Comedies come to Cuckfield

By John Fisher

Cuckfield Dramatic Society’s autumn show at the end of the month is a comedy double bill to keep us feeling good even as the days lengthen. Whether you have heard of the playwrights or not, the shared comedic theme of battles between the sexes is something everyone will enjoy.

The Bear by Anton Chekhov is about a very angry man trying to collect a debt from a weeping young widow while her loyal retainer tries to both cheer her up and throw him out. It’s all mirth and no melodrama as two very stubborn people get hot under the collar about money and marriage.

Also known for realistic long dramas Chekhov was also a prize winning writer of short stories and plays, including collections of humorous ones, and he is still considered to be a master of that form. The Bear is subtitled A Joke in One Act.

Director Hazelle Woodhurst says it’s a hilarious play – a classic about an archetypal man and woman with some wonderful comic timing. Chekhov it may be but this Russian farce is more Carry on Comrade than heavy drama!

Fumed Oak by Noel Coward is set in 1930s Clapham where Henry Gow is fed up with his whiny daughter, moaning mother-in-law and demanding wife. But he has a secret and soon it will be out…

Despite being known for plays about high society and having one of the poshest voices ever ‘born and bred in the suburbs of London’ Coward also wrote about ordinary people, and in Fumed Oak horribly funny ones too!

Performances run from Tuesday 29th October to Friday 1st November 2019. Tickets are on sale now at: www.cdsweb.co.uk/book

Youth yoga and mentoring at Bolnore's The Woodside

Becca Lee

Bolnore resident and wellness coach Becca Lee is offering yoga and mentoring classes to young people starting this month at The Woodside.

The classes are for children in school Years 6-11 and will involve mindful movement, relaxation, practical tools, themed discussions and life mentoring.

Becca is a qualified and experienced yoga teacher and wellness coach. She aims to help teens who may be suffering with anxiety or depression or who are struggling at school.

Becca commented: “Together in each class, we will connect with and explore ourselves as a whole being, we will build self awareness, self esteem, self confidence, physical and mental strength, focus, patience and much more. All of this can aid anxiety, reduce stress, improve sleep, help self regulate heightened emotional states and support depression.”

Classes take place on Mondays from 7-8.15pm at The Woodside at a drop-in rate of £8. A class pass will be available (but not necessary) for the next half-term, beginning Monday 4th November, for £39 (£6.50 per class over six weeks).

Kangaroos charity creates magical memories at Disneyland

Michelle Heaton with Kanagaroos

Last month pop star Michelle Heaton joined 21 children from the charity Kangaroos in Disneyland Paris to enjoy their chosen ‘Memory of a Lifetime’. The visit was part of local charity Kangaroos 25th Anniversary as it celebrates 25 years supporting children in Sussex.

Michelle Heaton and her family joined the Kangaroos group in Disneyland Paris where they started an unforgettable day meeting Mickey & Minnie Mouse in Walt Disney Studios, followed by practising their cooking skills, producing a Tutti Frutti dish, and harnessing their creativity by customising Mickey ears during two workshops.

Cuckfield resident and Kangaroos 18+ member Siobhain Lee said: “My favourite ride was the Ratatouille ride, the food was good, the hotel was big and it was good fun sharing with my friends and having a giggle (and the parade was excellent)!”

“I just know how excited she was about time away without parents,” Siobhain’s mum Jane explained. “She had a fabulous time doing all the things the group wanted to do, rather than having to negotiate with the family about it. Thank you.”