Arts Diary: Will Marriott

Some big name actors perform in the provinces and then leave as quickly as they arrived. Not, it seems, John Simm.

The Life on Mars star received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Hamlet at the Crucible Theatre and he's now sent a message of support to a new production of The Winter's Tale by Sheffield University's drama society.

"We had a great run with Hamlet," said Simm. "Night after night, I really appreciated the support of the audience. Sheffield has shown how much it appreciates Shakespeare, but now it's time to pass on the baton. Best wishes to the cast and crew."

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The Winter's Tale will run from November 17 to 20 and the last word must go to Mick Connell, who is directing the production with Ray Globe. "I can't promise John Simm," said a realistic Connell. "But I can promise a strong cast of 15 actors and a happier ending."

Ian Marshall believes he's onto a first. The folk singer has been hard at work recently putting together a new CD of old Yorkshire songs.

"There's no such thing currently available and it's something I have wanted to do for a long time," said Ian, who is hoping he's found a gap in the market. "Yorkshire Dozen is a feast of the county's best songs about love, work, sorrow and merriment.

"In recent years I've spent a lot of time in Cornwall looking at their folk heritage, but as I was born in Sheffield this was a good opportunity to get back to my roots."

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Ian, who clearly has a head for marketing, also suggests that it would make the perfect Christmas present. To find out more visit www.songsofyorkshire.com

After Pulp announced this week they are to reform to headline next year's Wireless Festival in Hyde Park, another Sheffield music legend has also been lured back to the stage.

Tony Christie has just announced details of a UK tour and with 50 dates in the offing it would seem he's not a man afraid of a little hard work.

The tour coincides with the release of Christie's new album Now's The Time, early next year which features collaborations with Jarvis Cocker and Roisin Murphy . While a full list of dates are yet to be confirmed, he is set to play Bradford's St George's Hall on February 7.

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Those who work in the arts are inevitably worried about the effect of spending cuts, but the West Yorkshire Playhouse recently had some welcome good news.

At the Theatrical Management Association Awards, Maggie Steed won Best Performance in a Play for her role in theatre's production of Noel Coward's Hay Fever and Chris Davey also scooped the award for Best Lighting Design for his work on Dial M For Murder, a co-production between the Playhouse and Fiery Angel.

"Maggie is a glorious actor who pulled off a highly original and sympathetic portrayal of Judith Bliss," said the Playhouse's artistic director Ian Brown. "I had always wanted to direct Hay Fever and always dreamed of working with Maggie. We are delighted."

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