December 2023
A Traditional Family Pantomime Written & Directed by James Barry Music by Simon Slater
30 Nov 2023 to 1 Jan 2024
Livestream options available
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news
December 2023
Julian Eardley (Lion) and cast in The Wizard of Oz
Head to Theatre Royal Winchester this festive season for their traditional family pantomime, Cinderella, on until Mon 1 January 2024. Witness the timeless tale of a servant girl’s transformation into a princess with the help of her Fairy Godmother. The clock strikes midnight and the magic begins to fade as Cinderella dashes away, leaving behind a lost glass slipper. The charming Prince, holding onto this delicate clue, embarks on a quest to find his mysterious princess. This pantomime guarantees to captivate both young and old with its blend of corny jokes, original songs, live music, and plenty of audience participation. The creative team behind beloved productions like Aladdin (2021) and The Wizard of Oz (2022) is at the helm. The dynamic duo of writer, lyricist, and director James Barry and composer Simon Slater weave their panto magic on stage once again. Notably, their outstanding original musical score for Beauty and the Beast (2018) earned them a nomination in the Great British Pantomime Awards’ Musical Achievement category.
Julian Eardley and Ed Thorpe in Beauty and the Beast
Play to the Crowd, the charity that runs Theatre Royal Winchester, is committed to making the pantomime experience inclusive for everyone. Accessible performances, including relaxed, audio-described (plus touch tour!), and BSL-interpreted options, are available. You also have the chance to watch Cinderella from the comfort of your own device with the theatre’s livestream performances. This year’s pantomime is supported by regional law firm Paris Smith. Cinderella runs at Theatre Royal Winchester from 30 November 2023 to 1 January 2024.
For more info or to book: • • •
Best availa bility early Dece mber. Book early for the best prices !
Visit theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk Call the Box Office 01962 840 440 Email boxoffice@playtothecrowd.co.uk
Get ready for a fairy tale adventure like no other!
This cover wrap is generously donated by Winchester Today’s ArtsPlus Covid Recovery Project.
December 2023
www.winchestertoday.co.uk
HAPPY CHRISTMAS! DAB+ radio in Winchester exclusive update page 4
A Year in pictures page 7
IMAGE: JON BOLTON There’s nothing quite like a huge bunch of Santas running through the city to get you in the festive mood. Large or small, old or young, the annual Santa Fun Run gathering brings together people fundraising for one cause: Naomi House and Jacksplace. The event has been running for 15 years now and takes participants on a 5km route through the city before ending in a flurry of snow outside the Guildhall. It’s a major fundraiser for the charity which provides expert hospice care for children and young adults who have complex care needs. More than 550 families are supported across central southern England. Charlotte Patrick is Events Team Leader: “The Santa Fun Run is our jolliest event of the year with hundreds of santas running the streets.
‘A Message For Christmas’ page 14
“The fundraising efforts from the runners so far have been amazing. Everyone who takes part, or who supports a participant with sponsorship, really helps to make a difference for the children, young adults and their families here at Naomi House and Jacksplace.”
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Delights Galore at the Christmas Market page 11
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winchestertoday.co.uk
December 2023
DAB+ Radio in Winchester exclusive Update WINCHESTER, 29 NOVEMBER 2023 - EXCLUSIVE DAB+ RADIO UPDATE DAB+ radio – an update: Exactly one year ago, I was praising everyone who had made the huge effort to bring together a number of radio stations under a new system of DAB+ radio for the Winchester area. Winchester Today is included in the group of stations, and as you know our MP Steve Brine opened the radio station for us (pictured). As proud pioneers of the new technology, our network was looking forward to a bright future. As you also may know, the numbers didn’t add up and our parent broadcast network folded. Last week (24 November) the network was switched off completely. The good news is that the licence (along with Basingstoke) has been transferred to a new network created by the existing stations. We are currently building new transmitter sites and should be back on the air very soon. Under the leadership of Osman Sen-Chadun from Outreach Radio, two new local consortia were formed to develop new business plans with the hope that the liquidator would be allowed to transfer the licences to the group, if approved by Ofcom. On Wednesday 22nd November, it was confirmed by Ofcom that the two new consortia, comprising of Basingstoke Community Radio, Hospital Radio Basingstoke, Outreach Radio, Voice FM, Winchester Radio and Winchester Today, had successfully taken over the DAB licences for Winchester and Basingstoke under two new organisations, Winchester DAB Limited and Basingstoke DAB Limited. Mr Sen-Chadun, from Chandler’s Ford, said: “We’re very relieved and extremely fortunate to have been able to take on these DAB licences. It’s a lifeline that will enable us to ensure future continuity of service to all radio stations affected by the unfortunate demise of UK DAB Networks.
