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The Spotlight

FEATURE

Advertising Feature by south mill arts

This Christmas, don't miss Robin Hood and his band of heroes at South Mill Arts, with this exciting pantomime adventure in the magical Sherwood Forest.

Brought to you by the company behind the previous hit shows Cinderella and Jack & the Beanstalk, expect great songs, big laughs and lots of audience participation.

A cast of all singing, all dancing West End actors take to the stage in this premier professional pantomime.  So, without further ado – let's meet the cast!

Introducing Robin Hood, played by Daniel Slade.

Daniel has not only been seen on stages across the country but has also all over the world!

He has toured Europe as Lead Vocalist in Somebody to Love -The Queen Concert, and internationally in the hit show Viva Voce. He turned his hand to operetta, whilst touring the UK in The Mikado and has even displayed his acrobat skills in Trioperas, in London's West End! He has appeared regionally as Peter in The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe and on television, in the BBC's The Lawrence.

He's no stranger to pantomime, having appeared in almost every title you can think of, including lead roles in Dick Whittington, Jack & the Beanstalk and Peter Pan, alongside Prince Charming to several of panto's princesses, and even the likes of Silly Billy in Mother Goose.

Daniel is delighted to be playing Robin Hood this year in Bishop's Stortford...better start brushing up on those bow and arrow skills!

You won't forget Marian, played by South Mill Arts favourite, Etta Williams.

Having trained at the prestigious London College of Music, Etta has wowed audiences across the country with her incredible vocals.

And she is no stranger to South Mill Arts, having starred as Jill in Jack & the Beanstalk and most recently playing the title role in Cinderella!

She has also toured the UK with the stage adaptation, of the hit children's book Zog by Julia Donaldson.

Little Joan is being played by Megan Crawford who trained at The Musical Theatre Academy & The Performance Preporation Academy.

Megan's Credits include: Seren in Claus and Gretel in Hansel and Gretel (Simply Theatre Switzerland), Willow/Orla in Pumpkin Lab for Bluestone Resort, Flic Tipple in Alphabet Soup (Workshop), Featured Dancer on The Last Leg (Channel 4 Productions), Beauty and The Beast (Groundlings Theatre).

Megan is very excited to be joining Big Adventure Productions for this year's production of Robin Hood!

This year's Will Scarlet is brought to the stage by Matt Slade.

Matt trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, graduating last year. During training he starred as Eddie in Made in Dagenham, Matt in Bare! A Pop Opera and even... you guessed it... Barry the fish in The Little Mermaid!

He is overjoyed to be taking on his first professional panto role this year, playing Will Scarlett, and it's a dream come true to be sharing the stage with his real life brother Dan (Robin Hood). Matt would love to thank all of his family, who have always been right behind him. Oh yes they have!

Boo and hiss for this year's baddie, the Sheriff of Nottingham brought to life by Nathan French.

Bishop's Stortford audience will recognise Nathan, from this summer's Once Upon a Time!

He is an actor, musician and recent graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland originally from East Sussex. A recipient of the RCS Trust Scholarship and a graduate of the BRIT School, Nathan is ecstatic to make his professional debut with Once Upon a Time! Previous theatre credits include: Into the Woods, Urinetown and Sweet Charity (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.)

Last but not least, it's Dame Mother Hood played by Tommy Pegg.

Tommy has recently returned from the high seas, having been Lead Vocalist for two of AIDA Cruises premier ships. He has appeared in Here Comes Santa Claus! at the New Wimbledon Theatre, Aladdin at the Kenton Theatre and even Robin Hood...playing the Sheriff! Although this year he looks forward to being a goodie, in the role of Robin's mum!

Robin Hood is running from the 7th December to the 4th January and tickets can be purchased from www.southmillarts.co.uk.

Christmas

The Magic of Christmas at Home

Santa

We know that for many of you this year is a little different and big fancy santas grottos may be out of budget. 

It is also worth checking out any budget friendly grottos at local school fetes and winter fayres. 

