Author Archives: Joseph Ballard
Throwback blog: Russian Grannies
Eurovision semi-final sends through Jedward and the Russian Grannies! It’s a family affair…
Jedward (with ‘Waterline’) were the final act to be confirmed for a place in Saturday’s final when they cartwheeled and bounced their way across the runway to the stage to join their fellow finalists. The Russian Grannies with their pasities were also voted through to the final with ‘Party for Everybody’.
The second semi-final will be held on Thursday night with yet another 18 acts looking to reach the grand final.
Of course the grand finale is on Saturday. If within the reach of Norwich, come along and join us for the Eurovision Party at Cinema City! The Eurovision Party will be raising money for BBC Children In Need and Norwich Pride. For £10, you’ll also get a free drink, a score card and a goodie bag. I say you couldn’t knock all that up for at least £10.50 so save yourself the bother of singing along at home (most likely on your own) and join us for a fab night. Call 0871 9025724 or book online here.
Throwback blog: Viva la Diva!
Viva la Diva!
Engelbert Humperdink – ah those were the days. Apparently he’s still got the hearts of many in Azerbaijan so fingers crossed!
Ohh-ahh just a little bit – I digress. The show attracts 125 million viewers each year (which is, coincidentally, the population number of Japan – I wonder if they watch it?) and it’s been hauling out the glitter balls, the backing dancers and round-topped stools for nearly sixty years.
Most of the winning songs have been sung in English – and the UK has only won it five times in all of its history. We all remember Katrina and the Waves (1997 when we still had the wonderful Princess Diana with us, God rest her beautiful soul) the last time we won it, but it started the careers of many others like Gina G. Gina G now fills the cheesey nightclubs and student nights with abundance but I say she’s a lovely gal and I wouldn’t mind her sharing the stage with me at all.
But – this is one for the EastEnder books – Samantha Janus, now baby-stealing Ronnie aka Samantha Womack in 1991 with A Message To Your Heart. It came tenth which isn’t all bad but we did much better in the sixties where the UK was heralded second for a few years until 1967 with top place of Puppet on a String.
If you’d like to hear more of these very important factoids or want to hear some made-up ones, do come along to Cinema City on 26th May. The Eurovision Party will be raising money for BBC Children In Need and Norwich Pride. For £10, you’ll also get a free drink, a score card and a goodie bag. I say you couldn’t knock all that up for at least £10.50 so save yourself the bother of singing along at home (most likely on your own) and join us for a fab night.
PS
If any of you are wondering why I, glorious songstress internationale is not representing the UK myself, you should come along on the night to find out why too. Viva la Diva.
Remember it’s raising money for some lovely causes whilst giving us all a good night out. Call 0871 9025724 or book online here.
Throwback blog: 2012
Performing on home turf
As my fans know, I do like the odd night out now and again (or at least once a day). Yes, the new series of Casualty has bucked its ideas up and has kept me transfixed via iPlayer, but live entertainment – live quality entertainment – is a definite must, particularly if it’s upon one’s doorstep (and my doorstep is very big).
Last night I had the pleasure of being compere for No Strings – this time themed as a fabulous cabaret and burlesque swinging 40s soirée – in my hometown of Norwich. I do love performing to a home-grown audience, who all placed very warm hands upon my many different entrances as I was sandwiched in between an amazing line up.
Of course I was on my very best (and most loudest) behaviour amongst song, mayhem and good British humour- including a singalong to keep us all calm enough to carry on with an evening of hilarity, mysticalment and true amusement.
Norwich Puppet Theatre is an adorable venue – quirky and intimate, with features of the old church and the Octagon studio housing a temporary bar – this time a bunting-adorned street party to entice everyone into the nostalgic mood.
The gorgeous Miss Betsy Rose – took time from her International appearances to visit us in Norwich. Her second act, The Devil Was A Woman was simply divine, neither I nor the audience could take our eyes off of her, with slick moves and timing embraced a full-on nostalgic film noir mesmerisation.
Matt Hennem showed us what he’s good at – with his hands – bringing some good old-fashioned variety with his two novelty acts. I’d not seen anything like it before and the audience jeered him on, simply delighted at his show of skill and wit.
A gorgeous voice, ukulele playing and movement came from Elsie Diamond with a fitting tribute to Vera Lynn and also revealed a bit more as the troops (our loving audience) lapped up every second of her.
The aptly titled Alex the Mindreader took us onto a journey into the mystical – how on earth did he predict those findings? Audience members took their place on stage as he guided them, with his quick-fire banter into a bit of the knowhow of mindreading.
And of course – oh my goodness- the limbsical Pixie Le Knott. Being one of the globe’s top contortionists, we were shown angles and backbends that others just simply cannot achieve. She has also appearing in a horror film, released this month at the cinemas called ‘The Devil Inside’.
The truly scumptious Hot Boppin’ Girls tantalised us with a themed-set with their usual whirlwind of comedy and burlesque – this time with a reveal I’ve never seen before! Resident DJ Jazzlord spun his bits into midnight as the fabulously dressed audience members enjoyed a boogie after the show.
The next No Strings Boogaloo takes place at Norwich Arts Centre on 28th April – sure to be another night featuring a top line-up and a truly appreciative audience who sincerely lap up all the treats Hocus Pocus Theatre continues to deliver.
TITANIA TRUST 