SpArC Theatre

SCREENING: Christmas with Andre
2021-12-23 14:00 - 16:30 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
The King of the Waltz brings you an all new festive spectacular from his newly created Winter Palace in his hometown of Maastricht.
Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season while singing and dancing away to lovely Christmas carols, romantic waltzes and beautiful melodies like Jingle Bells, O Holy Night, Hallelujah, a show-stopping performance of Walking in the Air and many more!
Marvel at the magnificent palace decorations including 150 beautiful chandeliers, over 50 Venetian candelabras and huge arched windows revealing a joyous wintery landscape including ice rinks and ice skaters.
Christmas with André is guaranteed to warm your hearts and get you in the festive spirit.
Join André for his inaugural Christmas concert all from the comfort of your local cinema. An unforgettable festive treat for the whole family.
André Rieu says: “Christmas is my favourite time of the year and nothing could be better than spending it with my friends, family and fans in my hometown. I want to invite my cinema audiences on this beautiful journey to Christmas wonderland.”
Bring your loved ones and enjoy this spectacular musical event on the big screen. Accompanying classic Christmas tunes and some incredible surprises, cinema audiences will also enjoy exclusive backstage access, and cinema host Charlotte Hawkins will be speaking with André about the creation of his musical winter wonderland.
It’s the perfect festive gift. Get your tickets now for Christmas with André!

SpArC Christmas Prize Bingo
2021-12-03 19:30 - 22:00 | SpArC Theatre
Lets get festive with Christmas Prize Bingo in aid of our beloved Sparc Centre.
Great night out for anyone! Fab prizes , refreshments all in SpArC Theatre.
JUST A QUICK MESSAGE:
As this is a ’ turn up on the night’ event we can’t guarantee socially distanced seating between groups.
The room will be well ventilated & numbers will be capped to avoid over-crowding .
Sanitizer will be provided as usual and you are welcome to wear a mask and tinsel!
Bingo cards £12 for a book of 10 games (6 cards per game.) Prizes for one and two lines and full house.
Plus Lucky Squares and Raffle
Doors 7.30- eyes down 8pm

LIVE: Looking For Me Friend: The Music of Victoria Wood
2021-11-18 19:30 - 21:30 | SpArC Theatre
A funny and touching tribute to this much loved and sorely missed national treasure.
Written and performed by BBC1’s All Together Now star, Paulus, (‘King of Cabaret’, The Stage) this brand-new show sees him in a fresh light as a lifelong fan and devotee of the Queen of Comedy.
“Impeccable comic flair” Time Out
“A most enjoyable evening…highly amusing” Sunday Express
Celebrate her unforgettable characters, songs and sketches and the power of friendships forged through laughter. From Mrs. Overall to Barry & Freda, everyone is there. The only thing that’s missing is you. Directed by Sarah-Louise Young (An Evening Without Kate Bush)
‘If you are a fan of Wood, or simply feel the need for some uplifting, live entertainment, then this is a must see (4 Stars)’ Musical Theatre Review.
‘Paulus is incredible. His voice and diction are amazing’ That Stagey Blog
ABOUT PAULUS
PAULUS aka Paul L Martin has been performing in theatre and cabaret for 30 years. Trained in musical theatre, he has won awards for his acting, producing and promoting work within the fields. He has performed across the world, including Berlin, Paris, Melbourne, Rome, New York, Dublin, Nicaragua and extensively around the UK. He is best-known to many as the hard-to-impress judge on BBC’s award-winning TV show, ALL TOGETHER NOW as well as previously working as a talent judge, mentor and presenter for C4 and Sky.
“King of Cabaret” The Stage
“Someone give that man a bigger stage” ThreeWeeks
“The kind of chap you could invite round for a cup of tea”
Edinburgh Evening News

Live Music: The Flying Toads & Grey Wolf
2021-11-13 19:30 - 22:00 | SpArC Theatre
The Flying Toads and Grey Wolf in Concert
The Flying Toads and Grey Wolf have joined forces to provide a rare opportunity to experience the very best in Irish/Celtic and Americana/Old Time music and song. Both bands are highly regarded exponents of their musical genres, playing regularly at festivals and music venues across the country. Don’t miss what will be an amazing evening!
The Flying Toads bring a highly entertaining concert of Irish and Celtic music and song, ranging from high-energy jigs and reels to heart-warming songs and haunting ballads – guaranteed to keep your toes tapping! Being a four piece band and each playing several traditional instruments, the ‘Toads’ focus on arrangements that explore the best blending of sounds and dynamics, as well as choosing Celtic tunes and songs that are exciting to listen to.

