Places&Faces® North & West Norfolk · 06 · September 2017

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SEPTEMBER 2017

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SUZI QUATRO

LULU CELEBRITIES / FOOD / TRAVEL / FASHION / HOMES & GARDENS / THEATRE ISSUE № 06

www.placesandfaces.co.uk

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el consumption figures for the Honda range in mpg (l/100km): Urban Cycle 28.0 – 72.4 (10.1 – 3.9), Extra Urban 43.5 – 83.1 (6.5 – 3.4), Combined 36.7 – 78.5 (7.7 – 3.6). CO2 emissions 179 – 94g/ Call 01553 762984 or Search Crown Garage Honda King’s Lynn m. Fuel consumption figures sourced from official EU-regulated laboratory test results, are provided for comparison purposes and may not reflect real-life driving experience. Models Shown: Jazz FuelEX consumption figuresOrchid for the Pearl, HondaCivic range129PS in mpg (l/100km): Urban Cycle – 72.4 (10.1 – 3.9), Extra Urban 43.5 Steel, – 83.1 (6.5 3.4), 2.0 Combined – 78.5 (7.7 – 3.6).

CO2 emissions 179 – 94g/ i-VTEC Manual in White VTEC SE in Lunar Silver,28.0 HR-V 1.6 i-DTEC S Manual in Modern and –CR-V i-VTEC36.7 S Manual 2WD in Twilight Blue Metallic.

Terms and km. Fuel consumption figuresoffer sourced EU-regulated laboratory test results, are provided may not reflect real-life driving experience.

Shown: Jazz onditions: Nil Advance Payment on from Jazz official 1.3 i-VTEC EX Manual, £299 Advance Payment offer for on comparison Civic 129PSpurposes VTEC SEand Manual, £1,499 Advance Payment offer on Models HR-V 1.6 i-DTEC S Manual 1.3 i-VTEC EX Manual in White Orchid Pearl, Civic 129PS VTEC SE in Lunar Silver, HR-V 1.6 i-DTEC S Manual in Modern Steel, and CR-V 2.0 i-VTEC S Manual 2WD in Twilight Blue Metallic.

Terms and d £299 Advance Payment on CR-V 2.0 i-VTEC S Manual 2WD.. All offers are correct at the time of going to print however Honda (UK) reserves the right to change this offer at any time. Models Nil Written Advancedetails Payment offer onon Jazz 1.3 i-VTEC Manual, £299 Advance Paymentof offer Civic Rate 129PSMobility VTEC SE Manual, £1,499 Advance Payment offer on HR-Vor 1.6War i-DTEC S ManualMobility bject Conditions: to availability. available request.

The EX scheme is available to recipients the on Higher Component of the Disability Living Allowance Pensioners and £299 Advance CR-V 2.0be i-VTEC S Manual 2WD.. All of offers are correct at the time going to print however the right this Operations offer at any Limited time. Models pplement.

To qualify forPayment this offeron you must in receipt of a minimum 12 months allowance.

Validoffor applications betweenHonda 1 July(UK) to 30reserves September 2017to tochange Motability (Registered subject to availability. Written details available on request. The scheme is available to recipients of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance or War Pensioners Mobility mpany No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HB. Promoter is Honda Motor Europe Limited trading as Honda (UK) at Cain Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1HL. Supplement. To qualify for this offer you must be in receipt of a minimum of 12 months allowance. Valid for applications between 1 July to 30 September 2017 to Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HB. Promoter is Honda Motor Europe Limited trading as Honda (UK) at Cain Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1HL.

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Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). Crossland X range: Urban: 43.5 (6.5) – 68.9 (4.1), Extra-urban: 58.9 (4.8) – 85.6 (3.3), Combined: 52.3 (5.4) – 78.5 (3.6). CO2 emissions: 123 – 93g/km.# Personal contract hire offer on Crossland X Elite 1.2 (81PS) including free of charge brilliant paint silver roof rails and premium LED lighting on vehicles ordered by 2 October 2017, subject to availability and status. Age 18+ only. Figures based on a non-maintenance contract hire package with advance rental of £4,740, then 35 monthly rentals of £237. Excess miles over contracted mileage of 24,000 over 36 months charged at 8 pence per mile. Excess charges also apply if you breach manufacturer servicing or maintenance guidelines or if the car exceeds BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear guidelines for its age/ mileage when it is returned to Vauxhall Leasing. Package includes Road Fund Licence and Vauxhall Assistance. Guarantee/indemnity may be required. Prices and details are subject to change without notice. For full specification and Ts&Cs contact your local Retailer. You will not own the car. ALD Automotive Ltd., trading as Vauxhall Leasing, BS16 7LB. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. #Fuel consumption information is official government environmental data, tested in accordance with the relevant EU directive. Official EU-regulated test data is provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. General Motors UK Limited t/a Vauxhall Motors reserves the right to change, amend or withdraw this offer at any point in time. Correct at time of going to press.

GROSVENOR CASINO GREAT YARMOUTH

September Stamp Card Spectacular RUNNING THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER

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M E E T T H E T E A M COLIN HUGGINS MANAGING DIRECTOR

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CONTRIBUTORS:

Richard Bainbridge, John Bultitude, Benet Catty, Peter Clarke, Melanie Cook, Kayla Dunne, Judy Foster, Andrew Florides, Simon Franklin, Samantha Fraser, Julian Gibbons, Georgia Gooch, Pete Goodrum, Carl Lamb, Ellen Mary, Eliza Miller, Nick Mobbs, Mark Nicholls, Hayley Philpot, Franck Pontais, Jennifer Read, James Spicer, Samantha Thompson, David Wakefield

12 ISSUES FOR £24 GENERAL ENQUIRIES

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WELCOME

TO SEPTEMBER’S PLACES&FACES® THIS MONTH HAS A NOSTALGIC feel as we interview some

legends from the world of music.

Pete Goodrum chats to John McNally the founder member of The Searchers who emerged as part of the 1960’s Merseybeat scene and famous for hit singles including Sweets for my Sweet, Needles and Pins, Don’t Throw My Love Away and When You Walk in the Room.

Brothers Ron and Russell Mael formed Sparks an American pop and rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1972, Sparks are best known for the songs “This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us”, which reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart in 1974 and the disco hit “The Number One Song in Heaven” in 1979. We caught up with Russell ahead of The Sparks forthcoming gig at The Waterfront in September.

Back by popular demand after her hugely successful 2016 tour, Lulu is on the road again with her biggest tour yet! We took time out to chat with Lulu for an intimate look into the incredible musical journey of a music legend ahead of her forthcoming Norfolk & Suffolk performances.

And if that is not enough Angela Sara West caught up with the leather clad Suzi Quatro at last month’s Holt Festival to chat about her talk of the town gig, becoming “Doctor Suzi”, the secrets to her success and how she’s kicking herself for turning down Elvis.

Our Whats On pages just keep getting bigger and better as we expand our readership into West Norfolk and West Suffolk.

Our West End review this month features Tony and Emmy award-winner Stockard Channing who has returned to the West End in a new production of Alexi Kate Campbell’s Apologia, directed by Jamie Lloyd.

Benet Catty our theatre reviewer was there on the press night to review the show for you.

Add in fashion, beauty, travel, gardening, interiors and our regular columnists and there is plenty to keep you busy.

So take some time out, sit back and relax with a nice cup of coffee or a glass of your favourite wine and enjoy reading our September issue.

Colin Huggins PS. Congratulations to last month’s competition winner Rita Beane who has won a beautiful necklace from Aurum – we hope you enjoy your prize!

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38

CONTENTS

44

48

13

40 34 65 28

COVER STORY

44 Lulu speaks ahead of her Norfolk and Suffolk dates

SUZI QUATRO BY RODNEY SMITH

PERSONALITIES

34 10 things you might not know about: Rod Stewart 36 The Searchers come to Great Yarmouth 38 Ron Mael of SPARKS 40 Suzi Quatro at last month’s Holt Festival 82 Five minutes with: Stephen Crocker

FASHION, BEAUTY & HEALTH

54 Global Diagnostics: Q&A with Dr Tom Marshall 58 Women’s fashion: Mother of the bride 61 Pink beauty essentials 63 Men’s fashion: in the pink

TRAVEL

48 Our monthly Travel Time round-up 51 Staycations

COMPETITION

33 WIN! A short break in Norfolk worth £200

WHAT’S ON

17 Kayla Dunne Visit North Norfolk 19 What’s on in September 25 What’s on at the Apex 26 West End Review: Apologia 28 The Little Mermaid at Norwich Theatre Royal 30 Classical music comes to Norwich Theatre Royal

FOOD AND DRINK

HOMES AND GARDENS

13 Arcadia Home Interiors: Home Comforts

BUSINESS

77 Financial advice from Carl Lamb

SOCIAL SCENE 78

Bewilderwood - 10th Anniversary Celebrations

65 Franck Pontais: Ile Flottante 67 Richard Bainbridge: Black Forest Gateaux

09

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KITCHEN COLLECTION The Laura Ashley Kitchen Collection is now available to view at:

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INTERIORS

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See more ideas and examples at www.arcadiahome interiors.co.uk Instagram @Arcadia_ Home_Interiors and @Gilmour_Green

‘Y

our home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love’ is a great starting point when it comes to the final stages of decorating your home. Some people find putting it all together tricky, and that actually finishing your home is the hardest part; but this is the icing on the cake!

A time to relish in textures, materials and colour; to find a home for the wonderful things you have collected over the years, each of them reminding you of a happy time in your life – a particular place – or a particular person. Like every aspect of interior design, there are no rules, no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ as this is your home, your place of comfort and security. So whether you love the shabby chic style or modern minimal style, this is the time that your personality shines through. If this is your first home, with only a handful of possessions, then it is also the start of a wonderful journey as you find out more about how you like to express yourself through your interior design choices.

CLOCKS AND CANDLES

As my teenage sons have grown up it has become more apparent that clocks and watches have rapidly lost their place as time telling devices, as nowadays mobile phones or iPads give a constant digital update (on

how close it is to meal times usually!), but I still find comfort in my ticking wristwatch and the huge clock that takes pride of place in the kitchen (set five minutes fast so that I have a hope of getting the boys out of the house and on to the school bus in time).

Wall mounted clocks make a great focal point, modern or traditional, and can either be silent or tick away reassuringly. Mantle clocks are another option and small alarm clocks make a lovely feature on bedside tables.

Smell is a very important aspect of a house I always think – and can make a strong first impression. It is all very well if your home looks fantastic, but if it smells like rotten cabbage or mouldy drains, then that will certainly detract from the overall affect. Reed diffusers and scented candles should only ever enhance a home, and not try to disguise the dodgy drain issue (get a plumber!). Candles made with essential oils like these ones by Wildheart Organics (available at our Interiors showroom) fill a room with therapeutic and harmonising scents like juniper berry, lime and geranium, and cannot fail to lift your spirits and make your home smell delicious.

you the option of different glazing (UV protection for example) and who can mount the images beautifully and finish the backing with felt disks to avoid damage to the walls.

I have recently commissioned Saltmarsh Coast Gallery to produce these incredible floating prints of local, coastal images which look fantastic – floating an inch or so away from the walls.

CUSHIONS AND THROWS

Less is more – more or less? Again, that’s up to you. Cushions and throws are a great way to inject colour and interest into a room. You may invest in a plain sofa or chair but can then choose from a myriad of designs and fabrics to add detail, the same goes for your bed. If you want to match your cushions to your curtains, then I’m sure your curtain maker can rustle up some cushion covers for you or a local seamstress. Throws look stylish across the back of a sofa or chair, or the end of the bed, (we find these throws by Hop Design sell well) when not needed in the warmer months, and are then on hand to wrap yourself in when the autumn chill comes creeping – it won’t be long now…

PRINTS AND PHOTOS

Simply framed photos or prints are a failsafe way of decorating your walls, either in colour or monochrome (or a mixture of both), hang them carefully and take time to use a tape measure and spirit level to get the positioning just right. Having said that, a random array of different sized frames can look just as effective if you prefer that style. Good quality, ready made frames are easily available, but if you have a painting or a photograph that you would like to invest in, then find a good framer who can offer 13

King’s Lynn Corn Exchange September - December Highlights

September

Wednesday 6 - Music and Memories Thu 14 - Sun17 - Rapunzel The Musical Thursday 21 - G4 Live In Concert Friday 29 - Waterloo Saturday 30 - Killer Queen

October

Thursday 5 - The Dreamboys (18+) Friday 6 - Frankie’s Guys Thursday 12 - Masters of The House Friday 13 - Think Floyd Saturday 14 - Soul Legends Sunday Sund 15 - Sing a Long a Beauty and The Beast Thursday 19 - The Tarantinos Saturday 21 - The Carpenters Story Sunday 22 - The Nutcracker Monday 23 - Joel Dommett (14+) Tuesday 24 - High School Rocks Wednesday 25 - Milkshake! Live Saturday 28 - Sensational 60s Experience Sunday 29 - Slade and Mud 2 Tuesday 31 - The Ladyboys of Bangkok

November

Wednesday 1 - Milton Jones Thursday 2 - Foster and Allen Friday 3 - Jason Donovan & his Amazing Midlife Crisis Saturday 4 - Live on Mars, a tribute to David Bowie D Monday 6 - Shakespeare Schools Festival Thursday 9 - A Night of Dirty Dancing Friday 10 - Ray Mears Saturday 11 - Nathan Carter Sunday 12 - Charlie Landsborough Monday 13 - Nina Conti Thursday Thursd 16 - That’ll Be The Day Friday 17 - Boogie Night Thursday 23 - The Live Aid Experience Friday 24 - Vampires Rock Saturday 25 - Someone Like You The Adele Songbook Sunday Sund 26 - Britain’s Got Magic

December

8 -31 - Jack and the Beanstalk Join us for a GIANT of a pantomime this festive season.

Visit our website for a full list of daes and times.

Box Office: 01553 764864 For complete listings see our website www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk

Luxury cottage holiday accommodation in th Norfolk countryside, this sympathetic eight retains many original features. Each barn boas outdoor seating area and is situated on a work farm in a peaceful rural settin

All properties are well equipped for a real h Luxury cottage holiday accommodation in the beautiful south feel. Linen and towels are included, full central Norfolk countryside, this sympathetic eightbarn conversion cooking and washing facilities, cots and highc retains many original features. Each barn boasts its own private ones. Relax and unwind in the shared hot tub o outdoor seating area and is situated on a working dairy and arable kids in the onsite games room. Fitness room an farm in a peaceful rural setting. the little ones.

All properties are well equipped for a real home from home Perfect for families and those who enjoy walki feel. Linen and towels are included, full central heating throughout, cycling, the local area has much to offer for g cooking and washing facilities, cots and highchairs for the little ones. Relax and unwind in the shared hot tub or have fun with the Luxury cottage holiday accommodation in the beautiful south Norfolk countryside, this kids in the onsite games room. Fitness room and soft play area for sympathetic eightbarn conversion retains many original features. Each barn boasts its ownthe little ones.

private outdoor seating area and is situated on a working dairy and arable farm in a peaceful Perfect for families and those who enjoy walking, fishing, golf and rural setting. cycling, the local area has much to offer for guests of all ages.

All properties are well equipped for a real home from home feel. Linen and towels are included, full central heating throughout, cooking and washing facilities, cots and highchairs for the little ones. Relax and unwind in the shared hot tub or have fun with the kids in the onsite games room. Fitness room and soft play area for the little ones.

Contact Joanna Burroughs on 015 or visit www.wheatacrehallbar

Perfect for families and those who enjoy walking, fishing, golf and cycling, the local area has much to offer for guests of all ages.

Contact Joanna Burroughs on 01502 677208 Contact Joanna Burroughs on 01502 677208 or visit www.wheatacrehallbarns.co.uk or visit www.wheatacrehallbarns.co.uk

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1 Old Post Office Street, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 9BL. 15 Market Place, Holt, Norfolk NR25 6BE. Tel 01328 863131 ba@butcherandrews.co.uk / www.butcherandrews.co.uk

When it comes to the breakdown of a marriage or civil partnership, it can be a very difficult and upsetting time for you and your children.

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Don’t compromise, go composite • A front door speaks volumes about a property • 25 different designs to choose from • Thirteen door colours • Multiple glass designs • Thermal Efficient • Secured by design

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VISIT NORTH NORFOLK

WAlK this waY

Rolling countryside, breathtaking coastline, stunning scenery and wildlife make walking in north Norfolk a delight all year round, says Kayla Dunne from Visit North Norfolk

W

ith 45 miles of coastline, verdant countryside with quiet lanes, the Broads National Park and 190 miles of footpaths and nature trails, north Norfolk has it all when it comes to walking. Throughout the area, there are plenty of routes and trails suitable for all ages and abilities including the Norfolk Trails network which has over 1000 miles of walking, cycling and bridle routes throughout Norfolk.