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“Now begins some major re-engineering works that will allow us to operate these services in a financially sustainable manner, which in turn will offer a greater level of protection to our valuable local radio services, many of which are charities, social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations. “The engineering work has to begin immediately as we’ve now taken on these licences, but it’s our firm intention to restore the radio services back to air as soon as possible. “This is an unprecedented situation, which requires administrative, legislative and engineering support from the broadcast regulatory body Ofcom, who have been incredibly supportive in advising our consortia during this process.”
A SHORT M DRIVE FRO R E T S E H C WIN
V I S I T T H E H A M P S H I R E C O T TA G E WHERE JANE AUSTEN LIVED AND W R O T E H E R B E LO V E D N O V E L S Book tickets at www.janeaustens.house
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Winchester Radio Trustee Nigel Dallard had this comment: “It is disheartening that the DAB network has been switched off. However with the licence having been transferred by Ofcom to the consortium of local not-for-profit radio stations, including Winchester Radio, we look forward to being back on DAB in the coming weeks, after the necessary engineering work and final approval by Ofcom. In the meantime, listeners can continue to tune in to Winchester Radio on 94.7FM and online.” Nigel is pictured along with fellow trustees Anna O’Brien and Paul Blitz. Winchester Today also continues online via TuneIn and smart speaker.
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review
December 2023
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A YEAR IN PICTURES
Luxmuralis, Cathedral, March
Kevin invited to Number 10 as Local Media Champion. (Pictured with MP Steve Brine, April)
Celebrating King Charles III, April
Staying Up! WCFC, Apri
Opening of Surgical Assessment Unit at RHCH, March
Landslip, Wallers Ash Tunnel, May
The Princess Royal Visit, June
Hat Fair, July
Yes, really… September
Winchester A Cappella, Kings Worthy, September
Blue Apple at Cheriton Players, September
New Year’s Day, Theatre Royal!
Images: British Army Press Office, Hampshire County Council, Winchester City Council, Steve Brine, Hampshire Hospitals, Network Rail, WCFC, Rebel Kicks, Kevin Gover
Merry Christmas from Pearsons! Despite the property world becoming particularly unpredictable this year, we have seen the market hold its nerve in Winchester. We have enjoyed some excellent instructions and sales across the portfolio, both town and country. With demand still very much out there, we anticipate a much more stable year in 2024 and are looking forward to it. If you are considering moving over the next year or simply interested in the price of your property – please do get in touch, we would love to hear from you. In the meantime, have a lovely festive season!
