Arts Diary: Will Marriott

So the Stephen Joseph Theatre is delighted that actor Jamie Kenna is helping the theatre keep its financial head above water by going for a swim (all right we’ll stop it now). Kenna appeared in two plays at the Scarborough theatre last summer and during the run he took up sea swimming.

In September he will swim the 10.5 miles of Lake Windermere to raise funds for the venue. For more information and to sponsor Jamie visit www.justgiving.com/JamiesSJTSwim Go on, splash out (sorry).

Budding film-makers in Leeds have put their collective creative forces to the test by taking part in 2.8 Days Later; a short-film challenge which asks up-and-coming directors and producers to write, shoot and edit a film in just under three days.

The challenge is the brainchild of Left Eye Blind, a film production company run by Matt Maude and Jamie Donoughue. The film crews took part in the three-day shoot earlier this month and their efforts will be screened on July 5. If you fancy taking part in the next project – due this summer – email [email protected] for more details.

State of Error and Kingheadlock are a couple of names you might not know, but they could be hot tips for the future, after being crowned overall winners of the BD1 Live Bingley Music Live Beckons competition. Bands from around Yorkshire were invited to compete for a slot on the festival stage on September 3 and 4 and the final of the competition took place at Bradford’s St George’s Hall earlier this month. Adam Renton, general manager of Bradford theatres said: “The BD1 LiVE final was a prime example of the array of talent abundant in the local community and showcased how much Yorkshire has to offer in terms of fresh musical talent.”

Fancy a look behind the scenes at an opera – from the first notes to the full production? Well, now you can.

Opera North has launched a behind the scenes website, detailing the journey of its production of The Queen of Spades from page to stage. The site includes behind the scenes footage, interviews and photos of the production. Take a peak at www.page-to-stage.co.uk

Lovely news that Geraldine Connor was collecting her PhD yesterday at Leeds University. The director, musicologist – basically she does everything – completed her PhD in 2005, but has been ill and was due to finally collect it yesterday. The woman behind the extraordinary hit Carnival Messiah is a titan of Yorkshire’s arts scene and we’re delighted for her.

Red Ladder is looking for a sponsor for its latest show. The company is working on Big Society! The Musical starring Phil Jupitus. The show, a nod to musical hall entertainment, will open at Leeds City Varieties next year and those behind it are now looking for a little support. Anyone interested should contact the company via email on [email protected]