A STAGE show celebrates the lives of Jewish people in the West End in between the world wars.
Travel back in time to tour London's Soho and Fitzrovia and come face to face with the Jews who lived and worked in the many pubs, restaurants, tailors' workshops, markets, theatres, shops and even public baths.
Presented by Oaklands Drama Group, the idea for the show was conceived by Northwood resident Sally Fiber, daughter of the charismatic Charles and Annie Allchild, genial hosts of the Fitzroy Tavern which gave Fitzrovia, the Bohemian area north of Oxford Street, its name.
what? How the West was Won when? Tuesday, May 17 to Thursday, May 19 where? Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue, Oaklands Gate, Northwood, HA6 3AA cost? Tickets £10, concessions £8 contact: 07825 189 263 or stephen.herman@talk21.com see: www.npls.org.uk
Woodland wonders
BIRDS of prey, a fun dog show and ferret racing are some of the many attractions at the hugely popular annual Ruislip Woods Festival on Sunday. The event, a celebration of woodland life past and present, is on the Willow Lawn between Ruislip Lido railway station and the Water's Edge pub.
It will also feature traditional woodland crafts demonstrations, a tug of war, morris dancers, storytelling, charcoal burning and guided walks through the woods. This year's new guests are the Woodland Chorus, a fantastic handmade array of action puppets, all representing native birds and animals that perform to music.
A wonderful event for all the family. Bring a picnic or enjoy the refreshments available.
what? Ruislip Woods Festival when? Sunday, May 15, noon-4.30pm where? Ruislip Woods and Lido, Reservoir Road, Ruislip, HA4 7TY cost? Free contact: Debbie Valman at secretary@ruislipwoodstrust.org.uk See: www.ruislipwoodstrust.org.uk
Knit while nattering
KNITTING is not just about making woolly sweaters that usually only see the light of day at Christmas time.
Learn all about this ancient fine craft by joining an industrious group in Northwood for weekly creative afternoons of innovative knitting and crochet, organised by Northwood Community Arts Group. The Nittin' Natter programme, aimed at the over-50s, includes three masterclasses with experts Susie Johns and Claire Montgomerie, including how to create eye-catching knitted objects (like those pictured) and use colour to maximum effect.
Suitable for all abilities. The perfect opportunity to learn a new skill and have a natter!
what? Nittin' Natter when? Every Tuesday until July 19 (except May 31), 2-4pm where? St John's Church Hall, Hallowell Road, Northwood cost? £30 for the term (including masterclasses and materials) contact: Joy Tracey on 01628 675 800 or northwoodarts@artreach.biz see: www.northwoodcommunityarts.co.uk
Samtana tribute to world's greatest guitarist
A TRIBUTE to arguably the world's greatest guitarist of all time, Carlos Santana, comes to Ruislip this Friday.
The aptly named Samtana - whose frontman, guitarist Juan Spudos, bears an uncanny resemblance to the man himself - are dedicated to faithfully reproducing the authentic, pulsating, fiery Latin sounds of their hero, to create a high-energy, two-hour show.
Fans can embark on a musical journey from early classics, including Black Magic Woman to the infectious Latin instrumental, Jungle Strut, and the hits that made Santana the music icon he is today, including She's Not There, Samba Pati and, of course, Smooth.
what? Samtana when? Friday, May 13, 9.30pm (doors 8.30pm) where? Tropic at Ruislip, Ruislip Social Club, Grosvenor Vale, Ruislip, HA4 6JQ cost? Tickets £12 (£10 in advance) contact: 020 8707 2256 see: www.tropicatruislip.co.uk
Aldwych farce on pursuit of money
JOURNEY back to the Roaring Twenties as Ruislip Dramatic Society returns to the Compass Theatre to present a wonderful Alan Ayckbourn stage adaptation of a classic Aldwych farce.
First performed in 1922, Tons of Money captures the fun and excitement of the decade, when flappers were dancing the Charleston and new inventions, such as radio and flight, made anything seem possible.
While desperately trying to maintain an extravagant lifestyle on credit, hapless inventor Aubrey Allington is convinced he is about to come up with the next best thing. But his luck is about to change when he inherits a large fortune. A truly spiffing evening of fun and laughter showing the lengths people will go to for cold hard cash.
what? Tons of Money when? Wednesday, May 18 to Saturday, May 21, 7.45pm where? Compass Theatre, Glebe Avenue, Ickenham, UB10 8PD cost? £11 contact: Ruislip Dramatic Society 01895 675 343 or Compass Theatre 01895 673 200 see: www.ruislipdramatic.org