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SOME HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2023
Shawford £900,000
SOLD
Chilbolton £600,000
SOLD STC
Abbotts Barton £800,000
Kings Worthy £775,000
SOLD STC
Hursley £650,000
Chilbolton Avenue £3,500 pcm
LET
Allbrook £1,100,000
Kings Worthy £1,800 pcm
Kings Worthy £700,000
SOLD
LET
Hyde £715,000
SOLD
Weeke £585,000
SOLD STC
Otterbourne £2,750 pcm
pearsons.com
10 winchestertoday.co.uk
arts
December 2023
POSITIVE REACTION TO CHESIL THEATRE PROPOSALS Reaction to Chesil Theatre’s plans to expand their Chesil Street arts venue appears to have been met with an enthusiastic response in the theatre world, with their planning application now with the city council. Focus is being made on mobility, a lift and proper accessible toilets. In 2022, land was purchased adjacent to the existing medieval building and, since then, Trustees have drawn up a detailed scheme for future needs. These include a new foyer / rehearsal area, community / performance space, improved facilities for young actors and those with mobility impairments and additions to the dressing rooms to meet legal requirements. To put this into context, an explanation about the past. Winchester Dramatic Society, founded in 1863, took over the redundant St Peter’s church in 1962, when the building was in a dangerous condition and threatened with demolition. With assistance from the then Winchester Preservation Trust, and significant fundraising, the building was converted into the Chesil Theatre, opening in 1966. Over the years, Chesil Theatre has continued to expand, adding two thriving youth theatre groups, a national new playing writing festival and community outreach programme. Chairman of the Trustees, Stephanie Danby told Winchester Today she’s feeling positive: “We feel we are now making real progress. We have two active children’s groups but they have to rehearse elsewhere. We’ve noticed that children really benefit from mental health and confidence. Our dressing room was really cramped for Macbeth with a cast of 25! We’d also like to praise the council’s ‘pre-application process’ where they take a look at your ideas before submitting the real thing.” We asked Winchester Today’s independent theatre critic and Chesil attendee David Cradduck for an objective view on what he made of the proposals: “It’s very exciting to see the rough sketch and to read their plans. Instantly you can see how this will be of huge benefit to them as a theatre company and what a big, big difference it will make
“We feel real progress is being made…”
to the audience. “As a regular audience member and reviewer I’m always acutely aware that the venue is bijou; that can mean long queues for the loos and even with a small audience capacity it’s always intimate. “The extension to include a new foyer, backstage and dressing area means the audience can feel more comfortable and relaxed; it also means a much improved experience for the cast and crew too. I can’t wait to see it.
WNO - LA TRAVIATA MAYFLOWER THEATRE 24 NOVEMBER 2023 Review: Jan Conway Stacey Alleaume as Violetta is the star of the show. Her stage presence is mesmerising, and her powerful soprano voice is perfect, but she also excels at expressing the different aspects of Violetta’s character; from the false gaiety of a young woman trapped by her position in society in Act 1 through to her tender scene with Alfredo in their short period of happiness together and finally her moving death. David Junghoon Kim as Alfredo, and all the principals and supporting cast sang their roles convincingly. I was particularly impressed with Mark S Doss’s nuanced portrayal of Giorgio Germont. The set is simple but effective; the swathes of black drapes loom over the walls and furniture in Act 1 signalling both the opulence and decadence of 19th century Paris and the impending death from an incurable disease of such a young woman. I particularly liked the clever touch of Violetta’s gravestone as the floor of the stage; throughout the opera the audience is constantly reminded of Violetta’s tragic death. The same black drapes were used effectively throughout; removing them from the furniture to reveal the light-coloured fabric underneath was a simple metaphor for Violetta’s happiness with Alfredo at the beginning of Act 2. The costumes perfectly evoke the period atmosphere; appropriately opulent for Paris society parties; Violetta’s white gown in Act 2 symbolising her selflessness in agreeing to forego her own happiness and leave Alfredo; and her even simpler white gown for her deathbed scene. A live orchestra is a real treat for audiences and the music was faultless. This is an excellent revival of WNO’s 2009 production. Being picky, the sound mixing seemed slightly off for the first few minutes of Act 1, but this was quickly resolved. I was also disappointed that the excellent supporting cast, and in particular the brilliant matador and dancers, who provided entertaining light relief in the tragic story, were not onstage for the curtain call. I would have liked to show my appreciation by applauding them too. WNO are regulars at the Mayflower and I’m looking forward to their next visit in 2024. Whether you’re a seasoned opera goer or a novice, this La Traviata is a treat! (The full review is on winchestertoday.co.uk)
“A live orchestra is a real treat for audiences”
11 winchestertoday.co.uk
arts
December 2023
Wrap Up Warm! There are plenty of opportunities to stay warm at the Christmas market… what takes your fancy? Mulled wine… or marshmallows over an open fire?
