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What's On
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 Parking on-site |
 Parking nearby |
 Designated wheelchair user parking spaces |
 Level entrance |
 Alternative wheelchair access at side or rear |
 Ramped approach down to entrance |
 Ramped approach up to entrance |
 Steps at main entrance |
 Standard WC facilities |
 Wheelchair accessible toilet |
 Assistance dogs welcomed |
 Accessible lift for wheelchair users |
 Sound enhancement systems available |
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Sun 15 Feb
15.00
Don't Let The Pigeon Stay Up Late!!
Brentwood Theatre
15 Shenfield Road
Brentwood
CM15 8AG |
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01277 200305
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| The Pigeon is back in the sequel to the highly successful show ‘Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus!’ It’s time for bed, the Bus Driver wants Pigeon to go to bed, all his friends want him to go to bed but Pigeon wants to stay up late. The question is…Will you let him?!? Pigeon is a tenacious little thing: he whines, bribes, pleads and even sings a song to get his way. Devised by Mo Willems (Emmy award winner and writer with Sesame St.), this funny interactive show features an original music score and will appeal to kids and adults alike, not least because parents will be no stranger to the antics of the pigeon…. |
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Sun 15 Feb
15.00
Rapunzel and the Tower of Doom by Theatre of Widdershins
Leighs Village Hall
Boreham Road
Great Leighs
CM3 1NH |
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01245 361323
01245 362330
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| Tangles? Split Ends? Frizzy? Flyaway? It’s bad enough having a bad hair day but pity poor Rapunzel spending her life in a tower with some strange woman using her captive’s locks as a step ladder! What sort of damage is that going to do to your hair?
Essex on Tour favourites, Theatre of Widdershins bring you yet another classic fable reproduced in their unique way with beautifully crafted sets, magical puppets and a witty music score that will appeal to all ages.
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Mon 16 Feb
14.00
Rapunzel and the Tower of Doom by Theatre of Widdershins
The Sweyne Park School
Sir Walter Rayleigh Drive
Rayleigh
SS6 9BZ |
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01702 545771
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| Tangles? Split Ends? Frizzy? Flyaway? It’s bad enough having a bad hair day but pity poor Rapunzel spending her life in a tower with some strange woman using her captive’s locks as a step ladder! What sort of damage is that going to do to your hair?
Essex on Tour favourites, Theatre of Widdershins bring you yet another classic fable reproduced in their unique way with beautifully crafted sets, magical puppets and a witty music score that will appeal to all ages.
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Fri 20 Feb
19.30
Berlin to Broadway by Shoo Shoo Baby
Layer Marney Tower
Layer Marney
nr Colchester
CO5 9US |
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01206 330784
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| Originally commissioned for performance in Berlin recreating the smoky atmosphere of the notorious Kit Kat Club, the Shoo Shoo’s heroically perform the entire history of cabaret from its grimy roots in Berlin to its sensational coming of age on Broadway. Featuring witty new arrangements of classics such as ‘All The Jazz’ and a hilarious multi-lingual rendition of ‘New York, New York’, the show climaxes with table top tap dancing by the audience. Expect great singing, lashings of mascara and more costume changes than a Diana Ross concert. |
| ' Wonderful, a real heart warming show' - Runnymede Hall. |
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Fri 20 Feb
15.00
Don't Let The Pigeon Stay Up Late!!
