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Xxxxxxx 2018
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AUGUST 2018 ISSUE 042
www.winchestertoday.co.uk
BUMPER CROP 35.1 c l Double the wine fruit than last year (fingers crossed!) l Weekend storms bring brief respite l Farmers attend emergency drought summit
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By KEVIN GOVER News Editor WHAT a difference 48 hours makes - sizzling in a temperature of 35.10C on Thursday 26 July, then hammering down with rain here in Hampshire over the weekend of 27-29 July to end the prolonged dry spell. But torrential as it was, that rain is far from enough in an area that has seen brown and parched dry fields for weeks on end - so much so that farmers have been involved in an emergency drought summit. Many who lived through the drought of 1976 are thinking 2018 is on a par with conditions back then. But, as our notes inside show, it was actually hotter and drier then. There was a second sustained 15-day period of hot weather in August. Anyone remember that the rain didn’t come until September and we all danced in the street? Well, we did in my street! How are we faring then? Our friends at Royal Victoria Country Park in Netley have tweeted to show that the ground was so dry there you could see the foundations of the old hospital quite clearly. While the sweltering conditions have left many of us exhausted, others have welcomed the conditions.
The vineyards have been relishing this sunny weather
Claudia Lopes and Rebecca Fisher from Hattingley Valley celebrating the good weather at the New Forest Show
Rebecca Fisher from Hattingley Valley says the good weather has been a godsend: “The vineyards have been relishing this good sunny weather to which flowering and fruit set has occurred earlier than in previous years. We have nearly full bunch closure at this stage - and compared to last year we are currently estimating at least double the fruit from last year based on how good the grape bunches look. “If the weather continues like this then we are likely to start harvesting earlier than usual and not only have a bumper crop but exceptional quality too
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Perins raises the bar again Centre pages
Willows at Wolvesey Palace page 13
Rural Crime: Anger and Frustration Continues Assistant Chief Constable vows to fight the problem even harder RURAL communities are living on the edge – in fear of crime, unhappy with the police and feeling isolated and vulnerable, according to the 2018 National Rural Crime Survey. Three years on from the first survey, the 2018 results – from over 20,000 people – show the following: The perception of policing in rural communities is poor, and much worse than in urban areas – only 27 per cent of respondents say their local police are doing a good job – 11 per cent lower than when the same question was asked in 2015 and lower than the national
The perception of policing in rural communities is poor
figure from the Crime Survey of England and Wales which finds 62 per cent rate the police in their area as good or excellent. Some of the most common concerns are not solely policing matters, like fly tipping and speeding – 57 per cent of respondents said they had seen evidence of fly tipping in the past year, topping the list of offences, with speeding second at 32 per cent. Both are clearly important for rural communities, but are not solely policing issues with responsibility shared among local authorities and other agencies. We believe too many
partners, like local authorities, are less able to respond to the needs of rural communities. Crime, and the fear of crime, is leading to emotional strain and a loss of confidence, particularly among young people, families and farmers – this survey busts the myths about who we tend to think of as vulnerable when we think of rural crime, and shows that farmers, young people and hard working families are most affected and feeling most vulnerable. A third of rural people believe that crime has a moderate or
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August 2018
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR The song playing on the radio right now is the Neil and Babs Classic You Don’t Bring Me Flowers Anymore - er, no. Quite right. It’s not rained for nearly two months, so there aren’t any left in the garden! Ho, ho… Okay, so I jest - but that’s what we seem to do best in these situations. The ground has been brown for weeks and weeks, and there seems to be little point in fighting it. It conjures up memories of 1976. A good year. Our first dog, holidaying in a sweltering Lyme Regis and swimming in the sea. The hot weather just went on and on and on. The ace cartoonist Giles (the equivalent of Matt today) came up with some classics on subjects like sharing the bath water, which would probably be considered very non-PC in these days. That’s what I
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n EDITOR-IN-CHIEF • Kevin Gover kevin@winchestertoday.co.uk n CONTRIBUTORS • David Cradduck • Drew White • Gavin Harris • Rachel Gover • Helena Gomm • John Ellery • Chrissie Pollard • Freya Storey • Eleanor Marsden n LAYOUT DESIGN • Jon Heal
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remember most, the humour - even when there were standpumps in the streets in parts of the country. No bottled water in those days, either. I asked the regional Met Office if I was correct in thinking that 1976 seemed to me to have been drier and hotter. I was right on both. Drier in that 1976 was also preceded by a dry winter and spring. Not so this time round. Remember the ‘Beast From the East? It wasn’t that long ago! Hotter? “Ah well,” said my man at the Met Office. “You do remember that we had all this… AND another 15-day run of heatwave style weather in August?” Phew! At the time of writing this, we reached 35.10C just up the road in Surrey on 26 July 2018. The highest recorded temperature
in 1976 was 35.60C (96.10F) on 28 June in Southampton. When the drought was over in 1976, the first real amount of rain came in a huge thunderstorm in my home town of Bath in the first week of September. We were so astonished that we went out and danced in the street. Soaked through we were. Fact. Or was it another case of British humour… because we were all laughing our heads off as well. *** Hope you enjoy our four page special on the Perins School production of Beauty and the Beast (pictured). It’s the least we could do after all that hard work! Kevin Gover
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with superb acid to sugar ratios. Fingers crossed!” Our friends at Beaulieu report that the hot weather was a bit early for them so far - and great that a lot of people can cool off as a lot of what they have is inside: “Although the summer holiday has only just started for us, we have already seen a steady number of visitors coming to Beaulieu for a day out. “Although it is hot in the sun, the main features of the Beaulieu attraction such as the National Motor Museum and Palace House are under cover, so there are plenty of places that visitors have been staying cool and enjoying the shade while still having a great time.” Simon Partridge from the regional Met Office told Winchester Today how the temperature here in Winchester has differed to other parts of the UK during this heatwave: “Winchester is within the part of the UK which has seen some of the highest temperatures during the current heatwave, particularly in the last two weeks of July. “Early in the heatwave the hottest temperatures were in the west, particularly west Wales. The
THEN AND NOW How does 2018 compare to 1976? Facts from Simon Partridge at the regional Met Office.
Scorcher: Sizzling even in the shade at Beaulieu (above and below); The dry ground reveals a hidden past for Royal Victoria Country Park (below left)
Winchester has seen some of the highest temperatures
temperatures have often been in the mid to high 20s Celsius which is similar to many parts of central and southern UK.” Simon explains why it’s occurring: “The position and strength of the jet stream is playing a major part in our current weather. It is currently not very strong and positioned to the north of the UK, and has been for a number of weeks. This means we have been under the influence of high pressure systems at ground level which has given us plenty of dry and sunny weather.”
n We’ve had 16 consecutive days (from 24 June) where temperatures reached 280C or above somewhere in the UK. 1976 saw an 18-day run through June and July and then another 15-day spell in August. Therefore, while this is obviously an unusual spell of hot weather it is not unprecedented at the moment. n The dry spell has been most prolonged in East Anglia and Southeast England extending through Essex into London and also around Bournemouth and Southampton. Parts of the Midlands have also been very dry. n Before 28 July, the last day of very widespread rainfall for East Anglia and the south-east was 29 May. n We classify less than 1.0mm of rain in a day as a ‘dry day’. Using this threshold, and as I write this to you, several sites have already had 54 consecutive dry days (starting 30 May), including a few which have had less than 1mm in the entire 54 day period. n Most of our observing sites in East Anglia have had no rain at all since 21 June.
