Posts Tagged ‘North Norfolk’
This year, the Christmas Seaside Special at Cromer Pier’s Pavilion Theatre is going all out to encourage families along to its fun and festive shenanigans by offering a ‘Kids Go Free‘ deal from 17th December.
We (myself, my Partner and 3 1/2 year old Little Man) went along to a 2pm performance to road-test just how much family-friendly fun we were talking about at this unique theatre perched just metres above the North Sea…
We weren’t disappointed.
Personally, this was my first experience of one of Cromer Pier’s ‘Seaside Specials’, although they are famed far and wide, with people travelling from way beyond Norfolk’s county borders to enjoy them (yes, that far). As the lights went down and the music started, I couldn’t help but smile at Little Man’s awe-struck face. It was definitely the first time he’s been to this sort of thing as well, though he is rapidly becoming a seasoned theatre goer for kids plays and the like.
For the next 2-and-a-half-odd hours (with interval), we were treated to a smorgasbord of entertainment that included dance numbers, singing, comedy, magic and storytelling.
The dancing would appeal to any fan of ‘Strictly..’, and was very accomplished. I was delighted to see a ballet sequence of the Sugar Plum Fairy dance from The Nutcracker, with wonderful pointe work. Each number was well choreographed, well loved and nostalgically festive.
The singing, led by Lulu Alexandra and Dale Page, was equally fabulous, with classic Christmas numbers right through to Glee-esque songs (including Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believing’). All feel-good, mostly contemporary and Christmassy. Slades ‘So Here It Is Merry Christmas’, and the rest of this upbeat Christmas medley, had me grooving inside if not in the actual aisle. I couldn’t help but grin with delight.
The entire production was steered by the lovable local entertainer Olly Day. With his cheeky stance, Norfolk accent and local knowledge, he hits just the right note with the audience, eliciting laughs without ever really stepping over PG-rated content.
His physical-comedy-packed ’12 Days of Christmas’ with fellow comedian Dave Mac was utterly hilarious. If it was scripted/choreographed to pan out as it did then these two are comedy geniuses (genii?). It certainly seemed very ad-hoc and improvisational. Marvelously funny.
Throughout the show there are pieces that allow children to really engage – the child performers sorting out their letters to Santa, and Olly Day and the same children singing ‘When Santa Got Stuck Up The Chimney’ for example. Despite this being the longest theatre performance Little Man has ever been to, he remained pretty much captivated through all but the comedian segments, which, as you’d perhaps expect, lost him a bit. The songs, music and physical comedy had him beaming and laughing with the rest of us however.
All in all, it was a breath of fresh air (not unlike the salty surroundings when you stepped back onto the Pier!). Anyone who thinks family-friendly variety is old fashioned or ‘not for them’ should really think again. Or at least see this show before passing absolute judgment. A really feel-good production that’d get even the Scroogiest among us into the Christmas Spirit, its money well spent in my opinion. And with shows like Strictly, Glee, Britain’s Got Talent and the X factor marking a resurgence in the popularity of ‘family entertainment’, a live, well-crafted modern take on the time-honoured variety show like this holds its place nicely beside more 21st Century activities such as 3D HD movies and the Wii.
Performances run every day except Mondays and Christmas Day with the closing night being New Years Eve, after which the theatre bar will remain open to see the New Year in. All children go FREE (2 children limit per 1 paying adult) from the 17th December 2011. While Little Man did enjoy the show, based on the duration, I would say that the show is most suited to the over 5s.
The evening shows start at 7pm, so you can get away around 9.30pm or stay on for a drink or coffee and cake (or warm mince pies!) in the bar, which stays open after the show. Christmas Meals and the Winter Menu (Bangers’n'Mash etc) are available in the Tides Restaurant on the Pier and there are ‘link meals’ to the show for those who wish to enjoy both experiences.
Cromer Pier & Pavilion Theatre,
Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9HE
Office: 01263 512281
Box Office: 01263 512495
I think I may have said previously that Blickling Hall near Aylsham in Norfolk is one of my favourite stately homes/estates. Not only is it stunningly beautiful inside and out but it has that connection to the ill-fated Anne Boleyn, whose relationship with Henry VIII has been romantisiced as one of all-consuming love and, ultimately, tragedy. I personally, find the whole era captivating, so a visit here is right up my street, historically speaking. Of course, the rich history of the hall does not start and end there. Much later, during the Second World War, for example, Blickling Hall was requisitioned and used as an Officers Mess for nearby RAF Oulton. The small on-site RAF museum, full of photographs and artifacts from those days is equally as fascinating as the magnificent portraits, tapestries and architecture.
