BBC Radio 2 presenter and TV personality Richie Anderson will headline this year’s spectacular family pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk at Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre. Joining him is Britain’s Got Talent finalist Jamie Leahey.
Richie Anderson, one of the UK’s most recognisable broadcasters, will star as the Squire. After six years as a familiar voice on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show with Zoe Ball, Richie now hosts his own Sunday evening show on BBC Radio 2. He often covers some of the station’s most popular programmes including shows hosted by Rylan, Dermot O’Leary and Sara Cox. Alongside his successful radio career, Richie has become a regular face on British television. He currently presents BBC One’s Escape to the Country. He’s appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity MasterChef and Celebrity Gogglebox. And was part of the BBC’s Eurovision coverage for the fourth consecutive year.
Wyvern 2026 Panto Stars Announced – Richie Anderson
Following his successful panto debut last year, Richie said:
I’ve always been a huge fan of panto, growing up attending every year in Birmingham. So I know how special it is for audiences to come together and have a brilliant time. What I enjoy most is the pure escapism. Playing a silly character, singing, dancing, and making sure everyone leaves with a smile on their face. Some of the best moments are when things go off script and the audience are in fits of laughter. I also enjoy spending time with such a talented cast and learning from them, so I can’t wait to come back again this year.
Also… fun fact… I trained for my samba on Strictly in Swindon… during the very week I got voted out! So, I’m back to rewrite history and create a Swindon success story!’
Joining Richie is …
… ventriloquist Jamie Leahey, one of the UK’s brightest rising comedy talents. He’ll appear alongside his puppet sidekick Chuck, as Simon Trott. Jamie shot to national fame in 2022 as runner-up on Britain’s Got Talent. He earned standing ovations at both the London Palladium and the Hammersmith Apollo. Since then, Jamie and Chuck have entertained audiences around the world. They’ve performed in Bahrain, filming for America’s Got Talent: All Stars in Los Angeles and appearing on CBBC’s Saturday Mash-Up.
He said: ‘I’m thrilled to be appearing in this year’s Christmas panto, Jack and the Beanstalk, at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon. What I love most about panto is that there’s something for everyone. A guaranteed good time where all the family can come together, have a laugh and enjoy the magic.
I’m especially excited to meet the audiences of Swindon and perform at the Wyvern Theatre for the first time. I’ve heard very good things about David Ashley, a true panto legend, and I can’t wait to share the stage with him. And of course, Chuck is absolutely egg-static!’
Poster showing Jamie Leahey and his companion
A super stellar cast
Appearing alongside previously announced Swindon favourite dame David Ashley, the stellar cast promises audiences a giant adventure. It’s packed with all the panto ingredients you know and love from the Wyvern Theatre.
Laura James, Theatre Director at the Wyvern said: ‘We’re so thrilled to be announcing that Richie and Jamie will be leading the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk this December at the Wyvern. Their energy, charisma and comic talent make them the perfect pair to climb the beanstalk and join our giant adventure. Together with Swindon’s legendary Panto Dame, David Ashley, they’re sure to create the perfect magical mix of laughter, mischief and family fun! We can’t wait to provide our audiences with an unforgettable experience this fee-fi-fantastic festive season.’
The Trott’s are so poor they don’t have a bean to their name and what’s more, there’s an evil and greedy giant terrifying the village. Will they have to sell Daisy, the family cow to survive? Join brave young Jack as he swaps his cow for a handful of magic beans, sparking an epic journey to the land of giants.
Award-winning producers Imagine Theatre return with a panto that promises to be bigger, bolder and funnier than ever. Expect dazzling sets, show-stopping songs, plenty of audience participation, and more panto magic than you can shake a wand at!
Tickets are on sale now for this ‘moo-vellous’ family friendly panto which will leave everyone aged 4 to 104 feeling full of ‘beans’!
Music and Comedy this Weekend in Old Town. The Town Gardens Bowl will play host to a weekend of outstanding live entertainment. It’s bringing together quick-witted comedy and celebrated music in the beautiful surroundings of one of Swindon’s most popular outdoor venues.
Friday 12th June: ShakeItUp – The Improvised Shakespeare Show
The weekend begins on Friday with ShakeItUp Theatre’s Improvised Shakespeare Show. This is a hilarious and completely unique theatrical experience that creates a brand-new Shakespearean play live on stage. They do it using:
Shakespeare’s language
audience suggestions and …
plenty of imagination, the talented cast crafts an original production before the audience’s eyes.
Theatre-goers can help shape the performance by choosing the genre. It can be anything from Epic History and Romantic Comedy to gruesome tragedy. And even providing lines of dialogue that the actors will deliver without any prior warning.
Theatre-goers can help shape the performance by choosing the genre. It can be anything from Epic History and Romantic Comedy to gruesome tragedy. And even providing lines of dialogue that the actors will deliver without any prior warning.
Since launching in 2018, ShakeItUp Theatre has performed more than 100 improvised Shakespeare plays across the UK and the world. With appearances at venues including:
the Minack Theatre in Cornwall
London’s The Other Palace and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Music and Comedy this Weekend – ShakeItUp the improvised Shakespeare Company
Saturday 13th June: The Kate Bush Experience
On Saturday, music fans can enjoy a rare opportunity to experience the songs of one of Britain’s most influential and distinctive artists. How? Well, The Kate Bush Experience comes to the Bowl.
