Slightly Fat Features - Variety in the Tobacco Factory Theatre, Bristol

We got to the Tobacco Factory Theatre early to bagsy prime seats in the centre front row of the auditorium. And then, I couldn’t help but wonder whether this was an ill-advised move at a comedy variety show.

They were kind. Although, as we left the theatre, the Slightly Fat Feature’s drummer, Matt, did comment that my 5-year old looked a bit less scared now it was all over. She wasn’t scared but I did get my fair share of cuddles of unsurety throughout the performance, especially when said percussion man had offered her one of his knocked out Tic-Tac teeth (we’d just eaten a whole box between us, coincidentally).

As is her way, she sat opened mouthed through much of the utter silliness before her. I giggled throughout the majority of the evening. The show reminded me of being in a festival circus tent, such as Watchet has to offer: nothing too rude, definitely OK for young children, in all its pantoesque innuendo.

Initially, I cringed mirthfully when two of the performers put a row of toy dogs in a line to smash them with a hammer to play out “How much is that doggie in the window.” She got it. I got it. We were there.

50 magical tricks in 5 minutes, all completely awful and fun – congratulations. Evel Kenil on his unicycle jumping 4 double decker buses, so slapstick. A duel for the love of Anna, a female member of the audience, entertaining and a little jumpy up there at the front. Escapology, what a build-up. A Vegas Elvis harping on about healthy eating, spear that pepper! Miniature Cowboy, please sit on my lap next time.

Guest performer, Les Bubb, was excellent. Mime and comedy done well. “Balloons aren’t really that heavy, are they, Mummy. Is he pretending?” No flies on my daughter.

On our way back to the car, she gave thought to how a man could really be sawn in two. “Maybe there were two men. One on was on his knees and another one in the other box?” she said sleepily. You’d have to stay up all night to catch these kids out. Wayne Marvell, you were her absolute favourite, something about the eyes ...?

Slightly Fat Features in the Factory runs at the Tobacco Factory Theatre until Saturday 29^th October. And yes, it’s very much recommended if you like a laugh, whatever your age.

Review by Becky

Newsletter - 23rd October

It's finally here! Monday 24th October sees the opening of Our Children's Art Exhibition at Weston-super-Mare Museum. Come along from 1 to 4pm to enter the Waterstones Donkey Poetry Competition and be in with a chance to win a £30 gift voucher at their Weston store.

Thanks so much to Karen Blake, who has mounted and hung a selection of the paintings done by the kids at Boomfest and Weston Community Show held in the summer - beautifully presented.

Also, Crystal D'esprit has taken a lot of care to display the rock art and wooden sculptures made by the children at this month's Wonder of Sculpture event at Worlebury Glade. Keep your eye on MUSE for more brilliant work that Crystal will be doing soon.

Thanks too to Keith Ramsey at Minedeep Photography, who has taken some lovely photos of our children at work!

And a special mention to all of our sponsors who have made this exhibition possible: Mums Diary, Coochy Coo, Connies, printing.com, Click Tat Photography, Weston-super-Grandad John Condron, Loves Cafe, Bootcamp Somerset and Coco Brown's Cafe! We love you all ♥

If you can't get to the Museum on Monday, don't worry, the exhibition runs until Tuesday November 1st. FREE entry to the the Courtyard and Gallery.

Also this half term, print off your special Weston-super-Mum 20 % off voucher for Connies in Waterloo Street, redeemable on Thursday 27th October on all things to make and in the cafe!

Competitions:

* Win a family ticket for 4 at the Tobacco Factory Theatre's Family Variety Show on Tuesday 25th October, 7:30pm

* Win a ticket for 2 to The Baby Show at Earl's Court, 28th-30th October

Halloween:

* Friday 28th October, 4-6pm: Free Spooky Party at the Play Area of Weston Woods, run by Action Pussycat

* Monday, 31st October, 6-8pm: Halloween Party in Grove Park. Free

* See our forum for more Halloween Events, posted by our members

For lots more events happening this week, please see our Events Wall

News, Views and Discussions:

* Catch the Early Bird ticket to Dreamland Adventure at the Blakehay Theatre this Christmas. Only £6 when you buy before November.

* See My Fair Baby's special Sofa Show on our home page.

