Seasonal Features

Sixtyplusurfers interview

Sara Davies

Sara Davies by Nicky Johnson

Interview by Jenny Itzcovitz

Sara Davies MBE is the founder of Crafter’s Companion, a global business selling papercraft, art, needlecraft and stationery items. Sara is also the youngest ever female investor to appear on BBC1’s Dragons’ Den. Sara has recently published Craft Your Year With Sara Davies – The Crafting Bible, a fun and accessible guide with 70 crafts to make throughout the year.

In our fascinating interview, Sara tells us how she set up Crafter’s Companion, how she became involved with Dragons’ Den, what it was like to get her MBE, how you can enjoy making craft products at home, and all about her new craft book and her inspiration.

Plus, Sara shares an easy to make craft project for Easter Bunting and a Clay Trinket Tray. And she is giving away three copies of her new book especially for Sixtyplusurfers readers!

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and where you come from?

“Of course! I’m Sara Davies – you might have seen me on Dragons’ Den or hitting the dancefloor with Aljaž on Strictly (an actual, real life, dream come true). My day job though, is running Crafter’s Companion from our HQ in the North East.

“I grew up in County Durham and I’m still based there today with my husband, Simon and our two boys, Oliver and Charlie. I’m incredibly proud to be from the North East and I’m very passionate about this phenomenal region and creating new opportunities for the amazing amount of local talent we have up here.”

You set up Crafter’s Companion while you were a student at the University of York. What was your inspiration and how did you get it started?

Sara Davies

“My inspiration was, and continues to be, my parents. Both my mam and dad have an amazing work ethic. They were entrepreneurs when I was growing up, running a painting and decorating shop alongside countless other ventures. So, from being quite young, I always knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps and run my own business.

“During my Business Management degree, I did some work experience at a craft company, which introduced me to cardmaking. I had a go, loved it and had a lightbulb moment!

“Cardmakers were producing beautiful cards, without envelopes to fit. I spotted a gap in the market and worked with my dad to develop The Enveloper – a tool to create bespoke envelopes. It sold like hot cakes and the rest, as they say, is history!”

How did you build up Crafter’s Companion from a small business into a flourishing company?

“Crafter’s Companion started from my university bedroom, so after graduation I had a business to run! We started off with a tiny but fantastic team, including my best friend’s mum who is still with the company today. Since then, we’ve grown into a thriving global business, employing over 200 people and with offices in the US and UK.

“The thing that hasn’t changed is that I still have a fantastic team behind me, the people at Crafter’s continue to be the key to our success. We have some really passionate crafters here, dedicated to creating products specially for crafters and we listen to feedback to ensure that we are offering the best possible products.”

I loved watching you on Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 when you danced with the talented and charismatic professional dancer, Aljaž Škorjanec. What did you enjoy most about the show? Did you make some lovely friends, and are you still dancing?

“Honestly, I have wanted to go on Strictly for as long as I can remember. So, when I got the call I quite literally leapt at the chance! Having been a fan for years, I always thought Aljaž seemed so lovely, and I’d tell anyone who would listen that I was hoping to be paired with him. And I was right, he was just as lovely and amazing in real life! We hit it off instantly and Aljaž and his wife Jeanette are more than friends now, they’re part of the family.

“I loved every minute of my time on Strictly and the live tour, it was a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and was just totally magical. Dancing makes you feel fantastic and honestly, I’ve made friends for life.”

It is heartwarming to see you on Dragons’ Den, helping others to launch new products and businesses, and give them financial and expert advice. How were you approached to be on the show? And what does it mean to you to help others in their careers and grow their businesses?

“I loved watching Dragons’ Den at uni, getting advice and tips from the powerhouses in the big chairs. Never did I imagine that one day I’d be sitting there with them! It came about because my friend, much to my shock and amusement, just casually rang the BBC (as you do!) to ask if they were looking for a female dragon because he knew the perfect person. As it happened, they were, and after a chat they invited me in for a screen test and things went from there!

“Meeting all of the entrepreneurs is one of my favourite parts of the show, you just never know who’s going to come through the door and knock your socks off with something amazing.

