Latest news with #Esplanade
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Show Picks: Concerts by Pat Metheny and Ernie Zakri, Fudge party
(Clockwise from top left) American jazz guitarist and composer Pat Metheny, home-grown singer-songwriter Dita Jacob and Malaysian singer Ernie Zakri. PHOTOS: PAT METHENY/FACEBOOK, GROOVETOP, SAH ENTERTAINMENT Esplanade Presents – Mosaic Music Series – Pat Metheny Dream Box/MoonDial Tour American jazz guitarist Pat Metheny will be back in Singapore. This time for a show that is part of his global tour in support of his last two albums, Dream Box (2023) and MoonDial (2024). The 20-time Grammy winner will play songs off the two albums, as well as cuts from his extensive and genre-stretching discography. MoonDial, which comprises songs written while he was on a tour for Dream Box, features him playing solo with a custom-built nylon-string baritone guitar. He will perform originals, as well as covers such as US jazz great Chick Corea's You're Everything and The Beatles' Here, There And Everywhere. Metheny last performed in Singapore at the same venue in March 2020, right before live concerts were cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Where: Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Drive MRT: Esplanade When: May 30, 8pm Admission: From $65 via Sistic (go to or call 6348-5555) Aura: Ernie Zakri – Live In Concert Singapore Malaysian singer Ernie Zakri will stage her first solo concert in Singapore. PHOTO: SAH ENTERTAINMENT Malaysian singing powerhouse Ernie Zakri's upcoming show will be her first solo concert in Singapore. The 32-year-old first made her name after she won prominent Malaysian singing competition Bintang RTM in 2009. She has since racked up hits such as Aku Cinta (2017), a duet with her husband and fellow singer Syamel; Gundah (2019); and Masing Masing (2023), a duet with Indonesian singer Ade Govinda. The singer has won multiple awards throughout her career, the latest being the Best Vocal prize at the 39th Anugerah Juara Lagu awards in February. Where: The Theatre at Mediacorp, 1 Stars Avenue MRT: one-north When: May 31, 8pm Admission: $78 via Sistic Fudge Home-grown singer-songwriter Dita Jacob is one of the acts performing at Fudge, a party celebrating Indian and South Asian music. PHOTO: GROOVETOP Billed as a multisensory celebration of Indian and South Asian music, Fudge is a multi-genre party that brings together some stellar talents from the home-grown music scene. The music ranges from classical ragas and hip-hop to house music and electronica, and the line-up feature s live musicians and DJs. They include singer-songwriter Dita Jacob, guitar virtuoso Isuru Wijesoma and veteran percussionist DrummerNoor, as well as DJs Ramesh, Tashasan and NashD. There will also be henna artists as well as dosa tacos from Maha Co, the Mexican-Indian eatery co-founded by Singapore rapper Yung Raja. Where: Ida's Bar, 02-21 Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Road MRT: Labrador Park When: May 31, 6pm Admission: From $40, go to Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
CTV News
4 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Residents call for removal of bike lanes along The Esplanade in Toronto
Currently under construction along The Esplanade. A group of residents has come together to say they don't want them. CTV's Allison Hurst reports. A community organization wants the City of Toronto to remove the dedicated bike lanes that are currently being installed along The Esplanade. The Downtown Concerned Citizens Organization (DCCO) held a news conference on Wednesday morning, outlining the 'chaos and harm' they say the bike lanes cause in the city. 'Bike lanes restrict road space, making it tough to drive seniors to important medical and other appointments,' said Sharon Danley, a resident representing three seniors' buildings on the street. '[They] have turned streets into parking lots with residents unable to stop, get their kids to events, and seriously impact emergency services and transit.' The city held a public consultation for the project from October 2019 until March 2021, and reported at the time that, 'overall feedback was largely supportive.' 'We represent 58,000 plus people in the downtown core in three different wards and they've all specifically said they want the bike lanes contained or removed all together,' said DCCO's Dana McKiel. Aly Somani, the owner of nearby Buster's Sea Cove at St. Lawrence Market, said his regular customers are expressing frustration about the bike lanes. 'A lot of [them] are already upset that there's nowhere to stop,' he told CTV News Toronto on Wednesday. 'People bike here in this city probably less than six months in the year and there's a lot of people impacted by these decisions 365 days a year.' Area resident Inge Shardy told CTV News Toronto that she worries about getting around. 'In the winter, the sidewalks are not cleaned, [so] how are we going to get to walk down there to get into a cab or wheel trans,' she said. After passing the controversial Bill 212, the Ontario government was in the process of ripping up bike lanes on Bloor and Yonge streets and University Avenue, however that work has been paused after a judge granted an injunction following a charter challenge. 'We'll be in direct contact with the lawyers for the Province of Ontario to ensure that we remove these bike lanes,' McKiel said. In a statement, city spokesperson Laura McQuillan said the contract to build the bikeway on The Esplanade was awarded in March 2024, adding that, 'Bill 212 allows projects with contracts awarded before the new rules started to continue without restrictions.' 'Because this contract was awarded before the rules took effect, the City can move forward with the Esplanade-Mill Street Connection project as approved by Toronto City Council,' McQuillan said. Cyclist Dennis Rijkhoff says biking on The Esplanade currently is unsafe. 'I bike and my children are learning to bike right now, and I think that being able to do that safely in the city is integral part of living [here],' he told CTV News Toronto after listening to comments by other attendants at the news conference. 'Their concerns are 100 per cent valid. We have to take care of our elderly, they need to be able to live here just as much as me and my sons need to be able to live here in a good way and get around in an efficient and safe manner.' The construction on The Esplanade bike lanes, which includes updates to the city's watermain and sewer system, is scheduled to be finished on June 30.
