Arts Editor - Lesley Strachan

The Grand Hall re-opens next year and on Monday’s ArtsWatch, David Jubb the Artistic Director at BAC, tells us how locals and celebrities alike are coming together to celebrate its new era, culminating in an innovative auction at Christie’s in October. Listen on Tuesday to ...

Inspired by the lives of three real female players, “Offside” it follows the women as they face obstacles in pursuit of their love of the beautiful game. Ahead of its launch, Caroline discusses the game’s booming popularity during World War One and why we won’t be seeing any

Nicola didn’t have to go very far to meet up with Mark Thomas as he is Clapham born-and-bred and currently resident. Over a coffee in a local café she finds out about his show coming to BAC early March, “The Red Shed”. Sounds a bit political? Of course it does, but what ...

On Monday’s ArtsWatch I share  a “not-so-quiet” moment with Patricia Cumper MBE, at the Press night of “Chigger Foot Boys” at Tara Arts Theatre.  She’s the writer behind this moving new play based on the lives of Jamaican soldiers in World War One.  Is that the chink ...

Damien Thill had a chat with Robin Hopcraft from the south-London based band the Soothsayers. They have an upcoming gig at the Hideaway in Streatham in a collaboration with two young producers promising to provide an interesting evening of musical entertainment. Damien tells

Action Space, an organisation supporting artists with learning difficulties, will give you that chance. South London in a Spin showcases the work of six South London artists and on the 11th February the exhibition goes online.  They use video, sound and image to show each ...

Well, he’s a Durham miner who with his brothers, took on the “unbeatable” Thamesmen in 1845 and won the World Rowing Championships at Putney. Rowing was more popular than football at the time – think Leicester City winning the League and he is the subject of new play ...

…an incredible place, staffed by extraordinary people, achieving wonderful things. The unique experience of training at the National Opera Studio is the greatest gift you can give a young singer”.  Lesley Garrett. And what’s more it is at the heart of the Borough of ...

OK, a slight misquote for the purists.  It just seems apt this week. If you can see things from someone else’s point of view, then you can go on to act compassionately towards them, and here the arts have a lot to say…  Mental health is much in the news these days, so an ...

Thanks to an overwhelming response via a crowdfunding campaign, The Sound Lounge will be opening in Tooting on 27 January 2017.  The opening gig will be free entry. Damien Thill went down to the venue while finishing touches are still being made to the Sound Lounge and ...