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Trail shines a hopeful light on future of public spaces across Swindon
Yesterday evening saw the launch of South Swindon Parish Council's Enchanted Gardens Light Trail at the historic Town Gardens. Yet again, this excellent organisation has proved what can be done in our public spaces if there is sufficient dedication, ingenuity and pride among those elected into stewardship of those places.
By Barrie Hudson
Years ago, when the possibility of bringing in a system of parish councils across Swindon to take over certain borough council functions was mooted, the public reaction was mixed to say the least.
Some people held up the fine example of existing organisations such as Stratton St Margaret Parish Council, for example. Others worried that they would be left with a higher council tax bill - albeit relatively slightly higher - and little to show for it except disappointment, and perhaps also an opportunity for councillors to shrug off responsibility when things went awry, saying: "It's not our fault, blame the other council."
Each Swindon person will have their own opinion as to whether their parish council has met their expectations, good or bad, but it would be a churlish person indeed who failed to acknowledge the skill, dedication and success of South Swindon Parish Council when the improvement and maintenance of public spaces, not to mention using those spaces wisely, is considered.
The latest example is this year's Enchanted Gardens Light Trail at the Town Gardens, whose launch yesterday evening drew positive responses from just about everybody who experienced it. As with the previous two light trails, the latest taps into the sense of childlike wonder which lives in the heart of even the most cynical adult. It is no wonder that the trails are already well on the way to becoming a delightful Festive Season ritual for thousands of people from throughout the town and beyond.
South Swindon Parish Council, in common with many if not all of the parish councils which took over some of the borough council's functions in 2017, found that a great deal of work needed to be done in public spaces ranging from the grandest park to the most compact playground.
Saying this is no slight against Swindon Borough Council, and certainly no slight to the hard-pressed borough council staff who did their best in the face of immense challenges.
The truth of the matter is that austerity, coupled with statutory obligations to provide vital services to the most vulnerable members of the community, meant that certain other functions had to take second place or lower in the pecking order when the time came to allocate resources.
However, the parish council took on its new responsibilities with verve, ensuring the funding allocated public spaces and their use was deployed well. It has gone about its work with a commendable lack of party-political commentary; indeed, were it not for the fact that the party affiliations of the various councillors are listed on ballot papers every few years, most people living in the parish council area would have no idea which party they belonged to.
This is as it should be. The first duty of any councillor, be they a parish, borough, district or county councillor, is to every man, woman and child in the area they serve, not to organisations and party leaders headquartered far away.
For proof of what a parish council can achieve with the right people and the right approach to its work, we need only look at other South Swindon projects in recent months.
In Spring, for example, the parish council opened its new Blossom Circle at the immensely-improved GWR Park. Working with organisations such as the National Trust, Historic England and Swindon Borough Council, the parish planted a circle 'Malus Rudolph' blossom trees, intended to blossom every year and create a space for people to relax and appreciate nature.
In March a wildlife discovery day at Shaftesbury Lake was announced, and that month also saw the announcement that the parish council had joined forces with the Lawn Tennis Association to have the pockmarked and neglected tennis courts at Quarry Road refurbished, providing a superb community resource and giving the public more choice when it came to exercise.
The following month the parish council announced an eclectic range of summer entertainment at the iconic Old Town Bowl, spanning everything from Shakespeare to outdoor cinema screenings of A Star is Born and Top Gun: Maverick, while in May hundreds of people of all ages came to the town gardens for a concert to celebrate the Coronation.
During the summer, Britain in Bloom judges were impressed by South Swindon's parks, and in Autumn there was good news for the birds of the historic aviary in the Town Gardens as their quarters were completely renovated.
Obviously, each parish council faces a unique set of challenges as far as public spaces go, but South Swindon's is a prime example of just what can be achieved.
