Dazzling seasonal highlights across Bucks

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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Winter is coming, which means dark nights! But here’s our guide to highlights which are sure to lift spirits & keep the gloom at bay…

November beckons… so are we safe to start talking about Christmas now?! I know it’s not technically Advent yet (before the sticklers write in!) but, after the dazzling delights of Diwali and Bonfire Nights have finished lighting up the skies, we’re looking for other seasonal highlights. And there’s plenty cheer here to light up our lives!

Get your flow on at The Realms of Mystica lantern festival walk at the Dinosaur & Farm Park in Milton Keynes, MK15 0DT, from 1st November; Land of Lights Festival Milton Keynes | Land of Lights Festival Milton Keynes

The atmospheric greenhouses at Peterley Manor Farm near Great Missenden, HP16 0HH, will be chock-full of goodwill and festive cheer for the Christmas Market, 14th-17th November. You’ll find more than 70 boutique shopping stalls, food and drink, a local talent music tent, street food area, fire pits & more; visit Peterley Manor Farm | A family run farm set in the Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire

With a sprinkle of magic, between 15th November & 5th January, Waddesdon Manor and its gardens, HP18 0JH, turns into a Sleeping Beauty-inspired wonderland with light projections on the manor’s façade. Explore the beautifully illuminated gardens and woodland trails; perfect for families or couples looking to light up date night! Inside the manor, opulent decorations and exhibits will offer a Victorian Christmas. The Christmas market, running until 22nd December, offers hand-crafted gifts, festive food and more. Waddesdon Manor | A French Renaissance-style château

Windsor Great Park Illuminated is returning for its fourth year to light up the iconic Great Park, SL4 2HT, 15th November to 4th January and dogs are welcome, too! For more info & to book please visit Windsor Great Park Illuminated: light up your year!

High Wycombe will offer you a warm welcome in the High Street & Frogmoor, 1-6pm on Saturday, 16th November for the Christmas Lights Festival featuring music, entertainment & more; visit – HWBIDCo for more info.

Marlow’s Christmas Lights Switch-On on Thursday, 21st November, will bring lots of sparkle to the high street with carol singers, live performances, and late-night shopping; Home – Marlow Town Council. More late-night shopping on 5th December, too! Marlow Chamber of Commerce | Business Networking & Events

Chesham’s Christmas Lights Switch-On is all set for 6-9pm on Friday, 22nd November. Enjoy live performances, Santa’s grotto at Chapter Two bookshop, a funfair, music and dance, food, drink & craft stalls. Visit Chesham Events.

Great Missenden High Street will be all-atwinkle, 3-8pm on Saturday, 23rd November. Head along to shop for artisan produce, tuck into street food and be dazzled by entertainment. Cooper’s Markets – Old Amersham Artisan Market

Enjoy a festive family adventure with rides, a Santa’s grotto & gifts, 23rd November to 23rd December at Gulliver’s Land Milton Keynes, MK15 0DT. Visit Gulliver’s Land Theme Park Resort | Milton Keynes

Christmas On The Cobbles in the Market Square & Exchange, Aylesbury, 12-5.30pm on Sunday 24th will offer market stalls, an illuminated parade, theatre stars, Santa & fireworks; Aylesbury Town Council

Christmastime at Stowe Gardens, MK18 5EQ offers a serene escape into one of Bucks’ most famous landscapes. From 24th November to 5th January, experience the stately grounds illuminated with interactive light displays, enjoy storytelling for children and warm up treats at the café or make a wreath.

Celebrate Christmas with a Scandinavian twist at Hughenden Manor, HP14 4LA, from 25th November to 3rd January. Disraeli’s former gaff will be transformed into a Nordic winter wonderland, the manor house, gardens, and stable yard adorned with decorations. Follow a festive trail, enjoy storytelling, take part in crafting activities, enjoy choir performances and seasonal food. Visit National Trust

Buckingham’s light switch-on will draw happy families, 4-7pm on Thursday, 28th November, outside The Old Gaol with stalls, lots of live entertainment & food; Buckingham Town Council

Beaconsfield Festival of Light will dazzle in the new town on Wednesday, 4th December, from 6pm. Enjoy the children’s lantern parade, Christmas Shopping, market stalls, a food court and lots of entertainment. For more info please visit Beaconsfield Festival of Lights

The Feast of St Peter team have organised a family friendly highlight in Chalfont St Peter on Friday, 6th December in Market Place. Head along to enjoy stalls, entertainment, family fun & more; Christmas Fun Night — Feast of St Peter

Finally, don’t miss perfect panto; Aladdin, 13th December to 5th January at Wycombe Swan. We’ll bring you our interview with shining star Vernon Kay next month! Book Show Tickets | Wycombe Swan Theatre

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Beautiful, bespoke lampshades made in Bucks

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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Tracy Watson has turned her creative hand to a range of beautiful lampshades. Check them out at Peterley Christmas Market, 14th to 17th November

Looking to light up your life!? Wife & Mum Tracy Watson, who lives in Great Kingshill, has had the same bright idea.. And we’re thrilled to share the results as we enter the darkest months of the year.

