Nottingham Playhouse is celebrating its 50th year, at its current location.  We were incredible lucky as both myself, the rest of The Ana Mum Diary team, and lots of other local bloggers were given a back stage tour. Regular readers of my blog will know that I have two daughter aged 10 and 4.  Sometimes because of this age gap, its hard to satisfy both of their needs, last night turned out just perfect.  Miss A (4) woke up and the first thing she said to me was she wanted to see Grandpa In my Pocket again tonight.  Miss N (10) on the other hand has declared she now knows for definite she wants to be an actor when she grows up.  Both of the girls went to sleep VERY happy last night!

We started off at the Sky Mirror, iconic and very well-loved landmark. I love  this photograph, the mirror looks as if it is melting into the sky.

Next up, we got to visit the whole back stage, and meet lots of the key back stage people.  It was absolutely fascinating!

So we all headed through the stage door, feeling very Thespian like and went through the huge network of corridors and rooms that are  the engine house at the hear of the Nottingham Playhouse.

First up was scenery :

Nottingham Playhouse is unusual as it builds and designs lots of the sets and props ‘in house’ rather that just having lots of visiting productions, who bring everything with them.  We were able to preview exclusively, the backdrop to the pantomime that was currently being worked on.  They work on an image that is 25 time bigger than its original, by using a grid and a projector. I loved the excitement and enthusiasm as we were told of the huge amounts of glitter that will be involved in a production such as this. I think you can see the backdrop is a gorgeous colour, they were just starting to paint the wording on, before they hand apply all of that glitter, to give it a truly bejewelled panto feel.

Next up was the props department, it really was a veritable treasure trove from upcoming productions and old favourites. Because they make and buy all of the props themselves, they can therefore reuse props in other productions.  It was great to hear that one the prop departments proudest productions was actually Grandpa In My Pocket, that we were just about to see.

Then we were off to the have a sneak peek at the costumes.  Now the costume department were working on some top-secret costumes for several productions, including the next Nottingham Playhouse Pantomime, so I didn’t take any photographs. However Tall Dad (aka my hubby) had the opportunity to wear a hat that panto guru, and resident Dame, Kenneth Alan Taylor will be wearing in his 30th pantomime at Nottingham Playhouse.  What do you think?

I think it’s definitely a look you can carry off Tall Dad!

We then made a swift exit to the stage door, so that we could rejoin the rest of the audience to enjoy the show.

The new Grandpa In My Pocket, is being revisited, after it was such a success last summer.  Once the cast have completed the run from Thursday 23 May – Friday 31 May 2013 at the Nottingham Playhouse, it then tours the UK.  HERE is a listing of where it travels too.

If you would like more information about booking it in Nottingham, then please visit THIS LINK.

Grandpa in my Pocket comes to the stage with a whole story, in this new theatre experience for 2013. The show has was hugely popular on Cbeebies.

Running Time: 2 hours (including an interval)
Age guidance: 4-11 years

The Cast:

Jemima/Miss Smiley Ebony Feare
Mum/Great Aunt Loretta Lizzie Franks
Jason Mason Javan Hughes
Grandpa/Mr Whoops Robin Simpson
Horatio Dale Superville
Dad/Mr Mentor/Mr Liker Biker Sam Worboys

Here is what Miss A (4) said were her favourite moments

“I loved the beautiful dancing of Jemima, and the very funny Bonglebirds. I liked all of the different characters.  My favourite was Mr Liker Biker, he was funny and when he was in his boat going to rescue them I laughed lots.”

“I loved it when Grandpa, took his hat off and he was small, medium and then big, Grandpa was brilliant”

Miss N (10) said :

“I think it was enjoyable for all ages. I especially loved how with the use of material, they made it seem that Grandpa when on a journey on the sea”

“My favourite character was Jason Mason, he made me really laugh and he is a great actor. It was great to be able to meet him afterwards”

Once the show was over, we waited patiently until the rest of the audience had left, before we invited up on stage to see what happens during a show.  I was actually surprised how organised it was.  Of course some of the props, are needed swiftly but I didn’t realise each of the props carefully labelled.

It was truly a fantastic experience to see what goes into a production.  I think I have only scratched the surface in this post of the things we were told about life at the Nottingham Playhouse.  It really felt like a privilege to be shown around, and really helped to demystify it.

