3 - 2022 | Chalmers News PR

Former Eastenders favourites are now Looking Good Dead

Posted on March 8, 2022March 8, 2022 by admin

Just hours after picking up an abandoned USB stick on a train, Tom Bryce inadvertently becomes a witness to a vicious murder.

Reporting the crime to the police has disastrous consequences, thrusting this ordinary suburban household into chaos.

When Detective Superintendent Roy Grace becomes involved, he has his own demons to contend with, while he tries to crack the case in time to save the Bryce family’s lives.

Looking Good Dead, Peter James, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

Based on the book by the multi-million number 1 best-selling author Peter James, the thrilling Roy Grace series has been transformed into a gripping on stage performance.

There are twists and turns aplenty and chilling scenes, but these are carefully off-set with well-balanced humour throughout to break some of the tension. – You couldn’t hear a pin drop for two hours!

The Bryce family are having problems. Father Tom (Adam Woodyatt) has over-extended his business to the point of bankruptcy. Stress pushes wife Kellie (Laurie Brett) into compulsively drinking, cleaning and spending and teenage son Max (Luke Ward-Wilkinson) plots to emulate his alienated half-brother and escape the family home as soon as possible.

If you’re an avid Eastenders fan, such as I, it can take a few minutes to get past the reunion of the former soap favourites Woodyatt and Brett (a.k.a Ian and Jane Beale) for what are altogether very different roles as the perfect warring middle class couple who get mixed up in a rather murky world. One can’t help but listen out for the ‘duff duffs’ at final curtain! (Only ‘Enders fan will get this.)

Looking Good Dead, Peter James, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

But their on-stage chemistry is one of the strengths of this production which is way darker than Walford could ever get. But the chilling scenes are carefully off-set with well-balanced humour throughout.

All these plus points are – just about – enough to help us come to terms with the gaping holes in the plot. That said, I didn’t see the main twist coming. But then I’m always the last one to know whodunnit in our house. Amateur sleuths with go home satisfied I’m sure.

All in all, definitely gripping immersive theatre worthy of your ticket price.

Looking Good Dead runs at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, until Saturday (12th March.) Tickets are available by phoning the Box Office on 024 7655 3055 (phone lines open 10:30am – 2pm, Mon – Sat), or visiting www.belgrade.co.uk where tickets are even cheaper.

Leamington Business Awards – finalists announced

Posted on March 7, 2022March 7, 2022 by admin

The finalists of The Leamington Business Awards have been chosen from more than 180 entries.

The decisions follow scores of nominations for the preliminary phase of the new Leamington Business Awards which recognised COVID Business Resilience, Business Pivoting and Lockdown Heroes of 2020/21.

Established in 2014 by Jonathan Smith, of Talk Business UK, the LBAs champion and celebrate the work of local businesses, individuals and organisations.

Leamington Business Awards 2022, Jonathan Smith, finalists — Awards organiser Jonathan Smith,of Talk Business UK

Jonathan said: ”Once again we have been overwhelmed by the quality of the entries we have received for the Leamington Business Awards. The businesses and their owners have certainly shown huge resilience and inventiveness and met all the recent challenges head on.

“We can all be inspired by what local businesses achieve and the services they provide. Having had to reschedule the awards event a few times thanks to Covid restrictions and venue challenges, we are delighted to bring all our worthy finalists together at 1 Mill Street to celebrate their achievements and successes.”

The winners will be chosen across 12 categories and announced at a dinner and awards ceremony at The Drawing Board and 1 Mill Street in Leamington, on Friday, March 18th, where they will each receive a bespoke award designed by 3D design students at Warwickshire College. Guest of honour Matt Western MP will also be in attendance.

Nigel Shanahan, Co-Founder of 1 Mill Street co-working space and offices, said: “Hosting the Leamington Business Awards this year is a great opportunity to showcase the achievements of businesses in Leamington Spa. Fundamentally, this is why 1 Mill Street exists, to help our members and the wider community of Leamington to succeed in their business whilst having a lot of fun along the way.”

The judges are Roger Scott of Lloyds Bank and Sarah Windrum the Chair or the CWLEP.

Sponsors are still invited to get onboard by contacting Jonathan Smith at: leamingtonbusinessawards@gmail.com or jon@talkbusinessuk.co.uk

A winner from all the categories will also be selected for the prestigious Judges’ Choice Award – Business of the Year.

Further details about the awards are available at: www.leamingtonbusinessawards.co.uk

Finalists:

Business of the Year

This award recognises the business that has maintained consistent growth and strong financial performance, understands its customer, has an engaged workforce with effective leadership, demonstrated effective use of technology/digital media to engage with all stakeholders and is continually innovating to support future growth.

