WLOS take to the stage at Liverpool One for a free Titanic  Treat!

2012 is the centenary year of the tragic sinking of the world famous RMS Titanic  and remembrance events are full steam ahead across the UK. As part of Liverpool's Titanic  1912 to 2012 programme of events West Kirby Light Opera Society are raising one of their most successful productions to commemorate this very special occasion. The multi award-winning Broadway production Titanic  - The Musical, returns to the Liverpool Empire from Tuesday, 5 June 2012 to Saturday, 9 June 2012 for 5 performances only.

In preparation for the 5 day Empire run, WKLOS have teamed up with Liverpool ONE to perform a special FREE preview of their fascinating production, with a 'One Hour' performance held outdoors on a specially built stage at Chavasse Park in Liverpool ONE on Saturday 26th May 2012 at 1pm. The preview will be performed by a massive 60 members of the 100 strong cast (several of which will be in full costume), making this a perfect and entertaining pause from a day's shopping in Liverpool ONE.

Chairman of WKLOS Ray Davies said:- "The Titanic  story has a special place in Liverpool's maritime history as evidenced by the recent success of the Sea Odyssey and other events commemorating its centenary. Titanic  the Musical retells that story in words and music and we are delighted to join forces with Liverpool ONE to give the people of Liverpool an appetising preview of its powerful, moving and uplifting score."

The sinking of the Titanic  in the early hours of April 15th, 1912, remains the quintessential true-disaster story. A total of 1,517 men, women and children lost their lives, with only 711 surviving. The reality of the finest, largest, strongest ship in the world they called the "unsinkable" ship, hit disaster during its maiden voyage. It is so incredible that, had it not actually happened, no author would have dared contrive it. Yet when Maury Yeston and Peter Stone's Titanic - The Musical was launched on Broadway in 1997, it didn't sink - it soared! It was hailed as a glorious, ground-breaking Broadway musical in the grand tradition of "Show Boat", "Oklahoma" and "West Side Story". At the 1997 TONY Awards, Titanic  swept the board, winning an astonishing five statuettes.

This is a show which examines the causes, the conditions and the real-life characters involved in this ever-fascinating drama. But it's more than just a wonderful Broadway show, more than a spectacular stage extravaganza - it's a living, moving and uplifting memorial to the people who perished that fateful spring morning.

Maury Yeston, writer of music and lyrics for Titanic - The Musical sent a personal note to WKLOS...

"Titanic  was not only registered in Liverpool, we know her bell; as well as her 900 portholes; was crafted by a firm in St Helens. And we know that most of the crew was also made up of Liverpool natives, and the long corridor on Deck E was known as 'Scotland Road', after the Scouse thoroughfare. The brave engineers from your city, who manned their posts to the very end, have written their names in legend. And so I wish you all Godspeed in your presentation, and thank you all from the bottom of my heart for bringing a reality to this show that it has never had."

WKLOS now in their 62nd year is one of the leading Amateur Musical Theatre Societies in the UK. They last performed the production at Liverpool Empire in 2005, winning the NODA Best Musical Award that same year. They received critical acclaim from both critics and customers alike receiving standing ovations at each performance. It was a great achievement and proud year for all the company.

This is a joyous, colossal, breathtaking and ultimately heartbreaking show that captures the scope and humanity that took place during the ship's historic voyage. Experience just a small sample of the splendour and grandeur of Titanic  - The Musical at Liverpool ONE on Saturday 26 May and see why Liverpool, with its Titanic  connections, is taking this production to its hearts.

Donna Howitt, Marketing Director, Liverpool ONE said:- "The tragedy of the sinking of the Titanic  has many links with Liverpool and we were very keen to commemorate the event in some way. We are delighted to be showcasing this preview of Titanic - The Musical as part of our spring entertainment programme leading towards our Jubilee weekend of events."

To Book (Empire Theatre run only):- You can book in person from Liverpool Empire Box Office, Lime Street, Liverpool, L1 1JE, or you can call on:- 0844 871 3017, plus you can go online.

Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival

LIVERPOOL Arabic Arts Festival, the only festival of its kind in the UK, returns to the City from 6 July to 15 July 2012, after a record 10th year in 2011. With a packed programme of music, dance, performance, visual art, comedy, debates, talks, workshops, film, exhibitions and poetry; including many free events; this year's festival promises to be bigger than ever. Key events include a World Premiere at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on 15th July from the Alif Ensemble and the play Rest Upon the Wind at Unity Theatre from veteran actor and writer Nadim Sawalha. Festival goers can also enjoy a breathtaking solo piece from ballet dancer Ayman Safiah at St Georges Hall on 14 July. The talented young dancer has been dubbed 'The Arab Billy Elliot' and has just been snapped up by dance guru Matthew Bourne's company New Adventures. Razanne Carmey, Executive Director, Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival said:- "This year's Festival looks 'Behind the News' of political change in the Arab world. Yes the riots and demonstrations, yes the calls for dictators to 'Leave! Leave! Leave!' But who are the people on the streets, when they go home? We want to know the truth behind the news, the life behind the news and the loves, tears and laughter of the news makers. And here in Liverpool, LAAF will let us sample and participate in the rich art and culture of so many countries and communities." Another festival highlight is a comedy performance from internationally renowned comedienne and actress, New York based Maysoon Zayid, who brings Laughing Widely to St Georges Hall on 14 July 2012. Maysoon has featured on Comedy Central's The Watch List, PBS's America at a Crossroads - Muslim Comics Stand Up, and in Adam Sandler's You Don't Mess With Zohan. Maysoon is also holding a comedy workshop at the Bluecoat on 13 July 2012. See an exhibition and debate of satirical cartoons at the Walker Art Gallery throughout the festival period (6 July to 15 July 2012) from Reem Abdelhadi. His work Laughing at the Government explores and discusses the history of Arab political humour and the art of drawing cartoons. LAAF 2012 also sees the return of the ever popular Family day at Sefton Park on 8 July 2012, where visitors of all ages can indulge in a sensory experience of the Arabic world with an afternoon of colour, live music, dance, workshops, stalls and food centred around the park's beautiful Palm House. Taher Qassim MBE, Chair, Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival said:- "Since its inception in 1998, Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival has grown to become one of the key events on the North West festival calendar. This year is no exception, with an amazing array of vibrant and diverse acts that will attract thousands of visitors, 2012 is looking to be our biggest and most exciting year to date." Marcel Khalife, Patron, Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival said:- "This year's events reflect the quality and diversity of arts, education and sheer enjoyment we have come to connect with the only festival of its kind in the UK. I believe the artist is by nature a rebel and one must be rebellious with all creative projects; the 2012 festival is a celebration of the ongoing cultural expression within the Arab world. The festival's mass appeal is self evident; join in and be part of it."

Olympic Flame on Merseyside

YOU will probably ever want to see the Olympic Flame or just not be interested in it, but either way it will be on Merseyside very soon! As part of the torch relay's 8000 mile route around the UK it will be on Merseyside for a short time on Friday, 1 June and Saturday, 2 June 2012. If you are one of the millions of people heading to see it pass though the North West, we would love to see your photos and also hear about what it means to you! Our email address is:- news24@southportreporter.com.  It will be passing though the following areas on Friday, 1 June 2012 and Saturday, 2 June 2012:-

Friday, 01 June 2012 - Bolton
Friday, 01 June 2012 - Horwich
Friday, 01 June 2012 - Chorley
Friday, 01 June 2012 - Euxton
Friday, 01 June 2012 - Croston
Friday, 01 June 2012 - Burscough
Friday, 01 June 2012 - Ormskirk
Friday, 01 June 2012 - Southport
Friday, 01 June 2012 - Ainsdale
Friday, 01 June 2012 - Formby
Friday, 01 June 2012 - Crosby
Friday, 01 June 2012 - St Helen's
Friday, 01 June 2012 - Huyton
Friday, 01 June 2012 - Knotty Ash
Friday, 01 June 2012 - Old Swan
Friday, 01 June 2012 - Liverpool
Friday, 01 June 2012 - Birkenhead
Friday, 01 June 2012 - Liverpool
Saturday, 02 June 2012 - Liverpool
Saturday, 02 June 2012 - Douglas, Isle of Man
Saturday, 02 June 2012 - Laxey, Isle of Man
Saturday, 02 June 2012 - Onchan, Isle of Man
Saturday, 02 June 2012 - Ballasalla, Isle of Man
Saturday, 02 June 2012 - Castletown, Isle of Man

Full outline of the route though Merseyside will be issued in next few days on our Mersey Reporter website.  Motorists are being warned to that journey time will take longer on some routes due to the relay on those 2 days. so leave extra time for your journeys!  Also a free map can be viewed in full at:- london2012.com/olympictorchrelay, which gives street-by-street details.