Month: April 2017

Counting down to World Heritage Day

 

World Heritage Day celebrations set to kick off at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Visitors to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow will have the opportunity to be transported to the heart of Scotland’s World Heritage Sites as part of a special event to mark World Heritage Day. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum will host a full day of free activities on Tuesday 11 April to celebrate Scotland’s rich heritage, in the run up to World Heritage Day on 18 April. Continue reading Counting down to World Heritage Day

Report reveals short term lets problems facing capital

A report detailing the scale of the problem with ‘short-term lets’ in Scotland’s capital has been published by Green MSP Andy Wightman.

The publication by the Scottish Greens’ housing spokesperson shows there are more than 6200 properties available in Edinburgh for short term letting and that more than half of these are entire homes where the owner is not present.

A number of key issues with short term lets are also spelled out, including anti-social behaviour, loss of community, displacing available housing, the avoidance of non-domestic business rates and property security.

Lothian MSP, Andy Wightman MSP said: “I am calling for new powers to enable councils to plan and regulate the use of residential property for short term lets. Many constituents have contacted me in recent months to raise their concerns about the widespread growth of this sector in their communities. It is clear that we need to find a simple solution and one such way is through the introduction of new Use Class Orders in the planning system.

“To stimulate debate and greater awareness of the problem, I am delighted to be publishing the first in a series of briefing papers (below) on the topic.”

20170403 – Briefing Paper on Short Term Lets v.FINAL-1

 

Everybody’s Edinburgh: voluntary sector produces council election manifesto

We are delighted to introduce ‘Everybody’s Edinburgh’ – A Third Sector Manifesto

 

This is a call to action to candidates in the upcoming local elections to prioritise the wellbeing of Edinburgh’s citizens.

Developed in consultation with Edinburgh’s Third Sector, this manifesto calls for a commitment for greater unity between political parties and across sectors to tackle the growing inequalities in our communities, and ensure the best interests of the people of Scotland, and in our Capital, are met. It highlights some of the key issues that affect Edinburgh’s citizens and provides actions and objectives that can be undertaken and achieved through better collaborative working, and by investing in Edinburgh’s communities to create a solid foundation to tackle poverty inequalities and injustice.

Our manifesto is a start to a conversation about inequality that we hope will continue beyond the council elections to improve the wellbeing of our City’s citizens for many years to come, ensuring that no one is left behind.

To further this dialogue we will be hosting hustings for each political party at EVOC’s offices from 5:30pm – 7pm on the 18th, 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th of April.

Spaces are limited so please register your interest using the booking form.

Representatives will be given the opportunity to speak about their election agenda for approximately fifteen minutes before opening up the floor for Q&As.

Download a digital copy of Everybody’s Edinburgh

£1 million for national social and community care organisations

 

More than £1 million has been awarded to voluntary organisations to help support and develop social and community care services in Scotland. The allocation is part of the Section 10 grants scheme and together with on-going grants, brings current Scottish Government investment in the scheme to £2.82 million. Continue reading £1 million for national social and community care organisations

North Edinburgh Community Chest

Can your idea benefit your community?

North Edinburgh Arts is working with Firstport and wants to hear about an idea you have that can benefit your community.  Apply online and pick up funding of £500 to make your idea a reality. 

So if you have an idea that will help people in Muirhouse or Pilton, fill in the online application anytime from now until the 30th June, 2017 and we’ll be back in touch with you.  Open the poster attached to find out more, tell us about your idea and you could be awarded £500. Good Luck!

Find out more about the project here – http://www.firstport.org.uk/programmes/item/560-community-ideas-fund

 

Scottish Government acts to protect families hit by welfare changes

“The squeeze will be felt most by families with children, young people and those who have already been hardest hit by continuing UK Government austerity” – Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman

Families with children will be among those worst affected by UK welfare changes coming into effect, Scotland’s Social Security Minister has said. A number of UK Government changes come in to force yesterday which will cut the benefits people in Scotland are entitled to.

Continue reading Scottish Government acts to protect families hit by welfare changes

Searching for Cilla

COULD YOU BE THE NEXT BIG MUSICAL THEATRE STAR?