Wales Online
24-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
The small coastal village that became one of UK's most popular seaside resorts
It draws visitors from far and wide to its beaches and is known globally for its Elvis Festival and this year Porthcawl marks its 200th anniversary. Here we take a look back at the town in pictures since it gained Royal Assent in 1885. Over two centuries the town has survived two world wars and recession as well as doubling its population for two weeks each year for the Miner's Fortnight. It's hosted political conferences as well as being a seaside and surfing destination with its fairgrounds, caravan parks and ice cream shops. Porthcawl has transformed since George IV gave Royal Assent for a tramroad to be built from 'Duffryn Llynfi, in the Parish of Llangonoyd, to or near a certain Bay called Pwll Cawl , otherwise Porth Cawl in the Parish of Newton Nottage' on June 10 1895. Two buildings were built on the dock, one for storing coal brought to the area that would become the town and one for administration. One of those buildings, known locally as the Jennings building, still stands today. By the late 1840's the iron industry was in recession and John Brogden and Sons Company of Sale, Manchester brought out the debts of Tondu Ironworks and with it a piece of land around Porthcawl harbour called Pickets Lease. It was this land, developed by James and Mary Brogden that became the town of Porthcawl we know today. The first vessel to enter the new Porthcawl dock was the steamer SS John Brogden and by 1880 James and Mary Brogden had moved into Seabank House and involved themselves in the town including overseeing building the sea wall which was the precursor of the Esplanade there today. It was this new sea walkway, and the national growing attraction of the seaside in Victorian times, which first drew visitors to Porthcawl. This in turn led to hotels, initially the Esplanade, being built. But by 1891 the Brogden fortune had gone and the dock and train line became the property of the Great Western Railway. That was followed by the closure of Porthcawl Dock in 1902 as trade moved to the new docks at Barry and Port Talbot which were purpose built and not tidal. Luckily the town continued to be developed for tourism and by 1914 Porthcawl had a population of 5,500 but was about to change with the outbreak of War One declared. During the war Porthcawl became a recruiting and training centre with six new battalions formed, a rifle range established in nearby Newton and the Rest Home converted into St John's Auxiliary Hospital. Soon Belgium refugees were welcomed into town life. The end of the war and the 1920s brought tourists back and In 1932 the Grand Pavilion was built followed by and Griffin Park in 1935. Porthcawl grew as a seaside destination in the years before Word War Two with 70,000 visitors arriving each season by train. Hotels and Boarding houses were often full and the town was buzzing. World War Two brought new people to the town with Dutch, Americans and some British service people arriving. The 49th Reconnaissance Regiment 'C' Squadron was formed in Porthcawl in September 1942, RAF Stormy Down was established, and the Jennings building was commandeered as Marine Air Sea Rescue No 46. Soldiers were soon camped around the town and Americans who arrived in 1943 were often seen training on Coney Beach in preparation for D Day. After the war peace brought holidaymakers back and Porthcawl's attraction as a seaside town continued to grow. Trecco Bay became a popular tourist resort with caravans and tents as an alternative to boarding houses and hotels. Soon the Miners' fortnight in Porthcawl was an established event in late July and early August earning the town the title of Wales' mini Blackpool. The town also has political history. On October 5 1957 Paul Robeson sang across the Atlantic to fans in the town. Unable to leave the USA after his passport was confiscated, owing to the government believing he had Communist sympathies, Paul Robeson sang down the telephone line to a packed house of 5,000 people in the Porthcawl Grand Pavilion for the 19th Miners' Eisteddfod. Some events were more rowdy. Between 1945 and 1968 the 12,000 seater Coney Beach Arena, hosted many boxing contests with the most infamous being on August 29 1960 when spectators swarmed into the ring resulting in a riot that took 20 Porthcawl policemen to control. Five years later the Beeching cuts saw Porthcawl Railway closed in 1965 bringing cars and car parks to the town instead. Meanwhile Porthcawl's popularity as a seaside resort continued to grow with the creation of Cosy Corner's paddling pool and Stan Stennett's Summer Shows, pantomimes, and the development of Trecco Bay Caravan Park into one of the largest in Europe. Fast forward to the 21st century and in 2004 Porthcawl staged its first Elvis Festival in 2004. The hugely popular festival is now internationally famed and one of the largest Elvis events in the world. For many the iconic lighthouse at the harbour is a symbol of the town with photographs of waves lashing the wall becoming a well known image of winter storms. The seas around the town can be perilous and Porthcawl RNLI is one of the busiest stations in Wales. But for most visitors to the town Porthcawl is a place to visit on sunny days for the beach or a stroll along the seafront with an ice cream in hand.