Blue Boy Furniture is named after Tracy’s beloved little boy Charlie, who passed away when he was five and forever remains her ‘little blue boy’. Using her grief as a spark for creativity, Tracy has spent the past five years refreshing stylish homes across Bucks & beyond. This year she began making lampshades and fixtures from cotton and linen fabrics – often limited-edition remnants – ensuring individuality and style.

Tracy says: “I came up with the idea when I needed a new lampshade for my own home, and could only find white or grey in main high street stores. I wanted something which would add an injection of pattern and colour to the room, without a full-on maximalist look.

“Our stock is continuously evolving, but if you can’t see something that catches your eye, or have a traditional frame you would like recovering, please get in touch and let’s talk about a commission for you!”

Suitable for both ceiling fixtures and lamp bases, Tracy’s handmade lampshades are fire-retardant and compatible with bulbs up to 40 watts. Tracy has been painting furniture and crafting home decor items since she bought her first house in the 1990s. Inspired by upcycling programmes she began painting and refurbishing the quality vintage furniture finds.

“Blue Boy Furniture has mushroomed,” says Tracy. “I begam painting furniture for resale, quickly progressing into refurbishing customers’ own furniture. Having a piece of your own furniture painted can turn it from dull, drab and unfitting in your home into a stunning, unique statement piece you love.”

Tracy’s painting has expanded to kitchen cabinets and built-in wardrobes too. She says: “I’m painting kitchens for customers who want to refresh their homes without the expense and inconvenience of installing new cabinets” Tracy stocks a range of paints online and offers training videos.

Visit Blue Boy Furniture | Painting and Upcycling Home Furniture & follow blueboyfurniture on Instagram for more info to get in touch.

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Talking turkey at Mayo Brothers!

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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Jenni & Rob Sawyer tell us a bit more about the much-loved Mayo Brothers butchers shop in Chesham Bois as the team get ready for the busiest season…

Christmastime seems to be celebrated earlier and earlier these days… So spare a thought for Jenni and the rest of the team at Mayo Bros butchers…

“We actually start our Christmas run-up in March!” says Jenni. “That’s when we put our order in to the turkey farmer, and then from September we really start prepping and preparing behind the series. We start opening our Christmas order book in October ready for the others and the busiest of the year.”

Beloved as a village institution by locals as well as foodies who flock from further afield, Mayo Brothers is an independent family butchers.

“We love being part of a community,” adds Jen who, along with Rob, grew up here in Chesham Bois. “It makes it even more special to be here.

“We believe in supplying a high-quality product to our customers and offer a wealth of experience and knowledge. The most rewarding aspect of business so far has been the support we felt from the local community during the pandemic and the support we had when we completed our new shop fit. Our customers are definitely the most rewarding part of the job.

“We are looking at providing new products all the time and the development of our ‘prepared by us’ meals continues all the time. Keep an eye on social media for new products!”

Jen, Rob and the team are very much involved in village life, especially Chesham Bois summer fete every other year. “It’s a real village atmosphere, and we enjoy doing the barbecue,” says Jen. “We now also provide our BBQ service for other local villages for their summer fetes and larger events. We are already booked for next year at Stoke Poges village fete and the Chorleywood car show. It’s so popular because it’s professional, friendly BBQ service, a fully managed BBQ for parties, weddings, special occasions… or just an excuse not to cook!”

All successful businesses have to evolve and, understanding that modern life keeps us busy, Jen and Rob recently created a range of homemade products for customers to take away and bake in the oven at home.

“We only use meat from our shop and fresh ingredients to produce the finest quality meals with the majority of our sauces being allergen-free,” says Rob.

“As for our favourite cut of meat… it has to be a rib-eye steak – a Saturday night treat! We also really like to eat at independent restaurants and support them, as we know how important it is to have the support of your locality. We love visiting Darmon Deli, the brewery shop in Amersham, and Jen loves a coffee (and sometimes an early breakfast before work) at Jester in Hill Avenue.”

