Podcasts about Birmingham Hippodrome

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 We have the smash-hit London Palladium production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' this week as the current touring production visited the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre with description by Professional audio Describers Julia Grundy and Jonathan Nash. About ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' The smash-hit London Palladium production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'  is currently touring the UK. The multi award-winning show has been performed hundreds of thousands of times including multiple runs in the West End and on Broadway, international tours in over 80 countries worldwide and has become one of the world's most beloved family musicals. Featuring much loved pop and musical theatre classics, including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door, There's One More Angel In Heaven and Go, Go, Go Joseph. For more about the current tour of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' do visit - https://uk.josephthemusical.com And for more about access at the Birmingham Hippodrome do visit - https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/plan-your-visit/access/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025. This week it is all about that maybe first live theatre experience as Vidar reviews two audio described pantomime performances with ‘Peter Pan' at the Birmingham Hippodrome and ‘The Little Mermaid' at the Newcastle Theatre Royal.  The panto adventure that never grows old! Following a triumphant season last year, and by popular demand, Birmingham's own Alison Hammond returned to Birmingham Hippodrome's panto, leading the cast as The Magical Mermaid! Alison joins Hippodrome panto star and award-winning comic Matt Slack, who returned for an eleventh season as Smee, star of stage and screen Danny Mac as Captain Hook, resident dame Andrew Ryan and Billie-Kay who returnd for a second year as Tink! They were joined by Rhiannon Chesterman as Wendy, and Noah Harrison in the title role of Peter Pan. With amazing special effects, stunning sets and beautiful costumes direct from The London Palladium, Peter Pan takes the whole family on a magical trip to Neverland like never before! For more about access at the Birmingham Hippodrome including details of audio described performances do visit - https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/plan-your-visit/access/ More about The Little Mermaid The Little Mermaid is a family show with bangs and flashes, a couple of scary moments, a bit of panto innuendo (never intended to offend) – and some very old jokes! With Pinocchio smashing Box Office records, Newcastle Theatre Royal premiered another new pantomime spectacular with a magical adventure under the sea – The Little Mermaid. Cast included Newcastle's pantomime superstar Danny Adams, Theatre Royal favourites Clive Webb, Chris Hayward and Joe McElderry, returning panto regulars Mick Potts, Wayne Smith, Kylie Ann Ford, and Christina Berriman Dawson and newcomers Christian Maynard and Maggie Lynne, as they dived to the depths of the ocean in an exhilarating and enchanting theatrical extravaganza. Danny plays Danny Crabstix, best friend to Ariel, the bravest mermaid in King Triton's kingdom, who must fight-off the evil Sea Witch after she steals her voice in return for the ability to live amongst the humans, way above the ocean. For more about access and audio described performances at Newcastle Theatre Royal do visit - https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/plan-your-visit/access-information/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for his audio described theatre review of the year plus a couple of highlights of shows he is looking forward to seeing in 2025.  Audio described theatre highlights of 2024 included - The reimagining for the stage at the RSC of Mark Ravenhill's 2013 radio play' Ben and Imo', which told the true story of the passionate partnership between Benjamin Britten and Imogen Holst. The touring production of the Lawrence Olivier award winning comedy musical retelling of Jane Austen's ‘Pride and Prejudice (Sort Of)' with only a cast of five women on stage playing all the characters of Pride and Prejudice.  Welsh National Opera's production of Verdi's Rigoletto at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff which had a bit of a Jacobean feel to the costumes and maybe some influences of Shakespeare coming through too. At the Birmingham Repertory Theatre and a musical that is all about first love and finding your voice with ‘Becoming Nancy' based on the novel of the same name by author songwriter, music producer and singer Terry Ronald. Staying with Musicals at the Birmingham Hippodrome with Lin-Manuel Miranda's multi award-winning cultural phenomenon that is Hamilton.  Vidar also mentions a few highlights of shows that he is looking forward to seeing in 2025 too.  (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

Scotland's new Makar (National Poet) Peter Mackay, whose appointment was announced this week, talks about how he intends to shape the role over the next three years. Elizabeth Newman of Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Jon Gilchrist of Birmingham Hippodrome discuss new initiatives to boost the production of musical theatre around the UK. Plus Jacob Rees-Mogg on his reality TV series Meet the Rees-Moggs. And as the Scottish Budget is delivered, will arts organisations finally get some clarity on their funding? Presenter: Kirsty Wark Producer: Mark Crossan

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next in his regular Connect Radio theatre reviews. This week Vidar was reviewing the current touring production of Disney's Aladdin the Musical as the tour visited the Birmingham Hippodrome with description by Professional Audio Describers . About Disney's Aladdin the Musical  Experience this thrilling production filled with unforgettable magic, comedy and breath-taking spectacle!  The show's music, written by 8-time Oscar-winner Alan Menken, includes “Arabian Nights”, “Friend Like Me” and “A Whole New World” which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Don't miss this extraordinary theatrical event, seen by over 14 million people worldwide, where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite! To find out more about the current tour of Disney's Aladdin the Musical do visit the following website - https://www.aladdinthemusical.co.uk Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font.

