THE SOUND OF MUSIC - REGENT THEATRE

The Sound of Music is my all time favourite film, I have watched it over and over again and know all the songs word perfect, My favourite things, Do-Re-Mi, Climb Ev'ry Mountain, Edelweiss and of course The Sound of Music. I was delighted to have been invited to watch it at The Regent Theatre, Stoke with my good friend, Pip who shares the same enthusiasm for the greatest musical of all time. We have lost count how many times we have seen the 'Sing along' and stage versions.

I saw the 'Live' version on television over Christmas, which I admit left me a little disappointed, mainly, due to chopping and changing well known songs and adding extra ones. I hadn't realised a new version had been written, it was probably for the 50th Anniversary in 2015, but to see the magnificent staging and scenery, and even with random unfamiliar songs, I thoroughly enjoyed it. There was romance, tears and laughter, just like in the film version.

Lucy O'Byrne takes on the role of Maria, she was the runner up on BBC One's The Voice, there was no hint of her Irish accent and she took to the acting role as well as the singing.

Award winning TV heart-throb, Gray O'Brien plays Captain Von Trapp, very dashing and handsome, especially in his Captain uniform. There was a great spark between Maria and the Captain particularly during the 'dance' section.

The seven Von Trapp children were all equally talented, timing was impeccable and showed great confidence.

The nuns and especially Mother Abbess, played by Jan Hartley gave me goosebumps. Her voice was uplifting and powerful.

The Baroness (Isla Carter) and Max Detweiler (Duncan Smith) sang the extra unfamiliar songs, you can't help but compare to the Film but it was a welcome addition and both had magnificent voices.

The cast deserved their standing ovation and there is nothing like leaving a theatre with an overall feeling of great pleasure and satisfaction.

If like me you are a lover of this film, you can see this new stunning production until Saturday:-

http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-sound-of-music/regent-theatre/

SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS

I was lucky to have been invited to another Anton Benson Production. This time it was to see Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the new venue, Northwich Memorial Court.

The cast consisted of Edwina Currie as the Wicked Queen, Ex Corrie star Bruce Jones as her loyal Henchman and Celebrity Big Brother Runner Up, Austin Armacost as The Prince. There were a few sound technical difficulties in the first half, the microphones were way too loud and gave me a headache, not sure I could have stayed till the end if it hadn't have been sorted out. Fortunately, it was much more bearable in the second half, thank goodness!

Libby Gore was a brilliant Snow White and sang and looked beautiful. Keeley Fitzgerald played the comical, Trixie the Pixie with a very modern twist. I always love a 'Dame' in a panto and Steve Moorewood was fabulous, his pairing with Ryan Greaves as his son was hilarious. The one-liners were great and the 'Magazine' script had me in stitches.

The costumes, scenery and dancers from local dance school, Masquerade were professional and showed such talent.

The seven dwarfs were masked and their timing to the audio was impeccible, well done to the youngsters who played them.

The 12 days of Christmas is a favourite of mine and Luke's (my 8 year old), we always sing along and love all the cameraderie on stage. Lots of props were being thrown off and onto the stage and we the laughed from beginning till the end.

If you haven't booked to see a panto yet check out ticket prices http://www.antonbensonproductions.com/snow-white-2015.html

PETER PAN - REGENT THEATRE STOKE

I can't believe its that time of the year again.......oh no it isn't, oh yes it is!

One of my favourite parts of Christmas is my annual trip to the pantomime.

This years performance at The Regent Theatre, Stoke is Peter Pan, I was lucky enough to be there on opening night with two excitable 8 year olds, both with their glowing light sabres ready to join in the fun.

It's a special Anniversary performance for cheeky chappy, Jonathan Wilkes as it is his 10th year. He played Nanny McSmee and Mr Smee, and had us all shouting 'Ay Up Smee!' on his entrance. His love of Stoke is apparent and opened with a cleverly penned song 'All I care about is Stoke' including references to Oatcakes and his beloved Port Vale. There was a hilarious scene where Captain Hook (Christian Patterson) dressed up as Peter Pan and Wendy Darling, Patterson wrote the play and he and Johnny directed it, the comedy pairing was genius.

Peter Pan flying around the stage was magical and very seamless, played by Shannon Paul Lane he had us convinced in believing in Fairies which we were all chanting at the end. The rollerskating Tinkerbell was glittery and enchanting, a part of me feared for her every time she skated onto the stage. The dancing and singing was brought to us by a cast of young performers from Wilkes Academy, great to see local talent. The songs were modern and certainly had us dancing in our seats.

The costumes and scenery were colourful and bright and there was many an innuendo for the adults and jokes for the children too. 

There was the lack of an actual Panto Villain, my son generally enjoys the hissing and booing at the baddy but it was a fabulous family show, packed full of glittery entertainment. We gave it a definite thumbs up!

To book your tickets without delay go to http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/regent-theatre/

CINDERELLA - THE GRANGE THEATRE NORTHWICH

Last weekend was my second visit to Pantoland, this time to see Cinderella at The Grange Theatre, Northwich by Anton Benson Productions.

As a family, one of our favourite tv programmes is watching 'The Chase' so we were very excited to see Anne Hegarty aka Frosty Knickers cast as the Evil Stepmother. She didn't disappoint and remained evil and dead-pan throughout her performance.

Dane Bowers, Pop sensation from Another Level fame and recently 5th Story from ITV's Big Reunion was a charming Prince. He sang one of the this year's popular love ballads showing off his talents. Personally, I was slightly giddy as I'd seen him on tour in October with the Big Reunion Boy Band Tour, I think I had the best seat in the house too!

Ugly Betty and Buttons had us laughing with their banter and their hilarious one-liners. Both are Grange Panto Regulars and a big hit with the audience. The chocolate scene was comedy genius and had us all participating and joining in.

