A packed courtyard theatre with an audience ranging from old to young, who have made the trek out on a bitterly cold January evening is testament to the enduring popularity of the 1981 book by Michelle Magorian. For those unfamiliar, Goodnight Mr Tom is in essence, the story of two broken souls. The widowed Tom…
PANTOMIME MAKES A TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO THE HARLEQUIN
Aladdin. The Harlequin Theatre and Cinema, Redhill. Aladdin, one of the most magical tales ever told and after a two-year enforced absence, boy were the Harlequin pantomime lovers ready to be transported to the familiar bawdy world of pantomime via Aladdin’s Arabia. There was a palpable, excited fizz as the mask-wearing audience waited with bated…
Wimbledon To Richmond Park: A rural walk in the capital.
There is something slightly other-worldly, sitting on a tube, rucksack on back, clad in walking gear, heading off for a day’s hiking. Pulling on my battered muddy boots would normally mean a remote countryside walk, up hill and down dale, rather than a 7-mile walk through London’s outer suburbs. But after a summer spent walking…
Cultural Crumbs – November 2021
RB Writes previews what we can look forward around RH1/2. THEATRE Chipstead Players Present On Golden Pond. On Golden Pond is currently showing on Broadway, its cast headed up by Hollywood actor James Earl Jones. The Chipstead Players, with their talented bunch of actors and crew may not perform their adaptation to a Broadway-sized crowd…
Up The Junction
The Junction and Sai Kitchen. Fine dining in the heart of Redhill. In a former life, I lived in an unfashionable area of North London. An area not known for culinary delights, or so I believed. For in the block of cafes, nail-bars and general stores at the end of my road lurked a superb…
Fancy listening to our winning entries?
Missed out on tuning in to SUSY last week? Fear not, by the marvels of modern technology we have the recordings all ready for you to listen to. Enormous thanks to David Jay for broadcasting them to the area via his afternoon stroll. Settle down with a cup of tea and listen in to the…
Listen to our 2021 stories on Susy Radio this week
David Jay’s afternoon stroll set to broadcast 2021 RB Writes winning story and runners up. Tune into SUSY Radio’s Afternoon Stroll this week (27th September), settle down with a cuppa and listen to the wonderful, quirky and thoughtful top three tales from the very talented finalists. The brilliant David Jay will broadcast the two runners…
Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle of Rum
Rebecca Biden Reviews Treasure Island presented by The Chipstead Players I had the pleasure of seeing Treasure Island preformed at Courtyard Theatre by the Chipstead Players Youth Theatre. The play was directed by Debra Elson and remarkably, took only ten days to put together. The beautifully designed set really drew you into performance and helped…
It’s a Pirate’s Life For Me
The Chipstead Players present Treasure Island. ‘Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle of Rum.’ The famous rousing pirate chant is more reminiscent of a celebratory songs from sporting crowds, as an audience, delighted to be back at the Courtyard Theatre, took their seats with the famous shanty ringing in their ears. We were eagerly anticipating…
WORDS FROM THE WAY
West Highland Way: a magical and legendary hike through mountains, mists and more. The West Highland Way buzzes with a tangible magic along its 96 mile route between Milngavie and Fort William; especially after you cross the high/lowland divide and history, legend and folklore collide. As you traipse along the high-fern lined and wildflower filled…
And the winner is…..
My Life In Reigate: A true Story is the 2021 winning story. My Life in Reigate: A True Story written by 10-year old Heidi Penrose Buckley, is the 2021 winning entry. Heidi is a pupil at Reigate Priory Junior School Her ‘zeitigisty’ story has an original narrator in Mishi the dog, Our judges praised her…
A Guaranteed Escape this summer. Dive into a book.
The forecast may be grim and we may not be heading off to the Costas. Don’t despair. There are plenty of bumper books to help you find a summer escape. For an old-fashioned mystery : ‘The Lamplighters’ by Emma Stonex. They say the sea keeps its secrets… Captivating Cornwall, remote and mysterious, it keeps its…
Aged 9 – 14? 10 Days Left to write a ‘Tale about your Town!
Pick up your pen or load up your laptop and let your imagination fly. Don’t miss out on entering your story in this years round of Reigate & Banstead Writes, the short-story competition that asks youngsters to write about where they live. The competition has received its first batch of stories and they are cracking….
Local youngsters have until 30th June to enter RB Writes
There is still plenty of time to write a 1,000 word original story for this year’s Reigate and Banstead Writes Competition. The annual short-story competition for local kids aged 9-14 is open for entries until 30th June. Stories are beginning to trickle in and are as wonderful, quirky and imaginative as ever. Stuck for inspiration?…
Youngsters showcase Reigate & Banstead through their stories about their towns.