One nice thing about Blickling Hall is that, unlike some similar ‘visitor attractions’, it is not precious or stuffy and, in the main, seems to encourage visits from families with children. You can walk round freely at your own pace and while, obviously, a lot on display is off limits to sticky mitts, there is a good deal about that is accessible and sometimes even interactive to the younger audience.
Christmas at Blickling is one such event – a combination of delightful festive touches across the hall and gardens, which offers something for all ages. We went along on Sunday to experience A Blickling Christmas for ourselves.
Christmas at Blickling Hall Banner.
Lights have been strung outside from various hedges and trees. While we did not actually see the full effect of them being on (it being daylight and all), I would imagine that the whole place looks absolutely wonderful after dark.
Christmas lights decorate the approach to Blickling Hall.
Inside we were greeted by a huge Christmas tree (not literally – you know what I mean), while and bows and enticingly wrapped parcels are almost everywhere. Throughout the Hall are lovely floral displays by local flower arranging groups and Christmas trees decorated to different styles and themes (my favourites were the silvery ones with the bright feathers – very contemporary and kitsch). In most of the rooms, displays reflecting and aspect of Tudor life or Tudor Christmas were set up, complete with very friendly volunteers dressed in period costume.
Huge Christmas tree in the entrance hall of Blickling Hall.
Floral displays throughout a festive Blickling Hall.
In one room was dancing, music and singing (its what people did before Christmas telly), while in another was an authentic medieval feast made up of real food. I chatted at length to one lady in very fine Tudor garb, who told me all about the sweet stuffs one might have enjoyed in such times. To be honest, most of it sounded quite tasty even by today’s standards, with Rosewater and Milk Jellies, Sugar Paste Tudor Roses and, of course, variations on Gingerbread.
Tudor music and dancing.
Authentic festive fare at Blickling Hall.
Decorated table in the Long Gallery at Blickling Hall.
My favourite exhibit was the ‘Physik’ table, flanked by a ‘Tudor Physician’ and his apprentice with ‘alchemist-leanings’. I found it fascinating to hear about the sort of remedies and methods of assessment that one might have endured… sorry, experienced, in Tudor times. Give me Resolve for festive excess rather than the ‘leeching’ device they showed me any day…
ER, Tudor-style...
In the famous ‘long gallery’, a library room that houses the most important book collection in the National Trust, artistic displays of popular Christmas carols, songs and stories, from ‘The Snowman’ to the ‘Holly and the Ivy’ lead down towards where young singers from Aylsham High were singing songs from Annie (the musical they’re performing in March 2012 – tickets on sale now). It was such a brilliant contrast to hear ‘It’s a hard knock life’ being belted out among books and furnishings dating back hundreds of years. Who said stately homes were stuffy?!
Below stairs, two cooks were busy in the kitchen making all sorts of wonderful gingerbread shapes (with edible glitter – its authentic. honest. ahem…) for children that passed through. Little Man managed to bag an angel, with which he was delighted. I was gutted that Mummies didn’t qualify as well. Sigh.
Two cooks a-baking...
A sparkly gingerbread angel for Little Man.
Beyond the house were real ‘Norfolk’ Reindeer, and their large Elf handlers, supplied by Melsop Farm Park, and a craft marquee, which had some really novel stalls inside. Perfect for last minute, but good quality, Christmas gifts for everyone from babies to the dog.
While the restaurant did smell pretty good, and was a perfect foil to the chilly December day, we bypassed it this time and opted for some hot chestnuts before heading off. Certainly though, if you wanted to make a really full day of Blickling Hall, a scone or some warming seasonal fodder would fit very nicely.
A wonderfully different take on Christmas activities, Blickling Hall have really made the effort to offer something different to mark this time of year. After going on Sunday, I’d say that if you haven’t been before, this time is probably one of the best times to visit. The exhibits and well-informed volunteers make the whole experience much more ‘real’, and there is plenty to captivate children beyond the regular displays.
