Excited for Dr Who anniversary
In his weekly That’s Entertainment column, Andy Tyler looks at the week ahead in the arts scene...
As a Dr Who fan from the early days, I can’t miss the opportunity to mention the 60th Anniversary of the iconic series which was first broadcast 60 years ago yesterday. The first episode introducing the good doctor and his companions was entitled ‘An Unearthly Child’ and many of the surviving episodes can be viewed on the BBC iPlayer. Watch out for the special Dr Who documentaries and features also.
My panto plug this week is for a production of Alice in Wonderland, being performed at Downham Town Hall between January 11 and 14 next year.
It’s the time of year for those Santa specials and special winter rail trips. North Norfolk Railway is running Santa Specials from tomorrow until December 23 and a Norfolk Lights Express service currently until January 1. For more information about these specials and visiting Santa’s Grotto visit: www.nnrailway.co.uk
If you are looking to take up a new interest or pursue an existing one why not join The Arts Society Lynn? The society offers everyone the opportunity to learn more about the world of the arts and holds a series of fascinating talks, trips and social events. The talks are held at West Winch Village Hall. There’s plenty going on currently, so do visit theartssocietykingslynn.org.uk
Likewise, if you’re nearer to the North West Norfolk area, The Arts Society, North West Norfolk may be the society for you to contact. Its talks are held at Sedgeford Village Hall, and it also organises a range of other exciting events: www.theartssocietynwestnorfolk.org.uk
One of the greatest musicians, composers, educators, broadcasters, and personalities of the 20th Century was Leonard Bernstein, who died in 1990. He was most famous for the classic musical, West Side Story, but he also conducted some of the world’s most famous orchestras and recorded many classic performances. He was also well known as a broadcaster, giving entertaining and educational talks on television about classical music. I recommend a film about his life entitled simply Maestro, released soon in cinemas and available on Netflix in December.
For Sir Cliff Richard fans, why not try a new book by the iconic and ever-youthful singer entitled: ‘A Head Full of Music: The Soundtrack to My Life’? At 83, Sir Cliff has enjoyed an amazing musical career and has achieved 14 number one singles on the UK Singles Chart. He recently appeared on ITV’s This Morning with The Duchess of York. The book, perhaps suitable as a Christmas gift, is published by Penguin.
The King’s Lynn Community Choir is holding its Winter Concert, in aid of Lynn Night Shelter, on the evening of Saturday, December 9, starting at 7pm. St.Nicholas’ Chapel is the venue. The music director is Charlotte Sinassi-Hill, the piano and organ played by David Hill, and special guests are The King’s Lynn Town Band. Refreshments and a raffle will be available and tickets can be purchased on the door by card or cash.
More seasonal songs and words are performed at All Saints Church, Burnham Sutton, on Friday, December 15, at 4pm. The Burnham Market Primary School and Sutton’s Choir will sing, and poetry will be presented. Mince pies, Brownies and drinks will be available from 3.30pm. There is no charge but donations go towards Sutton church.
The Alive King’s Lynn Corn Exchange programme covering the period January- April 2024 is just out. Don’t forget to pick up a physical copy or go online to see what’s on offer.
A visit to Holkham Hall is always well worth the effort. As usual there’s plenty to enjoy and explore. This year why not go on a self-led tour by Candlelight? Sounds magical. To see what Holkham has to offer visit: Holkham.co.uk
Lastly, don’t forget the two Christmas Church Fayres tomorrow, at The Minster in Lynn between 10am and 2pm, and St Faith’s, Gaywood, Church Rooms, between 2pm and 4pm.