Mayo Brothers, 32 Bois Lane, Chesham Bois, HP6 6BP. Find out more on the Facebook page & visit Welcome to Mayo Brothers award winning Butchers and Speciality Grocery for more info.

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Dazzling fireworks above local skies

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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Bright & beautiful is not just a description of the pupils at Great Missenden C of E School but also the fireworks display with music on Saturday, 9th November, with more on 2nd in Holmer Green, too! 

Spectacular fireworks will light up the sky above Great Missenden C of E School in Church Street, HP16 0AZ.

The sparkling display – set to music – will raise funds for the school PTA as well as spirits, with a bonfire, entertainment, fairground rides, a hog roast and licensed bar. Gates will open at 5pm.

The school’s headteacher Mr Magee says: “The fireworks event at Great Missenden is truly a highlight of the year, bringing together not only our school community but also families and friends from the wider local area. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and enjoy a shared experience, strengthening the bonds that make our community so special.”

Family tickets (two adults, two children) are £29, adults £30pp, children £7pp and under-fours go free. To buy yours please visit Great Missenden School PTA
A reminder also about the evening of fireworks and fun planned for Saturday, 2nd November at Holmer Green Sports Association in Watchet lane, HP15 6UF.

The community event includes a professional firework display choreographed to music, licensed bar, food vendors, music, hot drinks, sweets, light up toys and more.

Gates will open at 5pm with the firework display at 7pm. Stalls, including those selling food and drink, will remain open after the display. This is a ticket only event, with a maximum capacity. For more info & to book visit Holmer Green Sports Association

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From Princes Risborough to Portugal

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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Graeme Card BSc FCIPS (Retired) tells us abut his epic trip in aid of Cancer Research & urges you to donate if you can to The Rotary Club of Princes Risborough in memory of Barry Tomkins, Sharon Sullivan and Helen Harrison

Together with an old school friend, Martin, whom I have known for 55 years now, I walked the last section of the Camino Portuguese from Vigo to Santiago de Compostela.

For those of you who do not know, the Camino de Santiago is a series of walks setting off from various locations (even the UK if you are so inclined), but all converging on Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

For completing one of these walks, as long as it is longer than 100km (about 62 miles in old money) you get a Compostela (a rather nice certificate in Latin) and the option to attend the service held at the main Cathedral in Santiago each Friday.

The Camino’s roots can be traced back to a legend from the 9th century. It was believed that the remains of St. James the Apostle, one of Jesus Christ’s twelve disciples, were discovered in Northwestern Spain.

Upon hearing this revelation, King Alfonso II ordered the construction of a humble chapel to honour the apostle. Little did he know this chapel would blossom into the awe-inspiring Santiago Cathedral, the emblematic beacon for pilgrims known worldwide today.

As word spread of this sacred resting place, the Middle Ages witnessed a fervent surge in Christian pilgrims, making the arduous journey to pay their respects and seek spiritual solace.

Now I confess to not being in the least bit religious, but I am Rotarian and like to do ‘stuff’ whatever that may be, for charity, so, together with Martin we decided to raise money for Cancer Research, in my case in memory of a fellow Rotarian and in the case of Martin, in memory of his ex-wife and sister in law – both who died in their late 50s.

“I am a Rotarian and like to do ‘stuff’, whatever that may be, for charity”

We arrived in Vigo late Saturday 5th October to less than clement conditions, in fact, it was merrily chucking it down as they say. Things did not bode well. Sunday came somewhat overcast and we got into the habit of checking the weather forecast pretty much daily. Our route took us from Vigo to Redondela, then Pontevedra, Caldas de Reis, Padron, Teo and finally, Santiago. Each port of call was between 16km and 21km apart, except for the final day as we only had 11km to do, it just felt like 20km by that time.

We would spend between 4 and 5 hours walking each day, mostly uphill it seems and for the first 2 days, in very damp weather. The best part of the whole experience for me is fellow ‘Pelegrinos’ Pilgrims you meet on the walk, I have previously done the rather quiet Camino Ingles but this Camino was VERY much busier. We lost count of the nationalities we met along the way with a Cheery “Buen Camino!” as they walked by.