PRODUCERS OF THE WORLD PREMIERE OF CILLA THE MUSICAL ARE ON THE HUNT FOR THEIR CILLA

NATIONAL OPEN AUDITIONS CONFIRMED IN LIVERPOOL, EDINBURGH, BIRMINGHAM AND LONDON

 

The producers of Cilla – The Musical have confirmed the dates and locations for their search for Cilla, with open auditions taking place around the country.

The search is on for a charismatic and talented actress with a great voice to portray the title role, starting in Cilla’s hometown of Liverpool.

The dates and locations for the auditions are as below: 

Tuesday 2 May                               Liverpool Empire

Monday 8 May                               Edinburgh Playhouse

Tuesday 9 May                               Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre

Friday 12 May                                 London Dominion Theatre

 

Robert Willis (Executive Producer and Cilla’s son), said: “My Mum Ioved singing and performing ever since she was a young girl and she was determined to do what she loved. Having performed at the clubs around Liverpool, including the famous Cavern Club, she got her big break when Brian Epstein spotted her and signed her. It was the start of everything that was to follow. She was a natural born performer who lived to entertain her audience. We are hoping to find that person who also dreams big and has the talent to match but just needs the chance to show it. We can’t wait to meet you!”

For full information about the auditions and to register please go to: https://www.cillathemusical.com

Bill Kenwright and Laurie Mansfield present this new musical about the life and legend of Cilla Black, which will open in her hometown at the Liverpool Empire from Thursday 7 – 16 September before embarking on a nationwide tour.

Cilla The Musical, is a spectacular and heart-warming musical adaptation of the critically acclaimed ITV mini-series based on the early life of Cilla Black, by BAFTA award winner, Jeff Pope (The Moorside, Philomena,From The Cradle To The Grave, Mrs Biggs).

The story follows the extraordinary life of the ordinary teenage girl from Liverpool, Priscilla White, and her rocky, yet incredible, rise to fame. By the age of just 25 she was recognized as international singing star Cilla Black. By the age of 30 she had become Britain’s favorite television entertainer headlining series’ of Blind Date, Surprise Surprise and many more.

The musical score will be the ultimate soundtrack to the 60’s including Cilla’s greatest hits Anyone Who Had a Heart, Alfie and Something Tells Me, alongside a backdrop of the legendary “Liverpool Sound” including theBeatles’ Twist and Shout, and American influences like California Dreamin by The Mamas and The Papas and many more.

Cilla The Musical is produced by Bill Kenwright and Laurie Mansfield, alongside Executive Producer Robert Willis 

CILLA – THE MUSICAL

WRITTEN BY JEFF POPE

DIRECTED BY BILL KENWRIGHT & BOB TOMSON

 

Liverpool Empire Theatre                                                                                         atgtickets.com/Liverpool

7 – 16 September                                                                                                                0844 871 3017

 

Edinburgh Playhouse                                                                                               atgtickets.com/Edinburgh

19 – 23 September                                                                                                             0844 871 3014

 

Milton Keynes Theatre                                                                                               atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

26 – 30 September                                                                                                          0844 871 7627

 

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton                                                                          mayflower.org.uk

3 – 7 October                                                                                                                       023 8071 1811

 

New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham                                                                        atgtickets.com/Birmingham

10 – 14 October                                                                                                                   0844 871 3011

 

Blackpool, Opera House                                                                                                wgbpl.co.uk

17 – 21 October                                                                                                   0844 856 1111

 

New Theatre, Cardiff                                                                                                   newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

31 October – 4 November                                                                                                 029 2087 8889

 

New Wimbledon Theatre                                                                                          atgtickets.com/Wimbledon

7 – 11 November                                                                                                                 0844 871 7646

 

Regent Theatre, Stoke                                                                                                     atgtickets.com/stoke

14 – 18 November                                                                                                              0844 871 7649

 

Palace Theatre, Manchester                                                                                    atgtickets.com/Manchester

21 – 25 November                                                                                                              0844 871 3019

 

Bradford, Alahambra Theatre                                                                                 bradford-theatres.co.uk

28 November – 2 December                                                                                             01274 432 000

 

More tour dates to be confirmed soon.

 

Visit cillathemusical.com for all the latest tour and audition information

Twitter: @CILLAMUSICA