Nina Wadia to star in NOW That’s What I Call A Musical, directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood and with special guest star, Sinitta
Nina Wadia will star as Gemma in the world premiere of NOW That’s What I Call A Musical, opening at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on Friday 6th September before embarking on a major UK and Ireland tour. The brand-new British musical is written by award-winning comedian Pippa Evans and directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood.
Nina said: “I grew up listening to the NOW tapes so for me being a part of this musical is like going home. When I read the script I immediately fell in love with the characters and Pippa’s story. I can’t wait to get started on my first ever musical and to see you all there.”
Sinitta said: “The most exciting thing about being involved in this project is the music. Dust off your spandex, crimp your hair and I’ll see you there.”
Get ready to relive the playlist of your life by celebrating 40 years of the iconic and chart-topping compilations brand NOW That’s What I Call Music, which has sold an estimated 200 million copies worldwide. This fun-filled evening is bursting with hits from Whitney Houston, Wham! Blondie, Tears For Fears, Spandau Ballet and so many more.
It’s Birmingham, 1989. Two school friends, Gemma and April, are busy with very important business – planning their lives based on Number One Magazine quizzes and dreaming of snogging Rick Astley. Cut to Birmingham 2009 and it’s the most dreaded event of their lives – the school reunion. Drama, old flames and receding hairlines come together as friends reunite and everything from the past starts to slot into place. The biggest question is: what was with all that hairspray?
Director & choreographer of NOW That’s What I Call A Musical gives us an insight into the stage show
Q. What sort of night are audiences in for when they come to see NOW That’s What I Call A Musical? “They can expect some fantastic tunes, a blast from the past, some amazing dancing, some great singing and a great story. It’s a little bit like Stephen Sondheim’s Follies in the fact that it’s set at a reunion and there are flashbacks. The main characters flash back to how they were as teenagers, the music they listened to back in the 80s and the things that led them to live their lives the way they have. It explores all of that and we also have a twist towards the end where we go ahead in time too. It goes through various time zones [laughs] so it’s a little bit like Back To The Future.
Q. How does it tie in with the NOW brand? “The flashbacks are all about the time when the NOW albums were so famous and so beloved, and the story is about two girls exploring how they’ve lived their lives through music. So those albums and that music were a big part of the leading characters’ teenage years.
Q. The show is written by Pippa Evans. How is it collaborating with her? “She’s fun and she’s funny. She’s got a really great sense of humour and she’s a fantastic writer, not to mention a fantastic comic writer. She’s come up with some great twists in the tale and she’s quite sensitive as a writer towards teenage girls and their relationship with their parents – whilst they’re growing up.
Q. It’s a brand new musical. That must be an exciting thing to be a part of? “It’s really exciting because with a brand new musical there’s nothing to really base it on, so when you get into the rehearsal room you can be really creative and you have an open mind. That’s what I love about doing new work. With this it’s about weaving all the great songs through the story. That’s one the challenges, as well as making sure the story is strong. Comedy is a huge element in the show as well as a lot of heartfelt moments, and we’re using songs from the 80s to help push the story forward. There are so many creative opportunities with a new show and when I’m directing I really let everyone have a bit of a say, We all create the show together in the room and I think that’s really important. The actors can bring their creativity and their thoughts and ideas for the characters, then it’s about structuring it.
Q. How are the guest artists like Sinitta, Sonia, Carol Decker and Jay Osmond weaved in the story? “[Laughs] It’s sort of a moment of madness really, where the musical goes into a little bit of fantasy. The singers the girls idolised and were totally in love with come to life to offer them wisdom and advice. It’s a bit like Beauty School Dropout from Grease only the advice they give is much kinder!”
Q. Why do you think pop music is so important to everyone’s lives? “The 80s was a great time for pop and music in general helps people through lots of emotional journeys in their lives, especially with teenagers because their hormones are running riot. As an older person you look back to those moments that made you happy and music is a huge part of that. This show taps into nostalgia but it will also appeal to younger audiences because a lot of the 80s tunes are coming back or they’ve been covered by other artists. There’s something in it for absolutely everyone and I think teenagers will associate with the two girls – how they’re living their lives, their hopes and their dreams, and their aspirations – as much as adults will. Those are themes that are universal.
