Am dram with Alison Norton
Christmas is a time when the am dram community really comes into its own as far as supporting those less fortunate is concerned. And what better way to raise funds for charities than putting our performing skills to good use?
Groups across the region are producing concerts and events, as well as carol singing for their chosen charities. One such group is the newly formed Canon Productions, who on December 9 will present Feed the World, raising money for Wolverhampton food bank, The Well.
Taking place at New Invention Victory Club, the guys will also be holding a food drive for people to donate goods.
There's a host of festive favourites. For tickets priced at £10 each, which includes a fish and chip supper, call 07841 463651 or visit www.seaty.co.uk/feedtheworld
Over in Brierley Hill at the Civic Hall, you can catch a Christmas concert on December 14, courtesy of The Ellenvale Singers, who are joined by the Sovereign Brass Band and the choir of Robert Street Primary School.
The singers are supporting two charities – High Flyers, from Wombourne, and Lottie Millward, a seven-year-old who has brittle bone disease.
High Flyers provide activities for adults with mental and learning disabilities, taking them on holidays and day trips.
The Ellenvale Singers have been together for 40 years and enjoy donating money to local, worthy causes.
For tickets, priced at just £7.50 for adults and £3.50 for children, email lloydvalerie76@yahoo.com or visit www.ellenvalesingers.org
Christmas has also arrived over at Wombourne and District Choral Society, as they present It's Christmas Time!, their festive offering on December 16 at St Chad's Church in Brewood.
For tickets priced at £10 each for adults, with under-16s free, call 01902 744447.
This choir is also seeking new members, so if you are interested, email their membership secretary, Carol Dixon at cagsdixon@gmailcom
The Wulfruna Ladies Choir and City of Wolverhampton Brass Band are holding a Family Night of Christmas Carols Christmas at Low Hill Hub, Wolverhampton, on December 9, starting at 7pm.
Tickets are only £2 each, available from www.wulfrunaladieschoir.org
The choir are also singing at The Mermaid, Wightwick, at 6pm on Sunday.
There's an evening of Christmas music over at Stourbridge Town Hall tomorrow, presented by Tinkers Farm Opera, entitled A Night of Miracles.
For tickets, contact the box office on 01562 886473 or 07584 071571.
There is nothing like a good old ghost story at Christmas time and if it happens to be an amusing comedy too, all the better. Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit fits the bill perfectly and you can catch a production of this classic work at the Crescent Theatre in Birmingham from December 7 to 10, presented by the Birmingham School of Acting.
For tickets visit www.crescent-theatre.co.uk or call 0121 643 5858.
We mustn't forget the little ones at Christmas of course, so Cannock Wood and Gentleshaw Musical Society is presenting The Wind in the Willows (At Christmas) written by Joanna Woodberry from December 7 to 10 at The Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock. For tickets visit boxoffice@wltc.org or call 01543 578762 or 01889 586875.
Finally this week, if you are looking for inspiration for a Christmas pressie, why not get theatre tickets? South Staffs Musical Theatre Company is presenting Monty Python's Spamalot at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre in autumn 2017. Call 01902 429212 or visit www.grandtheatre.co.uk
Please keep those emails and good quality photographs coming toa.norton@expressandstar.co.uk, call me on 01902 319662 or follow me on Twitter @AlisonNorton. Break a leg!
