Words by Sally Churchward. Pictures by Chris Moorhouse. Following the local elections on May 5, 2022, the Labour Party took control of Southampton City Council. Satvir Kaur, the council’s new leader, reflects on her journey from Southampton’s inner city to being in charge of her home city, becoming the...
Review: Waitress at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
Waitress isn’t quite The Great British Bake Off but it is a recipe for success! It was the first Broadway musical with an all female creative team. Music and lyrics are by Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles, who manages to write hook laden songs about waiting for a pregnancy test,...
The arrival of Basque refugee children to Southampton 85 years ago was remembered at a ceremony at the weekend
by Martin Brisland. “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” – this 19th Century spiritual song has had many versions, notably by Paul Robeson in the 1920s. It was sung by him at a 1930s charity fundraising concert for the Basque children at the Albert Hall. The song was...
Preview: The Wellspring, MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton
by Catherine Collins. A professor at the University of Southampton, and his son, bring their autobiographical exploration into their own relationship, The Wellspring, to MAST Mayflower Studios from Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 May. Professor David Owen Norris, internationally acclaimed pianist and broadcaster, and award-winning Salisbury playwright, Barney Norris,...
Preview: Tits, Gits and Little Sh*ts at Theatre Royal Winchester
Best-selling author Gill Sims takes a hilarious look at parenting with Tits, Gits and Little Sh*ts at Theatre Royal Winchester on Saturday 28th May. The creator of the hugely successful parenting blog, Peter and Jane, and writer of the Why Mummy series (Why Mummy Drinks, Why Mummy Swears, Why...
Preview: Waitress at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
by Catherine Collins. Star of British pop band, Busted, Matt Willis is set to play Dr Pomatter in the smash hit musical comedy, Waitress, which comes to Mayflower Theatre from 24 to 28 May. Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of some happiness in her life....
Heritage: Southampton and the Basque children
by Martin Brisland. 85 years ago, in May 1937, around 4,000 Basque child refugees arrived in Southampton escaping the Spanish Civil War. Interest has grown in these events in recent years. Back in 2007 the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded the University of Southampton, in partnership with Hampshire Archives, a...
Review: Cluedo at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
by Martin Brisland. Was it Miss Scarlet, with the revolver in the dining room, or was it Professor Plum, with the lead pipe in the library? Based on the classic detective board game and the hit 1985 film Clue, the brand new stage play of Cluedo is at the...
Tribute: remembering a friend to many, Jim O’Sullivan
by Lew. Last Sunday, Southampton lost a dear son as Jim O’Sullivan passed away unexpectedly. He was a familiar and beloved person in and around Southampton, particular within the music and arts community. His dedication to local music was also proven by his meticulously woven alternative music podcasts. As...
Review: WNO Don Giovanni, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
by Martin Brisland. The charismatic Don Giovanni, opera’s ultimate seducer, is back pursuing women on his way around Europe. He takes what he wants, living for lust and without any conscience. When he refuses to show remorse, his past catches up with him and leads to his ultimate fiery...