Chandler's Ford Today

entertainment

Review: The Spitfires: Last Night of the Proms 2016 – the 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band

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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

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Review: The Railway Children

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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

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Review: All My Sons – Chameleon Theatre Company 2016

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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

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Road to Agincourt: When Medieval Life Comes Alive Like Magic

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The free Medieval Weekend, organised by the Road to Agincourt project, was recently held at Manor Farm and Country Park, Bursledon.

This post continues with a look at the lives of typical villagers re-enacted over the weekend. And I discover what a fletcher was… [Read more…] about Road to Agincourt: When Medieval Life Comes Alive Like Magic

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Timeless Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet, Thornden Hall

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I went to see Romeo and Juliet at Thornden Hall on Thursday, 7th July. This production was by the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company and was streamed thanks to National Theatre Live. 

It was a wonderful production. [Read more…] about Timeless Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet, Thornden Hall

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Review: Thornden School – Singing in the Rain

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It was back to the 1920s at Thornden School last week.

I don’t mean that slates and the 3 R’s were reintroduced, or that poor performance in class was admonished with a cane across the hand.

No, I mean that this was the decade in which the school’s summer performance of “Singing in the Rain” is set. [Read more…] about Review: Thornden School – Singing in the Rain

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Review: Thornden Community Wind Band Concert

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The Thornden Community Wind Band presented their summer concert, “Round the World in 90 minutes” on Friday 17 June. This was a light-hearted programme of music loosely themed on a trip around the world. Light-hearted doesn’t mean low quality. This was a performance of very high calibre – and great entertainment.

The auditorium was metaphorically became an aeroplane for the concert. The audience were the passengers, the conductor was the pilot, and the band was the engine. We appreciated the range of instruments during the “engine testing” at the start of the concert when a representative from each section played one or two bars of their own choice. [Read more…] about Review: Thornden Community Wind Band Concert

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In the King’s Footsteps on the Great Ship Trail

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Following on from my previous Agincourt posts, I have now received further details of the Free Medieval Weekend, which will celebrate the launch of The King’s Great Ships Trail.

Where and when? At Manor Farm and Country Park on July 30 and 31, 2016. [Read more…] about In the King’s Footsteps on the Great Ship Trail

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Review: One Man, Two Guvnors by Thornden School

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What’s the secret of comedy?

Timing.

Yes, but what else do you need for a play to be funny. A witty script – maybe with some running gags. Visual gags to complement the verbal ones; possibly a bit of intentional confusion caused by misunderstandings and/or mistaken identity – particularly when the audience are in on the joke and the characters aren’t; and slapstick, done well, will always amuse an audience. [Read more…] about Review: One Man, Two Guvnors by Thornden School

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Review: The Pirates of Penzance by Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society

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Last weekend I saw The Pirates of Penzance at The Point theatre. I really enjoyed it and it surprised me as I didn’t know much about the musical.

It is about a bunch of pirates who get involved in an insane plot to do with a Major-General. It’s a really nonsensical plot and it doesn’t make much sense, but in a musical like this it doesn’t matter. All the characters are really cartoony and over the top and they fit the tone perfectly. [Read more…] about Review: The Pirates of Penzance by Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society

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Review: The Pocket Dream by Chameleon Theatre Company

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I went to see The Pocket Dream, written by Elly Brewer and Sandi Toksvig, on 30th April 2016 at The Chameleon Theatre Group based at the Ritchie Memorial Hall in Hursley Road.

Despite living in Chandler’s Ford for over 20 years, this was the first time I had managed to get to one of the Chameleons’ productions.  Many thanks to Lionel Elliot for supplying director’s notes, the cast list and some of the images of the show (which were taken by Dave Wilkins).  [Read more…] about Review: The Pocket Dream by Chameleon Theatre Company

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Not Britain’s Got Talent

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You may have noticed that Britain’s Got Talent is back on our screens.

I’ll admit to having an ambivalent attitude to the programme. It’s not something I go out of my way to watch but when I do I find it generally entertaining. [Read more…] about Not Britain’s Got Talent

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Chandler’s Ford St. George’s Day Parade 2016

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This post is about Chandler’s Ford St. George’s Day Parade last Sunday (24th April 2016).

The parade was led by “The Spitfires” – the brilliant 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford St. George’s Day Parade 2016

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Review: The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band St. George’s Day Concert 2016

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The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band (better known as The Spitfires) returned to Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church last weekend for a St George’s Day concert in aid of One Community.

As we have come to expect from a band of such high calibre, the concert showcased the musician’s skills and wide repertoire. We were also treated to a display by the band’s Corps of Drums, who had been busy with other scouting activities at the October concert.
[Read more…] about Review: The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band St. George’s Day Concert 2016

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Watching the Detectives

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I had the great joy last week of going to see An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley with a friend at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton.

My friend had seen the film which was why she was keen to see the play version. I love detective fiction and thought seeing one in a play format would be interesting. I was right – it was!
[Read more…] about Watching the Detectives

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History: News from Agincourt

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Given I love history, it was a pleasure to write about the Road to Agincourt project, including the bringing to life via a play of Sir Bevis of Hampton, the legend associated with Southampton. 

This post brings news of a new woodland trail, a medieval weekend festival, and interactive wearable map which tie in with the Agincourt project. [Read more…] about History: News from Agincourt

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Coffee vs Discount in Eastleigh

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I had an eye test appointment last week in Eastleigh. This was the only reason I needed to go to the town centre, but while I was there I visited one of the many coffee shops for refreshment.

As I sipped my Americano I wondered why. Why had I decided to spend over £2 on a coffee that I didn’t really need when I was only a five-minute walk from home where I could have one for nothing. Why is a coffee stop now regularly included in a routine shopping trip? Why do we need so many coffee shops? [Read more…] about Coffee vs Discount in Eastleigh

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Review: Sudden Death at Thornbury Manor by Chandler’s Ford MDG Players

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Last Thursday, my mum and I watched an intriguing drama Sudden Death at Thornbury Manor, performed by Chandler’s Ford MDG Players, at the Methodist Church Hall.

What’s this Sudden Death all about? A murder?

The play is about a rich and unpleasant nobleman (played by Lester Parry) [Read more…] about Review: Sudden Death at Thornbury Manor by Chandler’s Ford MDG Players

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As You Like It… and I Did!

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I had the great joy of going to see As You Like It on Thursday, 25th February 2016 at Thornden Hall.

Having experienced the wonders of Shakespeare’s best known tragedy, Hamlet, late in 2015, I was curious to find out how I was going to get on with one of the Bard of Avon’s comedies. [Read more…] about As You Like It… and I Did!

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Producing a Local Legend: Sir Bevis of Hampton

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I love history. Always have done. Always will do. I suppose this is because history is another form of storytelling. It tells the story of where we come from.

I believe there is a great deal of truth in the saying that a nation which forgets its history is destined to relive it.

Stories can be told in many ways to reach differing audiences and this is true for history too.  I’ve recently heard of a new comic book (Blood and Valour) and play (The Legends of Sir Bevis) about local mythical medieval hero, Sir Bevis of Hampton. [Read more…] about Producing a Local Legend: Sir Bevis of Hampton

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