St Jonhs Arc
St Johns Walk
Market St
Harlow
CM1 0AJ |
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01279 442 44
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| The Pigeon is back in the sequel to the highly successful show ‘Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus!’ It’s time for bed, the Bus Driver wants Pigeon to go to bed, all his friends want him to go to bed but Pigeon wants to stay up late. The question is…Will you let him?!? Pigeon is a tenacious little thing: he whines, bribes, pleads and even sings a song to get his way. Devised by Mo Willems (Emmy award winner and writer with Sesame St.), this funny interactive show features an original music score and will appeal to kids and adults alike, not least because parents will be no stranger to the antics of the pigeon…. |
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Sat 21 Feb
20.00
Berlin to Broadway by Shoo Shoo Baby
Blackmore Hall
Nine Ashes Road
Blackmore
CM4 0QW |
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01277 822653
01277 822266
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| Originally commissioned for performance in Berlin recreating the smoky atmosphere of the notorious Kit Kat Club, the Shoo Shoo’s heroically perform the entire history of cabaret from its grimy roots in Berlin to its sensational coming of age on Broadway. Featuring witty new arrangements of classics such as ‘All The Jazz’ and a hilarious multi-lingual rendition of ‘New York, New York’, the show climaxes with table top tap dancing by the audience. Expect great singing, lashings of mascara and more costume changes than a Diana Ross concert. |
| ' Wonderful, a real heart warming show' - Runnymede Hall. |
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Sat 21 Feb
19.30
lestyn Edwards - Madam Galina/Anything for a Tenner
Rayne Village Hall
Oak Meadow
Gore Road
Rayne
CM77 6JT |
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01376 344412
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| A show in two parts. The first half introduces the irrepressible Madam Galina, a prima-ballerina sent over by the Russian government to do outreach work in a village that can not access ‘art’, where all the staff are on day release and the audience – you!, are enlisted to help her out of a series of tricky situations. Suspend all rationality for this one and just come see it – it’s hilarious and has taken Edwards to Iraq where he’s become a favourite of the forces, no mean feat for a generously proportioned man in a tutu. The second half of the show is no less side splitting for while he dons a suit and looks ‘normal’, the ascerbic wit, merciless observations and utterly bizarre childhood reminiscences mark him out as a one-man tour de force. This accompanied by his beautiful tenor, delivering the songs of Cole Porter, Noel Coward and Richard Rogers amongst others.
2 x 45 mins 15+
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Thu 26 Feb
19.30
‘Unforgettable’ a tribute to Nat King Cole
Gable Hall School
Southend Road
Corringham
Stanford Le Hope
SS17 8JT |
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01375 400800
ext 143
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| And he was….literally, unforgettable. Pianist to the Shoo Shoo’s, he made such an impression amongst audiences up and down the country that he decided to tour with his own trio. With guitarist Dave Blenkhorn and bassist Jonty Fisher, award winning pianist and vocalist Craig Schneider give tribute to Nat ‘King’ Cole, Cole Porter and Irving Berlin amongst many. With their own unique arrangements and three part vocal harmonies this is an exhilarating night of swing and jazz. |
| 'Craig develivers a stunning tribute to the great crooner and with his voice, zeal and wit he really seals the deal' |
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Sat 28 Feb
19.30
Conjuring Up Comedy - Ian Keable
Great Baddow Parish Hall
19 Maldon Road
Great Baddow
Chelmsford
CM2 7DW |
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01245 472448
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| It could be said that for some, the urge to run away with the circus runs deep and no-one more than Keable exemplifies this who as a successful accountant, decided to chuck it in and become a magical comedian. Or comic Magician. You choose. But do not miss the opportunity to be treated to his unique brand of acerbic humour delivering hilarious anecdotes about how and why he made the transition and accompanied by spellbinding trickery. Mind-reading, sleight of hand and featuring a lemon, two bank notes (of course) and a couple of rogue chairs that refuse to be parted from the bottoms of the inhabitants all feature in this treat of ‘VAT – very amusing tricks’. |
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Sat 28 Feb
19.30
‘Unforgettable’ a tribute to Nat King Cole
Willingale Village Hall
The Street
Willingale
CM5 0SN |
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01277 896224
01277896304
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| And he was….literally, unforgettable. Pianist to the Shoo Shoo’s, he made such an impression amongst audiences up and down the country that he decided to tour with his own trio. With guitarist Dave Blenkhorn and bassist Jonty Fisher, award winning pianist and vocalist Craig Schneider give tribute to Nat ‘King’ Cole, Cole Porter and Irving Berlin amongst many. With their own unique arrangements and three part vocal harmonies this is an exhilarating night of swing and jazz. |
| 'Craig develivers a stunning tribute to the great crooner and with his voice, zeal and wit he really seals the deal' |
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Fri 06 Mar
19.30
An Evening with Mervyn Stutter
Toppesfield Village Hall
Church Lane
Toppesfield
CO9 4DS |
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01787 238045
01787 236003
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| Mervyn Stutter is a comedian, satirical songwriter, founder member of the Flying Pickets and the star of BBC Radio 4's hit comedy 'Getting Nowhere Fast" - the story of Merv, a wilting flower child in the 21st Century. Now on the road with his critically acclaimed show of stand up comedy and song, there is something for everybody in his show as he tries to make sense of an ever confusing world.