The trails include short and circular routes and long distance walks. There is plenty to challenge, delight and inspire. The county's footpaths are well-maintained and clearly-signed and there are lots of places to begin walking with plenty of pubs, cafes and tearooms en route.

For those wanting to really stretch their legs, pick from one of the Norfolk Trails.

Choose a route which suits experience, ability and time. The Norfolk Coast Path National Trail runs for 63 miles through an area of outstanding natural beauty from Hunstanton to Sea Palling, famous for its wide skies, salt marshes, sandy beaches and gently rolling glacier shaped hinterland, there are fantastic views along the way.

Marriott's Way, follows a 26 mile route through the countryside, which tracks along two disused railway lines, between

the historic market town of Aylsham and the medieval city of Norwich. Along the way discover wildlife such as kestrels, hares and deer, public art and local history.

Marriott's Way itself is a county wildlife site and passes through many interesting landscapes and wildlife habitats, such as the Wensum river valley and Whitwell Common.

Between Cromer and North Walsham runs Paston Way, taking in north Norfolk's beautiful medieval churches. Each church has its own history and one was even moved brick by brick from a cliff top to save it from the sea. To take in all 14 of the churches on the Paston Way, the trail covers 29.5 miles, and ambles down quiet lanes, through picturesque towns and villages, across fields and grazing pastures and disused railway lines. There is also a view of the North Sea and keep an eye out for seals on the stretches of beach walk.

Peddars Way runs from the Brecks, for 46 miles through changing countryside to the north Norfolk coast near Hunstanton, following a Roman road built along the lines of an ancient trackway. Combined with the Norfolk Coast Path, it forms the Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, which is one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales.

Named after the traditional Middle Ages weaving industry in North Walsham,

Weavers' Way runs for 61 miles between Cromer and Great Yarmouth. The trail takes in a rich contrast of scenery, from the woodlands and mixed farmland of north Norfolk to the grazing marshes beside the rivers Thurne, Bure and Yare. Along the way there are flint churches, wind-pumps, country and historic railway infrastructure such as bridges, station buildings and crossing cottages.

For walks taking in The Broads National Park, there are over 300 km of footpaths through attractive landscapes and nature reserves. Choose from circular routes and long distance footpaths suitable for short strolls or striding out on hikes. With miles of peaceful country lanes, exploring the Broads by foot means you can enjoy some of Norfolk's most stunning scenery and experience rare wildlife.

Throughout the year, there are walking and outdoor events, with one of the main events being the Norfolk Trails Walking and Cycling Festival taking place from 1 to 31 October. Throughout the month the packed festival programme has an exciting range of walking and cycling events for all ages, abilities and interest to help all walkers discover the best of Norfolk.

Wherever your feet take you, there is an abundance of wildlife, history and scenery to discover in north Norfolk while enjoying the coast and countryside.

17

Experience wind power from the top of a modern windmill Make the 300 step journey to the top of the first windmill in the world open for the public to climb, take a look at the electric transport of the future, and enjoy Fairtrade coffee and tasty plant based food at our cafĂŠ.

Plus, we’ve got some fantastic activities for children throughout the summer holidays, as well as our open mic nights on the first Friday of every month.

Give us a call on 01760 726 100 for more details.

www.greenbritaincentre.co.uk | info@greenbritaincentre.co.uk The Green Britain Centre, Turbine Way, Swaffham, Norfolk, PE37 7HT

Helhoughton Road, Hempton, Fakenham NR21 7DY Tel: 01328 864743 or 855321 Email: sales@norfolkreclaim.co.uk www.norfolkreclaim.co.uk

WHAt's On

IN

ith these fabulous t's HOT this month w ha w of t os m e th e ak M

SeptEmber

activities and e vents

- there’s so mething fo r everyone !

RELOAD FESTIVAL The Reload Festival returns to Norwich in September and promises a family-friendly weekend event as some of the best of 80’s and 90s pop perform, Billy Ocean and Soul II Soul will headline the Reload Festival which will take place from Friday 8th to Sunday 10th September at the Norfolk Showground. Grammy award-winning R&B sensation Billy Ocean is renowned for major hit singles which include Caribbean Queen, Get Out of my Dreams, Loverboy, Red Light and When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Gets Going so his fans can prepare to dance the night away as he performs a huge hit-filled set. Other acts that are confirmed acts include Blue, Level 42, ASWAD, The South, Jocelyn Brown, Heatwave, Brand New Heavies, and more.

– Friday 8th to Sunday 10 September Norfolk Showground, Costessey, Norwich www.reloadfestival.co.uk

MUSICAL Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, the Olivier and Tony award-winning West End show is coming to Norwich as part of its first ever UK tour!

Long before she was Carole King, the chart-topping music legend, she was an ordinary girl with an extraordinary talent.

Beautiful tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history.

Along the way, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation, with countless classics such as (You Make Me Feel) Like a Natural Woman, Take Good Care of my Baby, You’ve Got a Friend,So Far Away, It Might As Well Rain Until September, Up on the Roof,and Locomotion.

– Norwich Theatre Royal Tuesday 3 - Saturday 7 October 2017 www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

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S e p t e m b e r n O ' s t WHA IN

COMEDY A memorable evening of hysterical nonsense, as we take a peek into the circus lurking deep within the mind of, probably the greatest, comic storyteller ever to grace the stage. Jethro takes to the stage at The Kings Lynn Corn Exchange as part of his Bull and Bonkers Tour Jethro beguiles and befuddles his audience with the endless stream of irreverent twaddle that has created a comedy genius and with over 4 million DVD sales it pays testament to the legion of fans who have followed Jethro faithfully throughout his career.

An evening not to be missed with stories old and new guaranteed to have you falling off your seats with laughter.

– Kings Lynn Corn Exchange Thursday 28 September www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk

OUT THERE FESTIVAL Join a cast of crazy characters for a sensational outdoor celebration as we celebrate the 10th Out There International Festival of Circus & Street Arts.

Over one action-packed weekend, you can enjoy the very best circus and street arts from across the world – all taking place in the streets, parks and open spaces of Great Yarmouth… and almost all entirely FREE! Always weird, always wonderful, this years festival includes human rubbish tips, giant puppets, fairy tale witches and a performing polar bear (no animals were harmed in the making of this festival!). Once again we welcome performers from across the globe – from France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland and Argentina. There will also be a new kid’s zone, a whole host of delicious food and drink offerings, wacky workshops and much, much more. This year’s Out There Festival takes place all over Great Yarmouth from Friday 15th September to Sunday 17th September.

– Great Yarmouth Friday 15 to Sunday 17 September www.seachangearts.org.uk Wind Energy Museum The Wind Energy Museum - Morse Collection at Repps with Bastwick near Great Yarmouth is the only historical collection of wind engines in Britain, demonstrating the history of Norfolk drainage, with an example of a working scoop wheel, as well as examples of pumps from America & Australia. The fascinating collection will be open to the public on specified days in September, plus activity easy for all the family, great chance to see this wonderful historical collection.

– The Wind Energy Museum, Repps with Bastwick September 2017, check website for dates www.windenergymuseum.co.uk 20

MUSIC Graham Gouldman formed what became Heart Full of Songs six years ago, purely for the pleasure of playing songs in their simplest form, acoustically.

Backed by fellow 10cc band members, and opening the show at 10cc concerts, Graham performed a selection of hits he wrote for other artistes. The format became so popular that it adopted a name and undertook its first stand-alone concert tour in 2013, touring again the following year.

Now a three-piece, featuring Iain Hornal and Ciaran Jeremiah, a Heart Full of Songs concert is truly an exquisite experience.

– The Apex, Bury St Edmunds Wednesday 4 October www.theapex.co.uk

MUSIC Hear one of Britain’s most unique vocal talents, as Marc Almond takes to The Apex stage to perform songs from across his 36 year career.

Featuring beautiful new orchestral arrangements of hits, iconic torch songs and the 60s orchestral pop for which he has become known for, along with music from his new album 'Shadows and Reflections'.

Celebrate the synth-pop pioneer’s 60th birthday year in this concert

that follows on from his sold out spring tour. Enjoy all the hits from a performer who has been at the forefront of British pop since the early 1980s with Soft Cell, before going on to a prolific solo career with over 30 million records sold worldwide.

– The Apex, Bury St Edmunds Thursday 28 September www.theapex.co.uk OPERA Starring Richard Gauntlett and the National Gilbert & Sullivan Orchestra will be performing three shows:

THE MIKADO (Thursday 14th 7.30pm) This hilarious story exudes big, colourful characters and well-known songs. Enjoy the wit and magic of Gilbert & Sullivan, performed by some of the UK’s leading exponents of the world-famous Savoy operas.

PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Friday 15th 7.30pm) A wonderful, jolly romp complete with a brave(ish!) band of swashbuckling pirates, a dotty Major-General, his beautiful unwed daughters and a bumbling bunch of hopeless but hilarious British bobbies – simply excellent entertainment.

CIRCUS AND WATER SPECTACULAR The Hippodrome’s Brand New Circus and Water Summer blockbuster with amazing International Circus Artists, Dancers, Show Swimmers, Acrobats plus comedians Jack Jay and Johnny Mac, and mind blowing feats from the amazing Globe Motor Bike Riders and the thrilling Wheel of Death. The mind blowing Finale Water Spectacular is one of only three in the world and the only place in Europe that stages such a show with Swimmers, Aerialists and special effects when the ring turns into a giant pool - an unforgettable experience.

– Hippodrome Circus Great Yarmouth Runs until 17th September www.hippodromecircus.co.uk

HMS PINAFORE (Saturday 16th, 2.30pm & 7.30pm) One of the most enduringly popular of G&S’s great comic creations, with many well-known songs including I am the Monarch of the Sea, I’m called Little Buttercup and He is an Englishman. Get on board for this muchloved nautical comic opera.

– Norwich Theatre Royal Thursday 14 to Saturday 16September www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

STOCK CAR RACING Come and enjoy the thrill of motor racing at Great Yarmouth Stadium, in conjunction with Spedeworth International Motor Racing.

We have three Raceview Bars, a Raceview Diner serving the best in bar food, a ground floor snack bar & amusement area, plus a fourth separate licensed bar so you can be sure to enjoy the racing while relaxing in a great atmosphere.

Racing takes place on selected Sundays between late March and June and regularly over summer. During the summer season additional racing takes place on Thursday evenings.

– Yarmouth Stadium Sunday 10 and 24 September www.yarmouthstadium.co.uk 21

S e p t e m b e r n O ' s t WHA IN

COMEDY Are you sitting comfortably?...

Rob Rouse takes his trademark storytelling to a career high in this full length show, as he leads us on an irresistibly hilarious journey of enforced introspection that has taught him to relinquish any attempts to control his life and to face down literally one of the most awkward situations you are ever likely to hear about.

– Theatre Royal, bury St Edmunds Friday 29th September 8pm www.theatreroyal.org FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL A celebration of Suffolk's thriving food & drink scene A hugely popular weekend celebration of Suffolk's thriving food & drink scene, taking place at Snape Maltings, next to the River Alde and close to the Suffolk coast.

A must-see event on Suffolk's Calendar, not to be missed!

The Festival features over 90 food and drink producers from Suffolk, selling a huge variety of locally produced fayre.

There are also 2 cookery demonstration stages hosting visiting and local chefs.

This years line up includes; Cyrus Todiwala, Tim Anderson, Chetna Makan and rising star Lopè Ariyo plus Jose Pizarro, Martha Collison, Dhruv Baker and Galton Blackiston.

Suitable for all the family, under 15's go free and the hillfarm family meadow will be returning this year where you can press some oil, make a pizza, have your face painted, ride a tractor and climb onboard the biggest combine harvester in the world!

Free parking is available and the festival is open from 9.30am – 5pm on Saturday and 9.30am – 4pm on Sunday.

– Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival, Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September www.aldeburghfoodanddrink.co.uk 22

The Rat Pack With Anita Harris In 2013 the show was voted the number 1 Tribute Show by The Agents Association of Great Britain, at The National Tribute Awards.

These supremely talented cast members include: Des Coleman (Lenny from Eastenders) as Sammy Davis Jnr, Paul Drakeley (Inside Out) as Dean Martin and Ol’ Blue Eyes himself in the shape of one of the world’s greatest Sinatra interpreters David Alacey (Lovejoy).

David’s acclaimed portrayal of Sinatra has been described as “Too close for Comfort” by The Sinatra Estate and Las Vegas Legend - original Rat Pack member Buddy Greco claimed that David “Really is Sinatra – it’s frightening!”

Now together with the Swinging Buddy Greco Orchestra under the Direction of BBC Musical Director – Don Hunt and the stunning L.A Showgirls, they are joined in this brand new spectacular by the amazing talent of Anita Harris. Anita whose hit recordings include “Just Loving You” and “The Anniversary Waltz” is perhaps best known for her numerous appearances in movies including the legendary “Carry On” series and on stage in The West End with her acclaimed performance as Grizabella in Cats.

– Princes Theatre Hunstanton Sunday 24 September www.princesshunstanton.co.uk

ROCK N ROLL Raymond Froggatt (known as "Froggy") began performing rock and roll in the early 1960s with his band, initially the Buccaneers, later Monopoly and ultimately The Raymond Froggatt Band. Dave Clark Five had a No. 7 hit in the UK Singles Chart with Froggatt's "The Red Balloon" in 1968. His own version of the song, under the title "Callow la Vita", reached No. 3 in the Netherlands. Another Froggatt song, "Big Ship", was a No. 8 UK hit for Cliff Richard in 1969. “Froggy” will be making a one night appearance at The Maddermarket Theatre in September.

– Maddermarket Theatre Norwich Sunday 10th September 7-30pm www. maddermarket.co.uk

COUNTRY The Velvet Country voice of Patsy Cline caught the imagination of Sue Lowry, who has been a lifelong fan of Patsy Cline and Country Music!

Patsy Cline was a record breaking recording artist spending 251 weeks in the Country Music Album charts in the U.S.A. Patsy was a down to earth Country ‘Gal’ who could look good in Western wear or any evening dress, as she performed all the Country Ballard’s.

55 years ago on 5th March 1963 we unfortunately lost one of the Queens of Country when a tragic Plane Crash claimed the lives of Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins along with Patsy Cline, this Show will celebrate the Music of Patsy Cline!

Don’t forget to wear your Western wear for a Hayride of a Show! Pure Country Magic!

– St Georges Theatre Friday 6th October www.stgeorgestheatre.ticketsolve.com

WHAT’S ON

september MAGIC OF MOTOWN Music fans are invited to the biggest party of the year as the unstoppable Magic of Motown show steams into town!

Seen by over a million people all over the world and recently performed for the Royal Variety Performance 2016.

Prepare yourself for 40 back-to-back classic Motown hits, glittering costume changes, dazzling dance moves and outstanding musicianship in this explosive concert experience.

Celebrate the sound of a generation as the timeless music of Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, Jackson 5, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson and many more.

– Marina Theatre, Lowestoft Friday 15 September www.marinatheatre.co.uk

POP PUNK 20 Years Of Pop Punk Tour: New Found Glory and ROAM. New Found Glory's live sound has been described as one of 'unfettered energy and passion expressed through distorted amps and hooky choruses'. Emerging as part of the second wave of pop punk in the late 1990s, music critics consider the Floridian band as a key pioneer of the genre. Also appearing are ROAM, A five piece from Eastbourne / Brighton who deliver performances fizzing with energy and melodic pop punk brilliance.

– UEA Friday 22 September INTO THE 80's Step inside the DeLorean and brace yourself as we go back in time! Into the 80's are the ultimate tribute band to the music of the 80's. The band recreate's the sound - vibe - look and hit songs that everyone loves!

Into the 80's provide a diverse set list of 80's tunes including songs by Madonna - Frankie goes to Hollywood - Wham - Cyndi Lauper - Tina Turner and many many more!

This Authentic 80's Tribute Band deliver's a show bursting with fun and excitement with audience participation as a must! They guarantee that you will have the most fantastic party and you will want to get on your feet - get dancing and sing along to the best loved songs of the 80's.