The Flying Toads are:
Val Marciandi: vocals, concertina, tenor banjo
Keith Whiddon: tenor banjo, bouzouki, vocals
Erik Faithfull: uilleann pipes, flute, whistle, vocals
Brian Hirst: fiddle, cittern, mandolin, vocals

‘Traditional Celtic music at its best!’ – Celtic Music Magazine
https://www.facebook.com/TheFlyingToads
Grey Wolf is an acoustic Americana/old-time folk band playing traditional instruments such as banjo, fiddle, guitar, dulcimer, mandolin, double bass alongside fine vocal and harmony singing. Grey Wolf has headlined several of the prestigious UK’s Old Time American Music and Dance Festivals; has appeared on radio, folk clubs, festivals, and music and literary venues throughout the West Midlands and beyond.

Grey Wolf are:
Jim Allen: banjo and guitar and vocals
Ben Walsh: multi-instrumentalist and vocals
Martin Thomas: multi-instrumentalist and vocals
Andy Offer: double bass and vocals

‘There’s an equality to the group’s spread of sound, but each player is continually soloing-in-motion, rising up in turn’ – The Birmingham News
https://www.facebook.com/greywolfoldtime

LIVE THEATRE: JABS
2021-11-04 19:30 - 21:00 | SpArC Theatre
If ever a play was guaranteed to connect with every single member of your audience right now … its JABS.
We’ve all been on the receiving end. But what is life like at the other end of the syringe?
When work fell off a cliff for the singer and comedienne Sally Tonge in March 2020, she took the unlikely step of retraining as an NHS vaccinator. She quickly realised that her Covid-19 vaccination pod was the smallest theatre in the world … and that the procession of people stepping into it were pure comedy gold.
JABS is played largely for affectionate laughs … with a few gentle moments of poignancy, a smattering of new songs and a touch of audience participation (because we all know what we have to do!)
It’s also a love letter to the NHS.
Sally plays herself … whilst actors Christina Cubbin and Paul Wilkinson portray an assortment of 16 characters who appear in her pod for a few minutes each.
The play is scripted and directed by Chris Eldon Lee (BBC Radio Four producer and founder member of the veteran comedy group ‘Three Men In A Bowtie’).
THE CREATIVE TEAM
Sally Tonge is a storyteller, musician and community artist. She has been working in educational, health and community settings for over 20 years. Past stage plays include Silhouette, Shakespeare’s Will (which toured to Elsinore Castle in Denmark), Ursula, Queen of the Jungle (in Edinburgh and India) Atlantic Ladies and Shrewsbury’s Finest Hour. She sings, plays guitar and tells jokes in Three Men In A Bowtie and musical duo Daylevel … and is a regular artist for Music in Hospitals.
Comedy actor Christina Cubbin made her stage debut aged 9 playing Morgan le Fay in her Junior School’s critically acclaimed production of King Arthur. More recent work includes The Railway Children, Dear Agnes, A Bloody Field By Shrewsbury, Tales of Old Bomere, Atlantic Ladies, Shrewsbury’s Finest Hour and far too many pantomimes.
Actor musician Paul Wilkinson trained at Bretton Hall, gaining a degree in Dramatic Arts. He has worked in theatre, television and film. His last theatre tour was outdoor Shakespeare on the south coast and prior to that he toured Germany for a year, worked on soaps, and did a few adverts … the worst being the one for Pringles (you think you like something until you have to eat it endlessly for two days!)
Writer and director Chris Eldon Lee has performed 500 comedy gigs with Three Men in a Bowtie and produced at least 250 programmes for BBC Radio 4. This is his 14th play.
Movement coach Maggie Love famously choreographed Grease in The West End. Her film credits include Fame and Heaven’s Gate. In 2012 she produced a pageant for The Queen, who liked it!