Photo: Trevor Rickard
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August 2018 ➜ contined from page 1
great impact on their lives. Farmers and rural-specific businesses are living with, and in fear of, crime – 69 per cent of farmers and rural-specific business owners have been a victim of crime over the past 12 months with 60 per cent saying they are fairly or very worried about becoming a victim of crime in the future. Communities believe crime is a big problem, but many offences go unreported – compared to 2015, the number of crimes going unreported to the police is up by a third for residents and two-thirds by businesses in rural communities – mainly because they do not feel the police and criminal justice system understand the issues or do anything about them. The financial strain of crime is significant – the average financial impact of crime on rural-specific business owners is £4,800, 13 per cent up on 2015. Hampshire’s Assistant Chief Constable Scott Chilton responded to the results: “The National Rural Crime Survey gives us a real insight into rural communities’ fears and perceptions of crime. In recent years, Hampshire Constabulary has been working hard to support our rural communities through our dedicated Country Watch team. “This team works closely with our partners to tackle poaching, agricultural plant theft, fly-tipping, wildlife crimes and a range of other offences that matter to rural communities. In addition to this dedicated team, our local rural neighbourhood teams work closely with their communities to prevent and tackle rural crime.”
winchestertoday.co.uk 3 We had instant response here in Hampshire from Winchester Today readers to the claims and counter-claims. We are respecting the anonymity of our readers: KB: “I am a victim of crime recently
We emphasise how important it is for them to report every crime
ACC Chilton stressed the importance of getting the police involved: “As we talk to rural households and businesses, we emphasise how important it is for them to report every crime to us. Using the information gained, we can analyse crime hotspots and tackle the organised criminal gangs that target isolated properties and land. I am attending the launch in Harrogate of two new national strategies for wildlife crime policing and rural affairs. “Published by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, these strategies will ensure that we work with colleagues in other forces to share best practice and tackle criminality more effectively. I am fully determined that those who choose to commit crime in our rural communities will be targeted.”
at Hinton Ampner - and targeted for vandalism. This seems to have stopped now after much damage was done, fitting of CCTV etc. Police took little - if any - action. However when it comes to police being available for speed traps, that doesn’t seem to be an issue. They are always around the local villages, just outside waiting for exiting traffic, normally under or close to speed exit zones. I had a clean licence until moving back to the area 2 years ago. I am now 1 speed ticket off losing my licence for 30 something in a 30 limit. All gained during school hours, so no children about, quiet roads and as exiting the main area of the village so not densely populated. “I’m constantly being harassed and overtaken by vehicles travelling faster than me, which I know shouldn’t matter, but it can sometimes be dangerous and does seem unfair that if you travel outside peak times you have more risk of getting caught whereas the bulk of traffic (especially on Wednesday evening and Sundays on the A272) is left to speed. “I cannot run my business, go to the shops or do anything without my car. Even socially everything has to be travelled too! Activities for local communities are closing due to restrictions and legal requirements. Time is reduced due to the needs to commute every where making it more difficult for people to organise or even get to activities locally.
My ex husband was a police officer and many of my friends are. They also admit that on one hand we are ignored and in other respects targeted (because it’s easy for numbers). I’m normally pro police and realise it’s not the officers at fault but the system they work under. It is certainly much more difficult to live in the country than it used to be.”
KH: There are no police, whether you live in town or country.
TP: That sounds far removed from my experiences. No fear of crime, no isolation and far from vulnerable.
BP: Love being part of a ‘rural community ‘ only issue I have is the policing (or lack of) concerning wildlife crime such as fox hunting which sadly takes place regardless of the law.
KK: It’s not the fault of the Police it is the fault of Government cuts. In fact the cuts have just got deeper through the back door, in taking the enforced pay restraint off of public service, the responsibility for funding much needed pay rises in the public sector is with the bodies, in this case the police from existing budgets Therefore to fund rises more savings have to be made! Vicious circle. The Government over the last few years have managed to asset strip public services. Most rural police stations have been sold which adds to the problem.
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August 2018
Squirt and Squidge
YOU CAN READ PREVIOUS EDITIONS OF FREYA’S BLOG AT SQUIRTANDSQUIDGE.COM
Dealing With Disappointment Freya Storey continues to share her life as a mum-of-two IT’S fair to say that life throws disappointment our way once in a while and recently I’ve had to dig deep to avoid wallowing in self pity. Without going into all the gory details (ha!) I was basically promised something, celebrated ‘said something’ and then had ‘said something’ suddenly whipped away. I found myself dealing with a rollercoaster of emotions within a short space of time - on reflection, the hardest hitting was shock. The shock hit hard as it was completely out of the blue and was also tinged with a bitter after taste of unfairness. The focus of this article is not on my recent experience of disappointment but more the feelings it produces and how we choose to deal with it. Once the shock subsided, for me, I quickly realised that I needed to readdress the balance of my disappointment and make something good happen. Friends and loved ones were called upon for reassurance, and after gathering strength from their kind words, I began to look at the situation more philosophically - taking a step back from those initial emotions that took over. I decided that this had happened for a reason, and for me that reason was a kind of a ‘wake up call’ to ensure I was
I decided that this had happened for a reason staying true to myself.’ It did get me thinking about disappointment though and how much of a strong force it can play in one’s life. Whether we are disappointed by a person, happening or situation there is a moment when you sense a feeling of numbness and unease. This I guess is the shock, the feeling that your life has been turned upside down, the feeling ultimately that things you believed were ‘in control’ and ‘in your control’ have spiralled into a crazy world of disarray. I guess this is where our ‘fight or flight’ mechanism kicks in, innately initiated by the strongest emotions we are feeling - If we are angry and feeling like we have been treated unfairly I guess we’d want it out with the person or situation,
If in doubt, head to the beach!
perhaps we wouldn’t feel happy until we had a sense that we had ultimately ‘won’. Perhaps this is more a sense of pride and self importance, a more superficial bandage to the wound. For me I chose ‘flight’ not because I wanted to choose the easy path, but because ultimately I realised there was nothing I could do to change the situation. It was unfair and it had caused me a bit of grief but what was I going to get out of prolonging these feelings longer more stress and anguish. After a couple of nights of wallowing and a couple of glasses of wine - I was moving on ... My biggest regret on reflection from this situation, was how ‘carried away’ I had got on hearing the initial ‘good news.’ I had started to get things in place straight away, I had begun to make plans all geared around the recent change and then CRASH - everything was whipped away. It made me think how perhaps we should avoid getting too attached to things in the first place, to protect ourselves from disappointment - people, jobs, places… even ideas. Perhaps it’s best to just flow with how things organically develop and see what happens ... By the way I’m fine now. I’m on the other side of disappointment, but I thought it was an interesting process to explore further.
