Voice FM

14/02/2025

✳️ Local Green News ✳️

New Forest team fundraise to turn paddock into orchard

As mentioned on Your Green Breakfast with

A group of gardeners with learning disabilities have launched a fundraising campaign to transform a paddock into an orchard.

14/02/2025

A year ago today Simon caught up with Bowling For Soup you can listen again right here! Just before their biggest South Coast show tomorrow in Bournemouth at the BIC

This was a huge honour! Simon caught up with the absolute legend that is Jaret Reddick from Bowling For Soup to...

13/02/2025

🤩 TONIGHT!!

Punk on the Rocks has their first of the year and Chris Payn will be LIVE in the studio, picking some of his fave tracks and treating us to a cheeky little unplugged number.

Tune in 7-9pm!

13/02/2025

✳️ Local Green News ✳️

Your Green Voice with our 2pm guest was Denise Baden, or DA Baden when she's an author, her next book is crowdfunded...

Murder in the Climate Assembly

https://www.dabaden.com/murder-in-the-climate-assembly/

I am running a Kickstarter campaign to get this book published. Check out the PRELAUNCH PAGE to be notified when it is launched (expected early 2025). To learn more about how Kickstarter works watch my 1 minute video here.

12/02/2025

Review - Ghost The Musical at Mayflower Theatre https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/reviews/post/review-ghost-the-musical-at-mayflower-theatre/ Th

Josh St. Clair Rebekah Lowings - Ghost The Musical UK Tour - Photo Credit Alastair Muir

e musical Ghost is a spectacular adaptation of the classic 90s film, successfully bringing all the emotion and magic of the original story to the stage.

One of the production's greatest highlights is the special effects, which amaze the audience by bringing iconic scenes to life, such as ghosts passing through walls.

The set design also deserves high praise, as it is dynamic and well-planned, allowing for quick scene changes without compromising the flow of the narrative.

The transition between scenes happens naturally and harmoniously, providing complete immersion in the plot. Furthermore, the engaging soundtrack enhances the emotional atmosphere of the show, making each moment even more remarkable.

The Cast of Ghost The Musical - Ghost The Musical UK Tour - Photo Credit Alastair Muir

The actors' performances are another strong point of the production.

The lead couple has convincing chemistry, making the audience connect with and be moved by their story. At a few points in the performance members of the audience were brought to tears, almost sobbing.

As Josh St. Clair (Sam) told Voice FM in a recent interview: “I've had plenty of men tell me at stage door or send messages on Instagram saying that they found the show really, really moving. You definitely hear the rustling of tissue packets and stuff like that. And there's me and Rebecca (Lowings as Molly), usually at that point, we just kind of give each other a bit of a look of like, ‘Yeah, job done. We got it’.”

Special mention should also be made of the supporting characters, who bring energy and humor to the show, ensuring a balance between drama and good laughs.

Jacqui Dubois Josh St. Clair - Ghost The Musical UK Tour - Photo Credit Alastair Muir

The adaptation of the story for the theatre was done intelligently. The scenes were well-adjusted for the stage.

However, one negative aspect worth mentioning is the portrayal of the main character's murderer as Latin American.

This detail may reinforce negative stereotypes and fuel prejudice against immigrants, which is an unfortunate choice in a society that already faces challenges related to discrimination.

The origin of the murderer, which was taken from the story written 35 years ago, could have been changed as it is not relevant to the story.

Despite this drawback, Ghost is an emotional and technically impressive musical that is well worth watching!

Book your tickets here www.mayflower.org.uk

12/02/2025

✳️ Your Green News ✳️

US-funded ‘social network’ attacking pesticide critics shuts down after Guardian investigation

A top environmental story heard on Your Green Breakfast with

v-Fluence halts operations after widespread backlash over private portal profiling environmental health advocates

11/02/2025

11pm NEW SHOW - Radio Mundial

Matt Sanger's Radio Mundial is a global journey through underground and backroom music scenes. Inspired by the vital, often small-scale music communities, it transports listeners to places that keep nightlife’s true spirit alive.

