2010’s Penny Readings

photos (c) Deana Kay

You don't get such warmth in the audience, and from the stage, anywhere else - it's the best night of the year.

I can only say sorry to anyone that wasn't able to make it along to the Penny Readings last night! In a packed-out St George's Hall, we were treated to the incredible voice of Patricia Hammond, Frank Cottrell Boyce's magical readings, The Reader Player's The Importance of Being Earnest act (there's more to come on that...), Angela Macmillan bringing A Little, Aloud to life, our own Grace Farrington on the trumpet, Phil Davis reading from A Christmas Carol, the musically talented Davies family, Jasmine Scarisbrick's beautiful piano playing, the Mersey Harmony Singers with their wonderful voices and fabulous purple clothes,  and of course, Charlie the Cow.

Charlie the Cow?

Yes, Charlie the Cow.

Patricia Hammond sings Moooon River with Charlie

Here's what some of our audience members said about the show:

Simply magical.

Patricia Hammond's singing was amazing, I never knew I liked opera until now!

I loved The Unforgotten Coat reading, it's so true especially the bit were the kid is speaking about Genghis Khan and horses it sounds like a conversation I would have had with my mate when I was young.

An amazing and inspiring evening!

Frank Cottrell Boyce

Being earnest was top class the readers can act aswell as read, I laughed and I listened - a sterling night.

The 'Earnest' Reader Players

If you were there, and would like to leave us a comment, please do!

In the afternoon, we also ran the first ever Ha'penny Readings, especially for kids. Frank was there, as was Patricia, and they were joined by improv comedy group Sticky Floor (who had us all in stitches whilst they performed, amongst other things, 'The Present Wrapping Olympics'), ballerina Lucia Farrington, our Niall Gibney and Daisy Dawes with Get Ahead Fred: (Get Ahead Fred - Main Trailer.)

Sticky Floor

It was a great success and we hope to build on it next year, making it bigger, better and with more cow. Thanks to everyone who made it, and this year's Penny Readings, such fantastic festive events.