Simon Hoggart
"The Hamster that loved Puccini"
A selection of wry, hilarious readings from this best selling tireless observer of the eccentricities of Presidents, Prime Ministers and other famous and infamous characters. An enjoyable evening of anecdotes well received by a warm audience.
The Minster College
Tony Kirkham
"Kew, Plant Collecting and Travels"
Tony Kirkham featured in the BBC2 television series “A Year at Kew”. As Head of the Arboretum and Horticultural Services at Kew he is responsible for the management and curation of the 14,000 hardy wood trees in the collection.
Surely one of the warmest and most genuine of performers we have had the privilege to work with. His charm and enthusiasm were highly evident in his informative and entertaining talk, which was enjoyed by a large and appreciative audience.
The Minster College
Siyaya - "Thatha"
Travelling around Africa, treading over borders, crushing language barriers, “Thatha” (Please Take) takes you on a journey that uncovers the joys of life through traditional and contemporary African song and dance.
Unfortunately (despite having lighting and staging all ready to go), due to visa complications in Zimbabwe, Siyaya were unable to make it on this occasion. Perhaps a return visit can be arranged for the future.
The Minster College
Dr Mark Baldwin
"Behind Enemy Lines"
The story of the Special Operations Executive in action in the Second World War.
A detailed talk illustrated with many images and slides demonstrating Dr Baldwin’s clear enthusiasm and knowledge of the subject.
The Minster College
Colin Dexter with Gabriel Woolf
Colin Dexter reads from his own work, juxtaposed with his favourite passages taken from such masters as Hardy, Dickens, Charlotte Bronte and A. E. Housman, read by the actor Gabriel Woolf, his “all time favourite BBC Radio voice”.
A very entertaining evening where Colin’s huge enthusiasm for the English language clearly shone through. With his amusing and rambling tales and in-depth knowledge of literature, he enthralled the audience for nearly 2 hours.
The Minster College
Mike Piggott's "Hot Club Trio" "Grappelli - A Celebration"
Mike Piggott, Nils Solberg, Peter Morgan and Martin Litton provide a programme including the music of Fats Waller, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and Django Reinhardt, presented as an entertaining account of the life of Grappelli.
An inspiring and varied evening of jazz at it’s best, playing to a sell-out audience.
The Minster College