In review | A method to his madness
Ciara Brimfield • 1 November 2016
"An epic performance that will have you on the edge of your seats" ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - We Are Winchester
Last Thursday evening We Are Winchester were invited to The Tower to see The Discarded Nut Theatre Company perform one of Shakespeare’s most powerful plays.
Having never seen (or even read for that matter) the tale of Hamlet, we were excited to see how this tragedy unfolded. In this modern setting, the performance tackled politics, violence and mental health issues, as Hamlet descends into madness after the loss of his father.
It has to be said that the quality of the acting in this tragic play was second to none. The watchmen, played by Mike Dorey, Felix Price and Ollie Bruce brought great energy to the play and the beautiful and heartbroken Ophelia, played by Frankie Barton- Cooper, was enchanting as she too falls into madness.
It was a real treat to watch Mary Askham play the role of Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude, and also Amanda Stebbing as Lady Polonius. So eloquently and with such conviction did the cast of Hamlet play that keeping up with the Shakespearean language was not difficult. From the sword fights to the blood, it had you gripped from start to finish.
The role of Hamlet was played by Ed Morris (who had the leading role in The Discarded Nut’s Frankenstein last year) and he was nothing short of mesmerising, laugh-out-loud funny and utterly terrifying all in one. His performance was certainly something to see and his take on Hamlet truly brought the play to life.
The rest of the cast was equally wonderful, with special mentions to Will Pickering who played the role of both Lucianus and the gravedigger - making the audience laugh with his witty gestures and funny intonation, and the role of Laertes, played by Matthew Honey - who also really stood out in Frankenstein last year.
Noel Jones (Director) and Harriet Morris (Music Director) are the dynamic duo behind this epic performance, and their passion and commitment never ceases to amaze. Particular mention has to go to Harriet, as we loved the soundtrack which really set the scene.
“Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t”
If you’re yet to see a Discarded Nut production then make sure you look out for their next one. And, if you have budding young dramatics at home then make sure you sign them up for The Discarded Nut Theatre Company.
To find out more about the work that this fantastic company do then visit www.discardednut.co.uk
Business in the Spotlight
Haus maids Winchester offer domestic cleaning, laundry and ironing; provided by our team of highly trained employed house cleaners. They have a dedicated team of house cleaners for residential cleaning of homes in Winchester and the surrounding villages on a regular or one off basis. Haus Maids Winchester has been established since 2016 and is a well-liked local business. Being embedded into the community Haus Maids Winchester are proud sponsors of Winchester Rugby Football Club. "We are always searching for ways to give back to the local community and encourage the engagement of different generations in a safe and active environment, where they can develop their competitive and team spirit".
Nony and husband and business partner Sam, work as independent agents, but sit under the Martin and Co umbrella. They have been in mainstream high street estate agency for decades, and have personally have been selling property in the area for almost 23 years (ironically before most of the main companies in Winchester opened!). Proudly offering a totally different approach to estate agency, they endeavour not to list more than three or four properties a month, in order to offer best service to their clients - both buyers and sellers alike. They say "We are proud to represent each and every property we list, and take each listing extremely personally".
THE OASIS OF TRANQULITY. Giuseppe Manco is the first *Hair SPA Salon* in Hampshire with an Italian approach. This is no snip 'n go salon - the ‘no rush’ policy for cuts, colour, balayage and other treatments here is like a long, leisurely Mediterranean lunch. This means that the team dedicates their entire time and love to each and every client, focusing on helping and supporting their hair matters. And while clients relax and the team do their thing, guests are invited to enjoy top-notch Neapolitan coffee and snacks. Precision and excellence are what the salon delivers on a daily basis. As newcomers to the Hampshire scene, Giuseppe and Veronika Manco opened Giuseppe Manco - a premium Italian hair Hair services are focused on the health of the hair and scalp. The team uses Hair Spa rituals treatments using exclusive bioorganic, sensory products from the Italian-derived Philip Martin's range. Each appointment is given the feel of a holistic beauty regime in the most relaxing, luxurious environment. The talented team at Giuseppe Manco are experts in hair cut , colours and hairstyles, creating a personalised look to suit customer’s’ individuality.
Blissfields 2017 has begun... but there's still time to grab your ticket!
