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
arts and crafts
Review: An Evening of Entertainment with Chandler’s Ford MDG Players and Friends from Romsey
Last Friday I watched three short comedy performances at the Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church performed by the MDG Players and their friends from Romsey. Unlike the previous performances I’ve seen, this was a variety of plays with different characters and plots, with different styles of comedy. [Read more…] about Review: An Evening of Entertainment with Chandler’s Ford MDG Players and Friends from Romsey
Review: Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market
Yesterday, following recommendations on Chandler’s Ford Today, my husband and I visited this small but interesting local market held in the Age Concern hall at the top of Brownhill Road.
This market is carefully managed, with the needs of regular local stallholders in mind, and features around 12 stalls selling locally-produced food and crafts (no traders). [Read more…] about Review: Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market
West End Theatre in our own Backyard
I went to see a West End theatre production recently. But I didn’t have to travel to London or pay a small fortune for my ticket; it was at Thornden Hall and the ticket was only £15.
This was one of the National Theatre Live productions – live theatre beamed to cinemas around the country. [Read more…] about West End Theatre in our own Backyard
Review: Treasure Island by Thornden School
I’m not total philistine; I have read some of the classic novels. However, Treasure Island is on the list of the many that I haven’t. So I was doubly excited to go to see Thornden’s Schools’ production of Treasure Island on Friday (10 February). Partly to top up my “blagger’s guide to the classics”, but mainly for the chance to see another of the school’s productions. [Read more…] about Review: Treasure Island by Thornden School
Robin Hood and the Chameleons – Review by Allison Symes
I went to see the Chameleons’ production of the pantomime, Robin Hood, on Thursday January 26th. The production was excellent and the pantomime had all the key ingredients you’d expect.
Humour, topical jokes (at the expense of D.J. Trump Esq), songs (sung with gusto and great enjoyment) and a wonderful story. There was the “oh no we won’t” moment from the audience and the usual dressing up of women as men (though not the other way round as well here). Robin was actually a man in this production! (And played by the excellent Paul Jones who got into the traditional thigh slapping with considerable enthusiasm). [Read more…] about Robin Hood and the Chameleons – Review by Allison Symes
Thornden Community Wind Band Christmas Concert
“It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas” – well, it certainly is for the 380 people who went to “A Swing-Along Christmas” concert presented by the Thornden Community Wind Band with their special guests The Spitfire Sisters on Friday evening. This was a wonderful concert and a fine introduction to the week before Christmas.
[Read more…] about Thornden Community Wind Band Christmas Concert
What’s Your Favourite Film Theme? My Top Ten
One of the highlight Chandler’s Ford Today posts for me this year was the Top Ten Classical Music Greats list and many thanks to all who added wonderful contributions to this. I’ve loved listening to them all.
The biggest problem I had was in working out which piece had to go into this list. It left me with a number of pieces I would have loved to have included but very conveniently these are film scores/extracts so a new post on Top Ten Film Themes would seem to be in order! [Read more…] about What’s Your Favourite Film Theme? My Top Ten
Review: Extravaganza of Musical Shows by Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society
Last week’s autumn production for the Eastleigh Operatic & Musical Society gave us an Extravaganza of Musical Shows – a selection of both some of the better-known and lesser-known numbers from musical theatre.
There is a huge canon of musical shows to choose from, and the company had selected an eclectic programme to showcase the skills of the performers. [Read more…] about Review: Extravaganza of Musical Shows by Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society
Christmas at Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market 2016
I went to Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market this morning and realised that Christmas has indeed arrived.
The market was held at the Age Concern Centre on Brownhill Road (just next to the Co-op and the Fryern Arcade). [Read more…] about Christmas at Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market 2016
Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society: Extravaganza of Musical Shows
In the run-up to Christmas, Eastleigh town centre is alive with the sound of carol singing today.
