Eric Martyn

Goldilocks and the three bears returns to st helens this easter

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND – THE FIVE STAR PANTOMIME BY REGAL ENTERTAINMENTS WILL BRING FAMILY FUN TO THE THEATRE ROYAL FROM:

FRIDAY 29 MARCH UNTIL 14 APRIL  2024

Roll Up, Roll Up! St Helens Theatre Royal announce the return of their record-breaking Pantomime Goldilocks And The Three Bears, which opens for the Easter holidays.

The spectacular show from leading panto producers Regal Entertainments has proved to be ‘just right’ and promises audiences an eye-popping production, madcap comedy capers and all the fun of the circus – including circus skills and stunts performed by cast members and Regal’s high production values, plus a smash-hit selection of chart hits to sing and dance along to.

So Come along and join Goldilocks who, with the help of the Three Bears, tries to save her Big Top from a rival circus owner!

The panto premiered at St Helens Theatre Royal during Christmas 2021, breaking Box Office records with five-star reviews and then at its sister venue Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre in 2022, again breaking records.

Tickets are already selling fast and are priced from £18.

The full cast has been revealed as Ben Keith as The Ringmaster, Katy McKenna as Goldilocks, Conor Barrie as Baron Von Vippemall, Richard Aucott as Dame Gertie the hilarious Lewis Devine as Silly Billy. The cast completes with Warren Donnelly as Daddy Bear, Hannah Riley as Mummy Bear and Ionica Adriana as Baby Bear,

Theatregoers are guaranteed “the greatest show on earth” when the circus comes to town. Regal Entertainments’ magical pantomime, Goldilocks And The Three Bears promises to be just right with its mix of unbelievable circus tricks, madcap comedy capers,

The creative team includes producer and director Chantelle Nolan, musical supervisor Callum Clarke, choreography by Nazene Langfield. 

Chantelle Nolan said: “This is a relatively new production for Regal Entertainments, but it has broken Box Office records on both occasions it’s been performed. We always knew there was something special about Goldilocks And The Three Bears. Audiences totally embraced the new storyline, with its exciting and fun circus theme – it’s a perfect title for Easter and I know that family audiences will continue to love the show.” 

 What the Press have said about previous productions of Goldilocks And The Three Bears… 

                             WRITEBASE – 10/10 – THE PERFECT PANTO

“This panto is a must-see. It’s a full-on family experience full of festive fun and laughter”

OPENING NIGHT  –  FIVE STARS

“A magical, hilarious and brilliantly entertaining production from start to

MERSEYNEWS LIVE – FIVE STARS

  “Goldilocks is an eye-popping extravaganza show that will make you laugh until your sides hurt and is a must-see for all, regardless of age!”

SHOW LISTINGS

GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS

Friday 29 March – Sunday 14 April 2024  ♦ Time: Various times ♦ Tickets: From £18.00

THEATRE ROYAL BOOKING DETAILS

ST HELENS THEATRE ROYAL

Corporation Street, St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 1LQ

Book in person at the Theatre Royal Box Office, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.

Telephone ticket booking line 01744 756000, lines open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.

Book online at www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

Follow St Helens Theatre Royal on social media channels:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/StHelensTheatreRoyal ♦ Twitter: @TheatreRoyalStH ♦ Instagram: @TheatreRoyalStH ♦ TikTok: @sthelenstheatreroyal

 

Photographs by David Munn Photography

Movers ‘n’ soul shakers: a concious dance experience on the spring equinox

As the Spring Equinox approaches, Liverpool’s famous party venue, 24 Kitchen Street, will launch a unique event that aims to redefine the clubbing experience.

“Movers n Soul Shakers,” scheduled for this Sunday, March 24th, invites revelers to an evening of conscious partying, featuring breathwork, meditation, sound therapy, and a sober dance.

“Movers n Soul Shakers is not just a party,” said Geniene Azalea, “it’s a movement towards a healthier, more mindful clubbing experience.”