THE STORY OF REIGATE AND BANSTEAD WRITES: NOT JUST A STORY-COMPETITION “That must be a labour of love! and “Are you insane?” Comments I received in jest, or otherwise since establishing Reigate & Banstead Writes back in 2016. Whilst it has been one of the most satisfying and wonderful experiences of my life – 1,500…
RB WRITES 2021 UPDATE. ITS BACK!
Its almost time for our young writers to pick up their pens, IPADs or devices and write us a story all about where they live. Back in January, it felt impossible, thinking we could run Reigate & Banstead Writes in 2021. Schools closed and we were all existing in a scattered world. Schools re-opened and…
BOOKS BOX SETS AND BANDS
CULTURAL CRUSTS TO CUT THROUGH THOSE JANUARY BLUES. Even in non-covid times, January is often a cultural desert, with very few cultural crumbs to feast on after the excesses of December, when new books have been devoured and we watch enough Netflix to give us eyes the size of Samsung’s wall-sized screen. We are locked…
A Christmas Playlist from RH1 with love.
National treasures Ed and Elton v acid-tongued Craig Revel Horwood for the 2021 Christmas number one. That is not a wild flight of imagination. They hope to insert themselves into the nation’s festive heart with their brand new ditties. Like sprouts, some will love, some hate both. BUT it is a good opportunity to re-visit…
RB Writes: Our Best Books of 2020.
Hoping for a book for Christmas? Take a look at our guide to some of the best from 2020. The weather is dank and fairy lights are twinkling away brightening up windows and trees. Christmas is coming! Time to hunker down with a blooming good read and take a look at our guide to the…
TALES FROM OUR TOWNS. THRILLS IN THE VALLEY.
A look at what a first job working at a Theme Park in the 1990’s involved.
University beckons for the next generation. How times change.
18 very short years ago, I became a mum. As I cradled my precious new born son day after day during our endless first summer, there was a dreamy trance like existence to our early months, perhaps because of sleeplessness but also taking in the enormous change that had hit me. My perfect calm little…
The Fight to Preserve and Protect Redhill’s Historic Buildings.
The continuing Fight to Preserve Redhill’s history.
Homesick for Ripon. Pandemic Hometown Blues.
Corona awakens a need in many to be closer to our family and friends and gives a chance to examine the town that forged us and the roots that claim us. The welcome to Ripon signs which greet visitors and residents alike, urge us ‘to stay awhile amidst its ancient charms’. I may be a…
Books At Bedtime?
Books at Bedtime? Listen to David Jay of Susy Radio Fame read the 2020 winning stories from Reigate and Banstead Writes.
Tales from our Towns. Corona curtails Apollo Junction at RH Festival…
Apollo Junction were all set to perform at the Harlequin on 30th May until Corona caused the end of rthe world.
Undercover Cats are Stalking Reigate… and a Tea Bag Crisis hits a local school.
We look at the two stories that just missed out on a top three place in the 2020 competion.
It’s all about the (RH) writers.
We planned a number of exciting author and literature events as part of Fringe Week’. We look at three local writers who were set to feature. NIKI MACKAY Reigate’s very own ‘Queen of Crime’. Niki is going from strength to strength. In her words.. I am a writer and a bookworm. I studied Performing Arts…
This is My Theatre
Thisismytheatre.com were set to perform Jane Eyre in the Reigate Castle Grounds.
Murder and Mystery at Merstham Hub.
RH Fringe may be postponed. Enjoy a small clip from one of our star turns.
Reigate’s Wartime History inspires 2020 RB Writes Winner.
Wartime tale about Reigate Pigeons wins the 2020 Reigate and Banstead Writes.
RH FRINGE. AN ODE TO WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN
RH Fringe events are postponed until 2021. From Saturday 13th June. Taster clips will be released each day.
We have winners…
A wartime tale featuring Reigate’s pigeons wins the 2020 round of Reigate and Banstead Writes.
RH Fringe 2020
Apollo Junction were due to perform at the Harlequin today (30th May) as the headline act for the first RH Fringe Rock and Write. Then along came a global pandemic and the rest is history. Events have been cancelled but we will return bigger and better in June 2021. We wanted to share the band’s…
Countdown is on! A look at the runners up.
Winners for the 2020 RB Writes competition are due to be announced 1st June. We look at stories that just missed out.
Dazzling stories that entertain and delight.
We are edging closer to announcing the winners of Reigate and Banstead Writes 2020.
Stories are in….
the 2020 round of Reigate and Banstead Writes has closed with many entries.
RH Recommended Reads.
