< Previous60 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY WHAT’S ON Spalding November 7 A Night to Remember Motown Show - South Holland Centre The show that takes you back in time to 1960s Detroit is returning to the South Holland Centre stage after a sold out 2024 performance! Be prepared for a high energy show, packed with the greatest Motown hits of all time. Grantham November 12 - 15 And Then There Were None - Guildhall Arts Centre It starts with ten, then nine, then eight… picked off one-by-one by an unseen hand. Will it end with none left alive? Ten strangers are brought together on an isolated island, invited away for a weekend together by a person they have never met. Yet, instead of 62 Á Dazzling new features announced for Christmas at Belton 2025 Belton Estate is set to sparkle brighter than ever this winter, with spectacular new installations revealed for the 2025 Christmas at Belton trail. From 21 November to 31 December, visitors can explore the majestic grounds of this National Trust treasure as they are transformed into a glowing winter wonderland. Created by award-winning light trail producers, the experience blends twinkling lights with immersive seasonal sounds to create an unforgettable festive atmosphere. This year’s trail promises more ‘wow’ moments than ever before, with fresh artistry and returning favourites. New highlights include a 50-metre Aurora installation by ITHACA Studio, capturing the shifting magic of the Northern Lights, and a brand-new house projection from acclaimed artists NOVAK, set to illuminate Belton’s historic façade. Christmas at Belton is more than a light trail, it’s a complete Christmas experience. Families can enjoy a traditional festive fairground, indulge in seasonal treats, and sip on mulled wine and hot chocolate while soaking up the atmosphere. Tickets are available at www.christmasatbelton.co.uk. Christmas at Belton is brought to you by Sony Music Limited in partnership with the National Trust. The trail is created by Culture Creative. Stamford November 6 An Evening of Sport - Stamford Corn Exchange An Evening of Sport presents a star studded sports panel ready to chat on stage all about their careers and achievements. The event will welcome Matthew Hoggard, one of England’s greatest ever fast bowlers; Geordan Murphy, one of the finest Irish rugby players of his generation and a legend at Leicester Tigers; Linton Grant, the Assistant Coach for the Nottingham Panthers Ice Hockey team who play in the Elite League and won the League Playoffs earlier this year; Colin Clews, founder and race director of the CiCLE CLASSIC, Britain’s only UCI-level one- day road race; Craig Mackail-Smith, one of the most prolific strikers in Peterborough United’s history; and Stamford Ladies Rugby team member Kayna Penrose-Toms who plays for the England Deaf Rugby Union and was selected for their four match series against South Africa last year. © stock.adobe.com/Rawpixel.com62 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY WHAT’S ON hospitality they face terror and accusations for past sins. With an invisible net tightening around them, suspicion spreads through the party, as a childish rhyme suddenly takes on a hideous new meaning. Christie’s biggest-selling novel, and the biggest- selling mystery of all time, this gripping play will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final twist. Caistor November 14 Music Night with the Rye Sisters - Caistor Arts & Heritage Centre Hailing from Lincolnshire, the Rye Sisters perform a heady mix of country, old-time and bluegrassy numbers from upbeat dancing tunes to mournful ballads all in close harmony to guitar and fiddle. While they are loved for their storytelling, catchy originals and empowering workshops, their truest calling is the pursuit and mastery of the perfect vocal blend. © stock.adobe.com/WavebreakMediaMicro Grantham November 19 Christmas Memories 2025 - Guildhall Arts Centre Neil Sands and his amazing cast return with the brand-new 2025 production of their must-see Christmas Cracker! Don’t miss an afternoon full of festive joy and heartwarming nostalgia, featuring over 60 of your all-time favourite Christmas songs and carols. You’ll be singing along from start to finish, reliving cherished memories of Christmases past. With stunning costumes and even falling snow, it’s the perfect way to kick off the festive season. 64 Á Lincoln November 29 - 30 Lincolnshire Food & Gift Fair - Lincolnshire Showground The Lincolnshire Food & Gift fair is one of Lincolnshire’s favourite festive traditions – a two-day exhibition of everything you need to create a Lincolnshire Christmas. The annual family-friendly event at the Lincolnshire Showground features the county’s specialist food and drink and is the perfect place to pick up artisan crafts and handmade gifts for your loved ones this year. © stock.adobe.com/Dmitry Naumov5 - 31 December BOOK NOW! Box Office: 01636 655755 www.palacenewark.com Be our guest this Christmas! Come and join us... for a relaxing and entertaining style of Christmas shopping Start the season with the traditional Sandringham Craft, Food and Gift Fair where you will love the diverse array of Artists, Designers and Craftsmen, Food and Drink producers and Gifts. All mixed together with Working Craftsmen, Chefs, Jesters, Good Food and Live Music. Adults : £15.00 Over 65s : £14.00 Children : £6.00 FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY NOVEMBER 14-16th 10am - 5pm Live Ice Carving! SANDRINGHAM ESTATE, KING’S LYNN, NORFOLK PE35 