OrganFax News

Rye Concert Postponed

Monday 13th November

News from the Friends of Rye Wurlitzer...

We regret that we have to postpone our concert next Sunday, 19th November, as the primary access to our venue is over the Railway Crossing on Rope Walk/The Grove and it has come to our attention that it is to be closed all day on Sunday, both to pedestrians and motor vehicles, making access to the Rye Theatre virtually impossible, with the only possible route home in the dark being up the extremely narrow Deadman’s Lane, which is normally one way in the opposite direction and we feel would not be a good and safe option for our audience.

We will be seeking a suitable date to re-stage this very special concert next year, along with other Sunday concerts in planning.

Please spread the word about this unfortunate postponement to anyone you know who may have attended, as we would hate people to have wasted journeys on the day.

Matthew Bason and Michael Wooldridge help out by taking on last minute concert dates

Tuesday 3rd October

It seems there is a spate of concert changes happening just now!  All for good reasons, the planned bookings have had to change, so check for details in the events listings.

Matthew Bason has stepped up to play for the North Herts Electronic Organ Club on Wednesday 4th October, and then will be playing the Compton at Louth Town Hall on Sunday 8th October.

Michael Wooldridge has taken on the concert on the Christie at Ipswich on Sunday 15th October.

Do try to support these concerts if you can.

Musical Variety with Organ Back On Pier After Decades!

Wednesday 9th August

The entertaining world of a variety show returns to Clacton Pier for the first time in almost 60 years next month.

The iconic Jolly Roger Theatre will open its doors for one weekend only to celebrate Year of the Pier 2023. 

The famous Seaside Special Variety Show is the ideal treat for the whole family as the pier and Cavalcade Productions introduce an array of acts on Saturday September 2 at 2.30pm.   

Enjoy the thrills, spills and laughter with compere and headliner Andy Greaves, one of the country’s greatest comedy ventriloquists with his friends, including Lewis the Stork.

Savour the golden voice of Annika Rands, international singing star as she brings the glitz and glamour of  Dusty Springfield, Cilla Black and other 60' s favourites to town. 

International  duo 'Andante' bring their unique act featuring outstanding multi-instrumental musical entertainment with audience participation to get the party in full swing.

All this will be backed by a live showband featuring internationally-acclaimed musicians, Michael Wooldridge and Dean Morris. 

Tickets can be booked online at www.cavalcadeproductions.co.uk/clacton (link opens in new window) to enjoy a superb afternoon of family fun, laughter and entertainment for just £10 (plus booking fee) per ticket. 

Tim Wardley, Chairman of the National Piers Society, said: “This is a one-off, rolling back the years with prices of 20 years ago and the best entertainment of today!”

The following day (Sunday September 3) at 2.30pm renowned Clacton historian Norman Jacobs will offer a fascinating and entertaining look at the development of the town.

This will span from the early days of the pier and paddle steamer services right through to its development as one of the UK's most iconic seaside resorts. 

He will be joined by Gavin Henderson CBE, highly-respected in the world of music and arts. Gavin began his career as a musician in municipal orchestras playing on many seaside piers and brings his own amusing stories of the golden era of entertainment. 

The talk is free.

Pier director Billy Ball added: “This promises to be a very entertaining and interesting weekend in the Jolly Roger Theatre, the oldest significant building on the pier which dates back to 1893.

“It is something very different for us and a chance to truly celebrate Year of the Pier 2023.”