For middle aged baby boomers and younger adults who despair of their parents...? |
| "Hilarious menopausal songs"
The Observer
"Stutter is a sharp as any, as funny as any and more informed than most."
The Times |
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Fri 06 Mar
19.30
‘Unforgettable’ a tribute to Nat King Cole
Runnymede Hall
Behind the Council Offices
Kiln Road
Benfleet
SS7 1TF |
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01268 882486
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| And he was….literally, unforgettable. Pianist to the Shoo Shoo’s, he made such an impression amongst audiences up and down the country that he decided to tour with his own trio. With guitarist Dave Blenkhorn and bassist Jonty Fisher, award winning pianist and vocalist Craig Schneider give tribute to Nat ‘King’ Cole, Cole Porter and Irving Berlin amongst many. With their own unique arrangements and three part vocal harmonies this is an exhilarating night of swing and jazz. |
| 'Craig develivers a stunning tribute to the great crooner and with his voice, zeal and wit he really seals the deal' |
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Sat 07 Mar
19.30
An Evening with Mervyn Stutter
Toppesfield Village Hall
Church Lane
Toppesfield
CO9 4DS |
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01787 238045
01787 236003
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| Mervyn Stutter is a comedian, satirical songwriter, founder member of the Flying Pickets and the star of BBC Radio 4's hit comedy 'Getting Nowhere Fast" - the story of Merv, a wilting flower child in the 21st Century. Now on the road with his critically acclaimed show of stand up comedy and song, there is something for everybody in his show as he tries to make sense of an ever confusing world.
For middle aged baby boomers and younger adults who despair of their parents...? |
| "Hilarious menopausal songs"
The Observer
"Stutter is a sharp as any, as funny as any and more informed than most."
The Times |
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Sun 08 Mar
19.00
An Evening with Mervyn Stutter
Leighs Village Hall
Boreham Road
Great Leighs
CM3 1NH |
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01245 361323
01245 362330
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| Mervyn Stutter is a comedian, satirical songwriter, founder member of the Flying Pickets and the star of BBC Radio 4's hit comedy 'Getting Nowhere Fast" - the story of Merv, a wilting flower child in the 21st Century. Now on the road with his critically acclaimed show of stand up comedy and song, there is something for everybody in his show as he tries to make sense of an ever confusing world.
For middle aged baby boomers and younger adults who despair of their parents...? |
| "Hilarious menopausal songs"
The Observer
"Stutter is a sharp as any, as funny as any and more informed than most."
The Times |
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Sat 14 Mar
19.30
Sophie Garner Trio
Feering Community Centre
Coggeshall Road
Feering
C05 9QB |
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01376 572467
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| Having spent the last year recording her 3rd album of completely new and self-penned material, she’s also been busy fitting in support slots with the likes of Will Young, The Sugababes and McFly. With pianist and double bass accompanists, her performance tonight will include her unique interpretations of jazz, soul and blues standards as well as her own material from the forthcoming album |
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Sat 14 Mar
19.30
Conjuring Up Comedy - Ian Keable
Ashen Memorial Village Hall
The Street
Ashen
CO10 8JP |
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01440 788025
01440 785535
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| It could be said that for some, the urge to run away with the circus runs deep and no-one more than Keable exemplifies this who as a successful accountant, decided to chuck it in and become a magical comedian. Or comic Magician. You choose. But do not miss the opportunity to be treated to his unique brand of acerbic humour delivering hilarious anecdotes about how and why he made the transition and accompanied by spellbinding trickery. Mind-reading, sleight of hand and featuring a lemon, two bank notes (of course) and a couple of rogue chairs that refuse to be parted from the bottoms of the inhabitants all feature in this treat of ‘VAT – very amusing tricks’. |
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Thu 19 Mar
19.30
Old Mother Hubbard and her Cupboard - Garlic Theatre
Gable Hall School
Southend Road
Corringham
Stanford Le Hope
SS17 8JT |
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01375 400800
ext 143
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| ‘…went to the cupboard to fetch her poor dog a bone. But when she got there, the cupboard was bare…’ Or was it?! The latest production from the much-loved Garlic Theatre is a delight for families with a spicy blend of slapstick and folk humour with beautifully-crafted glove puppets, singing teapots and a feast of a musical score.