Recognizing the positive impact of dance on social, emotional, and identity development, the event promotes alcohol-free conscious clubbing as a credible alternative to traditional drinking-focused nightlife.

“Sober raves have been popping up all over Europe in recent years,” adds Geniene.

Renowned DJ Nell Shakespeare, with 15 years of experience entertaining in Ibiza, will take attendees on a musical journey. After the dance, sound therapist Geniene with a decade of meditation teaching, will provide a blissful sound bath experience alongside Jake Jervo.

He expresses a commitment to prioritize mental and physical wellbeing through events that make people feel better. “Movers ‘n’ Soul Shakers is being created as an open space for all to dance and feel part of something together. The combination of rhythmic movements and soothing sound aims to unleash all the feel-good hormones, offering a unique and rejuvenating experience.”

Geniene maintains the event’s purpose is to “connect like-minded individuals who seek the joy of dancing without the drawbacks of a hangover.”

Jake Jervo, a resident drag artist from local LGBTQ Club Night Sonic Yootha and part of the Movers n Soul team, emphasized the importance of connecting mind, body, and spirit through conscious dancing.

“Dance is a form of therapy for me, and I can’t wait to share our sound baths and just have a dance with some new souls.”

 

Van gogh spectacular announces extension to liverpool dates

HUGE DEMAND IN OUR CITY FOR TICKETS TO UK PREMIERE OF THRILLING IMMERSIVE ART ATTRACTION

Beyond Van Gogh

A spectacular immersive multimedia show celebrating Vincent van Gogh’s life and stunning artworks comes to Liverpool in a UK premiere this summer – and producers have revealed they are extending its run due to overwhelming demand from the public.

 

 

Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience is set to be staged at:  Exhibition Centre Liverpool 

Opening on 27 June 2024.

The demand for TIMED tickets has proved so high that a few of the show’s weekend sessions are already sold out. As a result, producers Annerin Productions and Paquin Entertainment Group have now made the decision to extend its initial two-and-a-half week run by a further 10 days. It means the unmissable experience will now be open to visitors daily until Wednesday, 24 July.

Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience combines more than 300 of the post-Impressionist icon’s paintings, with cutting-edge technology and a specially curated musical soundtrack to tell the story of one of history’s most influential artists. His paintings are liberated from their two-dimensional realms and rendered into three-dimensional, fully immersive scenes that swirl and flow with colour and movement – exhilarating in every sense.

Visitors are taken on a journey through the artist’s world from darkness to light, enhanced by his own dreams, thoughts and words set to a stirring symphonic score in this sensational narrative experience which appeals to a whole new generation of art enthusiasts and Van Gogh fans alike.

Beginning in the Introduction Hall, visitors connect with Vincent van Gogh through personal letters that he wrote to his brother, and greatest supporter, Theo. Visitors then move into the heart of the exhibition – the Immersive Room – where Van Gogh’s paintings are freed from their frames to dominate the space and fully immerse the audience in the incredible detail of his work, awakening their imagination in a playful and dreamlike way as they are enveloped in colourful flowers, cafés and stunning landscapes, shifting and swirling across the projection-swathed walls and floor.

Even if you are not very familiar with Van Gogh’s incredible paintings, this is an excellent access point to his world, and a way to connect to the artist behind the art.

There is also a chance to take part in special Saturday morning yoga sessions inside the exhibition itself. Meanwhile VIP Experience tickets include selected Beyond Van Gogh merchandise along with flexible arrival times and fast track entry.

 Annerin Productions chose Liverpool for the premiere after having had previous experience of the city through its hit Broadway and West End Beatles’ musical revue show Let It Be.

Anna Parry, UK Business Development at Annerin Productions, said today: “We’re excited to announce the extension of Beyond Van Gogh in Liverpool. It’s a testament to the overwhelming demand and unwavering support from the city of Liverpool. The wonderful response and demand for tickets reaffirms Liverpool’s passion for art and culture, and we’re thrilled to provide this extended opportunity for residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the transformative world of Van Gogh’s masterpieces.”

