Bill Bryson’s smash-hit memoir ‘Notes from a Small Island’ spent three years on the Sunday Times best seller list, sold over two million copies and was voted the best book that represents the UK.
Tim Whitnall’s hilarious stage adaptation was first produced at The Watermill Theatre,
Newbury in 2023.
The stage adaptation of the original travelogue weaves around the character of Bill Bryson, an American expat, who, over several decades, takes the audience on a charming and affectionate tour of Britain, from its picturesque villages to its quirky landmarks. Along the way he encounters colourful characters, unravels the mysteries of British culture and delivers a witty, unforgettable exploration of this small island.
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Billy, a disaffected young boy, has problems at school and at home: he's neglected by his mother, beaten by his brother and bullied on all sides. He adopts a fledgling kestrel and treats it with all the tenderness he has never known. Slowly, he begins to see for the first time what he could achieve if only he tried.
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Ilminster Community Choir – conducted by Chris Grabham
Starting out over 30 years ago as a young mum’s choir, and originally known as Serenade, the Community Choir reformed when covid restrictions were lifted in 2021, and now meets in the Arts Centre every Thursday evening, to sing under the inspiring leadership of Chris Grabham. The choir is now a mixed voice choir – though continually on the lookout for more male voices!
‘ We tackle a wide range of songs, drawn from many genres, and most are in 4-part harmony. Practice nights are an uplifting mix of song, socialising, and enjoyment, and it is that happy mix that we aim to bring to our fundraising entertainment, and our local performances’.
Chris Grabham, choir leader - Chris is a young composer, conductor and musician who lives near Ilminster, and has now led the choir for almost 4 years. He specialises in Music for the Stage and Screen and has conducted a large number of musical ensembles throughout the South West, including numerous choirs, bands, and his very own Pop orchestra, performing in Taunton, Yeovil and Exeter. Most recently, he was musical director for the Christmas pantomime in the Rose theatre, Tewkesbury. Chris has twice been awarded the Pride of Somerset Youth Award for his services to Music and Theatre.
Wessex Women - Wessex Women is a small women’s choir based in the South West of England. ‘Our members, who come from Dorset, Devon and Somerset, meet on a regular basis to sing and perform songs from around the world. Our repertoire is varied and includes a capella versions of folk songs, protest songs, blues, jazz, pop, gospel and a smattering of comic songs. We often choose songs that are relevant to women’s lives both past and present. Wessex Women was formed in 1993 after a meeting of like-minds at the Chard Women’s Music Festival. ‘
All this evening’s acts are available for fundraising gigs, and performance dates.
This evening’s concert is a fundraiser for the Warehouse theatre.
Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a gleefully witty ode to the the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the "revolting children" who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson.
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Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, Matilda JR. is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.