“For me, the unwavering support, encouragement, and advice I received from my parents and husband really gave me the confidence to branch out on my own and make the most of any opportunities. So, to be in the position to pay it forward and offer support to other fledgling entrepreneurs is such a privilege.”

You have recently published ‘Craft Your Year with Sara Davies – The Crafting Bible’, a stunning book packed with fun to make craft projects. Can you tell us a bit about the book, how you put it together, and some of your favourite projects?

Craft Your Year with Sara Davies

“Writing Craft Your Year was a bit of a dream come true for me, it was also a real labour of love!

“Crafting has been my full-time-job for years now, showing and teaching people how to make beautiful things is something I truly love to do. I’m passionate about the benefits of getting creative and was really keen to share my tips and tricks and hopefully encourage more people to discover the joys of crafting.

“I really wanted to make something accessible and fun. I know how easy it is to pick up a recipe book, or a how–to book full of enthusiasm and determined to really give it a go – and then weeks go by and it’s still sat there unopened.

“So, we created more than 70 craft projects and split them into seasons – that way you can dip into the book for an idea whenever you fancy making something. From birthday gifts and spring decor to handmade Autumn and Christmas decorations – we’ve got you covered.

“Each project, whether it’s macrame, lip balm, or a handmade card, has easy-to-follow instructions with images and handy hints to guide you every step of the way. So, if you’re a total beginner it’s a great way to build confidence and try something new with no pressure.”

Easter is a lovely time to get creative, spend time with the family and make decorations together. Can you share a simple creative project for Sixtyplusurfers readers to make? 

Pom Pom Bunny

“You can’t go wrong with some bunting! Cut out some bunny shapes from coloured card (print off a simple shape as a template or go freehand) then make little white pom poms to stick on as tails.

“String them together on striped twine or some ribbon and hang around the home for instant Easter fun! And, if you love a pom pom (who doesn’t?) there’s a really fun Pom Pom Easter Bunny Wreath in ‘Craft Your Year’.”

Making gifts can be a lovely way to recycle items around the home such as cardboard, packaging, remnants of fabric. Or as a way to revive forgotten furniture. What are your thoughts on this? And can you suggest any ideas for things to make or do in the Spring?

“I’m a huge advocate of upcycling and making use of what you already have! If you want to get creative and make something, there’s often no need to go out and buy loads of expensive kit. From scraps of material and wool to old jam jars and nail varnish – you’d be amazed at what you can make with bits and pieces from around the house.

“For Spring, I think origami flowers are a great way to brighten up the house while you’re waiting for the real thing to bloom outside! Best of all, you can choose your favourite pieces of coloured paper, patterned paper, or tissue. There’s a simple step-by-step guide in my book, they’re super easy to make and you can get the whole family involved.”

Doing craft activities with young children can be very rewarding. When my children were young and their friends were over, I used to do painting with them or fill the table with small bits of packaging and sticky stuff and let them get creative. What do you think are the benefits of learning through crafts? And what is a good way to get children involved in making things and learning simple craft skills?

“My sister Helen and I grew up surrounded by creative women, my mam did flower arranging, my nana sewed, and my gran knitted and crocheted. So, I’ve always loved making things and I think it’s so important to pass that love for creativity on to future generations.

“I am at my most relaxed at home, with Simon and the boys. And, (alongside Lego!) they really love getting stuck into a project with me. We do lots of baking and loads of crafting together, things I did as a child like working with salt dough to make little keepsakes. That quality time with them is so precious, and through crafting and making something you learn some important skills and lessons.

“Sometimes things don’t go right the first time, mistakes happen and that’s okay, and it teaches them the importance of patience and taking your time. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for them to just let loose and go wild with their creativity!”

Knitting, crocheting and sewing can be very therapeutic and relaxing. What are your thoughts on this and its health benefits. And what is a good way to get started for beginners or those who need to refresh their skills?

“Any kind of craft is amazing for your mental health! Making something is such a great way to unwind. It doesn’t have to be hours out of your day, just taking a few minutes to yourself can bring real benefits.

