Features

"Hello! Thanks for checking out  'Up Close and Personal with Sally Taylor and friends...', which is going to be very different from my usual role at 6.30 on South Today 

The Kings Theatre

How do you fancy a great night out at the theatre?

Well this is a personal invitation to join me and a host of stars at the stunning Kings Theatre in Southsea - just check out the pictures, sumptuous velvet and Victoriana!

It's going to be a fabulous night of music, chat and comedy with famous names from stage and screen.

We'll have music from various bands, a symphony orchestra, an opera singer or two and some of your favourite faces from South Today and BBC radio will be making an appearance as you've never seen them before!

So make sure you book your seat early and join us for a stylish, fun night which will also have the added bonus of making money for a fantastic cause."

  

Wayne Hemmingway sets the stage

A group of design students from the University of Portsmouth, working with designer Wayne Hemingway, have accepted a challenge to source and design the stage set for this evening of entertainment.

     

The Silver Beatles

'Probably the best Beatles band in the world.....ever!'
'and in the end, the love they make....
is equal to the love you take....
A splendid time is guaranteed for all!
 

Fascinating Aida

Imagine SEX AND THE CITY with harmonies...
 
Imagine Absolutely Fabulous sung by the Andrews Sisters...
 
Imagine Noel Coward, but ruder…

Dillie Keane, Adele Anderson and Liza Pullman are currently touring and very much looking forward to returning to Kings Theatre - and Dillie's home town, Southsea - for Children in Need.
 

Jon Allen

Uncut Jon Allen's music is evocative of the folk rock scene of the late 60s/early 70s and sits comfortably with contemporaries such as Ryan Adams, Jose Gonzales and Damien Rice.

His tracks 'In Your Light', a soulful ballad and 'Down By The River' were playlisted on BBC Radio 2 and championed by the likes of Ken Bruce, Johnnie Walker, Dermot O'leary and Bob Harris.
 

Charles Collingwood & Judy Bennett

Married and living near Petersfield, Charles and Judy are best-known as Brian Aldridge and Shula Hebden Lloyd in the Archers. 

The pair have kindly agreed to leave Ambridge for one night only to join Sally on stage in Southsea. 

Charles is currently busy touring the country publicising his new autobiograhy, 'Brian and me'  and Judy continues to be happily married to the JR of Ambridge. 
 

Sussex Symphony Orchestra

Based in Brighton, and formed in 1993, SSO is now rated as one of the best of its kind in the country. Performing primarily at premier venues across the south of England, the SSO attracts critical acclaim for its programming and quality of performance under its inspirational and charismatic founder, conductor, Mark Andrew James. 
 

The Dodge Brothers

The Dodge Brothers, renowned for playing the hell out of classic Americana, have been described as "wonderful stuff" by Radio 2 presenter Bob Harris. 

They play an exuberant hybrid of country blues, rockabilly, jugband and skiffle.

The Dodge Brothers features Mike Hammond (lead guitar, lead vocals), Mark Kermode (bass, harmonica, vocals), Aly Hirji (rhythm guitar, mandolin, vocals) and Alex Hammond (washboard, snare drum, percussion).
 

 

Claire Rutter and Stephen Gadd

World-renowned and world-class husband and wife opera duo Claire and Stephen met when cast together in a production for Scottish Opera, and married the following year.

Claire joins this show fresh from performing in the title role in a new production of Aida for Australian Opera at Sydney Opera House, while Stephen is preparing for the title role in Verdi's Macbeth at Glyndebourne next summer.
 

South Today All Stars

Some of your favourite, familiar faces from South Today and Radio Solent. Oh, and of course, a bear by the name of Pudsey - he might be there too!

A minimum of 75% of the price of the ticket, net of VAT, will benefit The BBC Children in Need Appeal, a company limited by guarantee (charity number 802052 in England & Wales and SC039557 in Scotland).