Month: November 2018

Entertainment, News

Corrie star Beverley Callard to star as Narrator in Rocky Horror Show

Beverly Callard - Narrator, Rocky Horror ShowCoronation Street legend, Beverley Callard has been announced as The Narrator in the The Rocky Horror Show when the hit show returns the Opera House in Manchester from 9-26 January.

Beverley, who plays Liz Macdonald in the ITV soap, said: “Wow! I’m really looking forward to joining the Rocky Horror family. I’ve been Time Warping for years as you all know, and I can’t wait to be back on stage at my favourite theatre, the Manchester Opera House. Get ready all you Rocky Horror fans, let’s make this strange journey together.”

The legendary musical extravaganza will also star West End star Stephen Webb as Frank, Strictly Come Dancing Champion Joanne Clifton as Janet, a1’s Ben Adams as Brad and Kristian Lavercombe will be reprising his role as Riff Raff, following more than 1300 performances around the world.

Directed by Christopher Luscombe, the smash hit show features all of the famous musical numbers which have made The Rocky Horror Show such a huge hit for over four decades, including “Sweet Transvestite”, “Science Fiction/Double Feature”, “Dammit Janet” and, of course, the timeless floor-filler, “The Time-Warp”.

The Rocky Horror Show tells the story of Brad and his fiancée Janet, two squeaky clean college kids who meet Dr Frank’n’Furter by chance when their car breaks down outside his house whilst on their way to visit their favourite college professor. It’s an adventure they’ll never forget, with fun, frolics, frocks and frivolity, bursting with timeless songs and outrageous outfits.  The Rocky Horror Show is a guaranteed party, which famously combines science-fiction, horror, comedy and music while encouraging audience participation meaning, of course, getting dressed in the most outrageous fancy dress.

Community News, News

Fireworks will light up the sky in Wythenshawe on November 5th

14509451967_458be9ffe4_mSpecial firework and bonfire events organised by Manchester City Council will be taking place at parks across the city – including Wythenshawe Park on Monday.

Major events will be held at Heaton Park, and Platt Fields as well as Wythenshawe on November 5th.

All events are completely free and run from 5 – 9:30pm.

People planning to attend their local event should be aware that searches will be in place and are advised to leave any bags at home where possible, in order to minimise delays.  Arrive early to avoid disappointment and please stay safe – do not bring any fireworks or alcohol, as these will be confiscated.  Drones are not permitted on site during these events.

Make sure to wear appropriate clothing for the weather – and bring a torch.

Parking on site will be limited, so attendees are encouraged to use public transport.  To plan your journey, please visit TFGM.com.

Executive Member for Schools, Culture and Leisure, Councillor Luthfur Rahman, said: “Our free bonfire events are a major highlight in Manchester’s packed events calendar and are always really popular with local families. Please arrive early, don’t forget your hat, gloves and torch and, most importantly, have a great time at your special local celebration.”

Community News, News

New Wythenshawe Catholic schools boss pledges to boost pupil numbers

Sacha Humphries - CEO Wynthenshawe Catholic Academy TrustThe new boss of the academy trust which runs four Wythenshawe schools has promised to boost pupil numbers and free staff to focus on teaching.

The Wythenshawe Catholic Academy Trust (WCAT), which runs St Paul’s High School and three primary schools – Ss John Fisher & Thomas More, St Elizabeth’s, St Anthony’s, – has appointed  Sacha Humphries, one of the government’s national leaders in education as its new chief executive.

Sacha Humphries has held senior leadership roles in education across the North West and was formerly Head Teacher at Saint Mary’s Catholic, School, Congleton, which was given an ‘outstanding’ status by OFSTED earlier this year.

She began her education career in 2005 when she retrained as a teacher following a career in finance with City firm Schroders.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Wythenshawe Catholic Academy Trust at a very exciting time in its development,” she said.

“Working as a multi-academy trust provides us with many opportunities to work collaboratively in order to raise achievement for all children and young people at our schools.

“The vision for the trust is to become the employer of choice across Manchester, providing its children and young people with an outstanding education, as well as exemplary pastoral care.

“One of my key priorities will be to develop the systems and infrastructure across the trust to enable staff to focus on what they do best – teaching.  We also hope to enjoy a period of growth in pupil numbers, as our doors are open to all children and young people, irrespective of their faith background, who wish to benefit from an excellent, values-driven, Catholic education.”

Sacha Humphries’ appointment is the latest in a series of changes at St Paul’s High School, which is continuing to recover from an OFSTED report in 2016 which said it required improvement.

Since the report, a new head teacher has been appointed at the school and inspectors acknowledged progress had been made, with more to be done, when they visited again last year.

And this year, St Pauls reported some of its best ever GCSE results with a pass rate of more than  60% in both English and Maths.

Governor of WCAT, Nick Johnson commented: “We’re delighted with the appointment of Sacha to CEO.  Her experience in this field is outstanding and she joins the trust at a very pivotal point in our development.  With Sacha’s involvement, I am confident the trust will be capable of great things in the coming year.”