The Brentwood Buzz

S4Ep3 High Fashion and Social Media – it’s all Much Ado About Nothing

1:4:9 Productions is back with the Bard at the Brentwood Theatre at the end of February with a high-fashion production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.

1:4:9 have turned to social media to bring the comedy firmly into modern times, and with family disputes, too much money, a leather-trousered baddie and a female actor playing the male lead, it’s a show not to miss.

The Brentwood Buzz has been to rehearsals to find out how family ties and man-spreading are all part of the drama.

Tickets for Much Ado About Nothing (26th-28th February) are available from Brentwood Theatre – https://brentwood-theatre.co.uk/ – or you can hover over the QR code on the flyer and book there!

S4Ep2 Shenfield Operatic Society Airs Its Dirty Laundry with The Witches of Eastwick

Shenfield Operatic Society is staging a production of The Witches of Eastwick at the Brentwood Theatre at the end of this month (27th to 31st January) so if you feel a bit of devilish raunchiness and a “Sex Choir” might brighten up your January, make sure you get tickets.

The Brentwood Buzz has been to rehearsals to meet the Witches and to find out some of the behind the scenes business and gossip from the Society’s Chairman, Jamie Fudge-Smith.

Tickets for The Witches of Eastwick are available from https://brentwood-theatre.co.uk/

You can find out more about the show and its cast on the Shenfield Operatic website here: https://www.shenfieldoperaticsociety.com/next-shows

And this podcast can also be found on Spotify and Amazon Music by searching for The Brentwood Buzz. Like, comment and share!

S4Ep1 My Chum, Lord Pickles of Brentwood and Ongar

As we stumble into 2026, it seemed a good idea to meet up with one of the people who has brought Brentwood – and Ongar – into the public eye over more than twenty five years.

Lord Eric Pickles of Brentwood and Ongar was one of the youngest Council Leaders in the country when he led Bradford Metropolitan Council in the 1980s and came to Brentwood in 1992 where he was Member of Parliament for the town from 1992 to 2017. He was Chairman of the Young Conservatives when Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister, and served as Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in the 2010-2015 Coalition Government under David Cameron.

For ten years, Lord Pickles has been the UK Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust issues, and has been a member of the House of Lords since 2017. He’s a big character whose Yorkshire ways and distinctive London taxi were recognised across the constituency during his time in the Commons and, now, the Lords.

The Brentwood Buzz has been to Lord P’s office in the House of Lords for a catch up, and a look back on his years as a Communist-turned -Conservative politician.

S3Ep27 It’s Panto Season (Oh Yes It Is) in Brentwood

The Brentwood Buzz heads to Press Night at Sophisticated Entertainment’s Beauty and The Beast at the Brentwood Centre

There is nothing like a dame, especially one who’s singing Nessun Dorma while dressed in a glorious froth of hoops and ruffles and wearing a teapot on her head.

And that’s what you get in this year’s Beauty and The Beast Panto at the Brentwood Centre, together with some fabulous performances from a close team of young actors and a troupe of sassy and talented dancers who – in the main – are still at school.

Local production company Sophisticated Entertainment is putting on the show until 4th January 2026 (https://www.everyoneactive.com/news/the-brentwood-centre-activity-brochure/) at the Brentwood Centre, and invited The Brentwood Buzz along to press night for an all singing, all dancing night of entertainment.

S3Ep26 SNAP Goes Christmas

Brentwood is very proud to be the home of SNAP Charity, an organisation which has been helping children with additional needs and their families for more than 30 years.

SNAP has grown and developed in those years to be the source of information, support and guidance for thousands of families through some of the most difficult of times.

The Brentwood Buzz joined the SNAP team, parents and some very sticky and excited small children for a morning of Festive Fun, with Father Christmas, presents and a couple of elves.

Do find SNAP’s Christmas Survival Guide on its website at snapcharity.org

S3Ep25 Time for Brentwood, Business and a Bacon Butty

The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce brings together businesses large and small from across the Borough of Brentwood, for support, networking and making a difference in the town.

