One of my favourite places of all time has to be the magical and beautifully time-worn Wilton’s Music Hall. It’s the world’s oldest surviving music hall and was saved from dereliction not so long ago. I first encountered it at a special Magic Numbers gig in January 2010 and immediately fell in love.

Discreetly tucked away down an alley between Wapping and Whitechapel, its beautiful peeling façade is the first sign that you’re about to encounter something quite special.

Inside, you’re met with a truly magical space, a treasure of old-world splendour and glamour with gorgeous ornate detailing – all faded and crumbling. In fact, the whole place feels like it might just crumble at any moment which only adds to the unique atmosphere.

Gorgeously lit with fairy lights and sympathetically but sparsely furnished, it provides the perfect backdrop for intimate gigs, photo shoots and, when available, weddings that will be talked about for years to come. There’s a great little bar too. I can’t wait to go back.

Haydn, Marcella & Tom Page on Flickr

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Summer’s starting to wrap up, and very soon so will The Miracle Theatre, as their roving summer show plays its last performances throughout the south west. If you haven’t managed to see it yet, please do, it’ll make your summer. I promise.

Their wonderful, comic interpretations of classic productions are always performed at stunning outdoor locations, in front of a picnicking, booze-infused audience. Plus there’s the hotly anticipated appearance of Ben Dyson as the dame (a part they manage to squeeze into almost every production they do).

Earlier in the summer we went to see their special rendition of The Tempest at Mount Pleasant Eco Park, where an amphitheatre of old tyres provides the auditorium, with magnificent views out back, down the valley to the sea at Porthtowan.

As always, the show was brilliant; the stage, the slightly dog-eared costumes, the hilarious script, and of course, Ben Dyson in a dress. Hannah Stephens was also fantastic as Miranda, her debut performance since graduating in drama from Queen Mary’s. And of course Ciaran Clark was as funny as always, just his face makes us smile! Oh and there was some ad-lib with some Pringles.

The tour comes to an end at the end of August, so if you’re in the Cornwall or Devon neighbourhood make sure you go see them, you won’t be disappointed.

Images by Sian Pickles

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To Cecil Sharp House in Primrose Hill, Grade II-listed home of the English Folk Dance and Song Society, for their ‘exuberant folk arts festival celebrating spring’ – known as May in a Day.

Held in the large handsome main hall, the festival promised live music, craft workshops and traditional dance. We arrived late, damp from blustery showers, so missed the clog dancing demonstration, but were just in time for the Maypole dancing workshop. My eldest lost no time joining in, the youngest gave up after one circuit preferring to watch the pattern being woven round the pole.

My daughter and I headed downstairs to the studio rooms where the crafts were laid out. She tried crocheting for the first time, but much preferred weaving a headdress out of paper strips, serenaded by a lady drumming on the bodhrán.

We charged upstairs for the morris dancing; young enthusiastic performers – hoorah! – giving their all in reviving a fast-dying art. Their final number was a vigorous stick dance, including leapfrog and acting – at one point ‘beating’ their partner to the ground. Ceilidh dancing – we linked in a chain then promenaded right, left, twirled and clapped – was succeeded by a fabulous storyteller whose spirited tale of Nixt, Naught, Nothing captivated the children. The finale was a knitting song ‘In through the front door, once around the back’ sung over and over while we processed to and fro. We didn’t get to the singing workhop or learn how to play the spoons – next year… The kids (and my husband) loved it!

Images by Nadine Mellor

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One of the best events in the Cotswolds is the Cheltenham Jazz Festival which takes place each year on May Bank Holiday in the beautiful spa town. It attracts amazing artists such as Laura Mvula, Jamie Cullum and Gregory Porter and tickets always sell out really quickly.

We love the festival atmosphere; there’s always a free stage where local musicians and bands play, and a huge selection of food stalls selling pies, pizza, churros and ice cream.  There’s also a tea tent.

This year, Hobbs House ran a ‘BBQ Shack’, selling pulled pork baps by day and a sit-down three-course meal by night. We all chose the eight hour pulled pork in brioche baps with a slaw on the side, which were absolutely sublime. We found a patch of grass to put our picnic rug down and enjoy our food and do some people-watching whilst listening to the mellow tunes ooze out of the surrounding tents.

One of the best bits in the gardens was the busking spot. Tucked out of the way, it was beautifully styled with old suitcases and gramaphone records and the artists were really great. What better way to spend a sunny bank holiday?

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If you love truly outstanding theatre, spectacular food, the British countryside – and ducks – then The Watermill Theatre will steal your heart, just like it stole mine.

Nestled tightly in the rolling hills and sprawling countryside of Bagnor, this rickety converted corn mill is so old that no one knows exactly when it was built. But there’s nothing corny about this cosy little play house; it stages an enormous variety of truly excellent, thought-provoking and hilarious theatre throughout the year, and also manages to be the friendliest, most welcoming theatre I’ve ever visited. Mingling is positively encouraged. Hang around after the play in the bar and restaurant and you’ll be able to chat and make friends with your favourite cast members.