Into the 80's tribute band has brought together some of the UK's finest musicians and singers to create this upbeat - exciting and ultimate 80's tribute show. Performing hit after hit from the 80's - Into the 80's tribute band can guarantee that you will know every song and every lyric too.

You will be taken on a ride of 80's hits with the 80's fashion and hair dos to match!

– Gorleston Pavilion Theatre Sat 16 September www.gorlestonpavilion.co.uk

MARTIME FESTIVAL The 2017 Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival will take place on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September.

The famous Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival is a fantastic free two-day event found on historic South Quay with ships to go aboard, live shanty folk music, fun street theatre exhibitions and demonstrations for visitors to explore.

One of the world’s largest remaining wooden tall ships is set to sail into Great Yarmouth’s South Quay. Kaskelot, a Danish three-masted barque is the first boat confirmed for this year’s Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival.

It will be the first time the vessel has ventured to the celebrated event, but she is no stranger to the limelight having played a pivotal role in the Poldark television series and a number of Hollywood movies.

Shanty and folk music is performed throughout the Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival on three stages as the town celebrates its proud maritime past and maritime future.

– Hall Quay, Great Yarmouth Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September www.great-yarmouth.co.uk/ maritime-festival

23

Christmas Party Nights

December at the Raceview Restaurant

At Yarmouth Stadium

Date

Price Offer

Looking for a fantastic Chrismas Party venue?

Sat 2nd Mon 4th Wed 6th Fri 8th Sat 9th

£31.99 £14.99 £14.99 £31.99 £34.99

Starter, Main Course, Dessert & Disco after Racing Main Course Only (No Disco) Main Course Only (No Disco) Starter, Main Course, Dessert & Disco after Racing Starter, Main Course, Dessert & Disco after Racing

Mon 11th Wed 13th Fri 15th Sat 16th

£14.99 £14.99 £31.99 £34.99

Main Course Only (No Disco) Main Course Only (No Disco) Starter, Main Course, Dessert & Disco after Racing Starter, Main Course, Dessert & Disco after Racing

Mon 18th Wed 20th Fri 22nd Sat 23rd

£14.99 £14.99 £31.99 £34.99

Main Course Only (No Disco) Main Course Only (No Disco) Starter, Main Course, Dessert & Disco after Racing Starter, Main Course, Dessert & Disco after Racing

After the fun of the racing, the track lights dim, guests can enjoy an evening in our Raceview are invited Restaurant or Executive Lounges and to stay and party with our DJ until 1am.

Racing Dining Disco

Tues 26th £26.99 Boxing Day Brunch Wed 27th £14.99 Main Course Only Festive Special - Complementary Bottle of wine per table of 4 Adults.

Book Now! 01493 720343

Enjoy the festivities in our Party Lounges!

“Christmas Executive Package”

Yarmouth Road, Caister-on-Sea, Norfolk NR30 5TE 01493 720343 www.yarmouthstadium.co.uk

Great Yarmouth Haven Rotary Club is holding its annual

Giant

free n! with m ad issio

Monday & Wednesday - £28.00pp

Friday & Saturday - £39.99pp

WHAT'S ON

EVELYN GLENNIE

R TE EC EL S E TH

BLAKE NIK KERSHAW CH AR LIE FIN K

Nights to Remember Enjoy a wide variety of music from a host of original artists, at The Apex in the next few months…

British harmony trio Blake

bring the finest songs from stage and screen in a celebration of movies and musicals, sung in thrilling vocal harmony on 14 September.

Following the success of his 2014 'Me, Myself and I' tour, Nik Kershaw, one of the UK's most respected songwriters, returns on 20 September with another intimate evening of songs and stories.

Former Noah and the Whale frontman, Charlie Fink brings live music and theatre on 24 September. Charlie’s new show, 'Cover My Tracks' is a tale of an idealistic young songwriter who sets out to write a pop masterpiece and then vanishes without a trace. Theatre and music interweave in this unique performance, which brings together the experience of a live gig and a modern folk tale.

Barbara Dickson is renowned and admired for her interpretations of traditional music. On 27 September Barbara is joined by Nick Holland on keyboards and vocals, for an intimate evening of superbly crafted, traditional and 20th Century songs.

Evelyn Glennie makes a welcome return to The Apex on 29 September,

along with the Cohen Ensemble. The programme is still to be confirmed, but is likely to include Rachmaninov’s Preludes Op 3, No.2, Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, Vivaldi’s Piccolo Recorder Concerto in C major and Corelli’s La Folia.

10cc’s Graham Gouldman has written many songs for other artists, including 'For Your Love' (The Yardbirds), 'Bus Stop' (The Hollies), 'No Milk Today' (Herman's Hermits). He also co-wrote ' I’m Not In Love', ' The Things We Do For Love', 'Dreadlock Holiday' and 'Rubber Bullets' with 10cc. Graham and his trio will perform a selection of his hits on 4 October.

On 9 October, Jason Donovan will talk about the highs and lows of his career, with previously-untold stories and exclusive, stripped-back-andacoustic versions of his biggest hits.

Having taken their uplifting voices, powerful songs, spine tingling harmonies and raucous humour to audiences around the world, The Young’uns (10 October) have cemented their reputation in the English folk scene by winning the title of Best Group at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2015 and 2016.

Following their first album with Sandy Denny in 1967, Britain’s most successful progressive folk-rock band, The Strawbs expanded their soundscape with ambitious new compositions and luminaries such as keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman. The Electric Strawbs on 16 October sees original frontman David Cousins, along with Dave Lambert and Chas Cronk, move gracefully into their fifth decade of music making.

Two-Tone ska legends, The Selecter and The Beat, unite for an exciting double-header show on 19 October. Led by the iconic Pauline Black and Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson, The Selecter, will play hits including 'Three Minute Hero', 'Missing Words' and 'On My Radio'. The Beat, fronted by Ranking Roger, have a massive back catalogue of skanking greats. Both bands are renowned for their energetic live shows, which get everyone dancing.

For more information, or to book tickets, telephone 01284 758000 or visit www.theapex.co.uk The Apex, Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3FD

25

 | SEPTEMBER 2017

Hollywood and Broadway icon Stockard Channing stars in a new production of Olivier award winner Alexi Kaye Campbell’s acclaimed drama Apologia, directed by the multi-award winning Jamie Lloyd, Benet Catty heads to Trafalgar Studios to see what all the fuss is about.

I

f you want to see people you know from the telly live on stage then the London theatre offers plenty of choice at the moment. Angels in America has Andrew Garfield, Nathan Lane and Russell Tovey among the A-list cast of the great masterpiece. F Murray Abraham is bringing his first-rate charisma to a third-rate play in The Mentor. Andrew Scott is wowing audiences as Hamlet.

And now, ten years since her last appearance at the Almeida, Stockard Channing returns to the London stage.

26

Channing is known by many of us as the first lady Abbey Bartlet in The West Wing and by everyone as Rizzo in Grease all those years ago.

In Apologia - Alexi Kaye Campbell's funny, moving, richly entertaining play, being revived for the first time - she brings to the stage what she offers so brilliantly on television: understated strength and emotional vulnerability.

Kristin Miller (Channing) is hosting her two adult sons at her country home for a roast dinner. She

is American but has lived here forever and been successful as an art historian.

She has just published a memoir in which her children do not appear. Her protests that the book was about her professional existence and not her personal life do not impress them, and the tension they feel towards her is magnified by the tensions felt by their other halves, the religious Christian girlfriend of one and the egotistic soap actress partner of the initially absent other.

Like so many plays, it's a "family sit

WEST END

down to dinner, all hell breaks loose and then they leave" kind of show. But what Apologia lacks in novelty it more than makes up for with its wit and intelligence and with the outstanding performances of its ensemble cast.

Like the character she plays, Channing's presence does all the work. Hers is no barnstorming performance but a subtle portrait of a woman who has lead a life of great passions (political and artistic) which, in various ways, have caused schisms with her grown up children and her sense of herself. Channing is deadpan funny and, in the play's closing moments, deeply affecting.

Laura Carmichael (Lady Edith Crawley in Downton Abbey) is particularly good as Trudi, her mixture of charm and defense revealing a character who feels judged from the moment she gives a gift to her boyfriend's mother and realises that friendship between them is not going to come easily or at all. Freema Agyeman (late of Doctor Who) similarly provides a believable mix of self-confidence and inferiority as the

other girlfriend making lots of money from inferior art in a popular soap opera, and whose life is going to take on a soap opera twist of its own.

In a striking long scene in the second act, Joseph Millson and Channing do tremendous work as another son comes to visit, asks some questions and then is gone by morning. And Desmond Barritt, a stalwart of the London stage, gets all his laughs in the lighter comic role although his more serious defense of his long-time friend to her son in the later stages rang false with me.

As always, director Jamie Lloyd gives the show great character and pace matched with considerable visual interest on Soutra Gilmour's gorgeous set and with Jon Clark's beautiful lighting which dynamically illustrates the warm but heated atmosphere of the funnier first half and the darker more isolated tone of the second act.

For all its resemblances to some of the plays of Edward Albee in its highintellect icy central character and its upper middle class setting, Apologia is not an uncovered masterpiece or

a play to change the way you feel about the world. But it is a constantly engaging exploration of how we consider value in our lives and families (variously money, fame, religion, intellect, family) and how limiting they all are if pursued to the exclusion of the others. As we're told in the play, an apologia is not the same thing as an apology; yet it's the latter that several of the characters seem to want most.

But while it's possible to apologise for what you've done, it's not easy to apologise for who you are. And in many ways that is what the characters are demanding of each other or defending themselves against offering to others.

Apologia is one of the most entertaining nights out currently available in London, and I make no apology for recommending it.

APOLOGIA, is on now until 18 November 2017 at Trafalgar Studios, 14 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2DY. www.trafalgarentertainment.com

27

| SEPTEMBER 2017

the Little

d i a m Mer

Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale The Little Mermaid arrives in Norwich and John Bultitude chats to the company ’s artistic director David Nixon THE LITTLE MERMAID is performing at the Norwich Theatre Royal from Tuesday 26th through to Saturday 30th September. www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk Box office 01603 630000

28

N

orthern Ballet’s new adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale The Little Mermaid arrives in Norwich from September 26-30 – the third of an unprecedented three new full-length ballets to be launched in one year by the Leedsbased company.

Telling the story of a young mermaid who is willing to give up everything she knows in a search for love and the desire to gain a human soul, the ballet’s world première tour starts in Southampton with Norwich its second stop on a UK tour. It follows on from Casanova, performed here in April, and an

adaptation of John Boyne’s bestselling novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas which is also touring the UK. The Little Mermaid, based on the Hans Christian Andersen tale, is choreographed and directed by the company’s artistic director David Nixon OBE, whose most recent creations have included Cinderella, The Great Gatsby and Beauty & the Beast.

Set design is by Kimie Nakano, lighting by Tim Mitchell and music by Sally Beamish, while David, not for the first time, also took on the design of the costumes.

In choosing this particular story, he said he was looking for something accessible.

“I think you want to make your audience

GUY FARROW; SIMON LAWSON

WHAT’S ON

comfortable so that they can come at any age to experience the company. A lot of people know The Little Mermaid – there seems to be an attachment to mermaids and the Disney version is quite famous – and I knew that it would work in dance because it is about movement.”

Having choreographed Ondine in 2012 – another tale of doomed romance between a beautiful water nymph and a handsome nobleman – David was aware of the opportunities and challenges in creating a beautiful underwater world which contrasts with the human world on land above. “It is without gravity – it would be as if we could fly. When you put a bird in a cage, that is

what happens to the mermaid,” he said.

“I look at the first part of the ballet as almost a ballet in its own right – it’s like a dance of the sea with the mermaids and fish.

It’s about watching movement, what it might be like to be a mermaid and understanding her world so that you can understand the sacrifice she makes for this love she has. It’s about selfless love – the ability to love even when it’s not reciprocated. The ending is sad, but very beautiful.”

Working on the costume design gives David the inspiration for the choreography.

“When I see what they wear, how they move, that gives me the character and a way in. When others do the designs I don’t

understand it as well– of course, I can ask them those questions but it’s not quite the same as coming up with it yourself, and I have just always enjoyed that element. You are giving the show the look that you want it to have coming from your imagination.”

The set designer Kimie Nakano has created a look for the ballet that is contemporary and beautiful, and in rehearsals David’s focus is on creating a language of movement for the mermaid which shows she’s still a water creature and fluid even when dancing on land.

He has introduced a Scottish look to the rest of the story which dovetails with the original score composed by Sally Beamish.

“The music has a slight Scottish influence to it and I have taken a slight Scottish influence to the costume – something like a kilt which is a little different. We always have the dilemma that men are either in tights or trousers, but with kilts there is a freedom of movement there.”

Northern Ballet has a tradition of nurturing talent and in promoting younger choreographers, David had started to move back from that role himself, but The Little Mermaid tempted him back.

He said: “I am sort of in there by default as I wasn’t going to be choreographing any more, so the Little Mermaid is a blip on my radar,” although he is also choreographing for a Macmillan triple bill – Kenneth MacMillan: a National Celebration, which will bring together Northern Ballet, Scottish Ballet, The Royal Ballet, English National Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet in a tribute to the choreographic master, for a limited number of performances at The Royal Opera House, and in Bradford and Leeds.

“I always say I didn’t intend to be a choreographer and I don’t think of myself as a choreographer. I think of myself first as an artistic director who choreographs and it’s always been about creating dancers. The value I will always seek in the repertoire I have done is the dancers who came out of it.”

Seeing some of those former dancers now spreading their wings creatively is immensely rewarding for him and Kenneth Tindall’s recent success with his first full ballet Casanova was a proud moment.

“On Casanova, I was able to work with Kenny in the sense of being a sounding board for him which was great. But I was also ballet master in the studio for him, preparing second and third casts while he was working, so he was able to not worry about that and trust me. Then I was working with my own dancers in a different capacity which was really nice for them and me. So it is hugely positive.”

Both as a dancer and choreographer, David’s strength has always been his “dramatic interpretation” and bringing something fresh to a story. In supporting young choreographers in their journey into narrative work, he is continuing that path. ”The company will still see revivals because everything can’t be new but I think the narrative has been key for this company. It’s our identity and it’s stronger than ever.”

29

| SEPTEMBER 2017

EUROPEAN UNION CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

claSsICAL

MusIC sOloiSts Some of the globe’s finest musicians, sought-after soloists and acclaimed orchestras are set to put Norfolk even more firmly on the classical music map. Norwich Theatre Royal is announcing plans for a brand-new classical music season which begins this autumn, as John Bultitude explains

T

he classical music map in Norwich is certainly rich and varied with a wide range of orchestral opportunities presented in a host of venues from the lavish to the intimate.

And that city-wide programme is set to be strengthened with the launch of the Theatre Royal’s exciting season which begins this autumn.

Chief executive Stephen Crocker explained: “Norwich has a deeprooted association with classical music concerts that dates back to the founding of the Norfolk & Norwich Festival in the eighteenth century and continues to this day with a thriving and enviable programme across the city’s churches and venues. As the largest stage in the city, the Theatre Royal has an important part to play in further developing this part of Norwich’s vibrant music scene by ensuring that some of the world’s leading symphony orchestras and classical performers are part of this city-wide programme.”

It all starts on Sunday October 22 with the St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra which can trace its history back to 1931. For the first twenty years of their life, they were linked to Leningrad Radio broadcasting live initially as a concert orchestra and them moving on to become a symphony orchestra.

During the Second World War, it was the only orchestra which carried on performing winning plaudits for the Leningrad premiere of Shostakovich’s Seventh Symphony in August 1942 and performing more than 300 times despite the blockade of the city.

It received Philharmonic status in 1953 and then in the late Sixties, began a major growth of its repertoire. By the Seventies, it was performing the Leningrad premiere of works by a wide variety of composers including Handel, Mahler, Strauss, and Tippett, as well as recording all the symphonies of Beethoven and Schubert, plus works

by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Ravel and East Anglia’s own Britten.

30

It now regularly takes part in prestigious international festivals and tours across Europe, Asia and America delighting audiences and critics alike and with a very mixed repertoire which includes works

by Beethoven and Mozart, classical Swedish music, and the scores for both Winnie The Pooh and The Lion King.

For their Norwich concert, they will be performing Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony which marked a change in the composer’s style and approach. It mixes classical techniques with a more contemporary feel and also marked a departure for Prokofiev as it was composed away from the piano. In his biography, he said: “Until then, I had always composed at the piano, but I noticed that the thematic material composed away from the piano was often better. I had been playing with the idea of writing a whole symphony without the piano thinking that such a piece would have more natural and transparent colours.”

