‘Charlie and the chocolate factory’ theatre review

September 18, 2023September 18, 2023Leave a comment

SPOILER ALERT

On Thursday 7th September, me and my best friend Robyn went to see ‘Charlie and the chocolate factory’, at Hull New Theatre

Before the show started, we were moved to actually better stalls seats, because a massive group of school children all desired to sit together. We sat in our new stall D seats with our snacks and drinks, highly anticipating the performance

This stage version actually started it’s journey at Leeds playhouse, a reinvention of the Broadway/West end productions. We were delighted with memorable songs, such as ‘The Candy Man’ and ‘Pure Imagination’ from the original 1970s Gene Wilder film

Roald Dahl is indisputably a genius of Children’s fiction. A young, impovished boy living with his poverty stricken family, his dreams and hopes. 5 golden tickets, the opportunity of a lifetime – to go where no child has before, inside the magical world of Willy Wonka and his fantastical chocolate factory

The set was spectacular, amazing aesthetics, video design and brilliant costumes

I particularly enjoyed Augustus Gloop getting stuck in the tubular pipe, having scoffed his face with liquid chocolate from the forbidden fountain, just like in the film… or, Violet Beauregarde’s dress expanding until she practically becomes an enormous blueberry! A huge blue/purple ball then rolling on the stage, with a fake scarecrow like head, that was very comical! Also, Willy Wonka and Charlie ascending the glass elevator, that was cool

A shock, and how I felt the production deviated the most from expectation were the oompah-loompas. I was expecting little dwarfs with bright orange faces and green curly hair, haha 😄 Instead, they actually looked rather mechanical, and very steampunk. A little frightening perhaps for very small children

Gareth Snook who played Willy Wonka was flamboyant and quirky, Isaac Surgen who played Charlie Bucket cheerful and likeable and I actually thought Michael D’Cruze who played Grandpa Joe, extremely animated and full of zest, for an oldie 😛

It was funny Veruca Salt determined a ‘bad nut’ and exterminated in the trash by a giant squirrel, and Mike Teavee pixelating on TV

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed the musical, and are so pleased we decided to go. We are all booked up for ‘The Wizard of Oz’ in February next year, at Sheffield Lyceum

Thank you so much for taking the time to read 😄 Many thanks, Lauren xx

(All information taken from bought programs)

Scarborough August 2023

August 27, 2023August 27, 2023Leave a comment

Hi everyone! My latest blog post is a description of mine and my Gran’s travels to Scarborough for the week, with accompanying photos. I do hope you enjoy! 😄

Our first evening we dined in the hotel – Lynwood convalescent home, on top of a hill. With me being a vegetarian, the chef really accommodated for me, making me veggie pies and veggie crumbles and others throughout the week 😋 Our first stop on Tuesday morning was Peasholm Park, just at the bottom of the hill.. it was absolutely gorgeous 😍 So tranquil and quaint. There were people on boat rides, an island 🏝 in the middle, and there was a lovely little cafe there, I had an iced latte.. Afterwards, we walked along the North beach promenade, and got a taxi to the city shopping centre, where I bought yet another book, lol.. Entertainment on the night time was fantastic! There was a turn on, a lady singer, and me and my new friend Marie were up Irish dancing, haha! Bingo too, which gran loved 🥰

On Wednesday, we took a fabulous little train to the Sealife centre 😀 There were penguins 🐧 which I loved! Also, a sealion show, sharks, starfish, jellyfish, stingrays etc..We had some funny photos taken with comical backgrounds 😆 At night, we went to a wonderful show at Scarborough Spa..there were three vocalists, a man and two women, and a further two male and female dancers.. amazing! The two women in particular had stunning voices, and the dancers were getting swayed all over the place! Songs from films like James Bond, ABBA compilations, music through the decades such as 20s flapper girls and onwards, 70s hippie flower power, The Phantom of the opera, all sorts! Great array of styles, and versatility showcased in the performance 👏 The outfits were fab too!