A Blickling Christmas continues this coming weekend (17th & 18th December, 11am-5pm; Adults £9, Children £4.50, National Trust members Free).
Christmas wishes tied to a tree.
This year we’ve decided to enjoy a generous handful of festive activities happening across Norfolk in the approach to Christmas. Today we decided to explore the ’12 Days of Christmas’ happening at one of our National Trust favourites, Sheringham Park.
November nature sightings at Sheringham Park.
Now, according to Noel Coward, only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun. It would appear from today’s episode that certain English folk are also quite prepared to go out without proper seasonal attire in the mid Winter. Lulled into a false sense of security as we had been by the recent mild autumn-winter transition, we journeyed off to Sheringham Park with adequate fleeces, footwear and so forth, but no sign of a hat or gloves (except for Little Man obviously – he was toasty in his highly appropriate attire. Amazingly, we can manage to dress him properly. Just not ourselves). From very early on it became apparent that this was naiive. It is, after all December, and it was fittingly freezing. What to do then… turn around and find some log-fire warmed pub to enjoy a hearty Sunday lunch perhaps? Heck no! We are British. We will battle on and, darn it, enjoy our day in the (oh so) fresh air no matter what. Onward!
For Christmas, Sheringham Park (a fantastic walk all year round – subject to proper attire) had constructed a little ’12 Days of Christmas Trail’ around some of the pathways, and was offering the opportunity to make wreaths and/or yule logs to take home. The trail itself – seasonal notes about nature on various trees, was interesting and quite sweet. Nothing too spectacular.
Part of the Christmas Trail.
Upon arriving and seeing how much energy Little Man had (he just ran. and ran. and ran), we decided to abort the wreath/log making. We did however, see a few folk proudly leaving with what looked like very lovely and impressive centrepieces and door wreaths.
The cold is no match for Little Man's energy...
Opting for a good old fashioned, energy-expiring walk instead, we decided to take the red waymarker-marked ‘Ramblers Route’ – a 5 mile path through woodland that promised possible sanctuary from the cold (and hot food / drinks) at Weybourne Station half way through. The trek to Weybourne Station, was chilly to say the least and since we were not sure if the refreshments part of the station would be open on a Sunday in December, could have proved futile. Had that been the case, I think this would have ended up a very different walk…
Fortunately (and to my sheer delight), the Santa train was in at Weybourne, so everything was open – hurrah! There was no indoor seating, so we sat outside like extreme picnic-ers as we took our hot tea, pasties and Mars bars (essential for energy).
No comfort please, we're British.
Perked up (read: warmed up) by the infusion of calories and hot fluids, the final part of the walk was considerably more fun. Even when a very small shower and looming dark clouds threatened a soaking, we still managed many a laugh along the route.
According to an article I read recently, it is our experiences that give us happiness, rather than material goods. That being true, days like this – ludicrous adventures way beyond the comfort zone that border for the most part on stupidity, make for some of the most memorable experiences of all. A funny, if not freezing, family day out, it sure beat spending the day on the sofa crowded around the TV.
Leaf/mud angels.
Thats not to say that I wasn’t, some 3 hours (at least) later, pretty relieved to see the car. And the sofa as it happens.
In conclusion, our day out at Sheringham Park wasn’t overtly festive, but it did blow the cobwebs away and gave us a lot of laughs. A highly recommended family walk (just make sure you dress properly and take snacks, drinks etc. You’ll be glad you did.
Next week, we’re hoping to experience ‘A Blickling Christmas’ at Blickling Hall, one of my favourite local National Trust properties. I’ll be making sure the hats and gloves are packed this time. Just in case.
Find out more about Christmas events at National Trust properties and sites this Winter.
- 18/05/2012 - Victorian Shell Artistry May 18, 2012
- 18/05/2012 - Shipwrecked! Back to 1897 May 18, 2012
- 18/05/2012 - A Walk Through Time: The Victorians May 18, 2012
- 18/05/2012 - Norwich 20 Group – Looking into 20 – paintings and sculpture at The Forum May 18, 2012
- 18/05/2012 - Tony Foster Paintings/Angela Harding Prints May 18, 2012