Also in the programme will be Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No 4 which was first written by the Russian composer in 1926. He revised it a number of times before he was finally 100 per cent happy with it by 1941. In common with the Prokofiev piece, it has a modern feel and is slightly different from some of his other work.

Completing the October concert will be Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade which boasts some wonderfully evocative compositions as it tells stories of the Persian Princess and is a piece which can be enjoyed by anyone.

Fast-forward to Saturday March 24 next year to the second concert in the season by the European Union Chamber Orchestra which aims to celebrate Bach, Mozart and Vivaldi, arguably three of the greatest composers of all time.

Their performance begins with Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No 3 which boasts an Italian style with a very defined melody and is written in such a way that it appears there are no soloists.

WHAT’S ON

VLADIMIR ALTSCHULER

MARTIN ROSCOE

He tours extensively appearing regularly at the likes of Wigmore Hall in London and has appeared in over 500 broadcasts including seven BBC Proms appearances.

Completing the first concert season on Sunday 15 April are the Some critics say it is very similar to a piece by Vivaldi which makes Czech National Symphony Orchestra which will mix some dazzling Four Seasons an integral part of the programme too. Arguably one of piano alongside some very majestic symphonies in its programme.

Vivaldi’s best-known works for violin, each piece directly relates to It will feature Schubert’s Symphony No 8 which boasts a story as and reflects a different time of year, and is loved by many. imaginative and thought-provoking as the piece itself. The piece Completing the performance is Mozart’s Piano Concerto K414 In known as The Unfinished was found 37 years after the A Major which features some very catchy and memorable composer’s death when a man handed over the incomplete moments either side of some powerful operatic-style music.

NORWICH piece to a Viennese conductor.

The orchestra itself, which boasts Queen Sofia of Spain as THEATRE ROYAL, www.theatreroyal Also in the programme is Beethoven’s Piano Concerto a patron, gave its first concerts in 1981 gaining a worldwide norwich.co.uk no 5 which turned out to be his last. It was a very different reputation as a musical ambassador for the European Union.

Box office: piece to his usual style with a much lighter style compared It has toured all over the world including South and 01603 630000 to his much more muscular and often imposing style of East Asia, South and Central America, North Africa and writing. the Middle East, and is the first European orchestra to give Another well-known piece Dvorak’s Symphony No 9 will complete concerts in Belize and Cuba. the concert. Interpretations vary with some believing the composer Since 2005, its focus has been on Europe performing at the likes was inspired by the wide open spaces of America while others believe of Amsterdam Concertgebouw and Milan’s Sala Verdi, has been his inspiration was based more on traditional folk songs. What is not commissioned to perform on 19 different labels, and is also no in doubt is that it plays with memory by repeating a lot of melodies stranger to the broadcast world performing live on BBC Radio 3. building towards an epic finale.

Joining the orchestra as soloist is Martin Roscoe who is one of the The orchestra’s visit to Norwich will help it celebrate its first UK’s best-loved pianists. For more than four decades, he has worked quarter of a century and is known for its versatility mixing traditional regularly with some of the UK’s leading orchestras including the BBC repertoire with more contemporary works, jazz pieces, and both Philharmonic Orchestra, National Orchestra of Wales, and the Hallé. musical and film scores.

They have also worked with a wide range of composers, conductors and performers which includes Ennio Morricone, James Morrison, PAVEL KOLESNIKOV Lalo Schfrin and Carl Davis.

It has also worked on a score for the Quentin Tarantino western The Hateful Eight and collaborated with pop artists like Sting, George Michael and Natalie Cole.

In Norwich, their work will be conducted by Petr Altrichter who has worked for the Czech Philharmonic, and chief conductor at Prague’s FOK Symphony, Brno Philharmonic and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.

And the concert will also feature as soloist the globally-renowned pianist Pavel Kolesnikov who became Prize Laureate of the Honens Prize for Piano in 2012, and has performed all over the world, as well as being one of BBC Radio 3’s New Generation Artists between 2014 and 2016.

Stephen Crocker added: “We hope that our new classical music season will be a great addition to the music scene and will delight both stalwart and new concert-goers alike. It is fantastic to bring such an array of international performers to the region in a programme that showcases some absolute gems from the orchestral repertoire. I am very much looking forward to hearing our auditorium filled with this glorious music and to seeing classical music grow as a key part of our annual programme.”

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September

BOX OFFICE: (01603) 63 00 00 Tues 29 Aug – Sat 2 Sept THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME Award-winning, dazzling adaptation of the best-selling novel £8 - £28.50 Sun 3 Sept PURPLE RAIN Hit-packed Prince tribute £7 - £22.50 Tues 5 – Sat 9 Sept SHIRLEY VALENTINE Jodie Prenger stars in heart-warming comedy £8 - £26.50 Sun 10 Sept ISLANDS IN THE STREAM The music of Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers £8 - £26 Thur 14 – Sat 16 Sept NATIONAL GILBERT & SULLIVAN OPERA COMPANY The Mikado, Pirates of Penzance, HMS Pinafore £8 - £35

The Little Mermaid

Tues 19–Sat 23 Sept BLOOD BROTHERS Legendary Willy Russell musical £8 - £38 Tues 26–Sat 30 Sept THE LITTLE MERMAID Northern Ballet with new family ballet £8 - £38.50

Book online: www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk THEATRE STREET, NORWICH NR2 1RL

COMPETITION

W IN! A SHORT BR E A K IN NOR FOLK WORTH £200 FROM NOR FOLK COUNTRY COT TAGES

N

orfolk Country Cottages are a local, family run company with 25 years experience in the area.

Their portfolio of 500+ properties, all VisitEngland assessed, are located throughout the county in hand-picked locations. Their team are all local experts with a passion for the area and dedicated to making sure your experience, from start to finish, is a smooth and enjoyable one. So, no matter whether you book via their website or by telephone with their friendly reservations team (based in the beautiful town of Holt – not bad as work locations go!), booking your property with Norfolk Country Cottages means you’re in safe hands.

You can call 01263 715779, send an email to info@norfolkcottages.co.uk or visit their website for more details – www.norfolkcottages.co.uk.

To enter please answer the following question:

Where are the Norfolk Country Cottages reservation team based?

Send your answer and contact details by email to: competitions@placesandfaces.co.uk or enter by post at: Places & Faces, H2Creative Media Ltd, Humberstone House, 47 Englands Lane, Gorleston, Norfolk, NR31 6BE. Please submit your entry by the end of September 2017 latest and good luck!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS 1. Competition closes at midnight on 30th September 2017. 2. No purchase necessary. 3. The holiday is offered up to the value of £200, and must be taken before 31st March 2018, subject to availability. 4. Winner can upgrade the accommodation value to above £200, but excess will need to be met by the winner. 5. No cash alternative. Prize is non-transferable. 6. The competition winner will be notified at the beginning of October 2017 by email or telephone. 7. Competition is only open to people 18 years and older and UK residents. 8. Your details will be used for marketing purposes by Norfolk Country Cottages, The Original Cottage Company and H2Creative Media only – you can unsubscribe at any time. 9. We will not pass any information onto any third parties. 10. Employees of The Original Cottage Company and H2Creative Media, or their families or households, are not eligible to enter. 11. Acceptance of the prize authorises competition providers to publish the name, photo, county and country of the winner. The winner may be required to participate in reasonable publicity related to this promotion. 12. This contest is void where prohibited or restricted by law.

33

| SEPTEMBER 2017

10

gs n i h T you M ight n

ot Know AbOut:

ROD STEWART PETE GOODRUM’S monthly look at some of the lesser known facts of rock and pop…

34

TEN THINGS

In a long career that’s seen him shift from

60s mod to 70s rock star, and beyond, Rod Stewart has certainly ‘lived the life’. Wine, women and song have all been part of it, together with fast cars and football.

Sporting probably the most famous hair cut in rock ’n’ roll he’s strutted the stages, made the headlines and sold shed loads of records.

Raise your tartan scarves, wave your hands in the air...

I give you - ten things you quite possibly didn’t know about Rod Stewart.

1

HE HAD HIS TONSILS TAKEN OUT.

The old adages about good tonsils being important for a singer don’t count for much it seems.

(Elvis Presley had his removed in the army - but only when they could find a surgeon brave enough to do the job!). Rod’s not had his tonsils since long before his singing career began. He had them removed when he was seven.

2

THE FIRST OF SOME THINGS SAID ABOUT HIM THAT ARE NOT TRUE IS THIS.

He never was signed or apprenticed to Brentford - or any other football club. It was long touted that football mad Rod was actually taken up as an apprentice

by Brentford FC. Legend has it that he was so fed up with cleaning the first team’s boots that he packed it in and went off to be a singer. With commendable, if slightly late, honesty he’s only a few pages into his autobiography when he admits that none of it is true. It was something his agent put out in his early days. He does though admit to ‘helping the story along a bit’. He also takes a bit of a swipe at Gordon Ramsay who claims that he played for Rangers but - well enough said!

3

THE SECOND OF SOME THINGS SAID ABOUT HIM THAT ARE NOT TRUE IS THIS.

It’s not him on that famous harmonica solo. For years it was an urban legend that the harmonica solo on Millie’s 1964 hit ‘My Boy Lollipop was played by Rod. But that appears to be just what it is. A legend. Stewart has himself denied it, but more than one other musician has claimed it. They’re still arguing but it was played by either Pete Hogman or Jimmy Powell. Interestingly both of them were in a band called The Five Dimensions - which for a while included Rod Stewart as a singer - and harmonica player!

4

WHEN IT COMES TO FAME HE’S DONE SOMETHING ELSE RATHER SPECIAL.

Rod was inducted into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in 1994, as a solo artist. He also made it into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2006. But then he was inducted into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - again! This time in 2012 as a member of The Faces.

5

THE HAIR.

It might sound mad to give a chapter of your autobiography to your hair, but you can see Rod’s point. The hair do is instantly recognisable. It is, he says, like a logo for his business. But here’s a little known fact. In the early days Rod and Ron Wood used to ‘do’ each other’s hair.

6

‘MAGGIE MAY’ MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN...

The track that propelled Rod into the big time was actually a B side. The song was recorded for his 1971 album ‘Every Picture Tells A Story’ but the single released from the LP was ‘Reason to Believe’ with ‘Maggie May’ on the flip side. A disc jockey in Cleveland, Ohio liked ‘Maggie May’ better and played it. A lot. The rest is history.

7

AND IT REALLY DID MAKE HISTORY!

The single - by now ‘Maggie May’ - went to Number One in the UK Singles Charts in October 1971, staying there for five weeks. At the same time the album - ‘Every Picture Tells A Story’ - went to Number One in the UK Album charts. Simultaneously he topped the USA singles and album charts. That’s something achieved by a very small number of artists.

8

THE MODEL RAILWAY THING.

Mr Stewart gets very cross if people poke fun at his lifelong hobby of railway modelling. By now it’s hardly a secret that he has a massive and sophisticated model railway layout. What most people don’t know is that, when it comes to railway modelling, he is very, very good at it. World class. His work is featured on the front covers of modelling magazines. That good. He once said he was more proud of being on the front cover of those magazines than he is of being on the front of music magazines!

9

SO WHO DOES HE HAVE AS A HERO?

When you’re such a rock ’n’ roll hero yourself, who do you look up to? Rod has often mentioned artists he’s admired - from Al Jolson to Wilson Pickett. But he’s consistently referred to his old band leader boss ‘Long John’ Baldry as his all time hero. He credits Baldry with discovering him, and for teaching him much of the stage craft he practises to this day.

10

AND ONE MORE THING SAID ABOUT HIM THAT ISN’T TRUE IS THIS :

He’s really not as tight with money as some would have you believe. ‘Careful’ by his own admission, but Rod is capable of significant charity and donations. It’s a matter of record now - he didn’t say much at the time - that when his now sadly late band mate from The Faces, Ronnie Lane was ill, and not in great financial shape either, Rod was paying the hospital bills.

35

| SEPTEMBER 2017

stAr THE SEARCHERS will be appearing at St Georges Theatre, Great Yarmouth on Sunday 3rd September at 7.30pm Tickets are priced at £21 www.stgeorgestheatre.com

SeaRcHEr 36

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Pete Goodrum talks with John McNally of legendary band, The Searchers

I

open my conversation with John McNally with a bit of a confession. I tell him that I am genuinely star struck. And he answers, in the way only a Liverpool native can, with ‘Gerroff!’ Quickly followed by ‘no, seriously, that’s very nice. Thank you. But no need’ No need! Really? This is John McNally, founder member of The Searchers. This is pop music royalty.

Overcoming my nervousness I start searching (I will not apologise for that pun) for the answers to two intriguing mysteries about The Searchers. It’s a matter of record that the name comes from John Ford’s classic western film ‘The Searchers’, but much has been written about who actually determined that the band would adopt it. ‘It was big Ron Woodward, our first lead singer’ says Mr McNally. ‘No question. A lovely guy, and let him have the credit’.

And then there’s the question of the hit song ‘Needles and Pins’. Who wrote that? Jacky DeShannon, who’d had a hit with it, claims that she was a participant in its writing. ‘I’d heard that too’, says John, ‘but I think it’s a bit of ego. It was written by Jack Nietzsche and Sony Bono’.

So, there you have it, two enduring mysteries solved, and you heard it first in Places and Faces.

What there’s no mystery or doubt about is that The Searchers are an integral and important part of Britain’s musical evolution. Formed as a Liverpool skiffle group,

by John, and Mike Pender, in 1959, they served the classic apprenticeship of playing Liverpool’s clubs, including The Iron Door and, of course, The Cavern, as well as the legendary Star Club in Hamburg.

I put it to him that The Star Club was a gruelling experience that many of today’s acts simply don’t have to go through.

‘I totally agree’, he says. ‘It was gruelling. The place opened at 2.00pm and stayed open until the early hours.

If there were three bands booked you played your set every third hour. Do the sums – you can see how much we played in a day, let alone a week. But, you learned your craft. How to organise a set list, how to work the audience. And, you learned because you played alongside some true greats. People like Gene Vincent, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Charles’.

The Searchers’ trajectory from The Star Club days is a story that’s a blueprint for pop history. There's the growing army of fans, the first records, and then the release of “Sweets for My Sweet. A modest hit that ‘was selling ok but not setting the world alight’ until a certain John Lennon said it was his favourite record of that moment. Then it started selling. Big time. And indeed they entered the big time. Now they were swinging sixties pop stars of the first order. Then come the fallings out, splitting up from managers, and suddenly ‘we weren’t the same band any more’. But, with bills to pay and in the ‘mortgage and 2 kids’ stage of life work had to be found.

By the 1970s The Searchers were playing the ‘chicken in a basket’ cabaret circuit.

‘It was a nightmare’, says John McNally. ‘But we got through it. We asked ourselves, what do we do? Go back to to the day jobs? No, we’re musicians. We got back on the road’.

We’ll return to ‘the road’ but first we take a couple of diversions. I’ve got some more questions. What prompted them, I ask, back in that 60s heyday, to suddenly release the Malvina Reynolds song ‘What Have They Done To The Rain’? It’s a folk, protest, song. I tell him that I remember Cathy McGowan introducing them on Ready Steady Go, and registering her surprise at the band having gone rather ‘folky’. ‘We liked it. It’s a great song, great lyric, and brilliant tune. Simple as that. And we all agreed.

It’s when you don’t have that agreement over material that things go wrong’.

And then there was the NME Poll winners concert in1964. You can still find this on YouTube (as you can that episode of Ready Steady Go) and what you’ll see is The Searchers ending their set by playing Ray Charles’ ‘What’d I Say’. It’s a storming version with, the sadly late, Chris Curtis leading the vocals from the drum chair. I put it to John that this too was out of character as far as their public perception went. Was this, I ask, the real band, as opposed to the version preferred by managers?

‘Yeah. You’re right. We were different live. Sometimes we had the chance to really go for it’. He also takes the opportunity to pay credit to Curtis who he says was hugely talented and is sadly missed.

Apart from the sound of The Searchers, there was the look. The Searchers were always immaculate. The suits. The boots. I ask John if he still has any of those impossibly cool 1960s chelsea boots. ‘I do! I even bought some years later, in Gibraltar. Not quite the same as the originals but still with cuban heels. My grand kids laugh at me when I put then on!’

Diversions duly enjoyed we return to ‘the road’. The Searchers are a touring working band, and are soon to be in our region again, as part of the Sixties Gold Tour.