But if it’s food you’re after, a vast and sprawling lunch time buffet of mixed hors d’oeuvres and chunky home made soup will be sure to please before the matinee performance. During the summer months, the friendly staff  will bring your lunch outside so you can enjoy it in the dappled, dancing shade of a willow tree besides the river. Watch out for the gaggle of geese and ducks that patrol the garden though; they’ll want some of your lunch just as much as you will!

After you’ve laughed – or cried –  yourself silly during the performance, you can grab yourself a cream tea (teapot and oven-fresh scones included) or follow the winding river to the picturesque surrounding villages and countryside. Try to remind yourself you haven’t actually just stepped into a postcard though…

Image courtesy of James Monjack on Flickr

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There are lots of lovely things about Wimborne but one of the main ones for me is its old fashioned sense of community spirit. Nothing shows this off more than the beautiful Art Deco Tivoli Theatre and Cinema.

Unlike so many of the original Edwardian and Art Deco theatres that didn’t make it, this one was saved from demolition by Wimborne’s loyal locals who also raised the funds to restore it back to its original Art Deco splendour.

Staying true to the 1930s tradition of showing both films and live stage shows it keeps up to date with all the latest feature films and has become a well respected venue for touring musicians. For an Art Deco fan like me it’s the most beautiful time warp, complete with original movie posters lining the walls and a proper sweet shop stand.

I was thrilled to discover that they had even kept the original couples’ seats and when I explained to one of the volunteers that we had fallen in love, their swift reply was to ask if we had fallen in love with the theatre or with each other… I would say a bit of both!

That’s what makes the Tivoli so special to me, the volunteers and their pride and passion for the theatre. You can’t just ask a question about its history,  you will get the whole tour!

Images by Kelly-Marie Burdekin

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Since a group of volunteers came together to breathe life back into a grand old Georgian merchant’s house in Leek, the cultural life of our little town has been transformed.

From theatre workshops and music nights to art exhibitions and a cinema programme, the Foxlowe Arts Centre has become a focus for the whole community. Every week there’s something new to see or do and the passion and commitment of the volunteers is truly amazing.

With a walled garden, 18th century plaster work, a Minton tiled entrance hall and glorious high ceilings, the Foxlowe is being lovingly and frugally restored. The ground floor cafe has become the place to eat with its slumpy old sofas, mismatched furniture and great local art adorning the walls. Spot on coffee, delicious homemade food (especially the cakes) and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere make for a charming place to grab a bite and let the world go by.

Since opening last year I’ve visited for all sorts of events; a seed swap, a rock-a-billy New Year’s Eve do and stand up comedy nights. To have such a great community run hub is really precious. Come and visit if you’re ever around our way. You won’t be disappointed.

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Each summer my sisters and I all get together for a few days away in the Cotswolds so we can see Gifford’s miniature vintage circus as they tour about the village greens of Gloucestershire and the West Country. The Gifford’s troupe, with their painted caravans, horses and geese, are a rowdy and colourful rabble and we just love the noise and excitement of it all. Each year their show has a different theme, always inspired by a colourful and intriguing era or nostalgia, and the music is always amazing.

We’ve just booked for the 2013 tour, ‘Lucky Thirteen’ about ‘gypsies, superstition and mystery, which promises to be wilder and more magical than ever’ with divas, dancing horses, flying acrobats, Tweedy the clown, a wire walker, the list goes on and on. They also have a scrummy  restaurant, Circus Sauce, where you’ll find fabulous tea time treats or if you feel like a real treat an evening meal under the stars.

Before the kids we used to book a little boutique bolt hole but these days we all pile into a holiday cottage or a campsite nearby. Gifford’s Circus is all the glamour we need. Honestly, you need to see it to believe it, book now before it’s too late!

Photos courtesy of Maria Shickle and Gifford’s Circus 

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One of my favourite local places is Farnham Maltings, a fantastic space dedicated to celebrating local arts, crafts and culture. As you will no doubt guess from the name, this historic building began life as a maltings – a place where grains were malted for brewing and baking. Luckily for us, it was rescued from dereliction by the local people of Farnham in the 1960s and is now a hub for community life. As well as somewhere to enjoy films, theatre and dance, Farnham Maltings regularly host a lovely mix of fairs and events which are always well attended.

Once you’ve finished exploring this brilliant space, make sure you stop by the Riverside Café for a coffee and cake or even a light lunch. On sunny days (and we do have them occasionally!) this is a lovely spot to sit outside and watch the river. Before you leave, don’t forget to have a peek in ‘Shop Maltings,’ a small craft and vintage shop located in the foyer that is always full of lovely locally made goodies.

TiYK Top Tip! During your visit keep your eyes peeled for the Maltings’ marmalade cat! He doesn’t actually belong here, although he doesn’t know this of course! Completely at home, he can often he seen strolling in and out using the automatic doors or snoozing in the foyer, entirely unbothered by all the people around him.

Photo courtesy of Yersinia on Flickr

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