Spotlight - Manx Radio

This week, Christy speaks with ceramicist-turned-painter Martin Hearne , who shares tales of his wonderful new exhibition at the Manx Museum. Also,  Peter Shimmin tells us about the journey that led him back to the Island - to take on a role that will see him developing the Arts Centre where he once studied his craft. And we get a wee taste of Trip 's new album 'Drop for Neptune',...

A special, extended version of our chats with this week's guests.  Christy DeHaven speaks with Douglas Choral Union Director David Dawson along with 'Quasimodo' Jonathan Sleight and 'Esmerelda' Leah Carter , giving us a fascinating insight into the preparation of the major theatre production "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" .   Also this week, Bethany DeLeigh R...

Howard Caine speaks to Jackie Morrey-Grace about he latest work "Assila's Song" and CEO of the Manx Wildlife Trust, Leigh Morris explains more about their search for the MWT Biosphere Artist in Residence for 2022

Christy is in the Spotlight driving seat this week. We speak with Head of Culture and Arts Emma Callin and Arts Development Manager Jane Corkill, reflecting back on 2021 and what was actually an extremely productive year for art here on the Isle of Man – despite the difficulties presented by the Pandemic – and also looking ahead to what we can expect in 2022.  Also this week: how...

The first Spotlight programme of 2022, supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council.   Blein Vie Noa! Howard Caine chats with President of the Manx Amateur Dramatics Federation Michael Lees, about the fast approaching One Act Play Festival; while Christy DeHaven speaks with Norwegian musician Jon Lightfield, who is embarking on an exciting new multimedia venture in 2022 with 'Power On Music&...

Sarah Hendy returns to look back at the year in Arts and Culture here on the Isle of Man

The final Spotlight of the series! Michelle chats to Writer, Actor and Director Alex Duncan about his brand new radio play "Garden of Teeth and Claws", which will be exclusively played on Manx Radio on December 28th. And Felipe Kowalczuk from Open Water Films talks to Michelle about his journey from Brazil to the Isle of Man. 

The Manx Drag scene is the conversation this evening, as Michelle is joined by Island Drag Queens and King. Also, Michelle learns about progressive metal, with musical band Aeons.

Michelle is joined in the studio by Simon Rea from Truman Falls* to talk about their upcoming Christmas event and new single. On the phone, is Isla Callister joining Michelle from Glasgow to chat about the Celtic Collaboration she is involved in. AND we meet the Village Blinger, also known as Annie Eastham. *NB: since this programme was recorded, sadly the Graih Christmas Concert that Simon Rea me...

Michelle is joined by Joff Whitten to talk about brand new musical arts project ‘Kitterland’ which will take place at the Erin Arts Centre at 7.30pm on Sunday 5 th December. This week Michelle also jumps into the world of poetry and catches up with Island Poets Bridge Carter and Hazel Teare.

This week Michelle is joined by classical composer Eleri and learns about her unusual process of composing. Also featured is David Rowles, organiser Battle of the Bands 2022. For more information about the competition head to Battle of the Bands on Facebook. 

You can’t hide from the C word any longer…… its CHRISTMAS! This week, Michelle James heads to Pooil Vaaish Handmade Christmas Fair in Ballasalla. Join over 40 talented local artists and makers as they showcase their latest designs and gifts under one roof. Featured on Spotlight – Isle be Creative, The Flower Studio, Wolly Made, Paint and Thimble and Jo Lewy Ceramics.

Michelle James looks after Spotlight this week, with a trip to Port Erin to check out new art and community hub 'Artea'; while she's there, she also meets the artists Clare Payne and Nathan Cardy who are behind the latest exhibition. She also catches up with Charlie Williams and Alex Armstrong, the theatre loving pals who are behind new classic company 'Parodos', who are starting their run with Sh...

Assistant Curator for Manx National Heritage Nicola Tooms shows us around the new exhibition 'Traders of the Lost Arts' at the House of Manannan - spoiler: it's super funky. Artist Dawn Kennaugh dorps by to tell us more about hwo she got into painting and what continues to inspire her, and Anumeha Kumar introduces us to the island's first Bollywood dance class which you can try for free all next w...

Last week, Howard Caine and a merry band of local performers joined forces to stage the acclaimed film director Mike Leigh’s 1970s cult classic ‘Abigail’s Party’ in aid of the Roy Castles Lung Cancer Charity – he spoke to news editor Lisa Harding for this evening's show. Out at the Hodgson-Loom Gallery at Laxey Woollen Mills, Julia Ashby Smyth is in the middle of hanging work for her joint exhibit...

The Youth Arts Centre is a hive of activity this evening, with Art Tank, Soundcheck and National Theatre Connections activities taking place - we’ll be finding out what’s on when! I’ve also got the first single from ‘Broken Rainbow’, a collaboration between a local artist and a musician in Arizona!

On Spotlight this evening we’re looking ahead to the Isle of Man Film Festival! We’ll be joined by two of the festival directors, Dark Avenue's Bethany White and Patrick Crellin who have some special treats in store at their event tomorrow evening, and Liam Rice and Joshua Moore - stars of ‘Before You Go’ a locally-produced short film being screened on Sunday. Find out more on Facebook or at isleo...

This week we hear from artists, organisers and officials involved in the Isle of Man Arts Council’s exhibition and book Ellyn – a tale of contemporary art. To get hold of your copy of the book, just get in touch with the Isle of Man Arts Council by emailing iomartscouncil@gov.im or calling 694598 The exhibition is open daily from 10-4 until Sunday 10 October in the Villa Marina Arcade just next do...

This week, I'm finding out about a unique project featuring the work of over 60 Island artists in the form of a book and an exhibition which opens in less than two weeks time. Project creator, the Arts Council’s Arts Graduate Intern Olivia Savage will be joining me in the studio to tell us more about 'Ellyn – a Tale of Contemporary Art'

This week .. . .a dirigible balloon, an iconic 70s play - and the new Manx Bard! 

This week, we’re meeting two of the three students awarded grants by the Isle of Man Arts Council to assist with their studies in creative fields – Kizzie Puzzar has been awarded The Isle of Man Arts Council Award and will be studying for a BA (Hons) in the Music Business and Event Management at the BIMM Institute (British and Irish Modern Music) in Brighton, and Joshua Morrison has been awarded T...

This week we wend our way round Peel, speaking to a whole host of local artists exhibiting their work as part of the Creative Network's Isle of Man Art Festival

This week, I venture into the wilds of Ravensdale with poet and performer Jackie Morrey-Grace to discuss the tale she's written, 'On Ravensdale Hill', inspired by this almost-secret beauty spot

Our guest this week, is interior designer (among many other things) Rumana Swinton, who’ll be telling us about some of her past projects, inspirations and her creative practice in this intriguing creative profession

This week on Spotlight, we’re talking to local singer songwriter Callum Brew who is releasing his very first single 'Maple Spirit' on Spotify this Friday, and we look back on a conversation I had with the incredible Yola a few years ago, who shared her advice on maintaining your voice under pressure