I lost count how many times both I and the other blogger said to one another “how cool is this!”

Here is a photograph of Miss N with Robin Simpson, who looks far too young too play, in real life to play Grandpa.

Thank you to the playhouse for making us feel so welcome.  We can’t wait to go back!

Disclaimer : I was not paid to write this post, but was given a goody bag for attending the event.

A very welcome bit of fun and smiles, on what has been a tough couple of weeks.

Its just beautiful isnt it?

The new Filofax Springboard organisers are available in pocket and personal size from May 2013 and are priced £30 – £35.

Filofax, are a fantastic brand, one that I know, love and trust.  When I was asked to review a Filofax on the blog that not only looks amazing but was created to  raise money for children who are struggling with literacy in the UK, I couldn’t say no.

The colours are bold, and contrasting, in a raspberry and vivid green, and it has two useful pockets on the front and back cover, as well as a black ruler page marker.  The organiser comes with extra pages too, which are full of inspiring ideas which make reading, writing, spelling and language development fun and rewarding – a great touch!

£1.50 from the sale of every Springboard organiser will go to the charity Springboard for Children which aims to raise aspiration and attainment of children (in Britain) who are, for whatever reason, left behind in the education system.  It will help these children reach their full potential. Its is proven that this kind of one to one tuition offered can change a child’s life.  What an amazing organisation, and something very close to my heart.

“We are delighted to have teamed up with Springboard for Children”, says Sharon Golbey, Head of Marketing Services at Filofax.  “It’s a natural association for us to support a charity that encourages and helps children to read and write.   Springboard is a relatively small charity and we hope our support will help raise awareness of their work and make a real difference to the children they help”.

I hope this campaign is extremely successful, and I will be supporting it in any way I can.

Thank you for reading

Disclaimer : I was not paid to write this post, but was given a goody bag for attending the event.

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The beauty department at John Lewis In Nottingham has had a radical Makeover, not only has it introduced new brands but it looks and feels so different. I am incredibly impressed, the whole thing has been done so quickly and without disruption to the shoppers.

Amanda Dammers, managing director of John Lewis Nottingham said:

“This investment will enable us to offer our customers an enticing range of new brands in store and demonstrates our commitment to the local community, having traded here for more than 40 years.

“The refurbishment will also contribute to the vitality of Nottingham city centre to ensure it retains its rightful role as the regional shopping destination of choice.”

Penny, Becky and I were invited to the opening, and were given a guided tour of the department.  As ever the staff are passionate and always know their stuff. We were greeted by the lovely Louise (who is the head of Marketing and PR for the store) and the gorgeous Lucy (who you will remember me blogging about before…she is my personal stylist now, don’t you know) later with a glass of champagne.  It was a real treat, to listen to Jen from ‘A Little Bird Told Me‘ talk about what her top 5 beauty must haves are, as well a watch a live Bobby Brown Makeover.

There are a few new brands that have been introduced, Aerin being one of them. Really beautiful make-up and skin care range from the granddaughter of Estee Lauder, luxurious but young and fresh, I would describe it as.  This is a brand I must try out soon!

Also new to the team is Bare Minerals, also a make-up and skincare range.

As the mineral experts, we believe makeup and skincare should not only make you look good, but they should also be good for your skin. That’s why we started the mineral makeup revolution with our award-winning Original SPF 15 Foundation, and it’s the reason minerals remain an essential part of every innovation that we develop for your skin. Experience the transformative power of bareMinerals.

I know this is a very popular range, and the counter was always busy on the night.

Origins and Benefit have also got gorgeous new beauty areas, both firm favourite with me.  Each of the Spa areas has also had a makeover, with a complete refit to the Elemis spa room. It smelt devine, I cant wait to pop back for a facial some time!

Penny and I before we left, decided to take Bobby Brown up on the offer of a 5 minute Instant Make-up refresh.

I am a real liquid liner girl, I have tried everything else but it just doesn’t compare. My Bobbie Brown beauty advisor recommended that I try the gel eyeliner, AND most importantly the correct brush for the job. Well what a revelation, she tweaked also where I applied it, and also recommended that I try a cream blush rather than a powder, adding a little lip glass, and in under 5 minutes I had been Bobby Brown’ed.

