made to Measure Productions present The Pantomime Adventure You’ve Been Wishing For! ALADDIN
Running until Monday 2nd January Tickets: £18 adults £14.50 under 16s
1 in 10 free available via Box Office Plus ADULTS ONLY performance suitable for ages 16+ on 2nd January 7.30pm. Tickets £18
(Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction) THE MENU (15)
3rd - 5th Jan 7.30pm, Matinee 5th Jan, 2pm Tickets Adults £8 eves, £7 matinee, U16s £6
(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee) NINE BELOW ZERO
RESCHEDULED DATE
Friday 6th January 7.30pm Tickets £21.50
(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee) THE DAZZLING DIAMONDS
Drag Show
Contains adult themes and strong language. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Sat 7th Jan 7.30pm Tickets £20
(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)
SHE SAID (15)
9th & 10th Jan 7.30pm, Matinee 12th Jan, 2pm Tickets Adult: £8.00 evening, £7 matinee U16s £6 THE SERIAL KILLER NEXT DOOR
Suitable for age 16+ Wednesday 11th Jan 7.30pm Tickets £22
From The Blues Band THE GARY FLETCHER BAND
Thursday 12th Jan 7.30pm, Tickets £19.50 ELO EXPERIENCE
Friday 13th Jan 7.30pm Tickets £27
I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY (12A)
16th, 17th & 18th Jan 7.30pm Matinees 14th Jan 2pm & 19th Jan 11.30am Tickets Adult £8 eves, £7 matinees, U16s £6
Report and pictures by Tom Scrase
There was heart-warming festive fun at the Barrington Arts Centre over the Christmas period. Families saw the beloved Dorothy as she ventured over the rainbow following the Yellow Brick Road and gaining new friends along the way including a silly Scarecrow, heartless Tinman and a cowardly Lion. Starring the ever-popular and incredibly silly local entertainer ‘Krazy Kev’ as the Scarecrow Britain’s Got Talent finalists and Amanda Holden’s Golden Buzzer Act - Sammy as the Wicked Witch and Honey as Glinda the Good Witch. Pantomime legend Lucy Rose Rollason starred as the beloved Dorothy with BBC’s All Together Now’s Steven Yallop as the Tinman. Theo Bazeley-Smith played the lovable but cowardly Lion and Samuel Wolstenholme was the Wizard. They were backed by the fabulous junior dancers of AK academy of dance.
A Wizard of a panto...
...oh yes it woz!
HIGH ST, CHRISTCHURCH (01202) 499199 www.theregent.co.uk
STRANGE WORLD (PG)
Fri 30 & Sat 31 Dec: 10:00 (KID’S CLUB) HOME ALONE (PG)
Fri 30 Dec: 14:00
GREMLINS (12A)
Fri 30 Dec: 17:00
ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL (PG)
Fri 30 Dec: 20:00 | Sat 31 Dec: 12:45, 18:30 | Sun 1 Jan: 20:00 | Mon 2 Jan: 14:00, 17:00 THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL (U)
Sat 31 Dec: 16:00
NEW YEAR’S EVE: THE GREATEST SHOWMAN SINGALONE (PG)
Sat 31 Dec: 21:45 Celebrate new year at the Regent with this special sing-along screening of The Greatest Showman. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (U)
Sun 1 Jan: 14:00
ELF (PG)
Sun 1 Jan: 17:00
DIE HARD (18)
Mon 2 Jan: 20:00
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MAGIC FLUTE (PG)
Sat 7 & Sun 8 Jan: 10:00 (KID’S CLUB) ANDRE IN DUBLIN (12A)
Sat 7 & Sun 8 Jan: 14:00 André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra will delight you with romantic melodies, popular classics, party tunes and beloved waltzes. AIRPLANE! (1980) (12A)
Sat 7 Jan: 20:00 [35mm] MET OPERA: FEDORA (RATING TBC)
Tue 17 Jan: 19:00 BOURNEMOUTH CONCERT BRASS: NEW YEAR VIENNESE CONCERT (LIVE)
Arts & Entertainments Miriam, from Potter to Poole
by Faith Eckersall
For those who like to get ahead and get organised, Poole’s Lighthouse theatre has released an early-bird opportunity to book a number of the shows which it will feature in 2023. On Saturday, June 24, the Sherling Studio plays host to the musical; Anne Boleyn, Wolf at the Door. Thursday, October 19, sees actor Miriam Margolyes appearing in her one-woman Oh Miriam! show, which promises ‘revelations, stories and discoveries’ from a career ranging from the Harry Potter movies to the Blackadder sitcom, to being the voice of the Cadbury’s Caramel bar. Also in October, you can catch Geordie comedian, Carl Hutchinson, in his Wait Til The End tour, and the new Irish dance sensation, Emerald Storm, on October 12, and 4 respectively. *More details on lighthousepoole.co.uk
Never Think Twice Review by Gordon Wray
There’s no one quite like Andy Oldfield. Musician, actor, craftsman, promoter, impresario, the list goes on. It was no surprise to me then, when I heard he was making a movie. I’d heard murmurings in Wimborne that Andy was busy on one of his infamous projects and rather than dismiss these rumours as hearsay, because of who he is, I eagerly awaited the premiere. I spoke to Andy last summer and he was aiming for a 2023 release so, yet again, he surprised me by posting that his movie was finished and had been passed by the British Film Institute as fit for general release. Never Think Twice was ready to go. Sunday, December 4, saw Hollywood arrive in downtown Wimborne. The Tivoli Theatre was once again the centre of attention as it hosted the world premiere of Never Think Twice. The trailer, posted online, had certainly worked wonders