Jazz gem: Ron Green Big Band

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The Ron Green Big Band will perform at Cranleigh Arts Centre on Saturday, 2nd February, from 8pm.

The Ron Green Big Band were formed 12 years ago, by Ron, an enthusiastic jazz follower who was playing with Slinfold Concert Band, and still occasionally plays with the Petworth Town Band. At the age of 90 he has decided to call it a day with the band and has been thanked by his fellow members for setting it up and all his hard work over the years.

Most of the former members came from these two bands, starting as a group of friends who just wanted to play swing music for fun. It soon became obvious more was possible from this enthusiastic and talented bunch. The band has grown into a semi-professional group playing at dance venues, wedding receptions, parties and concerts, including Wentworth Golf Club and The Amex stadium at Brighton & Hove FC. They have also performed regularly at Cranleigh Arts Centre (CAC).

The band members travel from around Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey to rehearse on a monthly basis at The Band Room at Cranleigh. Now under the musical direction of Xav Riley, an accomplished Ewhurst musician, the normal line-up features six saxophones, three trumpets, three trombones, a rhythm section of piano, bass, guitar and drums, together with a female singer.

Their repertoire covers music from many eras and you can expect to hear Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin and other great jazz composers.

The concert on 2nd February is a joint fundraiser with Cranleigh Arts Centre, so make every effort to attend.

  For tickets call 01483 278000 or visit www.cranleighartscentre.org

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Give it a whirl: Woking waltzing

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Waltzing in a Winter Wonderland comes to Woking’s New Victoria Theatre on Sunday, 20th January, at 3pm.

What can be more uplifting in winter than the Viennese waltz..?

Especially when the music is written by Austria’s own Strauss dynasty who wrote hundreds of pieces with a clear emphasis on memorable melodies and dance rhythms.

The team at Raymond Gubbay have been producing a Johann Strauss Gala tour for more than four decades and this year they are bringing their new show to the New Victoria Theatre.

Audiences will be whisked back to the glittering romance of a 19th century Viennese ballroom, as you hear some of the most wonderful waltzes and liveliest polkas ever composed; Cinderella Waltz, Thunder and Lightning Polka, Emperor Waltz, Voices of Spring and of course the iconic Blue Danube. The enjoyment of the music will be enhanced by watching the Johann Strauss Dancers capture the occasion with glorious period costumes and exquisitely choreographed routines by Alexandra Worrall, also the show’s director.

The Johann Strauss Orchestra will be under the baton of John Rigby, and the concert will also feature soprano Corinne Cowling and tenor Nico Darmanin. Don’t forget: not only did Johann Strauss bring us delightful dance music, he also wrote operettas. Perhaps Die Fledermaus is the best-known – the tale of one man’s revenge after he is left stranded following a fancy dress party in the middle of town, dressed as a bat!

  Please visit www.raymondgubbay.co.uk or www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre

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Big society: Surrey novelist

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Shamley Green pilot-turned-author Heather Lanfermeijer explains more about how her experiences of motherhood led her to write her debut novel The Society Game.

My daughter suffered the onset of the “terrible twos” before she was one. Although, perhaps a better way of putting it is: I suffered my daughter’s terrible twos earlier than I expected.

To remedy this my mother suggested I take up knitting, my friends suggested I take up drinking. I don’t have the patience for knitting and I’m too vain to drink the amount of calorific wine needed to drown out tantrums. Instead I vented my frustration on paper on the odd occasion when my beloved was quiet.

Writing down my bugbears about exploding dirty nappies, supermarket screaming and continual sterilising of baby bottles was cathartic and helped me face another day and another tantrum. These baby annoyances merged into writing about other daily grievances; dog walkers’ inability to pick up their dog’s mess, the bollards my car keeps backing into (I swear they weren’t there when I got in the car). From there, my frustrations morphed into things that really irritate me about aspects of our society and thus began my book.

