The busiest time of the year is here and I have found myself asking the question to my friends “Are you surviving or thriving?” This month always feels a bit tricky as on one hand there always seems to be something to rush along to but then something to enjoy like social events and getting together with friends and loved ones.
For me, a few things get me in the Christmas mood, one being the panto and the other allowing myself to decorate the house and have that first glass of sherry!
Have a look at my highlights and see what you might look forward to.
Now until the 31st December – Dick Whittington Panto – Kings Theatre
The panto is back for another year and this year marks 10 years since Jack Edwards started in the panto there. Because of this, the panto seems more special than ever. When I watched this on the 3rd of December, I thought it was my favourite panto I have seen since arriving in Portsmouth. I can’t exactly put my finger on why. Maybe it is the polished set design, the 3d elements, or the quality of the singing and acting. I am not sure but I do know that I absolutely loved the performance and think it is the funniest and most heartwarming thing to watch this month!
Starring Eastenders actor Lorraine Stanley as the evil Queen Rat, she plays such a cool baddie. Britain’s Got Talent Winner George Sampson stars as Dick Whittington and plays such a winning role. He performs a cool section in the middle of the panto that makes you understand why he won Britain’s Got Talent. Jack Edwards is the ultimate Dame Dolly and brings so much energy to the stage and the crowd. His singing is just amazing, that for a minute you think you are watching a different show and then realise that Jack has an incredibly large wig on his head and is wearing make-up!
Julia Worsley plays the goodie Fairy Bowbells. Having starred in the panto here for 5 years means Julia knows how to work the crowd and wows the audience with her singing.
This well-loved Pompey Panto has the best costumes, some seriously good songs and all the warmth you need to make you feel festive. Join in the story with Dick and his Cat as they journey to London and meet some cool characters on the way.
Toilet rolls will be thrown, baddies will be booed and Dame Dolly will still be hunting for the perfect man with her new and improved Man Cam 3000 (This was one of the funniest moments of the evening for me). Join in the fun and book your tickets today!
Empty Bowls Auction at Fatclay Pottery
Maybe you took part in the ‘Empty Bowls’ event that happened on the 6th of December at St Simon’s church. It has taken place here for the last 8 years. Over 100 people attended and was an absolute sell-out!
If like me, you missed out, then don’t worry as you have a chance to join in the auction for one of the brilliantly designed bowls by a number of artists involved. These hand-decorated bowls were made and fired at Fat Clay Pottery studio and all the proceeds go to charitable projects at St Simon’s that support the homeless and asylum seekers.
Artists involved include; Karl Rudziak, Jacqui Mair, Rich Miller, Kevin Dean, Colin Merrin, Ella Kilgour, Katie Munro and George Spencer Jackson. Roo Abrook, Mook Loves You, Midge and Samo. Plus Andrew Foster.
To bid on one of these unique bowls and see what they look like, go to Empty Bowls | Fatclay Pottery where you click on each bowl to place a bid. Bids close 6pm Friday 13 December 2024
Carols on the Camber 18th of December – Abarbistro
This popular event is back for another year. Carols on the Camber returns with a Christmas singalong outside Abarbistro (The A Bar) on Wednesday 18 December.
The music starts at 6pm, and to get you in the festive mood, the Abarbistro team will be selling a selection of delicious treats – including mulled wine, hot dogs, beer, wine, candy floss and more – from 5pm.
Song sheets will be provided, all you need to do is be sure you wrap up warm. One of my Winter highlights as people all gather and sing their hearts out.
Love Diggin – 15th of December – Staggeringly Good Brewery
Coco Phono presents the winter edition of ‘Love Diggin’ a celebration of vinyl collecting culture offering up the perfect festive gift solution for the music-obsessive robot in your life!
Not your average record-fair feat. Specialist record dealers selling pre loved & new records. merch, books, vintage clothes, vinyl-only DJs, retro arcade machines, craft beer, street food. Mini Diggers activities & canine friendly. Plus Bear Bones will be rocking up some tasty food all day from 12pm. on from 11am – 4pm FREE ENTRY
