Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is one of the most iconic stories of all time. Centered on the miserable and rude Ebenezer Scrooge, the book – oh who am I kidding, everyone knows the story. There have been countless adaptations of the story and everything from The Muppets to Blackadder to Doctor Who have tackled it. [Read more…] about Review by Ben Williams: A Christmas Carol by Chandler’s Ford MDG Players
arts and crafts
A Christmas Carol – The MDG Players – Review by Allison Symes
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is amongst my favourite stories, as I’m sure it is with many of you. It is ultimately a tale of redemption and also a cracking ghost story.
My favourite versions of it (and there have been many produced over the years) are The Muppet Christmas Carol (Michael Caine playing Scrooge) and the version starring Patrick Stewart. It is a question of getting Scrooge’s hardness of heart right without it spilling over into melodrama, something both knights of the realm did fantastically well. [Read more…] about A Christmas Carol – The MDG Players – Review by Allison Symes
Review by Hazel Bateman: A Christmas Carol by Chandler’s Ford MDG Players
I enjoyed a very entertaining evening yesterday when I went to watch A Christmas Carol by the Chandler’s Ford MDG Players. It was held in the Dovetail Centre of the Methodist Church, and this venue facilitated an intimate theatre experience.
The production followed Charles Dickens’ famous story using acting, narration, carol singing and audience participation for the sound effects, which was great fun! The play was brilliantly adapted by James Reynard. [Read more…] about Review by Hazel Bateman: A Christmas Carol by Chandler’s Ford MDG Players
Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market and Other Local Events – from October 2018
Don’t forget the renowned Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market is back on Saturday, the 6th of October, from 10am to 1pm.
It’ll be held at the Age Concern Hall, on Brownhill Road. Thanks to Steve Allen for running the market since 2015, supporting local people and local small businesses.
Review: April Trio of Plays by Chameleon Theatre Company
O, What a Lovers’ War by Karen Ince. Directed by Diana Mills.
The first play was focused on the First World War. This is a period of history I’m quite familiar with, as studying history has helped me understand the different sides of the war. I’m studying the downfall of Tsarist Russia in history and it’s linked with involvement in the First World War and I also recalled visiting Australia and reading up on the ANZAC troops involvement in the War. My mum was confused as to why the Union Flag appeared at the end, but the flag in its current form has existed since 1801. [Read more…] about Review: April Trio of Plays by Chameleon Theatre Company
MDG Players and Romsey Players – Five Go Mad for Shakespeare – Review
I went to the Dovetail Centre on 19th April to see Five Go Mad for Shakespeare. Being fond of the Famous Five stories by Enid Blyton and, much later on, the Bard of Avon, this was a production which had my name on it in a manner of speaking. This is my take on the show following on from Ben Williams’ excellent summary. [Read more…] about MDG Players and Romsey Players – Five Go Mad for Shakespeare – Review
Review: Five Go Mad for Shakespeare by Chandler’s Ford MDG and Romsey Players
The latest comedy from MDG Players from Chandler’s Ford, and the Romsey Players combines two very British writers – William Shakespeare and Enid Blyton. Shakespeare’s works are updated and refreshed for a modern age and hilarity ensues. Want to know what happens if Theresa May decided to quote Henry V? How about if Romeo and Juliet took place in rival retirement homes? [Read more…] about Review: Five Go Mad for Shakespeare by Chandler’s Ford MDG and Romsey Players
Review: Jack and the Beanstalk by Chameleon Theatre Chandler’s Ford – January 2018
I should begin by explaining that the regular contributors who normally write these articles were unavailable on this occasion and consequently we were asked if we would write the review ourselves. I volunteered as I had had no involvement in this Pantomime, apart from watching it as a member of the Front of House Staff for the last three performances so hopefully my review will be objective. I have also attempted to follow the style of the previous articles which has been to describe rather than criticise. [Read more…] about Review: Jack and the Beanstalk by Chameleon Theatre Chandler’s Ford – January 2018
Dovetail Art Project with Revd David Hollingsworth
A while back, the Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church was busy collecting signatures of people in the Church and its community. Visitors to carol services, customers in the Dovetail Café, and all the groups who use the premises were being invited to sign in charcoal or chalk on special paper.
These names have now been turned into a work of art by an artist, Rev David Hollingsworth, who is skilled at community works of art. [Read more…] about Dovetail Art Project with Revd David Hollingsworth
Murdered To Death – The Chameleon Theatre Company – Review Part 2
I had the great joy of going to see Murdered to Death by Peter Gordon as performed by The Chameleon Theatre Group on Saturday 28th October. What with the Book Fair in the morning, it was a busy day but a hugely enjoyable one and the show rounded things off beautifully.
How can you tell if something is a spoof? I always look for tautology in the title! It is done for exaggeration (a great comic technique). I can’t think of any other genre where the “To Death” bit would be added. It certainly wouldn’t be in crime fiction, where murder generally is taken very seriously! [Read more…] about Murdered To Death – The Chameleon Theatre Company – Review Part 2
Review: Murdered to Death by Chameleon Theatre Company
This play Murdered to Death performed by Chameleon Theatre Company in October was an obvious parody of an Agatha Christie murder mystery, right down to one of the characters being called Miss Maple, after the Miss Marple character. Poirot was also referenced, from Miss Maple knowing a Belgian chap, to Pierre Marceau resembling Poirot physically.
