Tuesday 3rd February 2026 London Palladium, 8 Argyll Street, London W1F

The smash hit tour from Trevor Payne celebrates the monumental 40th anniversary tour with a very special Gala performance at the London Palladium this February. Joining them as a special guest is Britain’s Got Talent sensation Tom Ball. Filled with hits that will throw you back to the 50s and 80s, the show is also packed with sketches, adverts and more, making it an unforgettable night for all. 

If you see one show this year, see this one‘ – DailyMail. ‘Three hours of music and mayhem‘ –The Express. ‘The best rock‘n’roll show on the road ‘- Time Out.

Yes, Britain’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent All Stars sensation Tom Ball is to be … wait for it … a special guest when it returns to the London Palladium. on 3rd February 2026. A decade after this beloved tour last packed out the iconic London venue, this return commemorates the 40th anniversary of That’ll Be The Day, dazzling audiences across the UK. Led by the show’s much-loved creator and performer, Trevor Payne, (below) and its multi-talented cast of musicians and singers.

Tom Ball brings his world class vocals to this very special performance. Since his rise to stardom Tom Ball has become an internationally acclaimed recording artist, achieving eleven No.1 global chart rankings, amassing over 140 million views online and releasing a Top 5 UK Official Charts album, CurtainCall. Ball’s special guest appearance, for That’ll Be The Day’s performance at the Palladium, will see his outstanding talents meet the wonderful ensemble and amaze the audience.

That’ll Be The Day has raised over £1 million for Childline, Make a Wish, Help for Heroes, Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and numerous appeals, including the Red Cross Ukraine Appeal, through Post-Show bucket collections.

Don’t miss: That’ll Be The Day Tuesday 3rd February 2026

Box OfficeTickets are available from https://thatllbetheday.com/spring-tour-2026/ and https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/thatll-be-the-day-tlp

Tickets from £31 to £75 Running time 3 hours including an interval

Facebook That’llBeTheDay

Uk Instagram @tbtdshow

Whether it’s New Year’s Resolution, Veganuary or Dry January, it seems that if Christmas is about feasting, then January is all about self-denial. If you have resolved to give something up from January 1^st, and have already broken your resolve, worry not, because New Year’s Resolutions are a man-made construct, and there is no reason why you can’t start over, rather than giving up altogether. To quote Confucious, ‘A journey of a thousand miles, begins with a single step.’

Fortunately, for those of us that have decided to reduce our alcohol intake, help is at hand from Moderato, whose Cuvee Revolutionnaire range offers French-crafted alcohol free wines designed for real drinking occasions – from sparkling Blanc de Noir for celebrations, to rich Merlot-Tannat for cosy winter nights. At less that 0.5% abv these are classified as alcohol free wines.

Moderato is a French brand of high-quality, alcohol-free wines, offering red, white and sparkling options, using a gentle dealcoholisation method to preserve the original grape’s profile. Moderato was founded by wine professionals, and the result is a low sugar, low calorie drink that doesn’t sacrifice the rich flavours. It’s about discovery, not deprivation. Moderato combines the character and craftsmanship of Bordeaux and South-West France with modern and mindful drinking values. From toasting at any celebration with fine bubbles, to pairing the perfect red or white with a delicious meal, Moderato offers a stylish alternative to alcohol for any occasion.

Moderato Cuvee Revolutionnaire Merlot-Tannat (<0.5%)   According to the tasting notes this red holds the classic velvety smoothness of a Merlot, with the structure of a Tannat – a rich and delicious red made for hearty roasts, warming winter dishes and evenings by the fire. Personally, I found this a little Iight, but that may say more about my preference for more chewy tannic wines, and if I wished to drink an alcohol free red wine this would be a very acceptable substitute. Available from Vino Zero, Majestic, Wise Bartender and Club Soda. RRP £13.99  However, it is the whites that absolutely steal the show here, and Moderato Cuvee Revolutionnaire Blanc de Noir Sparkling (less than 0.5%)

Moderato Cuvee Revolutionnaire Blanc de Noir Sparkling (<0.5%) totally steals the crown, This more than delivered, and if I was served this without explanation, I would not for a minute think that this was an alcohol-free wine. I could imagine this being a welcome addition to any picnic or barbeque. An exceptional sparkling created from Merlot grapes and bursting with fruit notes enhanced by fine bubbles – the perfect alcohol-free choice for those looking to reduce alcohol intake, whilst still enjoying a celebratory moment. Available from Vino Zero, Wise Bartender and Club Soda. RRP £14.50  

