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Newton Faulkner and Andy Jordan launch RNIB’s See Through Sound Gigs
There’s nothing I hate more than not being able to see clearly – I’m the one who complains if I have to eat in the dark, or I’ll be the one muttering if I can’t see the performers on stage at a concert – I’m definitely a visual kinda gal!
But, this didn’t stop me from heading to the launch of the RNIB’s (Royal National Institute of Blind People’s) See Through Sound gigs, where music lovers are given ‘sim specs’ (glasses that simulate reduced vision) to wear to provide an insight into what it’s like living with sight loss.
With the fabulous Newton Faulkner and former Made In Chelsea alumni Andy Jordan taking to the stage at The Venue in Great Portland Street, while wearing the ‘sim specs’ I had the opportunity to simply focus on the music.
Grabbing a quick chat with Andy following his performance he explained he was supporting the cause as many of his family suffer from eye defects.
Happy to use his musical talents for the RNIB launch, he told me: “I’m just enjoying life. I think I’ve moved away from Made In Chelsea now – I’m just me! Enjoying doing my music – and surfing.”
He even admitted: “I don’t watch MIC – I never did even when I was on it.”
And his thoughts on the recent fallout between former MIC besties Stephanie Pratt and Lucy Watson?
“I didn’t know Stephanie and Lucy had fallen out but to be honest I don’t give a f***. They’ll do whatever they can to get more Twitter followers and Instagram likes.”
Ouch!
Well, concentrating on putting the days of MIC well and truly behind him, Andy will be among performers at the See Through Sound gig at Cadogan Hall on October 14.
Get your ticket at www.ticketmaster.co.uk or www.cadoganhall.com.
Secret of the successful working mum? Send kids to boarding school…!
Well, if you’re Meg Mathews that is! Best known for being the ex wife of Noel Gallagher, the multi-talented blogger, scarves and interior designer, is also mum to their 12 year old daughter Anais.
Chatting to Meg at her launch of her range for furniture and home accessories store, Dwell, the 46 year old was more than happy to share her secret.
Over a glass of champagne at the Tottenham Court Road store, she said ‘Monday to Thursday I know Anais is at boarding school – she loves it. No-one worries about what they look like and walk around in their pyjamas, ripped Converse trainers and limp hair!
‘I grew up in boarding school and loved it, lots of happy memories – so I didn’t think of doing anything different for Anais. I went to school with [director] Guy Ritchie and I’m still best friends with his sister.’
Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against boarding schools – it’s definitely an individual’s decision – and it seems to be working for Meg…
She went on, ‘During the day I don’t really have schedule – I make lots of lists and rush around till everything’s done!’
Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and me…
No parent with a child under five can say they know nothing of the magic that is In the Night Garden. When I first encountered the programme I can honestly say it freaked the hell out of me, especially the hypnotic effect it seemed to have on any child plonked in front if it. But as my sweet baby turned into a very ‘vocal’ toddler, I’m sure I’m not the first parent to take advantage of its calming effect!
So with the news that a stage version of the BBC programme was coming to The O2, I jumped at the chance to gain some brownie points with my little one – and between the two of us, I’m not sure who was more excited at the thought of seeing the show! Although I wasn’t quite sure how she (or I!) was going to react to seeing larger than life-sized versions of her television favourites….
Performed in The O2’s Live Quarter, the excitement starts as you approach to see huge inflatable Haahoos outside the entrance. My two year old fluctuated between silent awe and astonishment, to being one of the most vocal in joining in with the songs and pointing out the characters on stage – loud enough for those in the very back rows to hear. A mixture of puppetry and costumed characters, I can’t say there was a particular moment when she became bored or tired of the action on stage. Of course, it’s not perfect viewing for adults, but seeing the pleasure experienced by younger members of the audience definitely makes it worthwhile.
The day was topped off with a meet and greet with Igglepiggle (you can also chose to meet Upsy Daisy), and despite her initial reservations about the lifesize blue character, my daughter ended up giving him a hug and smiling for a family snap. Although my own reservations weren’t helped by having Igglepiggle rest his arm on my shoulder, while he gave me a glass-eyed stare…!
It’s not a cheap day out, but if your child is a fan it’s a treat they”ll definitely appreciate.
Media Mummy rating? 4 out of 5 stars.
In the Night Garden Live is at The O2 until June 9 before continuing on its UK tour.
www.nightgardenlive.com
Aardman presents Learning Time with Timmy
AS a parent in the age of technology, it won’t be long before you’re debating how much ‘screen time’ to allow your child.
For some parents it’s not a real issue, while others prefer to limit the amount of time their little one spends in front of a screen to the bare minimum – each to their own.
But when choosing WHAT they watch it helps that it’s both fun AND educational, which is what the launch of Learning Time with Timmy seems to have achieved.
Created by Aardman – the Oscar-winning animation studio behind classics Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep – in partnership with the British Council, the interactive online series is aimed at making learning English fun.
And while my boy has just turned one, he took an interest to the preview episodes we were shown, in particular trying to join in with the animal noises and the dance at the end of each episode with Timmy the sheep. It also helped that there was popcorn – and a giant-sized Timmy in the auditorium…
The episodes are also short enough to deal with a toddler’s attention span!
You can watch the series on YouTube at www.youtube.com/LearningTimeWithTimmy