The Chamber works with the Brentwood Improvement District through Brentwood Connected, and ensures the voices of local entrepreneurs are heard when change is afoot.

The Brentwood Buzz got up very early to join some of our local businesses for a bacon butty and a spot of networking at the latest Brentwood Business Breakfast.

http://www.greentornado.co.uk

successionplancoach.com

house of colour.co.uk

djkcleaning.co.uk

brentwoodchamber.co.uk

S3Ep24 Essex Police Bring Christmas Joy to Brentwood Families

The excitement of Christmas, with presents, festive food and even the chance of some snow, on many people’s minds in Brentwood.

But although Brentwood is a relatively well-off Borough, there are some families who struggle, and some vulnerable children who are less likely to get Christmas gifts.

But this is where Essex Police’s Neighbourhood Policing Team has stepped in for the last few years, by identifying children who could do with some cheer in their lives and getting an Amazon wish list together if anyone wants to buy some extra presents for those in need.

The Brentwood Buzz has been finding out how we can all help spread some Christmas joy.

And here’s more information about what the Essex Police Neighbourhood Policing Team in Brentwood is doing this Christmas, with the all important link to the Amazon wish list:

“This festive season, we are running our Christmas Present Appeal again!

We are teaming up with local partners to bring a little extra cheer to families in need. We’re calling on our amazing community to donate new, unwrapped gifts suitable for children and young people of all ages.

Drop-off location: Brentwood NPT, Brentwood Town Hall, Ingrave Road, CM15 8AY

Deadline for donations: 12th December 2025

Every gift makes a difference and helps ensure no child goes without a present this Christmas. Whether it’s toys, books, games, or treats – your generosity can light up someone’s holiday.

Let’s come together and make this season magical for everyone.”

https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/1H3LOQPTHOS4E

S3Ep23 Getting Festive with Figo, and a Conversation with a Cabbie

With Christmas and the New Year holiday season looming every closer, the Borough of Brentwood is getting ready to light up, have fun and welcome Father Christmas, many elves and plenty of parties.

The Brentwood Lighting Up Ceremony takes place this weekend – 22nd November – with a focus on bringing the magic of Christmas to the children of the town. Father Christmas will be joining the Rotary Elves on the High Street, Mrs Claus will be in her grotto at the Chicken and Frog Bookshop on Crown Street, and the North Pole Postmistress will be outside the Figo restaurant if anyone wants to send a letter to Santa.

The Brentwood Buzz has been to Figo to meet its Events Manager, Debbie Butcher, who combines events coordination with driving a cab, so is a cracking person to chat with for this latest episode of Brentwood’s most celebratory podcast.

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S3Ep22 Remembrance Day 2025 with Brentwood School

Having spoken last week on The Brentwood Buzz to the Parade Commander, Sarb Singh, of the Brentwood Remembrance Parade, today The Buzz has been to Brentwood School to join its Remembrance Day service, and speak to some of the staff, cadets and pupils as they remembered the fallen in a Drumhead Service in the School Chapel.

Brentwood School – https://www.brentwoodschool.co.uk/

A Splash of Colour for Brentwood’s Remembrance Parade – S3Ep21

Brentwood’s annual Remembrance Sunday Parade takes place on Sunday 9th November 2025, with representatives from Brentwood Borough Council, Essex Police, Essex Fire and Rescue, Royal Mail, Armed Forces, cadet groups, Scouts and Girl Guides marching through the town led by the Brentwood Imperial Youth Band.

The Brentwood Buzz has been to meet the Parade Commander, Sarb Singh, to hear more about the parade. We’ve also caught up with an old friend of the podcast, Mario Corile, whose latest mural on the side of the Spread Eagle pub marks the 80th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War, and popped in to the pub to find out from new landlady, Remi Bassett, why the mural is such a big part of the pub’s presence in the town.

The Brentwood Buzz is a podcast celebrating all that’s good about the people and places of Brentwood, Essex. Please like, comment and share using this website, Facebook or Spotify.