Join Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall at River Cottage Canteen Winchester on Wednesday 23rd November at 12pm to celebrate the launch of River Cottage A to Z , the definitive eaters digest. Hugh will be leading guests on an epicurean alphabetical adventure through a taster menu of the River Cottage teams’ favourite seasonal recipes. Guests can expect a mouth-watering procession of novel twists on old favourites, alongside some inspiring new ideas. The food will be prepared by Head Chef Mark Price, whilst Hugh tells the story of the hero ingredient on the plate. Hugh talks about the event: "I always love my book events at our River Cottage Canteens in Axminster, Bristol, Plymouth and Winchester. They are a fantastic chance for us to get the recipes off the page and onto the plate for our guests to enjoy. The A to Z is extra special, as it represents a decade of inspiration from my key River Cottage collaborators. I’m looking forward to feasting on delicious seasonal recipes from the book; but most of all to meeting our River Cottage regulars, and indeed any curious newcomers who’d like to come and see what we’re up to. So please join me at one of these events. It’ll be a real pleasure to see you there, and feed you well." Tickets to the event are just £35 and include a taster menu of Hugh’s favourite seasonal recipes taken from the book. Copies of River Cottage A to Z will be available to buy and Hugh will be on hand to sign the books. Tickets are available by calling 01962 457 747 or visit the website for more information rivercottage.net/canteens/winchester
Young Prince Hamlet's world is turned upside down following the death of his father. Alienated from a mother he adores when she inexplicably marries his father's younger brother, the newly crowned and murderously ambitious King Claudius, Hamlet struggles to find his place in the new world order. The sight of his father's Ghost imploring him to defend his decaying legacy and avenge his execution, leads Hamlet down an even darker route; an uncontrollable slide into madness. Set in a time that reflects where we are today, The Discarded Nut Theatre Company's production of Shakespeare's greatest tragedy is a visceral exploration of the devastating effects that the decisions of those in power can have on those beneath them, that the actions of a parent can have on their child and the realisation that the head and heart are not separate. What affects one, affects the other. WHEN: 26-28th October 2016 WHERE: The Tower, Winchester TIME: 7pm (doors @ 6.30pm) TICKETS: £12 & £15 BUY TICKETS: www.discardednut.co.uk/tickets
Gill Meller is launching his new book, Gather, at River Cottage Canteen on Tuesday 18th October at 7pm with a special evening hosted by the River Cottage personality.
BoomTown Fair has sold out of all standard festival tickets and the only tickets remaining are coach + festival ticket packages . The festival, which received a license to up the capacity to 60,000 in June, is gearing up for the eighth installment of the high octane, fully immersive, story lead spectacular. In true BoomTown style, announcements are still being made about yet another new stage! The Speakers Corner , with talks across a vast range of topics and guest speakers including Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams, Tourette’s Hero Jess Thom and Queen of Bristol bass Eva Lazarus . Conversations will be highlighting everyday issues around race, sexuality, gender and diversity, alongside worldwide politics, such as the refugee crisis, personal awareness and education. Continuing the awareness raising through education and action, BoomTown have also partnered with the White Ribbon Campaign to support their Safe Music guide . The guide aims to raise awareness among promoters, venue managers and festival organisers of gender-based violence and harassment at music events and to highlight that it is everybody’s issue by encouraging both men and women to step up when needed. “ We are really excited that BoomTown is one of the first festivals to invite us to run an awareness raising event for their festival-goers. Festivals who work with the White Ribbon Campaign are sending a clear message that they take women’s safety seriously and would never keep silent or shy away from tackling it. We hope other festivals will follow BoomTown's lead.” Dave Boardman, author of the White Ribbon Campaign’s Safe Music guide The Campaign will be holding a launch event at the festival and will offer advice and support to festival attendees. With less than a week to go, excitement is building in the city of Boom… The all new Sector 6 stage is swiftly heading towards completion and has already surpassed expectations, reaching higher than the imagination had fathomed! The Lion’s Den, the biggest reggae stage in the UK, is being built in Trenchtown, ready for reggae legends Damian ‘JR Gong’ Marley , Madness and Fat Freddy’s Drop . Over to Hilltop Parov Stelar , Leftfield , Asian Dub Foundation and Fun Lovin Criminals will be dazzling on The Town Centre . Electric Swing Circus , The Carny Villians and The Big Swing Sound bring magnificence to Mayfair while The Invisible Circus and Bohemian Betyars ride The Jolly Dodger Pirate Ship… Descending into night, Bang Hai Palace is all set to breath bass over DSTRKT 5 as Stanton Warriors, Zed Bias and Critical Sounds scorch the skyline. Submotion Orchestra, Swindle and Foreign Beggars bring the party to life at Poco Loco while house and techno technicians Derrick May, Simian Mobile Disco and MJ Cole flood the streets of Barrio Loco . Just outside, the plot thickens at The Bassline Plaza where a new character is introduced in Barrio Loco's immersive storyline . Hundreds of actors are ready to bring the city's incredible backdrop to life, details that elevate each district and make the theatrics that await around every corner, even more real; where anyone and everyone’s inner character can come to life. BoomTown takes please at the Matterley Estate, nr. Winchester, Hampshire from 11th – 14th August. Limited coach and festival packages are still available here .
4th August 2016 - Berkeley Homes has announced the recent acquisition of a prime five-acre plot of land in the heart of Winchester city centre. Previously home to the Hampshire Constabulary Headquarters on West Hill, the development has been granted planning permission to create 208 high quality new homes on the site. Boasting a prime location and benefitting from an elevated position just a five-minute walk from the centre, many of the new homes will enjoy stunning views across the city. Set to become one of the largest ever new build schemes to be created in Winchester city centre, the new development will feature a mixture of both apartments and substantial family homes. Works are now underway to clear the site in order for the building works to commence. Michael Lane, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "Modernising our police estate to deliver the best working environment to deliver operational effectiveness and look after our people is a key priority. This sale follows on from the move to co-locate with the Fire and Rescue Service in our now joint Strategic Headquarters. This sale of the former Headquarters will deliver funds that can continue this modernising and improving estates programme by reinvesting the money raised." Chris Gilbert, Managing Director, Berkeley Homes (Southern), said: “We are delighted to have acquired such a prominent site in the historic city of Winchester. The benefits for the community will be two-fold as Berkeley deliver much-needed quality housing to the area while the proceeds of the sale will be reinvested back into the police force"