The Boyz ae back in town...

There are occasions when truly world-class events come to Colchester, the sort of thing you'd travel to London usually to see. And the BalletBoyz at the Mercury is one of those. The all-male dance company founded by Royal Ballet dancers Trevor Nunn and William Trevitt perform to sell-out crowds at Sadler's Wells, but there's still tickets for tonight from £16 - why not click here to book! The dance 'Fiction' by the renowned choreographer Javier de Frutos is fantastic and received a standing ovation last night. It is joyful and humorous. 4- and 5-star reviews (e.g. the Guardian) You don't get many opportunities like this in Colchester.

Song.....Donna Summer - Last Dance.....Go to the show and you'll see why!

Yakety-Yak..(do talk back)

Isaac James warms up in his spectacular dance studio at Firstsite

Firstsite is packed with all sorts of activities and arts this next 10 days (until 30th October). A gallery take-over by YAK (Young Art Kommunity) sees dance, juggling, gaming. painting and loads more.

2000 years at Firstsite - from mosaics to hula-hoops

So checkout the program here, or just pop in for details. Also on Facebook 'FirstsiteYAK'
Song - Yakety-Yak, the Coasters.

Oh, it just came to my notice that Essex County Council are one of the supporters of this. Strange since this is what they think of Colchester's artistic heritage!

Colchester Public(?) Library 18th October 2016
I think everyone should go in to the foyer and punch the 'red face' on their 'how are we doing?' screen. And type in an explanation 'put back the Crucifixion of Mankind' . I just did and it made me feel better. Might go and do it again tomorrow.

Lost Souls.....

Crucifixion of Mankind by Connor Barrett



I've been away for a bit but what do I find on my return?....Just when you think Colchester is getting almost trendy, good new restaurants, great recent theatre, Martin Parr, someone has to remind us we are still in reactionary Essex. Connor Barrett's fine artwork, resolutely of it's time but also speaking now of man's inhumanity to man (Aleppo anyone?), has been removed from the perfect space for it, proudly in Colchester Library. Apparently in an era when it's ok to bombard children with sexualised images, and feeding them junk food is fine, showing a scene from the Bible and explaining how the World could be a better place is not. As an Atheist I deplore the desecration of our country's Christian heritage!
If anyone is organising protests, let me know - I'll be there. Write to your MP, your councillor (these decisions are taken in your name). I am and I expect them to listen.
And, by the way, No! this cannot be 'hidden' somewhere else - It's a public artwork for a public space, and is part of Colchester History.
This is the first negative blog I have written....sorry! - but at least Colchester made it  to the 'Scottish Mail on Sunday'!
Song - The Clash - Lost in the Supermarket - because when we attach more importance to the price of Marmite than to censorship and war - then we're all lost.