I had to get some sort of panto pun in somewhere, so why not go for it in the title, eh? Earlier this week I paid a visit to Lighthouse Poole for its annual pantomime – a staple in many families’ Christmas traditions.
Now, I’ve not been to the panto since I was much younger so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I went along to the show with my theatre aficionado uncle who told me his ‘bingo card’ of what jokes and topical references he thought might pop up across the country this season.
Various boxes were ticked throughout the show with topics including Brexit (and the general political state of the nation), Strictly Come Dancing, and I’m A Celebrity, not forgetting at least one song from The Greatest Showman.
This year’s script, written by Chris Jarvis (also starring as a fantastic Dick Whittington) and Peter Duncan, has some absolutely cracking local jokes in there – from a dig at the recent Twin Sails Bridge trouble, to dropping in a few well-known names, it really feels like the story has made itself at home in the town of Poole.
Another tick on our theoretical bingo card went down a real treat with the audience. You have honestly not seen anything until you’re in a room of excitable children (pick’n’mix in tow) go absolutely wild for ‘Baby Shark’. It puts a festival crowd for SOME BAND to shame. While all this was happening, we had a great UV show of dancing fish, octopus, and seahorses, with bubbles floating through the air and over-sized balls being bounced through the audience.
Many traditions of pantomime were upheld throughout, I know this because I’m now an expert thanks to my uncle’s help. For example, the fairy should always enter from stage right and the villain from stage left – and neither should cross the centre line. Fairy Bow Belles (Charlotte Knowles) and King Rat (Craig Rhys Barlow) bounce off of each other so well to bring the audience into the story between scenes.
The absolute stand-out scene for me was under the decks of Alderman Fitzwarren’s (Richard Gibson) ship, the ‘Proud Mary’, where the ship’s kitchen has been built on rockers for ultimate slapstick comedic effect. I genuinely felt like I could have been on the boat with them while watching it rock from side to side.
My uncle’s work with panto doesn’t end with extensive trivia, he’s also worked alongside Chris Jarvis and Peter Duncan this year to create a series of symbol resources to ensure the show is accessible for all. The plot summaries introduce characters and give an outline of the story, as well as providing downloadable colouring sheets, flashcards, and guides on what to expect when going to the panto.
Dick Whittington is at Lighthouse, Poole, until 31st December and tickets are available here.
Lilliput Road property development Crosstrees launches luxury show home at upcoming open day event on Saturday 24 June from 10am – 4pm.
Crosstrees is set to reveal an impeccably designed new show home, price lists and floorplans for the eagerly awaited phase 2 of the project. With prices ranging from £425,000 – £1.45m, the beautifully appointed show home will typify the newest property comprising nine, two to three bedroom apartments.
The elegantly appointed show-apartment will provide open day visitors with a taste of life at Crosstrees and experience the natural beauty of its surroundings. In addition to the new show-apartment Crosstrees are pleased to welcome Mercedes-Benz of Poole who will be showcasing the newest luxury models. Also present at the event is lifestyle and property management firm APARO, providing information on the services they offer in Poole and London.
Following the successful launches of buildings 74 and 76, building 78 features the same high quality specifications and design aesthetics. Each open plan apartment has been highly considered putting buyers living needs first. Featuring wood, glass and Portland Stone each space is designed to evoke feelings of calm and serenity whilst exuding sheer luxury.
Nestled among beautiful trees and wildlife, the third building is located in one of the most sought after postcodes in Sandbanks. Adjacent to the famous Parkstone Golf Club and a stone’s throw away from the unparalleled beaches and picturesque Sandbanks peninsula, it’s must see for those seeking a beautiful home and an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
Riccardo Dawson, head of design at Shape Real Estate, said: “We’re immensely proud of the Crosstrees development. Every last detail of each apartment has been considered, exuding comfort whilst maintaining our ethos for luxury living.
“Its location in an area of such outstanding natural beauty is also part of its appeal, allowing residents the freedom to explore the stunning coastline and countryside. We’re looking forward to sharing our newest building with the public this June.”
Wave 105 Cash for Kids raised £15,568 in aid of Naomi House Children’s Hospice as a result of listeners organising a Superhero Day during May. The total was announced on Rick Jackson’s Breakfast Show on Monday, 5 June.
Businesses, organisations and schools along the south coast supported Wave 105 Cash for Kids by choosing a day during May to raise money for disadvantaged children by taking part in a Superhero Day.
Samantha Tanner, charity manager of Cash for Kids, said: “We are overwhelmed by the response that we have had to this year’s Wave 105 Cash for Kids’ Superhero Day. Many organisations supported the annual event in May by holding bake sales and wearing their best superhero outfits to the office, tights and all.
“The money raised will be donated to Naomi House Children’s Hospice to put towards a hydrotherapy suite, which offers families the chance to use the pool when they may not otherwise have had the opportunity.”
Paul Morgan, head of fundraising at Naomi House, said: “We were delighted to work with Wave 105 Cash for Kids and their listeners for Superhero Day. We really appreciated the chance for our Naomi House families, care team members and some dedicated fundraisers to speak on the radio about their experience of our service.
“The support from Wave 105 Cash for Kids is focused on the refurbishment of our hydrotherapy services and we feel that the stories shared throughout the day demonstrated the value that everyone gets by using the pool.”