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Sustainability row over leisure centre plans A row appears to be brewing between Winchester Action on Climate Change and the City Council over the new leisure facilities at Bar End. WinACC says it’s highlighted a number of concerns over the carbon footprint and transport implications which need to be addressed urgently before the application is considered. WinACC told Winchester Today that it welcomes the Winchester City Council aim for the proposed Winchester Sport and Leisure Centre to be built to high environmental standards, notably to attain a BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) rating of ‘Excellent’. However, WinACC says such a rating - while being commendable - is also limited. In addition, such an aspiration does not take into account WCC’s own low carbon commitments which apply to this development. WinACC’s Executive Director is Tom Brenan: “The City Council made a commitment about this development which it must acknowledge and address. However, in doing so the Council also has an excellent opportunity to make progress on its broader low carbon commitments such as an increase in renewable energy generation across the district. “At present, however, the application fails to seize these opportunities and WinACC urges the planning committee to request further information before
Standards: The plans for the centre (above) have divided opinion regarding its green credentials
considering the application.” Cllr Lisa Griffiths is Chair of the Sport and Leisure Centre Cabinet, and gave this response: “We are deeply disappointed in WinACC’s response to the planning application. WinACC has been a key participant in our Sustainability and Green Issues panel for this project and were represented by their Executive Director and a Sustainability Expert. We specifically asked for
WinACC to participate in this panel so we were able to benefit from their expertise and input. There have been many opportunities to raise these issues during the various meetings over recent months, but they have failed to do so. “The Council is fully committed to reducing its carbon footprint and the design and supporting information submitted with the Sport and Leisure Park planning application wholly
reflects this. “The new Sport & Leisure Centre is a completely different facility to the existing facility at River Park and so cannot be directly compared in terms of its impact on the environment. However importantly energy usage per square metre per annum will be significantly better in the new building versus the current by around 27%. (This is based upon current modelling compared to
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existing usage.) “By using a passive design and building in energy efficiency measures our strategy aims to achieve a 16.8% reduction in CO2 emissions beyond the Building Regulations, an EPC(A) rating and a BREEAM rating target of ‘Very Good to ‘Excellent’. “We strongly dispute that the proposals are not within the National Planning Policy Framework and that the package of measures to be delivered will provide an excellent choice of sustainable transport options. We have committed to providing cyclist and pedestrian enhancements, new crossing facilities, new street lighting and these measures will be supported by a travel plan. “The Traffic Impact Assessment and the supporting work including the Air Quality Assessment and Pedestrian/Cycle Street Audits have all been completed in accordance with Government guidance and have been undertaken in consultation with Hampshire County Council as the Highway and Transport Authority. “This is an ongoing process; we are still listening and developing the proposals where we can. We are working alongside the County Council on the Winchester Movement and Access Study and opportunities that this may generate including potential future improvements to the park and ride bus services. “The planning determination process will consider all comments received, together with the supporting statements on transport and sustainability and as the land owner we will work with planning colleagues to provide the best possible facility for the District.”
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August 2018
There’s Life In The Old Bench Yet! THE beautiful setting of The Old Parsonage was the destination for a group of nine volunteers from Simplyhealth in Winchester, as Brendoncare welcomed the volunteers to clean, sand and paint a large number of benches situated around one of their care homes. The Old Parsonage is a care home in Otterbourne and aims to enable older people to live independent, happy and fulfilling lives. The pretty grounds have several benches for residents to use - but they were looking tired and in need of a little TLC. Residents were delighted to see them restored and looking like new. Linda is one of the volunteers: ”For people that normally spend most of their time at a desk, it is important for our own health and wellbeing to do something physical, outdoors and community minded.” Claire was very keen to volunteer her time: “23 years ago my Nan was a resident at The Old Parsonage and spent the last few years of her life being very well looked after there. It has been particularly poignant for me to return today as it would have been her
The team got stuck in and the benches have a new lease of life birthday, so I am especially pleased to help.” Rebecca and Sharon from Brendoncare were thrilled with the volunteers’ work: “It has been great to have a team of volunteers support The Old Parsonage, to hear their own experiences of care for the elderly, one of the volunteers’ Nan once stayed here, it was nice to hear her story of The Old Parsonage. The team got stuck in and the benches have a new lease of life.”
ROD’S STILL WEARING IT WELL... HERE’S a bit of a milestone - Rod Stewart will release his 30th studio album - yes, 30 – Blood Red Roses – on Decca Records on 28th September. The album highlights Stewart’s acclaimed songwriting roots – blending the poignant observation, self-re flective introspection and playful swagger which established him as one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time. Blood Red Roses will be available as a 13-track album and 16-track deluxe version and can be pre-ordered now with the album’s lead single ‘Didn’t I’.
I always think I make albums for a few friends and this record has that intimacy Blood Red Roses is a deeply personal 13-track collection of originals and three covers. The album’s first single, ‘Didn’t I’, is about the damage drugs can do from a parent’s point of view. This new album, his first in three years, follows international bestsellers Another Country (2015) and Time (2013) and will be released nearly 50 years to the date from when he signed his very first solo recording contract. “I always think I make albums for a few friends and this record has that intimacy,” Rod says. “Sincerity and honesty go a long way in life and the
same is true in song-writing.” Blood Red Roses is co-produced by Rod’s long-term collaborator Kevin Savigar, and moves from acoustic driven folk through Motown-tinged pop/R&B to unadulterated rock’n’roll and heartmelting ballads. With his signature voice, style and songwriting, Rod Stewart has transcended all genres of popular music, from rock, folk, soul, R&B, and even the American standards, making him one of the few stars to enjoy chart-topping albums throughout every decade of his career. He’s earned countless of the industry’s highest awards, among them, two inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the ASCAP Founders Award for songwriting, New York Times bestselling author, Grammy™ Living Legend, and in 2016 he officially became ‘Sir Rod Stewart’ after being knighted by Prince William at Buckingham Palace for his services to music and charity. During his 50-plus year career, he’s amassed sales of more than 200 million albums and singles and won himself legions of lifelong fans worldwide.