Bookworms know the power and comfort of a blooming good read. Power to distract and detract. Whether you are a book lover of dip in and out, why not try a recommended book from RH readers? Something for everyone I hope. Feel free to comment and review… If you like historical… The Secrets We Kept…
Schools are shut. Reigate and Banstead Writes is open for entries.
The annual competition asks for tales from our towns by our youngsters. Reigate and Banstead Writes is open for entries. We have received several entries already since opening our doors on 1st February. The original deadline day has now been extended until 10th April to allow more children aged 9-14 to scribe their 1,000 word…
Blue Peter has spoken. Vashti Hardy wins. Wildspark is voted the best story 0f 2020.
Vashti Hardy has won the best story at the Blue Peter 2020 Book Awards for her story Wildspark. Thanks to Reading Zone, Vashti is set to be guest of honour at the Reigate and Banstead Writes awards on Friday 19th June. The event, at the Harlequin Theatre Redhill, will celebrate the creativity, imagination and achievements…
Reigate and Banstead Writes meets NMF.
Reigate and Banstead Writes is joining in with NMF this June. A stonking line up of great music, coupled with the best of the local writing scene.
Sussex Author Vashti Hardy hosts Reigate and Banstead Writes Awards.
Celebrated author of Brightstorm and Wild Spark will be MC at the awards afternoon on 19th June at the Harlequin Theatre, Redhill. Vashti Hardy is a writer of children’s books living near Brighton in Sussex with her husband and three teens Brightstorm “A fast-paced fantasy adventure that will set your imagination soaring!” was shortlisted for…
RH Fringe: See Jane Eyre in the Castle Grounds, Reigate this June.
RH Fringe in association with Reigate and Banstead Council welcomes this inspiring and energetic theatre company to Reigate this June. thisismytheatre a Sussex based theatre company bring their production of Charlotte Bronte’s classic novel ‘Jane Eyre’ to Reigate. The production is part of a week long programme between 13-20 June that is the RH Fringe….
APOLLO JUNCTION LAUNCH FIRST RH FRINGE AT HARLEQUIN
Tickets for first event of the Fringe are on sale now! “A MUST SEE LIVE” – Daily Mirror “Magnificent” – The Sun Huge Anthems – Steve Lamacq BBC6 Music “Music is tremendous” – Graham Norton Apollo Junction are an anthemic, electro rock and roll band taking influences from Brit Pop to more modern times. Huge…
CULTURAL CRUMBS – 6th February
Bye Bye January! Check out these RH Cultural Crumbs.
Action For Carers: Charity partner for RH FRINGE
The RH Fringe is fundraising for three local charities. Action for Carers being one.
CULTURAL CRUMBS 28 JANUARY
Jen Brister headlines The Comedy Cottage at The Harlequin, Redhill.
Reigate and Banstead Writes Returns. Bigger and Better in 2020.
Reigate and Banstead Writes opens for entries 1st February
Ready to rock?
Rising stars Apollo Junction are playing Redhill. Get your tickets.
ANNE OF GREEN GABLES
Anne of Green Gables from the Chipstead Players, reviewed by Reigate and Banstead Writes.
Exciting band ‘Apollo Junction’ are set to rock the first RH Fringe.
Apollo Junction are to play at Redhill’s Harlequin Theatre as part of the first RH Fringe festival . Tickets on sale from 15th January.
HELVE – PLAY THE FRINGE.
Local band Helve set to support Apollo Junction on 30th May for the Fringe Opener. The inaugural RH Fringe kicks off on Saturday 30th May. The Harlequin Theatre Redhill will host up and coming band Apollo Junction (set to support the Kaiser Chiefs, Madness and The Libertines later on this summer) for a charity gig…
CULTURAL CRUMBS 8TH JANUARY.
It’s oh so quiet as we return to the working world after the Bacchus- like revelry of December. No money coupled with little energy quenches desire for any entertainment excepting flopping in front of Netflix, but yet: there are still a few cultural crumbs out there to tempt one out of the post ‘xmas stupour….
RH DECIDES: OUR FAVOURITE BOOKS FROM THE 2010’s
The best books of the last decade as selected by readers from Redhill, Reigate, Merstham, Horley and a little bit beyond.
NEW YEAR CULTURAL CRUMBS
Check out our little guide to what’s occurring around RH… 27th December 2019. We’re in the slumpy and fugue like state between Christmas and New Year, where time slows down and it is eminently acceptable to eat a Terry’s Chocolate Orange for breakfast. If you need some pepping up and feel like getting out and…
Forgotten Christmas Tunes: Geoff Gilborson picks 21 alternative festive songs.
Geoff Gilberson selects his alternative Christmas tunes, guaranteed not to be played in shopping malls or supermarkets.
REVIEWED BY HANNAH ROBERTS.