American guitarist Pat Metheny on how the discovery of a particular Argentinian guitar string took his latest album Moondial in a new direction. As a school by the renowned Victorian architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh comes to the open market, we discuss whether Glasgow does enough to look after its built heritage. And we hear from the outgoing artistic director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre and the artistic director of Birmingham Hippodrome about new initiatives to promote musical theatre. Plus we remember actor Timothy West, whose death was announced earlier today. Presenter: Kirsty Wark Producer: Mark Crossan

Meesha Turner (Six / Stranger Things) co-hosts The West End Frame Show!Andrew and Meesha discuss Reverberation (Bristol Old Vic) as well as the latest news about Titanique, Wicked merch, Max Harwood being cast in The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical and lots more. Meesha is a 2020 graduate of The Royal Academy of Music. After touring in Soul Legends and The Magic of Motown, she made her West End debut as Catherine Parr in Six The Musical (Vaudeville Theatre). Meesha went on to play Mrs Cratchit in A Christmas Carol (Old Vic) and is currently coming to the end of her run in the original cast of Stranger Things: The First Shadow (Phoenix Theatre). Later this month Meesha is starring in the concert of Matthew Harvey's new musical Unbound. Following its premiere at the Birmingham Hippodrome as part of BYMT's 20th anniversary season, Unbound is being staged at Hoxton Hall under the creative direction of Ryan Carter. You can see Unbound at Hoxton Hall on 27th October. Visit www.unboundmusical.com for info and tickets. Follow Meesha on Instagram: @turnermeeshaHosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.   

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next in his regular Connect Radio theatre reviews. This week Vidar is reviewing Birmingham Royal Ballet's revival of Frederick Ashton's ballet ‘La fille mal gardée' at the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describers Julia Grundy and Jonathan Nash. About ‘La fille mal gardée'  Lise has a choice to make. Loaded country bumpkin or penniless, hunky farmhand? Of course, there's no contest, but her mum has other ideas.  Heels are dug in and sparks fly, as a mother-daughter battle ensues. Mixing spectacular classical ballet with slick comedy, a clog-dancing dame, and a super-cute pony, as well as live music by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, this is fantastic entertainment for you, your friends, and all your family whether it's their first ballet or a much-loved favourite. To find out more about Birmingham Royal Ballet do visit their website - https://www.brb.org.uk  And for more about access at Birmingham Hippodrome including details of audio described performances do visit the following pages of the theatre's website - https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/plan-your-visit/access/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next in his regular Connect Radio theatre reviews. This week Vidar is reviewing the musical masterpiece that is A Chorus Line which revolutionised Broadway back in the mid 1970s as the Curve Theatre's touring production visited the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describers. About A Chorus Line Seventeen stories. Eight chances. One singular sensation! New York City, 1975. On an empty Broadway stage, seventeen performers are put through their paces in the final, gruelling audition for a new Broadway musical. Only eight will make the cut. A Chorus Line is a musical masterpiece that revolutionised Broadway, with creator Michael Bennett using real-life testimonies from late-night recording sessions with dancers. Celebrate the lives of theatre's unsung heroes, as they tell searing stories of ambition, shattered hopes, and what it really costs to follow your dreams. Originally produced at Curve and Directed by Nikolai Foster, with a book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban, A Chorus Line features iconic songs including One, I Hope I Get It, Nothing and the hit ballad What I Did For Love. The legendary Adam Cooper (Singin' in the Rain, Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake) and Carly Mercedes Dyer (The Drifters Girl Tour, Anything Goes, Barbican Theatre, Dreamgirls, Savoy Theatre) are reprising their roles as Zach and Cassie which they played to great critical acclaim at Curve in 2021. For more about access at Birmingham Hippodrome including details of audio described performances do visit the following pages of the theatre's website - https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/plan-your-visit/access/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

Michael Ahomka-Lindsay is back In The Frame! After leaving medical school to pursue a career as an actor, Michael trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He made his professional debut as Benny in Luke Sheppard's production of Rent at the Hope Mill Theatre and then toured as Maugrim in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.Michael last featured on the podcast after starring as Emmett in Lucy Moss' revival of Legally Blonde at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. After performing in To The Streets for Birmingham Hippodrome, Michael originated the role of Jack Kelly in the reimagined UK premiere of Newsies at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre and played David in the highly acclaim production of Choir Boy at Bristol Old Vic.Michael is currently coming to the end of his run as Clifford Bradshaw in the West End revival of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club and is rehearsing for the European premiere of Reverberation by Matthew Lopez at the Bristol Old Vic. Michael came into the podcast booth to discuss everything he's been up to over the past two years. He reflects on all-things Newsies, explains why Choir Boy was such a special job and talks about going straight from Cabaret to Reverberation, and lots more pops up along the way.Michael plays Cliff in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club until 21st September and stars in Reverberation at the Bristol Old Vic 2nd October - 2nd November 2024. Follow Michael on Instagram: @michaelahomka_ Hosted by Andrew Tomlins  @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.  

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next in his regular Connect Radio theatre reviews. A bit more Shakespeare this week with a musical riff on ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream' set during the declassification of Area 51 with ‘Dreamland' by Birmingham Musicals Youth Theatre who offer term time weekly theatre workshops for young people aged between 7-16. ‘Dreamland' is the group's end of year production which was audio described on Saturday 6 July 2024 at 7pm in the Hippodrome's Patrick Studio by Professional Audio Describer Caroline Burn as one of the performers is visually impaired. For more about access at the Birmingham Hippodrome including details of audio described performances do visit the access pages of their website - https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/plan-your-visit/access/ To find out more about Birmingham Hippodrome Musicals Youth Theatre group do visit the following pages of their website - https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/hippodrome-projects/young-people/musicals-youth-theatre/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next in his regular Connect Radio theatre reviews. This week Vidar was reviewing the remarkable story of The Drifters and the truth about the woman who made them, direct from London's West end as the UK and Ireland tour of the musical that is The Drifters Girl visited the Birmingham Hippodrome theatre. About The Drifters Girl: Nominated for BEST NEW MUSICAL at the 2022 Olivier Awards, this smash-hit show has audiences on their feet night after night with a phenomenal soundtrack packed full of iconic Drifters hits including Saturday Night At The Movies, Save The Last Dance For Me and Stand By Me. Discover the remarkable story of The Drifters and the truth about the woman who made them. From the highs of hit records to the lows of legal battles and personal tragedy, Faye Treadwell was the legendary manager of The Drifters who refused to give up on the group she loved. Thirty years, and hundreds of hit songs later, there is no doubt that Faye Treadwell was and always will be, The Drifters Girl. For more about access at the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre including details of audio described performances do visit the access pages of their website - https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/plan-your-visit/access/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