 Colm Graham, Head of Partnerships, Hospitality and Exhibition Sales at Exhibition Centre Liverpool, added: “We’re delighted that the public are as enthusiastic about Beyond Van Gogh as we are. The response from our community has been phenomenal, with Ticket Quarter selling thousands of tickets already.  We’re thrilled that the exhibition has been extended by a further ten days, allowing so many more people to experience this exciting and dynamic event, and we’re really looking forward to working with Anna and her team to deliver the UK premiere.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Website – www.beyondvangogh.com ♦ Facebook – Beyond Van Gogh UK ♦ Instagram – @beyondvangoghuk ♦ Official trailer – https://youtu.be/LtJWcr3Czw8   

LISTINGS INFORMATION – BEYOND VAN GOGH

VENUE: Exhibition Centre Liverpool, King’s Dock, Liverpool, L3 4FP

DATE: Thursday, 27 June – Wednesday, 24 July 2024

TIME: 10am-8pm Monday-Friday & Sunday/ 9am-8pm Saturday (special yoga session Saturday mornings)

PRICE: Off-peak (Mon-Thurs): Adult 13+ £26.40/ Senior 65+, NHS, Student £19.80/ Child (4-12) £15.84/ Under three Free/ VIP Experience £39.60

Peak (Fri-Sun): Adult 13+ £29.70/ Senior 65+, NHS, Student £23.76/ Child (4-12) £19.80/ Under three Free/ Yoga £39.60/ VIP Experience £46.20

All prices include booking fees. | Flexible entry add-on available

 Entry is by timed ticket. No change of date or time is permitted unless you have purchased flexible ticket add on. Please arrive 15 minutes before your entrance time.

VIP Experience includes flexibility to arrive two hours before or after your scheduled time, fast track entry and choice of selected merchandise package.

Yoga session begins 1 hour earlier on a Saturday morning and the main purpose of the class is to bring the yoga students into a deeply present experience through the mindful exploration of the art that they are immersed in.  Collaborative studio will be announced soon.

Tickets can be booked via www.ticketquarter.co.uk

Direct booking link – www.exhibitioncentreliverpool.com/whats-on/beyond-van-gogh

 

Region’s businesses show pride in their workplace as trailblazing initiative launched

On Thursday evening 14th March, businesses, collectively representing thousands of regional employees, joined LCR Pride Foundation to get a first preview of the organisation’s new initiative, LCR Proud Workplaces.

The trailblazing Proud Workplaces Programme is aimed at employers in Liverpool City Region that aspire to support their employees and tackle issues that affect LGBT+ colleagues in the workplace through an annual programme of seminars and advice.

Announced earlier this year, the initiative forms part of a new three-year partnership between Liverpool City Region’s LGBT+ charity LCR Pride Foundation and Barclays.

 

Businesses who attended the event, held at Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill Liverpool, were able to learn about what resources are available to help them deliver an inclusive and equitable work culture. The evening also saw the launch of the ‘Partners With Pride’ initiative. This unique scheme, which is unlike traditional models of business clubs and networks, gives businesses of all sizes the opportunity to invest and support the work of LCR Pride Foundation all year-round and in a genuine and meaningful way.

A variety of independent and large businesses attended from different sectors, including retailers, hospitality, healthcare and corporate businesses and Andi Herring, CEO of LCR Pride Foundation, said: “It was fantastic to see so many incredible individuals and businesses coming together, all interested in overcoming the obstacles that LGBT+ colleagues and customers may face and with a real desire to create truly inclusive environments. Actions speak louder than words and the Partners with Pride scheme is an exciting opportunity for businesses to act upon and demonstrate their commitment to making their organisation more inclusive. We look forward to developing relationships with those businesses who attended, as well as any other businesses that would like to get involved.”

Ann O’Donoghue, Group Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from Barclays said: “We are delighted to support LCR Pride Foundation with the launch of the Proud Workplaces Programme. Encouraging a diverse and inclusive workplace makes LGBT+ colleagues and customers feel safer and also allows businesses to grow and evolve.” 