Winchester’s MP Steve Brine has reported a record number of entries for his annual Christmas Card Competition. Over 600 entries were received this year – the biggest so far. Steve says the pictures from all the finalists are on display at the Arc in Winchester. The winner will be announced on 8 December. Steve is pictured with guest judge Alex Whitfield from HHFT.
Images: Winchester Today REHEARSAL PHOTOS BY ASH MILLS
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December 2023
Christmas Listening on Winchester Today This Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, you can enjoy some specially created festive programmes on our radio station. These shows will be rotated on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day so there will be plenty of opportunities to tune in and catch them: Christmas Number 1 chart toppers So near… the songs that didn’t quite make it to the top Carols at Christmas Christmas in Panto Land Lessons and Carols Christmas in the Big Apple with Rebel Kicks Rebel Kicks are a firm favourite on Winchester Today’s radio station ever since their 60th anniversary version of ‘Please Please Me’. The rock website in NYC theaquarian.com recently wrote of the band: “Rebel Kicks are far too humble for their own good. Hundreds of thousands of streams, a new single, a NYC gig… why isn’t everyone a fan? We don’t know, so we’re changing that now.” This radio programme created by Winchester Today describes their love of The Beatles, playing live at The Cutting Room – and their plans to come to Winchester!
For One Night Only!
Would like to thank Winchester Today for their support and coverage over the past twelve months and wish them, our loyal audiences and supporters a Very Happy Christmas.
www.thecheritonplayers.org.uk
13 January 2024 7.30pm Thornden Hall Performing Arts Centre, Winchester Road, Chandler’s Ford, Hampshire SO53 2DW Blue Apple Theatre presents a show of plays, dances, songs and film made by learning disabled performers. Join us to see what they have been working on this year. Prices: Full £6 Concessions/Students £5 Tickets via the Box Office 023 8024 6555. Scan QR to book online or go to: https://bit.ly/BATFONO Blue Apple Thornden Hall FONO 13 Jan 24.indd 1
27/10/2023 17:32:26
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December 2023
Rock God Wows Hampshire Fans Robert Plant presents Saving Grace Anvil, Basingstoke 16 November 2023 ‘View From The FanZone’ Let’s face it, Robert Plant doesn’t need to do this at all. He’s now 75, has sold zillions of records with the Zep, on his own and with Alison Krauss – but his voice is mighty fine and he moves around the stage with an elegance that someone half his age would struggle to do. Robert joked throughout the show about various things and addressed this issue by explaining that it “got him out of the house” and gave him the opportunity to play alongside fantastic friends and musicians. No complaints here, they’re all superb. For those wanting perfection, you could hear every single word that Robert sang. And I mean, every single word. This is a great venue with fantastic acoustics, but only professionals manage this with ease. Other jokes included how Saving Grace played support (yes support!) to Fairport Convention at the Anvil in 2019 and nicked their food while they were on stage. This show was part of a tour ending up in his home turf of Wolverhampton at the end of November with every date sold out, most within hours. No press passes here, I paid for my own seat. I would have paid double, but to avoid all these tickets ending up on resale sites at quadruple the price the actual tickets were only sent out to customers 24 hours in advance. Class move. There were plenty of songs for Led Zeppelin fans with covers of ‘Friends’, ‘Four Sticks’ and a truly beautiful version of ‘The Rain Song’. Other covers paid tribute to friends and acquaintances including Moby Grape. There were other traditional covers that would “feel at home in the back room of a Norfolk pub… miserable as f***!” Then there was his own version of the Los Lobos song ‘Angel Dance’ as well. Still, quite honestly they could have played anything and people would have gone home happy. Tremendous evening.