Each day you have to collect at least to staps for your ‘Credencial’, a sort of Pilgrims Passport, to confirm you had done the route, or so, one at start of day, one at the end, each little cafe or bar or church will have their own stamp, in some places people set up little stalls selling foods and trinkets by the pathway. The Galicians are wonderfully friendly and whilst of course some knowledge of the language goes a long way, quite a lot of the locals have a smattering of English. Our accommodation was arranged for us in advance by a company called Galliwonders, a local firm, all-female run, I cannot recommend them highly enough! Superb little two – and three-star hotels in each port of call, you can even have your luggage shipped from place to place too, which is useful in winter so you can take a change of clothing.

Whilst we only did 100km in six days, the entire Portuguese Camino starts in Porto… so you need a fair while to do the entire thing! I intend to do another Camino next year, maybe another section of the Portuguese, maybe the French Camino, whatever, it will be fun, a truly uplifting experience, even if you are not religious and you will meet some wonderful people, to cap it all you end up in Santiago which is beautiful city.

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Concert to christen Bisham’s new organ

Liz Nicholls

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Buckinghamshire

Liz Nicholls

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Book your tickets to enjoy a recital by the internationally acclaimed organist, pianist and composer, Iain Farrington on the new organ on 1st November

Hallelujah: the new organ at Bisham Church has arrived!

On September 2nd and 3rd, Viscount Organs delivered and installed the new organ and speakers. They also “voiced” the organ (that means “tuned” for those of you who did not know the term). The whole process was completed in two days.

The organ was played for the first time at the service the following Sunday. By all accounts it is a fine instrument and a number of events have been planned to give everyone some appreciation of the organs potential.

On Friday, 1st November, 7.30-9.30pm you can enjoy a recital by the internationally acclaimed organist, pianist and composer, Iain Farrington. You may have heard one of Iain’s compositions at the coronation of King Charles and more recently, Iain’s piece weaving together TV sports themes performed at the Last Night of the Proms.

Rev John Smith of Bisham Church says: “Iain promises an evening to show off the possibilities of the new organ with music by a range of composers and in a variety of styles. We will hear Bach, Handel, Vaughan Williams and Widor. Iain is known particularly as one of the very few composers of jazz for the organ. We hope he will also play some of his compositions.”

Tickets cost £20 and are now available on the Ticket Tailor website: Buy tickets – Organ Recital by Iain Farrington – All Saints Church Bisham (tickettailor.com)

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Richard Ashcroft to star at Blenheim

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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The Verve frontman – whose album Urban Hymns remains one of the best-selling in UK history – will perform at the five-night Nocturne Live concert series on 19th June, supported by Lightning Seeds and The Zutons

Richard Ashcroft is the first headliner for next summer’s Nocturne Live concert series, which returns to the 10,000-capacity UNESCO World Heritage Site of Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire from 18th to 22nd June. Richard will headline on Thursday, 19th June, with support from Lightning Seeds and The Zutons. 

As the mercurial frontman of 1990s rock band The Verve, Richard carved a reputation as one of his generation’s most iconic performers. Since The Verve disbanded in 1999, he has enjoyed a thriving solo career with the release of seven UK top five albums and a string of hit singles including A Song For The Lovers from 2000’s Alone With Everybody, and Break The Night With Colour from 2006’s Keys To The World. Ashcroft has received Ivor Novello Awards for Songwriter of the Year and Outstanding Contribution to British Music. 

Nocturne Live transforms Blenheim Palace’s Great Court into a spectacular 10,000-capacity open-air concert venue and since its inception in 2015 has gone on to become one of the UK’s most popular stately home concert experiences. Over the years the series has presented shows from a host of huge international stars including the likes of Lionel Ritchie, Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Nile Rodgers, Lauryn Hill, Noel Gallagher, Gregory Porter, Van Morrison, Tears for Fears, Gladys Knight, Elvis Costello, Simple Minds and Ennio Morricone amongst many others. 

Richard Ashcroft, Lightning Seeds and The Zutons tickets start at £54 and go on sale at 9am on Friday, 25th October. Pre-sale is available to those signed up to the Nocturne Live mailing list and begins at 9am on Tuesday, 22nd October. Tickets, along with a limited number of VIP packages – which provide an exclusive opportunity to dine in the State Rooms of Blenheim Palace – are available at nocturnelive.com 

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Lindt ‘chocolate bar’ at Bicester Village!

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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Calling all chocoholics! Check out the new ‘Chocolate Bar’ serving up waffles, indulgent hot chocolates, milkshakes and Crèma Gelata soft-serve ice creams

Global premium chocolate brand Lindt & Sprüngli is delighted to announce the grand opening of their sweet new destination at Bicester Village.

