> AN AUDIENCE WITH JO BRAND

Northwood House, Isle of Wight
13 October 2019

Jo Brand - The Isle of Wight Literary Festival has gone from strength to strength... this year we enjoy an audience with one of the UK’s best comics, TV star, presenter and writer, Jo Brand, as she talks about her latest book, Born Lippy: How To Do Female.

This hour long audience with Jo was fascinating, the informal conversational format was a great way to help us get to know the real Jo Brand. Often considered as 'overpowering', this rather shy author came across very well... she is sensitive, worldly and wise.

Apparently, Born Lippy is packed with memorable anecdotes from Jo's life and career. It's full of jokes and funny stories, coloured by her experiences as a psychiatric nurse, stand-up and working mother of two. This hilarious book aims not only to entertain but also really help people by touching on such subjects such as how to manage a bully; your family and how to survive it; what no one tells you about the female body; being different; social media is not sociable; how not to fall in love; feminism: a rebranding; you are not what you wear; getting on a bit; and how to do what you want: or not do what others want.

Our ticket price also included a copy of this new publication... I just need to get around to reading it now! Thank you Isle of Wight Literary Festival... Once again, we thoroughly enjoyed our Sunday afternoon with you!

10 out of 10

> FLEABAG - LIVE!

Ventnor Arts Club, Isle of Wight
12 September 2019

Fleabag - National Theatre Live - The hilarious, award-winning, one-woman show that inspired the BBC’s hit TV series Fleabag, broadcast live to the Isle of Wight from London’s West End!

We really enjoyed this live feed from London. Feeling bizarrely intimate, this 80 minute monologue triggered every emotion imaginable. Clever use of audio effects and character voices added depth to Fleabag's narrative while the stripped back stage added to the overall intensity of the piece.

Written and performed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and directed by Vicky Jones, Fleabag is a rip-roaring look at some sort of woman living her sort of life. Fleabag may seem oversexed, emotionally unfiltered and self-obsessed, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. With family and friendships under strain and a guinea pig café struggling to keep afloat, Fleabag suddenly finds herself with nothing to lose.

Playing to sold-out audiences in New York and London, we certainly didn't want to miss our opportunity to enjoy this ‘legitimately hilarious show’ (New Yorker), broadcast live from Wyndham’s Theatre to the Ventnor Arts Club.

The moon and the sea, Ventnor

An early morning walk along Ventnor beach

We started our Ventnor adventure with a fab meal at Stripped, the new venture from the team behind Cantina. The eve was rounded off with a moon-lit walk along the parade... and beautifully brought to a crescendo with a stay at the Hambrough. Very comfortable and a great breakfast in the morning too!

10 out of 10

> JULIAN CLARY LIVE

Shanklin Theatre, IoW
15 May 2019

Julian Clary - In his own words...‘Are you ready for some filth? I know I am. It’s been a while since he sallied forth to pleasure the provinces with his particular brand of saucy innuendo. Is the time right now?’

Born to Mince!... In this outrageously camp new show, (that was going to be called 'Bed Knobs and Knee Pads', but was advised might not sell too well on the Isle of Wight), renowned homosexual Julian Clary bares his soul as never before in the interests of light entertainment.

He murdered some well known songs along the way, read a sneak preview from his next memoir 'A Night At the Lubricant' and made withering remarks about punters foolish enough to sit in the front row. You know the kind of thing. It’s the only life he knows.

We where so lucky to get the last two tickets, tonight's show was a complete sell-out! Julian minced about and did not disappoint. Not quite as entertaining as when he's in Panto, the lord of mince still managed to raise the roof and tickle a few funny bones... Certainly worth the petrol money to Shanklin!

This might well be his final mince…

9 out of 10

> A WEEKEND UP NORTH

The North, UK
15 - 18 Feb 2019

Up North - It's time to get in the car, sit on the ferry to the Mainland and drive up North!

Friday 15th - We start our journey North. The weather is kind to us as we eat up the miles. First stop, The Trentham Estate. On the outskirts of Stoke on Trent, these beautiful Gardens and lake are the perfect place to take a break. A quick walk around, then back in the car to continue our journey to our next destination. We arrive in Manchester around 5pm... we catch up with Mark, Chris and Mary, then head off out to the Hope Mill Theatre. This great little performance space is hidden away in a wonderful old redbrick building, just a 10 min walk from Piccadilly Station. Tonight's show, MYDIDAE - is a challenging, raw piece that took us on a dark, sometimes difficult journey. Very glad we went along, thank you Mark and Chris for the tix.

