Vicky Ellis

The natural world has always been my go-to for creative inspiration – structure, patterns, colours and materials, there is always something new to discover. Over 20 years ago I was lucky enough to work as Blackpool Zoo’s in-house artist and had the privilege of spending time alone sketching the animals before the Zoo opened to the public each day.

Blackpool a place based on live performance and showmanship – over many years the town has hosted high-profile acts at The Winter Gardens through to historical happenings such as The Good, The Bad, and The Queen playing North Pier a couple of years ago. Through lockdown, live music events couldn’t be missed more with music fans wondering when they can get back to what they enjoy most.

Ruth E. Cockburn looks at how comedy ages and asks – Should we be proud or embarrassed of our comedy history? The week that I wrote this, it was Bobby Ball’s funeral, a sad day. Myself and my fellow comedians clapped and shouted ‘Rock On Tommy’ as his coffin drove by, I felt a sense of pride that I work in such a supportive and loving profession. I was brought up watching reruns of the Wheeltappers and Shunters Club, The Comedians and sketches by Al Reed and Les Dawson.