Lindt Bicester Village store manager, Bart Spadlo says: “We’re thrilled to open the world’s first Lindt ‘Chocolate Bar’ and to expand our presence at Bicester Village, just in time for half term. We think it will be hugely popular with guests looking for the ultimate indulgent chocolate treat.’

Situated in the main mall, the Chocolate Bar, open Monday to Sunday, 9am to 9pm, will serve 17 different delectable treats. Indulge in a luxurious velvety hot chocolate, crafted with a rich shot of liquid chocolate and steamed milk, finished with delicate flakes of Lindt Excellence 70% chocolate.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with an irresistible new waffle, drenched in a melted chocolate-tap shot, served with a generous helping of Crema Gelata, and drizzled with the popular Lindt Cremosa chocolate sauce.

For ice cream lovers, enjoy the rich and creamy flavours of Lindt White and Milk chocolate Crema Gelata. Available in a waffle cone dipped in melted chocolate and filled with a chocolate shot from the Lindt chocolate tap, topped with a swirl of chocolate hazelnut sauce, and a dark chocolate thin.

If you prefer a shake, choose from milk, white, or white chocolate strawberry options. Each shake blends ice-cold milk with creamy Crema Gelata, topped with grated Lindt Excellence 70% chocolate. Crafted with passion by the Lindt Master Chocolatiers, it’s pure indulgence in every sip.

The new Chocolate Bar will complement with Lindt Chocolate Shop also situated in Bicester Village. It’s definitely worth a visit with a life-sized flowing chocolate fountain, decorative cocoa pods suspended from the ceiling and the delicious, and the iconic jewel-like rainbow of Lindt Pick & Mix. Discover the enchanting world of Lindt with an abundance of gifts, assorted boxes, and bars to choose from – it’s pure chocolate heaven.

A mouth-watering selection of Lindt Pick and Mix awaits you, with customer favourites and some more unique and exclusive flavours: from Lindt Marc de Champagne truffles to LINDOR Raspberry & Cream and so much more!

There’s a reason Lindt chocolate is so smooth, is all about the conching. Invented by Rodolphe Lindt in 1879 and still used today, the conching process revolutionised the chocolate industry. By continuously stirring chocolate for over 72 hours, it created a chocolate so fine and flavoursome that it could melt completely on the tongue. The silky smooth and velvety texture has since become synonymous with Lindt.

Bicester Village offers 150 luxury fashion & lifestyle boutiques and dine-in restaurants, with free parking for all guests travelling by car, it’s the perfect day trip for all the family in a picturesque, open-air setting.

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Soprano Carly Paoli’s Christmas Collection

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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British/Italian soprano Carly Paoli is thrilled to announce the release of her highly anticipated Christmas album, Carly Paoli The Christmas Collection, on 8th November.

Available on CD and digital formats this album, released on the Abiah label, is a heartfelt celebration of Christmas, featuring 15 festive tracks that promise to bring holiday cheer to listeners around the world.

A true star of the classical and crossover genres, Carly has earned international acclaim with performances on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, sharing the spotlight with luminaries such as Andrea Bocelli, Elaine Paige, David Foster, Aled Jones and Alfie Boe.

Most recently Carly performed at the Rockefeller Center’s iconic Rainbow Room in New York with Sir Rod Stewart in aid of The Kings Foundation. Her impressive resume also includes performances for various members of the Royal Family at Windsor Castle and St James’ Palace, and she was famously praised by Pope Francis, who when he heard her rendition of Ave Maria described her as having ‘the voice of an angel.’

Carly Paoli The Christmas Collection marks Carly’s first Christmas album, and it includes a delightful mix of Christmas classics and medleys, each infused with Carly’s signature elegance and emotive artistry. Highlights from the album include a duet with renowned American singer David Phelps on Hark The Herald Angels Sing, as well as cherished favourites such as O Holy Night, Bless Us All from The Muppet Christmas Carol, Somewhere in my Memory, the theme from Home Alone, Irving Berlin’s Let It Snow, Silent Night, Grown-Up Christmas List by David Foster, Believe from The Polar Express and My Christmas Dream which sees Carly duet with musical theatre star Rachel John. The album also features two special medleys, Carol of the Christmas Bells and Christmas Medley, re-imagined with Paoli’s unique style.

“I’ve always been captivated by the magic and warmth of the Christmas season,” says Carly who is an ambassador for CPRE Wilts. “This album is a celebration of that magic and a tribute to the joy and togetherness that define this time of year. I hope it brings as much joy to my listeners as it has brought to me in creating it.”