More information on the above and first releases can be found at: proudworkplaces.org

 Photographs by Michael Lelthy

Jardin living and a1 sight secure investment through the lcr angel network

LCR Angel Network has announced investment into two of the region’s most exciting start-up businesses following a pitch event hosted at Sci-Tech Daresbury and supported by the British Business Bank.

Both Jardin Living, a sustainable lifestyle brand founded by Kavita Basi, and AI Sight, an AI system for diabetic retinal screening led by CEO Steven Powell impressed enough to secure a combined £160k investment that will allow both businesses to scale significantly.

With more than 20 years in sourcing and sustainable product development for global sourcing giant Li & Fung, Kavita Basi established Jardin Living, a group of lifestyle brands for the conscious and curious following a life-threatening brain haemorrhage aged just 38 that left her with a survival chance of 50%.

Inspirationally reassessing her lifestyle following her medical event, Kavita has launched a range of activewear made from certified recycled plastic bottle and ocean plastics and a range of vegan trainers and has since achieved B Corp status due to the nature of her sustainable products that are all either recycled, vegan or organic and delivered to its customers in biodegradable packaging.

On Jardin Living’s investment, Kavita Basi said: “The LCR Angel Network has helped us get one step closer to our vision of building purpose-driven brands through their fantastic pitch event connecting us with the right investors.”

AI Sight, a Univeristy of Liverpool spin out led by Dr Steven Powell is a next generation AI system for diabetic retinal screening and boasts a team with significant medical and research experience. They impressed investors with their revolutionary product that delivers precise grading of retinal damage caused by diabetes getting sufferers of the condition to sight saving interventions without delay. The company’s unique design has never been available on the market and provides unrivalled levels of reassurance and safety and is set to support the predicted 643 million people living with diabetes by 2030 who find themselves at heightened risk due to high blood sugar levels damaging their vision.

CEO Dr Steven Powell commented: “We are delighted that the LCR Angels Network event brought our team and investors together. Now we move forward with the combined goal of preventing vision loss in the population with diabetes.”

Katie Nicholson, Director at the LCR Angel Network said: ‘This is great news which highlights that there is continued momentum for businesses receiving investment through our network of angels. This year we are focussing on adapting our offering to enable us to further support an increased number of businesses, across a broader investor base, hopefully leading to an increased amount of capital deployed by angels across the region.  I would like to express my thanks to both John Leake at Sci-Tech Daresbury and Delyth Edwards at the British Business Bank for kindly supporting the event.

Delyth Edwards, Senior Manager for the North West of England, at the British Business Bank commented: It was great to team up with the LCR Angel Network to give promising early stage founders a platform to pitch, with such a positive outcome for Jardin Living and AI Sight. The British Business Bank aims to help reduce regional imbalances in access to early-stage equity finance and by collaborating with angel networks we can provide greater opportunities for smaller businesses to raise their first investment.

For further info please email [email protected]

Tens of thousands of people are expected to join liverpool’s annual march with pride as it returns for a weekend of celebration and protest in 2024.

March With Pride will return as part of Pride in Liverpool on 27th July 2024, organised by Liverpool City Region’s LGBT+ charity, LCR Pride Foundation. 

A record-breaking 20,000 people joined the march last year – up 5,000 compared to 2022. The march was held jointly with KyivPride in solidarity with Ukraine and the theme, ‘Shout It Loud’, encouraged local LGBT+ people to be proud of their identities.

The planned route will start at St. George’s Hall Plateau at 12pm. The procession will then move through the city centre and the Pride Quarter before making its way to the world-famous Waterfront.

LCR Pride Foundation is inviting LGBT+ individuals and allies alongside organisations and community groups to participate in the march. Registration is now open at prideinliverpool.co.uk.

