Art & Design student from Nescot College, Imaani Zafar, has been selected to exhibit her work at Origins Creatives, taking place at the Mall Galleries in July.

Imaani’s submission, titled, ‘Mother Nature: The Voice of Amazigh Women Through Textile’, explores the idea of civilisation and caught the attention of UAL (University of the Arts London) Awarding Body’s curator, Calum Hall, amongst over 600 submissions.

Speaking about her work, Imaani, who has completed the first year of her UAL Level Three Extended Diploma said, “I made this installation to educate people about the Amazigh women. Their knowledge and practices are often overlooked, and I wanted to create something to honour their existence.”

Sarah Morgan, Art and Digital Design lecturer at Nescot commented, “We are all so proud of Imaani. Her creation demonstrates her artistic voice with meaning and sentiment. We are thrilled that her work has been selected by UAL Awarding Body for Origins Creatives at the prestigious Mall Galleries. It is a fantastic opportunity for Imaani to showcase her work at this annual celebration of student achievement, connect with peers, industry experts and the public.”

Origins Creatives is a free exhibition presented by UAL Awarding Body, offering an exciting opportunity for art enthusiasts, critics, and industry professionals in the creative sector to discover fresh, original talent. This event celebrates the dedication and hard work of young creatives from across the UK and internationally. Origins Creatives provides a platform for emerging talent to be seen and celebrated, connecting them with potential collaborators, industry leaders, and a wider audience.

The exhibition features outstanding work from students based across the UAL centres showcasing their talent across the UAL subject areas of Art and Design, Fashion Business and Retail, Creative Media, Music Performance and Production, Performing Arts, Entry Level 3 in Art and Design and Performing Arts, Professional Diplomas, and the Extended Project Qualification.

This year’s edition of Origins Creatives will take place in person at the Mall Galleries in central London. The exhibition kicks off with an invite-only opening night on Tuesday 15 July. It will be open to the public from 16 – 19 July, alongside an online showcase.

The exhibition will showcase selected work created by students from Entry Level and Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 across all subject areas. You can expect to see a diverse range of painting, photography, drawing, sculpture, fashion and more.

Exhibition opening times for the public:

• Wednesday 16 July, 10am – 6pm
• Thursday 17 July, 1pm – 6pm
• Friday 18 July, 10am – 6pm
• Saturday 19 July, 10am – 5pm

Address: Mall Galleries, The Mall, St. James’s, London SW1Y 5AS

If you are interested in attending this event, please book your ticket at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/origins-creatives-2025-tickets-1345097014379?aff=oddtdtcreator

In addition to the range of Art and Digital Design UAL Awarding Body courses, Nescot offers a wide range of college courses for school leavers and adults, including Animal Care, Business, Computing and IT, Construction, Performing Arts, Childcare, Health & Social Care and Beauty Therapy. To find out more about studying at Nescot call 020 8394 3038, visit www.nescot.ac.uk or email adviceteam@nescot.ac.uk 

Nescot student Imaani Zafar’s art installation_Origins Creatives 2025_2

On Saturday 28th June, the Epsom Chamber Choir presented an eclectic programme of music inspired by Shakespeare’s songs and sonnets. Ranging from small-scale madrigals to the beautiful melodies of Bernstein’s West Side Story, relaxed jazz from George Shearing, and an uplifting setting of Whitacre’s Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine, with everything in between, there truly was music for everyone.

Encouraged by the generous acoustics of St Martin’s Church, Epsom, the choir was in good voice despite the heat of the evening. The programme structure combined more contemporary music interspersed with madrigals (sung mainly two to a part), giving most of the choir an opportunity to shine. While some of the small groups were more successful in mastering the “art” of the madrigal—especially in the performance of Fair Phyllis—this music nevertheless offered both vocal and musical contrast.