The spirit of Christmas

This year why not give something back this advent period. Perhaps start a reverse advent calendar for the local food bank or donate to HertFood. HertFood are putting together hampers and gifts for those in the local community who are struggling this festive period. Hertfood is liasing with local schools to ensure the gifts and hampers are received by those who need them most. Why not involve your children in the process and help them to learn to appreciate what they have and who they have this festive period. 

Baking

Or even the most amazing slow cooker hot chocolate recipe.

  • Decorate a Gingerbread House

  • Either purchase a kit (ready made houses currently in Aldi for £5) or make your own for a fun filled festive activity. 
  • Make your own magic reindeer dust, mix oats, sugar coloured with food colouring, bird seed and hole punched bits of coloured paper to make your own reindeer dust for xmas eve. Please place in a bowl inside your home if including sugar and paper. If intending to scatter outside please use oats and birdseed only.

Arts and Crafts

  • Salt Dough Decorations – 1 cup of flour to half a cup of salt and a small amount of water use Christmas cookie cutters to cut out xmas shapes and poke a hole through with a pencil. Cook on low in the oven for 3 hours or until dry (alternatively dry for up to a week in the airing cupboard) paint and decorate the tree.

  • Decorate your doors as snowmen

  • Buy rolls of brown paper and let the kids go crazy painting xmas shapes on it and use as wrapping paper .
  • Write your Christmas cards- get the kids involved too!
  • Raid that craft cupboard, use what you have. Have lolly sticks? Make lolly Christmas trees. Paper plates can be used to make snowmen, white paper can be used to create hanging snowflakes , the possibilities are endless.

Activites & Games

  • Scavenger Hunt - why not take part in our scavenger hunt here:
  • Build a Christmas grotto/den- prior to lockdown i visited poundlound and stocked up on lots of cheap xmasy bits that my children can now use to decorate their bedrooms. If you want to make this extra special why not book The Greatest Sleepover (pictured below) and TipTop teepees for a Christmasy sibling sleepover. 

  • Movie night- Thanks the the wonders of Netflix, Amazon Prime, Now TV or Disney plus there are an abundance of Christmas movies. Theres some great ideas here.
  • Board games night- Why not invest in a new christmas board game this Christmas- theres some great ideas here. 
  • Card games night- Not strictly Christmas related but theres something to be said for the humble card games such as Uno, Happy families and snap.
  • Create a 2021 wish list jar - all add things the family would like to do next year
  • Christmas Lego - I'm sure most of you probably have an abundance of Lego at home so why not embark upon a mass family lego building contest. There are some great ideas on Pinterest here.
  • Candy cane hunt- a simple cheap and cheerful activity. Hide Candy Canes all around the house and or garden and settle down to enjoy a cup of tea whilst the kids find them all. You could make clues if you wanted to.
  • Blast those xmas tunes- Christmas disco anyone? Put some christmas tunes on and throw an improtue Christmas disco. 
  • Make paper chains- an oldie but a good one. Cut strips or paper and stick together and cover your home in paperchains. 

Elf on the Shelf

Love him or loathe him Elf on The shelf has become a huge part of the run up to Christmas for many families. We've found 50 fun ideas for your elf this December.

Outdoor Local Activities

Have you visited the yarnbomb Christmas tree yet?

Or the Ware Bear Trail?

You could also take a walk around your local area to see the Christmas lights.

We hope this has given you some festive ideas for how you can still put lots of sparkle and festive cheer into the run up to Christmas from the comfort of your own home.

Whatever you chose to do we wish you a festive period of love, family and making new memories.

From our house to yours- Merry Christmas.

Love

Kayleigh & The Boys

XxxX

Christmas

Looking for a christmas show this year?


Here are some local suggestions,

Cinderella and the glass slipper at BEAM

Sleeping Beauty at The Eric MorecambeTheatre

Robin Hood at South Mill Arts

Sleeping Beauty at The Spotlight

Santa Big Adventure - A puppet Musical

Halloween

More and More pumpkin picking events are being added to our webpage daily. A full whats on for October Half Term guide will follow but as many of the popular pumpkin picking attractions in Hertfordshire do book quickly we thought we'd put this together sooner rather than later. 