CANCELLED Live Fetch Theatre: The Pedlar's Tale
2021-10-21 13:15 - 14:45 | SpArC Theatre
We are sorry this show has been CANCELLED due to illness in the Theatre Company
The Fetch Theatre in partnership with Herefordshire Museums, Libraries & Archives and Arts Alive Presents The Pedlar’s Tales
The storyteller weaves a magical spell and draws you into a fantastical world bringing past events bursting into life in this pop up touring show with music, featuring a host of beautiful puppets.
Bite-sized stories contained in a quirky cart have been inspired by fascinating historical documents and objects from Herefordshire Archives and the incredible Folk-Lore of Herefordshire gathered by Ella Mary Leather. This is an engaging performance relax and enjoy the stories as ‘Silver Joan’s’ tales unfold.
Who will enjoy it? Anyone who appreciates the beauty of visual theatre and stunning puppetry, the power of storytelling and keeping tales from the past alive in the present. Family audiences of all ages aged 8 and up. Anyone interested in storytelling and puppetry.
Arts Alive Says:
‘Delighted to be a partner in the creation of this new touring show, inspired by Herefordshire Archives. Can be performed throughout the day at festivals and fetes with short bite sized stories, or all stories played consecutively as a whole theatre style performance.’

LIVE: Pentabus- Jacaranda by Lorna French
2021-10-16 19:30 | SpArC Theatre
‘Sometimes it feels so exposing just walking in the village. I told Jimmy to ignore it at first, he tried to, but it’s isolating he said, eyes on you, not a word spoken. Even when you meet their eyes they don’t look away. Like they have a right to, like you’re a spectacle, an object.’
Olivia has recently moved into her great uncle’s farmhouse. She’s not local, but she knows her way around. Matty is a gamekeeper, but he doesn’t often tell anyone. He’s wary of newcomers.
These unlikely strangers find themselves beside a stream on the longest night of the year.
Pentabus and Theatre by the Lake present a brilliant new drama from award-winning playwright Lorna French which explores loss, love, prejudice, race and belonging.
Trigger Warning: The play includes descriptions of pregnancy and child loss that could possibly be upsetting or triggering for anyone who has been affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby.
Director: Elle While
Suitable age 14 +
Captioned performance

LIVE : The People's String Foundation
2021-10-10 15:00 - 16:45 | SpArC Theatre
Res Publica
“Res Publica” is a brand-new musical touring show from: The People’s String Foundation. During this piece the band packs a 32-piece Gypsy Orchestra into a suitcase and takes the audience on an incredible journey of discovery. Using music, puppetry, art, cinematography and animation all set to the backdrop of a “Virtual Orchestra,” this show is unique and combines many art forms to create one immersive piece.
“The People String Foundation takes you by surprise-you think…fun loving guys filled with a sense of joie de vie !But very quickly you realise they’re much more than that-they are highly skilled musicians who combine virtuosity with a passion for genuine shared event…rare. ”
Mike Shepherd Artistic Director Kneehigh Theatre Company ****
“The vocal performances are remarkable and the orchestrations are inventive, exploratory and beautifully performed. The entire piece is fresh and youthfully enthusiastic with clear production values on a classical scale. Surely these musicians and this piece are worthy of consideration for this year’s Mercury prize.”
Ralph McTell. ****
“One of the great wonders of the West. Stonking, earthy, organic, delicate & barn-storming.”
Charles Hazlewood, Conducter & Composer ****
Find out more about this incredible and fascinating group
VISIT WEBSITE

