“It’s nostalgic, it’s about love, and beautiful people, but it’s also about strength and courage”… that’s how The Times Of Malta hailed this new musical, based on a true story from World War Two.

Glamorous British entertainer Christina Ratcliffe was in Malta to entertain the troops, but she fell in love with a daredevil pilot and stayed on through the dangerous, heady days of the war. She joined the RAF to work in the secret world of the Operations Room, and became a living symbol of Malta’s heroic resistance as ‘Christina of George Cross Island’.

The show features much-loved wartime standards, alongside new original songs.

Starring: Polly March, Larissa Bonaci & Geoff Thomas

Written & Directed by: Philip Glassborow

www.starofstraitstreet.com

“It’s nostalgic, it’s about love, and beautiful people, but it’s also about strength and courage”… that’s how The Times Of Malta hailed this new musical, based on a true story from World War Two.

Glamorous British entertainer Christina Ratcliffe was in Malta to entertain the troops, but she fell in love with a daredevil pilot and stayed on through the dangerous, heady days of the war. She joined the RAF to work in the secret world of the Operations Room, and became a living symbol of Malta’s heroic resistance as ‘Christina of George Cross Island’.

The show features much-loved wartime standards, alongside new original songs.

Starring: Polly March, Larissa Bonaci & Geoff Thomas

Written & Directed by: Philip Glassborow

www.starofstraitstreet.com

Schumann: The Faces and the Masks is a groundbreaking account of a major composer whose life and works have been the subject of intense controversy ever since his early death in an asylum in 1856.

Filled with previously unpublished material, Judith Chernaik sheds new light on Schumann’s life and the ways in which the crises he encountered entered his music. One of the key figures of Romanticism in Europe and America, Chernaik explores Schumann’s troubled relations with fellow Romantic composers Mendelssohn and Chopin, along with the long withheld full medical diary kept at Endenich Asylum.

Born in New York, Chernaik now lives in London. She is best known for founding London’s popular Poems on the Underground, a programme which has taken off in cities worldwide.

This event will feature live performance of Schumann’s music performed by the Apollo String Quartet.

The OSO Arts Centre is the perfect place to do some Christmas shopping. On Saturday 17th November, stalls representing local businesses will be selling a wealth of seasonal goodies and Christmas gifts. The OSO café will also be serving food, drinks and festive treats, so drop by during the day and enjoy!

The stalls being featured include:

1. Urban Village Chocolates: Gorgeous handcrafted artisan chocolates made locally in St Margarets
2. Kate Edwards Cards: A gorgeous selection of great value  Christmas cards, wrapping and tags
3. Anna P: An Eco luxury accessories designer and maker making handmade handbags, purses, ipad cases hairbands and hairclips using vintage pre 1950s feed-sack fabrics, liberty prints, hand dyed canvas, dip dyed velvet and recycled leathers and denim.
4. Bird & Branch: Beautiful hand crafted wooden bowls and homeware
5. Blasta Henriet: A Scandinavian brand making large linen wheat bags and eye pillows which soothe tense muscles, pains and cramping.
6. Shelterbox: Delicious homemade jams, jellies, marmalades and  chutneys for good causes
7. Cecilia Belle: Beautiful, classic and timeless clothing and shoes for little ones from 0- 5 yrs old made using the finest Spanish and Italian fabrics…
8. Florence & Frog Ltd: Brand new designer children’s clothing sold at discount prices with all profits going to local children’s’ charities including winter wear and Christmas jumpers
9. Garry the Potter: Functional pots made with stoneware clay which are pleasing to use and beautiful to look at.
10. Georgia Loukina: Rare extra virgin olive oil produced from a single family olive grove in central Greece, near Delphi
11. Jackie Williams Interiors: A selection of candles, bath and body goodies all from Cornwall, cosy blankets and Christmas gifts
12. Karavan Eco: Eco friendly products made beautifully and sustainably including Bamboo socks , hot water bottles, coffee and chilly cups and other gifts
13. The Earring Bazaar: A wide selection of earrings for all occasions designed and made by a local artist made from Sterling and Karen Hill Tribe silver.
14. Mali Jewellery and Bags: Silver Jewellery carefully selected from Thailand together with leather bags, wallets and purses, handcrafted and and unique for that special gift
15. Mountain and Molehill: A stylish, quirky home ware company created with an anthropomorphic wit sourcing Victorian animal illustrations which have real character and using them, collage like to make products that tell a tale, are educational but most importantly fun!
16. Pesciolino: Decorations for the Xmas Tree, playful little sculptures and accessories in colourful, whimsical designs all hand made from clay and papier mache.
17. The Infusionist: Handcrafted natural organic skincare and home fragrance products made from quality local and ethically sourced ingredients
18. Stefs crystal and beads: Handmade pearl and semi precious stone jewellery and fair trade items
19. Teresa Benzinski: Exquisite handmade Polish star ornaments lovingly crafted from tissue paper, suitable for all year round decoration but particularly beautiful at Xmas time.
20. Deniz & Nafsika: Lino , mono and monotype prints, etchings , tote bags and Christmas cards all produced by two local artists
21. Paws R Us: Bespoke bow tie dog collar and leash sets, harnesses and a Xmas collection for the dog in your life