I used to live in an area along the A3 full of million-pound mock-Georgian houses with new supercars on display in the driveways. To my jealous eye, the women who lived here enjoyed blissful, carefree days with only the odd First World problem to bother them, such as: “the cleaner has dusted my pictures and left them wonky and I now have to straighten them before I go out!” (genuine conversation!). Over the years, I noticed a pattern emerging: between the ages of 30 and 40 these beautiful ladies seemed to me to spend their days in coffee shops with their baby (always) asleep in the pram. From 40 to 50 there were no children only coffee but they looked strangely younger than their previous 30-something self. By 50, the Botox and fillers left these women with a mannequin face I could no longer relate to. And sadly, coffee is replaced with Prosecco from wine bars as they fight to find husband number two (or three).

Possibly a cruel summation but it occurred to me that our society favours a beautiful façade over a happy marriage. So, the social defect explored in Olivia, is about our generation’s obsession with how we look as we are led to believe success is not just about keeping up with the Joneses but now keeping up with the Kardashians.

Olivia is based around true stories collected over the years from friends’ tales, stranger tales and pub tales. The book is moulded into one story based on my perception of our society. For those intrigued then maybe check out my website www.thesocietygame.com. I write a weekly blog including excerpts from this and future books where I invite debate as I assume some may disagree with my view but that’s OK; art is just another person’s perspective on life and Olivia is my art.

  The Society Game, by H. Lanfermeijer, is out now.

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Mozart magic

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There’s a trio of celebrations in the all-Mozart programme for the first event on the Grayshott Concerts calendar for 2019…

Mozart and clarinet virtuoso Michael Collins MBE share a birthday – 27th January – just two weeks before Orchestra-in-Residence, the London Mozart Players (LMP) reach their 70th anniversary.

The concert at St Luke’s Church, Grayshott, on Friday, 25th January, features one of the best-loved concertos of all time – the Mozart Clarinet Concerto in A, K622. Completed just two months before his death, Mozart’s lyrical Clarinet Concerto is considered one of his greatest works. Though often played on the modern soprano clarinet, concertgoers will be treated to a performance on the sonorous basset clarinet, the instrument for which it was originally written.

Distinguished artist Michael Collins will bring his dazzling virtuosity to this masterpiece. He will also conduct two Mozart symphonies, one of his earliest, No. 4 in D, K19 – composed in 1765 at the age of nine – and his magnificent and final symphony, No. 41 in C, K551 (Jupiter) dating from 1788.

London Mozart Players musicians say Grayshott is one of their best show venues. Grayshott Concerts co-founder Peter Harrison says: “They love the warm, intimate nature and acoustic quality of St Luke’s as well as meeting and interacting with our ever-enthusiastic audiences.”

Demand for seats at this grand opening to the 2019 programme is expected to be high, so early
booking is advised.

  Please visit www.grayshottconcerts.co.uk

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Woking Street Angels

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Do your children or grandchildren go out in Woking during weekend nights? If so, they will probably have met, or perhaps been helped by, Woking Street Angels.

These are the trained volunteers who, for the past seven years, have walked the streets of Woking town centre every Friday and Saturday night, from 10pm till 4am, offering help, or a listening ear, wherever it is needed.

Typically Street Angels look after people who have had too much to drink and are ill, vulnerable or just need help getting home.

They also chat to the homeless and other lonely or needy people on the streets, and generally help make our town centre more pleasant for the hundreds of night-time visitors.

This vital work by Woking Street Angels has been noted by Surrey Police, who reported that in 2014/15 violent crime in the town centre reduced by 64% during the hours that the street angels were active, and that this reduction has further reduced year-on-year.

Woking Street Angels now urgently need more team members and are asking anyone over the age of 18, and particularly those whose friends or families benefit from their help, to consider volunteering. Full training is given, and once trained they commit to just one shift a month. Street angels always walk around in teams, never alone, and may be of any faith or none.

If you would more information about Woking Street Angels please visit www.wokingstreetangels.org.uk or contact the co-ordinator on 07827 914714.

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Cracking highlight: The Nutcracker in Farnham

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Story Pocket Theatre bring their entertaining family-friendly version of The Nutcracker to Farnham Maltings later this month.