I was lucky enough to be in town while the talented singers from Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society (EOMS) were singing Christmas carols. [Read more…] about Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society: Extravaganza of Musical Shows
Eastleigh Christmas Lights Switch On and Fun Day; Winter Open Studios 2016
Tomorrow morning I’ll be heading for Eastleigh for the Eastleigh Christmas lights switch on and fun day.
Sound exciting, doesn’t it?
(So many coffee shops to choose from in Eastleigh. Tell me: which coffee shop should I visit tomorrow?) [Read more…] about Eastleigh Christmas Lights Switch On and Fun Day; Winter Open Studios 2016
Review: All My Sons – Excellent Production by Chameleon Theatre Company
I went to see All My Sons by Arthur Miller at the Chameleon Theatre Company in Hursley Road recently.
Wonderful performances, a great story and I’m glad to have discovered this play. It is also, I think, apt that this review appears on 11th November given All My Sons is set in 1947. The impact of World War Two is still red raw on grieving families (as the play makes very clear). [Read more…] about Review: All My Sons – Excellent Production by Chameleon Theatre Company
Review: The Spitfires Band (5th Nov 2016) and My Other Ramblings
The fame of The Spitfires Band of the 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guides has spread to the East Midlands, where one can say, man to man, “Ey up m’ (my) duck” and not be thought an odd-ball.
So we ventured to the sunny South for a delight of hearing and sight – the music of the band and the expertise of the Corp of Drums. [Read more…] about Review: The Spitfires Band (5th Nov 2016) and My Other Ramblings
Review: The Spitfires: Last Night of the Proms 2016 – the 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band
As expected, The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band “The Spitfires” gave an outstanding performance at their concert on 5th November. A varied programme included musicals, military marches, and classical pieces – even The Village People’s music got a look in.
The concert included two soloists. The first sang Nessun Dorma – a piece normally heard as a tenor voice, but no way diminished by the soprano (I think it was) at the concert. A wonderful voice, singing the high notes with as much precision and clarity as the lower ones. [Read more…] about Review: The Spitfires: Last Night of the Proms 2016 – the 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band
Review: The Railway Children
Sometimes I write reviews of concerts and shows; sometimes I write about places to go for a day out. This post isn’t intended to be either of those, though it may look a bit like both.
Last week I fulfilled an ambition I’ve held for several years by going to see the stage version of The Railway Children. This was one of my most-loved books as a child (and that of my sister too), and the 1970 film is undoubtedly one of my all-time favourites. [Read more…] about Review: The Railway Children
My Top 10 Classical Music Greats
One thing I promised myself this year is that, for once, I would listen to all of the BBC Proms and not just the fantastic Last Night. I kept that promise and enjoyed a wonderful series of concerts.
And all credit to Sir Henry Wood for coming up with such a fantastic idea of bringing wonderful music to as wide a range of people as possible. [Read more…] about My Top 10 Classical Music Greats
Review: All My Sons – Chameleon Theatre Company 2016
Last weekend we watched All My Sons, Arthur Miller’s modern classic.
It was the autumn 2016 production performed by the brilliant local theatre company of Chandler’s Ford: Chameleon Theatre Company. [Read more…] about Review: All My Sons – Chameleon Theatre Company 2016
Spitfires in Concert – Last Night of the Proms – 5th November 2016
On Saturday, 5th November 2016, The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band “The Spitfires” will be in concert at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church.
The concert promises a wide range of music from the Village People to Puccini, and will end with the band’s rousing “Last Night of the Proms” finale including Pomp and Circumstance (aka Land of Hope and Glory), Auld Lang Syne, Rule Britannia and Sunset. [Read more…] about Spitfires in Concert – Last Night of the Proms – 5th November 2016
Harry Baker the Sunshine Kid; All My Sons
Two brilliant shows in Chandler’s Ford are not to be missed today.
The first is from the poet Harry Baker — The Sunshine Kid, with The Underground Clown Club.
This will take place at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church tonight – Thursday 27th October at 7pm.
Nationally praised for his clever and quick-witted lines, Harry promises an evening of great entertainment.
[Read more…] about Harry Baker the Sunshine Kid; All My Sons