Hampshire Sunday 12 May 2024
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December 2023
A Christmas Message from Clare Carson at Christ Church, Winchester Christmas brings with it such a mix of emotions - the anticipation of a wonderful family time or the worry that it might just be a disappointment – perhaps we are facing a time alone – if a loved one has died, or a family or close friend has moved away. It’s a time when all thoughts and feelings are magnified – and mixed in with so many other pressures - how to make an already tight budget stretch even further – how to keep work deadlines at bay …
Jesus is the wondrous gift – his birth is part of God’s love story to rescue the world.
As a busy mum and a Minister in the Church – I always try to take some ‘time out’ to breathe in some fresh air during Advent to keep my perspective.
‘Yet in the dark streets shineth
One way I love to do this is by sitting in a carol service! It’s a time to reflect and quieten my buzzing thoughts; the familiar words of the carols and the readings allow me both to remember what Christmas is all about.
The hopes and fears of all the years
There’s something comforting about singing these words of the carols year after year– somehow bringing order into a time of chaos – inviting quiet and calm into the busyness of this time. Then the readings – the clear voices telling the story of the Nativity. The story of Jesus’ birth in a shabby dwelling in Bethlehem – to a teenage mum who married in haste – everyone acting on information coming from Angels – and all celebrated by visits from shepherds (often somewhat unsavoury characters) and rich travellers from the East. All a bit unconventional at the time – yet to us – the story and the words almost like comfortable slippers. One thing I especially love about a carol service is that we all join in together – the sense of community is wonderful –as we raise our voices together to make a wonderful joyful sound! If there’s one carol I am always especially drawn to it’s ‘O little town of Bethlehem’. I’m sure you can hum along – ‘O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie’…. The lines that always sink deep into my heart are these… ‘How silently, how silently, The wondrous gift is given. So God imparts to human hearts The blessing of his heaven.’
Thank you for supporting your Air Ambulance Charity this year. From all the crew, staff and volunteers, we wish you and your loved ones a very happy festive season. Support our next mission hiowaa.org/donate Charity No: 1106234
Trust in Jesus brings true hope. In a world where so much seems to be falling apart – the birth of this baby reminds us of hope in the darkness. Earlier in the carol we sing: The everlasting light, Are met in thee tonight.’ A light shining in the darkness of our world is what we truly need – now more than ever before this Christmas. The book of John says: ‘The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it’. (John 1.5) If you are able to make it to a carol service this year – or can listen to one online or on the radio – I pray that as you hear the familiar words of the carols and readings – that the gift of Jesus will be unwrapped again this year and that you will see the light of hope in the darkness. Christ Church carol services: Sunday 17 December at 4pm and 7pm.
Meet this year’s panto cast!
15 winchestertoday.co.uk
what’s on
Get ready to step into a world of enchantment and magic as the curtain rises for Winchester’s 2023/24 pantomime, Cinderella. The cast features a hugely talented ensemble that will transport you to a fairy tale land of dreams where wishes come true. With performers hailing from stage, screen, radio, and more, this year’s pantomime is an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Returning by popular demand, the theatre welcomes back two beloved favourites, Julian Eardley and Ed Thorpe, who first captivated audiences together in the 2017 production of Peter Pan. Their onstage chemistry has been a hit for years. In 2017, Ed was nominated for the prestigious Best Songsheet Performance at the Great British Panto Awards.
