In his latest That’s Entertainment column, Andy Tyler looks at the West Norfolk entertainment scene…
For those of us who like Lynn and West Norfolk to feature in the national media whenever possible (just positive items, of course!), it’s great to report on the broadcast of BBC Radio 4’s popular’ Any Questions’ programme which came live from Lynn’s historic Guildhall of St George last week, and the follow-up ‘Any Answers’ show, broadcast the next day. It was quite an exciting experience to attend.
Many important topical issues were discussed by the panel, not least the rebuilding of Lynn’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and it was also great to hear a question regarding children and their use of mobile phones, given by a bright and confident young local girl. Both radio programmes are available to hear on BBC Sounds - very well worth a listen. It’s time for my annual important musical announcement. The indispensable 2024 BBC Proms Guide has just been published and should be available at all good book sellers. There’s details of over 70 concerts, all being broadcast this Summer, and fascinating articles discussing the wide variety of music to be performed. Go for it.
I must not forget to mention today’s King’s Lynn Festival Coffee Concert to be given by The Kleio String Quartet, consisting of music by Haydn and Dvorak. The venue, as usual, is Lynn Town Hall, and coffee and cakes will be served from 10:30am. The performance starts at 11am.
The main King’s Lynn Festival is held this year between July 14 and July 27 and Festival Too starts on Saturday, June 29, and then on Fridays and weekends until, and including Saturday, July 13. For details visit: festivaltoo.co.uk
Westacre Theatre has always great entertainment lined up and coming soon is a showing of the film: The Miracle Club, a comedy-drama set in 1967, starring Maggie Smith and Kathy Bates. Wednesday, May 1 is the date for your diary, and the movie starts at 2pm.
The show ‘5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche’ is being performed at Westacre mid-May. It’s a scintillating satire on the role of women, apparently, and certainly sounds intriguing. For details of all Westacre events visit: westacretheatre.com
Grand Opera and The Bee Gees Story are on offer at Lynn’s Alive Corn Exchange. Tomorrow night from 7.30pm, be prepared for a totally live gig, priding itself on musical and vocal authenticity, cool Bee Gee entertainment. On Monday,, Verdi’s La Traviata will be presented by Opera International; it’s their award winning Ellen Kent production featuring The Ukranian Opera and Ballet Theatre, Kyiv, with outstanding soloists, chorus and orchestra. 7.30pm is the start time.
My book recommendation this week, is Sir Salman Rushdie’s account of the traumatic attack on him a couple of years ago, and how he survived it and the aftermath. Sir Salman is an award winning writer of renown, and this book simply entitled Knife is available now, published by Penguin Books.
On Netflix currently is an excellent adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novel The Talented Mr Ripley, starring Andrew Scott, and praised by Jude Law, who appeared in a previous adaptation of the novel. In the cinema: The Teacher’s Lounge, a German film, describing how a teacher gets involved when one of her pupils is accused of theft. I recommend both!.
My suggestion for an enjoyable day out this week is a visit to Holkham Hall and Park. There’s a Woodland Play Area, Walled Garden, Courtyard Cafe and much more to enjoy and experience. Visit: holkham.co.uk for details.
Lastly, the chance to enjoy all the hits from the 60s and 70s is possible if you attend a Daytime Disco at Gaywood Community Centre between 2pm and 5.30pm tomorrow. Door entry is just £7.50, and doors open at 1:30pm. There’s a licensed bar, and it’s suggested the event is suitable for those aged between 50 and 100!