‘We still love it, we love playing live. If I were honest the motorway travelling can be a challenge. If it’s possible I’ll travel the day before a gig to stay over, otherwise you’re always worried about being held up. I swear, sometimes, its harder to get from A to B now than it was years ago’.

But, being on stage, and part of a tour featuring other luminaries of pop, including Gerry & The Pacemakers, and Brian Poole & The Tremeloes, is plainly something the band relish. “we love the East Anglian audiences’, he says. ‘They always really appreciate us’.

And who does John McNally appreciate? Out of all the groups who came to the fore at the same time as The Searchers who does he really rate? ‘The Beatles of course, but Gerry & The Pacemakers must be on the list, along with Billy J Kramer. Lesser known ones like The Big Three were brilliant. They all had that Liverpool sound. The Hollies were great, and it’s interesting that you can hear the difference – they’ve got that Manchester sound’. As we talk through bands we get to Peter Jay and The Jaywalkers. ‘He lives in Great Yarmouth doesn’t he?

Loved that group. Sounded like Sounds Incorporated. I never knew why they weren’t a much bigger success’.

As we draw to a close I take John back to those very early days, when they were a Skiffle group. ‘You just got hold of any instruments you could, including making the bass out of a tea chest and broom handle. It was all so simple. Just getting up and doing it’.

None of that enthusiasm has been lost. Only this week he tells me he’s been looking online to find new tuition videos as he fancies learning a bit more about playing rockabilly style. ‘I’m not sure it will make it into The Searchers’ set’, he laughs, ‘Can you imagine that?’

What doesn’t take any imagination is the continued success of The Searchers. Audiences – of all ages – flock to their shows. They’re legends. John McNally is a legend. And I’ve just spent an hour talking with him. I’m still star struck.

37

| SEPTEMBER 2017

SpARKs WIlL flY

Pete Goodrum talks with Ron Mael of legendary duo SPARKS

‘Instantly recognisable’ is one

of those phrases that comes up time and again in pop music. We use it to describe the particular sound of a band. Or perhaps their ‘look’. Not many acts qualify for the phrase in both departments. Sparks do.

Constantly innovative, and ceaselessly creative, the band are though ‘instantly recognisable’ to the ears. There’s something that says ‘this is a Sparks track’.

And there’s no question about their being ‘instantly recognisable’ to the eyes.

Whoever else is in the band at the time, the duo themselves are unmistakable. The lead singer, all fresh faced, flowing hair and fabulous moves is everything a pop star should be. The keyboard man, moustached, slicked back short hair and totally static is everything a pop star shouldn’t be.

As unlikely a combination as you’ll find anywhere in music. But it works. And has done for decades.

Brothers Ron and Russell Mael formed Sparks in 1972. Born in Pacific Palisades, 38

Los Angeles, the pair had grown up in a place and time that allowed them to soak up the sounds of bands like The Beach Boys, The Doors and Love. They were there. In fact, look closely at the 1966 film ‘The Big T.N.T Show’, which features a stellar line up of performers, and you can spot Ron and Russell in the audience, spellbound by the Ronettes.

Despite such ‘local’ talent the two brothers were greatly enamoured of English bands too. They were listening to The Who, The Kinks and the earliest, Syd Barrett led, incarnation of Pink Floyd. Music was in their DNA and by 1968 they had their own band, Halfnelson.

Spotted by legendary producer Todd Rundgren they were signed by Albert Grossman to his Bearsville label for whom they released an eponymous debut album. A look at the cover art reveals the earliest, but ‘instantly recognisable’ style of the band.

The album did not sell well but, as is sometimes the way in rock and roll, after

a change of label, to Warner Bros, and a change of name, to Sparks, it did.

It was the second album, ‘A Woofer in Tweeter’s Clothing’ that triggered the next crucial stage. It earned them a UK tour, which included gigs at London’s Marquee Club. Leaving aside the wonderful piece of pop trivia that at one Marquee gig a band called Queen opened for Sparks, it was this residency that did two important things. It started build a cult, but growing and loyal, fan base, and it got them a spot on the highly influential TV show ‘The Old Grey Whistle Test’.

By 1973 they were living in England, and they’d got a contract with Island Records.

The following year saw the release of the ‘Kimono My House’ album. And from that, bursting into a country of power strikes and unrest, to brighten up a grey time, came their Number 2 hit single – ‘This Town Ain’t Big Enough For The Both Of Us’.

(Yep – that’s going to be in your head for the rest of the day now!).

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Over four decades later Sparks are still the creative force they’ve always been. Twenty or so albums, massive sales, and various manifestations behind them they have a new album and a tour lined up for 2017. I caught up with Ron Mael for a chat, ahead of their September 18 appearance at The Waterfront in Norwich.

I begin by commenting on the eight year gap between ‘Hippopotamus’, the new album, and the previous recording.

‘It has’, says Ron, ‘not been downtime.

We’ve been busy, particularly working with Franz Ferdinand. There were three years of writing, recording and touring on that project’.

‘That project’ was ‘FFS’, effectively a super group formed by the merging of Franz Ferdinand and Sparks. It resulted in a tour and a 2105 album.

Prior to that there had been ‘The Seduction of Ingmar Bergman’. Originally commissioned by the radio drama department of Sweden’s national broadcaster the work is based on a, fictional, visit by Bergman to Hollywood in the 1950s. The album which by any definition would have to be classified as ‘pop opera’ came out in 2009.

‘We’ve not exactly been idle’, says Ron, and goes on to say that all of the work they had been doing was, ‘in a way a bit of a catalyst. Maybe it was time to get back to writing and recording 3 or 4 minute songs’.

The new album, ‘Hippopotamus’ he says was written and recorded at ‘more of our usual pace. From its beginnings in maybe January 2016 we took around 8 months to do it’.

The line up for the album is interesting.

Zach Dawes is on bass, Tyler Parkford takes keyboards and Michael Shuman is in the drum seat. I ask Ron, given that all of those three were in Mini Mansions, if this is another collaboration, in the same mould as FFS. ‘Not really’ he says. ‘We’d always loved Mini Mansions, and John Congleton who produced FFS introduced us. The guys are happy to be part of Sparks, playing with us.

It’s not a collaboration that embraces the writing for example’.

When it comes to writing, the new material contains brilliant tunes and lyrics and titles that are as clever, referenced and witty as ever with Sparks. I’m keen to know what comes first for ‘writer in chief’ Ron – the lyric or the melody.

‘I nearly always have the tune first. The lyrics can come from anywhere – even an overheard phrase. It’s then a question of fitting the lyrics to the music’.

But with Sparks it’s more than even the lyrics and the tune. The creativity spills over in to the visual, and for the new album Ron and Russell have involved the fans in an innovative project called ‘The Spoken Word Video’. People were invited to choose one line from the Hippopotamus title track and speak that line, with no musical backing, in

a video of no more than 15 seconds. Then upload it.

The rules were interesting. There were to be no entrants called Spielberg. No nudity (that, the rules say ‘will be part of a future contest’!). No videos were to have a budget of over $15 million. And no stunt doubles were allowed.

When I ask Ron how it’s gone, given that as we speak the closing date is near, he’s thrilled. ‘It’s been fantastic. We’d hoped for and expected a good result, but there’s been a huge response. And such a broad range of people. All types’. He pauses. ‘A bit like a Sparks audience I guess!’

There’s been one question that I’ve had in mind and so far held back from asking.

But, as my allocated interview time is ticking away I go for it. Pop and rock I say have several pairs of siblings who, shall we say, don’t get on. Ray and Dave Davies of Sparks’ heroes The Kinks are a good example. And of course there’s Noel and Liam Gallagher who, even at the height of Oasis’ fame, could fight tooth and nail. So, how are things with Ron and his lead singer brother Russell? After all, they’ve been working together a long time.

‘In general we get along fine’ says Ron. ‘We pretty much have the same sensibilities when it comes to music. Of course we disagree occasionally but when we do it’s usually over technical things – does that instrument have a part there? Should that song go there?’ He draws breath for a moment and then, perhaps with the Gallaghers in mind, and certainly with humour in his voice he announces ‘I’d say we stop just this side of brawling’.

We’re getting to just this side of stopping so we turn our attention to, firstly the new album. Due out on September 8th it will be released in all formats. Ron and Russell love the resurgence of interest in vinyl.

‘It’s tangible. A real object. And you can see the artwork’. It’s heralded as work that will ‘take the pop form, shake it up, and create an album that is adventurous, fresh and idiosyncratically ‘Sparks’’. Given their achievements to date there’s no reason to think it will fail in delivering that promise.

And then there’s the tour. It will take in Stockholm, Helsinki, Berlin and Brussels.

Across August and September other stops include Manchester, London, Birmingham and, on September 8th, The Waterfront in Norwich.

Time’s up. But Ron is nothing if not courteous. ‘We look forward to coming to your city’ he says. ‘Thanks for your time today’.

We await the album, even though advance teasers of the tracks are already around and the tour will feature songs from it.

It would be easy to say ‘they’re back.

It would be wrong too. They’ve never been away. This is the next, the latest manifestation of the band.

I think Sparks will fly!

39

| SEPTEMBER 2017

UNO,

Dos,

tRES

QUAtRO 40

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Angela Sara West caught up with a leather-clad Suzi Quatro at last month’s Holt Festival to chat about her talk-of-the-town gig, becoming ‘Doctor Suzi’, the secrets to her success and how she’s kicking herself for turning down The King.

E

lvis wanted to meet her, she’s lived it up with the likes of Led Zeppelin and rocked along with the Rolling Stones. She started touring at the age of 14 and, at 67, is still on the road today! She’s sold over 50 million records worldwide, No. 1 hits Can The Can and Devil Gate Drive among them, and the chart topper has also found fame as a Hollywood actress and in West End musicals in London. She’s also an author, with her new book, The Hurricane, hot-off-the-press, for which she’ll be forever grateful to Jackie Collins.

Prince Charles once told her she had the best legs since Tina Turner. “Yep... he sure did… and I turned into a giggling idiot!” She says she has met, interviewed, or played on stage with most of her musical heroes and regrets declining an invitation from her biggest idol.

“Elvis has been my music icon since I was six years old,” she tells me. “He heard my version of All Shook Up and called me, when I was in Memphis touring the USA in 1974, to invite me to Graceland. But I wasn’t ready to meet him at the time, so I turned him down.” The Queen of Rock’s life-long obsession with The King has hugely influenced her career and a regretful Suzi visited Graceland 35 years later to record a BBC Radio 2 show marking 75 years since Elvis’ birth. “It was very emotional indeed and I have been told by the powers at Radio 2 that this documentary was one of the ‘golden’ ones, among their most moving.”

WORDS © ANGELA SARA WEST 2017, WWW.ANGELASARAWEST.COM

MEETING MICKIE

Discovering her passion for music at a very young age, the multitalented musician/actress/author/ broadcaster made her stage debut aged seven, playing bongos in her father’s jazz band, The Art Quatro Trio, before graduating to go-go dancing in a pop series on local TV. “I came from a musical family and we did family shows. I always knew I could hold an audience.”

Suzi went on the road at 14, with older sister, Patti, and their allgirl band, The Pleasure Seekers, renamed Cradle in 1969. Her big break came when the famous British record producer, Mickie Most, offered her a solo contract at one of their gigs. “I wasn’t the main singer in the band for about 18 months, so I only did two songs, but Mickie came and said to guitarist, Jeff Beck, who was with him, ‘That girl playing bass is a star!’”

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, this pivotal moment

saw Suzi crossing the Atlantic in 1971 to pursue a solo career managed by Mickie, and thus began her incredible journey to fame.

The rocker has since clocked up five decades in the music business, and continues to write, perform and record her own material whilst juggling her weekly radio show, Quatrophonic, on BBC Radio 2.

Patting bongos for her dad, did she ever dream she would be the world-renowned rock star she is today? “I always had a feeling I would be famous, yes. I didn’t know how exactly, but I really wanted to be Elvis!

AB FAB FUN & HAPPY DAYS!

She’s not only made her mark on the music world… in 1990, Suzi landed the lead in Annie Get Your Gun in London’s West End and wrote and appeared in her own musical, Talullah Bankhead. She’s also starred in TV shows Minder, Midsomer Murders (for which she was ‘electrocuted’ in her rock star role), Dempsey And Makepeace and Absolutely Fabulous. “Ab Fab was a riot!

Jennifer let me have fun with the script, so I created a little. Joanna is simply gorgeous and lovely.”

Already known for her leather-clad look, she starred alongside The Fonz (played by Henry Winkler) in Happy Days as the female equivalent, Leather Tuscadero. Her happiest Happy Days memories? “I love Henry, we’re still in contact now. My best memory was

when he purposely sent me out on the set for my big entrance… first show, live audience… and he sent me out a page early!!! I wasn’t nervous after that.”

Suzi’s also written a poetry book, Through Her Eyes, and recently released her first novel, The Hurricane. “That’s been going great! Everyone seems to really enjoy reading it. It has a twist at the end… After reading my autobiography, Unzipped, Jackie Collins told me, ‘You can write, so yes, do a novel, but stick with what you know to begin with’. So, I did.”

Along with working on a new album, the singer-turned-author is also considering another autobiography. “I’ve been offered to do Unzipped – Part 2.”

ROCK ROYALTY ROCKS NORFOLK!

As a music business stalwart, Suzi’s showing no signs of slowing down and she’s still giving fans what they want. When it comes to a rockin’ show, Suzi Q never fails to deliver. She still plays around 80 gigs a year and is just as fit as she was in her 1970s heyday. Her secret? “I jog, go to the gym and do yoga.”

Summer 2017 saw her working her rock’n’roll magic at Norfolk’s Theatre in the Woods, where she donned her trademark leather suit to headline the Holt Festival.

Belting out a combination of hits and favourite album tracks, Suzi and her sevenpiece band stole the show and the whole town is still buzzing from her sell-out gig, which saw her perform to a 7,000-strong crowd.

“It was a really, really wonderful gig. I loved it in the woods… it was big, but intimate. The crowd was with me from the start. I’d love to do it again. Everyone was up, screaming, dancing and enjoying it. It was a truly amazing gig and one to remember.”

The previous night, the hardcore rocker had been on stage in Estonia, alongside Bonnie Tyler and Paul Young. “Don’t ask! This was the weekend from hell... I’d been on two flights since the crack of dawn on Friday, went on stage, did an amazing show... and went straight to bed. Up at 3:30am to fly to Heathrow for Holt.”

“We often played this area when I used to tour in the UK in the 70s.

In fact, there was a warm-up gig in Cromer that we always did before a tour. It’s a beautiful area.”

DOCTOR QUATRO

Last October, legendary Suzi received an honorary doctorate of music from Anglia Ruskin 41

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CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

first novel… and last, but not least, receiving my award in cap and gown at Cambridge University.”

Her 50th birthday also stood out. “That was in front of 22,000 people in Berlin. I also loved performing in Philadelphia to 60,000...

I’d like to say I haven’t done my favourite gig yet!!”

FROM ROCK’N’ROLL TO R&R

Every rocker needs a place to chill and Suzi’s moated Elizabethan manor house in Essex fits the bill, with its very special “essential” space. “I have an ego room on the third floor. It’s a really peaceful room, with old stage outfits, bass guitars, pictures, posters, scrapbooks, videos, CDs… my entire career!

On the table, there’s the big red This is Your Life book, which they did for me in 1999, and a plaque on the door says ‘Ego room, mind your head’.”

The first woman of Rock’n’Roll also heads to her holiday hideaway. “My husband (tour promoter, Rainer Haas) and I have a home in Mallorca, which we go to around four times a year. We get to relax, get the sun, go to restaurants and shop. It’s a place to unwind.”

The island is just the ticket for some R&R and serves as a source of inspiration for the rock chick. “It inspires me when writing my books and preparing my radio shows.

Mallorca means escape, peace and quiet, and the best thing about it is that it’s easy to get to from the UK, so no jet lag. I have enough of that for a lifetime in my profession!”

SUCCESS SECRETS

University, Cambridge, in recognition for her services to music. “I’m always busy, always creating… I’m now Doctor Quatro!

It’s a great honour. I’ll be doing lectures and everything! I take it seriously. I’ve always wanted to ‘teach’ my profession.”

COLLABORATIONS ON THE CARDS…

Suzi recently formed a supergroup. “Quatro, Scott and Powell (QSP) comprises me, Andy Scott (Sweet’s guitarist) and Don Powell (Slade’s drummer). We released our album, QSP, in Australia for my January/February tour and got to No. 20!! We were my support group, so I supported myself and we went down a storm! I’m working with KT Tunstall at the moment... I just love her. I’d also love to work with singer-songwriter, Melissa Etheridge.”