Jack is a musical theatre composer, lyricist and writer. His current projects include 42 Balloons (Book, Music and Lyrics, Staged Concert at the Vaudeville Theatre in November 2022, Produced by Global Musicals and Alchemation), This Is A Love Story (Music and Lyrics, Commissioned by Vicky Graham Productions, Selected for BEAM2021, Workshop at Birmingham Hippodrome in January 2024), and Babies (Music and Lyrics, Winner of the BYMT New Music Theatre Award 2021, Staged Concert at the Lyric Theatre in November 2023, Produced by Crossroads Live). He studied Theology at Durham University and Musical Theatre at Goldsmiths University. 42 Balloons On the 2nd of July 1982. Using a lawn chair and approximately 42 helium-filled weather balloons, truck driver Larry Walters defied all the odds (and FAA airspace regulations!) to make his lifelong dream a reality and fly sixteen thousand feet above Los Angeles. No, seriously. In a chair. 42 BALLOONS is an uplifting musical inspired by the highly improbable true story of how Larry, and his partner Carol Van Deusen, convinced their friends and family to help Larry achieve his dream of flying. Featuring an irresistible, 80s-style pop score, 42 BALLOONS questions how far you would go to make your dreams come true. Is the sky actually the limit, and what happens if it doesn't all go to plan?

It's our first episode from the Off Menu live tour! Kicking off our run of bonus live episode is Birmingham Superstar Jamelia. Follow Jamelia on Twitter @jamelia and Instagram @officialjameliaRecorded by Matt Mountford-Lister for Storm Productions Group live at the Birmingham Hippodrome. Edited by Ben Williams for Plosive.Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design).Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial.And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show.Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the first of his regular Connect Radio theatre reviews for 2024. For Vidar's first audio described theatre review of 2024 we looked back on three shows for younger audiences with firstly Dear Santa at the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre with description by Professional Audio describer Jonathan Nash, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre's Panto Snow White with description by Professional Audio describer Anne Hornsby and the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of The Box of Delights with description by Professional Audio Describers Carolyn Smith and Gethyn Edwards. About the Shows: Dear Santa at Birmingham Hippodrome with AD by Jonathan Nash Santa is determined to deliver the most fantastic Christmas present to Sarah, but he doesn't get it right straight away! With the help of his cheeky Elf, he finally settles on something ‘perfect', just in time for Christmas Eve. From the author of the well-loved children's book Dear Zoo, Rod Campbell, comes Dear Santa and it's live! This show is an ideal introduction to theatre for those aged two and over.  Snow White, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Mirror, mirror, on the wall, don't miss the fairest pantomime of them all…we promise it will be a truly wicked adventure! The ultimate festive family spectacular stars Kelle Bryan (Eternal, Hollyoaks, Loose Women) as the Good Fairy Elementa, with Gyasi Sheppy (CBeebies) as our dashing Prince and Niki Cowell Evans (X Factor, Blood Brothers, Kinky Boots) returns, but this time…she's wicked! They join Evie Pickerill (CBeebies) as Snow White, Tam Ryan as Muddles & Ian Adams as Nanny Nolly. Take a look in to the mirror, defeat the Evil Queen and follow Snow White & the prince on their journey to find true love's kiss in this ultimate fairy-tale family adventure. Take a bite of panto delight with spectacular scenery and costumes, magical special effects, wicked humour and plenty of audience participation! Snow White promises to be a festive spectacular for all ages. The Box of Delights, Royal Shakespeare Company A magically festive production for all the family in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre this winter. Orphaned schoolboy Kay Harker is caught up in a battle between two powerful magicians. Can he save Christmas? 'There are tricks...and then there's magic!' After a seemingly chance encounter on a train, orphaned schoolboy Kay Harker finds himself the guardian of a small wooden box with powers beyond his wildest dreams. Caught up in a battle between two powerful magicians, Kay fights to save not just the people he loves but also the future of Christmas itself. This fantastically festive production is directed by Justin Audibert (The Taming of the Shrew 2019, The Jew of Malta 2015) and designed by RSC Associate Artist Tom Piper.  This production is based on the original stage production first produced by Wilton's Music Hall and Hero Productions at Wilton's Music Hall. Suitable for age 7+ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for a bit of a look back on his audio described theatre reviews of 2023 and some highlights for 2024 that Vidar may have already booked his tickets for! Vidar's highlights of 2023 included -  Matthew Bourne's Romeo and Juliet at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre,  Welsh National opera's production of Verdi's La Traviata at the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre, the musical My Fair Lady again at the Birmingham Hippodrome,  Hamlet at the Royal Shakespeare company in Stratford-upon-Avon,  For 2024 Vidar is looking forward to seeing - Birmingham Royal Ballet's production of The Nutcracker over the festive period, Hamilton at the Birmingham Hippodrome next summer, more Matthew Bourne and Welsh National Opera productions plus many more to look forward to next year. You can listen to all of Vidar Hjardeng MBE audio described theatre reviews from 2023 by searching For RNIB Connect Radio from where ever you get your podcasts. Image: RNIB Connect Radio Bright Green 20th Anniversary Logo

In the final program for 2023, Simon Moore is joined by an Australian arts leader who has made a name for herself internationally. Fiona Allan has been in senior roles, including artistic director, of theatres, venues and events from the Sydney Film Festival and the Australian National Academy of Music, to the Arts Council in England and the Millennium Centre in Wales. Until a few years ago she was in charge of the UK's busiest single theatre, the Birmingham Hippodrome, and it was from there that she returned to her home town of Sydney to become the current CEO of Opera Australia. Fiona reveals elements of how Opera Australia will continue to evolve and develop into the future, including working with new artistic director Jo Davies, and shares stories from her long career in arts management in both Australia and the UK.