On Thursday, we had a mystery tour to Whitby 😍 What a fantastic place, with it’s gorgeous Docks and cobbled streets. Gran grabbed a toasted tea cake in a small cute cafe, and we both enjoyed an ice cream! We strolled around the shops, and I bought myself a new diamond art, a lion 🦁 At night time we had a quiz and karaoke back at Lynwood 🎤 We were affectionately named ‘Norfolk in chance’ by the cheeky bar man Matthew, haha 😄 I got up singing with Marie, even though I’m not the best I gave ‘Simply the best’ my best shot 🤣 Gran pulled! A lovely elderly gentleman was serenading her, adorable! 😄

Our last full day was Friday, and we decided to get a taxi to South Beach. There were fairground rides there, and arcades along the promenade. We had a go at the 2p machines to no avail lol! Gran searched for a new top and we had delicious milkshakes, and a rest overlooking the sea. I went onto the beach and had a little barefoot paddle; writing mine and Gran’s name in the sand 😁😁

And that was the end of our seaside adventure! We went on a turkey and tinsel last November to Scarborough in a different hotel…I almost didn’t go to this one as felt it would be much the same..how wrong was I! We had so much more time to discover the beauty of Scarborough (only one day trip to Whitby) furthermore our group were so friendly and welcoming, a brilliant bunch to be around, up for a laugh! We’ve made great friends! 👍

Thank you so much for taking the time to read/view 🥰 My next posts I believe will be either furniture upcycling or diamond art 🎨

All the best, thank you, Lauren xx

Castleton June 2023

June 27, 2023June 27, 2023Leave a comment

Hello everyone! My latest UnicornPostbox blog post is photos and descriptions of an overnight trip to beautiful Castleton, situated in the heart of the Peak District, with my best friend Robyn, and her mum and dad.. enjoy! 😁

Castleton is so quaint and gorgeous! After having a quick bite to eat, we strolled along the lovely streets and passageways, enjoying and exploring

We ventured up SO MANY steps to reach Treak Cliff Cavern! Even with a little rest on the provided benches uphill, we were absolutely knackered! Then, to our dismay there was even more climbing to do in the cave itself, haha 😭

We did a self guided tour of Treak Cliff, pausing at certain stops to hear via the app a description of the cave and rock formations, I particularly liked seeing Blue John stone and the stalactites and stalagmites!

As we descended the hill, back down to ground level, Robyn reminded me of a little hobbit, haha 😄 My legs were literally shaking with all the exercise! We are not the most active girls, ha!

The hostel we stayed at really surprised me how lovely it was, I didn’t expect it to be at all. It was a large gothic mansion – YHA Losehill Hall, with spacious rooms and stunning surroundings. We freshened up before tea at Ye Old Nag’s Head. I had a beaut mushroom and goats cheese salad (I’m a veggie), but we ended up giving half our garlic bread away as we were stuffed with the massive portions, lol… Back at the hostel, we had a couple of drinks and played the board game Labyrinth and Uno… a veggie full English on the way home the following morning!

I had such a great time, and was completely blown away by the beauty of Castleton. I would love to go again in the future, it’s so picturesque 😍

My next blog post I believe will be an upcycling project for the Children’s Air Ambulance 😊

Thank you as ever for taking the time to read/view my blog.

Many thanks, Lauren xx

Skegness 31st May 2023

June 4, 2023June 4, 2023Leave a comment

On Wednesday 31st May, me and my grandma Ruth went on a coach trip, organised by the bingo club, to Skeggy for the day. It was the third time travelling, the two previous years the sun was scorching. This time however it was cloudy but fortunately not raining 🙂🙂

On arrival, we ordered tea, caramel latte and scones with jam and cream at a little cafe 😋 We ventured then around the shops. I bought two new books for myself from The Works, and three teddies for mum; a sloth, dog and hedgehog 🥰 For lunch we went to a gorgeous quaint fish shop, gran had the cod and me mozzarella sticks, chips and salad

Gran was a bit reluctant at first but I persuaded her to come with me to Skegness Aquarium..it was fantastic! There were small sharks and jelly fish, starfish, tropical fishes, blue lobsters, sting rays…and outside there was a dinosaur exhibition! Loads of huge dinosaur statues! A park keeper/enthusiast came at us with a hand held one, great photo opportunity, haha 😄😄 Gran was pleased I’d persuaded her to go, she loved it

To finish off the day, we had a wander around the funfair, and played on 2p machine in the arcades… another quick hot drink, then back on the coach home 🥰🥰

I am so glad we made it. Only a few months ago my gran had a nasty fall and broke her shoulder 😫 I stayed with her and looked after her for about eight weeks. She has other health complications too at the moment, and she’s eighty six now bless her..so I’m just happy we had a nice day away the two of us

Thank you as always for reading/viewing..I think my next project will be an upcycling job for the Children’s Air Ambulance, so keep a look out 😛

Many thanks, Lauren xx

Turkey and tinsel getaway with Gran

November 28, 2022November 28, 2022Leave a comment

Hello fellow followers, my latest blog post is something a little different- a travel description/ photographs of a turkey and tinsel getaway with my beautiful grandma Ruth 😊

First on our itinerary, on our way to Scarborough, was a half way, few hour break at Ripon! We had refreshments at a local cafe and a wander near the cathedral.

