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.
​​An Evening with Jane Austen - To mark the 250th Anniversary of her birth.
Step into the elegance and wit of the Regency era for a delightful evening celebrating the world of Jane Austen. Join us for readings and performances inspired by her beloved novels and enduring characters. This enchanting event promises romance, repartee, and a dash of satire — all in the spirit of Austen herself.
‘The Children’ is both epic and intimate, a gripping and funny thriller that highlights how the time to act is slipping through our fingers.
Hazel and Robin are retired nuclear Scientists living in a cottage just outside the exclusion zone of a nuclear reactor disaster – a nuclear reactor that they had some unspecified part in creating. They listen to Radio 4, speak regularly with their children and Hazel never misses a day of yoga practice. But their existence is far from cosy – electricity is rationed and there’s a Geiger counter to hand to check radiation levels.
When old friend and work colleague, Rose, visits out of the blue, they crack open the parsnip wine and reminisce. But uncomfortable memories resurface, and Rose’s shocking proposal threatens their entire future. All three are forced to confront how their life choices have affected each other, as well as future generations.
‘The Children’ is an award-winning play – Best play at the 2018 Writers Guild Awards, Tony Award 2018 Best Play Nomination and Top 3 in the Guardian’s 2019 Best Theatre Shows of the 21st Century.
This isn’t a play to miss!!
Tom Glover - Loveable West Country favourite Tom Glover is a highly sought-after act and MC, capable of bringing laughter to any room. Tom combines tales of fatherhood and country living with hilarious observational routines on daily life. In recent times Tom also finished runner up in the prestigious Lastminute Comedy Club Comedian of the Year and reached the finals of the Inaugural Petfringe Comedian of the Year. His infectious personality and playful approach make him an instant hit with audiences, however Tom is perhaps best known for his excellent crowd work and quick wit that have earned him a number of regular compere roles at major venues across the South West. He’s had two successful runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with split shows and his debut full length solo show was nominated for Best New Show at the 2019 Leicester Comedy Festival Awards.
Jules O'Brian - Brummie based Jules performs around the country, telling anyone who will listen about ageing disgracefully, body hang–ups, parenting, and dating. This former teacher’s relaxed, chatty style, crowd interaction and warmth, all served with a sardonic wit, make her a natural crowd pleaser.
Jules was nominated for the Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent award in 2022, and was shortlisted for Funny Women 2023.
She performs her one woman show, “Avoid excessive cleavage (and other advice to ignore)” at comedy festivals, and gives talks about having embarked on her comedy career as an older woman, to various groups.
Ben Ashurst - Ben is so likeable, warm and most importantly... Funny. The crowd were with him from the get go and stayed with him throughout. One to watch.
Philip Simon - Professional comedian Philip Simon has been entertaining audiences around the world for over 2 decades. During lockdown he created the hit children’s comedy show School's Out Comedy Club. He has been seen/heard on BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and BBC Radio 4 as part of the BBC New Comedy Award. He has written for Mock the Week, worked on TV shows Taskmaster and The Imitation Game, and is one half of the co-host for comedy podcast Jew Talkin’ To Me?
WINNER of the Best Kids’ Show at the Morecambe Fringe 2022
Leicester Comedy Festival Best Kids’ Show Nominee 2021
Runner Up in the UK Pun Championship 2020
Jewish Comedian of the Year 2015
Lastminute Comedy Comedian of the Year 2015
Kill for a Seat Comedy Comedian of the Year 2015
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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.
An al fresco farce for all the family!
When fashionable 18th century London society comes to take the waters in the spa-town of Bath, comic confusion, daring duels and romantic entanglements abound. At the centre of it all is heiress Lydia Languish, who is determined to elope with the penniless Ensign Beverly rather than marry the eligible Jack Absolute.
Come and sample the sparkling wit and whirlwind plot of The Rivals, a Restoration Comedy which has delighted audiences for over 250 years with its collection of comic characters, including the formidable Mrs Malaprop, a creation so famous for the way she mangles the English language that her name is now immortalised in the dictionary.
This brand new adaptation combines Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s masterpiece with Rain or Shine’s fast and furious comic flair.