In The Old Curiosity Shop, Charles Dickens portrayed The Black Country as a polluted hellscape where little Nell sickens and dies. So popular was the book that this idea of the region was rivetted into history and endures to this day. In this edition of Free Thinking Matthew Sweet sets out to find the real Black Country, a place whose borders you can cross without knowing, with a reputation for insularity in spite of centuries of migration. In a programme recorded at the Birmingham Hippodrome for the BBC's 2022 Contains Strong Language Festival, Matthew's guests are the poet Liz Berry - author of the prize winning 2014 collection Black Country, whose latest collection The Dereliction is a collaboration with the photographer Tom Hicks; dialectologist Dr Esther Asprey, from the University of Wolverhampton, who published the first complete scholarly account of Black Country dialect; the artist and film-maker Dawinder Bansal, who uses her upbringing in her parents' electrical shop, which also rented VHS Bollywood films as the starting point for the art installation Jambo Cinema which was part of The Birmingham 2022 Festival https://www.dawinderbansal.com/projects; and a pair of historians, Dr Simon Briercliffe from the Black Country Living Museum, author of Forging Ahead – Austerity to Prosperity in the Black Country and Dr Matthew Stallard from the Centre for the Study of Legacies of British Slavery UCL who grew up in Wolverhampton. Producer: Olive Clancy. The 2023 Contains Strong Language Festival takes place in Leeds from September 21st - 24th at Leeds Playhouse so go to their website for tickets and listen out for programmes on BBC Sounds.

A sit down with Raidene Carter former executive producer of the Birmingham 2022 festival and current creative director for the upcoming Birmingham Festival 23. In this video podcast episode, I sat down with Raidene Carter at the Birmingham Hippodrome. We discussed her previous and current roles and she talked about her journey. The Birmingham Fest is upcoming on the 28th of July to the 6th of August and is free to attend. It is taking place at Centenary Square in Birmingham. Link for more info: https://www.birminghamfestival23.co.uk/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lQjANPQlB98 Visit my website at: https://faithbrynelsinsights.com/ Connect with Raidene and myself on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faithbrynelpomell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/raidene-carter/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/faithbrynelsinsights/message

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next in his regular Connect Radio theatre reviews. This week we have a triple bill of ballet performances by Birmingham Royal Ballet spanning 100 years with Still Life, Interlinked, and Apollo at the Birmingham Hippodrome on Saturday 10 June at 2.30pm with description by Professional Audio Describers Julia Grundy and Jonathan Nash.  Three contrasting ballets created across the last 100 years, from George Balanchine's exquisite Apollo, to Juliano Nunes's Interlinked, and David Bintley's engaging but poignant look at human impact on the world, 'Still Life' at the Penguin Café. A colourful host of endangered animals seek shelter from the storm in David Bintley's ‘Still Life' at the Penguin Café. Featuring a morris-dancing flea, a ballroom-dancing ram, a hoe-downing rat, a majestic zebra and many more, this is an ‘unforgettable' (Sunday Times), witty and enjoyable, yet bittersweet and poignant look at human impact on the world. All danced to Simon Jeffes's delightful score, originally composed for the Penguin Café Orchestra. 'Pure genius' (The Sunday Express on ‘Still Life') The ‘quiet perfection' (The Guardian) of Apollo highlighted the genius of its creator, the then 24-year-old George Balanchine, and launched his lifelong partnership with the composer Igor Stravinsky. This most exquisite of ballets was regarded by Balanchine as his artistic coming of age. Its pared back elegance gives the perfect platform for the Company's world-class dancers to shine. 'Sublime' (The Sunday Times on Apollo) Brilliant young Brazilian choreographer Juliano Nunes's Interlinked was premiered in summer 2022 as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival. Described as ‘stretching ballet's mould' by The Guardian, with a specially composed score by Australian composer Luke Howard, this beautifully abstract piece explores ideas of grace, beauty and harmony in ways that push the usual boundaries of classical dance. For more about Birmingham Royal Ballet and audio described performances of their productions do visit their website - https://www.brb.org.uk/access-performances (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

Last week Mickey-Jo was invited to the national press night of the SPONGEBOB musical at the Birmingham Hippodrome. The show is currently on tour across the UK ahead of a limited London season Summer 2023 at the Southbank Centre. The musical, based on the beloved Nickelodeon cartoon stars Lewis Cornay as Spongebob Squarepants as well as Irfan Damani, Chrissie Bhima, Divina de Campo, Hannah Lowther and Gareth Gates and Tom Read Wilson who share the role of Squidward. Check out the new review for Mickey-Jo's thoughts on this new production of the show... • About Mickey-Jo: As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 60,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows both in New York, London, Hamburg, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next in his regular Connect Radio theatre reviews. This week Vidar was reviewing the Lincoln Center Theater's critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning production of that wonderful musical My Fair Lady at the Birmingham Hippodrome on Saturday 11 March at 2pm with description by professional Audio Describers Julia Grundy and Jonathan Nash. Charlotte Kennedy stars as Eliza Doolittle, Michael D. Xavier as Henry Higgins, and EastEnders' Adam Woodyatt plays the role of Alfred P. Doolittle. They are joined by world famous soprano Lesley Garrett playing Mrs Pearce and John Middleton (Emmerdale) as Colonel Pickering. Directed by Bartlett Sher (acclaimed for the recent Tony Award-winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's The King and I), this sublime production features Frederick Loewe's ravishing score and a book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner. My Fair Lady includes the classic songs I Could Have Danced All Night, Get Me to the Church on Time, Wouldn't It Be Loverly and The Rain in Spain. My Fair Lady continues on tour throughout the UK and Ireland and more details about venues and dates can be found by visiting the following website - https://myfairladymusical.co.uk  (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