Motionhouse, Leamington
1 Mill Street, Leamington
Eden Blake Recruitment, Leamington

Charlotte and Jolyon Olivier of Napton Cidery, a finalist in Creative Business of the Year and Outstanding Achievement of the Year categories.

Creative Business of the Year (Sponsored by FreshSeed)

This award recognises the creative businesses and organisations in the region that have made an outstanding achievement over the past year in their field of expertise. In addition to your creative flair, you will demonstrate good business thinking and planning.

Motionhouse, Leamington
Levi Washington Music, Leamington
Napton Cidery, Napton-on-the-Hill

Employer of the Year (Sponsored by Leap People Solutions)

This award is for the businesses which is going above and beyond to offer a positive working environment for their employees. Judges looked for examples of career progression, equality of opportunity, commitment to training and development of a positive working culture.

Aubrey Allen,Leamington
Net Visibility, Kenilworth
Caremark Warwick

South Warwickshire Freelancer of the Year (Sponsored by Beyond The Book)

In recognition of the number of talented freelancers that work in this region, this award recognises the talent, ingenuity and skill that they bring to South Warwickshire, and that contribute to business and enterprise in and around Leamington. Judges looked at evidence of achievements during 2020/21 such as growth, innovation, community support, and customer service.

Rachel Shuker, of Bobble Creative, Rugby
Tom Hooker, of On The Road, Warwick
Levi Washington Music, Leamington

Innovation of the Year Award

From advances in technology, manufacturing and science to creating a winning new recipe or a revolutionary new business service, this award is about recognising those businesses which are pushing the boundaries and finding creative ways to improve their business and customer service.

SoccerPots app, Leamington
Nimbus Maps, Warwick
The Original Hudson, Warwick

Independent Business of the Year (Sponsored by HB&O)

In recognition of the importance of independent businesses, this award will go to the independent business from Leamington Spa that can demonstrate first class customer service and innovative products and services, whatever industry they are in. The judges looked for evidence of the uniqueness and the ‘personality’ of the business; the qualities which make the business successful and how they serve and delight their customers.

Spaghetti Agency, Warwick
Geiko, Leamington
Modern Homes, Leamington

New Business of the Year (Sponsored by Lodders Solicitors)

This award will go to a new business that is increasing its potential, the judges are interested in innovative products, services and processes and want to know more about the ‘personality’ of the business and the qualities which make it successful.

Richard George Tailoring, Southam
Bramble Dining, Leamington
Caremark, Warwick

Warwick District Charity of the Year

This award is designed to celebrate the excellent work done by charities, social enterprises and other non-profit making organisations from across the whole Warwick District.

Molly Ollys, Warwick
Safeline, Warwick
Brunswick Hub, Leamington

Business and Community Award (Sponsored by The Leamington Courier)

Awarded to a business that, in addition to its commercial activities, goes the extra mile to create a positive impact within their local community. Judges looked for evidence of contribution to the community, staff engagement and awareness of community issues, commitment to ongoing community or charitable activities for non-commercial gain.

Modern Homes, Leamington
Aubrey Allen, Leamington
Make Good Grow, Leamington

Customer Service Excellence Award (Sponsored by The Box Factory)

Recognising evidence of how a business embed a culture of customer service across its organisation, training, how it seeks and acts on feedback from customers and any strategies in place to ensure it provides the highest level of customer care.

WDC Arts Section, Leamington
Caremark, Warwick
Geiko, Leamington

Outstanding Achievement of the Year

This award aims to recognise a person/persons that have shown outstanding dedication and achievement within business, organisation or community but whom often go unrecognised.

Vogue International, Leamington
Napton Cidery, Napton-on-the-Hill
Flamingo Marketing Services, Warwick

Leamington Legend Award (Sponsored by BID Leamington): One winner to be announced on the night

Golfers invite everyone to pitch in to support fundraising challenge

Posted on March 1, 2022March 1, 2022 by admin

When it comes to fundraising, two golfing friends from Warwickshire certainly aren’t playing around!

Pat Manning from Warwick and Bill Ryan from Leamington, are preparing to take on an epic 11-day golf challenge in aid of local children’s charity Molly Ollys later this month.

The pair are hoping to raise more than £4k as they walk 160 miles between 35 golf courses, stopping to play a hole at each.

Starting and finishing at Leamington & County Golf Club, they will follow a route via golf clubs across three counties, including Warwick, Kenilworth, Stoneleigh, Coventry, Sheldon, Solihull, Birmingham, Kings Norton, Bromsgrove, Redditch, Droitwich, Worcester, Evesham, Welford and Stratford-upon-Avon.

The challenge marks the first in a year of fundraising for Molly Ollys at the Leamington & County Golf Club, at which both men are longstanding members.

Molly Ollys, golf, fundraising

Bill, who is current club captain, said: “I have been looking at a number of charities to support throughout my year as Captain which was becoming a difficult decision as there are so many worthwhile causes.