6EN BOOK YOUR ONLINE TICKETS NOW www.livingheritagecraftshows.com TEL 01283 820548 SANDRINGHAM CHRISTMAS CRAFT, FOOD & GIFT FAIR64 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY WHAT’S ON Stamford November 15 The Three Bears - Stamford Arts Centre The Three Bears flips the classic fairytale of Goldilocks on its head and is packed full of surprises, slapstick chaos and heart-warming twists. A delightful theatre experience bursting with fun that all children will treasure forever. Lincoln November 16 Big Craft Event - Lincolnshire Showground Meet inspirational crafters, makers and artists exhibiting traditional and contemporary skills. A chance to chat with friendly exhibitors and find a perfect gift or treat yourself, this event offers 100% handmade goods. Boston November 16 A Christmas Carol - Blackfriars Arts Centre Box Clever’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol brings Dickens’ atmospheric Ghost Story of Christmas to life through the company’s characteristic cocktail of textual accuracy, fun, lively action, music and audience participation in order to involve and inspire. As the actors bring to life Scrooge — squeezing, wrenching, grasping, hard and sharp as flint — the audience will join him on the journey that he is forced to make through his past, present and future until laughter and goodness replace the ice in his heart. Grantham November 21 - December 31 Christmas at Belton - Belton Estate Step into the enchanting grounds of Belton House as they’re transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland. Created by award-winning light trail designers, this magical experience combines sparkling lights with festive sounds. More than just a light trail, Christmas at Belton offers a festive fairground, seasonal treats, warming drinks, and even a chance to spot Father Christmas. Lincoln November 21 - December 23 Lincoln Castle Illuminated - Lincoln Castle Lincoln Castle’s much-loved festive spectacular returns offering families and friends a little extra sparkle this Christmas. Walk through enchanting light displays, enjoy a hot chocolate or festive treat in the Castle’s beautifully decorated grounds, enjoy traditional fairground rides and soak up the atmosphere. © stock.adobe.com/ANDREW NORRIS Lincoln November 27 Lincoln Christmas Lights Switch On - Lincoln High Street Celebrate the start of the festive season at the Lincoln Christmas Light Switch On. Join the City of Lincoln Council’s Civic Party, along with special guests, for a full evening of entertainment and the all-important moment when Lincoln city centre transforms into a glittering sea of Christmas magic.LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 65 WHAT’S ON Stamford December 6 Opera Gala - St Mary’s Church The annual Opera Gala returns to St Mary’s Church, Stamford. This popular event is performed by four professional opera singers and will include arias, duets and ensembles from the operas of Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, Bizet and others. Barton Upon Humber December 6 - 7 The Ropewalk Christmas Art Market - The Ropewalk Browse more than 50 stalls of seasonal art and craft! This is the perfect opportunity for you to stop by and pick up some one-of-a- kind gifts and decorations for the festive period and help to support local artists in the process. Lincoln December 6 - 7 Lincoln Ice Adventure - citywide The Lincoln Ice Adventure is set to transform the city into a magical winter wonderland once more. Ice sculptures will be placed across Lincoln, creating a wonderful festive trail for the whole family to enjoy. As you make your way around the city, you will have the chance to indulge in some shopping, and stop off for some seasonal treats en-route. The sculptures will be placed in key locations, including Lincoln Cornhill, Steep Hill, and Lincoln Cathedral. With live entertainment, events and activities on all weekend, the Ice Adventure is the perfect way to experience the wonderful atmosphere of Lincoln at Christmas. © stock.adobe.com/todja Stamford November 27 - 30 Burghley Christmas Fair - Burghley House Enjoy a truly magical festive shopping experience at the iconic Burghley Christmas Fair. The beautiful courtyards and grounds of Burghley House will once again be filled with festive chalets, pagodas and marquees bedecked in sparkling Christmas decorations for the annual Burghley Christmas Fair. © stock.adobe.com/Song_about_summer66 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY A CAPPUCCINO WITH… When Andreas Zerr set out to make Sane Inside Insanity: The Phenomenon of Rocky Horror, he wasn’t interested in nostalgia or myth-making. What fascinated him was how a low-budget stage production with little more than a rough script and bold ideas could evolve into a cultural force that still thrives today. From the creative spark of Richard O’Brien and his collaborators to the film’s dramatic highs and lows, Zerr saw a story that demanded to be told. What was the spark that made you decide this story needed to be told now, in this particular way? To start with, it’s an amazing and probably unprecedented story: How did this sort of weird concept for a Rock’n’Roll musical conquer the world and bring so much joy and playfulness to so many people worldwide? For reasons mostly unknown, Rocky Horror kept going for five decades and still captures the hearts and minds of so many people. Breaking it down in this documentary, there were five talented and creative minds (Richard O’Brien, Jim Sharman, Sue Blane, Richard Hartley and