Welcome to the World's greatest variety show – Season 15 in Eyes & teeth when I talk to Gary Lovini.Gary is a true showman and he had a full on career in the UK then moved to Florida, USA to start all over and he has made an astounding success out of it.Gary talks About his early years in Talent Competitions, Butlins, inventing a new style of performing with a violin. The local talent shows spread across the midlands and then around the UK and then TV biggest TV Talent show where it went crazy for Gary.Gary's career went from Cabaret clubs to every major TV show on at the time in the late 1980's from Des O Connor to Wogan, What's My Line to Summertime Special and the Childrens Royal variety.We also talk about our mutual friendship within the Grand Order of Water rats that we are proud members of.From the QE2 Cunard ship to HM Queen Elizabeth 2 in person and the moment Gary blanked Englebert Humperdinck. He made up for it of course.I once had dinner on LBC radio with Vanessa Mae who I guess was a mix of Classical Pop and made an impact in her style moving about like no other but that was in the 90's and Gary was there first in the 1980's. Welcome to the Show the incredible performer Gary Lovini

More than ever, arts marketers need to be purposeful about data collection, responsive to privacy regulations, and respectful of their audiences' preferences. In 2023 and beyond, it's all about staying user-centric and privacy-focused.  Not sure where to start? We've got you covered with expert insights from CI consultants, a data privacy expert, and a fellow arts marketer who's been in your shoes—and has a few words of advice.   Digital Download (2:20) - Dan chats with fellow Senior Consultant Alison Goldberg about changes in the data privacy space and why this topic is so time-sensitive for arts marketers. They break down commonly used acronyms so you can feel confident tackling this topic. CI to Eye Interview with Jodi Daniels (13:30) - Certified data privacy expert Jodi Daniels shines light on the human side of this technical subject, and offers suggestions for ensuring your organization's practices are both legally compliant and trust-building.  CI to Eye inerview with Rob Macpherson (44:44) - Arts marketer extraordinaire Rob Macpherson reflects on his experience implementing privacy regulations at Birmingham Hippodrome, one of the U.K.'s most prolific theaters. He shares his first-hand experience and offers sage advice to U.S. marketers just starting on this journey.   LINKS: CMSWire: Future of Data Collection: From Coercive to Consensual to Collaborative Pew Research Center: Half of Americans have decided not to use a product or service because of privacy concerns KPMG: The new imperative for corporate data responsibility Capacity Interactive Red Clover Advisors Creating Impakt

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next in his regular Connect Radio theatre reviews. This week as we are still just inside panto season Vidar was reviewing the relaxed performance of Dick Whittington at the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre on Wednesday 25 January 2023 at 12 noon with audio description by professional Audio Describers Julia Grundy and Jonathan Nash. Birmingham Hippodrome's panto was paved with gold, as Marti Pellow returned to Birmingham as The Ratman in the ultimate pantomime adventure, Dick Whittington. Marti was joined by Birmingham panto legend Matt Slack, TV celebrity Dr Ranj and actress, singer and television personality Suzanne Shaw in this star-studded, action-packed adventure full of laughter, music and dance. Vidar began by explaining to Toby what a relaxed performance is all about and how the show is made more accessible and friendly to everyone with audio description, British sign language, greater lighting levels in the auditorium, chill out spaces and a slight change to parts of the show too. You can find out more about what a relaxed performance is all about by visiting the Official London Theatre website – https://officiallondontheatre.com/news/what-is-a-relaxed-performance/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the channel Islands for the next in his regular Connect Radio audio described theatre reviews. For this week's audio described theatre review Vidar was off to a magical land with the return of Sir Peter Wright's classic production of the timeless ballet, The Nutcracker by Birmingham Royal Ballet at the Birmingham Hippodrome theatre on Saturday 26 November at 2.30pm and touch tour at 12.15 with description by professional Audio Describer  At midnight on Christmas Eve, Clara creeps downstairs and is instantly swept away into an enchanting winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes, magical Christmas trees and a Sugar Plum Fairy. 60 dancers and the Royal Ballet Sinfonia returned to the Birmingham Hippodrome stage for this festive family treat. To find out more about Birmingham Royal Ballet and audio description of their productions do visit - https://www.brb.org.uk/access-performances (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next in his regular Connect Radio audio described theatre reviews. This week Vidar was reviewing Birmingham Royal Ballet's production of Coppélia at the Birmingham Hippodrome on Saturday 29 October, 2.30pm with description by professional Audio Describers Julia Grundy and Jonathan Nash. Love conquers all in Sir Peter Wright's production of this joyous classic from the golden age of ballet, brought back to the stage by Birmingham Royal Ballet for the first time in five years, with Léo Delibes' glorious score performed live by the 60-piece Royal Ballet Sinfonia. Swanilda and Franz are getting ready to marry during their hometown's upcoming festival, just a few days away. When Franz finds his eye wandering towards the mysterious girl on Dr Coppélius's balcony, Swanilda takes matters into her own hands — but can she steer her fiancé away from the Doctor's mystery guest and back towards the path of true love? For more about Birmingham Royal Ballet and details of their productions with audio description do visit - https://www.brb.org.uk/access-performances. (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

