November 2016 wins

2nd November – I won two tickets to Wind in the Willows at the Lowry Theatre, Salford.

I took my granddaughter Lucy to the performance of the new musical ‘Wind in the Willows’ I’m always worried by this sort of thing – will it be too grown up for her or will it be too childish for me. Well the good news is they got the balance about right.

Although the book is very popular I’m not sure there is enough of a story to it for a full theatrical production.  Also I didn’t think there were any really standout songs; I didn’t come away singing anything.

Having said that there are lots of plus points.  The real star of the show was the set. The sets was amazing! In the fast paced show they are constantly changing. We were treated to – the riverbank - Ratty’s rowing boat that moved around the stage - the outside of Toad Hall – the inside of Toad Hall – a gypsy caravan (with tap dancing horses) – a scene where they build a vintage car on stage – the creepy Wild Woods – badgers house – a court room –a prison - a full size steam train – a full size canal barge – etc. etc. etc. The team who designed and operate these sets deserve special praise.

Rufus Hound as the self-obsessed, bolshie Mr Toad was the acting star and thoroughly deserved his billing. Not the greatest singing voice, but his timing and energy really carried the production. I’d only previously seen him on panel shows and the like so I was impressed by his talent.

The overall cast were excellent, they managed through movement and posture to portray something of the character of the animals they were playing. They also deserve a pat on the back for the multiple costume changes and coping with the speed of the production.

The standout moment of the night was the hedgehog family singing the comic song ‘Crossing the Road can be Murder for an ‘edgehog’. Mother hedgehog singing with a broad Brumie accent. Really funny.

Julian Fellowes who wrote the stage adaption said – “I hope people who come to see it will be cheered by it, and will walk out of the theatre feeling warmer than they were when they walked in".  Well Julian, you and your colleagues certainly succeeded in that.

4th November -  I received an e-mail from Top Sante saying I had won a break at Seaham Hall near Durham.

A little bit of information and it turns out that it is the - ULTIMATE INDULGENCE break, which is described as follows:-

Immerse yourself in ultimate indulgence and experience a luxurious weekend of pampering. Take a journey through our wonderful hotel, on arrival your car will be valet parked for you and your luggage whisked up to your suite. After a leisurely check-in you can take a wander through our magical underground tunnel towards our award winning spa, where you can feast upon a delicious 2 course meal in our Ozone restaurant before a relaxing afternoon by the poolside and thermal suites which will prepare you for your mid-afternoon massages. Feeling fully relaxed retire to your suite where your king size bed awaits for an afternoon nap or a spot of reading then why not also enjoy pre-dinner drink in your suite before joining us in Byron’s Restaurant for a seven course evening meal. Enjoy a historic and atmospheric tour of our wine cellar to select your wine and drinks for the evening using your £100 voucher. Following your meal retire to one of our three lounges to round of your evening. Retire to your suite for the best night’s sleep you’ve ever had… Rise in the morning for a delicious breakfast in bed then leisurely make your way to the spa for your morning facial, relax and enjoy the spa. Finally finish you stay with an indulgent Afternoon Tea before you, reluctantly, leave our house for yours.

The Package includes:-

Two course lunch in The Ozone Restaurant

60 minute Serenity Signature Massage per person

60 minute Sundari Prescriptive Facial per person

Pre-dinner drinks with a seven Course Tasting Menu served in Byron’s Restaurant

£100 to spend in our wine cellar!

Leisurely Breakfast in Bed
Afternoon Tea on the day of your departure