We heard this morning about a woman in Shenfield having her head shaved later to raise money for the Essex Tourettes Action Group, which was preparing to celebrate its first meeting in its brand new home, Willowbrook Hall. Brigette Carter, who runs the group with her husband Peter, joined me on the phone to describe briefly the range of forms Tourettes can take – and how widespread it is. Kathy Rout’s son Cameron has Tourettes, and by choosing such a visible way of fundraising Brigette explained that Kathy is also hoping to raise awareness of the condition and the group, which supports people with Tourettes and their families throughout Essex and beyond.
We’ll be talking more about Tourettes on the show on 1st February, when Kathy and Cameron will be joining me in the studio – along with Brigette and Peter and their daughter Emilly, who was diagnosed shortly after she was born.
If you’d like to show your support for the group and Kathy’s fantastic efforts visit her JustGiving page.
Listen again:Feelgood Saturday 18 01 14 Brigette Carter
I was also joined by the two leading cast members of Shenfield Operatic Society’s latest production, Barry Manilow’s Copacabana. Jess Pether – who plays Lola – and Jamie Fudge, who’s Tony – described how the TV movie on which the musical was based originally came about; and how, with all its glitz and glamour and a happy ending, this promises to be a real feel-good show!
Jess and Jamie also explained how they each became involved with musical theatre, and the tremendous reward from performing despite all the nerves and hard work. Even though they’re an amateur group Shenfield Operatic’s productions are 
always to a very professional standard, and they’re very welcoming of new members – whether to perform or help out with all sorts of roles behind the scenes. If you’d like to get involved email the Membership Secretary, Sophie, at membership@shenfieldoperaticsociety.co.uk.
Copacabana is at Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch, from Tuesday 25th February to Saturday 1st March; for tickets visit the Theatre’s website.
Follow Shenfield Operatic via Facebook and Twitter, and to listen again click here:Feelgood Saturday 18 01 14 Shenfield Operatic Society