The West Side Story medley (along with the arrangement of Summertime) provided a joyous start to the concert, with excellent choir diction and lovely solo singing. The four Shakespeare songs by the Finnish composer Jaakko Mäntyjärvi (born 1963) were more challenging for both the audience and the choir. Requiring an exceptionally high standard of performance, the choir, as always, was assured, although tuning and balance suffered a little at times.

In contrast, the performance of Whitacre’s Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine was masterful—sung with conviction, passion, and finesse. Bravo, Epsom Chamber Choir!

The second half had a lighter feel, with some meaningful arrangements, including Billy Joel’s And So It Goes (arranged by Bob Chilcott), all of which were sung beautifully. The concert concluded with the five Songs and Sonnets from Shakespeare by George Shearing, which gave the choir a chance to “let their hair down.” Clearly, they enjoyed these pieces, as did the audience, supported by excellent piano accompaniment from Stephen Ridge.

For this concert, Tristan Weymes replaced ECC’s principal conductor, Jack Apperley, and his calm and sensitive approach was appreciated by all.

Congratulations to the Epsom Chamber Choir for a joyous summer evening of Shakespeare-inspired music.
So, “if music be the food of love, sing on!”

—Michael Stevenson MA FTCL GTCL ARCO

Photo credit Paul McCan

Organised by Cllr Dr Graham Jones MBE (Lieutenant Colonel (retired) (RA Cuddington) the renowned Royal Marines Band Collingwood made a triumphant performance at the Epsom Playhouse on Friday night, delivering a rousing programme brimming with technical excellence, military precision, and heartfelt artistry. Conducted by Captain Phil Trudgeon and Warrant Officer 2 Bandmaster Jamie Gunn, the band captivated a near-capacity audience with a thrilling showcase of traditional military repertoire and popular favourites.

The evening began, fittingly, with the National Anthem performed with stately dignity, reflecting the band’s deep roots in national and royal service.

The opening item, Overture to Candide by Leonard Bernstein, displayed infectious energy and fizzing orchestration, setting a vibrant tone. Bernstein’s much-loved operetta is famed for its satirical bite, and the Marines captured its brilliance and wit with panache.

Next came John Philip Sousa’s Who’s Who in Navy Blue, a 1920 march celebrating American naval traditions, crisply articulated by the brass and percussion with authentic verve.

In a change of mood, the band shifted to the familiar strains of the Top Gun Theme, arranged by Laughton. Its soaring harmonies and stirring sense of adventure delighted the audience, showcasing the band’s ability to cross genres effortlessly.

The Drum Static interlude then brought the spotlight to the Corps of Drums. Their razor-sharp discipline, complex sticking patterns and synchronised movement brought rapturous applause.

Cape Helles by Young followed, a poignant musical tribute to the Gallipoli landings of 1915, performed with great sensitivity and power.

Alford’s lively The Mad Major quick march injected a welcome spark of lightness, its playful melody and military swagger a reminder of Alford’s enduring legacy as the “British March King.”

A show-stopping highlight came with Corporal Savage’s clarinet solo in Artie Shaw’s Clarinet Concerto, arranged by Cray. This 1940 swing-inspired concerto, with its swooping glissandi and jazz idioms, was delivered with aplomb and won a spontaneous ovation.

The first half concluded with two contrasting works. In Ireland by Lance Corporal Brooks explored traditional folk-tinged melodies with a fresh, lyrical approach. Finally, Frank Ticheli’s Vesuvius erupted with rhythmic fire and dramatic textures, a thrilling depiction of the famous volcano’s destructive power.

The second half began with Maiden Legacy, an arrangement by Captain Trudgeon, demonstrating the band’s ability to reinterpret newer repertoire with flair.

A stylish rendition of Skyfall, the James Bond theme popularised by Adele with band soloist Beth McGregor, delivered a rich, cinematic grandeur which clearly resonated with the audience.

For the finale, the band turned to a cornerstone of English wind music: Gustav Holst’s A Moorside Suite, originally written for brass band.