The Ink News Briefing
You can now get hold of your free Swindon Link in Tesco Superstore - Swindon Link readers will now be able to pick up their free copy of the magazine at Tesco Superstore in Ocotal Way. Read More
Rat-infested Swindon shop closed by council inspectors - India Bazzar grocery store in Broadgreen will remain closed after Swindon Borough Council’s Environmental Health team discovered a significant rat infestation during a routine food hygiene inspection. Read More
'Would-be robber tried to take teenager's phone - Swindon Police are appealing for witnesses following an attempted robbery in Okus Road. Read More
Teenagers guilty of murdering Owen Dunn in Swindon - Tyler Hunt, 18, of Park South and a 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were convicted of the murder of Mr Dunn, 18, who died from a stab wound. Read More
The Ink Piece
The Friday Culture Vulture
[Review] The Bodyguard: The Musical at Oxford’s New Theatre
A culture column by Jessica Durston
The atmosphere was fizzing this week during the opening night of The Bodyguard at the New Theatre. Gold balloons and streamers lined the piano bar downstairs and the excitement amongst the hordes of audience members was palpable.
It was quite exciting attending this particular press night as I had no prior knowledge of The Bodyguard film, on entry. Having no expectations and going into the show blind meant I could really immerse myself within the story, and enjoy the dramatic twists and turns of the plot.
So now having seen the show, I can tell you the story follows superstar Rachel Marron, a diva in the prime of her career who starts receiving threatening letters from a stalker. A bodyguard (Frank Farmer) is hired to look after Rachel, her sister Nicki, and her son Fletcher. She is constantly at odds with him and the pair clash with one another at first. Rachel and her management team make it difficult for Frank to do his job but he sticks with his role as he feels he has a duty to protect the star and her little family.
The pair get to know one another better and their relationship develops, but at the same time, Rachel’s stalker’s psychotic urges grow stronger. The question is will Frank’s determination and protective instincts be enough to keep Rachel and those she loves safe?
Lawrence Kasdan (screenplay) and Alexander Dinelaris (book) have worked well together to cover the whole ‘Bodyguard’ story in a fast-paced and engaging way, with plentiful humour injections to break up the dramatic narrative.
After doing a little research into the film, I found the 31-year-old story had been kept largely the same, but brought up to date with the use of digital screens, iPhones, and mentions of instagram. There were also clever insertions of pre-recorded video footage throughout, designed by Duncan McLean.
So let's move on to discuss the musical’s cast shall we?
Australian Idol star Emily Williams took on the main role of Rachel Marron, which Whitney Houston made famous in the film. Her vocal runs took audience members on an aural rollercoaster and she hit every note perfectly. She took to this role like a duck to water, and proves that she can act and dance, as well as sing.
I enjoyed the fact that the big ballads were adjusted to suit her voice and singing style, and that the show did not feel like Whitney Houston karaoke night. Emily must have really worked hard during her rehearsals and training for this musical, as she perfects an American accent and lilts softly, slightly invoking Whitney’s own smooth voice even when not singing.
Similarly, Emily-Mae, who played Rachel’s sister Nicki, was also vocally flawless. Both these leading ladies’ voices melded beautifully. They are both obviously very accomplished performers, and it did not surprise me to see in the show’s programme that Emily-Mae was also able to understudy for the lead role herself.
Taking on Kevin Costner’s role in the film - bodyguard Frank Farmer - was Ayden Callaghan. With experience in soaps (Emmerdale and Hollyoaks), he proved that his acting chops transfer perfectly onto the theatre stage. He embodied the masculine but sensitive and caring personality of Frank, and brought the same stubborn and headstrong energy to match his onstage rival-to-lover, Rachel Marron.
Marios Nicolaides played Rachel’s stalker and although he had minimal lines, he oozed evil, and his body language was perfectly threatening. The musical’s directors (Frank Thompson & Jason Capewell) and sound (Richard Brooker) and lighting (Mark Henderson) designers worked well together to create a sense of dread and drama, during the scenes that Rachel’s stalker appears in.