Suzi headlines again this autumn, alongside David Essex, The Osmonds and Hot Chocolate on her Legends Live tour.

“It’s going to be excellent! An evening of hits… what could be better?!!” She’s also setting sail for her Rock the Boat gigs. “I don’t have sea legs, so I hope it’s NOT a rock and roll trip… if you get my drift!”

ROCK’N’ROLL STORIES & DREAMS

Suzi once had to kick an inebriated Iggy Pop off stage… “There are too many stories to

tell! I was once doing a 10-minute goodbye, real diva-like, walking side-to-side, bowing, waving... the whole thing... then, I fell over on the monitor, bass on, legs waving in the air! This was in Finland and the band called it my ‘big finish’!”

There was also a ‘mystical matter’ involving Sir Paul McCartney. “I had a crazy dream about him that didn’t make sense, conveyed it to him by letter, and the next thing you know he called me and told me every single detail was true... amazing.”

HONOURS & HIGHLIGHTS

The most rewarding aspect of her vocation?

“That’s easy... making people smile… becoming part of their memories. I feel honoured to have been doing my job for so many years.”

Her favourite songs to perform? “So many… Devil Gate Drive (love it!), If You Can’t Give Me Love, Sometimes Love is Letting Go, I Don’t Do Gentle… I sometimes end the show with my version of Desperado, just me on vocals and piano. It’s always a wonderful moment.”

She says there have been numerous highlights and proud moments. “My first No.1, first big gig in Germany, first massive tour of Australia (that was crazy!), first acting job, first musical, my own TV chat show, my autobiography, my poetry book, my

The secret to Suzi’s phenomenal success?

“Believing in myself, stamina, luck and keeping my feet firmly on the ground at all times. Music means absolutely everything to me... it is my heart, my soul and my gift to the world.”

She has some sound tips for readers thinking about going into the music business. “Take it seriously… do the work, learn at least one instrument properly and always be professional. Also, play, play and play...”

The musician’s motto in life? “My cup is ALWAYS half full.” She’s also a fan of feng shui. “I think it does some good to de-clutter… in a room, in your life, in your mind…”

Suzi famously once said, “I will retire when I go on stage, shake my ass, and there is silence.” What motivates her to keep working and touring? “Simple. I love what I do. I was put on this earth to entertain and communicate… and will do so until my dying day!”

THE BEST OF SUZI QUATRO: LEGEND is out on 22nd September. Listen to Suzi’s radio show, Quatrophonic, on BBC Radio 2. Find out more about Suzi’s Legends Live Tour atlegendslive.org.

Suzi’s poetry book, Through My Eyes, and novel, The Hurricane, are available on New Haven Publishing Ltd. QSP’s album, QSP, was released on Sony in Australia and is out worldwide on Warner Brothers in September. www.suziquatro.com

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| SEPTEMBER 2017

twIST

shOUt

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Places&Faces® caught up with Lulu ahead of her forthcoming Norfolk & Suffolk performances

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CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

“They say time passes really fast when you are having fun and I could apply that to me. It’s happened without me even blinking because this is what I live for, I live for music”

L

ulu is a Scottish singer-songwriter, actress and TV personality hailing from Glasgow. Born in 1948, she is one of the country’s most popular singers, recognised the world over for tracks like Shout, her Eurovision winner Boom Bang-a-Bang, the James Bond soundtrack Man With the Golden Gun, and the mega hit To Sir with Love.

Back by popular demand after her hugely successful 2016 tour, Lulu is on the road again with her biggest tour yet!

Lulu has always been ‘All About the Music’ and that’s what she delivers in a power-packed performance full of her hits, new songs and fan favourites. You’ll be on your feet from beginning to end.

An intimate look into the incredible musical journey of a music legend, Lulu’s show is peppered with anecdotes from a life in the fast lane (or in the limelight).

All About The Music Tour celebrates six decades in the music industry, how do you keep the magic alive?

Six decades is amazing! You know the weird thing is I have to say, It’s really been that long?” They say time passes really fast when you are having fun and I could apply that to me. It’s happened without me even blinking because this is what I live for, I live for music. It’s a blessing in my life.

How do you keep the shows exciting for you and the audience?

First of all I’ve only been with this band for around 4 years and that’s helped shake things up.

They’re all younger than me, so there’s a young energy which I love.

We keep it fresh and new and the great thing is these guys are influenced by the same music that I was and still am but they have a new slant.

I’ve heard you exhaust them?

That’s what they say….laughs If it’s not fun it’s a slog, and who wants to do anything that’s a slog if you don’t have to? Sometimes in life one has to do a slog but generally it’s fun.

On stage you tell stories between songs.

How do you pick which tales to share with your fans?

Well, you have a set list and certain songs evoke certain memories the the rest just flows.

What can go wrong?

Almost anything, but when you have been doing this as long as I have you learn to use

it. It keeps it real, keeps me humble and gives the audience a bit of a laugh when you’re all in on it together.

What was the first concert you ever performed at?

It was a theatre or small hall and I was very, very young and I sang ‘Smoke Gets In Your Eyes’ and I forget the words. I just repeated the first verse and I wanted to die, but nobody mentioned it afterwards. I thought it was the worst thing I had done in my whole life. I was probably about 6. What I do remember is I had a sticky-out frock and I think I was so pleased with myself that the excitement affected my memory. Laughs What was the first concert you went to?

I remember going to a really dirty club to see Alex Harvey (Shout) when I was just about 13. I don’t know if that was my first show but I was not allowed to go to those places because I was so young, but my mother wangled it so I could go. I used to sing in a band at the weekends, so the boys in the band had to look after me. Alex came backstage dressed in black leather and jetblack hair and he sang ‘Shout’. It was the first time I ever heard it and I went out the next day and bought the record by The Isley Brothers, and the rest is history.

You were one of, or the first, female artist to play an Eastern bloc country in 1966 what was the experience like, considering you were only 17 or 18.

I was with The Hollies and it was scary. It was cold, the place was very run down and there were bullet marks on buildings. There was debris and there was a lot of poverty. It was also memorable because when we did the concerts there were guards all round watching the audience, so they didn’t stand up or get excited. When they started to get excited the guards slapped them down.

Where does your energy come from?

I guess I was blessed with a lot of energy, and I think if you are healthy you have a lot of energy. Some people love it and some would prefer you to shut up and sit down.

It’s all about how you use your energy for the positive, and as you get older it’s about pacing your energy – and for that I do meditation and Chi Gong.

You famously toured with Take That around the Relight My Fire hit. Did the boys have as many cosmetics in their dressing room to prepare for the show as you?

They actually had a hairdresser who toured with them who did make up, too – but they needed very little, they were so young.

Do you travel light?

Well now I want to focus on the music when I’m on stage. It’s not about costume changes and it’s definitely not about glitter or sequins or frocks. I want the focus to be about the music. In practical terms, so it’s much easier, I wear a hat so I don’t even have to do my hair. I can be ready in 20 minutes.

Do you think today’s young female bands and artists are under too much pressure to look good?

YES. Now it’s world domination or nothing, and that is tremendous pressure – and you’ll be dropped like a hot potato if you don’t sell a certain amount of records. It was different back then.

Do you listen to new music artists?

Yes I do. I know a lot of people my age sit around and listen to old music but that’s not what I do. I listen to lots of stuff, old and new. The new Lady Gaga record is great, I love Zayn Malik, Adele, Rihanna, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Sigma – and I think Beyoncé has done something that no other black female has done. She is a consummate entertainer. I just get so excited by so many artists. I also love Paolo Nutini – Paolo is the real deal; he’s a real blues singer. I also think Calvin Harris is doing the most unbelievable work. There is so much I enjoy.

What are your ‘must haves’ in the make-up bag.

Good skin care. Thank God for TimeBomb.

Before you put anything on your skin, it has to be in the best condition it can be. You have to make sure you are hydrated internally and externally and make sure you get lots of sleep so your face looks like it’s alive instead of dead. You’ve got to, as opposed to a young person, where it doesn’t really matter because they always look gorgeous.

I have to have the right stuff underneath; good foundation, the right blusher and lots of eyelashes – and my favourite thing is to try and get the J-Lo lips! Really, for me, she just kills it. That’s what I try to do, those luscious lips. Laughs. Everything is off before I go to bed.

How do you know what to perform on stage for the new tour?

If you are an artist you want to take your audience on a journey. You want to take them through memories, poignant, sad, happy, but ultimately you want them to have a good night out, so the goal is to get people up on their feet so they don’t have sore bums from sitting down. So a collection of my hits, a few new self-penned songs and it all just comes together organically once the boys and I are in rehearsals.

Could you see yourself doing a new Bond theme, a follow up to 1974’s The Man With The Golden Gun? Only if I wrote it.

How were you affected when you needed vocal surgery in the early ‘80s?

It was pretty scary but thank god it all turned out ok. So now while on tour I don’t speak for 12 hours after a show. This makes sure 45

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CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

I’m in peak condition for the next show.

With all the travelling and the talking that needs to be done, I’ve learnt to pace myself.

Sometimes you have things happen to you in your life which shape you, and if you recover and learn from them it’s not a bad experience. It’s actually a good experience, ultimately, because you learn what to do to prevent it happening again and it gives you humility. So from that experience I have a lot of gratitude that I’m still doing it and doin’ it good.

In your experience, what gets easier as you get older?

Most things become easier because I live from a position of having gratitude. I’ve become philosophical, and as tough as it is for me not to kneejerk into a negative place when things go wrong, I always have a way of getting back and looking at acceptance of what is and what I can’t change. It doesn’t happen in a flash; it’s a process, and I now have the support and the tools to process.

And what gets tougher?

Maintenance. It’s a bitch…ha-ha! There’s a big piece of acceptance in growing older. I look at myself and go ‘oh my God’. You never really thought this would happen. When you have success at a young age, the pop star sort of thing, you think you’re invincible, so it’s a shock to see that you are not.

If you, Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger went on stage together who do you think would be the last one standing?

I think that would be very difficult because you hear endless praise about Jagger doing his amazing run at the end of every gig. The Stones play, and I don’t see Macca giving up any time soon, so that would be a very tough race.

Do you compare notes with your contemporaries?

Yes. I saw Ringo Starr the other day and we were very pleased with ourselves. (laughs) I said, “You look great”. And he said, “You look great, Lu”. It was all “Oh my God, we are still here!” There’s an appreciation of how we’ve managed to keep our heads above water. I know he has the same philosophy as me. We follow the same school of thought, in that we are very grateful for what we’ve got and we both love touring. Macca’s the same, Jagger’s the same. That’s all we talk about. We all say we love it.

If someone had told your 15 year-old self you would have this life ahead of you what would you have thought?

I would have said are you having a laugh, because I have had such an amazing life!How could a young 15 year-old have predicted the way my life was going to unfold? It has been a roller coaster…I thought I was going to be a singing hairdresser who never left Glasgow!

Anything else you wish you had known at the beginning of your career?

I wish I had known I could write songs.

What makes you really proud?

At the weekend I was with my son and my grandchildren, we were making birthday cards and a poster for their mum, who was about to return from a few days away with her girl friends. It was such a sweet moment and I sat back and thought, “wow, didn’t Jordon do well” – and I get to share it. That was a proud moment.

Does your son ever say “Come on Mum, put your feet up”?

Well it’s more like he’d say “I’d like to tell you to sit down but I know it’s not going to happen.” That would be more his way of saying it. If I go on a holiday he says “You deserve it. You’ve worked hard all your life, Mum.” Could you see yourself retiring?

No I could not! As far as I am concerned, I don’t work anywhere near the way I used to because it was compulsive then. Now I choose everything I do and I am as busy as I want to be – and as busy as anything.

If there was to be a film made about your life who would you like to play the main role?

Jennifer Lawrence!

What luxury items go in your travel bag?

Fragrant Indian oils, Green & Black’s Dark Chocolate and a Travel pillow!

Who has given you the best advice about your voice?

I met Frank Sinatra in Las Vegas and he asked if I made it a habit to warm up my voice and if I did vocal exercises before a show, which I didn’t back then.

I was there with Maurice (Gibb) and Frank offered to teach me, but I never followed it up because I was too shy. And then of course I went off and hurt my voice, so now I am religious about looking after it.

So, yes, Frank, I eventually took your advice.

What was the best advice Maurice gave you about singing?

Maurice never gave me advice, he thought everything I did was great! Bless his heart.

Is there anyone you’d still like to work with or duet with?

Bruno Mars, Calvin Harris, and I’d love to do something with Steven Tyler from Aerosmith and so many more!

LULU will be at the Kings Lynn Corn Exchange Sunday 8th October (www.kingslynncornexchange. co.uk), Norwich Theatre Royal on Saturday 21st October (www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk) and at The Apex Theatre in Bury St Edmunds Sunday 22nd October (www.theapex.co.uk)

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Combined with a remarkable history, contemporary style, and a quirky charm all nestled within four walls, you’ll find a real sense of fun during your stay there. Add in 118 bedrooms, an award-winning restaurant and attentive staff and whether you’re there for a wedding, corporate gathering or an indulgent night away you are assured of a relaxing and invigorating experience at The Oakley Court in Bray.

WWW.OAKLEYCOURT.CO.UK CHEWTON GLEN is a lavish 5 star70

bedroom country manor hotel set in 130 acres of the beautiful Hampshire countryside was named as one of the best hotels in the UK by leading hoteliers in 2016.

Elegant rooms and suites mix classic and contemporary styles and boast astonishing luxury attention to detail. Many have semiprivate walled gardens, balconies or terraces.

A buggy ride from the main building, to the six luxury treehouse suites (a £7million investment in 2012) built on tall stilts with floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views and kitchenettes are an amazing addition to this wonderful hotel.

The utterly delicious menu in the restaurant offers dishes typically English to the totally cosmopolitan, Head Chef Simon Addison and Executive Head Chef Luke Matthews are renowned for creating dishes that are fine dining at its finest.

The hotel also offers a luxurious spa with grand Roman-themed pool, crystal steam rooms and outdoor hot tub.

SERENE SURROUNDINGS ON THE NORTH NORFOLK COAST

Woodland Holiday Park provides a perfect destination to enjoy North Norfolk’s relaxing pace of life in luxurious pine cabins and lodges set in a tranquil woodland setting. Many of the lodges and cabins have private hot tubs.

The parks serene surroundings are ideal to soak up the warm sunshine, nearby Sheringham is on record for having the most hours of sunny weather in the UK. This holiday park is perfect for couples, friends and families who love being at home with nature. All of the woodland lodges have been carefully and thoughtfully prepared to enable you to relax and enjoy the peaceful tranquillity of the beautiful surroundings.

WWW.WOODLANDHOLIDAYPARK.CO.UK

MAGNIFICENT VIEWS ACROSS THE ESTUARY

The 4 AA starred Blakeney Hotel with its quayside location is a family owned hotel that has magnificent views across the estuary and salt marshes to Blakeney Point, which has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The hotel has over 60 bedrooms, 2 spacious lounges, a bar, restaurant, billiard and games room, swimming pool, spa bath, steam and sauna room and mini gym. The swimming pool looks over a sun terrace and south facing gardens.

A high percentage of the guests are repeat visitors who return to enjoy the reassuring comfort and the familiar surroundings which speak volumes to the reputation of the Blakeney Hotel.

WWW.BLAKENEY-HOTEL.CO.UK

WWW.CHEWTONGLEN.COM

51

Park House Hotel Sandringham

In need of a holiday or respite break?

We can provide expert and discreet care support so that you can fully relax and recharge.

Park House Hotel is an impressive Victorian country house set in the beautiful surroundings of the Sandringham Estate in West Norfolk. For 30 years we have been providing award winning breaks to disabled guests and their companions who return year after year.

With all the features you expect from a first class hotel, and an exceptional level of disabled access and support, we make sure your holiday is totally revitalising.

The hotel boasts an enviable location with easy access to the historic market town of King’s Lynn and the picturesque Norfolk coast.

LOUISE THOMAS-MINNS September is my favourite month. The transition from Summer into crisper, fresher days, an excuse to buy new clothes oh & it's my birthday. But for your skin it can be a difficult change. Here are some tips to turn over a new leaf for your skin: 1. Increase your exfoliation.

Skin is prone to increased sensitivity in summertime so exfoliation should be minimal. Now, exfoliation is imperative when it comes to repairing and brightening the complexion.