Christmas Eve is here and Clara has just been given a wooden nutcracker in the shape of a handsome Prince. Little does she know she and her brother Fritz are about to be drawn into the adventure of a lifetime.

The Mouse Queen has stolen the magic of the Christmas Tree star and the whole Land of Make Believe itself is in danger. The children, a host of toys and the Nutcracker Prince himself, must battle the rotten royal rodent to save the magic of Christmas and restore the Prince to the throne. But first, Clara and Fritz must learn how to believe…

The Story Pocket Theatre team are back at Farnham Maltings with a colourful and high-energy new version of The Nutcracker. A sparkling new adaptation of Christmas story that has thrilled and delighted children for generations promises seasonal magic and wonder. The colourful, spectacular and fun-filled show has been produced by the award-winning team behind the success of Arabian Nights, A Pocketful of Grimms, Storyteller, Storyteller, Michael Morpurgo’s King Arthur and, most recently, David Baddiel’s ANiMALCOLM.

Will Clara and Fritz learn how to believe, and save Christmas and the Land of Make Believe? Well to find out catch The Nutcracker from Thursday, 20th December, 2.30pm & 4.30pm, Friday 21st & 22nd, 11.30am & 2.30pm at Farnham Maltings, Bridge Square, GU9 7QR. To buy your tickets, £10, call 01252 745444 or visit www.farnhammaltings.com

Peter Anderson

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Market forces: crafty shopping in Godalming

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Two creative Godalming locals have set up a local market to showcase local craftspeople and help make your Christmas shopping fun!

Danielle Giornandi and Laura Goddings wanted to bring something to Godalming that would reinvigorate the high street and give something fellow locals could get excited about.

Coming from backgrounds in humanitarianism, art history, jewellery design, event design and management, and sales they realised they had the right skill set for this kind of venture to be successful.

Danielle says: “One day over coffee, Laura said ‘hey, that old little shed is up for rent, shall we see it?’ ‘Yes!’ I said, though we had no idea what we were looking at or why. The moment we went in, the space just spoke to us and we both spontaneously had the same idea – to have a kind of brick-and-mortar Etsy, permanent contemporary craft fair promoting independent artists and creatives. Throwing caution to the wind, we put in a bid…and we got it!”

The pair’s idea has grown into an amazing venture with more than 40 artists, almost all local, renting a little space, specifically sized and designed for them and their type of products.

“We’re excited to provide Surrey residents with high-quality, unique, handmade goods created by independent artisans and producers,” adds Laura. “In an age when the high streets are dominated by chains and mass-produced products, we pride ourselves on representing and working for  both the artists and the consumers. With the rise of online shopping, our high streets have taken a huge hit. We want to re-establish the relationship between consumer and producer, as well as reigniting that tactile and sensory experience a shopper has when they find a product in a shop – something that cannot be reproduced online.”

More than 150 people attended the opening party in October. “Everyone that’s come through the doors has been so surprised and pleased that something exciting like this has come to Godalming. We look forward to a successful Christmas shopping period, highlighted by events such as the Godalming Christmas Lights Festival and Late Night Shopping Evenings with Prosecco. We are determined to make Yard Market more than just a shop, but an exciting and vibrant community creative space.”

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Wintershall wonder: Nativity play in Bramley

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Peter Anderson tells us why we should celebrate the Christmas story with Wintershall Players in Bramley between 12th and 16th December.

The Christmas story began just over 2,000 years ago in a barn in Palestine, and once again this year visitors will flock to a barn in Surrey to see that magnificent story unfold once again before their eyes. The Nativity has become a much-anticipated fixture of the Christmas season, performed by the Wintershall Players.

A volunteer cast of 50 in biblical costumes, assisted by a full complement of sheep, donkeys, horses and a sheepdog, will take the audience on foot from the chill open air into the atmospheric, candle-lit barn, as the story of how Jesus changed the world unfolds with songs and music and joyful carolling.