• The Scherzo sparkled with rhythmic energy,
• The Nocturne brought a serene, pastoral calm,
• And the concluding March was robust and dignified, the perfect platform for the band’s tonal power and ensemble unity.

Shenandoah, arranged by Frank Ticheli, offered a moving moment of reflection. This classic American folk tune, thought to date back to early 19th-century river boatmen, was performed with deep feeling and a sonorous blend. Played in memory of a young member of the band recently lost to motor neurone disease.

As dusk approached, the band performed the traditional Sunset, arranged by Green, a moment of quiet remembrance often associated with evening ceremonies in the Royal Navy.

The concert then closed with two of the Royal Marines’ most cherished musical emblems: Heart of Oak, the official march of the Royal Navy since the 18th century, and A Life on the Ocean Wave, the Royal Marines’ regimental march, based on Henry Russell’s 19th-century song. These stirring finales underlined the band’s powerful heritage and left the audience in no doubt of their world-class standing.

However, the audience would not let them go without an encore and with Eric Coates’ great Dambusters March all left satisfied.

The Royal Marines Band Service has maintained its traditions since the 18th century, combining musical excellence with operational service. The Band Collingwood, based at HMS Collingwood, continues to support Royal Navy and national ceremonial events across the UK and internationally. Its members are trained both as musicians and as deployable service personnel, maintaining a dual role unmatched in the military music world.

The evening was also attended by members of the local branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL), who noted in the programme that concerts like these are an enduring link between the public and the Armed Forces, highlighting the shared remembrance and respect for those who have served.

This concert was a brilliant reminder of the pride, tradition, and sheer artistry of the Royal Marines Band Collingwood, whose excellence lifted the hearts of all who were privileged to hear them.

Well done to Dr Graham Jones for bringing such a memorable evening to Epsom.

Image courtesy Steven McCormick Photography

Picturehouse Epsom is proud to announce a powerful new partnership with Blossom LGBT to launch OUT — a year-round celebration of LGBTQ+ cinema.

Together, we’re amplifying queer voices on screen and creating space for connection, reflection, and community — showing that Pride isn’t just a once-a-year event, but an ongoing conversation and opportunity to build lasting community.

About Blossom LGBT

Blossom LGBT is a national non-profit supporting LGBTQIA+ young adults aged 16–30. Based in Surrey, their mission is to ensure that no young person faces exclusion — social or economic — because of who they are or whom they love.

They work to break down systemic barriers of discrimination, poverty, and disadvantage, empowering the next generation to thrive.

At Blossom, we are dedicated to creating a world where LGBTQIA+ young adults can overcome discrimination, thrive in safe and supportive communities, and access the tools and opportunities needed to succeed with dignity and purpose. We are designed for the community, by the community.

It’s vital that young people see themselves reflected in film, not just to feel visible, but to know that their stories, identities, and futures matter. Representation can inspire confidence, spark ambition, and help young people imagine a world where they belong.

Our Venue: Epsom Picturehouse

Epsom Picturehouse is a brand-new six-screen cinema in the heart of Epsom Square. With a rich programme of arthouse and quality mainstream films, plus a stylish café and bar, it offers a perfect setting for inclusive, community-focused events.

We’re excited to open our doors to OUT and host a variety of screenings, discussions, and gatherings that celebrate the richness and diversity of LGBTQ+ lives and experiences.

Joe Stroud from Epsom Picturehouse said:

“I’m delighted that, at the heart of all this, we’re celebrating community. What better way to do that than by sharing powerful stories on screen and using them as inspiring conversation starters?”

What is OUT?

OUT is a long-running Picturehouse initiative that celebrates LGBTQ+ stories — from reclaimed classics to bold new voices. Now in its tenth year at Clapham Picturehouse, we’re thrilled to extend this initiative to Surrey, helping local audiences build connections and community through film.

