Jesus Christ Superstar
TIM Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s extraordinary rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar opened at The Watermill on Tuesday. This timeless work is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally known series of events but seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire. Spilling out of the theatre into the gardens, be immersed into the heart of this epic rock score, with an incredible cast of actor-musicians seamlessly fusing these classic roles with iconic music including Superstar, Gethsemane and I Don’t Know How to Love Him.Visit The Watermill website for ticket availability: www.watermill.org.uk/ events/superstar
Top brass in Wantage
On Saturday, June 28, Wantage Silver Band (WSB) will team up with former BBC Radio 2 Young Musician of the Year Sheona White, to perform an evening of some of the best brass band repertoire at The Beacon, Wantage. It will be a night to remember, with something to appeal to all members of the family. Described as The Voice of the Tenor Horn, Sheona is a highly acclaimed musician who has served as principal tenor horn with some of the world’s most prestigious brass bands.Wantage Silver Band are also hosting a workshop with Sheona in their very own bandhall complex on Tugwell Field. This is an incredible opportunity to explore a variety of different topics around playing and performing, ask those burning questions, and to make music as part of an ensemble led by the tenor horn guru herself. Workshop The Sykes Hall – Wantage Silver Band, Reading Road, Wantage, OX12 8FR Saturday, June 28, 1pm-3pm, £5. Concert at The Beacon – Portway, Wantage, OX12 9BX Saturday, June 28, 7pm, £12.50/£7.50/£5. All tickets can be booked at www.wantageband.org/events
Band on the Rec
TOMORROW (Friday, June 27), Beenham Wind Orchestra present Band on the Rec (free) at Beenham Village Recreation Ground at 7.30pm, celebrating 25 years since Beenham Wind Orchestra, or Beenham Band as was, was formed for the millennium. “We are back again for our annual fun family musical evening on Beenham Recreation Ground. Bring your family, friends and rugs/chairs. Enjoy a barbecue by the Six Bells and Ice creams by Dave’s Ices,” says band member Alyse Ashton. Beenham Wind Orchestra is one of the leading community wind orchestras in the region, known for its dynamic performances and diverse repertoire. Founded in 1999, the orchestra is now celebrating its 25th year of bringing outstanding wind music to audiences. Under the direction of Victoria Benjamin, the orchestra continues to grow in stature, delighting audiences with each performance.
Northern Soul Love Affair
GET yourself back to the era of Northern Soul with Northern Live – Do I Love You! at New Theatre Oxford on Saturday (7.30pm) Resurrecting the heart and soul of the underground movement which defined a generation in Northern England (and later the whole of the UK), the show features an 11-piece band and four vocalists to transport you to the heyday of soul. Beginning on the dancefloors of Manchester, Blackpool, Wigan and other Northern towns, Northern Soul was born out of the North’s love affair with lesser known American soul music. The movement inspired a generation of fashion, dance and new music, with British artists such as Soft Cell, Moloko, Fatboy Slim and many others nodding to the genre. With over 30 iconic tracks that defined a generation, relive the magic of hits like Frank Wilson’s Do I Love You (Indeed I Do), and Gloria Jones’ Tainted Love, Dobie Gray’s Out On The Floor, R. Dean Taylor’s There’s A Ghost In My House, alongside many more classics from the golden era. https://www.oxford-theatre.com/shows/new-theatre-oxford/northern-live
Graeme Hewitt’s High Society Jazz Band lunchtime session
GRAEME Hewitt’s High Society Jazz Band lunchtime session on Tuesday at Theale Village Hall will feature Ben Cummings, who brings his trumpet to play alongside the boys (most are well in their 70s and Graeme’s coming up to his 86th year – but they are boys at heart, still able to play this swinging music). Ben was with Kenny Ball for three years. Hello Dolly, So Do I, Midnight in Moscow, Samantha and so many more tunes from Kenny’s repertoire will be included. The band play once every month on Tuesdays from noon so no late nights or driving in the dark, hence the hall always has a good audience. Take your own nibbles and drinks. 12pm-2pm.