The Wintershall Nativity once again brings the story to life in natural beauty of the rolling Surrey hills, as it has since the late 1980s. The extraordinary story of these productions has its modest beginnings in Medjugorje, Bosnia, visited by Ann Hutley and her daughter Charlotte in the mid-1980s. The visit changed their lives. Peter joined Ann on a visit in 1989.

He wrote and produced the original production in the barn in 1989, and since then the audience has grown from a small group of friends, to last year when over six thousand people saw the performances. The Wintershall Nativity is now produced by his daughter, Charlotte de Klee who had travelled with her mother to see that show in Bosnia.

Peter Hutley whose concept this was, has been awarded both an OBE and an MBE for his work promoting Christian understanding, and it is not just the nativity play for the Wintershall cast also come together to perform the Passion of Christ at Easter, at Wintershall, Guildford and Trafalgar Square, but also an epic Life of Christ at Wintershall during the summer. In 2011, her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II awarded the Wintershall cast, artistic director and support team the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

This is a magical show to share with friends and family and a rare opportunity to experience the true meaning of Christmas. The Wintershall Nativity Play will be performed from the 12th to the 16th of December both inside and outside of Holly Barn at Wintershall in Bramley near Guildford. There is free parking and visitors are encouraged to wrap up warmly and mince pies and hot drinks will be available before and after the show.

For further information, please visit www.wintershall.org.uk

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Where’s Santa?

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Father Christmas is very busy this month finding out who’s been naughty or nice! Here’s where you can catch him (remember, he’s magic so can be in lots of places at once!)

Saint Nicholas, AKA Santa, will be in his own sitting room at Hatchlands Park near East Clandon on the first, second and fourth weekends of December, 11am-3.30pm. £5 per visit per child, including a present. On the third weekend, Mrs Christmas will fill his boots! For further information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatchlands-park

At Denbies Wine Estate near Dorking, children can take a train ride to see Santa and his elves in his cellar and receive a present and sticker book. £8.25 per child, no lower age limit. For £3, adults can join them on the train to much mince pies and browse craft goodies. www.denbies.co.uk

He will visit Haslemere Museum on Sunday, 2nd December, between 11am and 3pm as part of Haslemere Christmas Market. Little ones can tell him their wishes and receive a present for £3. He will return from Thursday 20th to Christmas Eve morning to chill in his Victorian parlour. £4 per child; visit www.haslemeremuseum.co.uk.

Over at Birdworld you can meet Santa’s reindeer and some of their friendly farm animals before you enter a magical world full of animated characters in winter wonderland settings. As you walk through the different scenes, enjoy friendly banter with the impish elves and meet Santa to claim your present! For full information and prices please visit www.birdworld.co.uk/christmas

On certain days in December, Santa has instructed his elves to teach children some of their magic with fun craft workshops at Painshill Park near Cobham (with a present and a note from Santa at the end). £8.50 per child, suitable for children aged between two and eight and two adults can go with them for free. Visit www.painshill.co.uk

Over the first two weekends in December, you can go on a Santa hunt on the Swingbridge broadbeam boat for a gentle family cruise along the River Wey. The boat will depart from Millmead Island, looking for clues along the towpath while you enjoy mince pies and mulled wine before Santa hops on board with his sack of gifts for the return journey. It costs £10 for each under-16, £10 for an adult with a child and £35 for a family (two adults and two children). Search for Swingbridge Santa Cruises on Facebook or call 01483 444334.

Other family-friendly Christmas highlights include carols, songs & readings at Hatchlands Park on Sunday, 16th December, at 12pm & 2pm. There is also the Lost in a Book Georgian Christmas trail, daily between Saturday, 1st December and Sunday, 6th January, 10am-4pm when you can enjoy the trail through the parkland and follow the Boscawen family as they discover the story of Gulliver’s Travels. Call 01483 444334 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatchlands-park

Carols for Clandon will warm the family cockles at Holy Trinity Church in Guildford on Tuesday, 18th December, from 7.30pm. The Oxford Singers will deliver carols and readings to support Clandon Park. Adults £12, child £9; call 01483 444334 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clandon-park

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Fairytales & fun: panto

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Your local theatres have a stockingful of pantomimes to delight family audiences (and some just for adults). Liz Nicholls rounds up some star-studded highlights to enjoy at a theatre near you this winter…

Pantomime elicits some very strong feelings. But, love it or loathe it, the art form – a beanstalk-like offshoot of the 16th century commedia dell’arte tradition – often represents youngsters’ first taste of theatre. And, here we are at the end of 2018, with theatres and stars near you preparing to give the year the happy ending this year needs.