2. The Sun might not be shining as much but you should still be using a sunscreen everyday! UVA rays are present 365 days of the year & are the #1 cause of premature ageing. Opt for one with Zinc oxide & anti oxidants.

3. Schedule a professional peel or facial. Products can

To make a booking or receive a brochure pack please contact the Reception Team on 01485 543000 quoting PAF2017. You can also visit our website www.parkhousehotel.org.uk to find out more.

only do so much & there's nothing better than having some higher strength ingredients used & expert hands to manually deeply cleanse, lift, tone, firm & relax the skin.

Louise Thomas-Minns is a celebrity skin therapist with over 22 years of skin health industry experience.

Her back ground covers her being an active contributor to national media, holding a Cert Ed & NVQ assessors award & being the founder of the U & your Skin facial.

She is developing her own skincare range due to be launched next Spring & you can find her flagship skin lounge in Bridewell Alley Norwich.

Louise Thomas-Minns CIBTAC BABTAC CIDESCO Cert Ed Celebrity skin therapist & company director www.uandyourskin.co.uk 01603 633633

6 delightful 4* self catering holiday homes in Sheringham including 3 which are suitable for wheelchair users

All within 200 meters of Sheringham’s Blue Flag beach and golf course, 5 minutes walk to the town centre Complimentary use of Woodlands Leisure Centre for all guests Free unlimited WIFI in all properties

Off road parking and Sky TV is available in some properties

01263 577560

enquiries@sheringhamcottages.com www.sheringhamcottages.com

BOOK NOW

R E T IN W & AUTUMN breaks from 0 0 .

0 7 2 ÂŁ as little as What could be better than staying in one of our luxury lodges, cabins or caravans where you can enjoy the freedom of getting away from it all and spend precious time with the family.

At Woodland Holiday Park you can enjoy pure relaxation, have lots of fun and create many happy memories.

NEW

CARAVANS FOR 2017 Luxurious Scandinavian lodges and log cabins all with private hot tubs as well as luxury two and three bedroom caravans

Trimingham, Norfolk NR11 8QJ

www.woodlandholidaypark.co.uk 01263 579208

| SEPTEMBER 2017

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ADVERTORIAL

Q&A: Dr Tom Marshall D r To m M a r s h a l l , consultant radiologist and founder of Global Diagnostics talks about his work

What drove you to set up Global Diagnostics?

When I was a medical student at Oxford, I was inspired by my lecturers who were developing the early cross-sectional imaging machines – CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and I knew I wanted to specialise in this field. In the late 1990s I had a training placement in Western Australia and linked up with an Australian radiologist, Dr Johnny Walker who was setting up a pioneering rural clinic using state of the art technology to build a tele-medicine platform to digitally link his various imaging facilities across Western Australia, a state of over 2.6 million square kilometres (Norfolk is just 5,371 square kilometres). This reduced the need for the rural population to travel exceptionally long distances to see specialists based within hospitals.

On returning to the UK to take up my consultant position at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH), I could see there was potential for using the same technology here in the UK. After many months spent doing tele-conferences across the globe with Dr Walker and building a business model to bring the technology to the UK, we launched Global Diagnostics here at Colney Hall, Norwich and then created a network of clinics across the UK. Norwich is the flagship clinic in the UK. I feel proud that the Norwich Global team and I have established a responsive, robust and accessible patient service built on strong clinical relationships with local GP practices and other primary care specialists. This enables us to provide an excellent service to local NHS patients, self-funders and private medical insurance patients. Our patients can expect to receive an appointment within five days of receipt of their referral letter and GPs know the imaging reports will be with them within a week of the appointment to help with diagnosis and provision of any onward treatment.

What does your role entail now?

I am still working full-time as a consultant radiologist, specialising in diagnosing and treating bone and joint disease and injury through the use of leading-edge musculoskeletal imaging techniques particularly MRI and ultrasound. I work long hours providing radiological expertise which is my passion. It is very rewarding working closely with patients and colleagues providing best practice diagnosis and treatment. I am also involved in the teaching and training of new sonographer colleagues in musculoskeletal ultrasound.

I am the Medical Director for Global Diagnostics UK and oversee all clinical governance areas to ensure our patient experience is first-class.

In your opinion, what are the biggest issues facing healthcare today?

We have a growing elderly population requiring more resources for diagnosis and treatment particularly in Norfolk where 24% of the population is 65 years old or over. Plus, we have a growing expectation from patients to be seen, diagnosed and treated in a timely fashion.

What is the most rewarding element of your role?

Practicing clinical radiology at the coal-face.

It is a privilege to spend time with patients diagnosing and treating them as well as working closely with clinical colleagues to provide a high-quality multi-disciplinary service. I enjoy teaching and passing on the skills I have learnt over 20 years to the next generation of clinicians.

Thinking back on all you have achieved, what are you most proud of?

I am most proud of establishing a nationally renowned musculoskeletal radiology service here in Norfolk which is respected and valued by our local healthcare community.

I have also been involved in helping to develop the Norwich Radiology Academy at NNUH, one of just three national academies in the UK to provide the highest quality training in radiology.

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

Dr Johnny Walker for what he achieved in Western Australia and for helping me develop and launch Global Diagnostics here in the UK. What do you like best about living in Norfolk?

I am originally from Stratford upon Avon and have spent over 20 years in Norfolk and love the space, outstandingly beautiful countryside, wild coastline plus the history and culture of our iconic city of Norwich. It goes without saying friends and the people of Norfolk make living here a joy.

How do you like to relax?

I love walking particularly in North Norfolk.

I play tennis and ski whenever I can. After a busy working day, music plays a vital role in helping me to relax along with some good food and a delicious bottle of red wine.

What has been the best piece of advice you have been given?

Be passionate about what you do and try to inspire others with that passion – just like Dr Johnny Walker did with me.

How would your best friend describe you?

Full of energy, cheerful, engaging with a mischievous sense of humour, humble and compassionate.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on the Global Clinic, Norwich, call 01603 812266, email enquiries@globaldiagnostics.co.uk or see www.globaldiagnostics.co.uk

55

www.styleshow.co.uk The Style Show brings you Happy Feet this Summer!

All the way from Noosa Beach in Australia, our fabulous summer footwear offers ultimate comfort with maximum style!

Innovative, durable, fun!

Insole Cushioning, Anatomical foot beds, moulded arch supports.

Why sacrifice style when you can have it all!

E: enquiries@styleshow.co.uk T: 07487 796 853 115 City Road, Norwich, NR1 2HL FREE PARKING RIGHT OUTSIDE

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P PICK U hion

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LONDON STREET, NORWICH 01603 660661 JARROLD.CO.UK

| SEPTEMBER 2017

02.

03.

Prices correct at the time of going to press. Items may be available from various retailers and prices may vary so please check online for a full list of local stockists

01.

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04.

Look picture perfect in a smart dress or chic suit on your daughter or son’s special day Donna Titcombe has selected this stylish and sophisticated range of Mother of The Bride and Mother of The Groom Outfits that defiantly have the wow factor.

01.

Zeila crepe dress with self print panel and matching crepe jacket in soft pink £425

02.

Catherines of Partick Pink and ivory hatinator with flower details POA

03.

05.

Hobbs Kristy Jacket £169

04.

Hobbs Kristy Dress £199

05.

Lilli & Koe Pastel Pearl Bracelet £26

06.

Linea Darlia jewelled flower trim court shoes £63

07.

Failsworth Hats Emelia disc fascinator - taupe £59.95

06.

LADIES FASHION

07.

08.

09.

10.

08.

Dower & Hall, White Rose - Solid Carved Rose Stud Earrings £98

09.

Eastex Camilla Printed Dress £139

10.

Dune Bellflower flower clasp clutch bag £65

11.

Dune Cantrel Blush Shoes £75

11.

12.

Cabotine Embroidered Lace sleeve dress £675

12.

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available with a Harley Street trained professional

For a beautiful way to indulge yourself‌ Beach Clinic is the place for Botox injections, lip fillers, facial light peels, liquid face lifts, thread vein and skin tag removal. Laser Lipo fat reducing treatment also available - guaranteed to drop a dress size!

B E ACH CL I N IC

Beach House, Beach Rd, Gorleston NR31 6DQ Telephone: 01493 603102 / 07810 272640

www.beachclinic.co.uk

Ross Campbell Dental Practice is a small private practice in the centre of Norwich, renowned for their professional and friendly service and commitment to providing innovative dentistry and a very high level of patient care.

01603 660758 www.rosscampbell.co.uk reception@rosscampbell.co.uk 36 Surrey Street, Norwich NR1 3NY

A

PASSION FOR

Pink

From rose highlighter to fuchsia lipstick, pink is a perfect way to liven up your beauty bag. Donna Titcombe selects some pretty products to leave you tickled pink all summer long

01.

02.

Clinique All About Shadow Duos Strawberry Fudge £22.50

Hugo Boss Ma Vie Body Lotion 200ml £24.50

03.

Sisley Palette L'Orchidèe Rose £67

Prices correct at the time of going to press. Items may be available from various retailers and prices may vary so please check online for a full list of local stockists

01.

02.

03.

04.

04.

Prada Candy Gloss Eau de Toilette 30ml £44

05.

06.

05.

OPI Elephantastic Pink £12.50

06.

MAC Hot Pink Lipstick £16.50

07.

Lancome La Rose À Poudrer Iridescent Blush Highlighter £35

07.

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£75 OFF UP TO

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c e c i l a m ey.c o .u k *For a limited period only. Terms and conditions apply. See website for details

Pink

in the 01.

MEN'S FASHION

Pink is still one of this season’s hottest colours for the modern man,Donna Titcombe selects these cool pieces to lighten up your summer wardrobe

02.

03.

Prices correct at the time of going to press. Items may be available from various retailers and prices may vary so please check online for a full list of local stockists

04.

05.

01.

Original Penguin Slub Jersey Polo Shirt £55

02.

Ray Ban RB 2180 6229 7E Round £95

03.

Pollini Espadrilles £229

04.

J.Crew Unstructured Ludlow cotton-linen blazer in pink stripe £168

05.

Links of London Pink Mother Of Pearl Doublet Cufflinks £225

06.

Ted Baker Procor Slim Fit Chinos £99

06.

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The Olive Tree would like to welcome the talented Joe Lees, as Head Chef. Joe joins us from a four star hotel background working with some of the top local chefs in the area, he brings with him a new and exciting menu along with his enthusiasm and knowledge.

Joe has been a finalist twice in the well renowned Chaine des Rotisseurs National Young Chef of the year. With his passion and experience in the industry the award winning Olive Tree Restaurant is set to embrace Joes flair and passion for food, using local seasonal produce and embracing local business to work alongside the award winning Norfolk Park.

Joe believes “the Recipe” for success, is dedication, enthusiasm, keeping modern British food simple, tasty and stylish. He is looking forward to meeting customers old and new to enjoy the stunning surroundings and food offered at The Olive Tree.

BACTON ROAD, NORTH WALSHAM, NORFOLK, NR28 0RA 01692 404900 · enquiries@theolivetreenorfolk.com · www.theolivetreenorfolk.com

RECIPE

I L E F L O T TA N T E Floating island and vanilla custard with roasted flaked almond, caramel shard and caramel popcorn

RECIPE (SERVES 4)

ILE FLOTTANTE Poached meringue for floating island (4 each); Custard (220g); Water (50g); Vanilla essence (1 tsp); Caramel popcorn (5g); Caramel shard (4 pieces); Flaked almond (5g) 1. In a bowl, dilute the custard cream.

Water and vanilla essence, heat in a microwave or a little saucepan. 2. Pour the vanilla custard on the bottom of the dessert plate, dispose on top the floating island (see meringue recipe bellow) and garnish with 5 popcorn pieces and a pinch of flaked almond (briefly toasted in a dried pan) and a caramel shard.

CARAMEL SHARD Caster sugar (150g); Water (40g) 1. In a little saucepan, make a caramel on a stove 2. Once the caramel is dark brown, immerge the bottom of the saucepan in cold water in order to stop the cooking process of the caramel. 3. Place a baking paper on the work top and with the use of the fork; make a caramel “net” on the paper. 4. Once cold, break the shards and dispose on the “floating island”

1. Mix the egg whites with the lemon juice slowly first, then fast with an electric whisk, once the egg whites are firm, add the caster sugar all at once and keep mixing for 4 second, no more! 2. Fold gently the icing sugar into the mix and fill the plastic pudding basin. Cook in a microwave for approx. one minute, take out of the basin and keep in the fridge until use.

POACHED MERINGUES FLOATING ISLAND Using 90ml plastic pudding basin Egg whites (6 each); Caster sugar (110g); Icing sugar (50g); Lemon juice half a lemon

Let our French chef

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW FLORIDES, WWW.ANDREWFLORIDES.CO.UK

Franck Pontais cook for your private dinner parties, and for those who really enjoy cooking, he also offers master classes, for all abilities, in your own home. www.franckpontais.com

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We invite you to dine from our 7 course menu

‘A TA ST E OF N ORFOLK ’ This is our dedication to Norfolk’s finest seasonal produce, inspired by ingredients from Our Farm. £45pp

01508 492497

www.thewildebeest.co.uk

info@thewildebeest.co.uk

RECIPE

BL AC K F OR E S T G AT E AU X

(sort of!)

Black Forest Gateaux

was always a good frozen staple for mediocre family events, so has always held a special place in my heart. You wouldn’t believe my luck, when I fell in love with a german girl, I imagined in my head a life filled of German beer, sausages and black forest gateaux. How far from the truth I was, with only a few trips to Berlin and the East I can honestly say I have never had a black forest gateau in Germany. So as always, I created my own luck and made this interpretation of this 1980’s frozen classic.

Richard Bainbridge is the chef proprietor of Benedicts Restaurant in Norwich www.restaurantbenedicts.com info@restaurantbenedicts.com or call 01603 926080

RECIPE

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE 2 Eggs separated; 100gr Caster Sugar; 2tbsp Water; 1 Hand Full of Thyme; 175gr Fair Trade Dark Chocolate Divine 70% dark chocolate; 50gr Unsalted Butter 175ml Double Cream; 100150mls Brandy 1. Begin by making an Italian meringue. 2. Place the egg whites into the bowl of an electric food mixer. Next place the sugar, thyme and water into a saucepan, melt over a moderate heat and then bring to the boil leave to infuse for 1 hour strain the thyme out. Then place back on heat and using a sugar thermometer begin to take the syrup up to 115c/240f, when the temperature of the syrup reaches 110c/230f turn on the electric food mixer and whisk the egg whites, while continuing to keep the mixer whisking.Leave

the machine whisking and once mixture has cooled a little, turn the machine down to its lowest speed. 3. Place the chocolate and butter into a bowl and over a saucepan of hot water gently melt (make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water in the pan). As soon as the chocolate has melted, remove the bowl from the pan of hot water, allow to cool a little and then beat in the egg yolks and coffee, leave to cool a little more and then fold the meringue into the chocolate mixture. 4.

Whisk the cream until it reaches soft peaks and fold this into the chocolate and meringue mixture. 5. Place in the fridge until needed.

PISTACHIO SNOW 100g Caster Sugar; 2 Tbsp Water; 3 Tbsp Pistachio Nuts 1. Place the sugar and water into a pan and bring to the boil,

Using a thermometer bring the sugar water to 121c at this point stir in the pistachio nuts and stir until the sugar starts to crystallise then pour out on to a tray and leave to cool, once cool blend in the blender until a rough powder or snow.

WHIPPED CREAM 200gr double cream; 2 tbsp Icing Sugar; 1/2 Vanilla Pod

CHERRY PUREE 1kg frozen cherries; 100g caster sugar; juice of 1 lemon

TO GARNISH 1. Take a plate or board of your choice, start with the Pistachio Snow, add a big scoop/dolop of Chocolate Mousse on top, then dot the cherry puree and whipped cream around the plate or board. Place poached Cherries at random and garnish with some garden thyme. 2. For presentation at the table, garnish the table with fallen autumnal leaves. Now put your bavarian trumpet music on, lace yourself with your Lederhosen and enjoy the fruits of the forest.

1. Place all ingredient into a blender and blend until smooth, remove from blender and place in fridge until needed.

POACHED CHERRIES 100 gr fresh Cherries (de stoned); 50 gr Caster Sugar; 50 gr Water; 50 gr Kirsch (Cherry Brandy); Sprig of Thyme 1. Place all into a pan and bring to the boil. Once boiled take off the heat and cling film. Leave to cool.