“It became easier after meeting with the founder of Molly Olly Wishes who described to me the incredible work that they do for young children who are going through extremely difficult times.”

Pat, 59, and Bill, 62, are already clocking up the miles in preparation for the challenge, from March 14^th which will see them cover an average of 15 miles a day, with clubs in tow.

Pat said: “We’ve done some fundraising but never staged anything quite like this before. We wanted to do something that’s not been done before but on a golfing theme. Playing 36 holes is a normal format in golf but I thought we could do it with a bit of a twist by making it an endurance test as well.

“The weather is predicted to pose the biggest potential problem. And, we’re hoping we don’t get any muscular injuries along the route. But whatever’s thrown at us we’ll get through it one way or another.”

Molly Ollys was established in 2011 following the death of Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw’s eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer.

Throughout the 10 years that the charity has been running, it has:-

granted more than 2,500 wishes
supported more than 16,000 children
distributed more than 13,000 Olly The Brave books to more than 70 hospitals
raised more than £3 million

Between 2017 and 2020, the charity funded Birmingham’s first paediatric palliative consultant as there was no such consultant for the region. That position has now become permanent and is currently funded through the NHS.

Molly Ollys, golf, fundraising — Rachel Ollerenshaw with charity mascot Olly The Brave

The charity works alongside the NHS to support projects within the hospitals and the community. One key project was the creation and refurbishment of Magnolia House at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. This is a safe and non-clinical space where medical teams and families can have important discussions.

The charity is well-known for its therapeutic toy lion, Olly The Brave, which has its own Hickman line and a detachable mane. The soft toy helps to explain and normalise the effects of chemotherapy. These form part of an Olly The Brave pack which includes a six-part book series. Further information is available here

Founder Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “Pat and Bill have certainly come up with a novel way to fundraise and one that will definitely be a challenge. The support from Leamington Golf Club and the wider golfing community to enable this event has been great and big thanks to everyone involved at the clubs and those who have donated.“

To sponsor Pat and Bill visit here

Childish entertainment – for all ages! (Review)

Posted on March 1, 2022March 1, 2022 by admin

Belly laughs are very much in short supply these days. . .so a visit to Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre this week should definitely be on your calendar.

Mischief and mayhem are abound in the form of Groan Ups, a farcical story that follows an unruly classroom of six-year-olds as they journey through teenage life and into adulthood.

Groan Ups, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, review — Matt Cavendish (Simon), Lauren Samuels (Katie), Dharmesh Patel (Spencer), Daniel Abbott (Archie) & Yolanda Ovide (Moon). Photo credit Pamela Raith.

Written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields and directed by Kirsty Patrick Ward, Groan Ups is delighting local audiences after premiering in the West End in 2019 and follows sell-out runs of the company’s The Play That Goes Wrong, The Comedy About a Bank Robbery and Peter Pan Goes Wrong.

There is a wealth of hysterical material so easy to relate to for everyone who is a child, has children of their own or used to be a child!! Something for everyone then!

Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Groan Ups, review — Yolanda Ovide (Moon) & Lauren Samuels (Katie). Photo credit Pamela Raith.

From playground spats to teenage crushes and dead hamsters (yes multiple!), there’s no let up to the anarchy and angst. But, like all true farces, the frenetic atmosphere builds throughout the show, but it’s not without its poignant scenes and, beneath it all, this is a comedy that asks real questions of us. – Do we choose who we become? Is the story of our lives already written? Do we ever really grow up? This is certainly a fun way to explore the answers.

The show’s co-writer Henry Lewis puts it best: “Groan Ups is about how life becomes more complex, how much (and sometimes how little!) things change over time, and about how events in our youth can change our lives forever. But at its heart, Groan Ups is a joyful comedy, finding its fun in the madness of childhood, the agonies of adolescence and all the ridiculous things we do when we all finally pretend to be adults.”

The small but perfectly formed cast of Groan Ups – Daniel Abbott (Archie), Jamie Birkett (Chemise, Miss Murray), Matt Cavendish (Simon), Killian Macardle (Paul, Mr White), Yolanda Ovide (Moon), Dharmesh Patel (Spencer), and Lauren Samuels (Katie), pull off perfectly timed comedy throughout.

And the script’s attention to detail evokes childhood memories we have long buried. But as a mum of teenagers, it’s the middle segment that resonated most of all and I found myself laughing and maniacally nodding throughout! Teens themselves couldn’t fail to also find it funny however. They just may not admit it!

Groan Ups plays at The Belgrade Theatre until Saturday (March 5^th). Tickets are available by phoning the Box Office on 024 7655 3055 (phone lines open 10:30am – 2pm, Mon – Sat), or visiting www.belgrade.co.uk where tickets are even cheaper.