A FOUR-PAGE SOUVENIR SPECIAL OF BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, PERINS SCHOOL, JULY 2018
1 SPELL, 1 ROSE, 1 BEAUTY, 1 BEAST,
1 LOVE
PERINS RAISES THE BAR - AGAIN
A FOUR-PAGE SOUVENIR SPECIAL OF BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, PERINS SCHOOL, JULY 2018
MUSICAL THEATRE ON ANOTHER LEVEL BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Perins Youth Theatre, July 2018
By KEVIN GOVER, DAVID CRADDUCK and HELENA GOMM Images by Leela Bennett Photography WOW. WOW, wow, wow. We could easily leave it there. Phantom was great – but this is another level. A show so huge that it needed its own big top, staging and sound that you expect in the West End. We were buzzing from the moment we saw a backstage photo of the costumes. No, this WAS the West End! Yet the oldest person on stage is just 15… (Kevin:) The stand-out line is not contained within any of the show tonight. It’s on the back cover of the programme, and is written by the Director of Creative Arts Marilitsa Alexiou: “We love teaching your children…” This was always going to be a special night – ‘invitation night’ of Thursday 12 July meant sponsors, the Mayor, governors, the MP, guest reviewers from Winchester Today… no pressure then. I meet Amy Mills (Belle), Sam Booth (Lumiere), Ben Watts (Gaston) and Hannah Monk (Mrs Potts) outside after the performance. Amy tells me she is buzzing. Amy is a star, fact. Sam Booth is a star, fact. Ben Watts – who loved all the booing as he plays Gaston, the villain of the piece – is a star, fact. Will Swan (The Beast) had enormous stage presence and handled the gradual change from embittered monster to gentle giant with considerable aplomb. But all 150 in the cast are stars, from the very youngest to those in a lead. Every single one – I will repeat – EVERY SINGLE ONE looked like they were enjoying themselves. Reaction from the audience by all accounts was the best of the week so far – and no wonder. Helena says Amy certainly caught her eye too: “This was obviously a very high-end production, but the money that had clearly been lavished on the set, lighting, sound and costumes would have counted for nothing if the students hadn’t been up to it. Fortunately, they were - in spades. “The entire cast, from the smallest member of the chorus to the extremely impressive soloists were supremely talented, focused and professional throughout. Everyone gave a fantastic performance, but credit must go, in particular, to Amy (Belle), who was hardly ever off the stage, yet managed to maintain her energy levels all evening, singing absolutely beautifully and with total commitment till the very last note. “Some of the character parts, notably Lumière, the feather duster and the teapot, were extremely entertaining, and the actors taking these roles portrayed them with enormous skill and humour. “There was so much to enjoy: the singing, the music, the dancing, the humour, the voices, that it’s hard to pick out one thing that made the show the triumph that it undoubtedly was.” All three of us loved Sam’s portrayal
Every single one looked like they were enjoying themselves!
of Lumière, and his French accent, perfected by sitting down with his father for hours on end. David writes that many of the cast had brilliant one-liners: “Beauty and The Beast is somewhat of a pantomime in its structure and as such there is comedy, both in the script and visually slapstick. Director Marilitsa Alexiou has maintained the moody pathos of the storyline but has kept the balance right by making the whole show light and funny too.” The costumes were exquisite. A word too for the orchestra who were off stage for the entire performance, but who came on stage right at the end. Also to M3 Productions who camped out on site to ensure everything was staged to perfection. Afterwards all three of us wondered about the same subject. Summer 2020? David comments: “Where do Perins go from here? How do you follow that? I guess the same could have been said (and probably was) after Phantom two years ago; raising the bar so high means that the next show in two years time will have to be even bigger, better and more ambitious. (Hmmm… funny how we should all be wondering this… see page 10 for more details!) “The logistics of taking a school production into the professional arena, as Perins have done, are enormous. Raising the standard to such a level demands that the standard must be maintained from now on. Good luck with that! I look forward to coming back in two years for more WOW factor.” (Kevin): After tonight’s performance, the Headteacher Steve Jones made an emotional speech in front of the cast, saying: “This is Education”. Just as he had done on TV just a few nights earlier, Steve said that they are not cutting back on extra-curricular activities as has been seen elsewhere. Indeed programmes of Music and Drama are not being seen as a luxury, but as a tool to ensure the pupils’ development. I can back him in that 100% – just a couple of weekends ago I went back to my old junior school (Beechen Cliff in Bath) for the first time in 40 years. We did many plays… nothing to the extent of what happened here at Perins, but the sentiment was still the same. I went into the school hall and gazed at the stage where I had been in the cast of The Crucible – heavy stuff for a 15-yearold at the time, but performing it made us UNDERSTAND it. The philosophy at the time was that we had very talented teachers just like Steve Jones who were willing to give up their time out of hours. As a result, I have nothing but good memories of my old school. Just like Marilitsa notes: “We hope we have given them memories which they will carry with them all their lives.” Forty years ago, it worked for me… and what a great show Beauty has been for all of them to remember for a long time to come. Perins, you are a beacon. A shining light within the community in Alresford.
