Images: Jules Dash

It is not just The People’s Play Award that has returned, but this year’s winner (chosen from nearly 100 entries) is VOLTEMAND AND CORNELIUS ARE JOYFULLY RETURNED – written by Leeds-born actor and writer Paul Vates.

There is a great buzz about this in the Frost Magazine office because we were lucky enough to see our very own Drama Critic’s play in the early  stages of its development  and LOVED it: we were in turn moved, and amused, and left talking, and thinking,  and knew that when completed it would be something special.

Of course Paul  Vates knows the business of play writing inside and out, as he is a professional actor, and also a writer who understands that all writing has to be worked and re-worked to achieve something worthwhile. And believe me, this is, and where better to debut Voltemand and Cornelius are Joyfully Returned than the well known and respected People’s Theatre, Tyneside.

So, onto the play: the two central characters are minor characters from Hamlet – or are they? And where are they?

This well paced and amusing play explores the nature of reality, the chaos of war, and the impact of conflict on people’s perception of themselves.

Previous People’s Play Award winners include Peter Straughan (BAFTA winner, Best Adapted Screenplay for Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy), Alison Carr (Iris, Live Theatre; Fat Alice, Traverse Theatre) and Mike Yeaman whose Lucky Numbers has since been performed in New Zealand, Finland and Estonia

The People’s Theatre Newcastle on Tyne was born in 1911 and Norman Veitch, one of the founders, set the sights high right from the start and the policy ever since has been to seek out plays of quality and interest, which the Tyneside audience might otherwise not get the chance to see.

In the 1940s they amalgamated with the Film Society, bbegan to host Art Exhibitions and now, beneath their umbrella host music, the Young People’s Theatre and The People’s Play Award.

Way back in 1971 the BBC made a half hour documentary about The People’s Theatre, narrated by a former People’s actor, Alan Browning, a lead in Coronation Street. And quite frankly, it’s high time the BBC returned to Tyneside to see the vibrant success as The People’s Theatre continues to flourish, innovate and entertain.

The world premiere of Voltemand and Cornelius are Joyfully Returned by Paul Vates is to be held in the 90 seated Studio Theatre.

• INFORMATION –
• Seating in the Studio Theatre is UNALLOCATED.
• All tickets are NON-REFUNDABLE.
• Tickets can be EXCHANGED for another performance subject to availability.
• CONCESSION PRICE applies to customers who are aged 60+ or under 18, students & unwaged.  

• Start Time: 7.30pm
• Tickets: £14.00 Concessions: £11.50

https://www.peoplestheatre.co.uk/whats-on/voltemand-and-cornelius

Annie Clarke’s debut novel Girls on the Home Front will be published by Arrow on 29th May.

Bonfire night , Anna, Fran and Laurel are enjoying the fireworks. In a heartbeat Laurel is nowhere to be seen. Swallowed up by the crowd .

Laurel’s parents are frantic, before long hours turn into days and still no sign of Laurel . Anna, her nanny is devastated but is hiding a deep dark secret, as is someone else .

As the investigation continues, lies, secrets and deception reveal themselves. Suspects are questioned and houses are searched. Will the police ever find Laurel or unearth the truth behind her disappearance?

I could not put this book down, I just had to read one more chapter. I had to know the truth. I was gripped from beginning to end.

I highly recommend this book to fans of ‘The couple next door’ and similar books

Published 2nd May 2019
Paperback £7.99
Ebook £5.99
Audio download £12.99

Natalie Jayne Peeke: http://www.thebookwormmother.co.uk

At Frost Magazine we are lucky to occasionally receive notice of something that relates to a current crisis. Here we have such a product, which is trying in its own way to address an alarming phenomenon.

Our beautiful and precious world is in danger  from plastic waste. The experts at Frugi, concerned with this situation, and knowing there is no time to fiddle faddle about have experimented by recycling more than half a million plastic bottles to make an enviable Outerwear collection ideal for every wet, muddy and soggy adventure.

This year Frugi are introducing a handy Packaway Jacket with matching Ready Steady Go bags and wellies, all made from recycled plastic in a lightweight fabric. Every design is inspired by the spring Summer ’19 Isles of Scilly theme. We have a sample here in our office, and feel like shouting the success and ethos of Frugi from the rooftops.

Here are children’s outfits, that give hope for their futures. Why aren’t more doing as Frugi is, and making use of these recyclable products which are poisoning our earth and seas?

The science behind the process is amazing. Frugi’s Product Expert, Mary Lawrence, explains all.

“We use Polyethylene terephthalat or PET to make our Outerwear range. It’s the most widely used recycled plastic and allows us to create a functional, fit for purpose product that lasts and can be handed down or sold on! On average, our Puddle Buster Jackets are made from 20 of these bottles.

