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Drama Festival Opens: The Cripple of Inishmaan

The key to the success of this performance was Kevin Hind's portrayal of Billy. Convincing, emotional and incisive was how we would describe it. It would have been very easy to lapse into some cod-oirishness but Kevin's performance showed great discipline throughout.

Vote challenge for Inme to play T-Fest

BRENTWOOD-based Inme have a considerable audience all over the world. The question is: Would you like to see them step over the border and play T-Fest next month. T-Fest organisers have invited you to go onto Facebook and vote yes or no.

Free ticket offer for H-Dharmi on Saturday night

Due to a generous offer of support from an external funder the Masti Masti Mela Committee are able to offer 150 free tickets for Saturday night’s event starring H-Dharmi. Any person can have up to 5 free tickets.

Polka Dot to knock spots off Thameside Christmas panto!

FOR THE first time in over 30 years, the Thameside pantomime will not have the words above the title: "A Bruce James Production" Thurrock Council announced yesterday that the contract for this season's pantomine has been awarded to Polka Dot Productions.

Drama Festival starts Sunday

IT IS one of the borough's finest celebrations of culture. Led by Director of the Festival, John Scowen, the festival starts on Sunday and is on for seven nights with a feast of fine theatre and drama.

T-Fest line up continues to grow and grow

On Saturday, 23 July, the cast of The Only Way is Essex will be on stage along with Lemar, The Pins, Car Boot Tetris, Mackley Drive, The Uninvited and local hit from last year Tall Dark Friend. Kazar Entertainment will also be at the show on Saturday. Sunday’s fun includes Jamie “Afro” Archer, Gamu, and Titan the Robot, as well as The Ends, D’ukes, Southern Soul Review, The Hype Theory, Ease of Springs and All At Sea.

Orsett Hall opens wonderful new Garden Restaurant

The first thing that strikes you is the decor. They have gone for a striking boutique effect with bold pastel colours. That can only work if the food matches and it certainly does. The tasting menu dazzled from the very beginning where a tasty crab bisque set up your palette for further delights. Each dish through the pate, fish and chicken had something to say for itself. There was always something that stood out: not just the texture of the fish or chicken but the subtle use of herbs and sauces.

Top Bhangra singer H-Dhami at Thameside

Britain’s outstanding British Indian Bhangra Singer H-Dhami will be at the Thameside Theatre on Saturday (4 June) at 7.30pm He will be supported by Jugnu Bhangra Group and rising star Hardee. The evening will be hosted by JD of Masters Entertainment. H-Dhami was winner of the Asia Music Awards 2008 Best Newcomer who signed to Rishi Rich Productions in 2007. He has also signed a deal with Sony BMG India for distribution in India.

Royal Opera Community Chorus: New season begins

Some people may be a little bit daunted but there is no need to be. Here, at the beginning of a new season is an introduction to the way the group operates. There may be people out there who may fear that you can only join if you can perform a personal version of Aida. No, all that is needed is a desire to sing and enthusiasm. They will find a place for you.

Martian Magic

Jill Snelling was the perfect Mrs Reece, with just the right level of caring bossiness. With such a small cast it is a pleasure to be able to mention them all by name. Victoria Grayling and Karen Reeves were the perfect foil to Jill’s Mrs Reece, whilst Kevin Watts played the hapless single male with a light and funny touch. Lisa Chapman was a complete delight to watch as she degenerated from the country bumpkin housekeeper into the drugged character that is a central part of this play. There were also three ‘extra’ characters, who appeared very briefly, and are not named in the programme.

“They Came From Mars” Opens tonight

SOMETHING a little bit different is premiering at the Thameside Theatre tonight. They Came From Mars is the latest performance by the Thurrock Courts Players. It marks the directorial debut of stalwart Mike Jones. Mr Jones said: "It is a little bit different but is a very funny play and is true to the traditions of the Thurrock Courts. We had three very busy nights for Not Now Darling and we hope for the same."

Tall Dark Friend: Handbags and Gladbags

Here is one of our favourite artists appearing as a guest at the recent Your Voice showcase. TDF's voice gets richer by the day. Only cover an old song if you can bring something new to it. TDF does that, just by singing it. We look forward to catching up with him to see where he is in his career.

Your Voice: Siobhan Omoruyi and EJ

ARE WE saving the best to last: who can say? It certainly isn't our job to judge as the point of Your Voice, as we have said before, is to showcase developing talent and not to hothouse them. Having said that, this is the fifth time that we have filmed Gateway Academy student Siobhan Omoruyi and we think you all agree that she is a very special singer indeed.

art:ifact:Summer exhibition at Thameside

art:ifact is pleased to present Shifting Points of View, a group exhibition showcasing an intriguing array of contemporary art. The preview will be held on Saturday 4th June 2011 from 5pm to 8pm at the Thameside Complex Gallery in Grays.

Your Voice: Kieran McLoughlin

TAKING to the stage and performing a Damien Rice song is a very ambitous thing to do indeed but that is one of the points of Your Voice. It isn't a talent show it is an educational platform. But most importantly, experiment and be daring.

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