Sentinel, The; Stoke-on-Trent (UK)

Variety Is the Spice of Charity Music Gala ; the Charity Variety Show As Well As Highlighting the Work of the Staffordshire Adults Autistic Society, Tomorrow Night's Charity Gala at the Victoria Hall Will Showcase the Cream of Local Musical and Theatrical Talent, Writes Zita Collinson

THE Stars of Britain's Got Talent will rub shoulders with some of the most accomplished performers the local area has to offer at a charity gala night tomorrow. The event, which takes place at The Victoria Hall, in Hanley, aims to raise funds for the Staffordshire Adults Autistic Society (SAAS).

Band Ready to Have a Ball After Battle to Take Rock Title

THE winners of a battle of the bands contest play their biggest crowd yet at Staffordshire University's annual ball. Gravities, pictured, will share the stage with Plan B, currently riding high in the album charts with The Defamation Of Strickland Banks.

Chart Choice with Paul Fairclough

WELCOME to this week's music column from Signal 2. Here we give you the opportunity to find out about new albums that are out or about to be released. On May 31, Sony Music will release the very best of legendary American swing musician Glenn Miller, featuring some of his signature recordings. Produced by Mike Hedges, this stunning album of classics will also feature a new recording of In The Mood by sensational singer Jodie Prenger, who sprung into the spotlight after winning the BBC1 show I...

Your Stars with Shelley von Strunckel

ARIES: Mar 20-Apr 19 0901 470 0481 You don''t mind adjusting your habits or making changes, but you must know why. Judging by this weekend''s aspect between Jupiter and the Saturn, you''ll discover even more intriguing options in the process. TAURUS: Apr 20-May 20 0901 470 0482 Because you felt there was little hope of overcoming certain dilemmas, you''ve avoided discussing them. Now that Venus has moved into the part of your chart that accents an exchange of ideas, you''ll be amazed how illu...

Abbas Boys Keep It in the Family

LEAGUE points will not be the only thing at stake when Hem Heath entertain Knypersley at Trentham Lakes tomorrow. Family bragging rights are also up for grabs as Pakistani brothers Qaiser and Nayyer Abbas line up on opposite sides.

Khan Holds Key As Lead Pair Go for Summit Showdown ; Waterworld Premier

THE top two go head-to-head tomorrow when surprise early leaders Barlaston travel to play Burslem. Four consecutive wins after their opening-day defeat to Wood Lane has seen newly-promoted Barlaston move clear at the top.

Willott Ready to Fire Again As Leek Face Fellow Fliers ; Jsw Insurance Div One

MEIR Heath's batsmen could be forgiven for having sleepless nights as they prepare to face Leek's Greg Willott tomorrow. The in-form seamer has bagged successive hat-tricks en route to claiming 21 wickets in his last three matches to help take Leek to the top of the table.

Centre Stage with Alan Cookman

DRY Rot, which is being presented by Audley Players this week, is the comedy that triggered a career U-turn for its author John Chapman. A RADA-trained actor, Chapman wrote the classic farce during a break from performing on stage, and found himself with a smash hit on his hands. His first play, Dry Rot opened at the famous Whitehall Theatre, in 1954, and ran for three-and-a-half years, a total of 1,475 performances. His second comedy, Simple Spyman, was similarly successful, and he went on t...

Heavenly Role Is a Dream Come True for Performer ; Jesus Christ Superstar the Talented Young Performer Who'll Be Playing the Title Role in a New Production of an Iconic Rock Musical Talks to Alan Cookman

GARETH Ridge is not nervous about playing the title role in Jesus Christ Superstar. But that's only because he still can't believe he'll be starring in a 40th anniversary production of the celebrated musical about the last seven days in the life of Christ.

Duke William

Seats: 48 covers in the restaurant Wines: extensive list Children: separate children's menu, or half portions available Vegetarians: plenty of vegetarian options Parking: on-street parking right outside Atmosphere: traditional, friendly and relaxed AN HISTORIC, family-run pub in the heart of the Mother Town, the Duke William has become a popular haunt for drinkers and diners since reopening just seven weeks ago following an extensive refurbishment. The new owners have lovingly and carefully r...