1. Place all into a bowl and whip to soft peaks. Add into a piping bag and store in the fridge until needed.

Photography by KATJA BAINBRIDGE

67

The Olive Tree would like to welcome the talented Joe Lees, as Head Chef. Joe joins us from a four star hotel background working with some of the top local chefs in the area, he brings with him a new and exciting menu along with his enthusiasm and knowledge.

Joe has been a finalist twice in the well renowned Chaine des Rotisseurs National Young Chef of the year. With his passion and experience in the industry the award winning Olive Tree Restaurant is set to embrace Joes flair and passion for food, using local seasonal produce and embracing local business to work alongside the award winning Norfolk Park.

Joe believes “the Recipe” for success, is dedication, enthusiasm, keeping modern British food simple, tasty and stylish. He is looking forward to meeting customers old and new to enjoy the stunning surroundings and food offered at The Olive Tree.

BACTON ROAD, NORTH WALSHAM, NORFOLK, NR28 0RA 01692 404900 · enquiries@theolivetreenorfolk.com · www.theolivetreenorfolk.com

Knights Hill Hotel & Spa Treat yourself and friends to

Afternoon Tea Monday – Saturday 12 noon - 5.30pm Sunday 3.00pm - 5.30pm

£14.95 per person Served in the lounge or on our patio in fine weather Gift vouchers available

South Wootton, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 3HQ T: 01553 675566 E: reception@knightshill.co.uk

Please visit our website www.knightshill.co.uk

English Thai Fusion

The New Forge is located on the Norwich road just outside Aylsham town centre next to the Garden Centre.

OPEN 7 days a week - 12:00 - 23:00 FOOD SERVED: Mon - Thur: 12:00 - 14:30 / 17:00 - 20:30 Fri - Sat: 12:00 - 21:00 Sun: 12:00 - 20:30 English & Thai menus available Also Carvery Roast on Sundays - 12-3pm

01263 734275

Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norfolk NR11 6UD

www.thenewforge.co.uk

WE SERVE MOUTHWATERING CRAB AND DELICIOUS LOBSTER ALL DAY WE HAVE JUST LAUNCHED OUR EXCITING,

NEW SUMMER BISTRO MENU

THERE’S LOTS OF GREAT NEW DISHES TO SAMPLE

The Cliftonville Hotel, Seafront, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9AS 01263 512543 • www.cliftonvillehotel.co.uk

Senior Citizen Special

MONDAY-FRIDAY IN THE RESTAURANT ONLY £6.95

Eat in or take away – you're sure to love our menus!

WE ARE A FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS PROUDLY SERVING TASTY FISH & CHIPS MADE IN THE TRADITIONAL WAY SINCE THE 1960S WWW.FISHERSOFHUNSTANTON.COM

01485 532487

2-4 GREEVEGATE, HUNSTANTON, PE36 6BJ

WEDDINGS

PLANNING YOUR WEDDING VENUE With so many options available, choosing a wedding venue can s e e m l i ke a d a u n t i n g t a s k . It ’s p ro b a b l y o n e o f t h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t d e c i s i o n s yo u ’ l l m a ke a b o u t yo u r b i g d a y s o i t ’s wo r t h d o i n g s o m e research and thinking about what you want from a venue.

T

he venue you pick will determine the amount of guests you can invite, the location of your wedding and, of course, the theme and styling, too. You need to allocate a good proportion of your wedding planning time and budget to finding your dream venue because there are so many different options to consider and look at.

Here are a few pointers on how to choose your perfect wedding venue: Location, location location, estimate how many people you'd like to invite to your big day, since not all places can accommodate a wide variety of wedding sizes Sit down with your partner and figure out how much you are willing

to spend then make sure you stick to your Budget, It sounds like an obvious tip but before you go and visit a venue, and potentially fall in love with it you should consider if it falls within your budget.

The venue will play a huge role in shaping the ambiance for your wedding, so it's important to have a vision of what you want to portray for your big day. Since dates can book up quickly at the popular wedding venues, call around to check on date availability before going to see places in person and make sure you estimate the number of guests to ensure the venue can cater for the correct number.

It’s likely that you will visit quite a few venues before you make your decision. When you think you have found ‘the one’ go back and visit it again and again, check that it is as perfect as you remember.

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S3257 Places and Faces LSA wedding ad v1.qxp_Layout 1 07/08/2017 14:34 P

Trio’s is a Norfolk based company covering Norfolk and Suffolk. We offer a professional and tailor made service to suit your event and budget. We can help with venue arrangements, menu plans and provide staffing on the day, saving you valuable planning time.

We pride ourselves on our professionalism and expertise always using the best local, fresh ingredients. From Corporate lunches to smart Canapés or Picnic boxes to go.

A wide range of hot food options and local and international cheese boards suitable for any function. We also cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten and dairy free requirements.

For a professional and flexible service for any event contact Natalie at Trio’s Catering.

Le Strange Arms Hotel

Fantastic

Beachfront Location in Hunstanton

Tel: 01508 522039 Email: tasty@trioscatering.co.uk

A Professional Catering Service

www.trioscatering.co.uk Trio’s Catering, Hall Green Farm, Norton Road, Loddon, Norfolk NR14 6DT

Packages starting from

£4000

WEDDING OPEN DAY

Sunday 8th October 10am – 4pm

Tel: 01485 534411 Email: conference@lestrangearms.co.uk

www.lestrangearms.co.uk

WEDDINGS

Year planner There is so much to think about when planning your wedding, you certainly can’t d o i t a l l a t o n c e . We ’ v e p u t t o g e t h e r t h e following plan over one year to show how you can spread everything out.

1 2 m o n t h s b e f o re

6 m o n t h s b e f o re

· · · · · · ·

· · · · · ·

Book Wedding Planner Book venue for reception Book venue for ceremony Book registrar/priest Decide on a budget Consider buying wedding insurance Decide on a theme/design

O rder invitations B ridesmaid’s dresses and accessories G room’s attire and accessories B uy wedding rings B ook honeymoon Check

passports etc. are valid for honeymoon

1 1 m o n t h s b e f o re

5 m o n t h s b e f o re

· Order save the date cards

· Compile invitation list · Book caterer · Send save the date cards

·O rder Groomsmen’s attire and accessories ·B ook hairdresser trial ·B ook make-up trial ·B uy going away outfit, if relevant ·S chedule rehearsal time and rehearsal dinner

8 m o n t h s b e f o re

4 m o n t h s b e f o re

· · · · · · ·

· · · · · ·

1 0 m o n t h s b e f o re

Book florist Book transport Book cake maker Book photographer Book videographer Book band/DJ Book reception decorator (chair covers etc. · Book toastmaster

O rganise favours S end invitations B ook wedding night accommodation A ccommodation for guests G ift registry G ive notice of marriage

3 m o n t h s b e f o re ·G ifts for bridal party, groomsmen etc. · Decide on music for the ceremony and first dance · Decide on readings for the ceremony · Write wedding vows · Order stationery for the day (guest book, order of service etc.)

2 m o n t h s b e f o re · · · ·

inalise menu for wedding breakfast F Order table centre pieces Arrange hen/stag parties Chase unanswered invitations

1 m o n t h b e f o re ·A rrange seating plan · Order stationery for the day (table plan, place cards etc.) · Make arrangements for wedding dress cleaning · Make arrangements for bouquet to be stored or dried

2 w e e k s b e f o re ·H old rehearsal dinner with wedding party · Confirm number of guests with reception venue and caterer · Write speeches (Groom, Best Man & Father of the Bride)

Af t e r t h e w e d d i n g · Send thank you cards

7 m o n t h s b e f o re · · · ·

Order Bride’s dress and accessories Book musicians for ceremony Organise any ‘other’ entertainment Reserve any rental equipment (marquee, chairs etc.)

73

FOR LIFE’S GREAT OCCASIONS

FOR YOUR PERFECT WEDDING AND A TRULY MEMORABLE DAY CHOOSE LYNES MARQUEES Whether it's for 20 or 250 people we can help you! We can provide all furniture, chairs, tables, lights, dance floor and carpeting to make your special day a unique occasion

Covering all aspects of marquee hire and event support all year round. We aim to make things easy.

For a FREE no-obligation quotation telephone 01953 885151 or email enquiries@weatherfield-marquees.co.uk

01263 732668 · MAIL@LYNESMARQUEES.CO.UK

A BEAUTIFUL AND EXCLUSIVE WEDDING VENUE

www.weatherfield-marquees.co.uk

ABACUS MARQUEES your special event is our special event...

CIVIL CEREMONIES • WEDDING RECEPTIONS BESPOKE MENUS • BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS 16 ENSUITE ROOMS • CAPACITY 110 SEATED 150 INFORMAL

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WEALTH MANAGEMENT

“The savings and investments you hold in ISAs have special tax treatment that makes them attractive. However, the minute you take them out of the ISA, any interest or growth will be assessed for tax”

PA S SI NG I S A S AV I NG S ON T O YOU R H E I R S IT’S NOT WIDELY KNOWN THAT ISA SAVINGS CAN BE A TAX-EFFICIENT WAY TO PASS WEALTH TO YOUR SPOUSE OR CIVIL PARTNER. CARL LAMB LOOKS AT HOW THIS WORKS UNTIL APRIL 2015, ISAs were treated in the same way as the rest

of your estate when you died. They could indeed be passed on but would lose their tax protected status: they would no longer be treated as ISA savings and if your heirs wanted to reinvest in an ISA, then they could only do so if they had sufficient annual ISA allowance left to cover the amounts involved.

In April 2015, a new ISA rule was introduced to give spouses or civil partners who inherit ISA savings an “Additional Permitted Subscription” or APS. The APS can only be claimed by spouses or civil partners, so no other heirs can benefit from the allowance. Another requirement is that the two partners must have been living together at the time of death.

The measure applies to anyone whose spouse or civil partner died on or after 3 December 2014 and provides a one-off additional ISA allowance (on top of their normal annual ISA allowance – £20,000 in the 2017/18 tax year) equivalent to the value of the deceased person’s ISAs at the time of death. This works whether the ISAs are with one provider or multiple providers and the surviving partner gets a separate APS allowance per provider. If there are multiple ISAs with the same provider, the total value of all the ISAs is totted up to give you the APS allowance for that provider.

However, the surviving partner doesn’t have to keep the ISA savings with the same provider. He or she can transfer the APS allowance to another ISA provider, if there are better rates around. However, any assets you transfer must go to a single ISA provider.

You might imagine that the APS rule means you have to leave your ISA cash and investments to your spouse or civil partner in your will, but this isn’t the case: you can leave what’s in your ISAs to whoever you wish. What happens is that irrespective

of where the actual assets go, your surviving spouse or civil partner is entitled to an APS allowance equivalent to the value of your ISA assets on the day you die. Of course, without inheriting the assets, your partner would be required to invest his or her own money.

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If you have Stocks and Shares ISAs, the assets in the ISA can be transferred directly into the surviving partner’s ISA without being sold and then re-purchased, which avoids potential costs for buying and selling the assets and any possible performance loss during a transfer. This is known as an “in specie” transfer.

The transfer must be completed within 180 days following the completion of the administration of the estate.

It’s important to remember that the savings and investments you hold in ISAs have special tax treatment that makes them attractive. However, the minute you take them out of the ISA wrapper, any interest or growth will be assessed for tax. It’s therefore critical that you carry out any ISA transfers using the proper transfer process so that you retain their tax-efficiency.

The value of an investment and the income from it could go down as well as up. The return at the end of the investment period is not guaranteed and you may get back less than you originally invested. The tax treatment of investments depends on individual circumstances and is subject to change.

Carl Lamb

Almary Green Chartered Financial Planners www.almarygreen.com | 01603 706740

For independent financial advice, contact Almary Green on 01603 706740 or email enquiries@almarygreen.com. Please remember that the advice here is generic and we recommend that you get individual personalised advice.

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| AUGUST 2017

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| SEPTEMBER 2017 stakeholders and supporters. The passion and dedication for Theatre Royal and Playhouse – as well as for Norwich and Norfolk more generally – is just infectious.

What are your future plans for the theatre?

Stephen Crocker

Chief Executive, Norwich Theatre Royal

W

hat do you like about living in Norfolk and how does it compare to living in Manchester?

While I’ve been a city boy for a long time, I have always also loved that feeling of being outside and in wide open space. Having that wonderful contrast between city and country life is what is so fantastic about Norwich and Norfolk as it’s so easy to achieve. It’s incredible to me that we can wake up at home in the city on a Saturday morning and be at the beach or walking through luscious countryside in half an hour. That isn’t easy in a bigger city.

Is there anything you dislike?

It sounds like a coy answer, but nothing at all so far! I do miss Manchester lots, which was inevitable when I moved here as I spent 12 years in the city and my closest friends are there, but the warmth of the welcome Michael and I have both received since arriving in Norfolk has bowled us over.

with that. So, when I manage to carve out time, Michael and I love to spend time with friends and family and adore travelling and holidays. We rewarded ourselves on having successfully encountered our move to Norfolk with a trip to Mauritius in March, then we spent Easter in New York City for my mother-in-law’s 70th in April and then a long weekend in Malta for a family wedding in May. This year has been a busy one so far!

Do you have any hobbies?

It is a total cliché, but I am one of the very lucky people that has been able to turn their passion into a career. I love the way in which writers, directors, choreographers and painters use their creativity to turn stories into art and if I wasn’t privileged enough to get to explore all of this as part of my job, it is how I would spend my free time. Aside from all kind of arts activities, I try to make it to the gym 3 or 4 times a week and am a bit of a shopaholic!

What attracted you to take up your role at the Norwich Theatre Royal?

It is all dependent upon what I’m up to and how I feel. Sometimes it’s fantastic to get dressed up and really indulge in fine dining with cheese courses, wine flights and the full works. However, I love just as much chilling out in a country pub, covered in mud after a walk, and having pie, chips and a pint! I am also a self-proclaimed master in the arts of street food, especially at festivals – I can hold a beer, a bottle of water and eat noodles with chopsticks, all standing up and without spilling a drop!

When I was approached about considering the role, I knew well the phenomenal job that my predecessor, Peter Wilson, had done over 25 years and that this was a theatre in very good shape. Once I started to learn more, particularly about Norwich Playhouse and Stage Two being part of the family, I could then see the phenomenal potential to grow and develop into the future. However, I must say that it was this beautiful city that sealed the deal for me and, whilst I wandered around one sunny day last July, I decided that this was for me.

What do you like to do when you are not working?

What have been the highlights since you have been at the theatre?

Where do you like to eat and drink?

Given the nature of my job, the line between working and not working is often pretty non-existent, and I am absolutely cool 82

I think the overriding highlight has been getting to know my fantastic team and gradually meeting all of our partners,

Well there won’t be a revolution, look out for some evolution. We will absolutely continue to bring the very best work across the broadest spectrum of the performing arts to our stages – that is our duty – but you will also see some artists, companies and productions that are new to Norwich.

You will also see, now that we have our fantastic Stage Two building, a renewed focus on education, skills and community engagement.

What challenges does the theatre face?

Theatre Royal is hugely well supported and has fantastic audiences. However, there are communities and groups who aren’t currently attending or engaging with us and one of our big challenges over the coming years is to see how we can break down some of these barriers. Through the generosity of a huge range of supporters we are also very lucky to have a new dedicated centre for Learning & Participation, Stage Two. Making sure that we absolutely maximise the potential of this incredible asset is also a challenge for us – albeit a really great one!

How is technology changing traditional theatre?

When making a piece of theatre, writers, directors, designers and producers have a range of tools at their disposal and advances in technology, particularly digital technology, just increase that toolkit in the most exciting way. There is phenomenal work now being produced which incorporates the highest definition projection, streaming and even now augmented reality. But technology is also changing audiences’ engagement outside of the auditorium and through video and social media, theatre-going is now a conversation that begins before the show and continues afterwards. I love it.

Have you had any amusing incidents you can tell us about since you have been at the theatre?

Well, my first few months were insanely busy with some very long hours and lots of travelling. There was one morning when I was on a very early train to London having really not had very much sleep and been on autopilot from when the alarm went off.

As the coffee started to kick-in on a packed train, I looked down and realised that, not only did I have my sweater on inside out, I was wearing shoes that didn’t match! Oops.

Can you sum up Norwich Theatre Royal in five words?

It’s a place that is loved for the variety of its programme and for its people and is rooted in Norwich and Norfolk and committed to its communities.

Can you sum yourself up in five words?

I would say that I am creative, not afraid to be daring and always trying to be proactive with a rebellious streak and an unfortunate habit of being tardy.

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