Clapham’s OUT journey began in 2014 with a screening of Dallas Buyers Club, and has since included landmark titles such as Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight, the historic Best Picture winner at the 2017 Academy Awards. Now, it’s Epsom’s turn.

Upcoming Events: Brokeback Mountain + Q&A Panel — 6 July

Join Blossom LGBT for a special 20th anniversary screening of Brokeback Mountain, directed by Ang Lee and starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal — a landmark film for the LGBTQ+ community.

Following the screening, we’ll host an open and thoughtful Q&A with invited panellists, exploring the film’s emotional journey — touching on themes of love, repression, and resilience.

Together, we’ll reflect on how life for LGBTQ+ people has changed (and in some ways stayed the same), especially in rural communities. How do those experiences echo in today’s legal battles and cultural conversations?

The evening will feature invited guests, including Outline, an organisation supporting people with their sexuality and gender identity through a helpline, website, and support groups. Also attending are the Mary Frances Trust (MFT) LGBT Peer Support Group, as well as Walk and Talk 4 Men — a free support group for men to come together, walk, talk, and support their mental health while enjoying some fresh air.

This event is for anyone seeking connection — whether you’re exploring your own journey, supporting someone close to you, or simply curious to learn more. We invite you into a warm, inclusive space to listen, reflect, and be part of a growing community.

Mark your calendars for more upcoming events celebrating LGBTQ+ stories:

Sun 29 Jun

• reDiscover The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (15) at 17:10

Mon 30 Jun

• Out Queer Futures (Cert TBC) at 20:30
• reDiscover The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (15) at 19:45

Tue 01 Jul

• Discover — Preview Hot Milk (15) at 20:15

Wed 02 Jul

• Brokeback Mountain plus Q&A (15) at 18:30

Stay tuned for more film nights, conversations, and creative community events throughout the year. Whether you’re a long-time advocate or new to the conversation, there’s a seat here for you.

Let’s make Pride more than a moment — let’s make it a movement. See you at the cinema.

For more information about the organisers, visit blossom.lgbt or email Steph Elhaddad at Steph.Elhaddad@blossom.lgbt.

21st June, St Andrews, Northey Avenue: Fresh from their triumph at this year’s Leith Hill Music Festival, Epsom Choral Society presented an end-of-term programme consisting of three wonderful contemporary items on a theme of jazz and improvisation. Plus a fourth – which earned its place by virtue of being a world premiere! The whole evening worked like a giant crescendo, starting quietly and ending with Will Todd’s magnificent and sometimes wild Mass in Blue.

Jazz as a genre poses huge demands on a traditional choir. It’s no longer enough just to master the notes, the rhythms and the dynamics. The whole concept of flexible swing rhythms can feel positively alien to those steeped in classical music. Full marks, therefore, to ECS conductor Julian Collings, for helping the choir to overcome what is, in essence, a new language to give us an evening of singing that was convincing, exuberant and full of vitality.

Hats off also to the supporting cast: saxophonist Alex Flower, bassist Ben Summers, drummer Tom Lee and pianist Peter Jaekel. Ultimate accolade must go to soprano Lisa Swayne for her stratospheric ululations that took Mass in Blue to a different level.

Opening the concert was Ola Gjeilo’s (1978– ) Evening Prayer. Gjeilo’s reflective, not necessarily religious, compositions with sumptuous harmonies have made him a great favourite with choirs on both sides of the Atlantic. Composed in 2010, the powerful words of St Augustine were reverently and warmly sung, with all three protagonists – choir, pianist and saxophonist – creating an atmosphere of contemplation within a framework of gentle and optional improvisation.

And thus, having been transported heavenwards, we were brought down to earth with a bump!

This fun little ditty True Story (words by Michael Rosen) was one of a song-set of ten by Russell Hepplewhite, who conceived of inviting ten living poets to document his/her personal response to the current world, and setting these to music. It’s not clear whether the full set is ever intended to be performed all together, since they are being individually premiered this year by choirs from around the country.