MID WALES OPERA LIVE: IL TABARRO
2021-10-02 19:30 - 21:30
TICKETS ON SALE TUESDAY 31ST AUGUST 9AM
We couldn’t be more delighted to welcome Mid Wales Opera back to SpArC for a second time this year.
Mid Wales Opera presents Puccini’s passionate late masterpiece Il tabarro, or ‘The Cloak’. Set on the banks of the Seine, this one act opera tells the short story of the barge owner Michele who suspects his young wife Giorgetta of being unfaithful. Packed with side plots and characters bringing to life the sights and sounds of 1900s Paris, the opera reaches its dramatic conclusion when Michele unexpectedly catches his wife’s lover at the strike of a match. With alluring melodies and a fast-moving pace, Il tabarro sees the great opera composer at the very height of his powers.

MWO’s new production features 6 singers and 4 musicians, with a new English translation by Richard Studer and a new chamber arrangement by Jonathan Lyness. The opera will be followed by a second half continuing the Parisian theme with a mix of entertaining musical items featuring all of our talented singers and musicians.

Cyflwyna Opera Canolbarth Cymru orchestwaith hwyr Puccini, Il tabarro neu ‘The Cloak’. Stori fer yw’r opera un act hon, wedi’i gosodd ar lannau’r Seine, am berchennog cwch camlas o’r enw Michele, sy’n amau bod ei wraig, Giorgetta, yn bod yn anffyddlon. Mae’r opera’n llawn is-blotiau ac is-gymeriadau, a chyfeiriadau at olygfeydd a synau Paris yn y 1900au. Daw’r opera i ddiweddglo dramatig pan ddalia Michele gariad ei wraig yn annisgwyl ar daniad matsien. Gyda melodïau cyfareddol a thyndra cyffrous, mae Il tabarro yn dangos gwaith y cyfansoddwr gwych pan oedd ei allu ar ei anterth.

Mae cynhyrchiad newydd OCC yn cynnwys 6 canwr a 4 cerddor, gyda chyfieithiad newydd i’r Saesneg gan Richard Studer a threfniant siambr newydd gan Jonathan Lyness. Yn yr ail hanner, ar ôl yr opera, byddwn yn parhau â thema Paris gyda chymysgedd o eitemau cerddorol difyr gan ein holl gantorion a’n cerddorion dawnus.

LIVE MUSIC: Anna Ash
2021-09-23 19:30 - 21:30 | SpArC Theatre
It will be wonderful to welcome Anna to SpArC Theatre
“Anna Ash captures those long late afternoons when the sun is low but the heat hasn’t yet broken … Call it country, call it rock’n’roll, call it pulling off the road somewhere between Silver Lake and Bakersfield just to roll a cigarette, kick at the gravel, and brood….her songs tell of friends lost to love and loneliness, lovers who conflate real life and fiction, experiences that refuse to conform to familiar plot lines” – Connor Towne O’Neill
Anna Ash is a Michigan born, currently Los Angeles based, musician. Her music has been featured on the Showtime series’ Billions and Masters of Sex, as well as Freeform’s The Fosters and Epix’s docuseries Helter Skelter: An American Myth. Her 2016 self-released album, Floodlights, received attention from the Huffington Post and Elmore magazine, and placements on Spotify’s Fresh Finds, Torch and Twang, Noir, and Fresh Folk playlists. In 2013, her first album, These Holy Days, was released in Japan on Tugboat Records, but since then, she has been self-releasing her albums.
Her last full-length record, L.A. Flame, was mixed by Grammy-award-winning engineer Ryan Freeland (Ray LaMontagne, Bonnie Raitt, Joe Henry). The album was tracked over the course of four days at Mark Rains’ Stationhouse Studio in Echo Park. It features Theo Katzman, Aaron Stern, Lee Pardini, Laura Mace, Matt LaRocca, Jason Roberts, Brian Whelan, and James Cornelison. Ash self-produced the album, and engineered most of the overdubs at her home in Mt. Washington. It was released on vinyl in collaboration with Black Mesa Records in January 2020.
In the spring of 2021 she will be releasing a new EP titled Fire Season; it was recorded and mixed at Eli Crews’ home studio in the Catskill Mountains in November of 2020.