4+ 50 mins |
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Thu 19 Mar
19.00
Caratinga - Choro & Samba (The Music of Brazil)
Gateway Academy
Marshfoot Road
Tilbury
RM16 4LU |
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0845 300 526
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| Brazil’s greatest musical export is undoubtedly the music and songs of the Samba along with its instrumental twin style Choro which together form a tradition stretching back more than a century. Caratinga are one of Britain’s finest exponents of the genre featuring Anselmo Netto on Mandolin & percussion, Jonathan Preiss on seven stringed guitar, Leandra Varanda on vocals and Felipe Karam on violin and the cavaquinho, a Brazilian form of the ukulele. Having seduced audiences up and down the country with notable performances at the Eden Project, The Royal Albert Hall’s ‘Ignite’ series and favourites of the rural touring network, we are delighted to include them the current season. |
| 'Fabolous music, uplifting beats - a real pick me up' |
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Sun 22 Mar
20.00
Bridget Metcalf Soul Band
Theatre Resource
Great Stony,
High Street
Chipping Ongar
CM5 0AD |
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01277 366194
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| Known to many as a presenter on BBC Radio Essex, she is fast securing a reputation in the UK soul Sweet Rhythms Chart with her release ‘On The Beach’, received with great enthusiasm by Solar Radio DJ’s. Having spent the last year writing and recording material for her new album, a new release ‘Things Are Over Now’ is out now and she is currently touring with her soul band who come with an impressive pedigree, some of whom having toured with the likes of Annie Lennox, Des’ree and Courtney Pine.
All ages, 2 x 50 mins |
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Fri 27 Mar
20.00
Our Folk Cabaret Comedy Show by The New Rope String Band
St Jonhs Arc
St Johns Walk
Market St
Harlow
CM1 0AJ |
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01279 442 44
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| Born out of the Old Rope String Band which sadly came to an untimely end with the tragic death of Joe Scurfield comes the New Rope String Band, a testimony to their irrepressible energy and joie de vivre. If they had a mission statement it would be ‘Boundless energy, exuberant spectacles and beautiful music executed with kindness’. They play a big assortment of things and all sorts of hoedown pan-celtic old-timey up-beat down-home music. All this is combined with bizarre physical nonsense and clowning about. And singing. And dancing.
We’re proud to have them back and thoroughly recommend this as a cure-all for the winter blues.
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Sat 28 Mar
20.00
Flamenco Flava - Sumaya
Rowhedge Vilage Hall
Rectory Road,
Rowhedge
Colchester
C05 7HX |
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01206 728693
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| Three dancers, Britain’s most sought after Flamenco guitarist, one vocalist and a multi-instrumentalist percussionist make up the awesome and raw energy of Sumaya, probably London’s finest example of this genre. Forged from a meeting of minds and talents from around the globe, they take this traditional Spanish art form and reproduce it as it should be, in the intimacy of a small hall with few frills, immediately transforming it with their collective energy and red blooded passion. A fantastic assault on the senses, this is an evening that will inspire young and old alike. |
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Sat 28 Mar
19.30
Our Folk Cabaret Comedy Show by The New Rope String Band
Castle Hedingham Memorial Hall
Church Lane
Castle Hedingham
CO9 3DA |
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01787 460065
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| Born out of the Old Rope String Band which sadly came to an untimely end with the tragic death of Joe Scurfield comes the New Rope String Band, a testimony to their irrepressible energy and joie de vivre. If they had a mission statement it would be ‘Boundless energy, exuberant spectacles and beautiful music executed with kindness’. They play a big assortment of things and all sorts of hoedown pan-celtic old-timey up-beat down-home music. All this is combined with bizarre physical nonsense and clowning about. And singing. And dancing.