11/02/2025

Young people’s youth strategy consultation event to be held in Southampton, at YMCA Newtown Youth and Community Centre on Wed, 19th Feb. Attendance from local MPs who have committed to hear the voices of local young people, hope that you can join us too!

11/02/2025

Second Voice FM Presenter Is A City Legend https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/news/post/second-voice-fm-presenter-is-a-city-legend/ Victoria Ugwoeme who presents Voices Of Africa

This February Southampton's iconic wall ,buildings, heritage sites are set to feature community legends who make a difference to City life with the Launch of City Reflections.

Amongst the legends is Voice FM very own Victoria Ugwoeme who presents Voices Of Africa, a weekly radio episode promoting African voices in the city.

Her recognition and achievements trail from her life's work in the Community.

In 2022 as part of an international women day celebration Victoria was described by her community as a "superwoman" and featured in BBC South news feature.

Victoria is the most energetic, warm and generous person. She went on to become the First Black African councillor to be elected in this city in 2023.

Victoria Ugwoeme is a respected community leader ,an entrepreneur, a radio presenter and sits on different boards of trustees, offering a valuable contribution to organisations in Southampton.

Victoria has made exceptional contributions to the community through volunteer work .She is driven in her zeal to help as many people as she can have a voice, get out of depression, hunger, hopelessness and poverty. She is an inspiration and serves her community with uncommon passion.

Victoria Ugwoeme features in City Reflections.

11/02/2025

Matt Clewes wins UK Radio Presenter of the Year at the BCMA Awards 2025 https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/news/post/matt-clewes-wins-uk-radio-presenter-of-the-year-at-the-bcma-awards-2025/ Matt Clewes, host of Clewes’ Country, was voted UK Radio Presenter of the Year by the British Country Music Association (BCMA) at the awards in Liverpool on Sunday (12 January).

The annual BCMA awards show, held at the iconic Cavern Club, celebrates country music from across the UK, showcasing some of the nation’s finest country music musicians. Clewes was nominated for the same award in 2024 but missed out when Absolute Radio Country’s Baylen Leonard took home the title.

On winning the award in 2025, Matt said: “it is a true honour to be able to pick up this award, it really means a lot. This show and Country music in the UK is my life and I want that to continue to be the case for a long time and for it to grow even bigger."

“I am truly grateful, especially as this award was voted for by members and peers in the UK country scene. There is so much talent in the UK that is still undiscovered, and it is vitally important that we get behind these musicians as we continue to make incredible steps forward.”

Clewes’ Country launched in 2021 and has aired on Voice FM in Southampton for the past four years, with listeners able to access the show online. Clewes’ country has amassed a loyal following and now has listeners in the US, Canada and Australia, as well as the UK.

The weekly two hour show hosts guests from within the country music industry and has featured artists including Ashley Cooke, Caylee Hammack and Kameron Marlowe.

For Voice FM's station manager, Xan Phillips, this is exactly what the radio station is all about: "Voice FM is a platform for people to hone their broadcasting skills and then hopefully make the next step on to their career. Everyone at Voice FM is delighted for Matt, not only is he consistent with the quality of his guests but his music selection has helped shape our playlist to reflect the rising popularity of country music."

Clewes uploads all of his interviews to his The Country Catch Up podcast on Spotify which also champions UK artists such as Twinnie, First Time Flyers, Kezia Gill and more. As well as hosting his radio show, Clewes is also stepping into hosting live events and developing his brand.

‘Clewes Country Presents’ are evenings centred around providing a platform for UK country artists, hosted by Clewes. The event has had two successful evenings so far over in Blackpool initially and more recently at The Bedford in London. On Thursday 17 April, the series of shows arrives in Southampton which will be headlined by Essex-based artist Louise Parker, alongside up and coming musicians Fin Pearson and Ben Selleck.

More details here: https://www.seetickets.com/event/louise-parker/heartbreakers/3238142

Matt Clewes was born in Sidcup, Kent, moving to Gillingham with his family at a young age and grew up going to Priestfield Stadium to watch the local team.