A FOUR-PAGE SOUVENIR SPECIAL OF BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, PERINS SCHOOL, JULY 2018
MEET THE CAST AND CREW Marilitsa: I’m just overwhelmed at the moment. They are such a tight cast and they just a professional company, they’re not children to me at all. I’m just blown away. (Sam Booth joins us:) Kevin: Tell us about Sam, who plays Lumière. Marilitsa: Sam, I mean, you just embody the candelabra. Whenever you come onto the stage, whether you have the flames or not, you light up the stage for me. Sam: I appreciate you saying that, Miss. Cheers! Kevin: She’ll always be Miss, won’t she? Sam: Always be Miss! Walking down the street in 30 years time, it’ll be: ‘Oh, Miss!’ I won’t say your first name because you’re a teacher to me. That’ll just be weird to me, but you’re also my director which is a wonderful thing, you know? Kevin: How was playing Lumière for you? Sam: Playing Lumiere was probably one of the best things I’ve done at this school. I did Phantom two years ago which I enjoyed, it was fantastic fun. I used my vocal range in a certainly weird way. This was a character that really worked for me. I clicked with it, and it was such a fun character to play. I love the cast, love the director and everyone in it and the experience was fantastic. Kevin: And you were expected to do it in French too! Sam: I had to do it in French. Which
my Dad sat me down for hours trying to perfect my French accent. Still didn’t turn out too good (laughs) but I hope for the best! Marilitsa: I think that’s part of the comedy, that it’s just perfect is that it’s just a stuck on French accent. Sam: It’s not my perfect French accent. Marilitsa: It’s perfect! Sam: It does the job! Kevin: You have some great lines as well. Marilitsa: He really does, and you have a really lovely sense of timing and that’s what’s given your acting, you’re reacting according to the audience tonight which was beautiful. Sam: It was a great audience this evening though. Marilitsa: Great audience! The energy was through the roof. Kevin: Tell us about your fellow cast. There are hundreds, aren’t there. Sam: About 150 is it? There’s all the cast. I’m quite close with the leads, especially all of them. Especially my partner, Buddy (Wells). What a great guy. He plays ‘Cogsworth’. I think we click together, I think we work together really well. It’s great to have a person like that to work with. Kevin: What an amazing stage you’ve got. You’ve got this big top and everything. Sam: Oh, fantastic! When we did Phantom, I thought that was reaching the peak we can. But then I turned up on Monday morning with this big tent. I
The energy was through the roof didn’t really know what to say! I walked inside and they were still building the stage. It was incredible. Kevin: You didn’t leave it until the last minute, surely. Marilitsa: No, not at all. It was all a very well thought out plan. I don’t think the
children really had an understanding of what they were going to walk into. For them, this is their field. It’s an empty field that’s just dormant at the end of the day. And, all of a sudden, we’ve just turned it into a theatre that seats 400. Kevin: All of us who came from the newspaper, we loved the orchestra as well. They are the backbone of what’s going on. Marilitsa: They absolutely are the backbone. And it’s not the most glamorous job being kept at the back. But just supporting the music, and it’s just so wonderful for them to come out on stage at the end. I think that, it’s very difficult, we’ve just had a new teacher move to the school who said: ‘I don’t know if we can do this musical around A Levels.’ I said: ‘Trust me, they’ll be fine!’ Our youngest orchestra cast is year 7. Kevin: And what’s the eldest? Woman: 15, 16. There’s only maybe three of them who are 16. And the rest are 14,15. Kevin: I said this last time, and I tweeted it this week. This is the West End! You’re sitting there and you’re thinking: ‘This is the West End!’ Sam: It’s probably because it’s been directed so well. The people in it are just so fantastic. It’s surprising you can still find those incredible people in such a large school but in such a small space. Marilitsa: It’s a team. Melanie Cotton who is the musical director, alongside Matthew Ashford. We wouldn’t be able to do anything unless it was all three of us together. And that’s really what’s driven the production to the next level. The artistic approach from the whole
contined overleaf ➜
A FOUR-PAGE SOUVENIR SPECIAL OF BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, PERINS SCHOOL, JULY 2018 ➜ contined from previous page
team, and working together to move the production forward is just something that’s really special. The new harmonies that Melanie Cotton has written for that very end sound, she’s layered that herself which is just a little touch of heaven Kevin: And Steve wasn’t wrong. He said that: ‘This is education’, and what he said on the television as well. And his report was spot on, wasn’t it. Marilitsa: It absolutely is, it’s fundamental, and it underpins everything. These children, they’re not at home in their rooms on their Xboxes. They’re with us, and they’re having experience and they’re meeting new people. Year 7s – year 11s have formed friendships, and they’re a tight little family now. It’s just a very very different experience. These are memories that they will have for the rest of their lives. They will be able to say: ‘I did Beauty and the Beast.’ But not just that, it’s: ‘I did Beauty and the Beast in front of 2,400 people, in a big top tent because my school really believed in the arts.’ Sam: That’s 100% correct. Linking it back to Phantom, you couldn’t go much bigger than that, and they did it. They managed to go that step further. I can’t imagine what they’re going to do in two years time for the next show. Kevin: We’re laying bets on that. Wizard of Oz is quite high. Marilitsa: We’re going to raise the bar again. We’ll find a way to do it! Sam: Book me a seat! I’ll be coming to
These are memories they will have for the rest of their lives watch it. Marilitsa: There will be an alumni show. Kevin: You’ll have to make a guest appearance surely! (laughs) (Amy Mills joins us:) “I’m playing Belle in Beauty and the Beast. It was amazing, I’m literally buzzing. It was our best performance yet. So yeah, it was amazing.” Kevin: You had a great audience. Amy: Yes, they were just laughing at everything. It was amazing! We could include them… Kevin: But, you were funny that’s why! What do you want to do after this? Is this part of your career? Amy: I would love to do this. It gives us an insight to the industry and how it works. To be able to work with professional directors and
choreographers. It just helps us in all of that aspect. Yes, I would love to. It’s definitely influenced me to do it as a career. Kevin: Your head teacher has said: ‘It’s education as well’. What do you think he means by that? Amy: It has given me so much confidence and helped me with my academic subjects, because I just feel in the best mood and I’m confident. It’s just helped me a lot. Kevin: What about your fellow cast members? (Ben Watts): Hello, I’m Gaston. Kevin: He was funny, wasn’t he? Ben Watts: Was I? Kevin: Yes! In the right way, and you got the boos for when you were evil too! Ben: That was the best part by far. I live
for the boos! Kevin: You’re supposed to live for the girl, which you don’t have. Ben: That’s a good point. (laughs) Kevin: Tell us what it’s like with all these guys around you. Ben: It’s the best experience. Everyone here has made me feel part of the family. Everyone here is included. It’s amazing, and I’ve made so many new friends from this experience. I feel that I can say the same for everyone else. It’s so diverse. Amy: With all the different years as well. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have any classes with them. I didn’t think I knew half of the cast. I barely knew Hannah or Ben, and now we’re all a family. It’s so cheesy. But it’s so true. Maisie: I’m Maisie Tween and I play Lefou.
Hannah: I’m Hannah Monk and I play Mrs Potts. Connor: I’m Connor Males and I play Chip. Kevin: You spend most of your time sitting down, don’t you? (laughs) Connor: I do, yes! It’s not that bad, it’s really comfortable. It feels good coming out of the box and being a human in clothes. Kevin: I bet you all love your costumes, don’t you? Maisie: I’d rather not be a boy! But it’s still amazing. Boy: They’re quite uncomfortable, but they’re brilliant. Kevin: These are all actually Disney costumes? Amy: They are! They’re original. It’s such a shame that we have to give them back. The dress weighs more than me, it’s huge. It’s just beautiful, it’s amazing. Kevin: Very well done. Thank you very much for inviting me. Cast: Thank you so much for coming. Kevin: Our website will crash again I’m sure! Cast: You’ve been the best audience that we’ve had! You laughed at everything. Hands down the best audience. Laughed at everything, understood everything perfect. It’s so musical theatre, we love it! Hannah: It’s really sad that it’s coming to and end soon. Cast: No, Hannah, stop! It’s been such an amazing experience. Kevin: Right, I’ve got to go do some work now!