Well let me tell you I loved the new look!

The transformation of the beauty department at John Lewis Nottingham, is so impressive, if gives the shopper more access to each of the brands, in the way they have arranges all of the counters, making it feel more accessible to feel and touch products.  Well done John Lewis, another triumph!

Thank you for reading

Disclaimer : I was not paid to write this post, but was given a goody bag for attending the event.

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We were sent 2 packs of Aqua Ears by Cirrus Health Care, and some Ear Planes ear plugs to test out on the blog.  We are going to save the Ear Planes, for the next time we are on a plane.  But we have been trying the new Aqua Ears – due to be launched in Boots in June, for the last couple of weeks.

Miss N (10) especially, has always had problems with her ears being in water, so much so we had to cancel her swimming lessons. She gets something called swimmers ear, and her ears have a problem draining the water away, and the ear infections that she gets can be very painful.  We even have to be careful when she has a bath or shower.  So this is why I really wanted to test the Aqua Ears as we really want to use the swimming pool as well whilst we are on holiday in the summer.

Well they have been fantastic, very easy to insert, and they didn’t hurt or fall out, so the ear area remained dry.  You can also use them to reduce noise, so great if you are off to a festival this summer!  Here is a little about the technology…

Aqua Ears use the same technology as BioEars™, which is one of the best selling products from the world’s leading innovators in ear care, Cirrus Healthcare. BioEars™ are the only earplugs which use ACTIValoe™ a powerful anti-microbial agent, which keeps the earplugs free from the bacteria that can lead to degradation in ordinary earplugs, thus ensuring that the ear canal remains fully protected.The earplugs are easily moulded to the shape of your ear providing a comfortable airtight seal, resulting in your ears being protected from water penetration and harsh noise.

 

They come in lots of designs, so you will definitely be able to please all ages. They are priced at £4.99 for three pairs and come in a waterproof carry case.  Make sure you check out the range in larger boots stores from June.

Thank you for reading

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Myself, Penny and Jen were invited to the Hillarys Blinds HQ last Friday. We had a tour of the factory, and met the product designer Matt Lucas.  Here is a snapshot from showroom.

Elementary My Dear Watson!

My husband (Tall Dad)  has been away for a week, so last night we have had a bit of Sherlock themed night in, together to catch up, thanks to some Sherlock Holmes goodies that had been sent to us. We are big fans of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle classic, even watching the new American series called Elementary.  There is something quintessentially British about each of the adaptations, even when they have been set in America. We also love challenging one another to solve the mystery first.

So we decided to have some Moriarty’s (our newly named cocktail) kick back, and watch some of the DVD’s we had been sent and play a Sherlock Holmes game, while Tall Dad, attempted to get over his jet lag.

First up was the Guy Richie film -Sherlock Holmes. I have always had a bit a thing for Robert Downey Jr (who plays Sherlock) I think its the rebellious streak that he has in real life that he seems to always put into parts so well when he is acting. I first noticed him in Ally McBeal, and that maverick streak he has brought brilliantly to the screen in the Sherlock Homes films.

Saying all this, I think I prefer the UK series named Sherlock, where the story has been brought bang up to date, as it is set in 21st century London. Its humorous, very fast paced and the stories each week are very cleverly interwoven. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman star in this version, which brings together perfectly Sherlock’s fascination in solving weird and wonderful cases.

Next up, we had been sent Cluedo, which has been adapted to include all of the elements of the UK Sherlock series. It’s such a long time since I’ve played Cluedo, I had forgotten what great fun it is. It also brings out the inner competitive streak I have, so of course I won! No, I honestly didn’t cheat, whilst a jet lagged Tall Dad, wasn’t looking.

So all in all we had a great night, I can confirm that an evening with Sherlock is very enjoyable, and even though I spent it without Robert Downey Jr himself.

Disclaimer: Thank you to Gala Bingo for sending me these items in celebration of the new Sheerluck Holmes Game. 

On Wednesday I went to the opening of the new John Lewis beauty department in Nottingham, it is absolutely beautiful.  I will be writing about it in more detail, but I thought I would give you this snapshot to tease you with.

Bobby Brown, the new counter.

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