Me'sha Bryan is currently starring as Celie in the UK tour of The Color Purple.Directed by Tinuke Craig, this is a co-production between Leicester Curve and Birmingham Hippodrome, first seen in 2019 before being revived digitally in 2021. Based on Alice Walker's novel, The Color Purple is adapted for the stage by Marsha Norman, Allee Willis, Brenda Russell and Stephen Bray.Me'sha's theatre credits include: understudy Sarah in Ragtime (Piccadilly Theatre), Vocalist in Been So Long (The Young Vic), Shenzi in The Lion King (UK Tour), Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act (Dublin), Young Girl in Desire Under The Elms (Sheffield Crucible), Washing Machine in Caroline Or Change (Hampstead Theatre / Playhouse Theatre), Amiens in As You Like It (Regent's Park Open Air Theatre) and Suzanne/Mimi in Romantics Anonymous (Bristol Old Vic).Me'sha works extensively as a session singer and vocal coach, and has also worked on screen. The Color Purple tours the UK until 5th November. You can see it in Wales, Southampton and Norwich.Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.  

This week we're talking about the exciting opera and dance coming up in time for Christmas. Annilese Miskimmon, Artistic Director at ENO (English National Opera), tells us about re-imagining Frank Capra's enduring and much-loved 1946 Christmas movie ‘It's a Wonderful Life' as an opera, which opens on 25th November at the Coliseum. Adapted by Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer, George Bailey, the down-on-his-luck banker so memorably played by James Stewart in the film, is played by Frederick Ballentine but Clarence the Guardian Angel now becomes Clara, played by soprano Danielle de Niese. Other than the gender swap, the opera is otherwise remarkably faithful to the beloved film and is certain to be a festive treat. In the world of dance, Rambert is already wowing audiences with its adaptation of Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby, which opened at the Birmingham Hippodrome and is now on tour and in London at Troubador Wembley Park till 6th November. We're thrilled to be talking to the creator, writer and Executive Producer of Peaky Blinders, Steven Knight, alongside Helen Shute of Rambert. We find out that Steven's always loved ballet and so it was a natural progression to ask him to adapt his multi-award-winning series into a dance theatre show. Tune in to hear how the opera and dance worlds are bursting with innovation and new ideas, including the first-ever football opera Gods of the Game at the Theatre in the Woods at Grange Park Opera, complete with a chorus made up entirely of footy fans who've been trained to sing.

Mickey-Jo recently travelled to the Birmingham Hippodrome to catch a performance of the brand new tour of the Leicester Curve Production of THE COLOR PURPLE. In the new review Mickey-Jo is telling you a little about the show and reviewing its cast and creative successes as well as identifying some areas where it could have been improved... • About Mickey-Jo: As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 60,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows both in New York, London, Hamburg, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next in his regular Connect Radio audio described theatre reviews. This week Vidar was reviewing the audio described performance of the new touring production of Les Misérables at the Birmingham Hippodrome on Saturday 13 August with  audio description by professional Describer Jonathan Nash. This new staging of Les Misérables has been hailed as a 'Les Mis for the 21st Century'. With scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, the magnificent score of Les Misérables includes the songs I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Bring Him Home, One Day More, Master Of The House and many more. Seen by over 120 million people worldwide in 52 countries and in 22 languages, Les Misérables is undisputedly one of the world's most popular musicals. As Les Misérables is one of Vidar's favourite theatre shows, so how did it stand up to other productions that he has seen over the years…. This new touring production of Les Misérables continues around the UK and do visit the following website for more details of performances near you -  https://www.lesmis.com/uk-ireland-tour (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next in his regular Connect Radio audio described theatre reviews. This week Vidar was reviewing ‘The Cher Show', Birmingham Hippodrome on Saturday 6 August at 2.30pm with audio description by professional Describers. The Cher Show tells the incredible story of Cher's meteoric rise to fame, flying in the face of convention at every turn. This HUGE new production features a fresh take on her show-stopping costumes which earned her the title of “the ruler of outré reinvention” (VOGUE). In a dazzling glitter fest sparkling with Cher's signature wit and style, you'll be spinning in the aisles to the sounds of her biggest hits, including If I Could Turn Back Time, Strong Enough, Gypsies Tramps and Thieves, The Shoop Shoop Song, I Got You Babe, and Believe. The Cher Show continues on tour this autumn and more details can be found by visiting the tour pages of the Cher on Stage website - https://cheronstage.com/tour-dates/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

Time for some audio described theatre as this enchanted show invites us to be their guest.  Tim Calvert looks back at the audio described performance of Beauty and the Beast which he saw at the Birmingham Hippodrome, and also highlights what is coming up at the venue.  This beloved ‘tale as old as time' has been brought to life on stage like never before, with all the charm and elegance audiences expect from Belle and her Beast.  The show is still on tour, so check their website for accessible performances: Beauty and the Beast the Musical | Official Disney Website (beautyandthebeastmusical.co.uk) For more about Birmingham Hippodrome and what's coming up visit: Birmingham Hippodrome | Hurst Street, Birmingham AVOA is written, presented and produced by Tim Calvert of Calvert Creative Concepts for RNIB Connect Radio and The Audio Description Association. For more information or to get involved email aviewonaccess@gmail.com Image shows the poster for Disney's Beauty and the Beast The Musical. Out of a storm of bright red roses, A silhouette of Beast and Belle embracing with a bright red rose held between them. 

