News Blast: Totoro peaks out from behind the curtain
The latest creative and cultural news from the coast to the capital, including the first official Totoro puppet image, new openings in Margate, and more
The West End's Totoro puppet revealed, a(nother) new club venue in Margate, Broadstairs pub draws closer to being named Pub of the Year, and more. All the latest creative and cultural news from the coast to the capital.
The first ever official image showing Basil Twist’s amazing Totoro puppet from the stage production of My Neighbour Totoro has been revealed. Previously kept under wraps until audiences saw him on stage, the new photograph captures the iconic bus stop scene where Mei and Satuski encounter the forest spirit Totoro for the first time together. The show is running at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in the West End until March 2026. Book tickets.
Margate has a brand new music and club venue, The Drill Shed. Located in the Lido complex, the room has already hosted nights as part of this year’s Margate Soul Festival and will be the setting for Cockles & Muscles’ Pride after party tonight until 4am.
York Street Gallery in Ramsgate is closing on Tuesday, after 13 years in the town. After putting on nearly 700 exhibitions in that time, owner Mike Samson is retiring. Currently on display is work by collage artist Rachel Mae.
Cafe del Margs is now open for business in Margate Old Town, offering bottomless brunches and live DJs (or a quick coffee stop). You’ll find it at 4-5 Market Place, in the space formerly occupied by Wildes.
Margate Film Festival is seeking two Young Programming Assistants. Two people aged 18-26 will be given the opportunity to get involved with the festival, evaluating feature and short films and sharing ideas for what would be shown in this year’s programme. Apply by August 12.
Just weeks after being named CAMRA’s Kent Pub of the Year, The Royston in Broadstairs has had that prize upgraded to South East Pub of the Year. Next, it’s in the running for the ‘super-regional’ round, which will whittle the competition down to four pubs. They will then go up for the overall National Pub of the Year award.
The Samhain Society has just launched to bring together witches, pagans, seers, shadow-walkers and magical misfits from across Thanet. The new coven will meet annually on October 31 for rituals, workshops, film screenings and more. The first event will take place at Bar Nothing in Cliftonville this year. Follow on Instagram for updates.
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