* The Children's Centres are looking for volunteers

* Kelly is looking for classes in Weston for 1-2 year olds

* Karen B has collated your responses about Theatre in Weston and posted your thoughts to The Friends of the Playhouse, Weston

A big thank you to all who came to the successful Back to the Meadows street party on Saturday. The place took on a whole new vibe and we got to meet lots of the traders, whilst having some good, old-fashioned fun!

Newsletter - 17th October

Weston-super-Mum Events:

* Thursday, 20th October, 10-12: Cafe with Toys at Barcode. Come and enjoy a hot drink and cake, while your little ones play in a safe and comfortable environment. Free (drinks 50p). All families welcome. Cafe run by Brandon Trust, with thanks ♥

* Monday, 24th October - Tuesday 1st November: Our Children's Art at Weston-super-Mare Museum. Paintings and sculptures made by the kids at various Weston-super-Mum events this year. We're hoping to have a gallery opening on Sunday 23rd. Please check the event for updates on this! So excited about this exhibition!!!

* Wednesday, 27th Oct, all day: 20% off at Connie's for all members - don't forget to print off the voucher here

For all other upcoming events, please check our Events Wall!

Views, news and Discussions:

* Do you know of anything going on in our area for Halloween and Guy Fawkes' night? Please tell us!

* Nikki is looking for toddler dance classes in Weston

* Find out all about the Dreamland Adventure pantomime at the Blakehay Theatre

* Have a safe and enjoyable Halloween - advice from Liz Hughes, Inspector with Avon and Somerset Police

* Weston-super-Share: Thank you from Weston Foodbank

* Find out more about Back to the Meadows this Saturday. Becky interviews Mary and Holly.

Win a ticket for two to The Baby Show at Earl's Court this weeks (pick the day you prefer!)

Back to the Meadow, come and play ...

Can you remember a time before the X Box, when children skipped and played in the street? Well just for one day, Saturday the 22^nd of October, Meadow Street (from Alfred Street to Orchard Street) will become a playground, so come along and join in the fun!

Bring your family and enjoy the day that time forgot. From 11-4pm you are invited to join Central Children’s Centre and local businesses and traders to come and play on Meadow Street.

Come in fancy dress to claim your free party bag:

Weston-super-Mum is running hula hoop competitions and Sustainable Weston are planting trees (in pots to take home) There will be face painting and henna tattoos, story time from Weston libraries, baby massage in the children’s Centre, a Lego workshop, badge making from Warm Families

There will be prizes and balloons and bunting and so much more.

Atlantic Fish Bar are providing fun activities for the children and a special menu including fishy shaped chips. RM Signs & Textiles will be holding a raffle, first prize a hoodie, second prize a t-shirt and 10 runners up prizes of baseball caps! ‘Chance 2 Dance’ will also be joining in the fun with Street Dance Performances’. There are also activities in Weston-super-Mare Museum on Burlington Street, which is just around the corner and in case of very bad weather some of the activities will be moved in to the Museum. Whatever the weather there will be fun and activities in the street, so if it’s raining come along, wear your willies’ and have fun. Can’t wait to see you there.

To find out more about what is on and how you can join in call Mary Morgan from the Neighbourhoods Team on 426998

Art!

On Saturday 8th October, 11am-3pm, Weston-super-Mum and MUSE, which inspires children to learn through music, art and drama, will join forces at Worlebury Glade on Worlebury Hill Road (Weston Woods).

Made possible through the sponsorship of Proper Job, families are invited to use their imagination to craft sculpture from Weston Woods' natural resources.

Some of the pieces made will form part of Weston-super-Mum's Our Children's Art exhibition, which takes place over the October half-term holidays at Weston-super-Mare Museum. This exhibition is a collection of art created by children at Weston-super-Mum and MUSE events at places around Weston, such as Anchor Head, Boomfest, Weston Community Show and Weston Woods and will include paintings, drawings, photos and sculpture.

Weston-super-Mum is asking for sponsorship from local businesses to facilitate the mounting and framing of individual works of art. Printing.com, Click Tat Photography and Bootcamp Somerset are some of the businesses who have already sponsored a painting. Businesses and individuals interested in helping to fund this project should log onto www.westonsupermum.com to find out more.