Latest news with #Carlisle-based
Edinburgh Reporter
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Fringe 2025 – Edinburgh actor returns home with solo show
Edinburgh-born actor and writer Kathryn Marper is returning to her hometown this August with her solo show 'SH*T SHOW!', which will run at PBH's Free Fringe from 2 to 24 August. The Carlisle-based performer, who graduated with First Class Honours in Acting (Creative Performance Practice) in 2023, aims to create bold, original work that tackles difficult subjects with both humour and heart. 'SH*T SHOW!' follows Jessica, a character who struggles with therapy and her own tendency to overshare with strangers. The production is described as 'a darkly comic exploration of what happens when you're forced to confront the worst thing that ever happened to you – and discover that the person you are afterwards might be someone worth fighting for.' Marper, who also studied HND in Musical Theatre at MGA Academy of Performing Arts, has built an impressive portfolio since graduating. She has toured the UK and internationally with Theatre in Education shows including 'Hope', 'How are You?' and 'During the War'. Her versatility as a performer has also been showcased through UK pantomime tours of 'Oliver', 'Cinderella' and 'Jack and the Beanstalk'. A work-in-progress version of the show debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2024, receiving positive feedback and encouraging Marper to further develop the show. Working alongside dramaturg and director Poppy Rowan, with sound by Tom Marper, Kathryn has created what she describes as 'an unflinching, funny, and ultimately hopeful look at survival, healing, and the messy business of being human – a story that every woman will recognise.' In June, SH*T SHOW! had a successful run at Fringe Theatrefest Barnstaple receiving glowing reviews from both critics and audiences. The Fringe Theatrefest Blog described it as 'a furious feminist tour de force,' while audience members have praised it as 'powerful, impactful, raw, entertaining' and 'heartbreakingly hilarious, genius and important.' The production comes with a content warning as it deals with serious issues including sexual assault, mental health and violence, but Marper's approach combines raw honesty with dark comedy to create a piece that audiences have found both moving and empowering. 'SH*T SHOW!' will be performed at Carbon (Room 3), 208 Cowgate, Edinburgh, daily at 7:55pm (except Mondays) from 2nd to 24th August as part of PBH's Free Fringe. The 55-minute show offers Edinburgh audiences the chance to see a powerful piece of theatre that addresses important contemporary issues while celebrating the resilience of the human spirit. For a local performer returning to her roots, bringing such a personal and impactful show to the Edinburgh Fringe represents both a homecoming and a bold artistic statement about the power of theatre to explore our most challenging experiences with courage and hope. Like this: Like Related
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Border City Centurions in promotion picture after unbeaten season
CARLISLE'S Border City Centurions are eyeing promotion to the National Flag Football League (NFFL) Premiership after a perfect first half to the season. The Carlisle-based Flag American Football Team are currently at the summit of the NFFL Division 1 table after overtaking their London rivals and are pushing for promotion to the premiership. Advertisement Flag Football is a rapidly growing, high-speed, and skill-based format of non-contact American Football and is set to feature at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. (Image: Border City Centurions) The Centurions, who were formed in 2022, defeated Division 1 North B leaders North Yorkshire in emphatic fashion last time out, with a statement 55-12 win, moving the Centurions to the top of the table and extending their unbeaten streak. The Carlisle-based outfit now faces a triple-header when they travel to Manchester this weekend (Saturday, June 14) to take on the Wirral, Lancashire, and West Lancashire county games. With nine games remaining in the NFFL Division 1 season, three wins from these games could put the local side within two wins of being crowned champions. Advertisement (Image: Border City Centurions) Ahead of the 'gruelling' triple-header, head coach Nick Weston said: "We're built for this, our guys play a gritty game and thrive on road trips against bigger teams. "After all, the bigger they are, the harder they fall, right?" Aside from aiming to clinch NFFL glory, the Centurions also have their sights set firmly on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with several of their star players hoping to be in the picture for potential GB squad selection.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Accountancy firm sponsors Carlisle rock band's tour of Ukraine
An accountancy firm is backing a Carlisle rock band band as they embark on a tour of the Czech Republic and Ukraine. Armstrong Watson is sponsoring Hardwicke Circus, who are based in Carlisle, as they embark on the international tour, which will include a series of performances and community workshops across the war-torn country. Paul Dickson, CEO and managing partner of Armstrong Watson, said: "We believe access to arts and culture can have a huge positive impact on communities. (L to R) Stephen McCullough, Armstrong Watson partner; Jonny Foster, band leader of Carlisle-based Hardwicke Circus; and Paul Dickson, Armstrong Watson CEO (Image: Armstrong Watson) "Supporting Hardwicke Circus on this extraordinary tour is not just about backing local talent, it's about amplifying voices that bring hope, resilience and unity through music. "We are incredibly proud to help make this tour possible and to see a band from Carlisle take such a courageous and inspiring step on the international stage to raise funds for Mission Ukraine." The 2,500-mile journey is set to begin in the Czech Republic on Sunday, June 8, the day after the band is scheduled to open the show at Carlisle Weekender at Brunton Park. The band will tour alongside Ukrainian group OKAZIA, with whom they will play several dates in the Czech Republic before crossing