Hello Big House dwellers!

We spent most of this week running stuff back to people who had lent us things for the Sinatra show and it made me realise, without taking anything away from the superlative cast of 27, what a wonderful community effort it was. St Nicholas Church lent us a trolley to wheel Frank in on (which proved too small in the end, so Culberry Nursery lent us a plant trolley), the Town Hall lent us gowns for the courtroom scene, we hired barrister wigs for the same from a wonderful business called Harveys of Hove, West Chiltington Community School lent us the staging, Mike Comber lent us the lights… and on and on it went, or in Mike's case on and off, so thank you all :-)

The great news is that it was all worth it. We have been promised a night at Chichester Festival Theatre next Winter season, on the main stage! Hoorah :-)

And speaking of Chichester, tickets for Bacharach at The Minerva go on public sale this coming week, so jump in there quick! https://www.cft.org.uk/events/burt-bacharach

Wiyalla at The Vic last night was sensational, a real delight. She's talking of coming back next Spring, so if you missed it then don't miss it again, it really was beautiful, uplifting music from a major talent.

We finished off the week with The Phoenix Big Band and guest singer Kelly O'Haire at the Vintage Fayre in Arundel town centre. A great atmosphere and of course wonderful dancing by the Chichester Lindy Hoppers! We'll be back for more on 5th December at the Christmas Fayre.

Meanwhile we're having a short break, so no jazz at The Vic this week, but plenty more happening, so do carry on supporting live music, film and theatre.

Saturday September 12th 7:30 at The Victoria Institute
 

Natal Attraction

Fresh from a sold-out Brighton Fringe run and winner of the 2026 Applause Bursary, Natal Attraction is a wickedly funny solo comedy-drama about the impossible performance of modern womanhood. (Suitable for ages 14+)

By turns hilarious, heartfelt and quietly devastating, Katherine Kotz transforms into a kaleidoscope of unforgettable characters, revealing the fears, desires and private thoughts women rarely say out loud.

“Uniquely entertaining… clever and laugh-out-loud funny.” Broadway Baby

https://www.thevictoriainstitute.com/event/natal-attraction/

Wednesday September 16th 7:30 at The Victoria Institute
 

Is This Thing On

Directed by Bradley Cooper and starring Will Arnett and Laura Dern.

As their marriage quietly unravels, Alex faces middle age and an impending divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene while Tess confronts the sacrifices she made for their family – forcing them to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether love can take a new form.

https://www.thevictoriainstitute.com/event/cinevic-box-office-presents-is-this-thing-on/

Friday September 18th 7:30 at The Victoria Institute

Folk Friday presents Wigg, Ball & Southill

Jon Wigg (fiddle, mandolin and more) with Dave Soothill (guitar, mandolin) and Wal Ball (bass). Americana, blues, Irish and gypsy jazz (kind of blended, spiced up with a fair helping of jamming – to be frank, anything might happen and it’ll be a lot of fun).

https://www.thevictoriainstitute.com/event/folk-fridays-presents-wigg-ball-soothill/

Thursday September 24th 8:00 at Arundel Jailhouse

Jazz at The Jailhouse featuring Joss Peach's Sidewinders

Jailhouse regular and BAFTA wining pianist Joss Peach returns to Arundel, this time with his latest project: a 6 piece ensemble called The Sidewinders. Featuring a stellar front line of award winning saxophonist Josephine Davies, guildhall jazz professor Robbie Robson on trumpet and young trombone sensation and Ronnie Scott’s regular Matt Seddon, The Sidewinders is an exploration of all things groovy! A wide ranging repertoire from Ellington to Buena Vista, Monk to Abdullah Ibrahim; an evening of swing, funk, calypso, reggae and more will leave you with a smile on your face and a groove in your heart.

https://bighouse.band/jailhouse-jazz

Friday September 25th 7:30 at The Victoria Institute
 

National Theatre Live presents The Misanthrope

Award-winner Sandra Oh (Killing Eve) plays the title role in this razor-sharp reimagining of Molière’s classic dark comedy.

Telling the truth isn’t always that simple. Alice, a brilliant novelist, despises the carefully constructed lies of modern society. But the more she challenges those around her, the fiercer the backlash becomes. Soon, she must confront the price of speaking her truth in a world that would rather silence her.

https://www.thevictoriainstitute.com/event/national-theatre-live-presents-the-misanthrope/

Saturday September 26th 7:30 at South Stoke Barn
 

Vamos Muchachos at The Barn

Those crusty gringos are back with an evening of Latin jazz to delight and dazzle in the beautiful setting of South Stoke Barn. Bring a pre-gig picnic and settle down with a glass of bubbly for a wonderful way to finish off the summer.

https://fienta.com/vamos-muchachos

And a little opportunity for those of you who want to develop your jazz chops. Arabella Sprot (pictured above, centre, guesting for Vamos Muchachos) says…

"I run a small-scale jazz education programme consisting of different workshops for different levels. All instruments are welcome and I have some spaces still for autumn, particularly for bass, drums and horns.

My focus is on improvisation methods, practice technique and performance coaching, all in a relaxed and empathetic environment. 

If this sounds interesting, take a look at my website for course options, send me an enquiry and we can have an informal chat about which group is right for you!"

https://thejazzworkshop.co.uk/courses.html

See you soon :-)

Best wishes, Mike