Q. NOW That’s What I Call Music is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Why do you think it’s such an iconic brand? “Again it’s because music is so important to people’s lives and also the NOW albums first came along at a time when people would make compilations for friends and lovers. They were like ready-made mixtapes, where you’d ger so many amazing hits on one album, cassette tape or on CD whereas before you’d have to buy individual singles or albums. I think a lot of teenagers now will be shocked and surprised that we had tape decks back in the day! Before the NOW albums you’d wait for a song to come on the radio, then record it onto a cassette, and you’d never manage to get the full version of it.
Q. What was the first single and the first album you ever bought? “The first single I ever bought was Monster Mash, bizarrely, when I was growing up in Australia. And I think the first album I totally fell in love with was Dare by the Human League. I loved all the songs on that album, the tone of it and the freedom of it. It was like a whole new experience because it was so modern.
Q. Which pop pin-ups did you have on your wall during the 80s? “Coming after ABBA and going into the 80s it was Whitney Houston because I thought ‘How can someone sing like that and look like that?’ She was like a supermodel with this incredible voice. I loved Annie Lennox and the Eurythmics as well, plus Duran Duran.
Q. What were your 80s fashion choices? “I used to have headbands and I had a long side parting, sort of like curtains. Looking back, my fashion was pretty bad actually but of course at the time I thought was cool. I used to tie rags around my feet as well, around my calves, over my boots. It was a bit weird. I never got completely punky with it but I used to love that trendy headband and long hair combination. That and baggy jeans.
Q. Have you ever met any of your popstar idols? And who would you most like to meet? “I’ve met Boy George, who was a real inspiration to me growing up. I just loved how outspoken he was and how he dressed. I’ve met him a few times actually and he’s great company. I got to meet Whitney Houston before she died, which was amazing, and Olivia Newton-John. I’ve also met Liza Minnelli, Bette Midler, Annie Lennox… quite a few people, in fact. I haven’t met Barbra Streisand yet but I’d really like to because I’ve been listening to her music my entire life.”
Q. You work a lot of TV but what do you most love about the theatre? “I grew up with theatre and the first show I saw was Jesus Christ Superstar. Then I became a professional dancer and my first musical was West Side Story. I’ve been in the theatre all my life really and I’ve never, ever given it up. I’ve either been directing, choreographing, dancing performing or whatever. My favourite thing is directing and choreographing. I only started performing for panto, then in 2015 I was asked to do Annie and this year I’m doing The Wizard Of Oz as the Wicked Witch. I love performing but, as I say, directing and choreographing is what I enjoy the most.
Q. What do you hope people take away from seeing NOW That’s What I Call A Musical? “I think people will learn something about themselves. The story will prompt them to reflect on their lives to date and how it’s all worked out for them – what their hopes and aspirations were and how that fuelled whatever passion they had to help them because who they are today. People will see themselves in the show and that’s one of the many things that’s really great about it, along with the story, the costumes, the dancing, the comedy and all that fantastic music.
You’re all set for a great night out at Caversham Rock ‘n’ Ale Festival
Rock and ale – the perfect combination and the perfect way to enjoy a Saturday!
Now in its 13th year the annual Caversham Rock ‘n’ Ale Festival features three outstanding local bands, two bars, both provided by Caversham’s top hostelry, The Last Crumb, food including a hog roast and vegetarian food options as well as children’s entertainment at Our Lady & St Anne’s School Playing Fields, Washington Road/ Southview Avenue, Caversham RG4 5AA.
The event raises money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and since its inception has raised well into five figures for the association.
It is a family and community event and people of all ages are welcome along to join in the fun and fundraising on Saturday, 7th September from 6.30pm.
This year’s line-up features Code Red who will be opening the evening with a set of indie, pop and rock songs to get everyone going. The Skavengers are back by popular demand with boss sounds and ruder than rude ska classics and originals skanks and Dino’s bring you all the banging 80’s classic rock covers you know and love to rock along to.
