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Letter to Editor:

Stephen Richards aka Lola Lasagne
Stephen Richards aka Lola Lasagne

WE DID IT! And when I say ‘we’ I mean everyone who worked together to produce Maisie Trollette’s 80th birthday show at the Theatre Royal on Sunday, August 18.

The first discussions for this show happened late last year. We looked at every possible scenario to put on the most fitting tribute to a true legend of the LGBT cabaret scene and judging by the amazing audience reaction to every act last night, I say we did just that.

Firstly a huge thank you to Tim Anscombe and Stephen Holroyd of Anscombe Production Associates. Not only did they co-ordinate and light the show, respectively, but they called upon their team from Privates On Parade (which opens on Thursday, August 22 at the Theatre Royal), Chris Keen and Bryan Mercer to stage manage and sound the show. It was a pleasure to work alongside four men who went above and beyond the call of duty to make this night happen with their professionalism and good humour.

It’s always a treat to work at the Theatre Royal. A beautiful venue with a fantastic backstage and front of house crew. Many thanks to the ladies and gentlemen there.

Thank you to Carl Hobden who created the photos montage on the big screen.

Thank you to James Ledward for your continuing faith in me.

To all the artistes – thank you for your patience during a long day of technical rehearsal, and for your truly outstanding performances on stage. From the opening lines of the Les Miserables medley to the closing lines of The Best Of Times you put on a show that was a joy to compere.

If I remember correctly it was Miss Jason who said, on stage, “If I’d have known the show was going to be this good, I’d have bought a ticket myself”.

To the audience – You are what makes this job worthwhile. Thank you.

To David Raven/Maisie Trollette – I have known you for 27 years since the heady days of The Two Brewers on Wednesday nights. You encouraged me as a new performer and supported me as I carried on performing and when I moved to Brighton. It was an honour to organise the show for you. I am proud to call you a colleague and a friend. Happy Birthday!

 

Exeter Pride 2014 official launch

Exeter Pride 2014 is to be officially launched at a beach and Hawaiian-themed party at Vaults Bar & Club, Exeter on Bank Holiday Sunday, August 25 from 9pm.Exeter Pride

The night will feature DJ Alan, spot prize raffles, cool Hawaiian cocktails and prizes for the best fancy dress costumes.

Event: Exeter Pride 2014 Hawaiian Party Night.

Where: Vaults Bar & Club, Gandy Street, Exeter.

When: Sunday, August 25 from 9pm–2am.

Entry: £2.

WEB.600

 

Hove MP slams south-to-north train subsidies

Mike Weatherley, MP
Mike Weatherley, MP

Following the announcement that rail fairs are set to increase by an average of 4.1%, Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, has criticised the convoluted system of subsidies that is in place and called for an end to the practice.

Currently train users in the South subsidise other train users in the North and Scotland. Mike has expressed concern on a number of occasions over the sharp rise in rail fares for many of his constituents who commute to work. Passengers in the South face overcrowded trains, daily delays and crippling annual fares.

He has written to his colleague the Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP, Secretary of State for Transport, to highlight his concerns about the subsidies and to request that the Department for Transport does away with the unfair financial formula.

He said:

“Brighton & Hove is one of the most expensive places to live in the country and commuters to London are already paying through the nose simply to get to work, so it is offensive that they are expected to subsidise trains in the North. The previous government created an opaque franchise system that is unfair and unsustainable. My constituents can be assured that I will be urging my colleagues in the Department for Transport to change the biased formula.”

Southern Trains

 

 

Night to remember! Maisie’s 80th Birthday Show

Maisie TrolletteMaisie Trollettes 80th Birthday Show

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