POETRY SLAM WORKSHOP (18+)
2021-08-05 18:00 - 19:30 | SpArC Theatre
Thursday 5th August workshops for Adults
An energetic workshops to unlock creativity and performance
6-7.30 pm £6 at Sparc Theatre
“Fun Lively energetic hilarious inspiring ….Boost confidence in performing or public speaking … overcome obstacles through creating and performing their own work,… listening to their peers….supportive and positive atmosphere….try new things…. Move out of their comfort zones.”
A Little Bit About Spoz
Spoz (real name Giovanni Esposito) is an award winning performance poet, singer / songwriter, film maker, playwright and is the poet-in-residence at Birmingham City FC. He’s performed on television radio and at Glastonbury, Shambala, Cheltenham Literature Fest, & Larmer Tree, to name a few… as well as infront of his Mom. He was Birmingham’s Poet Laureate in 2006 /7. And is a published author.
“I’ve been running poetry and poetry slam projects all over since 2005, and the writing I get from people amazes, encourages and enlightens me everyday. “
Spoz has a website. You can have a look if you like www.spoz.co

SPOZ POETRY SLAM WORKSHOP (7-17yrs)
2021-08-05 11:00 - 16:30 | SpArC Theatre
Thursday 5th August workshops
For 7-11yrs 11am-1pm £6 at Sparc Theatre
For 12-17yrs 2pm-4.30pm £6 at Sparc Theatre
An energetic workshops to unlock creativity and performance
“Fun Lively energetic hilarious inspiring ….Boost confidence in performing or public speaking … overcome obstacles through creating and performing their own work,… listening to their peers….supportive and positive atmosphere….try new things…. Move out of their comfort zones.”
A Little Bit About Spoz
Spoz (real name Giovanni Esposito) is an award winning performance poet, singer / songwriter, film maker, playwright and is the poet-in-residence at Birmingham City FC. He’s performed on television radio and at Glastonbury, Shambala, Cheltenham Literature Fest, & Larmer Tree, to name a few… as well as infront of his Mom. He was Birmingham’s Poet Laureate in 2006 /7. And is a published author.
“I’ve been running poetry and poetry slam projects all over since 2005, and the writing I get from young people amazes, encourages and enlightens me everyday. “
Spoz has a website. You can have a look if you like www.spoz.co

THEATRE & WORKSHOPS: Clementine Live Arts- Ernie's Journey
2021-07-27 13:00 - 19:00 | SpArC Theatre
Show 1 -1pm-2pm
Show 2- 6pm-7pm
Ernie’s Journey is a magical circus theatre adventure for family audiences. The seamless integration of story-telling, circus, physical theatre, stage magic, poetry and puppetry will nurture and excite your inner-child.
An original live concert-harp score takes the tale from the dreamy realms of distant shores to the most raucous sea shanties!
This show is particularly enchanting for 4-11 year-olds but the high-skill circus will amaze even the most cynical teenagers!
A young boy sets off one day to become a pirate. He will never make it! Or will he?
£7 per person Family Ticket £30
Circus skills workshops for all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities!

Learn how to throw, catch, balance, spin and roll a whole host of traditional circus props! Participants will be invited to learn juggling, diablo, flower sticks, poi and plate spinning to name but a few… there will be something in this workshop for EVERYONE regardless of age or ability.
£6
Workshop 1- 2.30-3.30pm
Workshop 2- 4.00-5.00pm
This event is part of out Pocket Park project to support people to start enjoying fun activities the outdoors again with people!
This event is supported by The Blakemore Trust

FREE PRACTICE SESSIONS FOR NEW BANDS
2021-07-26 10:30 - 2021-08-23 16:00 | SpArC Theatre
FREE PRACTICE SESSIONS
AVAILABLE TO NEW BANDS

NEED SPACE FOR YOUR BAND TO PRACTICE?

LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED HELP WITH EQUIPMENT OR SETTING UP
Contact: Liz@sparctheatre.co.uk to book a time at the Theatre at SpArC
Current Available Dates and Times
Monday 26th July 10.30– 12pm, 12.30—2pm , 2 .30- 4pm
Monday 2nd August 10.30– 1, 12.30-2pm, 2.30-4pm
Friday 6th August 10.30– 1, 12.30-2pm, 2.30-4pm
Monday 9th August 3- 4.30
Monday 23rd August 10.30– 1, 12.30-2pm, 2.30-4pm
More dates may become available

Summer Showcase- A Musical Extravaganza for Young Musicians
2021-07-22 18:30 - 21:00 | SpArC Theatre
Tickets limited-
Summer Showcase- A Musical Talent Extravaganza for up and coming young musicians.
Many performing for the first time
Our talented local rising stars will perform for you and a panel of local experts .
Its time to bring the music back!
Please read Audience Covid Guidelines before coming to the theatre for the event as they may have changed from when you booked the tickets.

Arts Alive Summer Festival: LIVE: Music, Theatre & Story Telling
2021-07-09 19:30 - 2021-07-10 22:00 | Sparc Theatre, Bishop's Castle, United Kingdom
Summer Festival- Saturday evening
‘ An evening of eloquent eccentricity ‘ Tickets £12. 7.30pm

WENDY WEATHERBY & SANDY BRECHIN AND MICHELLE BURKE & JAMES ROSS

“an evening of eloquent eccentricity”. From Scotland, two of the country’s most versatile and popular musicians, Wendy Weatherby (vocals, cello) and Sandy Brechin (accordion) will play a mixture of traditional and original material. And join internationally acclaimed artists, singer-songwriter Michelle from rural East Cork, Ireland and pianist and composer James, for a smattering of Parlour songs, new songs, tunes and shenanigans.
Wendy Weatherby and Sandy Brechin
Wendy Weatherby ( Vocals, Cello ) and Sandy Brechin ( Accordion ) are two of Scotland’s most versatile and popular musicians, playing a mixture of traditional and original material.
Wendy’s wide musical interests have led her to perform at Folk , Jazz and Theatre events worldwide. She has composed for Theatre and Film, had major commissions from the Celtic Connections festival, hosted numerous workshops in both cello and song at festivals throughout Britain, and has recorded extensively as a solo artist ( A Breath on the Cold Glass, Two Loves , A Shirt of Silk or Snow ) and a guest musician. She tutors in both Scots Song and Cello at the National Centre for Excellence in Traditional Music (NCETM ) in Plockton and continues to perform with musicians of many styles, including her own ‘Wendy Weatherby Band’, of which Sandy is a member !
‘An outstanding performer with a distinctive and individual approach ‘ EDS magazine
‘Her warm voice shines.‘ The Scotsman
Sandy is one of the great exponents of the Scottish accordion , well known worldwide as the ‘front man’ of his many bands ,including Seelyhoo, Burach,and The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience. He has released a host of albums on the prestigious Greentrax label and his own aptly named label, Brechin All Records. Equally at home in the musical, theatre and teaching worlds, ( Sandy also tutors at the NCETM ) his unique stage presence and sheer musicality make him one of Scotland’s most sought after performers.
‘An accordionist with attitude as well as loads of talent – frequently wild and hairy.’ fRoots
Michelle Burke is a singer-songwriter from rural East Cork, Ireland. She was the lead singer with Irish-American super group, Cherish the Ladies. Michelle’s quirky show Step Into My Parlour an Edinburgh Fringe favourite has gone onto travel the world including an invitation to New Delhi, to open the 11th International Mahindra Excellence Theatre Awards Festival. Last year Michelle unveiled a new show called The Hillman Hunter and is on the cusp of releasing a new album produced by Duke Special.

