Chairman of Hutton and Shenfield Choral Society, Richard Randall, joined me this morning to talk about A Night at the Opera next Saturday evening at Brentwood International Centre. The Society is keen to develop a section for young people, and to encourage younger people to experience opera – perhaps for the first time – they’re giving away tickets for next week’s concert to anyone under 30! To reserve your tickets e-mail operanight@gmail.com, but get in quick, as once they’re gone they are gone. If you’d like to talk to Richard about getting involved with HSCS – whatever your age – phone 01245 474242.

I also chatted with Penny Betteridge, co-founder of the Thalian Theatre Group based in Basildon and director of their production next week of The Accrington Pals. Penny explained that the play is based on the true story of a volunteer batallion formed in response to Lord Kitchener’s somewhat misguided appeal at the outbreak of World War One, focusing particularly on the lives of the women left behind in Lancashire. Penny also talked about the history of the Thalians, and said that they’re always keen to welcome new members – particularly girls over 16. To contact Penny or her co-founder, husband Mike, phone 01268 417854.