“Now here’s the science…once cleaned, the recycled bottles are shredded and processed into flakes, which are then transformed into chips. The chips are then melted and whizzed around in a spinneret to make strings of yarn. Finally, the yarn is woven into Frugi fabric, ready to be made into our Outerwear.”

Frugi’s Puddle Buster Suits and Jackets are fully waterproof with taped seams to prevent water entering the pocket, side pockets, reflective prints for safety, a safeguard at the top of the zip to prevent catching little chins and are machine washable because mud doesn’t have to stick.

Here is the Puddle Buster Suit for the youngest grand-child, Miss D, as we call her, all of 20 months old and larger than life. I had to take a photo first, and then – a bit too big – but what did she care – into it she went, and LOVED it. Now for some puddles, but over to mum for that. Grandma has done her bit.

The Packaway Jacket  packs away in to its own pocket, making it perfect for on-the-go. There are also matching Wellington Boots and Ready Steady Go drawstring bags to complete the look.

Back for a second season, the Toasty Trail Jacket is a lightweight quilted jacket made from recycled polyester that also packs away in to its own bag making it the perfect companion for days out exploring. For wet and windy days there’s  elasticated hood, hems and cuffs.

What is also a good idea is the  Guppy Friend, a washing bag that catches micro fibres which often sneak into the marine eco-system.

Frugi started life in a small Cornish Cottage in 2004 in by Kurt & Lucy Jewson after they struggled to find clothes to fit over their son’s cloth nappies. Still designed in Cornwall, Frugi is made from super soft comfy premium organic cotton, recycled plastic and Oeko-Tek approved fabric , and vibrant designs. Today Frugi is available to buy online and in over 500 retailers globally in 28 countries. The full range includes tiny baby to ten years with a stylish maternity and breastfeeding range for mothers as well as bedding, toys and accessories.

Frost Magazine is so delighted to see such innovation and applaud Frugi. Go forward, with the force behind you… The clarion call is: more should be doing this. Bravo bravo.

To view the entire Frugi Outerwear collection, please log onto www.welovefrugi.com.

RRP: from £12.

Annie Clarke’s debut novel Girls on the Home Front is published on 29th May. Available for pre-order. 

Notes to Editors

Designed in Cornwall, Frugi offer award winning clothing with clever details, fun appliques and super comfy vibrant designs. The range is made from super soft, premium organic cotton. Frugi are proud to be certified by the Soil Association and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) receiving the highest level of certification in the world of leading textile processing standards.

Every year 1% of turnover is donated to charity through their own ‘Little Clothes, Big Change’ charity initiative.

Frugi is the trading name of Cut4Cloth Ltd registered in England, company number 5011885. The registered office is Wheal Vrose Business Park, Helston, Cornwall TR13 0FG.

This toy is great for the in-betweenees – no longer small babies but not yet fully-fledged toddlers.

Too big for rattles? If your youngest is desperate to play with their elder brother’s precious trains, but not quite ready for diesels and steamies, then this caterpillar train is perfect.

Your older child will probably be relieved that Mr Caterpillar has deflected attention from his train collection. However beware, parents, you may have full-scale war as your older child tries to get his hands on the cheery toy too – particularly when he realises that the caterpillar has a magnetic connection which will work perfectly with his existing trains and carriages.

It comes with a small section of track with attractive painted motifs and grass-effect end stops, to distinguish it from ‘anyone else’s’ track. However, the track is compatible with standard train tracks too.

I just love this toy (yes, baby may have to watch out for grandma as well as elder brother). Or at only £14.59 from Amazon I may have to buy my own.

By Dr K Thompson, 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

There are so many lovely toys for toddlers, but what about babies? When news of a visitation from the stork is in the air it’s nice to come up with something slightly novel as a gift and I recommend Hape for good quality, attractive and innovative toys. How do they think of it?

I have been particularly impressed with a couple of items in their Baby range.

The delightful Baby’s Farm Animal Book really caught my eye. Made of wood, brightly painted on both sides, the shaped, staggered pages are strung together to create Baby’s first book. If Baby is feeling studious he/she can look at the cute animal pictures, failing that it serves as an attractive and effective teether. The book is light and not too big, recommended for age 10+ months, although I believe it could be enjoyed a little sooner. Normally £6.99, but on special offer at just £4.99 at the moment on Amazon it is a real bargain.