James Ross is a pianist and composer that pushes the boundaries of Scottish traditional music. He has collaborated with many top Scottish musicians and writers, including Mr McFall’s Chamber and James Robertson. James recently collaborated with author Alexander McCall Smith to create These Are The Hands, a song cycle celebrating Scotland and the Sea.
Please read our Covid 19 Audience Procedure info HERE

SOLD OUT LIVE MUSIC: SHAKEDOWN
2021-07-02 07:30 - 21:30 | SpArC Theatre
SOLD OUT
We are so happy to welcome some good friends to bring the music back to Sparc Theatre
Featuring music from Louis Jordan to Van Morrison in blues, jazz, swing and rock ‘n’ roll from this group of seasoned professionals with a fascinating mix of experience. As individuals they have worked with a large list of well known musicians and performers creating music to make you smile, tap your feet or even dance. A ‘good fun’ band.
The band was formed early in 2018 to support Saving Grace, Robert Plant’s new music project on many tour dates during 2018. Geoff Grimes keys/vocals well known in Shropshire is joined by another local Sticky Wicket percussion/vocals, Ted Bunting saxophones/flute from Tenbury Wells and Geoff Ockenden from Ludlow on bass.
Have a read of their stories below!
Geoff Grimes – Keys
As a London based session musician in the late 60’s early 70’s, Geoff played or performed with many well known artists including Van Morrison, Jimmy Page and members of AC/DC.
Working for Young Blood Records he also recorded on many hits by their artists whilst at the same time working as a plugger at Radio One.
Headhunted by WEA Records he became one of the best promo men in the business, responsible for the successful airplay of artists on Warner, Electra, Asylum, Atlantic and their related labels. Atlantic became his home during the 70’s working with business legends Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun and Jerry Wexler.
More recently he played keys with Ricky Cool & The Hoola Boola Boys and in bands alongside artists such as Steve Gibbons and Robert Plant, with whom his relationship continues to this day, as Geoff and his band support shows for Plant’s current Saving Grace project.
Sticky Wicket – Drummer /Percussionist/Bandleader/Teacher
Former drummer with The Russ Ballard Band, Steve Gibbons Band, Steve Marriott’s & the DT’s plus Steve’s ‘Packet of Three’, Chris Barbers’ Jazz & Blues Band and The Lonnie Donegan Band. Working sometimes as percussionist as well as drummer he has played a variety of gigs, TV shows and recording sessions for artistes such as Van Morrison, Jools Holland, Bryan Ferry, Leo Sayer, Roger Daltrey, Joe Cocker, Rory Gallagher, Peter Frampton, Bryan May, Paul Young, Joe Brown, Paul Jones, Kenny Ball, Acker Bilk and many others.
In recent years Sticky has been drummer with the highly respected US ‘Blues Hall of Fame’ guitarist, singer and songwriter Beki Brindle and is regularly recording and touring with her in Britain and the USA. Beki Brindle Band CD’s include the very creditable ‘Blue For You’, the title track of which was written and produced by Russ Ballard. Other tracks included guests such as John Sebastien and Steve Gibbons.
Now living in Shropshire UK, Sticky enjoys playing locally with some fine musicians and is regularly seen with ‘Beez Neez’ or with ‘Shakedown’ supporting Robert Plant’s Band ‘Saving Grace’.
Sticky is also a much-respected Jazz player, drum teacher, vintage drum collector and his ‘Swing Orchestra’ is one of the most celebrated swing bands in the UK which is often seen at major venues, swing dance events and vintage festivals.
His recent on-line work has included educational Vintage Drums & Drumming videos to be found on the YouTube channel ‘Next Level Chops’. These have been so well received resulting in world wide acclaim for Sticky and inspiring him to issue the DVD ‘Classic Drums & Drumming Vol.1’ .
In 2018 some of Sticky’s vintage drums have were the centre piece of a major London exhibition ‘Jazz in Britain’ and he has also demonstrated them at many workshops and drum clinics in the UK.
Ted Bunting – Saxophones/flute
In the 70s Ted was a London-based musician working with Paul Kossof, Alexis Korner, John ‘Rabbit’ Bundrick, Arthur Brown, John Congas and several other artists. He was a full-time member of GT Moore and the Reggae Guitars, supporting Dr Feelgood on their first major UK tour in 1975, and continuing his collaboration with GT Moore into the 80s with the Rhythm Tramps. He also worked as a record producer, producing, amongst other projects, Polystyrene’s demos and her solo album ‘Translucence’, as well as playing on a number of successful Polystyrene and X Ray Spex tracks, such as ‘Identity’ and ‘The Day the World Turned Dayglo’. In 1983 Alexis Korner and Friends played two nights at the Marquee to celebrate the club’s 25th anniversary and Ted was a member of the all star band that included Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts and Ruby Turner. The shows were filmed and broadcast on UK TV later that year, and released on DVD in 2002. In 1986 he produced and played on Blake’s Three’s album ‘12 by 4’. In 1988 he and Damien Korner designed and built a studio in West London (subsequently bought by the well-known studio company, Sarm) where they recorded a number of high-profile artists, including the Pogues, Robert Plant, Jim Mullen and Zak Starky. In 1990 he teamed up with Mike Sanchez to form the original Hoola Boola Boys. When Ricky Cool joined the band in 1993 it was the start of a collaboration that has continued to this day, eventually leading to the formation of Ricky Cool and the In Crowd.
Geoff Ockenden – Upright and electric bass
Geoff is a seasoned session player with an extremely adaptable approach, which has seen him succeed in a professional career spanning more than 25 years. Whether delivering walking lines as the in-house bassist at Ronnie Scott’s jazz club, laying down scored parts for BBC commissions, playing with orchestral ensembles or rocking out on the festival circuit, Geoff’s feel and solid bass tone ensure whoever he plays for gets a great musical foundation to build on. His reliability and versatility has underpinned performances with artists including Beverley Knight, Nigel Kennedy, Sir Cliff Richard, Tony Christie, Roy Wood, The Average White Band, Steve Gibbons, The Real Thing, Womack and Womack, Trevor Burton and Ruby Turner.