In the Wave 105 studio, staff and presenters also organised their own Superhero Day fun in aid of Naomi House, by wearing their superhero outfits throughout the day, including presenter Gary Parker who went to work dressed as Superman.
The Bournemouth & Poole College is due to host the first Great British Barber Bash (GBBB) in Dorset on Tuesday May 9 from 5.45pm.
Hair and barber professionals in the area, as well as students studying hair and barbering apprenticeships, are encouraged to attend the national event. Five barber industry professionals will be at the event to give a three hour in-depth presentation showcasing the latest cuts and trends of the trade.
Darren Jones, Harry and Rhys Green, Simon Kibbler and Greg Mcerlane are barbering professionals from team GBBB, who will be offering advice and demonstrating their skills and barbering techniques during the event.
With more than 26 years’ experience in the industry Darren Jones has travelled the world as a platform artist and international educator for the leading provider of hair products, Andis. Darren’s extensive knowledge covers all areas of barbering and men’s hairdressing, he is a qualified trichologist and dermatologist and also specialises in afro hair.
Rachel Allen, hair and barbering apprenticeship coordinator at The Bournemouth & Poole College, said: ‘‘We are thrilled that The College has been given the chance to host the region’s Great British Barber Bash. It is a fantastic opportunity to have five of the industry’s leading barbers in one place to pass on their knowledge and experience to our aspiring barbers.’’
The Bournemouth & Poole College has a number of courses for those seeking a qualification in barbering and hairdressing. A barbering apprenticeship allows students to work in a salon environment while they gain the qualifications needed at The College.
A level two diploma in barbering is also available to study at The College for those wishing to go straight into the industry as a junior barber upon completion of the course. Students can then progress to study a level three diploma to become a fully qualified barber.
Hairdressing apprenticeships and diplomas on offer at The College also cover barbering as part of the course’s content.
Brewery Square in Dorchester is set to host another street food market at the end of the month, offering local shoppers and visitors an array of culinary delights.
The market will take place in the main hub of Brewery Square on Saturday April 29 and Sunday April 30, opening at 10am. There will be a selection of food stalls available for visitors, including Portuguese, Italian, Caribbean and a range of other cuisines.
Food stalls available on the day include Urban Larder Caterers serving up Portuguese cuisine, including salt cod fritters with chipotle mayo, chorizo scotch eggs and piri piri chicken wings; Ethics Pizza offering a range of freshly cooked pizzas and Roger Moore Caribbean providing jerk chicken, curry goat and traditional rice ‘n’ peas.
Other traders confirmed for the two-day event include Bubble Tea, Heavenly Sausage, Somerset Fudge, Nella and Greek Kook. Food will be available until 5pm.
Charlotte Spracklen, centre manager at Brewery Square, said: “We’re delighted to bring the street food market back to Brewery Square. Our first one took place at the end of March and it was such a success that we are hosting another, only this time spread over two days.
“There will be live music and a great family atmosphere. The tasty snacks available are sure to tickle everybody’s taste buds.”
Li Tong, owner at Street Food Market, said: “Myself and the team would like to thank Brewery Square for helping make the first event such a success. We look forward to returning for another great street food market.”
The retail offering at Brewery Square includes HOBBS, Phase Eight, Jones Bootmaker, Joules and Stolen from Susie. Restaurants include Zizzi, Carluccio’s, Wagamama and Morrish and Banham wine merchant and tasting room.
A full list of events at Brewery Square can be found online at brewerysquare.com
Cotswold-based clothing company Weird Fish has launched its SS17 collection, just in time for spring. The comfortable, easy-to-wear range of clothing features weekend essentials such as harem pants, jersey skirts and playsuits for women as well as board shorts and short sleeved check shirts for men.
Designs are beachy and relaxed with a nod to coast and country living. With the unpredictable English weather in mind, the collection also includes spring to summer transitional items such as waterproof jackets in colour-pop hues and lightweight knitwear.
Weird Fish’s best-selling jersey skirt, The Malmo, is back in seven unique prints for the season. Priced at £30, the colourful print on the soft cotton skirt offers a comfortable look for work or play. The skirt is designed with a thick waistband and A-line style, promising to be a firm favourite again this season.
The sweetest item in the womenswear collection is the popular Tallahassee jersey dress, which returns in three different prints for the season. Available for £30, the all-over ice cream motif print is perfect for when the barbecue invites start to roll in.
For men, the clothing brand offers a range of graphic T-shirts, ever-popular with the brand’s loyal fans. The T-shirt catalogue includes artist designs, such as The Seagull has Landed T-shirt, available for £20 in a range of shades, moonlight blue, barberry red, and light teal. Team relaxed fit graphic T-shirts with board shorts for sunshine-filled weekends exploring.
For a fun and stylish look, the short sleeved Render shirt (£32) boasts a bold Hawaiian print or for something more subtle, choose the Ardmore shirt (£35) for its reverse palm print. Effortless summer style is guaranteed from these wardrobe favourites.
John Stockton, managing director at Weird Fish, said: “The new SS17 range is packed full of go-to items for wearing on any occasion – whether it’s a day at the beach, a family barbeque, or a simple stroll through town”.
The Weird Fish SS17 collection is available from Thursday March 30 in-store (13 branded stores across the country and nationwide stockists) and also online Weirdfish.co.uk
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