“The actual process of putting your hands to work, focusing on the task in front of you and just taking your mind off any day-to-day challenges, it’s such a good way to relieve stress. And, at the end of it you have the satisfaction of a finished piece, which is very fulfilling.

“For beginners, I’d say just find something that interests you the most and give it a go. If you push yourself to try something you don’t love, you won’t have the passion and motivation to see it through. And don’t be scared to make mistakes – that’s how you learn!”

A knitting, crocheting or sewing circle is a lovely way to get friends together, be sociable and have some fun crafting together. What would you suggest for Sixtyplusurfers readers who would like to set up a club or join a group of other crafters?

Sara Davies

“Crafting and any hobby really, are great for mindfulness and physically taking yourself out of your daily life to let your mind escape a bit. But on top of that, they also offer the chance to become part of a community and stay connected with other people.

“A club of like-minded people, coming together over a shared hobby is a really special thing. The craft community, for example, is so supportive. People can share their makes with one another and then can ask questions and advice and just be part of a really compassionate group of people. Often, it’s over social media with crafters from all over the world showing each other what they’ve been working on – it’s wonderful to see!”

You were awarded with an MBE in 2016. What did this mean to you? Can you tell us a bit about your special day, what you wore, and who you brought with you to collect your award?

“Receiving my MBE was a genuinely humbling experience and one of the most memorable highlights in my career so far. I honestly didn’t believe it at first, I asked one of my team to call the office and check it wasn’t a hoax because I didn’t think that they gave them to people as young as I was.

“It was an incredible day from start to finish and it was amazing to share something so special with my family because they’ve supported me since the beginning.

“I had three tickets for the investiture itself, so I brought my mam, my dad and Simon, my husband.

“I was very pregnant with our youngest, Charlie at the time (he arrived just two days later!). So, my sister, Helen came along and looked after Oliver, our oldest. She took him to ride the underground and had a trip to Hamley’s to get a treat, and they joined us for photographs after the ceremony.”

At Sixtyplusurfers we have seen many of our readers reinventing themselves after retirement and starting up a business from home, venturing out into a new career, studying, or learning a new skill. What would you suggest for those looking to start a new venture? Are there any free resources or places they can go to for help and advice?

“Well first of all, just go for it is my advice if you’re thinking of trying something new! To succeed in business, you need passion and drive, and that’s the same for all sorts of other ventures. If it’s something you love and look forward to doing, you’ll find that passion and drive come naturally.

“Starting up a new business can give you so much freedom and empowerment, but it does take a lot of work. So, my second piece of advice is to accept help if it’s offered and always ask if you need it.”

How will you be spending Easter this year? What do you have planned?

“I love Easter, I love decorating the house, arranging beautiful spring flowers and setting the table ready for a big family get-together! As usual, we’ll have the whole family over to ours for a huge roast, Helen, and my mam in the kitchen with me cooking up a storm for everyone.”

Do you have a special message for Sixtyplusurfers readers?

Sara Davies

“Life begins at 60! There’s never been a better time to pick up a new hobby, so why not treat yourself to my craft book and give it a go. And I’m always crafting away on Instagram and Facebook, so find me on there and craft along to make something special!”

Craft Your Year with Sara Davies by Sara Davies is published by Bantam. Price is £22.00 for the hardback.

For more information about the book visit www.penguinrandomhouse.com

* Photographs of Sara Davies are by Nicky Johnston.

* Photographs of the Craft Projects are by Jodie Blackburn.

Masters Of The Air

Masters of the Air Series on Apple TV

Bury St Edmunds Guildhall WWII Operations Room 2 Bury St Edmunds Guildhall

Bury St Edmunds Guildhall WWII Operations Room 2, photograph from Bury St Edmunds Guildhall

During WWII, the East of England became home to over 350,000 United States Army Airforce (USAAF) personnel, which was dubbed as the Friendly Invasion. 

‘Masters of the Air’, a new Apple TV series running until end March tells the true story of the bomber boys of the American Eighth Air Force 8th Air Force, known as the Mighty Eighth.  Starring Austin Butler and produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, the 10-episode series is based on Donald L. Miller’s non-fiction book of the same name.

