Claire Griffiths, Author at Blackpool Social Club

20 Feb

Romany – Up Close and Personal at The Sands

During a hectic week of performances for Showzam! Romany Diva of Magic took time out to talk to Claire Griffiths about her show, her inspirations and her love of Blackpool. Tell me about who you are and what you do? My name is Romany Diva of Magic. I’m a magical entertainer specialising in theatrical stage magic. What's your background and what brought you to magic? I had normal parents who took me to dance and music classes. I was starstruck as a child and desperately wanted to be on the stage. I wasn’t allowed to go to stage school and…

08 Feb

Free Floating Birds take photographs in Blackpool

Claire Griffiths0 CommentsVisual Arts & Exhibitions

Jill Reidy is one of altblackpool's own in-house photographers and prolific street photographers. Gaining a local reputation and enjoying what she does. I caught up with Jill to find out more about her... Claire: Jill, tell us a bit about who you are and what your background is? Jill: I gained a degree in Graphic Design from Leicester College of Art and Design in 1973. I then moved on to making novelty & celebration cakes and designed from 1978 - 1990 showing my wares at craft fairs and even dabbled in novelty cushions, rag rugs etc. I then took a…

31 Jan

New Dance Season at The Grand keeps us on our toes.

Claire Griffiths0 CommentsTheatre, Dance & Performance

Last week I attended a lovely little get together at The Grand Theatre for a sneak preview of what's on offer for 2014. Cheese and wine was in plentiful supply along with lots of enthusiastic and smiley faces. Attendees were subject to a fun and lively performance by St Teresa’s Primary School, Thornton-Cleveleys. The children took inspiration from James Wilton, Rugby World Cup opening ceremony choreographer, who brings his latest show Last Man Standing to The Grand this April. In 2012 The Grand Theatre was awarded the status of a National Portfolio Organisation and because of this great support from…

17 Jan

Review: Russian State Ballet’s Giselle at Blackpool Grand Theatre

Claire GriffithsTheatre, Dance & Performance

Last Friday I was privileged to attend the touring Russian State Ballet's production of Giselle. The theatre was busy and there was an air of excitement in the air that set the mood perfectly for what was yet to come. Giselle is a popular ballet and the first of three that were on last weekend, the others being Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. I am not a regular at 'the ballet' but I am keen to support what The Grand Theatre does and shout from the roof tops what excellent productions and shows are available to us and what a…

08 Jan

Preview: The North West Comedy Collective Launch Night

Claire GriffithsLocal News

It's the New Year, it's a new start - 2014 is full of good intentions. But really? January is like a month of Mondays! We are all skint from spending loads of cash over Christmas, most of us feel sluggish and chubby from over indulging on Christmas cake and fine wines. January can be a blue and slow month for many of us. What I would like right now is to go on holiday or to have a right good laugh. Luckily for me and the folks of Blackpool, a local girl is bringing smiles right to Blackpool's doorstep. Alana-…

19 Dec

Review: Band off The Wall Christmas Ball at the Winter Gardens.

Claire Griffiths0 CommentsMusic & Gigs

It's been a few years since the famous Christmas Ball was back in its rightful home at The Winter Gardens and what a setting the Ballroom is. I arrived nice and early in my jacket as I had some vague recollection of that darn ballroom being chilly. I was assured by the door staff I would not need my coat and rightly so, the ballroom had been set up as a warm, snuggly festive delight, including snazzy tables and massive Christmas crackers to get the party started. The stage had been set out centrally for full impact and the sound…

05 Dec

Gallery: Seaside Slam with Blackpool Roller Derby

Claire Griffiths1 CommentSports & Wellbeing

Blackpool Roller Derby League held their first birthday celebrations with a special "Seaside Slam" bout at the Norbreck Castle. altblackpool's Photo Editor, Claire Griffiths, was on hand to take some snaps of the team on the day. Images courtesy of CJGriffiths Photography.

27 Nov

Interview: Band on the Wall

Claire Griffiths1 CommentMusic & Gigs

A week or so ago I caught with Gavin Sharp of Manchester's Band on The Wall at Cowbell Radio HQ. Its thanks to the Band on The Wall team that Blackpool is looking forward to a stellar musical line up for The Winter Gardens Christmas Ball. This will be a sure fire way to get the party started for the forthcoming yuletide celebrations. Claire: Tell us a little bit about who you are and your connections to Blackpool? Gavin: I was born and brought up in Blackpool and started playing saxophone at school - I was busking and putting bands…

20 Nov

Review: Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show at 53 Degrees

Claire Griffiths0 CommentsMusic & Gigs

On Saturday night I was lucky enough to accompany a couple of local Cowbell Radio DJ's to The Craig Charles Funk and Soul show at 53 Degrees in Preston. As soon as I arrived, which was pretty early, the place was bustling with a lovely mellow atmosphere. With no idea what to expect from The Templebys, I was pleasantly surprised with the five piece band made up of Kim Hollins, Alec Hollin, Chris Mather, Dave Farnworth and Phil Carr. They were setting the stage alight, with a charismatic front girl akin to Debbie Harry. You could tell they were enjoying themselves and so…

08 Nov

Preview: Craig Charles at 53 Degrees in Preston

Claire Griffiths0 CommentsMusic & Gigs

This week I spoke to Neil Whittaker, of Valley Events, Kim Hollin, from Templebys, and DJ Paul Thornton about Craig Charles' upcoming gig at 53 Degrees. Q1: Tell us all about your forthcoming night. What is it and where is it? Neil Whittaker: The Craig Charles Funk & Soul show returns to 53 Degrees, Brook Street in Preston, on Saturday 16th November. Craig will be supported by Preston’s finest Funk and Soul band, Templebys, playing an hour long set of original tunes. DJ’s Paul Thornton and Chris Holt will be stitching it all together with Funk and Soul to keep…