Moderato Cuvee Revolutionnaire Colombard (<0.5%) was another firm favourite, a fresh and vibrant white, bringing crisp citrus and floral notes – providing a refreshing option ideal for lighter meals – an ideal pairing to smoked salmon, vegetables or lighter dishes. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this wine has an impressive bouquet, and again I would never have guessed that this was a alcohol free wine. Available from Vino Zero, Majestic, Wise Bartender and Club Soda. RRP £13.99  

Moderato Cuvee Revolutionnaire Chardonnay   Other than the sparkling wine, this was probably my favourite, rich and complex aromas and subtle notes of fresh white fruits and woody notes, this Chardonnay is paired perfect with creamy dishes or enjoyed over a charcuterie board amongst friends. Available from Vino Zero, Wise Bartender and Club Soda RRP: £14.50    I love the idea that you could take any of these to a dinner party, or social gathering, and not feel like the odd one out, and if you are the designated driver, there is no need to give up on the fun. Until now the choice has been fruit juice, some other sweet drink, or sticking to water. Moderato seem to have changed the rules, to which I can only say, ‘Cheers.’

More information on Moderato wines here: https://le-moderato.com/en

With Valentine’s day rapidly approaching, would all my secret admirers please note that I’m rather fed up with chocolates, having consumed far too many over the Christmas period. However I’ve discovered a most delicious, and healthier alternative, beautifully presented in a stunning heart-shaped jar.

Yes, it’s Tracklements once more who have come to the rescue of our tastebuds and waistlines. This Wiltshire-based family company creates quality food by hand in small batches, using proper, honest ingredients, mainly sourced from English farms and small businesses.

Tracklements have been making their Chilli Jam for 25 yrs now. Many of their recipes are traditional, with no fancy additives, just honest to goodness delicious food and condiments. Their Chilli Jam is a great example, made with raw cane sugar, red peppers (nearly half of the contents), cider vinegar (itself made by Aspall, another long-established English family business), onions, red chillies (9%, so quite a bite), concentrated lemon juice, garlic purée and sea salt. That’s it – not an E-number in sight and this is why it tastes so good. Personally I love it with cheese, but it is also adds a touch of sophistication to a chicken or fish dish.

But what has most excited me, is that Tracklements are celebrating the 25^th anniversary of their amazing Fresh Chilli Jam with a beautiful Heart-Shaped Jar and a special gold anniversary label. It’s such a lovely gift (secret admirers are you still taking notes?). And once you’ve eaten all the fabulous jam – which, despite the generous 350g jar, will not take you long, trust me – you still have the lovely heart-shaped glass jar, which makes a gorgeous vase, or a holder for herbs, spices, or even makeup brushes – so you’ll always be reminded of the best Valentine’s gift ever.

Tracklements Heart-Shaped Jar of Fresh Chilli Jam, RRP £7.25 for 350g, is available from fine food delis and farm shops nationwide and online at www.tracklements.co.uk.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

The new year bring us – hot foot from Miami, Florida –  Reader Depot, a new online bookstore which has opened with a bold promise, they tell us, that challenges the foundations of the publishing economy: for the first time, authors will retain 100 percent of the revenue from books sold on the platform. Yes, really.

The launch comes at a moment when Reader Depot have found that writers are increasingly vocal about the imbalance between the value they create and the modest share they receive. Also they hear that in traditional publishing and on large digital marketplaces, authors often walk away with only a small fraction of each sale. Reader Depot reverses that equation by putting full earnings directly in the hands of the authors who write the books. The store is designed as a fair and transparent alternative to the dominant marketplaces that take the lion’s share of royalties.

Most authors today earn only a fraction of the value of their work. In traditional publishing, Reader Depot say that writers typically receive between 7.5 and 15 percent of the sale price for print books and up to about 25 percent for ebooks, and even that often arrives only after an advance is fully earned out. Self publishing platforms improve the split, but royalties still range widely from roughly 35 to 65 percent depending on format and price. It appears that authors rarely take home anything close to the full value of each sale.