Clewes went to Solent University in 2014 to study Sports Journalism, and it was here he found a passion for radio as he hosted the Breakfast Show on Voice FM for for 3 years. After graduating from Solent, Matt never left the City but always stayed close to his roots in Kent

Voted UK Radio Presenter of the Year by the British Country Music Association

11/02/2025

Valentines Festival Heads To Southampton https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/news/post/valentines-festival-heads-to-southampton/ A Brand new family festival is heading to Southampton City centre from the 14th to 23rd of February.

With fun for all ages this event can brighten and excite your valentines festivities.

Bring the whole family along with rides and activity's suitable for all ages.

The festival will hold daily entertainment shows of slit walkers and fun friendly characters.

Dinosaurs will walk the streets of Southampton in morning and evening shows, along with a variety of street performers, character walk arounds and so much more.

Find the festival outside of Westquay shopping centre and Southampton City centre.

A 2 hour wrist band is available for £12.99, with tokens for £1.20 each or grab this deal of 20 tokens for £20.

Opening times-

Monday to Thursday: 10:30am to 7pm

Friday to Saturday: 10:30am to 8pm

Sunday: 11am to 6pm

You can find Daily prize draws and wristband giveaways along with further infomation on their facebook.

Southampton cant wait for this extraordinary event to hit the streets, we hope to see you there.

Fun for all the family is coming to Southampton City Centre this half term.

11/02/2025

✳️ Your Green News ✳️

Plant-Based Dog Food Brand Wins Dragons’ Den Backing

A top environmental story heard on Your Green Breakfast with

Vegan dog food brand Omni appeared on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, securing an investment from Deborah Meaden and Steven Bartlett

11/02/2025

✳️ Your Green News ✳️

Our minds are cluttered with plastics - literally - and the amount found in each person is growing

A top environmental story heard on Your Green Breakfast with



https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/micro-plastics-brain-dementia-b2693810.html #:~:text=The%20pieces%20are%20making%20their,to%20the%20liver%20and%20kidneys.

Prior studies have found microplastics in lungs, placentas and te**es — but the most common spot for them may be even more worrying, finds a new report

11/02/2025

✳️ Local Green News ✳️

Drivers flout the rules on Portswood Road bus gate scheme

https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/24924275.drivers-flout-rules-portswood-road-bus-gate-scheme/

As mentioned on Your Green Breakfast with

Drivers have been seen flouting the rules and driving though the Portswood Road bus gate despite enforcement beginning

10/02/2025

✳️ Local Green News ✳️

Netley boy saves thousands of sweet tubs from landfill

As mentioned on Your Green Breakfast with

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gwykzqed5o

Teddy has collected the plastic confectionery tubs because he wants to help save the planet.

10/02/2025

The countdown is on for THE music concert of the year! 🎶 Our very own Matt and Sissy hit the streets of Eastleigh and Chandlers Ford to spread the word about the Rotary Rocks Music Concert on 14th March, hosted by the Rotary Club of Eastleigh. 🎸🔥

Get your tickets here: https://thorndenhall.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873667069

Now in its 3rd year, this electrifying music concert at Thornden Hall supports amazing local causes like Eastleigh Basics Bank.

Get ready to enjoy incredible acts featuring Starcast Performing Arts Schools, Salisbury, Panatical Steel Band, Rock Choir, and Southampton Ukulele Jam! 🙌 🎤

Let’s rock, raise money, and make a difference!

Huge thanks to:
Poppins Restaurant Eastleigh
Istanbul Turkish Barber
Roebridge Farm Shop
Tanning & Beauty at Studio 7
Eastleigh Boswell
Eastleigh Basics Bank
Bridge Beauty
Dave's Fish Bar
Stakks
D & G Hardware
King Rufus
The Halfway Inn

10/02/2025

Bus Gate in Portswood, Southampton switches on cameras today 7am

Other than authorised vehicles, people who drive through the restriction will receive a Warning Notice, and on their second contravention they will receive a Penalty Charge Notice

https://www.southampton.gov.uk/news/article/enforcement-starting-at-portswood-road-bus-taxi-cycle-only-restriction-next-week/ #:~:text=Once%20the%20camera%20enforcement%20on,if%20paid%20within%2021%20days).