Several sites in and around Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, which can be visited today, have strong connections to the Friendly Invasion.

Rougham Control Tower

Rougham Airfield became home to the 94th Bomb Group who flew more than 300 missions with the B-17 Flying Fortress. One of the region’s best-preserved military buildings, the Control Tower is now an aviation museum housing a fascinating collection of photographs, artefacts, uniforms and letters, which tell the story of the airfield and the US personnel stationed there. These include the wedding dress of British aircraft inspector Edith Miller who married her dashing bomber hero Tom Miller on 12th May 1944, just after VE Day.

The museum is open every Sunday, from April to October with free entry. For information visit www.rctam94th.co.uk

The WWII Royal Observer Corps Control Centre in Bury St Edmunds Guildhall is the only surviving room of its kind in the world. From there, the Corps protected the skies of Suffolk relaying vital messages to crews at local air bases including Rougham and Lavenham. 

Tours of the Guildhall are available by appointment or for more information about the free open days visit the website at www.burystedmundsguildhall.org.uk

The Airmen's Bar at The Swan at Lavenham

During WWII, servicemen stationed at RAF Lavenham called The Swan at Lavenham Hotel their local pub. Over 1,000 signatures adorn the walls of the Airmen’s Bar and there is an extensive collection of military memorabilia making it an inspiring setting to relax over a drink or two.

The writing on the wall includes the names of servicemen who took up the challenge of downing a 3.5 pint boot of ale and how long it took them. The record seems to be an amazing 22 seconds held by Mick Wilson in 1940!

For more information about The Swan at Lavenham Hotel visit the website at www.theswanatlavenham.co.uk

For details about Bury St Edmunds visit www.burystedmundsandbeyond.co.uk

Tea at Cliveden House

Afternoon Tea at Cliveden House

Cliveden Afternoon Tea

Treat yourself to a sumptuous Moments in History afternoon tea at Cliveden House in Berkshire. Cliveden House is one of England’s greatest country houses. 

The current building, designed by Charles Barry, overlooks the River Thames in Berkshire, and with a treasure chest of moments in history stretching back to 1666, Cliveden has been home to some of the richest men and most powerful women of their day. 

The Cliveden Create Your Moment in History Afternoon Tea has been curated by Executive Head Chef, Chris Hannon, who sought architectural inspiration from William Waldorf Astor’s Octagon Temple with its walls and dome encrusted with mosaics, for the first of his savoury delights, ‘The Golden Pickled Egg’, a quail’s egg and pickled onion coated in 24 carat gold.

The role of the 2nd Duke of Buckingham in building Cliveden as his hunting lodge in 1666 is celebrated in the ‘Estate Game Sausage Roll’, whilst the ‘Smoked Salmon and Crepe Roulade’ is inspired by the elegant surroundings of the French Dining Room and offers a sophisticated and continental flourish. The ‘Onion Tart’ with local whipped Wigmore cheese, together with a quartet of delicious sandwiches, adds the final flourish to the savoury delights of the new afternoon tea.

For guests who prefer a vegan savoury section for their afternoon tea menu, Chris Hannon has created ‘The Pickled Golden Samosa’, also coated in 24 carat gold, and the ‘Estate Plant Sausage Roll’ in homage to the Duke of Buckingham. This is accompanied by an elegant ‘Smoked Beetroot Roulade’ and the ‘Feta and Onion Tart with whipped plant-based cheese’, plus a selection of sandwiches, including tomato and avocado, cucumber and plant-based cream cheese, hummus and pepper and open pickled carrot sandwiches.

Cliveden Moments in History Afternoon Tea

No afternoon tea would be complete without a selection of freshly baked plain and fruit scones served with strawberry jam, clotted cream, and lemon curd. Guests can experience the delight of the new afternoon tea in the splendid surroundings of the Cliveden Dining Room, which overlooks the celebrated Parterre Gardens, part of the 376 acres of National Trust gardens that surround this wonderful property, and which can be explored at leisure during a visit to Cliveden House for afternoon tea. 

