*GROWING numbers of people are becoming fascinated by the story of the Titanic, the so-called unsinkable ship that went down with catastrophic loss of life after hitting an iceberg in 1912.

The OOPS theatre company comprises a group of Worcestershire-based amateur thespians who have got together to produce one-off productions, hence the acronym of the title.

They are planning to mark the centenary of the disaster in a uniquely dramatic manner. For when the company’s production of Titanic sets sail at the Swan Theatre, Worcester, next April, the last night’s show will be in ‘real time’, faithfully following the great liner’s demise from iceberg to ocean deep.

It will certainly be a night to remember.

*DUTCH band Lamarotte will be leading the Bromyard Festival’s Saturday parade, a wise choice that will please many of their fans in the two counties.

Lamarotte produces an infectious blend of traditional jazz and continental street marching music, a species not generally found in this country.

Be that as it may, there is no shortage of fans as the marquee on Fish Meadow at Upton is always jam-packed whenever the boys perform.

Curiously, the frontman wears a Confederate soldier’s forage cap for some reason, just a minor eccentricity that gives a hint to the overall wackiness of the band.

*THERE is nothing like a night out at the theatre. We are very fortunate to have the Swan here in Worcester and I’ve had many a great night out in that great palace of varieties at the Moors.

From the Counterfeit Stones to Cider with Rosie, The Blue Room to the Christmas panto, this city’s wonderful theatre provides the variety that spices up all our lives.

Funding ebbs and flows like the tides. But the best input of all is your continued patronage, which hopefully will always ensure the Swan’s stage curtain will always keep rising.