Michael Rosen on great form for 80th birthday tour

Michael Rosen - Nice Rose Theatre, Kingston Author, poet, broadcaster and former children's laureate Michael Rosen was in cracking form at the Rose theatre for the start of his 80th birthday celebratory tour. Titled, Nice, the 60 minute show amounts to a quick run through life, with accompanying favourite poems, such as Hot Food, No Breathing and Chocolate Cake. Also, some from his new collection: Peas on Your Knees. Just honoured with the Hans Christian Andersen award for writing for his lifelong contribution to children's literature, Rosen enters his eighth decade in buoyant form. This is very much a show for the kids, with the former children's laureate immediately clicking onto their wavelength. The show is very interactive, with audience participation throughout. No recalling his long hospitalisation with COVID or the tragic death of his son Eddie.Both subjects of his last tour:Getting Through It. This is a light hearted trip through life. The odd signpost from his north London roots, such as saying his brother came south 40 years ago, he hadn't seen him since. And ofcourse Arsenal football club. Politics is limited to a dig at former education secretary Michael Gove, when he speaks of coming from the stone age. This section focusing on Rosen's age, sees him claim to be from 3,000 years old, so from the stone age. Time certainly flies with this show. A very enjoyable hour for all ages from the peoples poet. Next dates - 17/5 - Tunbridge Wells, 24/5 Norwich and 26/5 Cambridge. Tour ends next April.

4th Wanstead Beer Festival coming up on 10 October - and how about a micropub?

The fourth Wanstead Beer Festival (WBF) is nearly upon us. This year Christchurch halls and grounds will transform into a beer paradise for just one day - Saturday 10 October. So reserve the date, tickets will soon be on sale. It is intended to bring an even wider range of beers and ciders this time. There will also be a special Wanstead Beer Festival beer, brewed just for us by Sambrook breweries head brewer. So that's one to look out for. The aim is once again to keep costs down, so most beers will be around the £5 a pint mark. A few specials might be a bit more but they'll be worth it. Funds raised will again be split between three local good causes. The River Roding Trust has already been selected as one of these. Thanks also to the great support from local sponsors, pubs and breweries. So lots to look forward to. These, though, are tough times for the hospitality industry. Business rates, tax on alcohol, rising wages - all make the challenge of keeping going that much greater. The government has recently provided some relief to pubs but there is long way to go. A pub a day closed in England and Wales last year. One interesting development of recent years has been the growth of the micropub. These premises, often amount to not much more than a front room. They usually provide a number of local beers and ciders plus gin and wine. The food is basic, often something like scotch eggs or pasties. Also, often a ban on mobiles and other conversation averse technology is another plus. So, in some ways a beer festival type menu on a permanent basis. Micropubs began developing in Kent a few decades ago but have now spread all over the country. My own favourite is the Waterworks in Rye, Sussex. The Waterworks used to be a public toilet but it has transformed since 2018, winning many awards and plaudits. Micropubs seem less popular in London but surely their time is coming. The growing overheads and desire for a good value drink, plus great company, surely means a micro pub would work around here. Let's hope someone takes up the challenge. For now the WBF and our fine local pubs will have to suffice. But what these outlets prove is that there is a great demand for good ale, food and company. If you want all three in abundance come to the WBF on 10 October. * More info + tickets for the WBF at www.wansteadbeerfestival.co.uk