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With a resounding barrage of garrulous and loquacious avidity, the Master of Ceremonies heralded an evening awash with nostalgia starring some of the most outstanding Castle Bromwich talent as they recreated the magic of Edwardian Music Hall to packed audiences. Funny, touching and shamelessly enjoyable; my review of Starz! by Gaslight could easily be summed up in five words, “You should have seen it!”  But, then I wouldn’t get to mention the magnificent cast, spectacular special effects, nostalgic songs, deft dance routines and script full of witty allusions to the old hit tv show, “The Good Old Days.”

From the moment the half starved work house children opened the show, through the Chairman’s polysyllabic, hyperbolic introductions of the Evening’s entertainment of colourful song and dance routines, spectacular opera, dramatic moments and comic interludes the grin of pleasure never left my face. This was absolutely fantastic showbiz! Starz! by Gaslight was a revival of the 1970s Theatre of Varieties, originally chaired by Leonard Sachs, and now resurrected with assured panache by Starz! own theatrical Maestro, Kenneth Simpson. The show followed the original television show format opening with a popular chorus with audience participation, following which the Chairman took his place at his desk to the side of the stage from where he introduced a variety of acts including some clever interaction between on stage drama and a magic lattern show with strobe lighting. The performance concluded with an exuberant exultation to the Audience to join in the chorus from the “Old Bull & Bush” performed by the whole company and following a roof raising stand up ovation, an encore performance of Starz! signature song “Show Business.”

There were so many highlights to the evening that it’s difficult to pick out just a few, but Miss Horsfall’s phrenetic performance of “Why Am I Always the Bridesmaid” cannot go unmentioned and will surely never be forgotten by the Audience Members who were showered with the tattered remnants of the Bouquet she agitatedly ripped to pieces. The two major dance routines Le Can Can & Sand Dance were expertly choreographed and flawlessly performed and Gavin Prime’s female impersonation was, as usual, hilarious. There were moments of drama full of pathos reminding us that the Good Old Days were sometimes not so good, interspersed with comedy sketches which had the audience laughing aloud.

But, for me, the highlight of the evening was not any individual performance, but the abundance of well cast, polished professional talent that graced the whole show. I was fortunate to see this production twice and on both occasions the whole audience was spell bound throughout. There was plenty of opportunity for audience participation, but there were also moments when the audience were quiet, completely captivated and engrossed by the performances on stage. I had been promised that it would be a rare night of quality entertainment, and it certainly was with the audiences leaving knowing that they had been truly entertained.

Further photos of the performance can be seen HERE

Gung Hei Fat Choi (Happy New Year) was the message to Solihull residents today as Solihull kicked off the Chinese New Year with a series of performances in Mell Square. The Mayor opened the ceremony by opening the eye of the Lion and this was followed by a wide range of cultural performances which ranged from Martial Arts, Tai Chi, Acrobaticsand Dance to instrumental performances.

Over a sixth of the people in the world celebrate Chinese New Year with a focus on remembering the family and wishing everyone peace and prosperity in the coming year. This year is the year of the Tiger and people born during this period are said to be sensitive, deep thinking, corageous and powerful.

Mell Square, decorated with traditional Chinese lanterns,  was also host to a number of stalls selling Chinese food and traditional New Year gifts. Despite the cold, the crowds gathered to enjoy the colourful and atmospheric festivities which were compered by BRMB.

Castle Bromwich was represented at the Celebrations by Starz! who wowed the audience with their energetic and creative performance.

An exhibition is also running at Solihull ArtsComplex, G2, 8-22 February, in celebration of Chinese New Year.  Innovation in Abstraction by Professor Hai Shuet Yeung MBE combinesBritish and Chinese cultures in this collection of unique paintings.

The culmination of the Festival in Mell Square was vibrant and exciting Dragon and Lion Dance as the Dragon danced its way through the audience gathered around Mell Square folowed by a thank you speech by the organiser Michael Chan, Chaiman of the Chinese New Year Celebration Solihull.

The Christmas show is a time honoured tradition, for many years my own family spent the run up to Christmas in Florida watching the professionally produced shows provided by Disney and Universal Studios. This year has been somewhat different, we're spending December at home in Castle Bromwich and are spending our time viewing the productions which our own community has to offer.

I have been to a few productions by Starz! Performing Arts School and never been disappointed, but even I was surprised by the lavish preparations that had transformed Castle Bromwich Junior School into a Christmas Wonderland. Technology provided Mother Nature with a helping hand as guests arrived through an avenue of light strewn trees to a local snow storm close to the entrance to the school's reception area. Inside the decorations were equally as lavish with Christmas trees surrounding the hall. As usual the show was professionally produced and delivered, with some really astounding performances from the young students.

But, what made this performance of Christmas by Candlelight so much fun and entertaining was the young cast's enthusiasm and spirit. As with most amateur performances with young people there were times when things did not go entirely to plan, but Creative Director and script writer Gavin Prime has the uncanning ability to pen scripts which leave the audience wondering whether forgotten lines or missed cues are scripted comedy moments or a momentary lapse of concentration. It also says much about the confidence of the young people involved that they are able to disguise such moments with such finesse and skill.