December 2023
Millicent Blair
Laura Dalgleish
Julian Eardley
Georgina Field
Alison Fitzjohn
Max Mirza
Jack Oliver
Thom Tuck
Ed Thorpe
This season, Julian, a true pantomime legend with 14 Winchester appearances under his belt, will take on the enchanting role of the Fairy Godmother. Actor-musician Ed Thorpe returns to the stage as the lovable Buttons. Joining them in the leading role of Cinderella is the exceptional Millicent Blair. With her experience as the lead vocalist for the Broadway show Burn the Floor, Millicent’s talents are bound to shine on the panto stage. Prince Charming is portrayed by Max Mirza, who recently made his theatre debut in Roman Holiday at Theatre Royal Bath. Cinderella’s stepsisters are portrayed by Laura Dalgleish and Alison Fitzjohn. Laura’s stage credits include Much Ado About Nothing and The Tempest. Alison boasts notable roles in Dixon and Daughters and Olivier-award nominated productions Billionaire Boy and Gangsta Granny. Julian Eardley and Ed Thorpe in Four Dames in Search of a Panto
Support cast Georgina Field, actor and musician, plays the Baroness. Her diverse repertoire includes adaptations of classics like The Great Gatsby, Godspell, The Comedy of Errors, Abigail’s Party, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Actor, writer, and comedian Thom Tuck plays Dandini. Thom has appeared in various TV series such as The Crown (Netflix) and Fresh Meat (Channel 4). Thom is an Edinburgh Fringe nominee and a member of the celebrated sketch troupe, The Penny Dreadfuls. Lastly, Jack Oliver is the MC. Local actor Jack was the understudy in last year’s panto, The Wizard of Oz. The talented core cast will be joined by a terrific support cast, including Noah Collingwood, Josiah Ellison, Hannah Exworth, Holly Gardner-Hall, Georgina Jarratt, Eva McManus, Milly Paulley, Mazey Rogers, Amy Smith, Amy Thomas, and Anna Yeadon. Scan to book! Cinderella is on at Theatre Royal Winchester until Mon 1 Jan 2024. Best ticket availability early December. Livesteam options are also available.
This cover wrap is generously donated by Winchester Today’s ArtsPlus Covid Recovery Project.
A Dame surprise!
Fairy Kind-heart surprised employees at a regional law firm this week, adding a touch of festive flair to the run-up of this year’s classic family production, Cinderella. In a gracious gesture, Fairy Kind-heart, portrayed by actor Julian Eardley, paid a special visit to Paris Smith to express gratitude on behalf of Play to the Crowd, the charity that runs Theatre Royal Winchester, for the firm’s generous support of the upcoming pantomime. Outside the firm’s premises, Julian Eardley, in full dame character, posed for photographs alongside senior partner Peter Taylor and managing partner Huw Miles. The festive spectacle caught the attention of passers-by, prompting them to pause for a second glance and engage in conversations about the approaching holiday season and the eagerly awaited pantomime.
Fairy Kind-heart (Julian Eardley) with Paris Smith’s Peter Taylor and Huw Miles.
Accessible panto! The Cinderella pantomime ensures inclusivity for those with specific access requirements. Relaxed Performance - Thu 7 Dec 1.15pm & Fri 29 Dec 11am Designed for children and adults with learning difficulties, special needs or Autistic Spectrum Condition. Audio Described Performance & Touch Tour Sun 10 Dec 11am (Touch Tour 10am) Visually impaired attendees can use headphones for a narrator’s description of the action on stage between dialogue. A pre-show Touch Tour allows exploration of the set and props. BSL Interpreted performances Thu 7 Dec 1.15pm, Sat 9 Dec 7pm & Fri 29 Dec 11am A British Sign Language interpreter, positioned visibly at the side of the stage, interprets spoken words and sound effects during these performances. Watch at home - Livestream performances Fri 15 Dec 7pm & Fri 29 Dec 2.30pm Watch anywhere from your own device.
A Traditional Family Pantomime Written & Directed by James Barry Music by Simon Slater
30 Nov 2023 to 1 Jan 2024
Scan to book!
For more info or to book: • Visit theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk • Call the Box Office 01962 840 440 • Email boxoffice@playtothecrowd.co.uk
This cover wrap is generously donated by Winchester Today’s ArtsPlus Covid Recovery Project.
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