The Italian Gardens at Trentham Estate

 MYDIDAE at Hope Mill Theatre

Victoria wood at the Bury Art Gallery

Saturday 16th - A pleasant day to explore a little more. First stop... we are off to Bury, we want to find out a bit more about comedy legend, Victoria Wood. Working in collaboration with her Literary Estate this exhibition features some well-loved and recognisable scripts for shows such as, As seen on TV (including the soap Acorn Antiques), An Audience With......1988, Pat and Margaret, Dinner ladies, the first draft of Acorn Antiques - The Musical, Housewife 49 and Wood and Walters. The Bury Art Museum and Sculpture Centre did a very good job of bringing this show together... really glad we managed to fit this one in... Next up, a trip on a vintage locomotive to Ramsbottom and a quick drink before heading back to central Manchester for dinner followed by slice of cabaret at the Birdcage. 

Sunday 17th - We take a leisurely drive over the moors to Rotherham and catch up with family.

The fabulous Hardwick Hall

Monday 18th - Today we go and visit the fabulously over the top Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire. We enjoy an hour walking around the gardens and taking in the spectacular views... it's a freezing cold day, so we are soon on our way back to the warmth of a local pub for a spot of lunch.

10 out of 10

> TO HELL IN A HANDBAG

Quay Arts, Newport IoW
24 Nov 2018

To hell in a handbag - the secret lives of Canon Chasuble and Miss Prism! 

Tonight we head to the Quay arts centre in Newport to enjoy a little live Comedy Theatre... While others are preoccupied with cucumber sandwiches and railway cloakrooms, two minor characters from The Importance of Being Earnest are up to their necks in something else. A country rector and a governess, models of Victorian propriety in public. But in private? This is the play behind the play: a tale of blackmail, embezzlement and false identity. A subversively funny new take on an Irish theatrical classic.

Written and Performed by Helen Norton & Jonathan White

A very simple, yet wonderfully entertaining moment from two excellent comedy actors. Brilliant comedy timing, perfect minimal set and a sharp, well observed piece of writing.

10 out of 10

> BENIDORM LIVE

The Mayflower, Southampton
8 Nov 2018

Benidorm LIVE - the popular ITV comedy sit-com hits the stage with hilarious consequences, Benidorm is still very much alive-and-kicking!!!

We LOVED the official world premiere of Derren Litten's smash-hit ITV comedy BENIDORM. ITV’s award-winning comedy celebrates over a decade of all-inclusive hilarity since it first broadcast in 2007. Litten has now written this all new romp for the much-loved cast members as they swap sangria for the stage - after a quick spruce up at the Blow ‘n’ Go!

The gags and chuckles just didn't stop! Familiar plots and subtle nods to past story lines made for a fabulous and fun eve out! Great set too!

Starring Jake Canuso (Mateo), Janine Duvitski (Jacqueline), Adam Gillen (Liam), Sherrie Hewson (Joyce Temple-Savage), Shelley Longworth (Sam), Tony Maudsley (Kenneth) and featuring Neptune’s very own Asa Elliott.

10 out of 10

> BRIAN BLESSED - LIVE!

Salisbury City Hall, Salisbury
28th March 2018

Brian Blessed - the advertising for this event stated "an evening with this man is not for the faint hearted"... this could not have been further from the truth. We enjoyed the company of a big hearted man who loves his planet, it's animals and the human race!

Larger Than Life? British actor Brian Blessed is known for his hearty, king-sized portrayals on film and television. He is a giant of a man accompanied by an eloquent wit and booming, operatic voice.

An evening with Brian Blessed is an experience that nobody should miss. His eloquence and humour will have the audience captured from the moment he walked on stage until the moment he finished he final encore.

 

Brian talked about his career on stage and screen including anecdotes from Flash Gordon, Black Adder, I Claudius and Z Cars and his many appearances in Shakespearean Productions. He is also an avid climber and has conquered Everest and Kilimanjaro amongst others. It was great to hear about his adventures! Brian is also a massive supporter of animal welfare... It warmed our hearts to hear that all profits from live shows and books go towards keeping his home based shelter alive and kicking.

   

After the show, we had an opportunity to meet with the great man himself. He was gentle, warm and simply lovely... a great human being!

The day after the show we had a quick walk around Salisbury in the rain. Luckily, the recent bit of Russian scandal hadn't managed to completely shut down the City! We enjoyed exploring the beautiful Salisbury Museum.  During our time in this fabulous City, we stayed at the Cathedral View B&B, just off the main Cathedral square, this Edwardian terrace oozed charm and history.