With Kate Bush’s own live performances famously scarce, the show offers audiences the closest experience they’re likely to get to seeing the legendary singer-songwriter perform live. Fronted by the exceptional Maria Ahearn, The Kate Bush Experience is a faithful recreation of Kate Bush’s music as she might have it performed on stage.
Audiences can look forward to iconic hits including:
Wuthering Heights
Running Up That Hill
Cloudbusting
Babooshka and The Man With the Child in His Eyes
All alongside much-loved album tracks such as:
James and the Cold Gun
Hammer Horror
Them Heavy People
Breathing and Don’t Push Your Foot on the Heartbrake.
Performed by a group of experienced professional musicians, the show celebrates the creativity, innovation and enduring appeal of one of the UK’s most treasured artists.
The Kate Bush Experience
Something for Everyone
From spontaneous Shakespearean comedy to a stunning tribute to a musical icon, this weekend’s programme highlights the diverse range of entertainment on offer at the Town Gardens Bowl.
Whether you’re looking for laughter, nostalgia or simply a memorable evening under the summer sky, these two performances promise a fantastic weekend of live entertainment in the heart of Swindon.
Scott Media and Best Mates partner up to help reach more people.
A Swindon-based public relations agency is lending its expertise to help a local peer-support organisation reach more people in need of a helping hand.
Scott Media has announced a 12-month partnership with Best Mates. They’re a charity dedicated to offering guidance and support to individuals navigating difficult times. Over the coming year, the PR agency will provide pro bono communications support. All aimed at highlighting the vital services Best Mates offers to the community.
A charity every year
Each year, Scott Media chooses a local charity or community project to support on a pro bono basis. The agency specifically targets causes that have a strong local impact within the community. Thus giving access to PR support that can often be difficult to justify within a charity budget.
Best Mates, founded by local community leaders Jeff Tucker and Carl McCulloch, provides support to adults navigating life’s challenges. It helps them access the right services when they need them most.
Built on the power of shared experience, it links up individuals with a dedicated ‘Mate’. Someone who’s had success in overcoming similar personal hurdles. That ensures tailored guidance and empathy in whatever way the person needs. The organisation also runs successful weekly Walk & Talk Wednesday groups. In this way they provide an open, accessible environment for collective mutual support.
Lauren Roberts, media consultant at Scott Media, said: ‘When I heard the story behind Best Mates, I immediately found myself relating to it. There have been times in my own life when having someone to talk to, who’d been through something similar, would have been so helpful.
‘That’s what makes Best Mates so powerful. The support comes from people who understand because they’ve faced their own challenges too. What Jeff and Carl have built is something special. Our role is to help more people hear about it because if someone doesn’t know support is available, they may never reach out for it.’
Scott Media and Best Mates – Lauren Roberts of Scott Media
A success story
In the two-and-a-half years since its foundation, Best Mates has achieved remarkable success. Named as charity of the year at the South West Business Awards, the organisation has succeeded in supporting over 280 people across the region.
Jeff expressed his delight at Scott Media choosing them as its pro bono PR partner for the next year.
He said: ‘As a growing charity, support like this is invaluable. It will help us to:
Raise awareness of the work we do
Reach more people who may be struggling …
… and ensure more people know that support is available.
We’re so grateful to Fiona, Lauren and the team for believing in our mission and joining us on our journey.’
To find out more about Best Mates, visit https://bestmates.org/. Scott Media specialises in PR and marketing services for small businesses and entrepreneurs. For information visit https://scottmedia.uk/.
CELEBRATING THE SUMMER SOLSTICE in style with Louise Muir Sage.
Synonymous with Wiltshire’s iconic Stonehenge, the summer solstice is being celebrated across the northern hemisphere on Sunday 21st June.
Reiki practitioner and founder of crystal emporium Something Kind of Woo, Louise Muir-Sage, is hosting a one-day retreat to mark this highlight of the spiritual calendar.
CELEBRATING THE SUMMER SOLSTICE – Louise Muir Sage owner of Something Kind of Woo
The summer solstice
The summer solstice is the longest day of the year and marks the official start of summer. This solar event occurs when the earth tilts closest towards the sun, providing the most daylight we’ll experience all year.
‘Spiritually, it’s often seen as a celebration of light, energy, growth and abundance,’ said Louise. ‘It’s a moment to pause and notice how far you’ve come since the darker winter months. For me, it always feels like a powerful energetic turning point. Everything feels brighter, more alive and fuller of possibility.’
In Wiltshire, the summer solstice is ingrained in its ancient landscapes. People have celebrated it for thousands of years.
‘Places like Stonehenge become a focal point every year because, whoever built them, did so with the movement of the sun in mind. Watching the sunrise align with the stones on the solstice is something people travel across the world to experience,’ Louise said.
There’s a real sense here that the land remembers. Wiltshire carries so much history, ritual and connection to nature. And during solstice season you can feel people slowing down and reconnecting with that.’
