Spotlight - Manx Radio

Shawn Sturnick speaks with Simon Parkin, the author of critically acclaimed new book ‘the Island of Extraordinary Captives’ and Ged Power heads to the pub, where a new musical takes shape during a multi-genre jam session or live rehearsal.

Christy investigates a basking shark trail in Port Erin, finds out about an arts event for LGBT history month and hears about the local band that has reformed after a 35 year 'break'- and now recording a brand new EP.     

On Spotlight this week, Christy DeHaven brings us two tales that tell of the power of art and its positive effects on our mental health and well being.  Author Robert Cowley brings us a new bedtime story, about a dragon who’s on a mission to bring happy and colourful dreams to little kids and big kids alike. Also tonight, we head South for a community art exhibition with a difference, as photographer Jimmy Thistle takes us on a personal journey with his wild wanderings. As ever, we’d love to hear about your artistic endeavours, so if you have something you think we should feature, you can email us - spotlight@ manxradio.com. 

Kensington Arts Centre may have a new name and a new creative lead with a new vision, but the end goal is still to inspire, encourage and teach the arts to the local community.  Christy DeHaven catches up with Peter Shimmin - the new person in charge - to find out what is in store for the former YAC and have a tour of the facilities while there (full interview).   

This week, Christy speaks with ceramicist-turned-painter Martin Hearne, who shares tales of his wonderful new exhibition at the Manx Museum. Also, Peter Shimmin tells us about the journey that led him back to the Island - to take on a role that will see him developing the Arts Centre where he once studied his craft. And we get a wee taste of Trip's new album 'Drop for Neptune', with a song written by Manx fiddle player Isla Callister.

A special, extended version of our chats with this week's guests.  Christy DeHaven speaks with Douglas Choral Union Director David Dawson along with 'Quasimodo' Jonathan Sleight and 'Esmerelda' Leah Carter, giving us a fascinating insight into the preparation of the major theatre production "The Hunchback of Notre Dame".   Also this week, Bethany DeLeigh Runciman from the Isle of Man Poetry Society gives us the details on the young persons' Poetry Trail and shares her experiences using poetry as a wellbeing tool, while 11 yr old Alfie Owen shares his own literary talents, along with fellow poet and Mum Sarah and little sister Ava. 

Howard Caine speaks to Jackie Morrey-Grace about he latest work "Assila's Song" and CEO of the Manx Wildlife Trust, Leigh Morris explains more about their search for the MWT Biosphere Artist in Residence for 2022

Christy is in the Spotlight driving seat this week. We speak with Head of Culture and Arts Emma Callin and Arts Development Manager Jane Corkill, reflecting back on 2021 and what was actually an extremely productive year for art here on the Isle of Man – despite the difficulties presented by the Pandemic – and also looking ahead to what we can expect in 2022.  Also this week: how would you like to see your artwork adorning the walls of the brand new Steam Packet vessel? Business Development Manager Richard Heard reveals how you could have your art immortalised in a floating gallery... Don’t forget if you have any art related stories you think we should cover here on Spotlight, please do get in touch – you can email spotlight@manxradio.com 

The first Spotlight programme of 2022, supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council.  Blein Vie Noa! Howard Caine chats with President of the Manx Amateur Dramatics Federation Michael Lees, about the fast approaching One Act Play Festival; while Christy DeHaven speaks with Norwegian musician Jon Lightfield, who is embarking on an exciting new multimedia venture in 2022 with 'Power On Music'.   

Sarah Hendy returns to look back at the year in Arts and Culture here on the Isle of Man

The final Spotlight of the series! Michelle chats to Writer, Actor and Director Alex Duncan about his brand new radio play "Garden of Teeth and Claws", which will be exclusively played on Manx Radio on December 28th. And Felipe Kowalczuk from Open Water Films talks to Michelle about his journey from Brazil to the Isle of Man. 

The Manx Drag scene is the conversation this evening, as Michelle is joined by Island Drag Queens and King. Also, Michelle learns about progressive metal, with musical band Aeons.

Michelle is joined in the studio by Simon Rea from Truman Falls* to talk about their upcoming Christmas event and new single. On the phone, is Isla Callister joining Michelle from Glasgow to chat about the Celtic Collaboration she is involved in. AND we meet the Village Blinger, also known as Annie Eastham. *NB: since this programme was recorded, sadly the Graih Christmas Concert that Simon Rea mentions has been cancelled due to Covid concerns.

Michelle is joined by Joff Whitten to talk about brand new musical arts project ‘Kitterland’ which will take place at the Erin Arts Centre at 7.30pm on Sunday 5th December. This week Michelle also jumps into the world of poetry and catches up with Island Poets Bridge Carter and Hazel Teare.

This week Michelle is joined by classical composer Eleri and learns about her unusual process of composing. Also featured is David Rowles, organiser Battle of the Bands 2022. For more information about the competition head to Battle of the Bands on Facebook. 

You can’t hide from the C word any longer…… its CHRISTMAS! This week, Michelle James heads to Pooil Vaaish Handmade Christmas Fair in Ballasalla. Join over 40 talented local artists and makers as they showcase their latest designs and gifts under one roof. Featured on Spotlight – Isle be Creative, The Flower Studio, Wolly Made, Paint and Thimble and Jo Lewy Ceramics.

Michelle James looks after Spotlight this week, with a trip to Port Erin to check out new art and community hub 'Artea'; while she's there, she also meets the artists Clare Payne and Nathan Cardy who are behind the latest exhibition. She also catches up with Charlie Williams and Alex Armstrong, the theatre loving pals who are behind new classic company 'Parodos', who are starting their run with Shakespeare in the Spring.

Assistant Curator for Manx National Heritage Nicola Tooms shows us around the new exhibition 'Traders of the Lost Arts' at the House of Manannan - spoiler: it's super funky. Artist Dawn Kennaugh dorps by to tell us more about hwo she got into painting and what continues to inspire her, and Anumeha Kumar introduces us to the island's first Bollywood dance class which you can try for free all next week! For more info, contact the Theatrix Theatre Company ecaitlinc@gmail.com

Last week, Howard Caine and a merry band of local performers joined forces to stage the acclaimed film director Mike Leigh’s 1970s cult classic ‘Abigail’s Party’ in aid of the Roy Castles Lung Cancer Charity – he spoke to news editor Lisa Harding for this evening's show. Out at the Hodgson-Loom Gallery at Laxey Woollen Mills, Julia Ashby Smyth is in the middle of hanging work for her joint exhibition with Neil Milsom who we know for his sculpture, but he’s been adding something completely new into the mix - paintings! The show launches on Friday with an open preview starting at 6pm. At Studio 42 in Port St Mary, there's just over a week left to see this year's Jeremy Paul exhibition - the gallery is open Wednesday to Saturday but closes the door on this show on October 30 - don't miss it!

The Youth Arts Centre is a hive of activity this evening, with Art Tank, Soundcheck and National Theatre Connections activities taking place - we’ll be finding out what’s on when! I’ve also got the first single from ‘Broken Rainbow’, a collaboration between a local artist and a musician in Arizona!