The gardens are a delight in every season, from the majestic woodlands with their display of early spring flowers, to the quirky statuary and topiary of the Long Gardens, or the heavenly scent of the Rose Garden and Long Border in early Summer, they are the ideal setting to enjoy the ultimate English indulgence of afternoon tea.

For more information and to book your tea visit www.clivedenhouse.co.uk

Comic Relief Red Nose Day

Make a Difference
with Red Nose Day

Lenny Henry

Sir Lenny Henry, Comic Relief co-founder

Alex Jones, Alison Hammond, Davina McCall, Gemma Collins, Dame Joan Collins, Jonathan Bailey, Nick Grimshaw, Rosie Jones, and Simon Cowell answer Sir Lenny Henry’s call to do something funny for money in a brand-new sketch released today to mark the official launch of Red Nose Day 2024.

In the exclusive online sketch, Comic Relief co-founder, Sir Lenny Henry, picks up the phone to some of his famous friends to find out how they are going to do their bit to raise life-changing money this Red Nose Day, which returns on Friday 15th March.

This who’s who of a sketch features the Queen of Birmingham and the Hunniest of Huns, Alison Hammond toying with ways she can do something hun-ey for money and Bridgerton star, Jonathan Bailey taking on a 24-hour singing challenge, while Nick Grimshaw considers a sponsored silence for an episode of his hit podcast series.

Joan Collins

Acting royalty Dame Joan Collins is going to new heights for Red Nose Day by taking on a sponsored skydive, while Simon Cowell is set to listen to his fellow Britain’s Got Talent judge, Amanda Holden’s cover album for a whole week on repeat. Plus, much more! 

The never seen before sketch can be viewed below and hopes to inspire people across the country to do something funny for money this Red Nose Day and help spread joy, raise spirits, and much-needed funds.

Nick Grimshaw

Nick Grimshaw says, “Red Nose Day is a special cause to me because I have such good memories of it – I just loved watching it on the tele when I was a kid and I loved that feeling of everyone doing something together for the greater good. I liked the feeling of everyone at school being involved; everyone in your street being involved; everyone around the country all watching the same night of TV and donating.” 

Red Nose Day returns at a difficult time for many – millions are facing impossible choices just to get by, and the impact of poverty, conflict and climate change is being felt further and wider than ever before. It’s never felt more important to come together to support people in the UK and around the world that are struggling. There are lots of ways to take part – whether it’s taking on a cake-baking or joke-making challenge, picking up some of the official Red Nose Day merchandise, or joining the nation for a night of laughs – it’s an opportunity to get together, have a laugh and change lives.

The BBC One night of entertainment comes live from Salford on Friday 15 March as is produced by BBC Studios Entertainment. The unmissable evening of comedy, live performances, and one-off surprises will be extra special this year as it will be the last time Sir Lenny will host the show.

For nearly four decades, Sir Lenny has been the leader of laughter and united millions of people to raise over £1.5 billion for Comic Relief so far, proving that comedy and compassion can change lives. Sir Lenny has decided that now is the time to see some new names take the presenter reins, while he continues to support Comic Relief and Red Nose Day on other projects throughout the year. 

Comic Relief co-founder, Sir Lenny Henry says, “When we first started Comic Relief back in 1985, I never dreamed we’d still be here today. I thought we’d probably do three shows and that would be it, but fast-forward nearly 40 years, and that enthusiasm and determination to step up and help others has never wavered. As Life President of Comic Relief, I’m excited to see some new and familiar faces come forward now to present the big night and lead us into the next chapter.” 

Sir Lenny adds, “Right now, we know there is a cost-of-living crisis and people are struggling, a lot of people are struggling here and around the world. But we also know that the British public are brilliant – you’re so kind and generous, if somebody has a problem, you always want to help out.

“Without you, we couldn’t do what we do. I’d love nothing more than if you joined me in getting involved this year. Let’s make it one to remember and show that having a laugh can actually make a world of difference. Do something funny for money, join me at The London Palladium, wear your Red Nose with complete and utter pride – whatever you do, thank you! Let’s go!”