Our first full day on holiday we visited the gorgeous, picturesque town of Whitby! I have never been before, but I was surely not disappointed. We dined at a cute cafe and strolled along the bay and through the cobbled quirky streets.

On our second full day we visited stunning York. This was a ‘mystery tour’. I actually used to live in York at university, so I knew the city well and where to go. We took nice photos at the cathedral, the cobbled shambles, and delighted in walking around the Christmas Market. It certainly is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas! 😊

The following day, Thursday, we had a stroll in Scarborough (where our hotel was based). It was a lovely day by the beach, and leisurely walking around the shops. Gran however, being 85 years old, found the hills a bit challenging as Scarborough is very steep..we did use the tram down and back up. I found it a nice little beach resort ☺️

Last on our itinerary, on our way back from Scarborough, we called in at Beverly for a couple of hours, to which I finally started my Christmas shopping! We dined in a couple of cafes for drinks and nibbles, and enjoyed a steady gander in the shops.

And that was our five day (Monday to Friday) turkey and tinsel getaway!

The rooms were actually a bit shabby at the hotel, a bit outdated to be honest, and there was only one lift for four floors, which was a bit of a nightmare! But, the food was absolutely delicious, every night, three course meal and breakfast in the morning… Scrumptious 😋

It was great spending quality time with my gran, even if we do bicker sometimes haha 😄

Thank you do much for taking the time to read/view… Many thanks, Lauren xx

Liverpool Cathedral abseil July 2022

July 24, 2022July 24, 2022Leave a comment

Hi everyone! Something a lil different from my usual art related blog posts, I’ve just returned from a weekend away to Liverpool with my dad and gran. I abseiled 150ft free hang down the West door of Liverpool Anglican Cathedral to raise money for the Children’s Air Ambulance – and I’ve been sponsored way over £500 and counting,which I think is a massive achievement, go me,hehe..Please enjoy my trip photos and descriptions of travels:

We stayed at the Hampton by Hilton Hotel near Albert Dock. To be honest, we weren’t particularly impressed with the hotel. There was hardly any storage space for clothes and hardly any complimentary tea and coffee. Also their oven had broke, so there was limited choice for food. The best thing about the hotel was the location, I wouldn’t recommend or go there myself again.

We spent the Saturday morning casually wandering around Albert Dock taking pretty photos and admiring the scenery.

I convinced my dad and gran to come Tate Liverpool with me, it was free admission except for an exhibition at the top. They said they found it boring, haha! I must be the cultured one enjoying art galleries lol 🎨

I did a tandem skydive from 10,000ft in Bridlington on my 21st birthday to raise money for mitochondrial disease (I was caring for a man with the awful disease in York when I lived there many moons ago) This was scarier! It was the leap of faith of leaning backwards at the top which was the worst. I was a quivering wreck, trembling at the top, pleading please don’t let me fall, ha! It was that initial sensation, I almost backed out. Going down I had a firm grip of the rope. I was as slow as a sloth, it took me 7 mins to descend, but I’m so proud of myself for completing the challenge. It was on my 30 things to do in my 30s bucket list, woop woop. I won’t be doing it again any time soon though!

We celebrated in the evening by having a fancy meal at Panum restaurant. I had a gorgeous vegan burger (I’m a vegetarian) and mocktails, yum yum 😋😋

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my latest travel post. I hope you like it 😁

You still have time to sponsor me: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lauren-parr1?utm_source=facebook

Much love, Lauren xx

https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-liverpool [Accessed 24/07/2022]

https://www.pennineevents.co.uk/work/liverpool-cathedral-abseil/ [Accessed 24/07/2022]

https://panamliverpool.co.uk/ [Accessed 24/07/2022]

Skegness 11th August 2021

December 3, 2021December 3, 2021Leave a comment

Earlier this year, me and my lovely grandma Ruth had a fantastic organised day trip to Skegness (skeggy). Here’s just a few photos and thoughts regarding our outing, hope you enjoy…

We were so fortunate that the weather was beautiful all afternoon, bright and warm and sunny; exactly what you wish for going to the seaside. Some others on the bus trip decided to visit Ingoldmells market first, we went straight to Skegness however.