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjarding MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next in his regular Connect Radio audio described theatre reviews. This week Vidar was reviewing the audio described performance of Welsh National Opera's production of Puccini's Madam Butterfly at the Birmingham Hippodrome on Saturday 23 April 2022 with audio description by professional Describers Julia Grundy and Jonathan Nash. Madam Butterfly is a powerful story of unrequited love, human pain and suffering which is intensified by Puccini's glorious music, promising a night of drama and emotion. Inspired by Puccini's fantasy landscape of exotic pleasures, Lindy Hume's new production interprets Butterfly's famous story through a dystopian prism. On the surface a dream-like wedding for a groom and his young, beautiful bride – but behind the façade is a cruel reality. Abandoned and betrayed, Butterfly finds her world crashing around her as her one chance for freedom becomes her prison. Her desperation and pain escalate as she fights for survival with devastating consequences. Vidar began by telling Toby that the audio described performance of WNO's Madam Butterfly was certainly an evening of drama and emotion for him. Vidar has seen a number of productions of Madam Butterfly but the WNO production was the best that he has seen so fa and it was for him almost like seeing Madam Butterfly for the first time. The beautiful singing and really good acting too that came through so well from Julia and Jonathan's description. This was the first AD performance that Vidar has seen with a touch tour since the beginning of the Covid pandemic and although not a full touch tour on stage but the opportunity to explore some of the costumes and props including the marriage certificate and adoption certificate. As Vidar is a big Puccini fan, with La Bohem being his favourite Puccini opera, Toby asked Vidar how Madam Butterfly compared to La Bohem. Then Vidar and Toby talked about how some people might think that Opera is a bit elitist but that is certainly not the case with many companies such as WNO and of course with great audio description, introductory notes, touch tours and live audio description, a trip to the opera can make for a great, enjoyable theatrical experience. To find out more about Welsh National Opera and their productions with audio description do visit the access pages of their website - https://wno.org.uk/access (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjarding MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next in his regular Connect Radio audio described theatre reviews. This week Vidar was reviewing a tale as old as time with the audio described performance of Disney's Beauty and the Beast at the Birmingham Hippodrome theatre on Sunday 20 March 2022 with audio Description by professional Describers Jonathan Nash and Jenny Cosgrove-Stuart. 28 years after its Broadway debut, members of the original creative team have reunited on this new touring production that features all of the spellbinding songs of Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice including Belle, Gaston, Be Our Guest and, of course, Beauty and the Beast. The story of Beauty and the Beast follows a young prince who falls under a curse by an Enchantress, as punishment for his selfishness and cruelty. Now a hideous beast, the prince must learn to love and earn their love in return, before the last petal of an Enchanted Rose falls. Should he fail, he would be doomed to remain a beast for all time. Vidar began by saying to Toby that if anyone likes a happy ever after story Disney's Beauty and the Beast is definitely the one. Also stating that this musical stage production certainly had a sparkly, very happy and very joyous ending which will have you going home feeling good inside after spending a couple of enjoyable hours in the theatre. Vidar and Toby then discussed how Disney have very successfully taken their films such as The Lion King, Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast from the movie screen to the theatre stage and how the stage production can at times give you a better or maybe different experience of the story of the film version of the show. Then Vidar expressed how much the live description by Jonathan and Jenny really matched the style and nature of the show which is one of the true skills of an audio describer. Vidar ended by saying that he did leave the theatre humming some of the tunes from the show which is always a good mark of a good musical for him! Disney's Beauty and the Beast continues on tour around the country with more audio described performances and full details can be found by visiting the productions website - https://www.beautyandthebeastmusical.co.uk/access (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

On the latest A View on Access, Tim Calvert explores some of the best theatre venues across the UK. In part 3 Tim looks back at the audio described (AD) production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears panto, which he saw at Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre, and highlights what other AD productions we can look forward to over the coming months. Find out more here: Birmingham Hippodrome | Hurst Street, Birmingham AVOA is written, presented and produced by Tim Calvert of Calvert Creative Concepts for RNIB Connect Radio and The Audio Description Association. For more information or to get involved email aviewonaccess@gmail.com  Image shows the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre. 

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjarding MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the channel Islands for the next in his regular Connect Radio audio described theatre reviews. This time Vidar was reviewing the audio described performance of  ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears' at the Birmingham Hippodrome which sees Jason Donovan take up the role of Ring Master of a travelling circus which may be slightly different to the Goldilocks story that we all know from our childhood.   The production was brought to life for Vidar with audio description by Hippodrome regular Describers Julia Grundy and Jonathan Nash. Vidar began his review by telling Toby that ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears' is a good fun show for all the family although with the story being slightly different to the Goldilocks we all know. Vidar felt that Jason Donovan in the role of the Ring Master who is essentially the baddy of the show really helped to get the audiences involved including the kids with all the audience participation that is found in a traditional Pantomime and how Hippodrome regular Matt Slack as the real funny guy of the show was very topical with his jokes.  Vidar ended by suggesting that a good pantomime is a great introduction to the theatre for the whole family.  (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

Welcome to another edition of Eyes & Teeth in A Touch of Magic.In this episode I do get to talk magic with one of the best in the industry and that's Phil Hitchcock.I'm fascinated with magic, illusions and tricksters of the mind and want this season to add that mystique and wonderment and today Phil who is a complete gent shares his stories of his idols and career that although is in his 3rd decade is also still growing successfully.We talk about Sir Ken Dodd, Billy Pearce, Paul Daniels, Lance Burton, Ronn Lucas, Guy Barrett, Richard Griffin, Russ Stevens and Britain's Got Talent, Shane Ritchie, The London Palladium, Siegfried and Roy and more on this episode with Phil Hitchcock