I also absolutely love the Geometric Rattle Trio According to GreenActiveFamily, it is such an unusual and quirky set of toys. Nine rattles in all, a ball, a cube and a drum in each of three colours.  They are small and light enough to be held by a baby from a few months old, and can be used as a rattle, or, later on, as stacking bricks. Each shape makes a different noise, and the cubes have a coloured lens running through the middle, so there are plenty of features to keep your baby’s interest as he develops. The mixed colours make them suitable for either sex. Interestingly, they are made from rice – no, the baby can’t eat them, but they can give them a very good chew. These are really nice quality toys – simple but clever. At £17.99 from Amazon they make a great gift.

By Dr K Thompson, 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

at Greenwich Theatre, London

“It flies by – almost an hour of court proceedings that are both informative and gripping”

The European Arts Company have now embarked upon a UK tour with this production – at times a verbatim performance of the two major court trials that saw Oscar Wilde imprisoned for two years. If that comes as a surprise to you, where have you been?!? I ought to mention that at the end of Titanic, there is an iceberg… Anyway, The Trials of Oscar Wilde is a repeat of a successful tour from 2014 and certainly a show worth catching if it pops up near you as it passes on a pertinent message.

When the documents of the actual court proceedings came to light a few years ago, it was a revelation to read – and now, thanks to this play, see – Oscar being argumentative, witty and contrite whilst in the dock. All in his own words, collected together by Oscar’s grandson Merlin Holland.

John Gorick

The whole tragedy began with an accusation made by The Marquess of Queensberry – that Oscar was having ‘relationships’ with young men. Oscar sued for libel and that case underpins Act One. It flies by – almost an hour of court proceedings that are both informative and gripping.

Act Two is The Criminal Case that followed. Roles are reversed, suddenly Oscar has to defend himself rather than prosecute. Sadly, the second half doesn’t quite grip as much as the first. There are witnesses called and these are played as grotesques, like pantomime characters popping up in a drama.

Rupert Mason and John Gorick

Directors John O’Connor and Eva Savage may be aware that Oscar’s speeches aren’t as delightfully pithy as an audience would perhaps hope, so they allow some minor characters to go for laughs. For me, it doesn’t sit right. It may show the actors’ versatility but I think it’s to the detriment of the drama of the play.

John Gorick plays Oscar, with an assurance and a fist on hip stance that one would expect. He allows the characters strengths and weaknesses to show. (Although, once in a while he allows his chin to protrude – giving me a quick glimpse of something else. I see Tommy Cooper in that face. That is meant as a compliment and a suggestion for a role he could look into!)

Benjamin Darlington and Patrick Knox

The rest of the numerous characters are played by costume-changing Rupert Mason (brilliant as prosecuting barrister Charles Gill and witness Fred Atkins), Benjamin Darlington and Patrick Knox.

A simple and effective set design by Tom Paris has all the action in the centre, with carefully placed chairs and props down the sides. A long curtain hangs at the back, with intermittent projections aiding the story along.

It should be noted, of course, that Oscar was found guilty for a crime that does not exist in the UK today: that of homosexuality. It is, however, still illegal to be gay in 78 countries and punishable by death in five… Food for thought, indeed.

Photographer           David Bartholemew

Playwrights              Merlin Holland and John O’Connor

Directors                  John O’Connor and Eva Savage

Set Designer            Tom Paris

Box Office                from individual theatre box offices (see tour list below) and at

www.europeanarts.co.uk/next#tour-dates

Running Time          2 hours 20 minutes (including interval)

Twitter                                 @EuropeanArtsCo, #TrialsOscarWilde

UK Tour Schedule:

April

10th-11th                  Brighton Pavilion

12th-13th                  Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton

14th                          Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield

17th-18th                  The Haymarket, Basingstoke

20th                          Middlesbrough Theatre

24th                          Harrow Arts Centre

25th-27th                  Theatre Royal, Winchester

May

8th                            Key Theatre, Peterborough

9th                            Brewhouse Theatre, Taunton

10th                          Forest Arts Centre, New Milton

11th                          Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

15th                          Stantonbury Theatre, Milton Keynes

16th                          Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds

17th                          Stamford Arts Centre

21st                          Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells

22nd                         Chipping Norton Theatre

23rd-25th                 Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford

28th-29th                  Dugdale Centre, Enfield

30th                          Guildhall Arts Centre, Grantham

31st                          The Courtyard, Hereford

June

1st                            Waterside Arts Centre, Sale

Looking for a novel present for the artistic child? Budsies are a US-based company who will take a drawing (either your child’s drawing  – or yours – nobody’s judging) and turn it into a soft toy. Their custom-stuffed animals are:

• Hand-made to look just like the drawing you submit
• 16″ or you can upgrade to 30″ for an extra huggable creation
• The perfect surprise gift for anyone

They ship to various international locations including the UK. Check out their website for a full rang of their products.

By Dr K Thompson, 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