I was very pleasantly surprised how gorgeous Skegness is. I’ve been to butlins often as a child, but couldn’t really remember how pretty the seaside itself is.

As soon as we got off the coach, we relaxed a while having a coffee / iced latte before strolling into the center. We window shopped a little, gran was adamant she was going to find a particular shop which just was not there, bless her. We had superb food in a popular fish and chips restaurant (no fish for me, urgh lol) before leisurely wandering around the fun fair, grabbing a slushy to cool down. Then we contently and casually walked along the promenade; it was amazing and heartwarming seeing families so happy on the beach. Me and gran sat down on the pier some time to unwind before heading to the pub, haha. I had a few ciders so I was rather tipsy on the way home and I don’t think the driver appreciated having an unscheduled toilet break, oh dear lol.

Skegness was not what I thought it would be at all, it completely surpassed my expectations. I can’t wait to go again and take my Dad along he would love it!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read / view, it is appreciated. Please keep a look out for my next blog post, a portrait of Muhammad Ali.

Much love, take care, Lauren xx

Uncle Jim’s birthday weekend: Retford, Nottingham, Doncaster

July 12, 2021July 12, 2021Leave a comment

Not this weekend but the weekend before, we had a wonderful time celebrating my Uncle Jim’s birthday. Please continue reading for a description of mine, my Auntie Gina, her son Rich and Uncle Jim’s travels to; Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa in Retford, a day out in Nottingham and another trip to Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster. Hope you enjoy!

We went for a posh meal on the Friday evening at Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa, Retford. As you can see, we dressed up nice for the occasion! The food was delicious, I opted for the lamb which was very succulent. Our original choice for dining out was Spencer’s On The Square, Retford, the venue for Uncle Jim and Auntie Gina’s wedding a few years ago – however due to covid confusions, we changed to the place they have celebrated their subsequent anniversaries. Ye Olde Bell certainly didn’t disappoint on a taste point of view, even if we did have to wait a little longer than expected for our meal to arrive – annoying!

Of all the UK cities I’ve visited over the years, I have never been to Nottingham, so I was super excited to go on the Saturday! We started off at the Victoria Shopping centre. I was quite smitten with a quirky fancy / alternative dress emporium lol. We moseyed leisurely around the shops, enjoying a latte and cake break half way. Unfortunately Auntie Gina couldn’t find a particular hair accessory salon, to her dismay and Uncle Jim’s best efforts! The weather was slightly changeable in Nottingham city centre; one moment overcast with clouds and the next we knew, rays and beams of sunshine! Nottingham City Hall in Old Market Square proudly displayed a Union Jack flag, which would then be in excited anticipation of the England football teams’ upcoming Euro 2020 games. We decided it would be fun to take some typical tourist photos with street performers and in Seaside themed comical booths, hehe. Furthermore, Uncle Jim was delighted to get a photograph with his lovely wife in front of the Brian Clough OBE statue! We finished off our great day with some more retail therapy, something Auntie Gina relished 🙂

Sunday – yes, another venture to Yorkshire Wildlife Park, haha! We were so disappointed when we arrived because the new Point Lobos enclosure for Californian Sea Lions was closed due to essential maintenance. We were however able to see the new mother polar bear Flocke and her three triplets at Project Polar 2, which was fantastic! I managed to get some pretty decent photographs of the tigers and meerkats which I was chuffed about, although it was a shame Uncle Jim was unable to catch a glimpse of his beloved, timid red pandas lol – likewise the giraffes unfortunately were not visible in their indoor huts. So though it was a sad we were unable to see some of the wildlife, it was still a brilliant day seeing all the other amazing animals. I think we walked for about four and a half hours in total around the park, I was knackered afterwards, haha – it definitely didn’t help I was suffering from a urinary tract infection and on antibiotics at the time. I was slightly relieved when we entered the gift shop at the new Yorkshire Hive at the end of the day. I bought my beautiful mum a red panda and a zebra teddy 🙂

Thank you so much for taking the time to read / view my latest travel blog post!