as the theatre was packed to capacity and the impatient audience were buzzing in anticipation. The man himself appeared onstage. In typical self-effacing style, Andy thanked the cast crew and the locations he had used during the shoot with a special mention to the Tivoli itself. The lights dimmed. Words alone are unable to describe the plot! Think Pulp Fiction meets The Italian Job, throw in some Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Angel Heart and Carry on Camping, and you’ll get the rough idea. Hit men, international art thieves and a liberal smattering of femmes fatales made for an engaging yet somehow surreal narrative. In addition to the above movies Andy’ direction style was clearly influenced by Hitchcock, Spielberg and Keith Lemon. By the end of the film, the audience were clearly exhausted by the emotional rollercoaster but still managed a standing ovation. This movie is destined for cult status along with the likes of Man Bites Dog, Belle de Jour and The Seventh Seal. If you get the chance to see it, don’t think twice!
ACTION: Andy Oldfield addresses the Tivoli audience and, above, the film crew on location in Wimborne
Christmas craft in the courtyard
The courtyard adjacent to Walford Mill and the River Allen played host to stalls with locally crafted and handmade products for the recent Christmas Market at Wimborne’s charity-run craft centre, writes Greg Hoar. Visitors to the event were able to browse a diverse offering including jewellery, pottery, artwork and skin care items. Facilities within the 17th century Walford Mill building were open for all to enjoy with the work of resident makers and pop-up exhibitors on display and available to purchase as Christmas gifts. Terry Wheeler, the Walford Mill Educational Trust chairman, said: “This was the first year that Walford Mill has held markets on a regular basis and we were pleased with the variety of stallholders attending as well as visitor numbers”. Due to its popularity, the courtyard event will return next year from March 11, 2023, and on subsequent second Saturdays as a monthly fixture.
Story time with shared reading
by Faith Eckersall
If you want to enjoy stories and poems in a completely different way, Dorset Libraries’ Shared Reading Groups can help. Run online, the group leaders read aloud from chosen books and passages and then lead a discussion about what has been read. Shared reading is suitable for all ages and abilities, including those with early-stage dementia and carers, and is available over Microsoft Teams or Zoom. The shared Reading Group for Shaftesbury Library takes place every Thursday from 1.45pm-3.15pm, and booking is essential. For more information, contact Shaftesbury Library at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/.
CRAFTY: From left, Geoff Avey-Hebditch, Sharayah Engelbrecht, Sophia Chan, Claire Kirby-Graven
Last chance to trip the lights fantastic
Review and pictures by Rosie Toomer
The National Trust’s Christmas light display at Stourhead is truly the perfect way to get into the festive spirit. The 90-minute trail offers sparkling walkthrough tunnels, colourful light-up trees, giant baubles, and dancing light displays to music. Due to the freezing temperatures, the trail was covered in a blanket of settled snow to add to the Christmas magic. The trail started with an original artefact Stourhead offers all year round, consisting of Roman picture displays. We walked past the large greenhouse where they grow the vegetables all year round, which was colourfully lit up. We strolled through the enchanted forest where there was an array of neon Christmas trees, with picture projections on the walls of the surrounding buildings. Embracing the ambience along the walkway under the multi coloured lit-up trees, enhanced by Christmas music playing with another projection display on the tree trunks. There were many stalls offering warm beverages, burgers, fries, mac and cheese, donuts, as well as festive stalls with Yorkshire pudding wraps, hot chocolate and mulled wine. Whilst sitting down to eat, you could acknowledge the wooden statues of various animals, horse, robin, fox, badger including reindeer that were all lit up in the courtyard. Father Christmas also made an appearance interacting with the children. Further along the trail was a spiritual fire display with choir music in the background. The giant walk-through light tunnel was a perfect place to take pictures too, with the magical light-up ground display also. To our delight, along the trail we came across a stall offering marshmallows on a stick which you could toast on an open fire. As you start walking down the hill towards the lake, you can see the Roman buildings, including Temple of Apollo , Temple of Flora and the Pantheon, lit up in fluorescent blues and purples. To add the magical atmosphere, the trees were dusted in snow and the lake was frozen over, with a neon white ‘Stourhead’ sign in the middle. Towards the end of the trail you get to explore inside the amazing cathedral, offering fundraising stalls filled with arts and crafts. We will definitely visit again next year.