Andi Herring, CEO of LCR Pride Foundation, said: “March With Pride continues to grow each year and this year promises to be no different. We look forward to welcoming thousands of LGBT+ people and allies to the city for what is looking to be our biggest year yet. Not only is it a chance for Liverpool City Region’s LGBT+ people to come together to celebrate one another, but it also gives us the opportunity to protest against the prejudices and inequalities that our communities face. In the last year, LGBT+ people, and particularly trans members of our community, have been attacked and undermined. However, we refuse to be silenced and our voices need to be heard more than ever before. This is our time to stand up and peacefully demonstrate that we are united against all forms of hate, discrimination and oppression.” 

Further announcements about Pride in Liverpool are to follow in coming weeks.

More information can be found at prideinliverpool.co.uk.

 

 

Photographs by Bryan Fowler

March 2024

Liverpool visionary redefines customer experience with ‘ways to wow’

LIVERPOOL BASED People and business development coach, Jamie Wray, is redefining the landscape of customer experience, leadership culture, and personal and professional development in the city and beyond. 

Jamie Wray is the visionary founder and CEO of Ways to WOW, a leading people and business development agency dedicated to empowering organisations through innovative strategies, leadership development, and cultural transformation.

Now the agency is kicking off 2024 by launching coaching programs, events, and motivating workshops, such as WOW Moment Engineering, World Class Leadership Techniques, The Art of WOWing Others and Find Your Ways To WOW, which will help businesses to transform transactional customer service into memorable experiences.

In the years following the pandemic, consumers are more discerning than ever before – especially in the hospitality industry, where loyal customers develop over months but can be lost in an instant.

However, Ways to WOW has developed solutions for delivering sustained excellence over the past 5 years, with an impressive roster of clients including blue chip companies such as Novotel, Melia Hotel Group, Spire Healthcare, Solo Car Sales and many dining experience companies.

These insights are now being made available to companies of all sizes through the agency’s comprehensive offerings, encompassing events and consultations, immersive training sessions, and hands-on workshops, all aimed at enhancing brand presence and elevating customer experience standards.

One standout success story is multi award winning, Liverpool based, Antonio’s Bar & Grill, led by CEO Tony Cummins.

Since partnering with Ways to WOW, Antonio’s Bar & Grill has gained recognition with accolades including LTG Global Awards Winner 2023, Hospitality Business Of The Year 2023, and Gold Ribbon Good Food Awards 2023, among others.

Tony Cummins praises Jamie and his team for bringing clarity to their business, creating a brand identity that strongly differentiates from competitors and most importantly, improving culture, training processes, and leadership. He also notes regular customer feedback recognising their expectations not only being met but being truly exceeded.

Ways to WOW exercises all the principles it advocates on itself. Soon to be rebranded as ‘Ways to WOW Group’, this people and business development agency is poised to elevate its impact in the hospitality arena through the introduction of immersive training spaces, leveraging advanced lighting, sound, and visual elements to enhance educational development, training, and data visualisation.

Jamie Wray commented: “In a world rapidly being re-modelled with AI, remoteness, small screen isolation and virtual experiences, Ways to WOW is firmly anchored in people, culture, experience, and humanity.

“I have delivered customer experience initiatives in the UK and Europe for the last 12 years. Never have I seen such a keen interest in the hunt for memorable experiences. The aftermath of Covid, cost of living crisis and desire to break the isolation of lock-down and small screen dominated loneliness has people striving for that WOW experience – an experience that is woefully hard to come by, but so easy to remedy and deliver!”

Jamie Wray’s famous quote “If you’re not WOWing, you’re not winning” has now become a mantra used by many businesses across Liverpool to improve their team performance and customer experience.

https://www.instagram.com/waystowowuk/    

Npif helping locals to ‘eat fresh’ following significant investment

Locally Owned Ltd has received a significant five-figure investment from NPIF River & GC Microfinance, which River Capital manages in partnership with GC Business Finance (GCBF) as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.

The loan will enable the business to expand its food and beverage operations and help to create up to eight new job opportunities in the Liverpool City Region.