I just wanted to mention, it is a misfortune that we didn’t win the Euros last night, especially so cruelly on penalties – but I think the England lads did terrific in the tournament, and brought joy to so many people this Summer, in such awful, dark and unprecedented times. Well done, thank you, and bring on the World Cup!

Yorkshire Wildlife Park October 2020

October 19, 2020Leave a comment

Hi blog followers! This Friday just gone, myself, mum, my Uncle Jim, Auntie Gina and her son Rich had a lovely day out at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. I just thought I’d share with you a few photos and a description of our visit. Hope you enjoy!

Me mum and my sister Beth visited Yorkshire Wildlife Park only a month or so ago, however, my Uncle Jim, Auntie Gina and Rich had never been before, so we thought it would be a nice day out 🙂

When we arrived we had lunch at the ‘Tsavo Bakehouse’. To be honest, I would not recommend it as the service was poor and there was hardly any food choices available. After an unfortunate start, we had a leisurely stroll around the park. It was quite a chilly day, so sadly some of the animals retreated to their little huts in their enclosures to escape the cold weather, ha 😛 Nevertheless, we still had a very enjoyable day 🙂

We made our way from left to right, seeing the baboons and spotted dogs first, then we had a walk through the ‘Lemur Woods’, on to ‘Project Polar’, ‘Land of the Tigers’, ‘Leopard Heights’, ‘Into Africa’ and ‘Lion Country’ etc. Somewhere I have never visited previously was ‘Himalayan Pass’, so it was a fantastic experience to see the hyenas being fed raw meat and we also tried to spot the new red pandas, however they were being shy hiding in the trees! We had a rest and a hot drink at the ‘Masai Coffee House’ near the giraffes shortly before leaving.

It was great for us all to spend quality time again with mum. As explained before, she is sadly in the later stages of early onset Alzheimer’s disease dementia, so all time with her is very special and to be cherished. On the way out, I bought her two new teddies; ‘Leo the Lion’ and ‘Georgina the Giraffe’ – we have quite a collection of teddy bears now which I put into bed with mum after I’ve read her a nighttime story, very cute, hehe 🙂

Thank you very much for taking the time to read / view this latest UnicornPostbox blog post. Up next, I think I may do some more amateur art – perhaps a portrait drawing of Russell Crowe in ‘Gladiator’ as this is one of my favourite films 🙂

Take care, stay safe, much love, Lauren xx

(Please visit my Facebook and Instagram page ‘UnicornPostbox’ to ‘like’ and ‘follow’)

Further Information:

http://www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com [Accessed 19th October 2020]

Skipsea Sands October 2020

October 18, 2020Leave a comment

At the beginning of the week, myself, my sister Beth, her new boyfriend Lewis and mum went to Skipsea Sands on holiday for a couple of days with mum’s friend Cheryl who has a static caravan there. I just thought I’d share a few photos of our break, along with a description of our time away. Hope you enjoy! 🙂

On arrival, we took mum in her wheelchair to the restaurant as part of the entertainment complex on Skipsea Sands’ site. We had a lovely meal which was all table service in accordance with the coronavirus rules. That night we played cards, blackjack, and had a few cheeky drinks once we had settled mum for bed 🙂

The next day we visited Hornsea garden centre with Sue – mum and Cheryl’s friend who came to pick Cheryl up to take her home. It was brilliant seeing all the Christmas decorations which were on display in the centre, there were even singing reindeer, it was fab! I bought mum a teddy reindeer as a gift 🙂 Afterwards, me mum Beth and Lewis went for a pub meal at a nice little pub on the way back to Skipsea Sands.

We relaxed in the caravan the remainder of the holiday us four and chilled watching a film and listening to music 🙂

Although it was only a short trip, we were very grateful to Cheryl for suggesting us getting away for a couple of days break. It was really nice for mum to have a change of scenery, she had a great time. Of course, also it was fantastic to spend quality time with mum as unfortunately she is now in the later stages of early onset Alzheimer’s disease dementia, so time is very precious.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read / view this latest UnicornPostbox. Coming next is a blog of another trip to Yorkshire Wildlife Park, so do keep a look out!

Peace and love, Lauren xx