FREE AUNTIE ANNE’S PRETZEL

IT was really great to catch up again with music legend Frank Ifield last week, who is without any shadow of a doubt one of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet.

He was making a rare appearance in Coventry to show his support for the launch of a new Belgrade Theatre musical called Godiva Rocks.

Born in Coundon before later moving to Australia, Frank returned to the UK to celebrate the announcement of a brand spanking new production that will feature some of his most successful songs.

He is just one of 20 artists with a Coventry connection to have their music featured in the new musical, alongside Vince Hill, Hazel O’Connor, The Specials, King, The Primitives and The Enemy.

Premiering on the Belgrade’s Main Stage in October, Godiva Rocks will tell the story of girl meets boy in Coventry – but nothing and no one is what they seem, all because of one extraordinary night at the Orchid Ballroom back in December ’64.

This new production will be writer Alan Pollock and Director Hamish Glen’s third collaboration following on from 2011’s Too Much Pressure and the acclaimed Coventry Blitz play, One Night in November.

Over the next few months I’ll be following its progress on my afternoon show, including going behind the scenes as they find the new cast.

Sticking with the theme of cele- brating local music and congratulations to Tony Skipper who has become the new Lord Mayor of the City of Coventry. Tony is a huge supporter of the Coventry music scene and to celebrate his forthcoming Mayoral year, he has decided to host a fundraising concert. Rock the Ruins which takes place next

This evening at 6pm at the Cathedral ruins, will allow local bands including BBC Introducing favourites He is a Pegasus, The Institutes and Callum Pickard & The Third Look to showcase their musical talent and help raise money for the Lord Mayor’s official charities that include Teenage Cancer Trust and Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice. Good luck to all the bands on the night.