Following a trip to liverpool over the weekend, I was intrigued to find out more about the company who built the Giant Spider La Princesse who walked around Liverpool city centre this weekned.

La Machine a company that creates extraordinary theatrical machines, was formed in the early 1990s. The company led by Artistic Director François Delarozière, has an array of artists, designers, fabricators and technicians and also has its own theatrical productions.

La Machines latest creation

A huge crowd gathered in Liverpool city centre this weekend as I was walking down to the docks to catch the Mersey ferry boat, for a nostalgic trip on the river. 1000's of people turned out to watch the spectacular Giant mechanical Spider. The spider was to have moved around the public walkway at 11am for the spectators to see, but unfortunately it didn't happen. Some of the people said they had travelled for miles just to see it move and were disappointed when they were told La Princesse would not walk through the city of Liverpool until 3pm, most of them left.

National and International Award winning Film Production

I met Wendy Corelli-Evans on a recent trip to Liverpool. Wendy and a group of like-minded friends run Swan Movie Makers. The group which was formed in 1955 encourages film enthusiasts to join and explore their talents. Swan Movie Makers library contains around 140 films and videos produced by the group, many of which have won awards including club, 'Ten Best' winner and individual, 'Ten Best' winner.

The group also has rare footage of the Queen at the age of eight. The footage which had national coverage was screened during BBC televisions 'The Peoples Queen' programme. The old film was found in the cellar of a house in London and sent to one of the clubs members.

The group meet every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month between September - May new members are welcomed. Click here for 2007-2008 programme

Performing Arts Students Showcase their Talent

As a follow up of the 'Spotlight On' profile we did last year for the Performing Arts Young Apprenticeship scheme  being run by Barnsley MBC in conjunction with the Take 2 Centre and Academy Theatre. I went to see the Summer Showcase performances given by the Year 10 BTEC Performing Arts Students from Kirk Balk School (2 of the students attend Priory School for their other lessons), which included 10 students, who are taking part in the Young Apprenticeship Scheme in addition to their BTEC Performing Arts course.