The song chosen for ECS is set very simply for choir and piano – which makes it accessible for many choirs. Excellent diction was vital to the storytelling; along with a spirited enjoyment of the text – where one man’s ecstasy at the birth of his son is mirrored against another man’s wonderment at the hatching of a pigeon’s egg.

The John Rutter (1945– ) of the Birthday Madrigals is a totally different Rutter from the one of popular Christmas carols. These songs are settings of Elizabethan texts infused with the spirit of jazz, whilst perpetuating the great tradition of English part songs. That Rutter is capable of this level of technical mastery of the jazz idiom, together with his lightness of touch and superb invention, makes for a set of five miniatures indispensable to the choral anthology.

And ECS rose to the challenges, giving us an impressive array of singing – from the nimble, joyful and carefree to soulful blending of voices; from fearless high spirits to judicious balancing of the ladies’ long, lyrical phrases against harmonious humming from the gentlemen. Optional piano accompaniment in the a cappella numbers provided subtle support for tricky shifting harmonies. What a treat to take us to the interval!

Ever since the 10th century if not before, man has made music to glorify his gods – from the monks’ Gregorian chants to the masses of Haydn and Beethoven, each reflecting the conventions of their time. In 1991, Paco Peña created a fiery and rumbustious Misa Flamenca to celebrate the Almighty. So it seems appropriate, inevitable even, that in 2003, Will Todd (1970– ) should decide to make use of a contemporary idiom to fashion his own offering.

Mass in Blue needs small but vital supporting resources – soprano solo, piano, bass, saxophone, drum kit. But smallness in scale does not mean smallness in achievements. Quite the contrary. What shines through is a superbly confident writing technique that is strong, clear, propulsive and above all, enjoyable for both singers and listeners alike.

No one should under-estimate the amount of hard work that the choir must have put in to meet the merciless technical challenges. There are sliding intricacies of jazzy rhythms, seemingly indecipherable within the confines of traditional notation; there are rapid changes of tempi, metre, dynamics and everything else going; there is the uber-cool, quasi-fugal and multi-layered Benedictus – all of these demanding agile and committed singing to maintain the driving momentum. Members of ECS embraced all these hurdles and more, and with the return of the mighty soprano adding fire to the quadraphonic build-up to a bone-shakingly thrilling finale.

Yes, we were gripped. All of us.
Job done. BRAVISSIMO!

Lynda Chang is a local musician and advocate of live music

Image: Mass in Blue – Lisa Swayne and Julian Collings

A powerful evening of film and conversation is coming to Epsom Picturehouse on Monday 23 June, as local mental health charity Mary Frances Trust teams up with national organisation Women in Prison to present a special screening of the acclaimed documentary HOLLOWAY.

The event, beginning at 7.30pm, will include a live Q&A with guest speakers exploring the intersection of trauma, mental health, and the women’s prison system — themes at the heart of both the film and the work of Mary Frances Trust.

Directed by BAFTA Breakthrough Brit Daisy-May Hudson and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Sophie Compton, HOLLOWAY invites six women back to the now-closed Holloway Prison, where they form a women’s circle to share deeply personal stories of incarceration and survival. The result is a compelling portrait of systemic failure and personal transformation, as the women trace the roots of their journeys through trauma and into healing.

Created through a trauma-informed, co-creative process, the film features contributions from Aliyah Ali, Mandy Ogunmokun, Sarah Cassidy, Lady Unchained, Gerrah, and Tamar Mujanay. It won the Audience Award at the BFI London Film Festival and has prompted vital discussions wherever it has been shown.

Following the screening, audience members will hear from a panel of guest speakers:

• Karryn Robinson, London Prison Services Manager at Women in Prison, who leads the Unsentenced Women project at Bronzefield Prison. Karryn has previously worked as a trauma specialist counsellor, Crisis Team Manager at MIND, and as a domestic abuse advocate within the Probation Service.
• Megan Siarey, Delivery and Strategy Lead for Co-Production and Community Engagement at Mary Frances Trust.
• Sophie Compton, Emmy, Grierson and BIFA-nominated director of HOLLOWAY and Another Body.