The evening was full of memorable performances, so it's difficult to limit this review to just a few. All the young performers seemed at ease on the stage whether singing, dancing or delivering comic lines. Gavin Prime left the audience roaring with laughter at his hilarious Christmas Ballet and fetching costume. Other highlights include the Toilet Twins, Eggsperts and the incredible rendition of Santa Baby which was clearly enjoyed by audience and performers alike. The energy and creativity that the young cast brought to the stage will never be forgotten and their support of each other was noticable and inspiring.

As the production reached its finale the entire cast came to the stage with candles singing their version of White Christmas. As snow fluttered from the rafters, the audience started to join in with the singing and it was hard to not be moved by the heart warming magical atmosphere and the winter wonderland that was created in the school hall. So ended Starz! Chrsitmas production bringing a fitting end to a show that again surpassed all expectation, carrying on a tradition of excellence and unforgettable performances.

The sun shone on CastleBromwich's first Community Festival since the millennium helping to make it a knockout success. Local residents flocked to Park Hall Academy and Lanchester Park  to soak up the sun and enjoy a day of fantastic entertainment. From an African Drumming Workshop to a 7 a Side Football Contest; a Jitterbug and Charleston Demonstration and Workshop to a Rodeo Bull Ride; Community Stalls to Circus Skills training there was something to suit all ages and tastes.

The event which was organised by the Castle Bromwich Youth & Community Partnership and attended by the Mayor of Solihull, Cllr Norman Davies, and his wife Mayoress Brenda Davies, opened at Park Hall Academy where many local residents saw for the first time the splendid facilities of the new school building which housed the Art Exhibition staged by Park Hall students and dance workshops. The fabulous sunshine, tantalising smell of the BBQ and sound of the steel pans emanating from the terrace were an irresistible draw and ensured a large audience for the 7 a sidefootball contest which was taking place on the playing fields.

But the highlight of the day was the It's a Knockout Contest which was staged at Lanchester Park. A group of teachers from Park Hall Academy were crowned overall Champions snatching thecoveted trophy at the last minute from Solihull Council's Park Rangers. The winners, Park Hall 1, demonstrated remarkable team work and resilience whilst competing against seventeen other teams in various games on foam drenched inflatables.  Incredible restraint was shown by the Police team who were without doubt robbed of vital points and a winning position by a dodgy Referee.  Between each of the games, the teams were invited to take part in themed dance performances in front of the stage including the Blues Brothers and Grease-mania much to the amusement of the large audience which had gathered to watch. Check out the Festival video to see how the day went.

In the classrooms of Castle Bromwich Junior School lies a gold mine of talent. Ever keen to entertain audiences, the children of Year 6 classes of 2009 last night staged a stunning performance of Rock World, packed full of Queen songs that so many know and love. I hold my hands up to not being the greatest fan of musicals and whilst I like a few Queen Numbers, it wouldn't normally be enough to get me along to a musical based around their career highs. But, I loved this production. I spent the whole time with a silly grin on my face.

Musicals are about performances - singing, dancing and acting, but usually acting takes a back seat. No worries here though, it was a great ensemble with acting every bit as strong as the sensational song and dance routines. It would be impossible to single anyone out for praise as all the performances were so strong from the chorus to the principals, all deserve a mention. Rock World is set on a futuristic Earth, globalisation is complete; everyone wears the same clothes and has the same thoughts. The company computers generate music and the kids download it, musical instruments are banned, but resistance is growing. The script invited participation and the pairing of the evil "Killer Queen" and her enforcer "Khashoggi" had the audience booing and hissing and joining along with the rendition of "Another One Bitesthe Dust." Whilst the hero "Galileo" teamed with "Scaramouche" and "Pop" bring the audience back to a world where Rock n Roll can again flourish and originality and individualism are once again the order of the day.

This was a big scale production in every sense and so the technical aspects also deserve praise. What Castle Bromwich Junior School does so well is to build partnerships with the community and enhance the pupils' learning experience by enlisting the help and support of professionals. Their technical support and assistance helped to provide an unforgettable experience. Set design and props added to the atmosphere, lighting was some of the best that I've seen and could rival that used in professional theatres, and the video projection was well used. The live band that "rocks" at the side of the stage further added to the experience. At times it was difficult to remember that this was a school production by ten and eleven year olds as the whole experience was so professional and definitely guaranteed to blow your mind.

I'm sure that most people will have left the performance talking about the fantastic singing, the subtleties of the acting and the comic timing which all belied the young age of the performers, but what struck me even more was the enjoyment these children got from performing and their sheer enthusiasm, confidence and the sense of belonging.

School performances are normally viewed as being for the parents and relatives of the children involved. Well forget that. This was a performance that would be enjoyed by anybody. It was a great production, fantastic fun and the audience thoroughly enjoyed it.

 (More photos can be seen HERE)

Local Castle Bromwich Volunteers were thanked for their contribution to community life at a special awards ceremony held at Arden Hall CastleBromwich on Tuesday June 2nd. The event organised by Solihull Volunteer Managers Forum and supported by the Castle Bromwich Youth & Community Partnership formed part of a week long celebration of 25 years of National Volunteers Week. Other events organised by the forum during the week included Volunteer Taster Sessions, and awareness raising and recruitment drives at Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens and Mell Square Solihull. BBC News covered the event at Castle Bromwich Hal lGardens and interviewed long serving local volunteer, Jerry Dutton. In total a further 100 volunteers were recruited throughout Solihull during the week.

Further details of the Awards ceremony can be read on Spaghetti Gazetti.