We’re proud to have them back and thoroughly recommend this as a cure-all for the winter blues.
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Thu 16 Apr
14.00
Old Mac and the Three Pigs by Booster Cushion Theatre
Rochford Library
Boleyn House
Roche Close
Rochford
SS4 1PS |
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01702 546688
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| Another classic tale is given the inimitable Booster Cushion treatment which involves a gamut of squeaking wild animals, a giant concertina book and of course, you the audience. Full of high energy, good natured fun and slightly anarchic, the show is specially designed to engage the children in the storyline as much as possible. A real treat for families and young children |
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Sat 18 Apr
20.00
Landscape, Seascape, Skyscape, Escape - Chris Dobrowolski
Rayne Village Hall
Oak Meadow
Gore Road
Rayne
CM77 6JT |
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01376 344412
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| Heath Robinson creations meet the boyish adventurous charm of a Roald Dahl character? Artist and sculpture Chris Dobrowolski is a local hero who has constructed a number of bizarre vehicles out of junk expressing perhaps an inner need within us all to escape. His first creation was a boat made out of driftwood while a student at Hull University from which he’s gone on to build a lawnmower engine propelled tank and a plane fashioned out of tea chests. They actually work…to an extent as seen on an intentionally crackly super-8 film, but the real attraction is his engaging, hilarious monologues which made him an official highlight of the Edinburgh fringe in 2007. Unique.
12 + 2 x 60 mins
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Thu 23 Apr
19.30
With a Little Bit O'luck - a tribute to Stanley Holloway
Freight House
The Pullman Suite
Freight House
Bradley Way
Rochford
SS4 1BU |
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01702 318171
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| The happy go lucky story of Stanley Holloway - the man, the music and the monologues. He was blessed with arguably one of the most endearing, enduring, and unique talents on the British stage from the irrespressible 'Co-optimists' to the now legendary Ealing Comedies.
This show affectionately traces Stan's ever upward steps on the seemingly insurmountable ladder to stardom which had
him rubbing shoulders with the cream of showbiz high society. Cosmotheka's Dave Sealy, sometimes narrator and sometimes the man himself takes us on this journey with lovingly performed monologes such as 'My word you do look queer' and 'Brahn Boots' along with classic songs such as 'I'm getting married in the morning' and 'With a little bit 'o luck'. |
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Sat 25 Apr
19.30
With a Little Bit O'luck - a tribute to Stanley Holloway
Murray Hall
106 Borders Lane
Loughton
1G10 3SB |
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020 8508 420
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| The happy go lucky story of Stanley Holloway - the man, the music and the monologues. He was blessed with arguably one of the most endearing, enduring, and unique talents on the British stage from the irrespressible 'Co-optimists' to the now legendary Ealing Comedies.
This show affectionately traces Stan's ever upward steps on the seemingly insurmountable ladder to stardom which had
him rubbing shoulders with the cream of showbiz high society. Cosmotheka's Dave Sealy, sometimes narrator and sometimes the man himself takes us on this journey with lovingly performed monologes such as 'My word you do look queer' and 'Brahn Boots' along with classic songs such as 'I'm getting married in the morning' and 'With a little bit 'o luck'. |
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Thu 04 Jun
19.30
Caratinga - Choro & Samba (The Music of Brazil)
Gable Hall School
Southend Road
Corringham
Stanford Le Hope
SS17 8JT |
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01375 400800
ext 143
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| Brazil’s greatest musical export is undoubtedly the music and songs of the Samba along with its instrumental twin style Choro which together form a tradition stretching back more than a century. Caratinga are one of Britain’s finest exponents of the genre featuring Anselmo Netto on Mandolin & percussion, Jonathan Preiss on seven stringed guitar, Leandra Varanda on vocals and Felipe Karam on violin and the cavaquinho, a Brazilian form of the ukulele. Having seduced audiences up and down the country with notable performances at the Eden Project, The Royal Albert Hall’s ‘Ignite’ series and favourites of the rural touring network, we are delighted to include them the current season. |
| 'Fabolous music, uplifting beats - a real pick me up' |
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