Vogue Singapore
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
Grace Roberts on growing up in Singapore and playing Christine Daaé in the ‘The Phantom of the Opera'
When The Phantom of the Opera arrived on our shores earlier this month, it was a homecoming for Grace Roberts. While the musical theatre performer is British, her family moved to Singapore when she was six weeks old, and she spent the first 18 years of her life growing up in the city. It was also here that she first started doing theatre. 'I started out doing choir when I was younger, and started to do plays and musicals when I was old enough to audition at school. I also took part in school concerts at the Victoria Concert Hall and the Esplanade when I was in junior and senior school. I honestly thought those amazing buildings were something else, and it was an incredible introduction to theatre,' she thinks back fondly. Grace Roberts plays Christine and Ben Forster plays the Phantom for the Singapore run of the musical. Courtesy of Base Entertainment Asia As she returns to Singapore this time, it is in one of the most beloved and iconic roles in musical theatre: Christine Daaé, the beautiful soprano that becomes the obsession of the mysterious musical genius that haunts the Paris Opera House. In the midst of the sheer grandeur of the musical—the swelling score, the magnificent costumes and the unbelievably spectacular sets—Christine is the show's tender heart, and it is a role that Roberts is absolutely magnetic in. From her quiet bravery to her deep compassion, Roberts brings a depth to Christine that turns an already technically brilliant performance into one that feels like a revelation. Here, she opens up on discovering her love for theatre, stepping into the role of Christine and what it has been like to perform in the place where she grew up. Grace Roberts as Christine Daaé. Courtesy of Base Entertainment Asia When did your love for theatre begin? Is there a particular production that inspired your decision to go into musical theatre? I've loved theatre since I was a little girl. My grandmother introduced me to films like Seven Brides for Seven Brothers , Carousel , and Oklahoma! when I went to visit and we'd play everything on loop. I also vividly remember watching a taped version of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on VCR and being totally enthralled when I was about five. So I was introduced to music and theatre through film pretty early, but I'd say the major turning point was seeing Wicked when I was around 11. I was just taken aback by the sheer scale of it all, and I knew I wanted to be involved with something as magical as that. What is it like to perform back here in the place where you grew up? I can't really describe how special it is. I've always wanted to perform in Marina Bay Sands, and being able to stand on that stage is quite incredible. It's also amazing to have my parents able to see me perform in such an iconic Singapore landmark. It's really a combination of things that makes this so incredibly special. 'Masquerade' in The Phantom of the Opera . Courtesy of Base Entertainment Asia What was your introduction to The Phantom of the Opera? I've known the music for years . I was introduced to the music when I was much younger, but I didn't see the show until it came to Singapore in 2013. I watched Claire Lyon as Christine and Brad Little as the Phantom, and I was just mesmerised by the production value and the incredible music. As soon as the chandelier rose, I just knew it was something I had to do one day. What about Christine's character were you most drawn to? I love how compassionate she is, but I also appreciate how brave the character is. Although she's a woman living in the Victorian era, she's incredibly headstrong and resilient. I like to think that she's seriously ahead of her time and is somewhat constricted by the period she's living in. What is the most challenging part about playing Christine? I'd say the sheer amount of stage time. I'm quite lucky that Christine is in my wheelhouse vocally, so I don't find the singing too challenging. However, Christine just doesn't really leave the stage, especially in act two. Having enough stamina and fitness to keep up with the role is something I had to find quite early on in my journey. Grace Roberts as Christine in 'Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again'. Courtesy of Base Entertainment Asia What has it been like to perform alongside Ben Forster as the Phantom and Matt Leisy as Raoul? It's wonderful, I absolutely adore them both! They bring such life and uniqueness to the roles, and it's truly a pleasure to work alongside them every night. We're having the time of our lives up there. Do you have a favourite scene or song to perform in the show? I love doing the graveyard scene—that's 'Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again' through to 'Wandering Child'. I find that it's incredibly layered, and it's the culmination of everything Christine has learned in the show so far. It gives her some resolution and direction to take her through the rest of the show. Do you have a dream role you would like to play in the future? I'd absolutely love to play Glinda from Wicked . It's the only other role on my theatre bucket list, aside from Christine. The Phantom of the Opera runs until 22 June 2025.