The evening promises to be a moving and enlightening experience for anyone interested in mental health, justice reform, and the power of community-led support.

Event details
Epsom Picturehouse
Monday 23 June, 7.30pm
Tickets available at: picturehouses.com

Watch the trailer and find more details via Mary Frances Trust:
https://www.maryfrancestrust.org.uk/mft-co-hosts-special-screening-qa-holloway-at-epsom-picturehouse/

Image: Contributor Mandy opens up about her early childhood trauma during the women’s circle. Six women who had been imprisoned in Holloway Prison took part in the women’s circle over 5 days, returning to the now-closed Holloway Prison to tell their stories.

The Menuhin Hall, one of Surrey’s premier venues for classical music, will once again host its annual Summer Festival from Friday 13 June to Friday 4 July 2025. Set within the tranquil grounds of the Yehudi Menuhin School near Cobham, the festival will feature an exciting line-up of performances by the school’s talented pupils, returning alumni and acclaimed guest artists.

Across three weeks, audiences can look forward to a programme ranging from family-friendly events and solo recitals to orchestral and choral works of significant scale and emotional depth. Visitors are invited to bring picnics and enjoy the setting before performances, with generous intervals designed to enhance the relaxed and celebratory atmosphere.

Programme of Events

Summer Solos
Friday 13 June and Friday 20 June – Grounds open 5.30pm, Concert at 6.30pm
Sunday 15 June and Sunday 22 June – Grounds open 1.30pm, Concert at 2.30pm
This four-part series highlights the individual talents and musical progress of the Yehudi Menuhin School pupils. Audiences will hear a broad repertoire including Brahms’s Hungarian Dances, Tchaikovsky’s Valse Scherzo, Lutosławski’s Subito, and Chen Gang’s Sunshine Over Tashkurgan. There will be a 60-minute interval for refreshments and picnicking in the beautiful school grounds.

Seven Sayings: Triumph
Saturday 28 June – Grounds open 4pm, Concert at 5pm
An inspiring evening featuring Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, described by E.T.A. Hoffmann as “one of the most important works of the time”, performed alongside Korngold’s Suite for Left Hand Piano and Strings Op. 23.

Family Day: Pictures at an Exhibition
Sunday 29 June – Activities and food from 1pm, Family Concert at 3pm
Family Day offers a chance for children and their families to explore music in a playful and accessible way. The afternoon includes outdoor games, arts and crafts, and refreshments. A special interactive performance of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, led by broadcaster and pianist Keelan Carew and ten young pianists, will take the audience on a journey through whimsical musical scenes, from enchanted castles to Baba Yaga’s forest hut. The concert is particularly suitable for children aged 3 to 9, though all are welcome.

Spotlight Concert: Piano Gala
Tuesday 1 July – Concert at 7.30pm
The final Spotlight event of the year showcases the school’s finest young pianists performing a programme of Chopin, Debussy, Ravel, Berg and Schubert. Highlights include Debussy’s Suite Bergamasque, Ravel’s Sonatine, and Chopin’s ballades, recently featured in the Oscar-nominated film A Real Pain.

Leavers’ Picnic
Wednesday 2 July – Grounds open 5pm, Concert at 6.30pm
This special occasion marks the final performance by the school’s leavers. Works by Ravel, Schumann, Liszt and Kodály will be performed, with a symbolic presentation of musical scores to those moving on. The evening includes a 60-minute interval for refreshments.