Alex Jones Red Nose Day

Money raised by Red Nose Day could help to put food on plates and roofs over heads, keep little ones safe and help support families affected by conflict and climate change. When people come together, great things can happen, which is what Red Nose Day is all about.

Red Nose Day is on Friday 15th March. 

And you can continue to donate money for Comic Relief after Red Nose Day events at www.comicrelief.com/rednoseday

Watch ‘James Corden Saves the Day’ Video

Click on arrow to watch

Sixtyplusurfers Competition

Win Craft Your Year with Sara Davies

Craft Your Year with Sara Davies

Sixtyplusurfers has teamed up with Penguin Random House to offer three lucky readers the chance to win Craft Your Year with Sara Davies – The Crafting Bible.

In this wonderful, fun, and accessible guide to crafting, the queen of crafting Sara Davies shares a step-by-step guide to over 70 crafts for you and your family to make throughout the year, including crafts for beginner, intermediate and advanced crafters.

Packed full of ideas, tips and tricks to help you grow in confidence and creativity, this ultimate crafting handbook has useful lists of tools, must-have items and a glossary explaining the key crafting terms and phrases you’ll hear time and again as you craft to help you achieve your crafting goals.

This practical book includes photographs and easy-to-digest instructions to help you make everything need throughout the year, from a Valentine’s Day gift in spring to a macrame flower hanger in summer, from Halloween treat bags in autumn to a Christmas wreath in winter and everything in-between.

And to give you a flavour of the projects included in the book, Sara has shared this easy to make Clay Trinket Tray which you can craft out of clay.

Sara explains, “I love air-dry clay and have made so many things with it. It’s especially fun to use with the kids to create memorable keepsakes. I remember how years ago you had to buy clay that needed to go in the oven, but these days it’s all air-dry and hassle-free.

“This trinket tray is a great starter project for anyone new to the product. I still keep my tray on my make-up stand so that my rings, earrings and other bits and bobs are all in one place!”

Clay Trinket Tray

Clay Trinket Tray

You will need

Air-dry clay
Knife
Rolling pin
Acrylic paints in various colours
Small paint brushes

To create

1. Cut a piece of clay about the size of a satsuma.

Rolling a Ball of Clay

2. Roll it out so that it’s roughly the size and shape of an envelope and around half an inch in thickness.

3. Trim the edges with your knife to create a neat rectangle.

4. Using your fingers, mould the sides of the tray upwards to give it a slightly raised rim.

Mould the sides of your clay tray

5. When you’re happy with the overall look of your tray, set it aside to dry for around 24 hours.

6. Once the clay is completely dry, it’s time to paint! Take your first acrylic colour and mark a diagonal line across the tray, from corner to corner. If you’d like this to be perfectly straight, use a ruler. Then, paint one half of the tray in your chosen colour.

7. Next, take a second paint colour and, using a fresh paint brush, gently spatter some paint across the entire tray.

Spatter your tray with black paint

8. Set aside to dry for at least 1 hour.

9. Once dry, add your favourite pieces of jewellery to your stylish new trinket dish!

Sara’s Top Tip

“Try not to roll the clay out too thin – you don’t want it to become brittle when dry.”

Craft Your Year with Sara Davies – The Crafting Bible is published by Bantam. Price is £22.00 for the hardback.

For more information about the book visit www.penguinrandomhouse.com

* Photographs of the Trinket Tray are by Jodie Blackburn.

For Your Chance to Win

Simply tell us how many craft projects are included in Craft Your Year With Sara Davies?

  a) Over 40 craft projects
  b) Over 50 craft projects

  c) Over 60 craft projects
  d) Over 70 craft projects

To Enter the Competition

Tell us how many craft projects are included in Craft Your Year with
Sara Davies?
Then send in your
answer together with your name, address and telephone number to
the Sixtyplusurfers email address sixtypluscomp@hotmail.co.uk
or click on the blue link below:

sixtypluscomp@hotmail.co.uk

* Please label your entry
Craft Your Year with
Sara Davies Competition

* This competition is open to our
readers from the UK and Ireland

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KISS ME KATE at Barbican

KISS ME KATE at the Barbican Theatre

Adrian Dunbar and Stephanie J. Block, Kiss Me Kate

Adrian Dunbar and Stephanie J. Block star in KISS ME Kate musical

One of the all-time classic musical comedy farces, KISS ME, KATE is making a long awaited return to the London stage this Summer for a strictly limited 15-week season at the Barbican Theatre, starring the multi-award-winning Adrian Dunbar (Ridley, Line of Duty) making his musical theatre debut as Fred Graham / Petruchio and Broadway musical superstar and Tony Award winner Stephanie J. Block (Into The Woods, The Cher Show, 9 To 5) making her West End debut as Lilli Vanessi / Katharine.

From the producer of the smash hit musical Anything Goes and A Strange Loop (both staged at the Barbican), comes this majestic new production of Cole Porter’s musical masterpiece, premiering at the Barbican Theatre on 4th June 2024 until 14th September.

With music and lyrics by Cole Porter and the original book by Bella & Samuel Spewack, this magnificent new production, directed by Bartlett Sher (The King and I, South Pacific and To Kill A Mockingbird), promises a symphony of wit, charm and musical brilliance for London audiences next year.

Joining the dynamic creative team is renowned choreographer Anthony Van Laast, accomplished costume designer Catherine Zuber and leading set designer Michael Yeargan. This all-star creative team have collectively earned a remarkable 20 Tony awards.

With a company of over 50, including a full-scale orchestra, and featuring Cole Porter classics such as ‘Another Op’nin’, Another Show’, ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare’, ‘Tom, Dick or Harry’ and ‘It’s Too Darn Hot’ KISS ME, KATE is the perfect musical spectacle for 2024.

Producer Howard Panter says, “I’m delighted to be working with Adrian, Stephanie and Bart to bring this classic, hilarious golden-age musical comedy to the Barbican this summer. Cole Porter’s timeless masterpiece has everything you want: it’s fun, infectious and pure entertainment. This, like Anything Goes, will be the perfect summer treat for London audiences this year.”

Adrian Dunbar

Adrian Dunbar says, “I’m so delighted to be returning to the stage this summer to my spiritual home at the Barbican – where I started my career at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama – especially in this Cole Porter classic with the wonderful creative team including Bart Sher and Stephanie J. Block.  Summer 2024 just got a lot brighter!”  

Stephanie J. Block says, “Look…when asked to bring a Cole Porter classic to the Barbican stage under the care and vision of Bart Sher, one must say yes! There are so many ‘firsts’ to this opportunity, and at this stage of my career, ‘firsts’ are not the norm. How wonderfully scary and challenging and THRILLING.

“I cannot wait to dive into this timeless classic and put a fresh stamp on it alongside the incredible Adrian Dunbar. Mark my words, this KISS ME, KATE will most definitely not be just ‘another openin’, another show’.”

Toni Racklin, Head of Theatre & Dance at the Barbican adds, “We’re thrilled for this spectacular, brand new production of Kiss Me, Kate, led by its celebrated cast and creative team, to inspire first time and returning audiences this Summer.

“With our welcoming spaces and dramatic architecture, magnificent stage and beautiful auditorium, the Barbican is uniquely suited to presenting what promises to be a dazzling and joyful experience. This exciting collaboration with Trafalgar Entertainment further solidifies the City of London’s position as a leading cultural destination, with the Barbican at the heart of its offer.”

This musical farce which brilliantly showcases Cole Porter’s razor-sharp wit, has won Best Musical at the Tony Awards. It’s a sophisticated, ferociously funny, show within a show – which whisks you into a world of backstage chaos and romantic entanglements as a theatre company attempt to put on a production of Shakespeare’s ‘The Taming of the Shrew’.

Kiss Me Kate starring Adrian Dunbar and Stephanie J. Block

The battle of the sexes takes centre stage as former spouses feud, only to find the off-stage antics rival the drama on-stage. 

Throw in a number of cases of mistaken identity, confused love, gangsters and a spectacular tap routine and you get KISS ME, KATE – which will bring unabashed joy to audiences this Summer.  