Reader Depot is the brain child of Spines, a tech driven publishing platform which integrates cutting-edge technology into every step of the publishing process: Authors simply upload their self-written manuscripts and Spines’ technology streamlines proofreading, formatting, cover design, audiobook creation, distribution, and marketing. Only books published through the Spines platform will be available in Reader Depot.

“Authors create the value in publishing, yet they rarely see the rewards. We built Reader Depot to change that,” said Yehuda Niv, CEO and Co-Founder of Spines. “Giving writers 100 percent of their revenue in the first year is our way of resetting the balance and proving that a fairer model is possible. When authors succeed, the entire industry moves forward.”

To further support authors, Reader Depot will offer a full 100 percent revenue share during its first twelve months. After that period, authors will receive 70 percent of royalties which remains higher than any other major book platform.

Let Frost Magazine tell you a little more about Spines, which is the only comprehensive tech-powered publishing platform simplifying the authorship journey so writers can focus on telling great stories.

The Spines platform revolutionizes every aspect of the publishing process, from proofreading, and formatting to cover design, distribution, and marketing. Authors simply need to upload their manuscripts, and within less than three weeks, they will be able to see their books published, optimized, and available to readers globally. Spines was founded in 2021 by Yehuda Niv, CEO, Lev David, CMO, Niv Ovdat, COO, Nir Kenner, CTO. The company’s total funding stands at $22.5M. For more information: Reader Depot. and Spines

The Case of the Christmas Angel: A cozy 1930s murder mystery novella (Jack and Frances Mysteries Book 6) Kindle Edition by Carmen Radtke 

Lights, Camera, Crime! It’s 1932. With his partners-in-crime Jack and Frances off on their honeymoon, retired Vaudeville artist Uncle Sal intends to relive his glory days in London. As a man of many talents, it doesn’t take long until his old friend Molly Sweet secures him a small part in one of the new talking picture studios in London. With his inimitable flair, he soon finds himself at home in front of the cameras, and backstage as well. But there are villains at play whose roles weren’t in the script, and Molly and her daughter need Uncle Sal’s help.@ @£0.99 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G64MYSNQ/

A Sip of Suspicion: A cozy small-town amateur sleuth mystery (The Tea Leaf Mysteries Book 2) Kindle Edition by J. New 

A summer garden party, a book club full of secrets, and one deadly cup of tea.
Meet Lilly Tweed – former agony aunt, proud purveyor of fine teas, and accidental sleuth. It’s the height of summer in Plumpton Mallet, and Lilly has been asked to host her very first event: a tea demonstration for the local book club. The guest list sparkles with the town’s elite – a titled aristocrat, a wealthy heiress, and plenty of polite rivalries simmering beneath the surface. When the heiress is found dead before the evening is out, tension turns to panic. As a prime witness, Lilly is drawn into the investigation.

A Sip of Suspicion is the second novel in J. New’s delightful The Tea Leaf Mysteries – perfect for fans of charming British whodunits, red herrings and a perfectly brewed cup of tea. @ £0.99 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G7MHRZ89/

Snow Fallen: A compulsive police procedural thriller (DCI Murrain Series Book 3 of 3) kindle edition by Alex Walters (Author) As a blizzard seals off a remote Pennine village, a series of uncanny deaths forces police and villagers alike to confront the dark secrets waiting in the shadows of a crumbling house beneath the church. One winter’s night, a lone figure arrives on foot in a remote Pennine village. The next morning, as the first heavy snow begins to fall, a man’s body is discovered in the village churchyard. Anne Tilston, one of three sisters living in a brooding run-down house in the shadow of the church, realises that the dead man is her father, a disgraced former senior police officer long estranged from his family.

As DCI Kenny Murrain’s team arrive in the village to investigate the unexplained death, a further body is discovered in a nearby field–a young man from the village with no apparent connection to Tilston or his daughters….https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G65D24DX/ @£1.99

The Conor McBride Series (Thriller Box Set 1-4) | Four thrilling international espionage thrillers Kindle Edition by Kathryn Guare Heavens, what a treat…

Book 1: Deceptive Cadence
Ireland and India. Conor McBride vanishes into deep cover in pursuit of the one man who destroyed his life—his own brother. Following a trail of betrayal across continents, Conor must navigate shifting loyalties, treacherous allies, and a personal reckoning that threatens to consume him…

Book 2: The Secret Chord
Rural Vermont. Running from a mission that nearly killed him, Conor hides behind a false identity at a quiet farmhouse inn, seeking peace far from the world of spies. But Kate Fitzpatrick, the inn’s trusting owner, senses the danger he carries—and carries secrets of her own.