Brian Thomson), who literally brought something to life, with almost no money, and nothing but a more or less rough script. Adding ingredients like fantastic costumes, an utterly creative stage design, engaging music, a feel for the perfect cast, and superb direction, it eventually took off like a rocket. With all the ups and downs, like being a theatrical sensation in London and Los Angeles, the initial failure at the box office of the movie and the stage play on Broadway, rising like a Phoenix out of ashes, and eventually becoming the longest-running film in cinema history, the story is phenomenal. How can a filmmaker resist? The community around the film has taken on a life of its own. When you were making the documentary, how did you capture the energy of the people who keep it alive? It wasn’t that hard, actually. The fans and members of the so-called “Shadow Casts” were kind of eager to share their stories and their love and enthusiasm for Rocky Horror. It came to the point where people from the community were approaching us to be part of the documentary. It was very exciting to capture their devotion and passion, and I think it brings the whole documentary to life. It kind of changed the whole film from a sheer historical perspective of the phenomenon to a living subject that goes on all around us. Audience rituals often look wild from the outside — dressing up, shouting at the screen, dancing in the aisles. What do you think people are really searching for in that experience? Apart from the sheer joy and entertainment, I don’t necessarily think that people are searching for something, but rather have found something that they really love, enjoy, and embrace. No matter if you’re attending a current stage show or a movie screening, the audience participation and the fan performances add that certain value which makes it an immersive experience. You are not just sitting and watching a movie or a play; you become part of it. You become part of the phenomenon, and whether you like the film or the play or not, it’s hard to withdraw yourself from the joy and the fun around you. An interview with Andreas Zerr on Sane Inside Insanity: The Phenomenon of Rocky Horror Lincolnshire Today caught up with filmmaker Andreas Zerr to learn more about his new documentary, Sane Inside Insanity: The Phenomenon of Rocky Horror, which explores the cult classic’s unlikely journey and celebrates the community that has kept it alive for nearly fifty years. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 67 A CAPPUCCINO WITH… Images supplied On a more serious note, and from what we’ve gathered, people who approach and join the shadow casts and the fan clubs are looking for something like friendship, camaraderie, or acceptance. And that’s a very good thing: It’s not just shouting silly call-backs or throwing toast at the silver screen, it’s the search for community and a safe-haven, especially if you feel that, let’s say, the “normal” society marginalizes you. People joining the Rocky community often struggle with mental problems, shyness, dissatisfaction with their body, or have troubles expressing their sexuality… Rocky Horror provides a safe space and acceptance for these people, and that’s a marvelous thing. Your project is described as “unofficial and unbiased.” What did that freedom allow you to show that others might not? Not being tied to any Rocky Horror- related commercial entity allowed us to have a more objective look at the subject. We do not have a “hidden agenda,” and we never set out to embrace the movie or the stage show (or vilify it). Not everything Rocky Horror is (or was) “peaches-and- cream.” There are also darker sides of the story not much light has been shed on in the past. There are different opinions about the stage show evolving to its current form, there are different opinions about the remake from 2016, there might have been some financial inequities in the past, and so on. Not being tied to the future success of Rocky Horror provided the freedom for different views. And right from the start, we decided not to have a “voice of God” like narration, so everything expressed in the documentary is the sole opinion of our protagonists. Nobody knows what I’m thinking about Rocky Horror, and that’s, in my opinion, basically what an objective documentary should be like. That’s my job and my challenge as a filmmaker. This phenomenon has lasted nearly fifty years. What do you think it reveals about how culture, identity, and self-expression evolve across generations? There’s definitely still a need for community, friendship, and belonging within our society that offers, or demands, something like Rocky Horror. And that has not changed over the generations. We’ve heard the same experiences from fans who were involved with Rocky Horror in the 70s, as we’ve heard from fans who just recently discovered it. Surely the common reception and integration of LGBTQIA+ has changed over the years for the better, but still, people are struggling to find friends and acceptance, for all different kinds of reasons. And even if you do not struggle with any of those issues, if it brings you joy as a man to dress up in fishnets and high heels, there are not too many public occasions you can do so. In almost all cultures, it’s still considered weird to cross-dress or to even express any kind of sexuality outside your home. Rocky Horror provides that space, and even if it’s only for that one night, you are going to see the film or the play. For Zerr, the story is far more than