Tickets for KISS ME KATE are on sale from KissMeKateMusical.com

Bank of England Exhibition

The Future of Money
at Bank of England

Sarah John, Chief Cashier and the production of the new King Charles III £10 note. © Bank of England

Sarah John, Chief Cashier and the production of the new King Charles III £10 note. © Bank of England

A new exhibition at the Bank of England Museum takes a tantalising look into the future – and the quickly evolving present – of money. 

Aiming to answer the questions that are most often fired at the Bank of England, The Future of Money runs until September 2025 at the Museum within the Bank’s historic Threadneedle Street home.

Among the highlights of The Future of Money will be the first opportunity to see the freshly-designed King Charles polymer banknotes (£5, £10, £20 and £50) before they officially enter circulation later in 2024.

King Charles III notes issued by the Bank of England (c) Bank of England

Regardless of your age or level of financial expertise, the exhibition will contain revelations, as well as explanations. Covering such subjects as digital currencies, the lifespan of cash and the impact of banking on the environment, it will explain how money works today and how it will change in the future.

The exhibition will feature the latest developments, including the digital pound, a digital currency issued by the Bank of England, just like banknotes. For more information click here

Roman gold bar. © Bank of England Museum

The objects on display will reflect the transformation of money over many centuries; among these will be a Roman gold bar from a hoard that survived 1,600 years underground; a tally stick from 1824, recording money owed, with notches indicating the value of a transaction.

There will also be contactless payment innovations from wearable devices to a Sibstar pre-paid debit card designed in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society, to help people living with dementia stay financially independent; Chinese lucky red envelopes, containing money and given on special occasions (several apps now offer virtual red packets); and items made from recycled banknotes and gold.

Lucky Red Envelopes. © Bank of England Museum

The exhibition will explore the Fintech (financial/technology) systems which are transforming how we manage our money. In the last ten years, cash payments in the UK have fallen at speed, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

In 2011, 55% of payments were made in cash, dropping to 15% in 2021 and with predictions now suggesting a further drop to 6% by 2031. At the same time around 70 million credit and debit card payments are made in the UK every day and the Bank of England settles around 775 billion pounds worth of electronic payments daily.

Production of the new King Charles III £10 note. © Bank of England

The Future of Money will explain terms like Blockchain technology, cloud computing and cryptoassets like Bitcoin, Ethereum or XRP, as well as at the use of Artificial Intelligence systems which learn from users’ behaviour to automate tasks, detect fraud and speed up payments. The exhibition will also present ways of making banking more sustainable and ethical.

In spite of all of these new systems, cash is still extremely important. In 2022, 1.1 million people in the UK did not hold a bank account and depended fully on cash, and many businesses are likely to remain cash-only well into the future. Ensuring there’s an adequate supply of banknotes for the economy is one of the most important jobs the Bank of England does, and this exhibition will explore some of this work.

Jennifer Adam, Curator at the Bank of England Museum explains, “The way we handle money has completely transformed in the last century, from gold and silver coins to the tap of a smartphone. Our new exhibition will show how money is continuing to change, and what this means for people of all ages.

“We begin to find out about money using real cash as children – from pretend shops to being the banker when playing Monopoly – but how do we learn to manage money when it’s in a digital form? 

“As a starting point for information about money and understanding the economy, this is the place to visit.”

King Charles III £50 note issued by the Bank of England (c)Bank of England

The Bank of England Museum is an ever-changing attraction at the heart of the City of London, within an institution which has been woven into the fabric of the country for over 325 years.

Visitors who step inside the Museum will find a welcoming, architecturally significant space, full of stories and appealing to anybody with an interest in London and its history. 

And, ironically, no money ever needs to change hands – the whole Museum and its exhibition are free of charge.

Bank of England

The Future of Money is at the Bank of England Museum at the same building as the Bank of England. The entrance is on Bartholomew Lane, London EC2R 8AH.    

The Museum is free to visit with no booking or tickets required. 

Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm), and until 8pm (last entry 7.30pm) every third Thursday of the month. 

The Museum is closed on Bank holidays and weekends. 

For more information about the exhibition visit www.bankofengland.co.uk