Jeffrey Holland is Sitcom Royalty, You could say Hi De Hi and it wouldn't be the first time he'd heard that in the street and if you think it started airing on TV 41 years ago, Jeffrey's face hasn't really changed in that time. I guess when we see people pop on and off our TV screens they become part of our family, they're in our homes with us during a cuppa tea or a roast dinner, your sat with your favourite people or family and popular sitcoms such as Hi de hi, only fools and horses, one foot in the grave, they're there to make the whole family laugh together, that is the family's first Comedy Club together and the first theatre for the family is pantomime.So we have a lot to thank Mr Holland for, he has appeared in so many of our favourites including Hi de hi as Spike Dixon, You rang m'lord as James Twelve trees, Cecil parkin in oh Doctor Beeching and he has been in Are you being served, It aint arf hot mum and dads army. His face would be so recognisable throughout the 80's and 90's due to his part in the Russ Abbot TV Shows, Les Dennis and Kenny Everett TV Shows and if you have seen pantomime in the past 50 years you would probably have seen Jeffrey on the bill. I saw him with Keith Harris, Nigel Havers, Julian Clary and Joan Collins at the Birmingham Hippodrome, I mean what a show that was. I'll let Jeffrey tell you the rest, Welcome to E&T VOV Jeffrey Holland

In this episode Jordan sits down with Corey Weekes who has started his own Theatre company 'Vision Acting' located at the Birmingham Hippodrome. Corey discusses how he managed to make his vision a reality and why life can be tough for aspiring actors. The two also discuss the process of writing a script and why quitting on their dreams is no longer an option!

Time for a slightly different 'A View on Access', as normally we would be heading to the theatre, but today we're off to a new immersive Art Exhibition.  Tim Calvert tells us all about Van Gogh Alive, which was just ended a spell in the Birmingham Hippodrome, can currently be enjoyed in Kensington Gardens in London, and later this year will be taking residency at MediaCity UK, in the Salford Quays. Having dazzled over 8 million visitors in 70 cities worldwide, the most visited immersive, multi-sensory experience in the world has made its hotly anticipated debut in the heart of one of London's most beautiful Royal Parks for a four month run. Hosted within a stunning, purpose-built venue in Kensington Gardens (opposite the Royal Albert Hall) from June to September, this Covid-safe and family-friendly experience is anticipated to become London's biggest visitor attraction this summer. For more details on those Audio Described tours for Van Gogh Alive, head over to vangoghaliveuk.com/london/access/ AVOA is written, presented and produced by Tim Calvert of Calvert Creative Concepts for RNIB Connect Radio and The Audio Description Association. For more information or to get involved email aviewonaccess@gmail.com

Trk 03 - Staying COVID Safe by Birmingham Hippodrome

Trk 21 - 1890 Auvers - Sur - Oise – Portrait Of Dr Gachet by Birmingham Hippodrome

Trk 20 - 1890 Auvers - Sur - Oise – The Church In Auvers - Sur - Oise by Birmingham Hippodrome

Trk 16 - 1889 Saint Remy – Irises by Birmingham Hippodrome

Trk 06 - Dates And Times Of The Live Audio Described Tours by Birmingham Hippodrome

Trk 05 - How The Audio Described Tour And Gallery Layout Works by Birmingham Hippodrome

Trk 04 - Background On The Life Of Vincent Van Gogh by Birmingham Hippodrome

Trk 01 - Welcome by Birmingham Hippodrome

In this episode I interview Richard Hayhow of the Open Theatre Company about his work in Non-verbal Physical Theatre with Music. We explore the work of actors with learning disabilities and the importance of inclusion at all stages of the artistic process. We talk about how engagement in this work is transformational, both for the actors, as well as those participating in it in support roles or as audience members. Richard and I examine the values of the work, discussing why the work matters and the gains to be had from recognising the actors as actors with talents and things to communicate, rather than focussing on their disabilities. We take a look back at our work together in promoting the art form, where I was a member of the Trustee Board of the Open Theatre Company and Richard was one of its first Directors. We then look forward to what the future holds and the growing reputation of the Company which is keen to develop its international presence and to collaborate with others. Richard has been Director of Open Theatre for 30 years. Open Theatre aims to place the creativity of young people with learning disabilities at the centre of the cultural life of Birmingham and Coventry. As part of this aim, Richard set up The Shysters, a company of actors with learning disabilities, in partnership with the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry in 1997. Through the development of a unique nonverbal physical theatre practice, the company gained a national reputation for the ground-breaking quality of its performance work ‘on the borderlines of theatre, dance and mime'. For the past fifteen years Richard has been forging long-term creative collaborations with special schools in the West Midlands region, to examine and maximise the impact the nonverbal physical theatre practice can have on children's learning and development and on young people's transition into adult life. Open Theatre currently has a team of 12 practitioners working all year round in 18 special schools. In 2018, Open Theatre became an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation with ambitious plans to support the emergence of a significant number of professional artists with learning disabilities over the next four years through appropriate training provision and landmark production work. Open Theatre have just co-produced The Twisted Tale of Hansel and Gretel in partnership with Birmingham Hippodrome and MBD, featuring an integrated cast of actors with and without learning disabilities. Contact Richard Hayhow by email: richard@opentheatre.co.uk For more information on the Open Theatre Company, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/OpenTheatreCompany or their website at: https://www.opentheatre.co.uk/ For more information about this podcast series, or to make any comments or to ask any questions relating to English Language learning, please contact me at johnscottlawton@hotmail.co.uk or visit my LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-scott-lawton/ or my company page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/john-scott-lawton-consulting/?viewAsMember=true Finally, please take a look at my website where I post additional content to support this podcast series: https://johnscottlawtonsenglishyouknow.wordpress.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-lawton/message