Straits Times
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Sifa 2025 Week One: What audiences say
The Sea And Its Neighbourhood, Bedok Town Square, May 16, 7.30pm Deborah Gan, 44, teacher: 'What I really enjoyed was the collaboration between the different artists. Between the musicians of different backgrounds, there were jazz singers, classical singers and traditional folk instrumentalists, coupled with an orchestra. This performance was very special as we seldom see so many people collaborating within one performance.' Jacqueline Sassoon, 47, translator: 'I enjoyed the different aspects of the show coming together with the intermittent smells of chicken satay and Hokkien mee wafting over from the hawker centre. It was very refreshing to watch.' Tan Hui Xin, 22, student: 'I've watched performances before, but this is the first time I saw something as grand as this in the heartland. I would think that something like this would be in the Esplanade or a more grand venue. Seeing this performance right here, where we live, is hear tening.' More on this Topic Dance review: Singapore Ballet's athletic Pact Of Water brings dancers close to heartland audience Animal Farm, The Finger Players, May 16, 4pm Chloe Lamasan, 15, student: 'The sounds caught me by surprise. They were perfect. It felt like actual animals, despite being made by the human actors.' More on this Topic Theatre review: Astonishing puppets, flat storytelling in The Finger Players' take on Animal Farm Told By My Mother, Victoria Theatre, May 17, 4pm Siying Lee, 25, tourist: 'I cried a lot during the show. I didn't understand 100 per cent of it , and I also didn't do background research. But I think just being open-minded for the show allowed it to communicate with me in a really abstract way. I related to the performance. It is told from a mother's perspective about the unfairness happening, and it is really to what is happening in reality.' Jessica Lim, 17, student: 'I really liked the intense eye contact the dancers had with one another and with the audience, and also the fact that all the sounds were made live. It felt very powerful. I will recommend this show to others, and I feel like the main point was to spread awareness about the mother looking for her missing son.' Voon Keyang, 38, architect: 'I enjoyed the simplicity of the show, that everything is through very close relationships . It started off with silence, then suddenly, the music comes up, where that one particular performer started to tell the whole story. From there, it laid the whole pace. Although I have never been to Lebanon, I think it is very touching. I can feel the sadness and some point of relief when they dance and sing.' Irfan Kasban, 37, performing arts professional: 'I liked how the show is economical yet very effective and impactful. It was a very simple story, yet it didn't need bells and whistles to be effective in garnering a response from me .' More on this Topic Dance review: Ali Chahrour's Told By My Mother a compelling tale of family loss and grief Umbilical, Sota Studio Theatre, May 17, 8pm Phan Yi En, 15, student: 'The whole experience was very immersive because, at certain points, performers would walk into the crowd. I didn't expect that. When they came to stand at the same level as us, we were better able to judge what they were doing , and the intentions behind that.' Francesca Lim Meng Feng, 15, student: 'The first Sifa performance I attended was Animal Farm, and this is my second. In Umbilical, the sound effects were very mesmerising as they mirrored the changes that were seen throughout the performance, and what the performers were doing onstage.' Ryan Lee, 28, designer: 'I really liked the set design and thought it contributed greatly to the atmosphere onstage. Rizman Putra, Zul Mahmod and thesupersystem are living legends, and that's why I came to watch this performance. It was very interesting to try and unpack the piece and what was going on, and it was something deeply cynical for sure.' More on this Topic Theatre review: Pain is what binds all species in dark, butoh-inspired Umbilical Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
