A high-kicking show to brighten summer by a Halesowen musical group has helped to launch a celebrity football match in the town.

Hundreds of music lovers are flocking to Startime Variety’s hit-packed ‘Thank you for the music’ show at the Cornbow Hall all this week.

Last night, the cast really scored with its stirring version of ‘Circle of Life’, hitting another high spot with ‘I know him so well’ by Emily Yau, Beth Hemmings and Emma Pearce (pictured).

Startime’s team came on-side when they heard that Acorns Children’s Hospice needed help with a Hollyoaks vs Allstars Celebrity match at Halesowen Town FC on Sunday August 5,

They publicised the match by slipping a thousand flyers into show programmes, giving it an early boost as £6-a-head tickets went on sale.

Startime’s Jo Carroll said: “We didn’t realise that Acorns had to raise 80 per cent of funds from the community to help life-limited children, and the cast wanted to help.”

Dawn Pawlett, fundraising manager for Acorns Children’s Hospice, said: “Acorns’ support for the families of life-limited children is a team effort with the community, which raises the funds for most of our services.

“It’s great to have Startime on the team, and we hope their fans will come and shout for their Celebrity team favourites at Halesowen Town FC next month.”

For tickets for Acorns’ match with the Hollyoaks hunks, call 0800 073 0001 or save £1 booking fee online at www.acorns.org.uk

Startime Variety member Tyrone Howell has been presented with the Tony Vincent Award for his outstanding performance in the groups’ summer variety show, ‘Make Mine Music’.

The Tony Vincent Award is give at the end of each Startime Variety production to the best performer, voted for by the audience.

The 40-year-old Halesowen based musical pantomime group started the award several years ago after losing a much loved member, Tony Vincent. Tony was a regular face for very many years in Startime pantos and summer shows. The award was introduced to honour Tony’s dedication to Startime Variety and keep his memory alive.

Tyrone Howell, who lives in Rowley Regis, has been a member of Startime Variety for over 12 years and has appeared in numerous shows. He said:

“I was absolutely delighted to win the Tony Vincent Award and thank everyone who came to see the show and voted for me. It is a real honour.”

IT ALL STARTS NOW!

Startime Variety are geared up and ready to go for their new production Make Mine Music.

Songs from the 50’s and 60’s will ring out in Halesowen next week as the cast of Startime Variety’s Make Mine Music take to the stage. Classics such as ‘I’m a believer’ and ‘Baby Love’ are just a couple of the musical delights in store for the audience of the summer variety show being staged at the Cornbow Hall in Halesowen from Wednesday 5th to Saturday 8th July.

The 39-year-old Halesowen based musical pantomime group has over 40 performers taking part in the production. The cast have been working around the clock to put the finishing touches to their show in time for opening night.

Startime Variety producer, David Martin, said:

“There is music for all the family – songs from the shows, pop music, rock and roll and even a few numbers I have written especially for the show. ”

FOOTBALL WIDOWS WANTED

Halesowen residents who want to escape the forthcoming football frenzy are invited to enjoy a night of music and entertainment at the Startime Variety summer variety show. The production 'kicks off' the same night as the second semi final of the World Cup.

With just over a month to go until opening night, Startime Variety members were left scratching their heads after only a handful of tickets have been sold for their first performance. The 40-year-old Halesowen based musical pantomime group would normally be close to selling out of tickets for their charity fundraising show.

Startime Variety chairperson, Becky Franks, explained:
"Many of our regular followers are holding fire on buying their tickets in case England make it through to the semi-finals. It's had a major impact on ticket sales. We have therefore decided to dedicate our first performance to football widows or widowers and urge anyone who will have had their fill of football by then to come along and support us.

Our summer variety show really does have something for everyone; we can give you bopping instead of Beckham and singing instead of Sven. We may even go into extra time if the audience wants more!"

Kirsty allowed time off for good cause.

A talented Startime Variety member took time out of rehearsals from the groups summer show, entitled Make Mine Music, to perform in a fund raising concert for Mary Stevens Hospice.

Eighteen-year-old Kirsty Aldridge from Foinavon Close in Rowley Regis has been a member of the Halesowen based music pantomime group for almost five years.

She was asked by fellow Startime Variety members, who also do voluntary work for the Stourbridge based hospice, to take part in the charity show. She performed to a packed house at Wilson Hall in Colley Gate last weekend and helped raise over £1,500 for the good cause.

Becky Franks, chairperson for Startime Variety, said:

"Startime Variety is hard at work in rehearsals for our own show, however, we allowed Kirsty time off to take part in the concert for Mary Stevens Hospice as it is such a worthwhile cause that supports so many people in the local community.

"Kirsty is a very talented singer and is doing several solo and group performances in our summer variety show, as well as being an established member of our dance troupe."

Kirsty is appearing in Make Mine Music at the Cornbow Hall in Halesowen from Wednesday 5th to Saturday 8th July.

Startime Salsa

Members of Startime Variety took a night off rehearsals to host a 'Strictly Come Dancing' evening and learnt how to salsa.

Passionate Latin music filled the air as the cast and crew of 'Make Mine Music' were put through their paces by a professional salsa dance coach for a fun evening to raise funds for the Society.

Several members of the Halesowen based musical pantomime group entered into the spirit of the evening by donning brightly coloured costumes and flower garlands.

David Martin, producer of Startime Variety's Make Mine Music, said:

"Almost 50 people took part and everyone had a really good time - even the ones with two left feet! Our chorographer Tracey was so impressed with salsa that she's promised to incorporate some of the moves in to dances in our next show!"

Producer takes on role of Pianist

Our producer, David Martin, has kindly stepped in and offered his services as Musical Director for the show. The cast are all very grateful for his offer after the search for a new pianist didn't go very well. David has taken on a very big job and we are confident that he is up for the challenge.

Make Mine Music

Rehearsals have begun for Make Mine Music produced by David Martin. The cast are all very excited about the music that David has chosen for the show and the song 'Make Mine Music', composed by David Martin was a bit hit last Friday at rehearsals.

Its going to be a good one so be the first in line to get your tickets - released on sale 1st May 2006.

In 2005 we were able to donate to three charities. Firstly we gave £1000 to The Smilers Club, a charity that provide activities for the disabled. We then gave £1000 to Dudley Special Olympics, a charity that provides sporting events and equipment for the disabled. Lastly, we gave £500 to a local girl suffering from Leukemia so that she could go to Disneyland.