Book 3: City of a Thousand Spies
Prague. A city of beauty, secrets…and watchers in every shadow. Drawn by the promise of reclaiming his music career, Conor McBride accepts what he’s told is a clean, simple mission—only to find himself entangled in a spiralling Iranian defection and the deadly schemes of a rogue MI6 operative. .

Book 4: Star of the East
Canadian borderlands. What begins as an unwanted engagement party escape turns lethal when Conor and Kate stumble across stolen treasure buried in bloodied snow. What should be a harmless pursuit soon mutates into a deadly chase up the frozen St. Lawrence Seaway. Get all four thrilling novels in one unmissable set – @£3.99 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GFMPQZ7

Tuesday 3rd February–Saturday 28th February 2026 sees ThickSkin tour the country spreading chills down the spine with this exceptional ghost story.

Behind the hit shows Driftwood and How Not To Drown, ThickSkin is recognised nationally for championing exceptional talent in the NorthWest, with this latest production – written by the talented Manchester-based playwright Tim Foley (Electric Rosary, Royal Exchange Theatre & Bruntwood Prize Winner; Driftwood, and many more. (below)

Injected with dark humour throughout, It Walks Around The House At Night promises to terrify audiences. George Naylor (Second Best, Riverside Studios; The Mousetrap, West End and UK Tour; Room13, The Barn Theatre) plays Joe, an out-of-work actor,who in a state of desperation, takes on a job playing a ghost at an old countryside manor. Out of money and options, Joe mistakenly accepts a rich handsome stranger’s offer of an unusual yet well-paid gig during another dull shift at the bar. Expecting nothing more than a few cheap scares, Joe soon uncovers the nightmarish terrors roaming the haunted grounds at night.

Joined by Oliver Baines (The House Party, Chichester Festival Theatre and Headlong; Frantic Assembly’s Othello, UK Tour; I Like The Way You Move, Theatre Peckham), as The Dancer, It Walks Around The House At Night delivers a ghost story brimming with jump scares and spine-tingling moments.

Tim Foley comments, ‘I’m so delighted to be working with ThickSkin again after our hit with Driftwood. This time we’re making a horror show full of shocks and scares, something I’ve always wanted to do. How can a company that’s so lovely make work that’s so terrifying? This is the best kind of theatre with the best kind of theatre-makers.’

Directed by ThickSkin’s acclaimed Artistic Director Neil Bettles (How Not To Drown, UK Tour; Disney’s Bedknobs & Broomsticks, UK & Ireland Tour; The Unreturning; Frantic Assembly),the eerie atmosphere is created by Tony Award Winning sound designer Pete Malkin (Othello, National Theatre; Complicité’s The Encounter, Barbican Theatre & European Tour; Let The Right One In, Royal Exchange Theatre) and Olivier Award Winning lighting designer Joshua Pharo (Wolf Witch Giant Fairy, Royal Opera House; Noughts And Crosses, Regent’s Park Theatre; Hot Wing King, National Theatre)

Neil Bettles, director of It Walks Around The House At Night and Artistic Director of ThickSkin, shares, ‘I’m excited to share this twisted new ghost story with our friends across the country. It’s a thrilling and complex play about power and manipulation that will send a shiver up the strongest of spines. Based in Wigan, ThickSkin has built a reputation across the UK for high quality, inventive touring productions. They are well known locally and nationally for work that blends new writing, movement and design to present extraordinary stories in unexpected ways.‘ For information of ThickSkin and the tour dates and venues:here

On the Wrong Track: An unputdownable cozy vintage mystery (The Yellow Cottage Vintage Mysterie s Book 6) Kindle Edition by J. New   Book 6 of 6: The Yellow Cottage Vintage Mysteries

When a chance encounter leads to murder, Ella Bridges finds herself trapped in a deadly game of secrets and lies. The all-new case in the fabulous Yellow Cottage Vintage Mysteries in the ilk of Agatha Christie, I think, and the new TV Linley series,(I loved the first series as well, from years ago).