into Ukraine. Their route will take them from Lviv eastwards through Ternopil, Vinnytsia, Dnipro and Kharkiv, with plans to perform at a military base before concluding in Kyiv, and returning to the UK. All proceeds from the Ukrainian shows will go to Mission Ukraine, a charity delivering aid to war-affected regions. The band will also be runing youth music workshops. Jonny Foster, lead vocalist and band leader of Hardwicke Circus, outside the Amstrong Watson office (Image: Armstrong Watson) Jonny Foster, lead vocalist and band leader of Hardwicke Circus, said: "Music has always been about more than just entertainment, it's about connection, courage and community. "This tour is our way of standing with the people of Ukraine, sharing our songs and showing that Carlisle's voice can carry across borders in solidarity. "We're honoured to be part of something bigger and we're grateful to Armstrong Watson for believing in the power of music to make a difference." With the conflict ongoing, as peace talks between Russia and Ukraine fail to progress, the band is aware of the risks involved. Tom Foster, the band's drummer, and Jonny's brother, said: "Danger is one side of it, but I think the importance and significance of what we're aiming to do outweighs the personal danger. "We were presented with the opportunity, and we weren't going to say no." The band's collaboration with OKAZIA facilitated connections with the Ukrainian concert venues. According to a spokesperson for the band, this "underscores the unifying power of music in times of adversity and highlights the role of the arts in fostering cross-cultural solidarity and humanitarian support." Hardwicke Circus, known for their energetic performances and socially conscious lyrics, are no strangers to pushing boundaries. They previously completed a 15-date prison tour in 2021. During this latest tour, they will be working on a new live album titled Songs of Freedom.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Lloyd Motor Group acquires Telford Škoda for undisclosed amount
Lloyd Motor Group has acquired long-standing Carlisle-based retailer Telford Škoda for an undisclosed amount, marking its first partnership with the Škoda brand and expanding its franchise portfolio across northern England and southern Scotland. The Kingstown dealership, which has served customers across Cumbria and the Scottish Borders for 25 years, will continue operating from its existing location. Lloyd Motor Group said the acquisition would 'ensure continuity of service' for existing customers while bringing its own 'expertise and investment' to the site. Managing director Sam Lloyd described the move as 'an exciting opportunity' for the group, which operates 26 retailers across the region. 'We're thrilled to welcome Telford Škoda into the Lloyd Motor Group family,' he said. 'Lindsay and her team have built an outstanding reputation, and we are committed to maintaining those high standards.' Former owner Lindsay Telford said Lloyd was the 'perfect partner' to take the business forward. 'I know our customers will be in excellent hands,' she said, highlighting the shared focus on customer service and a 'family-friendly approach'. Under new ownership, the dealership will continue to offer Škoda's full model range, including electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as aftersales support and genuine parts supply. The deal comes as Škoda reports continued growth in the UK market. The Czech brand registered 78,601 vehicles in 2024, a 12.3% increase year-on-year, with SUVs continuing to drive volumes. Škoda's flagship SUV the Karoq has led brand sales with 14,648 units, followed by the Kodiaq (12,447) and Kamiq (10,994). The Enyaq EV posted its strongest annual performance to date, with registrations up 43.6% to 11,841 units. "Lloyd Motor Group acquires Telford Škoda for undisclosed amount" was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Carlisle-based financial services team create women's workshop
A Carlisle-based financial services team has joined forces with biological experts to create a women's workshop. Stan Sherlock Associates, in partnership with Adapt and Evolve Consultancy, have created the Hormones, Headspace and Hustle workshop. The workshop aims to empower women by educating them on how their hormones affect their brains and behaviour in both work and home environments. The workshop, researched, written, and presented by Dr Zoe Billings, delves into the science behind the female brain, the hormone cycle, and its direct impact on focus, productivity, decision-making, and wellbeing. Dr Billings said: "It's important to understand how your hormones impact how your brain functions, so you know when your cognitive prowess will be at its peak, and when you need to give yourself a break. "I want women to maximise good health, avoid the dangers of being people pleasers, and have more time to enjoy the things in life that are important." The workshop was launched for a small group of women in late April and received encouraging feedback. Miranda Kirschel, programme director at ISH, said: "The workshop was amazing… so engaging. "It's amazing we go through our whole lives often not knowing this information about our bodies – that was a light bulb moment for me." Karen Stalker, managing director at Stalker Transport Services, said: "I'd never put together the correlation between hormones, the brain and the menstrual cycle. "Understanding how that all fits into the pattern makes me feel normal. "It's quite enlightening." Following the success of the initial workshop, further dates have been released, with the next workshop scheduled to take place in Carlisle on July 2. Emma Sherlock, director of SSA, said: "I'd become really interested in my own cycles and when I was at my best and wanted to know more. "But from a place of science and from someone I trusted. "At SSA, we were already really impressed with Adapt and Evolve Consultancy and their science-based workshops so I contacted Dr Zoe Billings to see if she was interested in creating something backed by science, for women and about women! "Thankfully she was and here we are!" To book a place on the workshop, contact Ms Sherlock on 01228 598821 or info@
