Watch out, there’s magic about!... and it’s happening in Thornbury this month. For one night only, ‘A TOUCH OF MAGIC’ will be presented. Astonishment will be the order of the evening as Barry Smith astounds the audience with his amazing magical skills, eloquent patter, interesting facts, comedy and mind-blowing magical feats. Barry last performed in Thornbury at the Mayor’s Charity Show in May and at the Thornbury Musical Theatre Group’s Olde Tyme Music Hall in June this year where he delighted audiences with his own inimitable style.

This type of entertainment, not usually seen in Thornbury, will surely be popular and a crowd pleaser, appealing to mixed age groups. There will be predictions, rope tricks, telepathy, card tricks, illusions and more, along with audience participation.

The performance starts at 7.30pm with a break during which wine and soft drinks may be purchased.

Tickets are £5 and will be on sale at Thornbury Town Hall weekdays from Monday 3 November, by calling 07849 638804 at any time, or by e-mail.

It is advisable to book tickets in advance to ensure you are not disappointed as tickets are limited; tickets will be on sale at the door on the night also, space permitting.

So come one, come all to the Cossham Hall to witness this fascinating evening of magic.
www.barrysmith.co.uk
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We did not know when we chose to sing Mendelsohn's Elijah that, according to Eastern European folklore Elijah, the thunderer could be blamed for bad weather! Perhaps he will be appeased by our rendering of his fascinating story at our concert.

Elijah is the dramatic story of the ninth century BC prophet who warned King Ahab that his actions and those of his wife Queen Jezebel would bring disaster on the people of God. He and his queen had encouraged the worship of Baal and abandoned the worship of Jehovah. Drought, rebellion, vengeance and dejection follow but in the best tradition of Good prevailing over Evil; peace, concord, consolation and praise bring the story to a conclusion.
I heard this work for the first time when I was about seven years old and the excitement and spine chilling effect of the music of the dramatic choruses is still with me. The people of Israel calling to Baal to send down Fire, the slaying of the priests, the suspense of waiting for the Lord to send rain, the relief when indeed it does rain, the Prophet Elijah being taken to heaven in a whirlwind all combine to make a nail biting story.

This work will be familiar to many but whether or not you have heard it before, you will be in for a treat. So, come to hear Mendelsohn's Elijah sung by Thornbury Choral Society under the skilful conducting of Steven Kings, orchestra led by Bob Chadwick.

Soloists; - Sian Winstanley (soprano)
Martha McLorinan (alto)
Wilhelm Theunissen (tenor)
Nicholas Perfect (bass)
They will be joined by George McCarthy, the head Chorister of Bristol Cathedral.

Tickets £10 (£9 prepaid) £1 under 16. Available from Thornbury Town Hall, choir members or on the door.

TADS are proud to present Season's Greetings by Alan Ayckbourn for your delight and to get you in the mood for December's festivities.

Christmas at the Bunker’s house is a traditional friends and family affair, but with so many dysfunctional relationships under one roof, can what ensues end in anything other than disaster… or even murder?

Enter stage left: Great Uncle Harvey, with his array of street weapons; Uncle Bernard, the inept physician, with his Boxing Day puppet show and his alcoholic wife; Pattie and Eddie with their seemingly endless trail of children; Belinda and her emotionally absent husband; and Rachel and her “new novelist friend”.  Wait for the fireworks, which are the inevitable result of too much wine and too little space!

“Season’s Greetings”, by Alan Ayckbourn, is an hilarious Christmas romp, guaranteed to leave you wanting to “make it a quiet one this year”!
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Organised by the Thornbury and District Local Branch of Cancer Research UK. All are most welcome to join with us.

The evening will include performences by: The Castle School Jazz Band, St Mary's Olveston Hand Bell Ringers, Marlwood School Drama Group, Recorder Ensemble from U3A, plus Readings and a few Christmas Carols.

At the end of the evening Coffee and Mince Pies will be served and there will be a retiring collection for the work of Cancer Research UK.

The evening is our way of thanking all those who have so generously supported our efforts to raise cash for Cancer Research UK during the past 12 months.

A performance by the Village Players. Tickets from 01454 633786.

The Octopus pantomime can always be relied upon to bring a smile to the faces of those who are quick enough and lucky enough to get hold of a ticket. In this latest production the beautiful Belle finds herself trapped in an enchanted castle with a scary beast but with lots of funny characters to keep her company. Meanwhile, the dreadful Gaston and his sidekick Didier are plotting to hunt down the beast and force Belle into a marriage she doesn't want.

How will it all turn out? Well, the only way to know is come and see the many characters created by the pen of Tony Domaille coping with the dark forest, enchantment, a sly wolf, and Gaston's enormous ego (as well as a boil on his bottom!) Don't miss out on lots of laughs, music, colour and fun for all the family.

Beauty and the Beast runs from Wednesday 7th January to Saturday 11th January (week nights 7.30pm, Saturday 11am and 2.30pm) Tickets £6 Adults and £3 Concessions, available from 1 December from RA Bennetts, The Plain, Thornbury and from Gill Brooks 01454 416637 or Paul Beever 01454 414894.
www.octopus-thornbury.co.uk

An event open to all individuals and organisations in the Thornbury area to participate in. An inclusive event to enrich the life of the broad community of Thornbury by its size, full community involvement, diversity and quality, such that large numbers are attracted to it, for the wider benefit of the Town and its organisations.
For more information please contact David Goldring on 01454 883631 or by email below.
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