Tickets adult – £15 + £1.50 booking fee = £16.50, child (under 16) – £5 + £0.50 booking fee = £5.50. Under-5s go free (but still need a ticket),
Churches across Newbury are holding a prayer week from 8th to 14th September, with many events happening each day.
The formats and venues are varied, with different topics and focuses for each meeting, but the churches are united in wanting to seek God together and bless the local area. Head along for a prayer walk, soak in meditative prayer, or join the prayers for global crises and the environment.
For the full schedule of events go to the website.
Round & About’s resident wine columnist Giles Luckett looks at South Africa’s changing white wine scene by talking to Mike Dawson of Journey’s End
Now and again, you come across a producer that epitomises a region’s or even an entire country’s winemaking. Be it mastery of a certain grape variety, like Australia’s Yalumba and Viognier, innovation and Errazurriz in Chile, or a style, such as Nyetimber and sparkling wine in England, they encapsulates what’s best in their industry.
I recently discovered such a producer in the shape of South Africa’s Journey’s End Vineyards. I’ve been a fan of their wines for years, particularly their brilliantly bonkers Honey Drop Chardonnay (Majestic £9.99), but it was only recently that I got the chance to take a deep dive into their impressive range of white wines. These range from fun and fruit-filled to some serious, age-worthy wines that possess a strong European accent.
To find out more and to get an insight into the South African wine scene, I caught up with winemaker, Mike Dawson. Critics often say that the best wines are a reflection of their maker, and that’s certainly the case here, Mike being as generous, interesting and young (though at my age I look at everyone under 30 and wonder why they aren’t in school) as his excellent wines.
Q. How would you sum up your winemaking philosophy? Are you an interventionist or do you prefer to be hands-off where possible? “Overall, I am a non-interventionist. I see myself as more of a caretaker than a manipulator. When you’re blessed with grapes as good as we have in South Africa I believe it’s best to work with what nature gives you.”
Q. So fancy fermentation vessels, artificial regulation of acidity or cultured yeasts aren’t for you? “No, keep it simple. No matter which grape I’m working with, be it Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Semillon or Sauvignon, I want a taste of place to come through. Journey’s End isn’t in the business of masking or manufacturing flavours. Natural fermentations, treat what you’ve been given with respect and focus on creating great wines.”
Journey’s End Haystack Chardonnay (Tanners £13.90). Inviting mid-gold hue with a lively, yet rich, bouquet that blends citrus fruits with honey. Ripe and mouth-filling, there’s an impressive breadth of flavours on show here everything from red apples and melon to tropical fruit and butter. A crisp grapefruit acidity keeps everything balanced and makes it an ideal partner for poultry or game birds.
Q. Journey’s End wines’ have quite a European feel to them, is that a winemaking decision, a product of site and vine, or a little bit of both? “Both. Our grapes are planted in ocean-cooled areas and many of our vineyards are on south-facing slopes which helps to keep temperatures down and gives us longer growing season. For white wines, this is ideal. Sugars and flavouring compounds develop slowly and evenly while maintaining good acidity. There’s a good diurnal (day to night) temperature range that promotes fragrance and balance as it does in many European regions. We’re also big fans of oak and French oak is used in many of our wines as it adds complexity and nuance.”
Destination Chardonnay 2022 (Vinum £31.50) is a hugely impressive glassful. Golden with green-gold highlights, the powerful, profound nose is picked with green and yellow fruits, smoky vanilla and citrus. Big but not brash, it’s one of the biggest Chardonnays I’ve tasted in some time, but it doesn’t feel flabby or overpowering. The firm acidity, clever use of oak and abundance of fruit means it maintains its balance and, remarkably, it feels precise and focused. Still young, at the moment it needs partnering with fine food – monkfish, mushroom risotto, guinea fowl – but in a few years it will be a sensational solo sipper.