When Ella Bridges steps off the London to Linhay train after witnessing a sudden death on the platform, she hardly expects it will lead her to a windswept island estate and a house filled with strangers. But something about the woman’s passing strikes Ella as suspicious and she cannot ignore her instincts. With Detective Sergeant Baxter at her side, Ella follows the trail to Gifford House, where a group of guests has gathered after winning a mysterious competition advertised in The Times. But when a storm cuts them off from the mainland, suspicions rise and long-buried secrets begin to surface. As tensions mount within the grand house, Ella must use all her wits to unmask a killer before more lives are claimed. On the Wrong Track is a gripping new cozy mystery by J. New, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Helena Dixon, and classic British whodunits. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G43ML227/ @ the special pre-order price of £1.99 – grab it!

King of My Fears: A romantic suspense of desire, lies and second chances (The Kingdom Book 2) Kindle Edition by Abby North   Book 2 of 2: The Kingdom

Spice, secrets, and redemption in the thrilling second installment of The Kingdom series (and another fabulous jacket). Arianna believes she’s left hell behind. At Denham King’s side, she’s discovered for the first time what it truly means to live – and to love. But happiness is a fragile illusion. When the shadows of her past return, safety turns into fear, and trust becomes a dangerous game. Someone knows where she is. Someone wants her back. And this time, running isn’t enough.

Caught between betrayal and desire, guilt and longing, Arianna must decide whom she can truly trust: the man who holds her heart – or the one who once broke it … This is chilling, and relatable, as this situation still exists in the real world. The theme is, I believe, loneliness. Who to trust? When to drop one’s guard? Awful situation and very well handled. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G139YC8L/ @ £1.99 to pre-order.

And now, a message from DP Publishers to our readers. ‘After proving so popular last month, we’re continuing the review copy applications! To kick off the year, we’re opening up review copy applications for If I Were You by Helen Matthews. We’re looking for a small group of readers who enjoy reading before everybody else and sharing thoughtful, honest reviews with their fellow book lovers.Advanced review spaces are limited and will be offered to selected applicants.  Apply for advanced reviewer consideration here.

Photography by Madeline Sandon

It’s panto season and I just love it. Move over kids, this about me, all me. What do you mean, ‘Oh no it isn’t’? Oh yes it is, and how very dare you?

Last year I saw Elgiva’s Aladdin with my very excited grandkids. The six-year old looked into my eyes and told me that it was the best thing he’d seen in his whole life. I felt the same, although my whole life takes a bit more remembering these days.

`This year is Jack And The Beanstalk and me and the kids (or some may say we three kids) have been counting the days – and we were not disappointed.

Elgiva always attracts well-known and highly-talented actors, who I suspect take part for sheer love, or certainly that’s the impression they give as they tease each other and the audience with an enthusiasm which can’t possibly be scripted. Besides some very welcome familiar faces, including Frost Magazine’s very own Drama Critic and professional actor, Paul Vates, who plays Tilly Trott with much hilarity (I was struggling not to fall off my seat at times), and Carl Johns who is a side-splitting Silly Simon, the stars include Drag Race UK’s Scarlett as Fairy Peapod and Gemma Brodrick from Blood Brothers as Witch Blackweed.

The Elgiva Theatre is a very cosy and personal experience. One never feels far from the actors, who waste no time drawing in the audience and imparting extremely funny and lightning-fast roasts on anyone foolish enough to stand out.

As always the performance was professional yet relaxed and fun. Silly Simon had kids and adults alike waving their hands in the air and singing, with an enthusiastic shout of ‘Six Seven’ to finish each refrain (and there were many). Tilly Trott paraded numerous eye-catching outfits, including a complete beehive, and her cow-milking dress was inspired. Talking of which I absolutely loved the cow (Alexander J Smith) – dancing, singing and speaking volumes with his facial expressions – all of them were just too funny.

The Elgiva panto would not be complete without the Twelve Days Of Christmas – I won’t spoil the surprise but let’s just say I’ve never seen a room full of kids, and adults having quite so much fun with five toilet rolls.

Jack and the Beanstalk has two performances daily until 31^st December so do grab your tickets – you will NOT want to miss this. With tickets priced from £27/£23 for peak performances to as little as £23.50/£19.50 for adults/kids, plus there’s an over 60s concession, the excellent value really belies the incredible quality of this panto. Oh yes it does.

Photography by Madeline Sandon

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk

[slide 3 my book]
Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.