Booth, BAFTAs and Buckley!

In his weekly That’s Entertainment column, Andy Tyler takes a look at the local and national arts scene...

Music, books and Lynn’s Heritage play a prominent part in my column so I feel it’s appropriate to start this week by remembering Bob Booth, the well-known local historian, author and former owner of Bayes Recordium, a shop I’d regularly visit when trading in the town. His books, containing copious and fascinating photographs of Lynn’s past, are a must for all those interested in the town’s heritage, so do visit: trickysampublishing.co.uk to find out more; Bob will certainly be greatly missed.

With The BAFTA Film Awards having recently been announced, and The Oscars coming up on March 10, it’s really encouraging to realise there is still a plentiful supply of fine films out there to enjoy and many more coming our way in the future! I’ve recommended many in the column and this week is no exception.

Look out for Wicked Little Letters, Starring Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, and Timothy Spall. It’s just been released and tells the story of the originator of a series of inappropriate letters that were circulated in Littlehampton during the 1920s. Was Irish immigrant Rose responsible? Why not go along to a cinema showing the movie to find out?

Westacre Theatre has plenty of quality entertainment on offer all year round for audiences of all ages. Tonight, for example, the theatre’s young performers present Multiplex by Christopher William Hill - it’s all about those united through a love of film; I’m sure the young cast will put on an excellent performance having been directed by Becky Owen-Fisher of The Lamphouse Theatre Company. For details of other exciting Westacre events visit westacretheatre.com

St Nicholas’ Chapel is holding some exciting entertainment in future months. Saturday, March 30 is definitely a date for your diary with a Laser Spectacular featuring The Explosive Light Orchestra, starting at 7.30pm. To book visit www.weloveconcerts.com or phone: 01256 416384.

Believe it or not, this year is the 80th anniversary of The King’s Lynn Players: congratulations! I’m sure their forthcoming production of Agatha Christie’s Black Coffee will do them proud. The show, initially produced in 1930, was the first of her stage works and is therefore of special interest. The show will be staged at St George’s Guildhall, between March 21 and 23. Performances start at 7.30pm with a matinee on Saturday 23, starting at 2.30pm. Book now at the box office on 01553 764864.

For those who enjoy a good quiz, one is being held tomorrow evening at The Gaywood Community Centre between 7.30pm and 10pm. It’s just £2 per head to take part, and you can pay at the door. Teams are up to six players, and a bar, raffle and snacks will be available. To book contact Denise on 01553 775240.

Lovers of orchestral music have only to wait until Sunday, March 24 for a programme of Symphonic Visions to be performed by The Norfolk Symphony Orchestra, 3.30pm at Lynn’s Alive Corn Exchange. The main work will be Mahler’s Symphony No.4, an orchestral masterpiece if ever there was one. Contact 01553 764864 to book. 100 free tickets for under 18s are available for all NSO concerts.

For great entertainment appealing to all ages, I notice Tap Factory is performing at The Alive Corn Exchange, next Tuesday, February 27, starting at 7.30pm. It’s their Tenth Anniversary tour and the eight cool male performers will entertain with energetic dance at the show’s centre but music, comedy and acrobatics are also included. Go for it!

Over at Hunstanton’s Princess Theatre it’s The Elton John Show tomorrow, it being the ultimate tribute, and then Shania and Friends on Friday, March 1, both shows starting at 7.30pm.

My book recommendation this week has to be any of Bob Booth’s local history publications, but I hear local historian Dr Paul Richards has a new book coming out later in the Spring- watch this space.

Lastly, I do wish BBC Radio Norfolk’s presenter Jill Bennett all the very best in her retirement. We will all miss her first class reporting and broadcasting skills. Thanks so much, Jill.