Kicking summer off
To kick off summer in style, Something Kind of Woo is hosting their summer solstice gathering. It’s designed to help people slow down, reconnect with themselves and embrace the energy of the season.
The event’s an opportunity to reflect on the year so far, connect with others and experience grounding energy. Louise will be working with meditation, intention setting, seasonal energies as well as creating our own smudge sticks using sage.
‘The focus is on creating a welcoming space where people can breathe out for a little while and reconnect with themselves,’ she said.
Also, attendees will see the return of the popular summer solstice box. It contains everything the season represents with crystals, a ritual herb blend, journalling tools, and incense. All chosen with care.
‘The idea behind it is that spirituality doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. Sometimes it’s simply lighting a candle, setting an intention and giving yourself ten minutes to breathe.’
When and where
Something Kind of Woo’s Summer Solstice celebration takes place on Sunday 21st June, from 10am to 1pm, in Grittenham, near Brinkworth. Tickets range from £30 for an event pass, to £60 for an event pass and solstice box.
‘Modern life moves so fast that we often forget we’re part of nature too. The solstice invites us to reconnect with the seasons, the sun, our bodies and our energy,’ added Louise.
‘What I love about solstice season is that it reminds us to slow down, step outside, feel the warmth of the sun and reconnect with what actually matters.
Spirituality doesn’t have to look perfect or serious. It can be joyful, gentle, grounding and human. And honestly, I think we could all use a little more of that.’
If Commercial Road comprises part of the link between the new Swindon and the old, then Milton Road forms the other part. It takes you down to Faringdon road, where, before you, lies the GWR railway village. Well, the GWR hospital to be precise – with the railway village behind it.
Milton Road Swindon 1895. View from the bottom of the street towards the market end of Commercial Road. Milton Road baths aka the health hydro is on the right.
This Swindon street then takes its name from that writer of epic poetry, John Milton. Keeping with the poetic theme there’s a Shelley Street and a Tennyson Street nearby, indicating that a literature lover had a hand in the naming of this area.
Laid out in the 1890s, with Commercial Road as a continuation of Victoria Road, the expectation for Milton Road was that it would become the main shopping route between the railway village in New Swindon and Old Swindon. But in fact, it became almost entirely residential being separated from Commercial Road’s traders by the Wilts and Berks canal.
Today this thoroughfare is probably best known as the location of Milton Road baths, aka the Health Hydro. That edifce to health and social welfare occupies about one-third of Milton Road and a block of Faringdon Road.
And more of that shortly.
On the map
Looking at this section of map you can see Tennyson Street off to the left as you look down the street from Commercial Road. The blue line indicates where the Wilts and Berks canal once ran. At present a footpath runs on the line of the old canal giving access under the bridge to walk to and from the direction of Kingshill.
Map section showing Milton Road and surrounding streets Map from the National Library of Scotland
So, 1890 saw the building of Milton Road bridge over the canal. RJ Beswick designed the Central Cub and Institute, adjacent to Cromwell Street Wharf in the Neo-Dutch renaissance style. The construction of this club demanded the temporary blocking of the canal. Anyway, it spent the 1960s and 70s as a fondly-recalled discotheque by the name of the New Yorker, before meeting its wrecking-ball fate in 1982. The Wiltshire court building replaced it.
This construction of this bridge came about due to the extensive building work begun in the area following the 1885 selling of the Rolleston estate. (See Commercial Road for more on that).
At first called the Commercial Road bridge, this brick arch road bridge with stone balustrades underwent modification in 1891, to replace the stone balustrades ones of concrete and brick. It had steps and slopes down to the canal level. They though were removed sometime before 1960 thus blocking off access to Commercial Road.
1977 saw new steps erected to give pedestrian access from Milton Road towards the Brunel Centre. In 1981 the bridge again underwent modification with the replacement of the old balustrades and a face of new bricks to the frontages.
The canal walk bridge and the steps that give access to Milton Road from Canal Walk
Buildings of note
Milton Road features two buildings of particular note. The aforementioned Grade II* listed GWR Baths and Dispensary recently reopened after extensive refurbishment. Designed by JJ Smith of Swindon, 1898-99 saw the building of the washing baths. The Turkish and Russian baths were added in 1904-5 and further additions came along in 1911. See Secret Swindon, Swindon in 50 Buildings and my Born again Swindonian blog for more about this building of national significance.
Health Hydro Phase 1 Open – the Health Hydro from above – pic Jason Spickett of Swindon From the AirMilton Road Baths blue plaque – self explanatory
It’s arguably fitting that this haven of healthcare and leisure should sit on a street named after the writer of Paradise Lost. For Swindon came close to losing this piece of Victorian red-brick, health and social care paradise. But that’s a long story for another place.
Then, cornering with Tennyson Street, and featured in my recent publication, Swindon in 50 More Buildings, is the nunnery. It’s now a ubiquitous HMO. Built in 1896, the Sisters of Wantage moved into the house to work in the St Mark’s parish.
The ersthwhile nunnery on Milton Road/Tennyson Street inhabited by the Sisters of Wantage