a chronicle of a cult classic. His film shows how a once-oddball musical continues to thrive because it offers something rare: a joyful, communal space where creativity, rebellion, and acceptance can all coexist. Nearly fifty years on, that energy is as vital as ever. 68 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY SUDOKU competition Closing date for entries is: 20th NOVEMBER 2025 To enter just email the numbers that appear in the purple squares to: competitions@blmgroup.co.uk Win a £20 voucher to spend with any of our advertisers in this issue. Last month’s solution Lincolnshire Today’s guide to the astro month ahead... Aries Mar 21 - Apr 20 Shrug off someone’s grumpiness and stop tiptoeing around. Make your point and move on. If you’re single and looking for love, something magical is about to happen that will take your breath away. Taurus Apr 21 - May 21 You will find yourself in the middle of a situation where you won’t know what to do for the best. However, a brilliant solution to your finances allows you to put money worries to one side for a moment. Gemini May 22 - June 21 Roll up your sleeves, there is work to be done. Someone is going to give you some valuable incentives so it pays to put in the extra effort. Nobody said it was going to be easy, but you will achieve the impossible. Cancer Jun 22 - Jul 23 You have always been an item of curiosity and what you are getting up to is causing others to sit on the edge of their seats. A legal situation could end up costing you big money if a solution isn’t found quickly. If need be, seek a second opinion. Leo Jul 24 - Aug 23 Financially the squeeze eases because of your quick thinking. Added confidence gives you an extra boost making you ready to take the lead. Romance is high on the agenda as you are attracting a lot of attention. Virgo Aug 24 - Sep 23 Someone makes you realise just how valued you are but you aren’t one to be rushed, so your lover will just have to play the waiting game. Now is also a good time to arrange travel and let romance take care of itself for a while. Libra Sep 24 - Oct 23 Your personal relationships have suffered lately. Perhaps you are investing too much time with the wrong types. At work, your confidence gets a big boost so strike while the iron is hot and you will secure some great deals. Scorpio Oct 24 - Nov 22 You are right to cool off a certain friendship. Everything has been said and there is nothing left to talk about, but the other party refuses to give up that easily. Sudden news and developments will galvanise you into action. There’s no stopping you now! Sagittarius Nov 23 - Dec 21 What are you spending all your hard earned cash on? Are others taking advantage of your generosity without returning the favour? New friendships are on the horizon and a romance is beckoning but mind you don’t get more than you bargain for. Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 20 People are never what they seem and it’s possible that you have been made a lot of false promises. It’s also likely that you have been pointing the finger of blame at the wrong person... ever thought of that? Aquarius Jan 21 - Feb 19 You like to protect loved ones but you may still be covering for someone who is always full of excuses. A health worry needs addressing so seek professional advice and take things a little easier. Pisces Feb 20 - Mar 20 You are about to break away from a situation that has been responsible for so much misery. There is a silver lining in every dark cloud though and both your finances and popularity are going to take an upturn. J2U3L 945687132 876123459 321495876 217859364 534261987 689374215 493516728 168742593 752938641 592473186 674821539 813965472 258396741 349217658 761584293 426738915 135649827 987152364classified To advertise your services call Angela Cooper at Lincolnshire Today on 01472 310310 British Classics Heritage Motors Parts 1948 to date Retail Trade Export Special Projects Restorations Manufacturing Modifications Country Workshops Risegate, Nr Spalding, Lincs, PE11 4EZ Classic Landrovers Tel/Fax 01775 750223 www.british4x4centre.co.uk Motors Stuart Wilde Photography Ltd The best photography is about much more than taking a picture. It’s about capturing a moment, telling a story, preserving a memory. Sometimes it’s about looking at things a little bit differently. Tel: 07974 695626 www.stuartwildephotography.com guide fo essentia The il tobe oom Gr and theBrid m d WEDDINGS/ NET.Y t LINC . WWW COLNSHIRETODAY If you are getting married then this guide is your must have accessory. It’s full of advice, hints and tips from the county’s top wedding specialists and will provide you with inspiration for your big day. To receive a copy of the county’s most prestigious, full colour Wedding Guide, send a S.A.E. to: Lincolnshire Today Wedding Guide, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, North East Lincs DN31 2QE Alternatively visit: Weddings To Let • Superb Location • Secure off street parking • High speed internet availability • A range of affordable office sizes Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby DN31 2QE Tel: (01472) 310301 Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 69 Ground floor offices to let - prime location in Grimsby Photography Is this how work makes you feel on a Monday morning? We’re looking for those with a zest for life to join Lincolnshire Today’s sales team! You don’t have to be an adrenalin junkie to work here but it helps… Contact Angie Cooper on 01472 310310 © stock.adobe.com/indomercyNext >