ANOTHER TRIUMPH FOR THE HARLEQUIN. ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ is the pantomime of choice at Redhill’s Harlequin Theatre this year. The show includes some familiar faces if you’re attuned to the world of Strictly. Former stars James and Ola Jordan star as ‘Fleshcreep’ and the ‘Glitterball Fairy’. As you can probably imagine from his name,…
CULTURAL CRUMBS 3RD DECEMBER
On your marks, get set and ready steady go for a busy cultural December. THEATRE That best of British cultural traditions – pantomime! This year’s offering at the Harlequin, Jack and The Beanstalk opens Friday (6th) for a month long run. James and Ola Jordan join the likes of Chesney Hawkes, Hairy Biker Dave Myers…
CULTURAL CRUMBS 29 NOVEMBER
Cultural Crumbs 29 November
First RH FRINGE JUNE 2020. ARE YOU READY TO ROCK N WRITE?
The First RH Fringe is coming June 2020. Are you ready to rock and write? Featuring up and coming bands, local musicans, poets, writers and young people. We are celebrating the best of RH talent
CULTURAL CRUMBS 21ST NOVEMBER
MUSIC The Cage, the live music venue in Reigate once again hosts Andrew Horseman and Billie Fox, 2/5 of the Redgate Renegades. Billie is a charismatic performer, their set comprises covers and original material in a slimmed down acoustic set. Friday 22nd. Meanwhile, Saturday 23rd The Radars – fresh from a recent appearance at the…
PANTO IS COMING
Snippets of what to expect from Surrey pantomimes and plays in 2019.
CULTURAL CRUMBS 11 NOVEMBER
The weekly cultural crumbs round up of all that is occurring in RH
EXCLUDED REVIEW BY SARA WRIGHT
Sara Wright reviews Excluded. It’s 2019, inner city London. Hamlet is grieving, Othello accused and Isabel forced against her will. Just some of the goings on at Cannon High as Shakespeare’s most iconic characters prepare to sit their GCSEs.
Apollo Junction and F4CADE
Two bands with a RH link play intimate gig at the Victoria, Dalston.
BOOK CORNER
SARAH CRIPPS WRITES… NORTHERN LIGHTS BY PHILIP PULLMAN The Dark Materials forms a cornerstone of BBC1’s autumn schedule and has been eagerly anticipated by fans of this other worldly series. Some would call this risky business after the contentious 2007 film adaptation. The first episode was warmly received by critics and fans alike. Pullman’s rich…
HANNAH ROBERTS REVIEWS NMN
Hannah Roberts Reviews NMN at Reigate Cricket Club that showcases up and coming local musicans and bands.
Book Corner – Lost by Eve Ainsworth
Have you read anything by Eve Ainsworth yet? Eve is the author of several Young Adult books. Seven Days, her first title – was published way back in 2015 by Scholastic. Her latest novel LOST is aimed at a slightly younger readership and is a beautifully written and tender account of a young boy dealing…
BOOK CORNER
NADINE MOORE REVIEWS A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW BY AMOR TOWLES A SUNDAY TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2017 The story starts in 1922, where the genteel and most charming Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov is under house arrest, in Moscow’s Metropol Hotel. The Bolsheviks have seized power, the Aristocracy have been overthrown and our Count has…
Cultural Crumbs 8 October
CULTURAL CRUMBS – 8th October. MUSIC The Yard, Reigate Station, hosts the quite brilliant Acousticatz this Friday 11th October with support from Mark Milward. As ever £6 and BYOB. This superb venue and community space is well deserving of support from RH locals. It hosts a varied programme of events. RH music lovers know that…
A Day In the Death of Joe Egg
A Day in the Death of Joe Egg. Reviewed by Hannah Roberts
CULTURAL CRUMBS 23rd September.
The weekly ‘cultural crumbs’ round-up giving you a snippet of whats on in RH. Cultural crumbs from RH: THEATRE Tuesday 24th September: A day in the Death of Joe Egg opens at the Archway, Horley – the ‘thriving little theatre in the arches’. See below for what to expect. A dark comedy from an award-winning…
MYSTERY DEBUT ALBUM FROM BAND SET TO HEADLINE RH FRINGE.
Mystery by Apollo Junction Review.
Cultural Crumbs from RH.
The Harlequin Cinema, part of the Harlequin Theatre in Redhill, re-opens after its refit tomorrow (Monday 16th) in its new guise as the Waller Studio. To celebrate cinema tickets are £5 this week. See website for further details. http://www.harlequintheatre.co.uk/whats-on/on-screen MUSIC The Redgate Renegades are bringing their eclectic mix of covers to the Cage, Reigate this…