The funniest character was Inspector Pratt, who is the most incompetent detective ever. [Read more…] about Review: Murdered to Death by Chameleon Theatre Company
Book Launch Report: Anne Wan at Waterstones, West Quay
Image Credit: All images kindly supplied by Anne Wan.
This is a slightly strange post from me as I’d hoped to go to Anne Wan’s recent book launch in Southampton but was, unfortunately, able to do so in the end.
However, I share my thoughts below on what a book launch means to an author and the work involved behind the scenes. I then hand over to Anne for her report on her special night.
[Read more…] about Book Launch Report: Anne Wan at Waterstones, West Quay
Hiltingbury Extravaganza 2017
Yesterday afternoon I had a rather good time at Hiltingbury Extravaganza. There were quite many people and lovely animals (pigs, horses, dogs, owls…). Musicians, dancers, writers, volunteers, and many businesses all helped to make this special event remarkable.
Credit to The HCA (Hiltingbury Community Association) at The Hilt for its organisation for another fantastic Extravaganza community event on the Hiltingbury Recreation Ground.
The Hiltingbury Extravaganza was officially opened by Steve Brine, MP for Winchester and Chandler’s Ford. [Read more…] about Hiltingbury Extravaganza 2017
Review: Eastleigh’s 12th Annual Mela on Sunday 30th July 2017
As always, I had a great time at Eastleigh’s 12th annual Mela on Sunday 30th July. The word means “a public event held to celebrate a special event” (Cambridge Dictionary) and comes from the Hindu word for a festival.
Ours is a multicultural carnival of music, dance and cuisine with such diverse contributors as; Irish Dancers, Southampton Buddhist Centre, Thai dancers, a band from Afghanistan called the Kabul Boys, traditional Indian dancing, Chinese Lion Dancing, the local Nepalese association, more bands including Crestwood’s Panatical steel drum band, who who always make me feel cheerful when I hear them, and a large range of stalls. [Read more…] about Review: Eastleigh’s 12th Annual Mela on Sunday 30th July 2017
Hampshire Open Studios: 19th – 28th August 2017
This is the best time to support our local artists.
Hampshire Open Studios this year is from 19th to 28th August. There are over 250 venues exhibiting from this Saturday to the August Bank Holiday. [Read more…] about Hampshire Open Studios: 19th – 28th August 2017
Peter Green and the Chameleons
To the fans of the Chameleons, there are only a few tickets left for their upcoming shows next week:
The Female of the Species by Joanna Murray-Smith: Thurs 27 – Sat 29 July 2017.
[Read more…] about Peter Green and the Chameleons
The Arcade Youth Theatre: Peter Pan by J.M Barrie; 28th – 29th July 2017
Following the astounding success of The Arcade Youth Theatre’s first production, ‘Alice’ by Laura Wade, last year, which raised over £800 for the company, they will be taking to the stage again in the classic children’s tale, ‘Peter Pan’ by J.M Barrie.
With breathtaking flying sequences, intense fight scenes, and dazzling light dances, this show is stepping up to be their best yet! All of the creative direction has come from a collaboration with the cast, design crew and their 17 year old director and founder, Lewis Pickles. [Read more…] about The Arcade Youth Theatre: Peter Pan by J.M Barrie; 28th – 29th July 2017
Review – A Comedy Trio: Chameleon Theatre Company – Allison Symes
I saw A Comedy Trio by The Chameleon Theatre Group on 27th April 2017. Despite feeling miserable due to a heavy cold, (I am not the world’s best patient!), I am glad to say the production made me laugh and I went home feeling considerably better in spirit, at least, than when I arrived! Now there’s a review for you…
Many thanks, as ever, to Lionel Elliott for supplying CFT with the pictures. [Read more…] about Review – A Comedy Trio: Chameleon Theatre Company – Allison Symes
Review: The House of Fog by Chameleon Theatre Company
I thoroughly enjoyed the comedies I watched last Thursday, performed by Chameleon Theatre Company at Ritchie Memorial Hall in Chandler’s Ford. In this post, I will focus on one of the comedies, The House of Fog, by Peter Brammer.
The play The House of Fog was a really funny mockery of a horror movie, with an extra layer of comedy added due to the fourth wall aspect.
[Read more…] about Review: The House of Fog by Chameleon Theatre Company
New Discoveries and Finding Inspiration in Chandler’s Ford
It’s another very welcome bank holiday weekend and for many of us there will be more time to relax, catch up with friends or indulging in a creative pastime. As someone whose artistic attempts are, at best, minimal, I do find it interesting to hear how others find the inspiration or ‘spark’ that leads them to put pen to paper (or should that be fingers to keyboard?) to write a play or book, or to pick up brush and oils to paint a picture. [Read more…] about New Discoveries and Finding Inspiration in Chandler’s Ford