Seven Sayings: Reunion – The Festival Finale
Friday 4 July – Grounds open 5pm, Concert at 6.30pm
The festival concludes with an emotionally powerful programme featuring James MacMillan’s Seven Last Words from the Cross, performed by the Senior Orchestra, Chamber Choir, conductor Jonathan Bloxham, and the award-winning vocal collective SANSARA. The second half includes Arvo Pärt’s Fratres and Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings, performed by current pupils and alumni.

Ticket Information
Tickets range from £10 to £28.50, with half-price concessions for under-30s.
To book, visit www.menuhinhall.co.uk or contact the Box Office on 01932 559400 / boxoffice@menuhinschool.co.uk.

About The Menuhin Hall
The Menuhin Hall is an award-winning concert venue located on the grounds of the Yehudi Menuhin School. It is both a professional resource for the school’s pupils and a valued part of the local cultural scene, hosting concerts by visiting artists and community ensembles. The hall has been recognised by RIBA and the Civic Trust, among others, for its architectural excellence.

About The Yehudi Menuhin School
Founded in 1963 by renowned violinist Yehudi Menuhin, the school provides an exceptional music education for gifted children aged 9 to 19, regardless of financial background. Alumni include Nicola Benedetti, Nigel Kennedy, Alina Ibragimova and Tasmin Little. Located near Cobham, the school offers a holistic education, with pupils dividing their time between academic and musical studies, and regular opportunities to perform both in the Menuhin Hall and throughout the local community.

For more information, visit www.menuhinschool.co.uk.

Epsom Playhouse set to host a celebration of the English language on 15 October

Britain’s best-loved lexicographer, Susie Dent, is heading to Epsom Playhouse this autumn with her brand-new live show, Word Perfect – a joyous celebration of the quirks, curiosities, and hidden histories of the English language.

Best known for her long-standing role in Countdown’s Dictionary Corner and its comedy spin-off 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Susie will take to the Epsom stage on Wednesday 15 October, promising an evening packed with surprising etymologies, linguistic delights, and audience interaction.

Ever wondered why a group of crows is called a “murder” or why owls form a “parliament”? Curious whether the colour orange predates the fruit? Or perhaps baffled by Gen-Z slang and fearful that local dialects are fading fast? Susie aims to explore these questions and many more in her witty and engaging style.

“The English language will never stop surprising and delighting me,” she said ahead of the tour. “It is as wayward as it is majestic, while the dictionary is as full of magic, drama and adventure as you will find anywhere. I can’t wait to walk down some more of its secret alleyways with the Word Perfect audiences, and to hear their own questions about our curious mother tongue!”

Following the success of her 74-date tour The Secret Life of Words (2018–2024), Word Perfect builds on Susie’s mission to share the joy of words with audiences across the country. The show is a blend of fascinating facts, storytelling, and humour – all rooted in her encyclopaedic knowledge of English.

In 2024, Susie Dent was awarded an MBE for services to literature and education, the same year she published her debut novel Guilty by Definition. This autumn will also see the release of her latest books: Words for Life, and The Roots We Share: 100 Words That Bring Us Together.

Tickets for Susie Dent: Word Perfect are on sale now via nothird.co.uk/susie-dent
or directly from the Epsom Playhouse box office.

For more on Susie’s work, visit: susiedent.com

Saturday 14th June. In a town better known for its racecourse than rock and roll, Epsom discovered a new spirit last weekend with the first-ever Epsom Square Music Festival – an ambitious, joyful celebration of grassroots talent and community spirit.

“We just wanted to get more music into Epsom,” said Toy, the festival’s organiser, speaking from Metropolis (formerly Epsom Social) which served as the hub of the day-long event. “As a new venue, it felt right to do something for the community.”

The result was ambitious by any measure: three outdoor stages and over 100 performers across 39 acts, playing everything from acoustic soul to funk and rock. The diversity wasn’t only musical, either. “We had performers as young as four, maybe younger,” Toy said, “and then, of course, we had the proper grown-ups too.” The result was a line-up that reflected the whole community, mirroring Epsom in all its lively charm. 

