A Rose by Any Other Name....

A glimpse of the action from rehearsals

When is the Mercury theatre not the Mercury? Maybe when their splendid Youth Company fill St. Martin's church with Romeo and Juliet. It's an abridged version, only 75 minutes, and starting at 6.30 pm gives you plenty of time afterwards to drink to the ' star-cross'd lovers'. And you'll be right in the action as it whirls around the atmospheric old church in the twilight, as it is a promenade performance (you stand and move with the action). You can book now by clicking here - only £11.50. Performances from tomorrow (19th Aug.) until Sunday 28th....See you there, good night, parting is such sweet sorrow!


Song - Love is a Losing Game - Amy Winehouse, wonderful live at The Mercury Awards. Too sad....

I promise I didn't

Dancing in the street...

Annie's Fantasies dance at Firstsite during Big Sunday

I can exclusively reveal that Colchester's one and only Clog-Morris dance side, Annie's Fantasies, will end their summer season with a charity gig in aid of the Colchester Night Shelter tomorrow (Sunday)! Starting at Firstsite at Midday, they will move on to Castle Park in he afternoon. Please come and support us .... and we'd love you to join us too. Morris dancing is a fun and friendly way to keep fit and share music and dance with others. No experience needed - talk to us or remember our next open day on October 9th, at Roman Circus House. See you there!
Song - Consolers of the Lonely - the Raconteurs - Awesome rock n' roll from Jack White and the Band.

Cooking on Gas....

Broad bean and Potato curry bubbling away in the Parker kitchen

As usual there's great stuff on for children at the Arts Centre this August. Various workshops start from 16th (next Tuesday), but the one I'm booking for  is Bollywood Bhangra, curry and dance moves with Indi Sandhu. It says it's suitable for all ages, so Mrs. Blogger may be there!

Song - something for afters... Chocolate, Limejuice, Ice cream! - Salman Khan & Madhuri Dixit

Book early to Avoid Disappointment...

Artistic Director and top Cellist Orlando Jopling

I have been fortunate to follow the Roman River Festival for many years, and have seen and heard remarkable performances,. Ten years ago Artistic Director Orlando Jopling bemoaned the fact that any 'new' or 'different' concerts (e.g. new composers or non-classical collaborations) were difficult to sell. Well, Colchester has caught up now! and how - with last year's concerts marking a watershed for me. I was lucky enough to witness the excitement of the audience listening for the first time to a piece by young composer Gwilym Symcock performed by the brilliant Sacconi Quartet at Firstsite last year. The Sacconi are back this year, and amongst their gigs is a performance of Elvis Costello's 'The Juliet Letters' sung by Jon Boden, ex. Bellowhead.
But....now the word is out. Some concerts for this autumn's Festival are already sold out, and others nearly so. So, if you want to witness exciting World-class music-making in our town  this Autumn - book now to avoid disappointment!

Song - Elvis Costello and the Brodsky quartet - The Birds will still be Singing. Phew -- I'd forgotten how good this is!

Composer Gwilym Symcock in conversation with Anthony Roberts at last year's festival

A Hat Full of Sky....

With thanks to my ex-boss, Beth Chatto

There's always a lot of open-air theatre to enjoy at this time of year, but one performance really worth catching is at the magical Beth Chatto Gardens this Sunday, when the local theatre company Chameleon's Web put on an adaptation of Sir Terry Pratchett's ' Carpe Jugulum'.  I feel Terry has always been underestimated, writing not just funny but deeply satirical books, but always entertaining. This should be a magical evening, great for families but also a rare chance to see Beth Chatto's magnificent gardens 'out of hours'. Click here to book. 

Music.... Manic Magic Majestic.... the Band of Holy Joy....wish I'd been at that gig (with thanks to my brother Nick, who possibly was).

Leather on Willow...

The wonderful 'mobile' scoreboard in use today!

Want to do something special, outdoor this weekend, and support your local sports team? - Head to lower Castle Park (easiest to walk or cycle) where Essex play a County Championship cricket match. It lasts from today (Thursday) until Sunday - unless someone wins first. Tickets just £15 on the gate, but if the weather's good it gets busy. Or you can save £2 by buying on-line beforehand at the Essex Cricket Website (just click here). There is no better day out in Colchester, and we are very lucky that Essex continue to leave their base in Chelmsford to play in Colchester each year. So use it or lose it - see you there Friday!
Song - David Essex (geddit!) - Oh What a Circus from Evita. Memories! -(no, that was a different musical...)

The start of a cricket match - always a nerve-tingling moment!