Q. Climate change is obviously a huge issue for winemakers worldwide, how is it affecting you and what steps are you taking to deal with it? “It’s taking effect here. We started seeing changes in 2015/2016. Everything is getting more extreme. We’ve had five or six years of drought and we’ve seen winds of 120 kilometres an hour which have ravaged wines. Our winters are getting wetter – we’re collecting rain in dams for the summers – and harvests are getting earlier. In the last seven years, we’ve seen vintages come forward by an average of 10 days. It’s challenging. We’re learning something new every year, and while we have a lot of old vines that are more resistant, you have to adapt.
“We’re fortunate in that we’re part of a community of winemakers who are happy to collaborate. We share knowledge and ideas and muck in when someone needs assistance. It’s one of the best things about making wine here.
“In terms of what we’re doing to combat further climate change, we’re using a lot of organic and environmentally friendly practices. We re-use of grape waste on the vines, water waste is recycled, and Journey’s End was the second winery in South Africa to install solar power generation.
“Our business is built on sustainability, community projects – such as hiring and training local people – and making sure there’s a proper trade-off between money and sustainability. We want to create great wines that won’t cost the earth.”
Q. Many countries and regions – I’m thinking of places like McLaren Vale and Bordeaux – are changing their plantings to deal with climate change, is that something you’re considering? Personally, I’d love to see a Fiano or an Assyrtiko from Journey’s End – any chance? “In Durban they are looking at mildew (a form of mould) resistant grapes. It’s a massive undertaking. You need to wait three years to get any fruit and it takes time to see if the wine you can make from it is up to standard. For the time being, we’re sticking with what we have. We’re looking at different rootstocks, cultivars and clones. Our focus remains on Chardonnay and we’re very excited about white Bordeaux grapes such as Sauvignon and Semillon. Our Ad Infinitum is a blend of 87% Sauvignon and 13% Semillon from small blocks planted at 250m above sea level. It’s a passion project of ours and we think it’s got exceptional potential.”
The Ad Infinitum 2022 (£28 from Noble Green Wines) is ghostly pale with a shimmering, green-gold hue. The nose is fresh, zesty has piercing notes of gooseberries and rhubarb with a smoky tone and savour, mineral edge. The fruit-savoury tension continues on the palate, where mouth-watering citrus, red pears, and white peach are balanced by a steely minerality, a curt touch of peel and a hint of creamy honey. Youthful and intense, in another year or two this will be outstanding.
Q. I’m a huge fan of South African Chenin – especially when it’s oaked. Do you think it enjoys as good a reputation as it might? Many UK consumers don’t see it as a serious wine, they certainly don’t see it in the same light as a Vouvray or one of the other great Loire Chenin. “It’s an education thing. South Africa is still seen as a bulk producer of Chenin and a lot of it goes for distillation. We love it, especially when it’s oaked.”
Q. South African white wines have come an awfully long way over the last twenty years or so. Do you think they have further to go and if so how/what does that look like? Is it a case of greater site/varietal/clone selection to create small batch ultra-premium wines in the way Australia and California have? “We can do everything, and we can do everything well, but there needs to be a balance between premiumisation and affordability. There will always be a need for bulk/cheaper wines, but the small batch production is an exciting space, one we’re happy to work in.”
Journey’s End Spekboom Sauvignon Blanc (Sainsbury’s £11) shows how well and how distinctive South African Sauvignon can be. Grown in the cool of the Coastal Region there’s freshness without aggression. The bouquet is fresh but gentle, favouring lemons, nettles and grass over gooseberries and green peppers. On the palate, it’s generously fruited, but there’s a softness and plumpness of cooked rhubarb and grapefruit where you often find lemons and limes. The finish is long, firm and savoury making it the perfect foil to white meats, stir-fries and fresh seafood.
Q. What’s your fantasy South African wine? If you could choose any site, any vine, and any production techniques, what would you produce? “The Ad Infinitum!”
The Sinodun Players are staging the off-Broadway contemporary show The Last Five Years in the intimacy of The Corn Exchange’s Studio Theatre
The Last Five Years is an emotionally powerful and intimate musical, which has captivated audiences and critics alike earning cult status.
