‘We’re so thrilled to be directing this unique piece of theatrical history’
Hemsted Park, Benenden School’s impressive new arts venue, opened at the end of last year with a successful season that included the likes of the BBC Big Band, jazz legends Ronnie Scott’s All Stars and TV quizzer-turned-comedian Paul Sinha all performing there. The new season starts this Saturday (September 30) so Eileen Leahy looks at […]
A noteworthy programme for classical music fans
This coming Friday (September 8), a special baroque recital at King Charles the Martyr Church will set the scene for this year’s Royal Tunbridge Wells International Music Festival, launching in October. Here the event’s Chair, Rupert Preston Bell, tells Eileen Leahy more about the event and what else to expect from the renowned festival when […]
Ringing the culinary changes
The Eight Bells in Hawkhurst has so much to offer customers, including a delicious seasonal menu, a great beer garden and local craft ales. Eileen Leahy savours a taste of this popular historic hostelry… If you can’t go on holiday this summer, why not get away from it all courtesy of a trip to […]
In a spin: why this DJ believes music can bring people together and also inspire them
As part of its 18th anniversary celebrations, the Local & Live festival, which takes place over the August bank holiday weekend at Calverley Grounds and various satellite sites, is featuring its first DJ set, courtesy of Marcel Mendez. Eileen Leahy spoke to the local DJ, who works on a global stage… So Marcel, when […]
‘It’s been the toughest of all our 40 years, but we won’t be broken – the show must go on’
Last month the Two Sisters Theatre, which is the main hub of the Hever Festival, had to close due to being badly damaged in a storm. Eileen Leahy spoke to the event’s Director Ailsa Molyneux about how she and her team managed to keep the popular arts festival afloat in this, its 40th year, and […]
Holiday hideaways: Five European islands you’ve probably never heard of
Dodge the crowds on the most popular continental archipelagos by opting for these lesser-known island destinations, says Sarah Marshall Nothing sums up the joy of holiday disconnection better than a break spent idling on a secret hideaway island. While we’re all familiar with the stars of the Balearics, Canaries and Ionian archipelagos, there are […]
‘I love the idea of inspiring the younger generation through expressive art’
Lauren Bouche, a local sensory artist who loves to paint in a number of abstract ways, including with her hands and sometimes feet, has been the Artist in Residence at Langton Green Primary School during the summer term of 2023. Following her end-of-term exhibition last Thursday (July 20), Lauren spoke to Eileen Leahy about her […]
Say ‘I do’ with a view at Salomons Estate
SALOMONS Estate, a popular wedding venue in Tunbridge Wells, is responding to the increasing demand for outdoor ceremonies by expanding its array of options for brides and grooms-to-be. Nestled amongst the rolling countryside in Southborough, the Grade II listed Victorian manor house now offers the opportunity for couples to exchange their vows on the picturesque […]
I say old chap, this play is a load of nonsense – and it’s absolutely perfect!
Trinity Theatre Club kicks off its run of a play based on the P. G. Wodehouse classic ‘The Code of the Woosters’ tonight (July 19). Helen Thorpe, the director of ‘Perfect Nonsense’ tells Eileen Leahy why audiences will be in for an evening of unbeatable raucous laughs thanks to this wonderful comic farce… Trinity […]
‘We love playing Tunbridge Wells – it’s always a really fun night’
As part of the TW Fringe Festival, Scummy Mummies take to the stage at the Assembly Hall theatre this Friday (July 14). It’s been almost ten years since the comedy duo began hilariously documenting the trials and errors of less-than-perfect parenting, so Eileen Leahy discovers what Helen Thorn and Ellie Gibson have in store for […]