MID WALES OPERA LIVE OPEN AIR CONCERT
2021-06-05 14:00 - 18:00 | SpArC Theatre
MID WALES OPERA get back on the road – Celebrating the return of live music
Sparc Theatre is so thrilled to be hosting MWO for their open air summer concerts- they are just sneaking over the boarder one time to perform for us!
Bishop’s Castle Community College has kindly given us permission to use the playing field in front of Sparc as you entre the site for the performances.
Tickets can only be booked by emailing admin@midwalesopera.co.uk
Or phone 07764 171259
Powys’ very own opera company Mid Wales Opera will be back on the road in May and June with a series of outdoor, Covid safe performances celebrating the return of live music.
MWO have been busy lining up singers and musicians, and some stunning outdoor venues, for their pop up concerts in May and June.
Current Covid regulations mean each performance will be limited tickets, and there will be three 40 minute shows per day.
Tickets can only be booked by emailing admin@midwalesopera.co.uk.
Or phone 07764 171259
Each weekend’s concerts will feature a different musical programme and combination of professional performers. MWO’s Music Director Jonathan Lyness told us
“These short concerts will feature an eclectic mix of joyful, entertaining and uplifting musical treats, from the world of song, opera and cabaret and much else besides – a chance for us all to remember and celebrate the importance of live classical music, and go home feeling all the better for it!”
MWO were on tour with their production of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro when the first lockdown happened in March 2020, and like many arts organisations they have managed to keep going through a mix of digital programming and pop up concerts when possible, but are determined to get back to presenting live music.
Their Executive Director Lydia Bassett told us:
“MWO has always been about bringing high quality live opera and classical music to places where it wouldn’t normally be performed. We’re delighted to be able to support singers and musicians, many of whom have struggled with little or no work during the pandemic, and bring live music back to audiences across rural Wales by performing outdoors in carefully controlled spaces right across the country. We can’t wait to get back on the road”.
The first performance at The Judge’s Lodging, Presteigne on Saturday May 15th has already sold out
Tickets can only be booked by emailing admin@midwalesopera.co.uk.
For more information contact Lydia Bassett lydia@midwalesopera.co.uk