Keeley Fitzgerald stole the show as Fairy Godmother, a very funny actress and a beautiful voice, hilarious to watch and lit up the stage, literally!

The songs were current and it's always a joy to hear children singing along to well known songs. Cinderella (Libby Gore) sang her heart out to Disney's Frozen. 'For the First time and forever' and was accompanied by all the girls in the audience.

A fantastic show with lots of laughs and a surprise visit from Father Christmas, great costumes and scenery and the usual panto sing song. It got a thumbs up from us all!

The Grange Theatre is showing Cinderella until 3rd January. Get your tickets by going to https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/search/searchPerformance.asp?performance_id=107941&sid=

DICK WHITTINGTON AT THE REGENT THEATRE

As a regular visitor to the Regent, I was looking forward to seeing my first Pantomime in this beautiful theatre. Dick Whittington followed the traditional storyline but with a Stokie twist. It was full of one-liners, audience participation, fantastic singing, dancing and colourful costumes and scenery.

The build up to Dick Whittington's entrance was brilliant, and got the crowds hyped up for the very charismatic Jonathan Wilkes' bursting onto the stage. He is a real crowd pleaser and clearly proud of his roots and his links to Stoke, greeting the audience with 'Ay up me ducks'.

Christian Patterson, played one of the best Panto Dames I've seen 'Sarah the Cook'. The banter between Wilkes and Patterson was hilarious, whether scripted or not, it had the audience in stitches.

Alice Fitzwarren (Louise Dearman) danced and sang her way to Dick's heart and perfomed the very popular 'Let it Go' from Disney's Frozen. A real stand out performance and she made it seem effortless.

Alderman Fitzwarren (Simon Nehan) was the stuttering and dithery shopkeeper and brother of Alice, he was sent on a wild goose chase when his props were thrown into the audience and found their way into the gallery. It had us doubled over with laughter to see him running around the auditorium. Nehan doubled up as the Sultan at the end of the show.

King Rat was convincing as the panto baddy and had us 'hissing' and 'booing' but also impressed with his singing of Queen's 'I want it all'.

There were fight scenes, acrobatics and very well choreographed dancing and staging. Costumes were amazing especially, Sarah the Cook's.

There is something for all the family, smutty double entendres based around the Christian name of the lead character and slapstick comedy for the younger audience.

A laughter-filled show with my favourite part being my son, Luke joining Wilkes on stage to sing and dance for the obligatory sing-song.

The show runs until 4^th January 2015.

http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/dick-whittington/regent-theatre/#overview_tab

SPACEPORT & FERRY ACROSS THE MERSEY!

Being self employed has many advantages but the best one has to be working term time and having time off with my son, Luke during the school holidays.

I always try and fill half terms with lots of interesting and educational activities and today we booked for Spaceport in Wallasey with a ferry trip over to Liverpool. As a family we have been learning a lot about Space and visiting the different museums is certainly extending my knowledge, so when I saw Spaceport were running special half term activities, I jumped at the chance to visit. 

The journey from Nantwich is an hour and the parking is free and easy to find. We had a warm welcome from the reception staff and given guidance and assistance wherever needed. There are lots of interactive areas which kids totally love, its the only time they are allowed to touch anything and everything without being told off! 

If your children like Doctor Who you definitely need to visit as the Daleks and other merchandise is available to see. To be honest, I'm not a fan but what I lacked in enthusiasm, Luke made up for it! 

There was also a craft workshop where Luke made a Sonic Screwdriver, also a ride simulator, dome theatre and area to sit down for light refreshments. If you don't have packed lunch there is the Ferry terminal next door to grab a bite to eat. 

As an extra, you can take a ferry across the Mersey to Liverpool. I was born in Birkenhead and spent my pre-school years growing up in this area, I'm pretty sure I had done the trip before but couldn't actually remember. This was the highlight of Luke's day, I really hope he remembers it when he's my age! He loved sitting out on deck and seeing the surroundings. The short 30 minute trip to Liverpool was informative and a relaxed way to get across the River.

We spent an hour at the Museum of Liverpool, climbing the 84 steps up to the top level and seeing artefacts to interest all ages. 

It's not often I get a whole day off to spend with my little man without doing housework, cooking, taking enquiries or answering emails. We both thoroughly enjoyed it and I highly recommend to anyone who is wishing to extend their knowledge on all things Space!

For more information, go to http://www.spaceport.org.uk/Pages/default.aspx

#100 HAPPY DAYS

Are you addicted to Social media? I am totally am and it's definitely taken over my life. At every opportunity I tweet and Facebook, however, my blogging has gone by the wayside! I remember getting my first Smart phone and telling myself not to check emails on the go but that didn't last long!

It does have its uses thought especially when running a business, the way you can promote your business and events for free is a fantastic tool. 

A month ago, I  scrolled down my newsfeed on Facebook and saw a story that caught my eye, it was called '100happydays'. Basically, its where you post a photo that makes you 'Happy' for the next 100 days. I'm on Day 34 now and its a lovely way to be positive and share something that's made you happy, even if you have had a bad day. Apparently, 71% people have failed to complete the challenge. Now I love a challenge and as I'm extremely stubborn I will endeavour to carry it on for 100 days. I haven't always been able to post a photo but I've always shared a status that has made me happy. I've shared a few of my photos below that have made me 'Happy'.

Do you have the time to be happy?

Here's the link to register, good luck!

#100 Happy Days

 #100Happydays Golf Academy with Luke — at Brookfield Golf Club.

 Day 11 #100Happydays So proud of my little man 6th Kup Green Belt

 Day 14 #100Happydays Little dish of heaven

Day 17 #100Happydays Happy Pancake Day! Delicious treat after school trip

Day 15 #100Happydays My Sunday night knitting project