07/02/2025

BRB's Cinderella at Mayflower Theatre https://www.voicefmradio.co.uk/community/blogs/reviews/post/brbs-cinderella-at-mayflower-theatre/ I always try to get inside the head of the director when watching any live performance. What do they want the audience to feel? To take away with them? What message are they trying to convey?

I have watched many different versions of this fairy tale including the Disney film released in 1950, the 1976 musical, ‘The Slipper and The Rose’ starring Richard Chamberlain and Gemma Craven, the 2015 film directed by Kenneth Branagh featuring Lily James as Ella and Richard Madden as The Prince as well as pantomimes but I have never watched the ballet.

This production of Sergei Prokofiev’s ballet showcases exquisite choreography by Sir David Bintley.

The musical score is full of romance, but is also melancholic at times and really brings to life the different emotions and personalities in the story.

What struck me whilst I was watching the drama unfold was the sets are very stripped back.

Apart from the cellar featuring a large grey stone fireplace and massive wooden cupboard, the magic of the story comes to life through the dancing with hints of where the action is set.

For example, a huge rectangular mirror is the only piece of furniture on stage when Cinderella is being dressed by the adorable lizards, frog and mice.

The stage is then dominated by the crystal carriage made of entwined branches and leaves set against the dark blue starlit sky. Instead of the ornate interior of a palace it is illustrated by a stone staircase flanked either side by two stone entrance pillars.

This gave a similar coldness and throwback to the cellar and I couldn’t help thinking that the palace ballroom could have been depicted instead by a beautiful chandelier and more warm surroundings to indicate a change in Cinderella’s fate.

A real stand out moment for me was when the clock approached midnight.

As it starts chiming it pulls apart to reveal its inner workings, giving a really powerful hint that the magic is soon to come to an end and Cinderella will once again be plunged back into her life of servitude to her stepmother and petulant stepsisters.

There are many references to nature throughout. When the fairy spirit of Cinderella’s mother arrives, mist engulfs the stage and the three sections making up the cellar reveal an evening sky dazzling with stars.

The four seasons are also represented by ballerinas wearing green, gold, burgundy or silver and the corps de ballet look beautiful dressed in white tutus decorated in silver stars and adorning silver tiaras.

They dance as the pumpkin turns into the carriage and again with the Prince and Cinderella - perhaps hinting that our lives are written in the stars.

The costumes designed by John Macfarlane, who also designed the sets, are sumptuous and theatrical and give a real 18th century feel but also hint towards Vivienne Westwood’s style.

The dressers look elegant in their tail coats and wigs and the hugely talented Tzu-Chao Chou as the dancing master makes a huge impact dressed in red velvet.

The ugly step sisters were dressed in short dresses - one in yellow and the other in black with Madonna cone basque complete with black and white tights.

I am always amazed how a story can be told through dance and gestures alone. The characterisation throughout was impeccable by all the company.

Particular mention must go to the two step sisters for bringing so much humour to the stage with their constant quarreling and fighting as well as flirting with one of the dressers and footmen and their love of food!

I also adored the depiction of the dancers who played the frog, lizards and the mice. They were a delight to watch and they were so convincing you could almost believe they were real!

There is a jaw dropping moment when Mathias Dingman who plays the Prince so incredibly lifts Miki Mizutani holding her calf and waist. It’s almost a Patrick Swayze moment but I should imagine even more technically difficult!

All in all, a truly enjoyable evening and I drifted away watching the sheer beauty of these dancers on stage.

The audience whistled and cheered at the end of each act as well as at the end and also showed their huge appreciation to the fabulous Royal Ballet Sinfonia under the direction of Paul Murphy.

Book your seats here Mayflower Theatre