I also feel that I must spotlight little 9-year-old Kaylen Luke who played Rachel’s son Fletcher in this opening night performance. He stole every scene he was in, and to see such a young boy sing, dance, and own the stage with the amount of confidence he has, was marvellous.
All the cast were integral in creating the bustling backstage atmosphere, and the big team constantly surrounding leading lady Rachel Marron.
In addition, the scene changes were smooth, and elaborate set pieces (designed by Tim Hatley) created a great sense of place for the different settings. During the scenes in the country house that Rachel, Frank, Nicki, and Fletcher escape to, the detailed cabin interior backdrop really produced that ‘deep woods’ feel.
The larger set pieces appeared to glide on and off stage effortlessly, allowing the cast members and scene-setting props to be slid around, and pulled in or out of focus at any given moment.
Tim Hatley was also behind the costume design. Rachel’s costume was made up of sparkling and glamorous performance gowns and casual jumper and jeans combinations, which perfectly showed the two sides of her personality. She appears as both the world-famous diva who is at home on the stage, and the everyday human; the loving mother who wants to spend time with her son and forget about the world outside.
The casual costume choices make the players more relatable and help to immerse the audience in the dramatic narrative and create verisimilitude.
Moreover, the soundtrack is fantastic as it consists of a number of powerhouse Whitney Houston hits. The performances of these beloved tracks from Emily Williams and Emily-Mae were goosebump-inducing. Their vocals teamed with the live band really fill the room, and give you chills.
It’s hard to choose stand out numbers as Emily and Emily-Mae were both incredible throughout the production. I would say, however, that their duet of the track ‘Run To You’ was something very special. Emily Williams also gave it everything she had when performing the iconic ‘I Will Always Love You’, and ‘I Have Nothing.’ A further memorable track for me personally was the disco classic ‘I’m Every Woman.’ The choreography, glitzy showgirl dresses and colourful lighting and backdrop helped to make this number still stick out in my mind days after.
The music and vocals teamed with Karen Bruce’s choreography, and the lighting design from Mark Henderson, made for a show stopping spectacle. Audience members are also treated to pyrotechnics throughout some of the bigger numbers.
Additionally, the modern dance routines brought the pop arena stage environment to the historic theatre. You felt like you were live at the O2 watching a diva at her sell-out concert of the year. There is even a chance for the audience to stand and join in the party later on in the show.
This fabulous musical is showing at Oxford’s New Theatre until Saturday 2 December, and then will be touring other venues around the UK. Grab tickets while you can!
More information and tickets can be found at
https://www.thebodyguardmusical.com/
More information about the New Theatre and its upcoming events can be found on its website at https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-theatre-oxford/
What’s On - Weekly Roundup, 1 December - 8 December:
● Ion Maiden (tribute band) at The Victoria. Friday 1 December at 8.30pm. More information here
● Charlie Baker (comedy) at Swindon Arts Centre. Saturday 2 December at 8pm. More information here
● Snow White pantomime at the Wyvern Theatre. Showtimes span Saturday 2 December to Sunday 31 December. More information here
● Callum Smith Organ Trio at the Royal Oak (Jazz Knights Live Tuesday Jazz Sessions). Tuesday 5 December from 8pm. More information here
● The Real Cheesemakers and Tom Veck (live music performances) at The Tuppenny. Thursday 7 December at 8.30pm. More information here
● A Night At The Oscars (champagne, awards and hollywood glamour) at Swindon Meca. Thursday 7 December, at 7pm. More information here
The Swindon Link Magazine Archive
Over on The Ink’s sister publication Swindon Link’s website you will find an impressive archive of the past 45 years of Swindon Link magazines, giving you a huge glimpse into the town’s recent past from the beginnings of West Swindon to now. You can find the archive here
The latest magazines
For the North West Swindon Link Magazine click here
For the South East Swindon Link Magazine click here