Recently, some press has been given to the nature of fairytales and pantomimes not chiming at the right level of political correctness… However, that’s not stopping Michelle Gayle, who plays the Fairy Godmother in this year’s Cinderella at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud, from getting into the spirit… “Long before Disney realised you can entertain parents and children simultaneously, pantomime had figured out entertainment can work on two levels,” says the 47-year-old singer and actress. “Going to see a panto is such a lovely thing for the whole family to do together at Christmas. My family are really looking forward to coming – my son’s already asking how many friends he’s allowed to bring! And, to be honest, I’m particularly excited that I get to present Cinderella with a beautiful carriage drawn by real ponies! It’s going to be magical.”
You can catch Cinderella (which also stars Kit Hesketh-Harvey, Eagle Radio’s Peter Gordon and Nick Barclay as the Ugly Sisters and Jamie Brook between Friday, 7th December, and Sunday, 6th January. For tickets call 01483 440000 or visit www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

 Over at Theatre Royal Windsor Dick Whittington will celebrate 80 years of traditional panto fun with the help of Anne Hegerty (AKA “The Governess” from The Chase), Basil Brush, DJ Mike Read and comic Kevin Cruise, along with resident dame Steven Blakeley who will don a frock for his 10th year! Catch Dick Whittington up until Sunday, 6th January; to book call 01753 853888 or visit www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

Paul Chuckle will star as Baron Hardup in Cinderella at Woking’s New Victoria Theatre. Paul says: “I’d like to thank everybody for their amazingly kind outpouring of love and support following the loss of our dear friend and my amazing brother, Barry. Panto was a huge part of our lives for over 50 years and I know Barry would want and expect the show to go on so I’m very happy to be starring in Cinderella in Woking this Christmas alongside our good friend Craig Revel Horwood. The three of us had a fantastic time doing panto last year and Craig and I are looking forward to going out there, getting started and doing this year’s panto in loving memory of Barry.” Cinderella is on between Friday, 7th December and Sunday, 6th January. Call 01483 545938.

Over in Bordon, The Phoenix Players are sharpening their arrows ready to present Robin Hood between 17th and 26th January, at The Phoenix. And, if you’d rather enjoy something adult, Puss In Boots, penned by Joshua Dixon, is an adults-only show full of “sauce and smut” on Friday, 21st December. For tickets call 01420 472664 or visit www.phoenixarts.co.uk

For a different kind of show again, some of the region’s skating talents will bring you Snow White On Ice at Guildford Spectrum between Friday, 14th and Sunday, 16th December. Call 01483 443322 or visit www.guildfordspectrum.co.uk

Head to mystical Leatherheadababa (AKA The Leatherhead Theatre) for Aladdin between Thursday, 20th and Sunday, 30th December; 01372 365141 or visit www.leatherheadtheatre.com. And Princes Hall Theatre in Aldershot invite you to be their guest with Beauty & the Beast – their “most spectacular pantomime yet” – between Friday, 7th and Monday, 31st December; call 01252 329 155 or visit www.princeshall.com. Beauty & The Beast is also the production at Dorking Halls, between 15th and 29th December, from the team behind last year’s record-breaking Sleeping Beauty; call 01306 881717 or visit www.dorkinghalls.co.uk. While Basingstoke’s Anvil Arts’ pantomime this year is Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs between Thursday, 13th December and Sunday, 6th January; call 01256 844244 or visit www.anvilarts.org.uk. Happy holidays!

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