Tuesday 17th July 2018 Dear Kevin, Thank you so much for all you r support for this year’s Per ins School Theatre production and the Beast. The show cou of Beauty ld not have been the great success that it was without and enthusiasm. We are incr your support edibly proud of what the stu dents have managed to ach Over the past seven years, ieve this year. we have worked hard to give students a West End experie they will never forget, and con nce that sequently, our productions have outgrown our school hal lucky enough to outsource l. We were an incredible venue for Bea uty and the Beast this year; site was temporary, leaving however, the us with the question of whe re we go from here. In order to avoid the ‘post-s how blues’, we decided to ann ounce on Saturday night, our news for the future of Perins exciting School Theatre. We have list ened to the student voice, whi very clearly that they would ch stated like a show every year. Previo usly, we would have been una sustain this; however, the rep ble to utation of the Perins studen ts and their excellence in Cre has not gone unnoticed in the ative Arts community. The Grange, Northington, is a 19th Century country hou se-mansion and English lan located approximately 15 min dscape park, utes from Perins School. Atta ched to this building of out beauty is The Grange Theatre standing , a stunning theatre dedicat ed to bringing world-class ope heart of Hampshire. ra to the
We do two things on our internet radio station...
1: talk about Winchester 2: play fantastic music
Since October, we have had secret meetings with The Gra nge. They have been so imp the level of talent, commitme ressed with nt and dedication of our stu dents, that they have offered in their renowned Grange Fes us a place tival summer programme, so we are delighted to announ 2019 production will be per ce that our formed in this prestigious ven ue. We are pleased to take our partnership with M3 Produc invaluable tions with us on this excitin g venture, and cannot wait the results next year! for you to see Marilitsa Alexiou - Director of Creative Arts Melanie Cotton - Director of Music Matt Ashford - Assistant Dire ctor of Music
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news
August 2018
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News from Winchester and amazing songs - ‘The Music From Your Life’ brought to you by radio professionals right here in Winchester. Find us online via the TuneIn app, or through the ‘Listen Now’ button on our website at winchestertoday.co.uk
MONDAY - FRIDAY 06:00 Breakfast In Winchester. Upbeat songs to get you in the right mood for the day. Local news bulletins on the hour. 09:00 Kevin Gover continues with ‘The Music From Your Life.’ 14:00 John Ellery 22:00 The ‘No Sleeping’ Zone. Other stations want to send you to sleep at this time. Not us!
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SUNDAY 10:00 Chrissie Pollard She loves the music. We love her! 13:00 Kevin Gover with the best of the 60s and 70s 15:00 John Ellery with the best of the 80s
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August 2018
What’s On in Winchester and beyond August 2018 Friday 3rd – Sunday 5th British Superbikes Thruxton Race Circuit, Andover. Tickets available here: https://thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/bsb
You do NOT have to pay to have your event listed here! . You can send printed leaflets or brochures to Winchester Today, Suite 123, 80 High Street, Winchester, SO23 9AT, send details by email to news@winchestertoday.co.uk or tweet us the info @winchestertoday All event details listed are correct at time of going to press.
Saturday 4th Jane Austen Tour and Tea
Saturday 18th Holy Trinity Summer Fete and Art Exhibition
Littleton Millennium Memorial Hall, The Hall Way, Littleton, Winchester. 10am – 5pm
Upper Brooke Street, Winchester. 10am – 4pm.
The Matterley Estate, Ovington, Alresford.
Saturday 4th Battle Proms
Friday 10th – Sunday 12th FloVibe Festival
Highclere Castle, Highclere Park, Newbury. Gates open at 4.30pm. Tickets available here: www.battleproms.com/
Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle, Hampshire. 11am – 11pm. More information: www.stanstedpark.co.uk
Saturday 4th The Importance of Being Earnest
RACHEL GOVER
Thursday 9th – Saturday 11th Summer Theatre Workshop with Star Struck
Thursday 9th – Sunday 12th Boomtown Fair 2018
Winchester Cathedral, Winchester. 10am
COMPILED BY
The Vyne, Morgaston Road, Basingstoke. 5.50pm - 10pm. Adult £13, Child £8
Saturday 11th Silent Summer Screenings Open Air Cinema: The Greatest Showman
Saturday 4th – Sunday 5th Beaulieu Supercar Weekend
The Views, Harlington Way, Fleet. 7pm – 10.30pm. Tickets: www.silentsummerscreenings.com/
New Forest, Beaulieu. 10.00am – 6pm. Adult £19.50, Child £9.50. Tickets available here: www.beaulieu.co.uk/events
Saturday 11th – Sunday 12th Lymington Seafood Festival
Saturday 18th Porchester Village Fete Porchester Community Centre, Westlands Grove, Porchester. 10am – 4pm.
Saturday 18th – Sunday 19th South Downs Show and Hampshire Wood Fair Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Gravel Hill, Near Petersfield. 10am – 5pm.
Friday 24th – Sunday 26th Carfest South Laverstoke Park Farm, Basingstoke. More information: www.carfest.org
Friday 24th – Sunday 26th Victorious Festival 2018 Southsea Common, Portsmouth. Tickets: www.victoriousfestival.co.uk/
Bath Road Park, Lymington. 11am – 8pm/11.00am – 6pm.
Saturday 25th A taste of the Mediterranean España with Fabricio Cano
Palmerston Road, Portsmouth. 9am – 5pm/10am – 4pm
Saturday 11th – Sunday 12th Portsmouth International Kite Festival
Saturday 4th – Sunday 12th Day Out With Thomas
Southsea Common, Portsmouth. 10.30am – 5.30pm.
Season Cookery School, Lainston House Hotel, Sparsholt, Winchester. 9.30am – 4pm. Information available here: www.exclusive. co.uk/cookery-school
The greatest show on four wheels at the Beaulieu SUpercar Weekend on the 5th and 6th
Saturday 4th – Sunday 5th Love Southsea Market
Mid Hants Railway - The Watercress Line, Station Road, Alresford. 9.30am – 5pm
Saturday 11th – Monday 27th Hillview Art Open Studio Event
Sunday 5th Trout n About Festival: Local Food Market
Hillview, Linwood, Ringwood. 10.30am – 5.30pm.
Stockbridge High Street. 10am – 4pm
Sunday 12th Winchester Farmers’ Market
Sunday 5th Romsey Farmers’ Market
Sunday 26th Gaze Festival Food and Music Festival, Humphrey Farms, Hazeley Road, Twyford, Winchester. Tickets: grazefestival.com
Wednesday 29th Peter Pan Mottisfont National Trust, Near Romsey. 6pm - 8pm.
Alma Road, Romsey. 10am – 2pm
Middle Brook Street, Winchester. 10am – 2pm.
Sunday 5th Petersfield Farmers’ Market
Friday 17th DisneyMania
Thursday 30th – Monday 3rd September England vs India Test Match
The Lights Theatre, Andover. 10am – 12pm
The Ageas Bowl, Botley Road, West End. ageasbowl.com
The Ageas Bowl, Botley Road, West End. 1.30pm - 10pm. Tickets: www.ageasbowl.com
Saturday 18th Emsworth Farmers’ Market
Friday 31st Prosecco Festival
St Peters Square, Emsworth. 10am – 2pm.
Portsmouth Pyramid Centre, Clarence Esplanade, Portsmouth. 6.30pm – 11pm.