Some of these are Halloween days out which include Pumpkin Picking as part of the entrance fee (Like willows and Foxholes) some like Church Farm and Aldenham country park are optional add ons to your day (which must be booked and paid for in addition to entry) and some are just PYO Pumpkin attractions. 

We will add on local PYO venues as they are added but many of the below are booking fast so without further ado heres the details we have currently.

Spooky Farm fun at Foxholes Farm- every child gets a free pumpkin with admission

Willows Activity Farm - Pumpkin Festival 

Halloween Festival at Old MacDonald's Farm at Old Mcdonalds Farm 

Pearces Farm Shop Pumpkin Picking

Lee Valley Halloween Festival and Pumpkin Patch

Cammas Hall Pumpkin Picking

Hatters Farm

Spook-Fest at @Aldenham Country Park including add on of pumpkin picking 

Dane End Christmas Tree Farm- Pumpkin Picking 

Pick your own pumpkins at The Woodland Ranch

Spooky farm entry with add on of Pumpkin Picking at Church Farm, Ardeley 

Appleby Street Farm - Pumpkin barn and Field - further details to follow

Pumpkin Patch at Hitchin Lavender

NEWS, ARTICLES & BLOGS

BLOG: Free Letter from Santa

BLOG: Santas Grottos in Hertford and beyond

BLOG: Days out and Activities on a budget in and around Hertford this summer

BLOG: Free Theatre Tickets for Kids in the West End for the whole of August!!!

More news & articles >

More blogs >

Tried & Tested

ADVERTORIAL: Hertfordshire County Council challenged us to have some thrifty adventures

Jacuzzi Parties for Families (or just grown ups!)

Fishing for some fun at Maidenhead aquatics.

Summer Evenings in Paradise 2022

More tried & tested >

WHAT'S ON THIS WEEK


5th October 2024-10-05 2025-01-12 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 12th January
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeNorth Herts Museum, North Hertfordshire Museum, Brand Street, Hitchin


28th October 2024-10-28 2024-12-30 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 30th December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeHitchin Garden Centre, Hitchin


9th November 2024-11-09 2024-12-24 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 24th December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeWestgate shopping Centre, Stevenage


14th November 2024-11-14 2024-12-24 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 24th December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeSpringtime Nurseries, Enfield, Middlesex


15th November 2024-11-15 2025-01-05 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 5th January
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeWaddesdon Manor, Aylesbury


15th November 2024-11-15 2024-12-24 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 24th December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeCentre MK, Milton Keynes


19th November 2024-11-19 2024-12-24 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 24th December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeThe Harvey Centre, Harlow


20th November 2024-11-20 2024-12-24 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 24th December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeVan Hage Garden Centre, Ware


21st November 2024-11-21 2024-12-24 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 24th December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeAudley End Miniature Railway, Saffron Walden


22nd November 2024-11-22 2025-01-19 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 19th January
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeGordon Craig Theatre, Lytton Way, Stevenage


22nd November 2024-11-22 2025-01-01 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 1st January
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeWimpole Estate, Royston


23rd November 2024-11-23 2024-12-24 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 24th December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeFrosts Garden Centre, Milton Keynes


23rd November 2024-11-23 2024-12-24 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 24th December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeWhipsnade Zoo, Dunstable


24th November 2024-11-24 2024-12-24 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 24th December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeLee Valley Animal Adventure Park, Waltham Abbey


25th November 2024-11-25 2024-12-31 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 31st December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeWillow's Activity Farm, St Albans


27th November 2024-11-27 2024-12-24 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 24th December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeBlenheim Palace, Oxfordshire


28th November 2024-11-28 2025-01-01 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 1st January
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeAshridge House, Berkhamsted