The festival came together in just six weeks, a feat made possible by local support and backing from sponsors such as Epsom Picturehouse, Go Epsom, Epsom & Ewell Families, and music retailers Guitar Guitar and Realistic Music Academy, both of which sponsored their own stages. “We’re so lucky in this town,” said Toy. “There are so many individuals who are brilliant at what they do that, if you decide to throw together a music festival in six weeks – it’s entirely doable,” she laughed. “Though next time, I’d like a bit more lead time.”

Toy, who also runs the Realistic Music Academy, knows the town’s creative undercurrent better than most. Attracting performers was “actually really easy”, she said, as she “just put out a post, and suddenly we had 38 acts signed up… the interest is absolutely there.”

The crowds clearly agreed. Nearly 500 free tickets were ‘sold’ in advance, but many more drifted into the square over the weekend, drawn by the buzz of the music and conversation.

On stage, highlights came thick and fast from a variety of performers, but it was local newcomers Vault, a four-piece with an average age of just 14, who perhaps best captured the festival’s mission. “This is the only way for us to get out there,” they said. “There should be more venues – other than Metropolis, there’s not many places for us to play.”

Toy, who also runs Realistic Music Academy, agrees. “There’s definitely a need for more places to play music in Epsom,” she said. “I’d love to do this again next year. I just want more of it – more stages, more performers, more everything.”

But beyond the lively crowds and standout performances, the weekend carried a deeper message: local music matters, community matters – and when Epsom comes together, it’s capable of creating something genuinely special. A triumph of town spirit – and, with any luck, the start of something much bigger.

For those who love jazz Epsom’s own Epsom Jazz Club stages monthly live jazz nights with quality national and international artists at the Epsom centrally located Comrades Club in The Parade Epsom. The next jazz evening at 7.30pm is Thursday 26th June featuring Atlanticus. See www.epsomjazzclub.com for details.

Donovan Livesey

Photo is of the band “Vault”.

A world premiere blending sharp wit, choral storytelling, and jazz rhythms will take centre stage at Epsom Choral Society’s summer concert this month.

On Saturday 21st June at 7.30pm, the Society will unveil True Story, a brand new choral piece composed by Russell Hepplewhite with text by renowned writer and former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen. The performance takes place at St Andrew’s Church, Cheam (SM2 2HF).

Described as “witty and wonderfully offbeat”, True Story is based on Rosen’s chaotic and comic account of the birth of his son Joe. Known for his distinctive humour and accessible lyricism, Rosen’s writing lends itself to vivid musical interpretation. Composer Hepplewhite’s score is full of energy and character, promising a premiere that’s both playful and poignant.

The new work forms part of Living Voices, a national project from publishers Stainer & Bell pairing contemporary British poets with composers to explore modern life through choral music. Other pieces in the collection reflect on themes including youth, memory, health, and landscape—ranging from the light-hearted to the deeply moving.

For Epsom audiences, True Story headlines a lively summer programme entitled ‘All That Jazz’, which also features:

• Mass in Blue by Will Todd – a jazz-infused setting of the Latin Mass blending gospel influences with the classical choral tradition. The Society will be joined by soprano Lisa Swayne and a professional jazz trio for this soulful and energetic work.
• Birthday Madrigals by John Rutter – a playful, jazz-inspired cycle of songs combining Renaissance style with swing-era harmonies.
• Evening Prayer by Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo, offering a more serene interlude with choir, piano, and saxophone.

Speaking ahead of the concert, the Society’s musical director Julian Collings said the programme celebrates the range and vitality of contemporary choral music:

“This concert combines the best of tradition with innovation—bold new work alongside modern classics. We’re especially proud to present a world premiere here in Epsom as part of a major national project.”

Tickets are £20 (under-25s half price) and are available at:
🎟 www.ticketsource.co.uk/epsom-choral-society/t-molojed
📞 Box Office: 01372 274418

Image of St Andrews – Google Street view.