10 out of 10

> THE LADYKILLERS

Apollo Theatre, IOW
3rd February 2017

The Ladykillers - The team at the Apollo Theatre bring this 'black comedy classic' to life in spectacular style... Originaly a film made in 1955 by Ealing Studios, this 'crime caper' is a guaranteed crowd pleaser from start to finish.

We have just enjoyed another fantastic night at the Apollo Theatre. This busy theatre, based in the heart of Newport, is consistently developing top nights out! Their production of The Ladykillers is a hoot... great cast, a stunning set and immaculate attention to detail. Marylyn Ford plays a wonderfully cautious Mrs Louisa Wilberforce and Michael Arnell plays Professor Marcus like a pro.

 The fantastic set

The Ladykillers – one of Ealing Studios’ finest and funniest offerings, has been reworked for the stage by Graham Linehan, his other credits include Father Ted and The IT Crowd. Di Evans deserves a special mention for her magnificent direction...

Most people will know of this immensely entertaining crime caper as one of Ealing Studios’ finest offerings, in which elderly widow Mrs. Wilberforce, who likes to report suspicious behaviour to the police, rents out rooms in her house to the dapper Professor Marcus (originally played by Alec Guinness) and his cohort of thieves without honour, constantly bickering among themselves. Posing as a string quintet, they pull off a bank robbery, but slip up in front of the old lady as they try to escape. Agreed that they need to murder her, the bumbling crooks prove no match for Mrs Wilberforce’s old-fashioned Victorian values: they’re dispatched to their early graves with witty heartlessness, as she goes magisterially on her way, hatpin firmly in place.

10 out of 10.

> EDDIE IZZARD

Shanklin Theatre, IOW
2nd October 2016

Eddie Izzard - the genius comedian with the big heart brings his marvellous show the the Isle of wight.  

Eddie Izzard has spruced up his previous show Force Majeure, and is presenting a new “reloaded” version for our enjoyment. He is well known for his rambling style of comedy, often bringing a whimsical stream of consciousness to the stage, much to the audiences’ bemusement. True to form, Force Majeure Reloaded delivers laughs a plenty. We even had a short moment dedicated to the concept behind the name of our Island.

For the past three years Izzard has been touring the globe, presenting his stand-up comedy show to audiences in four different languages. Before playing Shanklin, it will have been seen by audiences in Ireland, Russia, South Africa, Canada and the United States.

Mr. Izzard is on the Island filming a new Victorian costume epic with DAME JUDY DENCH. I was graced with a regal viewing of Dame Judy as she entered the Theatre Foyer... Radiant!! AND... All procedes from the show went to Island based charaties... what a nice chap!

10 out of 10.

> BERLIN - REVISITED

Berlin, Germany
18th - 22nd Feb 2016

Berlin - We revisit the City - This time it's colder, it's darker, and we go underground.

Berlin is quickly becoming one of our favourite short-stay City break destinations. Our friends have an apartment in Neukölln, we are lucky enough to go stay and explore. Thank you Mark and Chris ;-)... We filled our time like this:

Thursday 18th - We stayed the night of Wednesday the 17th in Greenwich.. We have a day in London on the 18th and head to Gatwick to board our 6:05 connection to Berlin Schonfeld. Great flight and we are soon on our way into the City with our chums Mark and Chris. We grab a quick Pizza in Neukölln before heading down to the apartment. Few drinkies and off to bed.

Friday 19th - A bright-ish day greats us as we awake and start our first full day in Berlin. Mark and Chris have planned a busy, exciting day and we can't wait to get exploring. First up, an alternative tour of the City. A few hours to explore the underground sub-cultures and vibrant street art scene of this diverse City. We start at Alaxanderplatz and take in many interesting sites. Highlights include YAAM, a colourful African Art Market and creative space. Next up the house of Osman Kalin (Baumhaus an der Mauer)... This site has become the must-see-cool-place... his story is pretty cool too. After many other interesting stops and stories we end up at at Urban Spree, THE alternative party and Art space that is forever evolving. We tip our guide, who has been brilliant, and very interesting. We also found out that our guides Sister had been out with Jordan, the brother of Chris while back at home. Small world!! Next up a trip to the Dong Xuan Vietnamese centre. We look around the many units of Asian fashion and fancy goods before enjoying a fab meal in one of the restaurants... The hot ginger and chili are perfect for warming us up... they prove very medicinal for Dave as he is fighting a cold. We take the opportunity to nip back the apartment and recharge before heading out into the night. We head up to the Pfefferberg Theatre to enjoy some traditional German entertainment. The Baroque show is a mish-mash of physical comedy, clowning, acrobatics and circus acts. We enjoy the show and have a good chuckle. We round the evening off with a few drinks before heading back to rest.