StraightUp Comedy brings together some of the best acts on the London comedy scene. This month’s acts will be:

• HEIDI REGAN (Headliner): Winner BBC New Comedy Award 2017, Winner So You Think You’re Funny 2016
• BILAL ZAFAR (Headliner): Best Newcomer Edinburgh Comedy Awards Nominee 2016, New Act of the Year 2016, “witty and absorbing…highly entertaining. I look forward to whatever Zafar cooks up next” (Dominic Maxwell, The Times), “Delivers big laughs” (Brian Logan, The Guardian)
• RHIANNON SHAW: Chortle Student Comedian of the Year Finalist 2018
• MARTIN GRAHAM
• FATIHA EL-GHORRI
• WILL PENSWICK (MC): “A very sharp performer…you will be in for a comic treat” (4 stars, Plays To See)m “Hard not to love…brilliant” (4 stars, Radio Ha-Ha), “Laugh out loud funny” (4 stars, Broadway Baby)

This acclaimed narrative recital of words and music from the First World War (described by BBC Radio 3 as ‘incredibly moving‘) features actor Christopher Kent and pianist Gamal Khamis  and sets poetry and music of the period against the real-life story of Private Percy O’Key. It is a compelling journey from innocence to loss, told with unflinching clarity and compassion.

See the trailer here

Come see London’s newest theatrical voices!

The OSO’s scratch night, Dispatches, returns for a third time (after two sell-out shows), presenting a selection of new or developing short plays. You’ll get a chance to see some of the best emerging talent in writing, directing, and acting – plus give your feedback on the pieces and shape their future!

If you’d like to find out more (or to join us as a writer, director or actor) – further details can be found at www.osoarts.org.uk/get-involved/#Dispatches, including submission guidelines.

A great selection of Christmas gifts will be available from the new BCA stands based outside The OSO. These include childrens’ clothes, sheepskin blankets, semi-precious jewellery, home accessories, Barnes beer, Barnes honey and top of the range chocolates! There will also be roasted chestnuts and a festive BCA membership offer…

Stalls that are being featured include:

1. Alex & Ayla: Framed kids’ art
2. Anna P: Bags, scarves, silver jewellery
3. Claude & Basils Epicerie: French fine foods/gift food
4. English Rose Linens: Traditional Linen Products
5. Georgia Loukina: Organic Olive oil
6. Heather Paine Jewelry
7. Majmakes: Yoga mat carrier
8. Mamacha Ltd: Alpacha knits, hats, scarves,ponchos
9. Map Tea Towels
10. Noura Scents: Perfume oils in bottles
11. Phoenix Trader: Cards,Advent calenders, seasonal stationary
12. Shelterbox: Jams/chutneys
13. Simply Naturale: Italian linens,bath products,towels
14. Stefcrystals and Beads: Handmade jewellery
15. The Glove Box: Dents, gloves, snoods
16. The Infusionist: Candles, aromatic skincare range

Florence Easton was born in 1882, in South Bank, Middlesbrough. In 1918, she created the role of Lauretta in the world premiere of Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi – making her the first soprano to sing ‘O Mio Babbino Caro‘. 

Helena Leonard sings many famous arias as she tells the story of Florence’s remarkable career. 

Florence Easton was born in 1882, in South Bank, Middlesbrough. In 1918, she created the role of Lauretta in the world premiere of Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi – making her the first soprano to sing ‘O Mio Babbino Caro‘. 

Helena Leonard sings many famous arias as she tells the story of Florence’s remarkable career. 

StraightUp Comedy brings together some of the best acts on the London comedy scene, having previously hosted the likes of Ed Gamble, Suzi Ruffell, Ken Cheng and Kiri Pritchard-McLean. With exponents of the surreal, one-liners, poetry, music and sketch comedy, StraightUp has always provided our audiences with unforgettable nights of varied, fresh and high-quality comedy in a fantastic setting with a diverse line-up. 

‘A genuinely amusing evening‘ London Theatre 1 (4 Stars)

‘Scarcely a minute passes without a hysteric outburst from the crowd‘ Londonist (4 Stars) 

The OSO Panto is back again! Last year we sold out so book early to avoid missing this essential part of the Christmas calendar. Be prepared to laugh, boo, sing and most of all fill yourself up with that warm festive feeling.

This performance is a specially adapted and inclusive production with Activity Station. Click on the link below for more details and to book tickets.