S4Ep5 Managing Secrets at Brentwood Theatre

The Brentwood Buzz is a regular visitor to Brentwood Theatre, reporting on many of the shows put on by local theatre groups, including Shenfield Operatic Society, Brentwood Musical Theatre Society, 1:4:9 Productions and The College Players.

Last year a new manager arrived at the theatre, Jake Bedson, a professional actor, director and former Haven Holidays host. He’s helping shape the theatre’s future, and has an exciting secret project due to be revealed later this year.

The Brentwood Buzz has been to visit Jake to find out more about what is going on behind the scenes at our wonderful local theatre.

You can find out more about upcoming shows at the Brentwood Theatre here: http://www.brentwoodtheatre.co.uk

S4Ep4 Setting a Course for Success with Brentwood School

Photo Credit – Jeremy Blunden: Brentwood School

Brentwood School has navigated some choppy waters in the last decade, with the Covid pandemic sending lessons online, and changes to the VAT status for private schools forcing some parents to make difficult decisions about costs.

Add to this a couple of big building projects and the day to day running of the non-academic side of the school, and School Bursar Jeremy Blunden, is using the navigational skills he brings from 37 years in the Royal Navy to best advantage.

Oh, and Jeremy was the Royal Yacht Britannia’s Navigating Commander in the last couple of years of her sea-going life.

So batten down the hatches and pour yourself a tot of rum for the latest podcast from The Brentwood Buzz as we talk to Jeremy about why swapping the sea for school works well for him.

http://www.brentwoodschool.co.uk

Photo Credit – Jeremy Blunden: Brentwood School

Photo Credit: 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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