I’ve been lucky enough to go to one of my favourite places in Newbury twice in the last few weeks – the Corn Exchange. In September it was to a performance of ‘Romeo and Juliet’; I do enjoy a bit of Shakespeare now and then, and this particular performance remained loyal to the Bard’s script but added extra spice with contemporary dance.
My most recent trip to the Corn Exchange was to the finals of Star Search Newbury – and if you were to ask the question ‘Has Newbury got talent?’ the answer has to be a resounding ‘YES!’
There was 10-year-old aerialist Leah who performed with great skill on a suspended hoop (no safety net either!); talented 9-year-old violinist Samuel (favourite composer: Beethoven) who surely had the whole audience rooting for him; and a fantastic all-girl dance crew, Unleashed, whose energy and perfect timing saw them win second prize. All the other finalists were singers and bands – many of whom had written their own material – and I certainly did not envy the judges their role. I’m a bit of a rock chick (sadly aging!) at heart, and the fast and furious Imprisoned were particular favourites of mine. Winners of the third prize were Basecamp – a really together four-piece band, and their female lead singer has an amazingly strong voice for one so young.
The solo singers were impressive and the choice of song from two of them (Izzy with The Beatles ‘Let It Be’ and Poppy with Bob Dylan’s ‘Knocking On Heaven’s Door’) were a surprise; old songs but absolute classics that everyone loves, and beautifully performed. Then there was Courtnie with her velvety smooth voice ... she is sure to go far. But hats off to the worthy winner who walked off with the first prize: singer/songwriter Jenny Bracey. At 18 she was slightly more mature than the other contestants, and that experience and confidence shone through in her terrific guitar playing and amazing voice.
Congratulations also to The Breeze radio station who, supported by Newbury Building Society, Newbury BID, Newbury College and the Corn Exchange, brought the event to town and put on such great family entertainment. I wonder if Jenny will spend her prize money donated by sponsors Newbury Building Society on more fabulous shoes? (You had to see them to believe them!) And if you haven’t seen Jenny yet, look out for this rising star performing when Newbury’s Christmas lights get switched on in November.
There is such a lot up and coming at the Corn Exchange – truly a venue with something to suit everyone. October may be drawing to a close far too quickly for my liking, but there is still lots worth seeing so check out their website to find out what’s on. Looking ahead, in November there is much diverse entertainment to be had: ‘The Trench’ comes to Newbury on 6 November – Les Enfants Terribles and their award-winning Edinburgh Fringe show brings music, puppetry and physical performance together to tell the tale of a miner entombed in a tunnel during the First World War; famous chef Albert Roux comes to town on 17 November – and there is the option to enjoy pre or post show cheese and wine (yum yum!). Or how about starting to get in the Christmas spirit with an evening of Carols with the Central Southern Area Fellowship Band on 22 November?
There are dozens of other things too – comedians, fun for children, creative events – so there is no excuse; pop in to pick up a programme or go to www.cornexchangenew.com, get booking and support your local theatre and arts centre!
Biddy x
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