In his weekly That’s Entertainment column, Andy Tyler takes a look at the local arts scene.
I’ve often commented in this column on the great variety of live events we enjoy in Lynn and West Norfolk; My reviews and reports on them are usually positive and favourable, there’s a simple reason for that - standards are high. Long may they remain so!
Standards are very high at Westacre Theatre, confirmed in recent performances of Harold Pinter’s fine and troubling play: Betrayal. Premiered in 1978, the play, based on events from his own life, focuses on the break up of a marriage, but in reverse chronology. The Westacre production was excellent, the cast reflecting well the wide range of emotions engendered by the play’s serious subject matter.
On a subject dear to my heart, Westacre is giving Madame Chandelier the chance to present what is described as an Opera Party For Kids, introducing young people to opera with particular reference to Mozart’s masterpiece ‘The Magic Flute’ and Bizet’s ‘Carmen’. There will be plenty of opportunities to sing and join in the show! This musical extravaganza is held on Sunday, April 14, starting around 2.30pm.
For details of all the great entertainment held at Westacre pick up their Spring 2024 brochure or visit: www.westacretheatre.com
Turning to musical matters, I hear much praise for the recent coffee concert recital given by Anna Im, (violin), and Chiao-Ying Chang, ( piano), at Lynn Town Hall. We look forward to a programme of music by Haydn and Dvorak to be given at the same venue by The Kleio String Quartet on the morning of Friday, April 26, doors opening at 10.30am, with the recital beginning at 11am. As usual coffee and cake are included in the ticket price.
Music in the Burnhams 2024 series of concerts start on Sunday, April 7 at 3pm; the venue is All Saints Church, Burnham Market. Two members of the popular Mithras Trio, cellist Leo Popplewell and violinist, Ionel Mancul will perform works by Bach, Boccherini, Handel, Kodaly and Ravel.
At St Mary’s Church, Brancaster, Joo Yeon Sir (violin), and Irina Andirevsky (piano), will give a recital of music by Grieg, Kreisler, Schumann and variations on Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. For tickets visit: musicintheburnhams.com or ring:07989 177079.
The date for your diary is Saturday, April 14, starting time : 7.30pm.
If you’re in the Swaffam area there are musical events taking place between May 4, and September 7 at St Mary’s Church, Houghton-on-the Hill, North Pickenham. Full details of the varied programmes can be viewed by visiting: www.houghtonstmarys.org.uk/news-and-events#EVENTS
Advance notice of a Big Gig consisting of an exciting double bill presented by The Norfolk Blues Society taking place at Dereham Memorial Hall, 8pm on Saturday, May 25. The evening will be introduced and opened by Mississippi MacDonald, Patron of Norfolk Blues Society and the Shunters. Santiago and the Soulmovers will appear.
My movie of the week, released this week on DVD, is Poor Things, with an Oscar winning performance from Emma Stone, and for my younger readers: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire!
My book choice this week is a must for all rail enthusiasts. All Aboard from The Times by Julian Holland. It’s Remembering Britain’s Railways and focuses on steam locomotives, but all aspects of Britain’s railways are covered.
Lastly, still on a literary theme, if you’re visiting Cambridge, a Crime Fiction Exhibition is currently on show which includes Agatha Christie’s typewriter and dictaphone. Booking is necessary and the exhibition continues until late August.