Wednesday 8th – Friday 10th Free Summer Art Workshops
Saturday 18th – Sunday 19th Winchester Cheese and Chilli Festival
SEARCH, 50 Clarence Road, Gosport. 10am – 4pm
Garrison Ground, Winchester. 10am – 5pm. Adults £6, Seniors £4, Child FREE
Friday 31st – Sunday 2nd September Victory Wheelers Hot Rod and Custom Car Show Weekend
Hugh Jackman stars in The Greatest Showman at the Silent Summer Screenings on Saturday 11th
The Square, Petersfield. 10am – 2pm
Sunday 5th Portsmouth DarkFest Viral Video Production Workshop Groundlings Theatre, Kent Road, Portsmouth. 10am – 5pm. Tickets: groundlings.co.uk/whats-on/
Monday 6th We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Workshop The Lights Theatre, Andover. 10am – 3pm. All event information: www.thelights.org.uk/
Monday 6th – Wednesday 8th Winchester RFC Harlequins Summer Holiday Camp
Tuesday 7th/Thursday 9th/14th/16th/21st/23rd/30th Summer Creative Camp
North Walls Park, Hillier Way, Winchester. 9.30am – 3.30pm. Reserve a place here: www.rugbycamps.co.uk/harlequins
Forest Arts Centre, Old Milton Road, New Milton. 9.30am – 11.30am. All activity information available here: www.forest-arts.co.uk
Monday 6th - Friday 10th Musical Theatre Summer School Theatre Royal, Winchester. Ages 12-16. Tickets available here: www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk
‘PEBBLES’, IOW
Wednesday 8th Good Mental Health Drop-in Café Cathedral House, St Thomas’s Street, Portsmouth. 2pm - 6.30pm
Beach hut themed self-catering, holiday chalet in Niton, fully equipped, stunning location. From £280pw. 07717 134272
Wednesday 8th T20 Double-Header Day
Stanstead House, Rowlands Castle, Portsmouth. 12pm – 4pm.
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reviews
August 2018
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A CLASSIC FOR A SUMMER’S EVENING THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Chesil Theatre at Wolvesey Palace
By DAVID CRADDUCK “THERE is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats”, says Ratty in the opening scenes of Kenneth Grahame’s timeless and enchanting Wind in The Willows. Well, I have to disagree: equally worth doing on a pleasant summer’s evening is to pop down to the delightful grounds of the Bishop of Winchester’s Gardens at Wolvesey Palace to catch the lovely team that is Chesil Theatre at work and play. Spread out a rug, pop open a bottle of something and munch on a picnic of sausage rolls, the odd bit of smoked salmon and home grown raspberries. Chesil’s biennial open air summer ‘do’ at Wolvesey Castle has become a firm fixture now and a favourite for their audiences. Two years ago they delighted audiences with their own adaptation of Robin Hood and two years prior to that was the all-time outdoor swashbuckling favourite, The Three Musketeers. So no pressure then, to continue the tradition! The four main protagonists, Mole and Rat, Toad and Badger steal the limelight of course – it is their story after all – but in this adaptation (you only have to listen to some of the lines to know that it is by Alan Bennett) other characters get a proper look-in, notably Albert the downtrodden horse played with deadpan face and over-the-top Brummy accent by Jim Glaister. In fact, he steals the show, not just the limelight, as he clip-clops his way around stage with Eeyore-like sardonic one-liners such as “Oh, you could [eat a horse], could you? Well, I fancy some toad-in-the-hole!” There are accents abound in fact – a bespectacled Mole from the Midlands, played by Andrew Jenks with a suitable dash of pathos and innocence; a Welsh train driver (Sam Burridge doubles to play a hilarious Otter too), another secondary character to step up to the plate (apologies) and a slightly incongruous French gypsy (Mary Mitchell). What a cosmopolitan lot they are, these characters from an Oxford riverbank. Oh, and Toad Hall is now in
What a cosmopolitan lot they are, these characters from an Oxford riverbank
Hampshire, by the way… Steve Clark as Ratty brings facial expressions, gravitas and warmth to the role , especially when being ignored/ sidelined by Peter Andrews, looking every inch the fearsome and blustery Badger (brilliant wig by the way, with the white stripe). Making up the foursome is Tez Cook as ‘good old’ Toad who keeps up that exhausting characterisation throughout and is able to keep a smile on your face all evening. Of course, you know full well what the immodest Toad is going to get up to – his fads and fascinations with boats, gypsy caravans, motor cars (inspiring Edwardian wireframe car by the way, one you can run inside!) and even trains, the run-ins with policemen, judges, washerwomen – but you cannot help but laugh at and admire the silliness and cheek of loveable Toad. Tez’s costumes, expressions and green
eyeshadow are brilliant and largely carry the pace of the play that at other times feels a little flat and awkward. The set seems a bit over-engineered with somewhat distracting black-clad stage crew appearing in the middle of scenes to add unnecessary embellishments to depict different scenes. And that errant front door which is hinged on fresh air and keeps opening by itself threatens to upstage the whole show when in action! Some of the action is a little lost at ground level; anyone further back than the front row will probably miss the ducks down a-dabbling, up tails all as it is too low to be seen, which is a shame as it is well-choreographed and adds an authentic touch of Kenneth Grahame to the whole. The junior cast of rabbits/mice/ ducks works well, with two teams of six children alternating performances. They don’t just stand and look pretty,
either – they have lines and songs and are very much part of the ensemble. They are the future Chesil leads, so why not indeed? There are some great cameos, too – notably Charlie Seligman as the easily bribable judge and Malcolm Brown as the evil pinstripe-suited Chief Weasle whose occasional knuckle cracking brings more than a wince and audible gasp from the front row. There are more than a couple of rather modern Bennett-esque references in this adaptation which might have left the original author scratching his head: “it’s alright, policemen don’t hurt people” drew a couple of glances from people around me, the reference to washerwomen doing ‘big men’s smalls’ joins a load of other rather 21st century one-liners and (only the front few rows will see this) even Ratty’s boat manages to earn the name ‘Boaty McBoatface’ adding a nice touch.
Stripped-down approach for Mozart’s comedy COSI FAN TUTTE St Paul’s Church, Friday 29 June
by YANA RUZINSKA and DILYARA GOVER THE Dulwich Opera Company are in the middle of a ten-date tour of Mozart’s Così fan tutte, and once again stopped off at St Paul’s Church in Winchester as part of the tour. We found this production was fun and very well performed, with the interpretation of this classic comedy elegant, captivating and enjoyable. Although there were not the usual stage decorations that you would associate with theatre performances, the costumes were great - and good vocals and acting compensated for the lack of stage decor. Neither was there an orchestra, but
Good vocals and acting compensated for the lack of decor there didn’t need to be with Music Director Janet Haney taking to the piano for the entire performance. In terms of individual performances, all sang their parts to a degree of excellence. The audience went home happy and we’re certain that Mozart would have thoroughly approved of it.
