THERE must be something about Frome with a recent flurry of actors, musicians, comedians and TV presenters flocking to the town.
Excitement is building around Frome following a number of announcements that big names from the world of music and television are paying a visit to the historical town.
Recent news that Poldark will be filming on the streets of Frome next month was quickly followed by an announcement from the Cheese & Grain that Take That heart-throb Howard Donald will be performing a DJ set in January.
Also coming soon to the Cheese & Grain is star of BBC Two’s Coast, The Incredible Human Journey and Horizon, Professor Alice Roberts, and top comedians Jason Manford and Ed Byrne.
One A-list star has already paid a secret visit to the town. The ‘Fromer rumours’ were true, and former lead singer of Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant, was in Frome to rehearse for his upcoming UK tour to promote his album.
The rock legend also found the time to use the Memorial Theatre as a backdrop for promotional material.
Poldark
POLDARK is returning to Frome! Filming of the popular BBC series will be taking place next month on the 13th and 14th November.
A notice has been put up in the town announcing road closures to allow the return of filming. The closing of Gentle Street, Christchurch Street East and Bath Street, with the prohibition of vehicles and footways, has been ordered for Tuesday 13th November and Wednesday 14th November for filming of the series which stars Aidan Turner.
Previously, the filming of Poldark took place over a few days in early December 2015. The town council was tasked with keeping the area secure and helping with road closures, which they will repeat again this year.
The announcement of the return of film production team ‘Mammoth Screen’ has caused the inhabitants of Frome into a frenzy with comments on Facebook Page ‘Spotted About Frome xx’ including one from Annmarie Sweet “Book the days off” and Demelza Moom “Omg yay!!! Love him so will be putting on my best stalking attire”.
Take That
INTERNATIONAL pop star, Howard Donald from Take That will be taking to the stage at the Cheese & Grain in January next year to perform an exciting DJ set.
Member of Take That since 1990, Howard has also been spinning decks for the last 20 years around the world in some of the word’s most high profile clubs. Described as having a real passion and enthusiasm for music, Howard is sure to ‘relight your fire’ and get you up and dancing all night. Also joining Howard on the night is DJ Official Nancie and other special guests yet to be announced. This is sure to be a night you’ll ‘never forget’.
The show on Saturday 20th January is an over 18 event only. More information on: www.cheeseand grain.co.uk.
Robert Plant
FROME Memorial Theatre staff welcomed rock legend Robert Plant earlier this month for a secret photo and video shoot for his new album.
In town to rehearse with his band for his upcoming tour, Robert and his crew jumped at the chance to use the Memorial Theatre to shoot promotional material for his new album, Carry Fire.
Terry Stewart, technical director for the Memorial Theatre said, “I initially showed him around the theatre as he was looking for a rehearsal space for him and his band. However, the stage wasn’t quite big enough, but Robert loved the look and feel of the building. The person he was with suggested that perhaps the theatre could be used instead to shoot a video and the promotional photos for the album.
“Robert was very chatty and we laughed and joked as I showed him around.
“Two weeks later after a call from his record label, Warner Music, he was back at the theatre. We were all sworn to secrecy about the filming, but there were still rumours around the town about what was happening. We had to deny all knowledge.
“On the day of filming it was nice to sit and watch it all happen. Robert and his crew really liked the theatre as we had a lot of the professional kit that they needed, like lighting, and we also had lighting desk staff who could help out. There were no outlandish demands from Robert and his team, we simply laid on tea and biscuits for them!
“It’s great kudos for the theatre to have Robert Plant use the building, especially with the resurgence that is happening around his music. It’s great for us to be able to say that the album cover and promotional video and photos were all shot at the Memorial Theatre. Who knows where this will lead?
“Robert did say tongue-in-cheek that he could perform an acoustic gig at the theatre, we can only hope that this might happen in the future.”
In the bio for his album, Robert had this to say about the area, “We recorded it in a studio next to Peter Gabriel’s ‘Real World,’ not far from Bristol and Bath in the West Country. It’s a real hive of industry there. Working alongside the main studios, we’d encounter many artists from around the world. It’s an inspiring atmosphere. You meet Welsh singers, African players from Niger, and American Bluegrass goddesses passing through. It’s a creative place”.