Epic Street Art at YAAM

The House of Osman

Queens at Urban Spree

Saturday 20th - We wave goodbye to our wonderful hosts (Mark and Chris) as this morning they have an early start to travel back to Manchester. Dave and I prepare for another day exploring. It's a little damp as we head towards our first stop, the Käthe-Kollwitz-Museum. This wonderful, collection of charcoal sketches, prints and sculptures is very moving and well worth a visit. We are craving coffee, we head back towards the me collectors room. We were here in the summer last year and really enjoyed the collection of contemporary art, the coffee, the cake and the general vibe. We walk back towards Alexanderplatz to pick up some food in the massive department store... Next up, rest!... we head back to the apartment and enjoy a multi-wave snacking menu as we feast on a Schlager music spectacular... It's a fantastic fest of upbeat euro style singalong party music... What a great surprise, and what an entertaining way to spend the eve.

Sunday 21st - another damp day greets us as we get up and go... Today is a day of contrasts. First off, we head up to Flohmarkt im Mauerpark, one of Berlins biggest flea markets. We choose this one as the selection of crafts, street food and vintage brick-a-brack is second to none... It's a good selection with a happy Sunday market vibe. We grab a coffee down the road before heading to Museum Island for a culture fix. We have to make a choice between five amazing museums, we decide on the Neues Museum. Completely restored and re imagined by David Chipperfield, this gem reopened its doors to the public in 2009. This museum is fascinating, Egyptian and prehistoric objects are beautifully displayed in the shabby, yet functional halls. The star exhibit is the bust of Nefertiti, a stunning painted stucco-coated limestone bust. This place is very special and should be in the top five of any visitors list of things to see. We now make our way back to Pfefferberg where we find a great bar and take the time to talk over our exploits while enjoying a few beers. Later we head back to the apartment to chill.

Monday 22nd - We head home after another fascinating and fun stay in BERLIN...

10 out of 10!

> MY NIGHT WITH REG

Apollo Theatre, London
14th February 2015

My night with Reg - is set in 1980’s London amid the gay community facing the escalating AIDS crisis. Following a group of gay friends though the highs and lows of their friendship.

Told in just three scenes, all of the action of the play takes place in Guy’s London apartment. Guy is seemingly a lonely man with a secret crush on his good friend, John. The audience discovers that, whilst on holiday in Lanzarote, Guy had unprotected sex with a gay man who forced himself upon him.

The much discussed “Reg” is conspicuously absent throughout the play but is heavily discussed throughout, especially in the first scene – Guy’s flat warming party. Despite his absence, the audience learns a lot about the character, who is seemingly sleeping with all of Guy’s close friends, including his beloved John…

My Night With Reg is written by Kevin Elyot. Directed by Robert Hastie, with designs by Peter Mckintosh. Both funny and heartbreaking, a difficult mix to pull off!

10 out of 10!

> LADIES DAY!

Trinity Theatre, Cowes, IOW
1st Nov 2014 

Ladies Day - The exuberant comedy by Amanda Whittington gives Cowes Week a run for its money!

Dave and I had a brilliant eve at our local Theatre with chums Mark and Chris. This production was slick, hilarious, tender and beautifully brought to life. The cast was top notch.

The story goes a little like this... Work, love and life are just one long, hard slog for the fish-filleting foursome Pearl, Jan, Shelley and Linda. But their fortunes are set to change when Linda finds tickets to Ladies Day at Royal Ascot the year it relocated to York. Out go the hairnets, overalls and wellies as the four ditch work, do themselves up to the nines and head off to the races for a drink, a flirt and a flutter. If their luck holds, they could hit the jackpot – and more besides…

A brilliant night out on the Isle of Wight..

10 out of 10!

> THE HORNE SECTION

Udderbelly, London
29 May 2014

Alex Horne and his marvellous musicians return to the mother-cow, hungrier, thirstier and a year older than in 2013, with a brand new show featuring songs, guests, tenderness and milk. A surreal hour spent in an upside down purple cow!

Alex is an award winning comedian, band leader and star/co-creator of two series of BBC Four’s comedy quiz show We Need Answers, he has established a reputation among critics, comics and audiences as a thoughtful and original stand-up comedian and writer. His band of merry men are quality musicians and entertainers in their own right, singing and joining in as required while Horne picks and plucks stories from the audience.

The moment when the 'Henry' Hoover heads came out on stage was a blissful high - very funny and very surreal! Thank you to Amy and Robert for making the eve - even more fun!

10 out of 10!