Cathy, a struggling actress, and Jamie, a budding novelist on the brink of wild success, are 20-something in New York who meet, fall in love, marry, and divorce over the span of five years. Cathy tells the story from the end of their marriage; Jamie begins from when they first meet.
As the musical unfolds, Jamie shares his story from the spark of their relationship’s giddy beginning, whilst Cathy’s side is told in reverse, from the end of their turbulent partnership. The two characters cross paths just once, as their stories collide in the middle of the show.
It has been performed in many productions around the world and a film adaptation was released in 2015.
This production stars Freya Jacklin-Edward (BBC Singers, session singer for major films plus principal opera roles) and Poppy Jackson (actor and musical theatre singer) as Cathy with Andy Rainsford (Oxford Operatic singer & actor) and Jake Willett (trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and actor/singer for over 20 years) as Jamie supported by a four-piece orchestra.
Performances Tuesday 10th to Saturday, 14th September. Tickets £15, book at cornexchange.org.uk
The annual Illuminated Boat Parade is set to light up the Thames on Saturday, 14th September, bringing the community together, Claire Knott invites us all along
The Illuminated Boat Parade is an annual event for any boat, any size, any age providing a fun evening for the community.
Last year around 50 boats, powered and unpowered, participated watched by over 3,000 spectators. There were all kinds of themes including the Mamma Mia Abba all singing all dancing crew, a 15ft illuminated octopus for the Under the Sea theme, butterflies, pirates, and even a 7ft penguin accompanied by many other penguins, some singing and dancing overlooked by an enormous polar bear (ok, that was the crew). Many boat owners were so impressed they said they were going to ‘up their game’ this year.
A panel of judges will decide on the trophy winners. This year we have introduced an award for the Funniest Theme and there’s even a prize for the Best Lit Spectator! So, start planning now – get your thinking caps on and come up with a great idea for your boat. Everyone who takes part says it’s a magical evening, participants and spectators, so come on down and enjoy the magic.
The exclusive, historic Leander Club will open its doors to the public for one night, so everyone can come in and see the prize-giving. There will also be bars and food trucks with refreshments, truly a full evening of entertainment for the whole family.
Discover traditional woodcrafts, be inspired by master craftspeople and enjoy an immersive day out in the woods at Surrey Hills Wood Fair 2024 in Cranleigh this month
The much-anticipated 14th annual Surrey Hills Wood Fair promises to be the biggest and best celebration yet where you can discover traditional woodcrafts and new attractions.
Renowned for its unique blend of nature, activities, culture, and community, it is gearing up to offer an unforgettable experience for families and nature enthusiasts alike on September 7th and 8th.
Marvel at the traditional craftsmanship in the new woodworkers’ village with a group of highly skilled wood workers from the Surrey Sussex coppice workers. Step back in time with the authentic medieval village enactment, and be captivated by thrilling displays and demonstrations in the new action-packed arena including jaw dropping displays from The Adams Axemen.
The fair at Fish Pond Copse, Bookhurst Road, Cranleigh, is the perfect opportunity for families to reconnect with nature and each other. With 90+ stalls featuring local wood, artisans, crafts, delicious food and drink, and a host of free activities, there is something for everyone.
Children can enjoy hands-on experiences such as willow weaving, driving a digger, axe throwing, tree climbing, and exploring the forest school’s mud kitchen. Parents can relax and take in the lively music and entertainment throughout the day or have a go at rock climbing, mountain biking or more relaxing mindfulness walks in the woods.
This event is not just about fun; it’s a celebration of the rich heritage and natural beauty of the Surrey Hills. Support local artisans and learn about traditional woodcraft techniques, sustainable forestry, and the importance of environment conservation. Witness the majestic Shire horses in action pulling carts and logs and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the event.
Enjoy live music and entertainment from local musicians and savour a delicious selection of Surrey Hills’ food and drink, including sustainably made beer, local rum or gin, freshly ground coffee, tempting ice cream, and handmade chocolate or fudge. Culinary delights range from African stews to Scandinavian dishes and freshly made pizza.