Step Back in Time to See a Spring Surprise ; Bluebell Woods, Yoxall Lodge If You Go Down to the Woods Today, You're Sure of a Big Surprise. Sue Bourne and Ruth Stonier Discovered the Idyllic Bluebell Woods of Yoxall Lodge, Near Burton- Upon-Trent.

THIS winter's cold spell has caused a lot of problems - lack of grit, slippery roads, school closures - the list goes on. So it's no wonder the flowers decided not to bloom until a little later. But when they did it was worth the wait, as a day at the Bluebell Woods of Yoxall Lodge proves.

Walking

Lower Hatton OS map reference: SJ 832 391 THIS is a fairly easy walk. There is a 10ft section of deep mud, but apart from this the route is good and easy to follow. The journey: From the car walk down the road for about 50 yards to a footpath sign and stile on the left. Take this route and enter the wood. Follow the path through the wood to emerge at the corner of a large field. Here either follow the field boundary on the left or aim directly across the field to the far right hand corner (th...

Gulch Can Grab Haydock Glory

FEW horses caught the eye at Wolverhampton through March as much as Red Gulch and he must be followed until beaten, starting in the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Classified Stakes at Haydock. He looked the part and those who had lumped on West Emirates to end a run of second places soon had that familiar sinking feeling as the Ed Dunlop-trained colt travelled powerfully for Kieren Fallon. Sure enough, when Fallon gave the signal in the straight, he went right away to win with his head in his ...

Winning Comedy Spells Out Director's Triumphant Return

FORMER New Vic artistic director Gwenda Hughes is currently riding high with award-winning comedy Alphabetical Order. Michael Frayn's play, set in the cuttings library of a regional newspaper, won the 1975 Evening Standard Award for Best Comedy and continues its run at the New Vic Theatre tonight.

Star Enjoys Sharing Secrets of Growing Older and Wiser ; Mum's the Word the Cast of Mum's the Word Were Rocked After Leading Lady Bernie Nolan's Diagnosis with Breast Cancer. Zita Collinson Catches Up with Former Coronation Street Actress Tracy Shaw As the Show Continues Without the Famous Singing Sister

LAMENTING the many messy woes of modern motherhood seems a far cry from the glamorous world previously occupied by ex-soap beauty Tracy Shaw. As ditzy hairdresser Maxine Peacock, Tracy graced Coronation Street's famous cobbles from 1995 until she was dispatched by serial killer Richard Hillman in 2003.

Princely Star Muscles in to Lead All-Action Escape ; Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (12a) Action/Romance

INSPIRED by the best-selling video games series, Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time is a rollicking escapade which marries gorgeous Moroccan locations with state-of-theart visual effects. The time-bending storyline of Mike Newell's big budget adventure incorporates a romantic subplot to appeal to female audiences who might otherwise give this testosterone-heavy romp a wide berth.

Off-Beat Script Dances Over Reality

Streetdance 3D (PG) Drama T-REX were right, the British love to boogie, and not just on a Saturday night. Directors Max Giwa and Dania Pasquini celebrate the UK street dance in the first live action feature film to be shot entirely in 3D outside of the U.S. The filmmakers contrive a couple of nice moments with dancers appearing to throw hats at the audience, forcing us to duck for cover.

Cop Thriller Is Criminally Bad

Cop Out (15) Comedy/Action SINCE his ultra-low budget 1994 debut, Clerks, writer-director Kevin Smith has forged his reputation and cult status with potty-mouthed comedies, which celebrate the unspoken bonds of friendship between men. Smith brings those same sensibilities to bear in action comedy Cop Out, about a pair of NYPD officers on the trail of a stolen baseball card.

Lovers Bet On Casino Intrigue

Renaissance All the Rage at Piva Concert ; Piva the Popular Renaissance Group Perform at All Saints Church in Leek Tomorrow As Part of the Town's Arts Festival. Musician and Instrument Maker Eric Moulder Tells Liz Rowley What to Expect.

LEEK Arts Festival might be well into the 21st century, but music- lovers are invited to step back to Tudor times tomorrow when renaissance group Piva perform at All Saints Church. Formed in 1993 by Eric Moulder, pictured below, and friends, the impressive ensemble are renowned for bringing a touch of Elizabethan life to venues across the country. For the Leekbased musician and instrument maker however, the town's annual festival remains a highlight.