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Hampshire Hobbits tale to theatre tour

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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Originating at The Watermill Theatre last year, director Paul Hart’s The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale promises to be the theatre smash of next year

The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale will embark on a new journey as this timeless tale unfolds in this critically acclaimed and breathtaking theatrical production, playing Theatre Royal Plymouth from 4-11 October 2025. This is an exclusive UK presentation of this award-winning production, following its seasons in Chicago, Auckland and Australia, with tickets on sale from Tuesday 22nd October at Theatre Royal Plymouth

Originating at The Watermill Theatre in 2023, and told from the Hobbits’ perspective, director Paul Hart’s production is a unique theatrical interpretation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic trilogy. Hart and the original creative team evolved the acclaimed production to play larger venues. The enhanced production played a highly successful season during the summer of 2024 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and will play upcoming seasons in Auckland, New Zealand and this November, then Sydney, Australia from January 2025, with additional Asia Pacific dates to follow.

With a UK cast, the show will return to British audiences at Theatre Royal Plymouth before embarking on a European tour presented by People Entertainment Group, with details to be announced soon. The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale is performed live by a 32-strong ensemble of actors and actor-musicians.

The production features a score by international composers A.R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire), Finnish folk band Värttinä, and Tony Award winner Christopher Nightingale (Matilda the Musical), with book and lyrics by Shaun McKenna (Maddie, La Cava) and Matthew Warchus (Groundhog Day).

As the Hobbits celebrate Bilbo Baggins’ eleventy-first birthday in the Shire, he gifts his nephew Frodo his most precious belonging – a gold ring. This fateful moment launches Frodo on a legendary and perilous quest across Middle-earth to the darkest realms of Mordor to vanquish evil with his loyal Fellowship.

As producer Kevin Wallace said, “Paul’s wonderful production, invites us all to become Hobbits in the company of Hobbits, celebrating Bilbo Baggins’ birthday as this incredible journey begins.”

The original 2023 production, which sold out its 12-week run at The Watermill Theatre, won a WhatsOnStage Award for ‘Best Regional Production’, and scooped eight Broadway World Awards, garnered 4- and 5-star reviews, with critics praising its innovative use of projections, puppetry, and live music. The production has been described as ‘exhilarating’ and ‘rewarding’ for both long-time fans of The Lord of the Rings and newcomers to the story. The following year, having evolved to include an ensemble of 30, The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale had its U.S. premiere at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, where it was described as ‘a must see’ and ‘a visual marvel’.

The show will make its New Zealand premiere at The Civic Theatre in Auckland, running from 5 November to 1 December 2024, and will then, with an Australian cast, head to Australia for a limited season at the State Theatre in Sydney from January 7, 2025, with further dates to be announced soon.

Kevin Wallace continues, “This production began its journey at The Watermill, realised by an exceptional creative team led by Paul Hart and, in collaboration with our colleagues at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, they went on to thrill US audiences with the US Premiere at The Yard Theatre in Chicago. Together with Middle-earth Enterprises and GWB Entertainment, we are thrilled to bring it back to the UK, where it will play exclusively at Theatre Royal Plymouth before heading to Europe. It’s been an incredible experience seeing performers from each production make these roles their own, and we look forward to this new chapter, once again with a British company.” 

Fredrica Drotos, Steward Brand & Licensing at Middle-earth Enterprises adds that “bringing this production to audiences across the globe has been a privilege and a delight, and now, A Musical Tale embarks on another adventure, touching home in the UK briefly before setting off again with an immensely talented cast and crew, poised to infuse each and every performance across the continent, with a palpable purity of spirit.” 

James Mackenzie-Blackman, CEO of Theatre Royal Plymouth said, “We are incredibly proud to be hosting The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale as the exclusive UK venue in 2025. This production has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, and we are excited to bring it to Plymouth. It’s a truly unique theatrical experience, combining music, storytelling, and a multi-skilled ensemble of performers. We can’t wait to share this production with our audiences before it embarks on its European tour.” 

Director Paul Hart says, “To tell this most epic and beloved story onstage, we had to start small and think big. Very much like a Hobbit! What began as an intimate production at The Watermill has grown into something larger than we ever imagined, traveling across continents and captivating audiences with its music and storytelling. It’s been an exhilarating journey, and I am thrilled to bring the show back to the UK before we embark on the European tour. Each night, we create this world anew, and I hope audiences leave feeling a little more like the Hobbits we all have within us—hopeful, wide-eyed, and daring to do the impossible.” 

For more information on all worldwide productions, visit www.lotrmusical.com. 

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