29th November 2024-11-29 2025-01-01 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 1st January
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeAshridge House, Berkhamstead


30th November 2024-11-30 2024-12-24 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 24th December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeThe Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead


30th November 2024-11-30 2024-12-31 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 31st December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeBEAM, Hertford


30th November 2024-11-30 2024-12-24 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 24th December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeHertfordshire Zoo, Broxbourne


30th November 2024-11-30 2024-12-29 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 29th December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeThe Roman Theatre of Verulamium, St Albans


30th November 2024-11-30 2024-12-24 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 24th December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeAtria Watford Shopping Centre, Watford


30th November 2024-11-30 2024-12-22 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 22nd December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeLewis of London ice cream farm, 5 Fold Farm, Galley Ln, Barnet


1st December 2024-12-01 2024-12-22 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 22nd December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeTouring to St Pauls Walden, Biggleswade, Letchwort, Hitchin


2nd December 2024-12-02 2025-01-05 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 5th January
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeWare Town Centre, Ware


7th December 2024-12-07 2025-01-04 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 4th January
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeSouth Mill Arts, Bishops Storford


7th December 2024-12-07 2024-12-21 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 21st December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeWardown House, Museum and Gallery, Luton


7th December 2024-12-07 2024-12-24 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 24th December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeHat Factory Arts Centre, Luton


7th December 2024-12-07 2024-12-23 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 23rd December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeSensory Magic, Biggleswade


7th December 2024-12-07 2024-12-30 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 30th December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeThe Eric Morecambe Centre, Harpenden


7th December 2024-12-07 2024-12-21 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 21st December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeWardown House, Mseum & Gallery, Luton


12th December 2024-12-12 2024-12-30 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 30th December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeThe Spotlight, Hoddesdon


12th December 2024-12-12 2024-12-30 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 30th December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeThe Spotlight, Hoddesdon


15th December 2024-12-15 2024-12-24 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 24th December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeThe Spotlight, Hoddesdon


18th December 2024-12-18 2024-12-24 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 24th December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeGullivers Land Theme Park Resort, MIlton Keynes


19th December 2024-12-19 2024-12-24 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 24th December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeWillow's Activity Farm, St Albans


20th December 2024-12-20 2024-12-24 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 24th December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeMead Open Farm, Leighton Buzzard


21st December 2024-12-21 2024-12-21 https://schema.org/EventScheduled
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeMill Green Museum, Bush Hall Lane, Hatfield, Hatfield


21st December 2024-12-21 2024-12-21 https://schema.org/EventScheduled
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeCedars Nature Centre, waltham cross


21st December 2024-12-21 2024-12-21 https://schema.org/EventScheduled
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeBEAM, Hertford


21st December 2024-12-21 2024-12-21 https://schema.org/EventScheduled
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeLuton Library Theatre, Luton


21st December 2024-12-21 2024-12-22 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 22nd December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeBuckinghamshire Railway Centre, Aylesbury


21st December 2024-12-21 2025-01-02 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 2nd January
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeRSPB Rye Meads, Stanstead Abbotts


21st December 2024-12-21 2025-01-04 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 4th January
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeHertford Town tourist and information centre, Hertford


21st December 2024-12-21 2025-01-05 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 5th January
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeVan Hage Garden Centre, Ware


21st December 2024-12-21 2024-12-22 https://schema.org/EventScheduled - 22nd December
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeLeaf Cafe, Hertford


24th December 2024-12-24 2024-12-24 https://schema.org/EventScheduled
https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeMcmullens Brewery, Hertford

More events >

Add your event >

RECENTLY ADDED

Why not browse through some of the listings we have recently added to the site...

Education & childcare

St Columba's College
Primary Tutor Project

For grown-ups (other businesses)

The Musicale Shop

Health & Wellbeing

MOTHER FIT

Holiday clubs & classes

Harpenden Musicale: Step Up to Music
Harpenden Musicale: Musical Theatre Week
Harpenden Musicale: Orchestras and Wind Bands

Add your business >

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