Tickets are excellent value, with advance tickets priced at £12.50 and £15 on the day. Best of all, children under 16 can attend for free, making it an affordable and memorable family outing. Free parking is available on-site, and friendly dogs on leads are welcome.
The great Godalming duck race and fair takes place along the river Wey on Saturday, 7th September, one of the traditional ways the Rotary clubs in Godalming raise funds for Rotary causes
Don’t worry, your eyes aren’t deceiving you if you see 300 yellow plastic ducks floating along the Wey, it’s just the annual Rotary duck race down the river.
Each ticket sold buys a duck for one race, provides entertainment for the ticket folder, money for charity and may even win you some money!
Rotary members are selling tickets in local pubs now and they will also be available at the Richmond Arms and the Sun Inn in Godalming town centre and at Daisy Sandwiches at Godalming Station.
There will be a fun fair, a bar and stalls and food outlets from 11am until 3.30pm and the first duck race will start at noon, with heats every 20 minutes from then until the Grand Final for all the heat winners. Heat winners will win £20 with prizes of £250, £100 and £50 for the first three places in the Grand Final.
Following the Duck Races, there is a musical evening of Proms In The Park between 5pm and 7pm. The fun fair together with the bar and many of the stalls and food outlets will remain onsite until the end of the Proms In The Park.
We are very grateful to the directors of Seymours estate agents for their continued support of Rotary’s events this year.
Rotary has flourished in Godalming for more than 80 years and the community work of the Rotary Clubs is an integral part of life in the town. Rotary in Godalming welcome men and women who share the same common desire to do something worthwhile in the community, with a priority being community service and the support of local charities.
During the past few years Rotary in Godalming have raised and donated over £125,000 / £150,000 most notable locally to Godalming foodbank; the Godalming Community store; Phyllis Tuckwell; Skillway; ShelterBox and Broadwater Youth Centre’s wellbeing garden project.
More recently, Rotary clubs across Surrey and Sussex have partnered with Royal Surrey hospital to transform cancer care across Surrey, Sussex and beyond. The Cut Out Cancer campaign aims to raise funds for crucial high-tech equipment to allow more accurate surgeries to take place and improve recovery times for patients.
Rotary in Godalming also supports vital humanitarian work including Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign. Thanks to Rotary’s eradication work there are only 34 new cases of Polio reported this year, and we are ‘this close’ to total eradication.
Fiona & Chris McLeod own & run Chiltern Sky Flowers in Bledlow Ridge, working with the seasons & Mother Nature to show younger generations the power of flowers
There is no age limit to growing flowers, as long as you keep fit and healthy. In fact, can there be any more wonderful way to connect with nature and spend your life outside?
That’s the message from Fiona & Chris who set up their own small-scale flower farm in their late fifties. “We’ve lived in Bledlow Ridge for 29 years,” says Fiona, “but we only set up the flower farm in 2018, with a view to having a retirement project for our future.
“We don’t have children, but we do support our local primary school in Bledlow Ridge, who visit us as part of their nature studies, learning about the four seasons… Shout-out to the best primary school in Bucks!”
The couple are passionate about conserving our ecological environment in The Chiltern Hills. The chalk grassland and meadows are rich habitats for wildflowers and wildlife. Owls, bats, red kites, grass snakes, bees, moths and butterflies are some of their companions.
Their flower beds are constructed using the “no dig” method. They also use peat-free compost and are committed to reducing single-use plastic and recycling. They harvest rainwater from their cottage roof, storing it in deep, brick-built Victorian wells.
Right now the summer flowers (including a dazzling display of achillea, ammi, cornflowers, cosmos, dahlias, phlox, snapdragons and fragrant sweet peas) are blooming, before autumn-flowering highlights such as dahlias take centre stage, along with anemones, asters, helianthus, verbena and zinnias.
“Bledlow Ridge is a small, friendly community and there are plenty of groups you can join”
“It’s a small, friendly community here and there are plenty of groups you can join to meet and make friends. Bledlow Ridge sits high up in the Chiltern Hills with beautiful views. It’s a fabulous area for walking and hiking, and brilliant wildlife with unspoilt countryside.
