School productions; you don’t quite know if it will be painfully embarrassing or a jolly good show but I was blown away by the Monmouth Comprehensive School production of Bugsy Malone. It was hard to believe that they were not yet adults because the show they put on was worthy of professionals. The vocals of Molly Brickley- Clark and Bella Briggs would have had Simon Cowell reaching for his cheque book had he been in the building and the comedy timing of Ellie Lewis and Sarah Brice was spot on. The whole production was a huge credit to the school and the way that they nurture talent.
Getting tickets for Sean Lock was worth getting up early for and he is now sold out but you can still buy tickets for Phill Jupitus and Alistair McGowan from Car Care in Monnow Street. Apart from having a great night out you will also be helping raise much needed funds for the Monmouth Festival.
In my quest to find out more about the history of our town, I found myself in the docks last week. And shortly after that, in the Judge’s seat, which was a lot more comfortable. If you haven’t yet experienced the Shire Hall’s interactive exploration of why Monmouth played such an important part in the lives of some of the most prominent Welsh Chartist leaders, I would thoroughly recommend it.
Next up was Owen Sheers who delivered a moving account of his year spent as an artist in residence with the Welsh rugby team, the result of which is his new book Calon. Another brilliant evening with friends.
Don’t forget to vote for your favourite retailer/ business/restaurants/services at www.bestofmonmouth.co.uk Closing date is 14th February.