Locally Owned Ltd is a current Subway franchisee and is gearing up to reinvigorate a new location in Fazakerley. The investment from River Capital and Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund will allow the business to secure the franchise for this outlet, bringing back the fresh flavours and further choice of Subway to the local area.

Now aiming to reopen and relaunch the previously shuttered store, Locally Owned Ltd will provide a boost to the local food scene with its commitment and dedication to quality. Under the Subway brand, and with the eight new positions on the horizon, the investment is set to nurture the growth of the business.

Under the leadership of experienced entrepreneur Michael Peasgood, the business is now set to increase its success across Liverpool, building on its existing reputation as a Subway franchisee and with Fazakerley complementing their existing store in Ormskirk, Michael and his team are truly ensuring the people of Liverpool can ‘Eat Fresh’.

Andy Jones, Investment Manager at River Capital, said “We are thrilled to fuel Locally Owned Ltd’s continued growth through this investment and support. This loan isn’t just about reopening a store; it’s empowering a local business to ensure a global favourite is again available in this part of the City Region, while fuelling the local economy with fresh opportunities. We hope to build on this relationship with Michael and be his funding partner as he embarks on his growth journey to add further Subway stores to his portfolio.”

Michael Peasgood, Director of Locally Owned Ltd (pictured top) said “We’re incredibly grateful to both River Capital and the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund as we embark on adding a further store to our Ormskirk location. By increasing our presence, we are not only ensuring further success for ourselves but can provide more options to our communities while creating  new jobs.

Debbie Sorby, Senior Manager, British Business Bank said: “NPIF has always proudly backed local businesses like Locally Owned Ltd, helping to boost business growth one step at a time. Investments like this aren’t just about expanding business operations; it’s about revitalising the local community. Locally Owned Ltd is not only refreshing the community’s food scene but also creating valuable job opportunities. This investment is a testament to our dedication to nurturing local businesses and ensuring that the local economy thrives.”

Npif investment supports eco-friendly jeweller with sustainable growth

Robin Valley Limited, an eco-conscious jewellery business, has received a game-changing £50,000 investment from NPIF – River & GC Microfinance, which River Capital manages in partnership with GC Business Finance (GCBF) as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF). The funding fuels the sustainable brand’s rapid expansion as demand for its nature-inspired designs soars.

Robin Valley is on a mission to revolutionise jewellery with its sleek wood creations, including earrings, keychains, and accessories from natural wood materials and incorporating hand-painted motifs like flowers and animals. Its earth-friendly products have won over prestigious outlets across the UK, including National Trust Scotland, WWF-UK, Merlin Entertainments, museums, galleries, zoos and now boasts 1200 unique designs.

The investment has allowed Robin Valley to power up production to meet increasing demand through the brand’s prominent attendance at key trade shows, increased marketing, and the creation of up to five new jobs.

As a champion for small businesses, River Capital is dedicated to propelling Liverpool entrepreneurs to new heights and the strategic funding from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund empowers innovators like Robin Valley to expand, create jobs and develop economic prosperity.

Sue Chambers, Investment Manager at River Capital, (centre of pic below) said: “We are thrilled to fuel the significant rise of Robin Valley. This trail-blazing company embodies Liverpool’s flourishing spirit of creativity and innovation. Its sustainable ethos certainly sets it apart from other jewellers and our loan will help take Robin Valley to the next level as it cements itself as a beloved and renowned brand.”

Wanchong Chen, Robin Valley’s Managing Director, (on right of pic below) said: “We are ecstatic that River Capital believes in our mission to revolutionise jewellery sustainably. Their game-changing loan arrives at an ideal moment, allowing us to meet demand and spread our message and products to a global market.”

Debbie Sorby, Senior Manager, British Business Bank (on left of pic below) said: “NPIF investment is crucial to support and enable enterprising companies like Robin Valley to scale up their ventures. With ambitious entrepreneurs like Wanchong Chen creating unique products and exciting new jobs opportunities within the local economy, we are one step closer to powering future economic growth across the region as a whole.”

The current NPIF investment phase has now completed with the British Business Bank launching the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II in March 2024.

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.