August 2018
preview
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WINCHESTER THEATRE ROYAL AUTUMN PREVIEW THEATRE Royal Winchester has released details of its jam packed calendar of performances and events this autumn– with something for everyone to enjoy. English literature fans can enjoy a new stage adaptation of Jane Austen’s final novel Persuasion – a witty romantic comedy brought to life by a talented cast of actor musicians (10-15 September) and a new play written by Simon Reade, A Pure Woman, based on Christopher Nicholson’s highly acclaimed novel Winter about a poignant imagining of Thomas Hardy’s relationship with his last muse (18-19 October). The theatre will be commemorating the 100th year anniversary of the ending of World War One with a number of events: Michael Morpugo’s Private Peaceful, the story of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young soldier awaiting the firing squad at dawn, is brought to the stage by Scamp Theatre (13-17 November), Stephen Macdonald’s play Not About Heroes tells of the unique friendship between the celebrated poets Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon (17 October) and, on the anniversary itself, there will be a dramatic recital of the contemporary writings performed by distinguished actors Michael Pennington and Sian Phillips together with the producer John Miller (11 November). Comedy lovers are in for a treat the surreal chaotic humour, bizarre characters and fantastical plots of The Goon Show by Spike Milligan come alive on stage (22 September), Jonathan Pie heads Back to the Studio more frustrated and angrier than ever in a night of political comedy and chaos (7 October) and some of the UK’s quickest comic performers will create a brand new improvised ‘lost’ Jane Austen novel based on audience suggestions in Austentatious (4 October). Stand-up comedians Marcus Brigstocke (21 September), Bridget Christie (5 October), Elis James and John Robins (26 October) and Stewart Francis (21 November) cause further hilarity. The veteran popular host Nicholas Parsons appears in his extravagant, vibrant and funny one-man show A Laugh a Minute (3 November) and Dr Phil Hammond cheers the heroes, boos the villains and looks to the future of the health service in Happy Birthday NHS? (7 December). Young theatre goers and their families can enjoy stage adaptations of the bestselling books Guess How Much I Love You (16-17 September), Tabby McTat (5-7 October) and How To Hide A Lion (22-23 October), plus TV favourites Bing and friends in Bing Goes to the Theatre (26-27 September) and the presenters and characters of Milkshake! (25 October). The marvellous magicians Morgan & West head to theatre with a double bill of magical mayhem with More Magic for Kids (27 October) and the TimeTravelling Magicians (27 October) and circus lovers can enjoy the breath-taking mix of acrobatics, surprising aerial feats and masterful juggling in The Exploded Circus (7-8 September). Dance fans can see Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist in a new light as Tony Adigun’s Avant Garde Dance flips expectations of five familiar characters with their unmatched contemporary hip hop style in Fagin’s Twist (2-3 October) whilst multi-award winning choreographer James Wilton will re-imagine Herman Melville’s seminal novel Moby Dick in his trademark blend of athletic dance, martial arts, capoeira and partner-work in Leviathan (18 September) plus Ballet Black return with a double bill celebrating dancers of black and Asian descent (16 October). There’s plenty for music lovers too –
Something for everyone (clockwise from main picture): Ceri-Lyn Cissone and Jason Ryall in Persuasion (10-15 Sept) Guess How Much I Love You (16-17 Sept), Ballet Black (16 Oct) and Dame Esther Rantzen with her daughter Rebecca Wilcox (23 Sept)
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical will be creating a brand new musical all-singing, all-dancing from scratch on the night from audience suggestions (27 September), past principals from Les Miserables will perform Broadway and West End hits in Beyond the Barricade (29 September) and Lee Mead returns on his 10th anniversary since first donning the coat in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (30 September). One of Britain’s best-loved and sunniest musicals Salad Days brings polite naughtiness and saucy encounters to the theatre and Welsh National Opera bring their rip-roaring, uproarious music-hall comedy Rhondda Rips It Up! starring Lesley Garrett and Madeleine Shaw (20 November). Jazz lovers can enjoy performances from the UK’s premier female saxophone player and double MOBO award winner YolanDa Brown on the opening night of Winchester Jazz festival (20 September), the Astor Big Band play a host of Glenn Miller classics, Big Band standards and hits from the musicals (24 October) and the Lindy Hop Dance Company and the Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra, with American vocalist Marlene Hill and compere/vocalist Megs Etherington, appear with an action packed show celebrating the music and dance of the Cotton Club, New York’s most celebrated nightclub of the 1920’s & 30’s in Swinging at the Cotton Club (31 October). Broadcasting legend Dame Esther Rantzen will be in conversation with her daughter, the presenter and journalist Rebecca Wilcox, about their illustrious careers, personal lives and family ties (23 September), the adventurer-explorer Benedict Allen will relay exhilarating tales from his life as an explorer (15 October) and TV wildlife cameraman and presenter Gordon Buchanan will enlighten the audience of his world of weird, wild and wonderful wildlife (12 November).
16 winchestertoday.co.uk
the final word
LIKE SOME MORE? Yes please, evidently - with huge positive response to Independents Market
WINCHESTER showcased its wonderful range of independent shops, businesses and eateries from across the city at a special Independents Market which took place recently. The market lined the city’s High Street in a celebration of the city’s local independent business community. Response has been so good that organisers were very quick to ask people here if they’d like to see another one. Fifty percent of the city’s retail businesses are independently owned and managed. This helps to put Winchester on the map as a shopping and leisure destination for people throughout Hampshire and even further afield. The Winchester BID fully supports the city’s independents and aims to create a thriving, clean and safe environment for residents, visitors and all the businesses which operate in the city. Paul Spencer is Projects and Operations Manager: “It was great to see so many people out and about in Winchester for the
There are so many hidden gems in our city Independents Market. There are so many hidden gems in our city centre so it was the perfect opportunity to showcase them on the High Street and show what Winchester has to offer to residents and visitors alike. We hope that people will continue to love the local.” Chris Turner is Business Development Director for Winchester BID: “We exist to support our local businesses. Part of that in Winchester is about celebrating our fantastic array of independent shops and eateries. To see so many of them meeting and greeting new and old customers alike at the Independents Market was simply brilliant. It was a great way to demonstrate what makes Winchester’s business community innovative and unique.” Images: The Typeface Group Winchester’s MP Steve Brine spent a few hours in town chatting with - and supporting - the independents market. Here he is with the family and Miff and his team from Kyoto Kitchen: “It was a pleasure to spend time chatting with our independents and to see them out front for once selling quality,
mostly local goods. “This is a brilliant idea and, from what I could gauge, there would be a huge appetite to do this more regularly. It’s not the whole answer to our retail challenges, and no one is pretending it is, but we could support them a great deal more and I intend to get in the middle of discussions with BID and WCC about how we do that.”
August 2018