Pittville Gallery Talks

13 May to 24 September – Get an insight into the world of four high profile, inspiring and successful individuals during a new season of Pittville Gallery Talks organised by the University of Gloucestershire.

While we all keep fingers firmly crossed for success in our chosen field, there’s certainly something to be learnt from those who have already risen to the top of their game.

During a series of special talks being held by the University of Gloucestershire this year, members of the public from across Gloucestershire will be invited to hear from four inspirational speakers who have done just that – with plenty of opportunity to pick up tricks of the trade.

Tuesday 13 May 2008

Suzanne Mackie: ‘Films, Calendar Girls and Me’

Having secured a first-look deal with Buena Vista International – the distribution arm of none other than Disney – Suzanne Mackie was the brainchild and producer of her first feature film Calendar Girls. Starring Helen Mirren and Julie Walters, the film went onto to be a number one UK box office hit, following the story of a Women’s Institute chapter’s uninhibited fundraising efforts, and capturing the attention of an international audience.

With subsequent achievements including the production of Golden Globe-nominated Kinky Boots, Suzanne Mackie’s experience in this high-flying industry is sure to fascinate guests at the intimate talk.

Thursday 5 June 2008

Jimmy Leach: ‘Communicating Digitally for Downing Street and Beyond’

Before joining the famous public relations agency Freud Communications, Jimmy Leach was head of digital communications in the Prime Minister’s Office under Tony Blair and then Gordon Brown – overseeing the launch of the No. 10 petition website, podcast service and YouTube channel.

Other achievements include helping to launch the Guardian’s EducationGuardian website and editing seven books about the UK education industry – with Leach’s talk expected to be a rich insight into the world of modern communications.

Wednesday 25 June 2008

Levi Roots: ‘Art, Music and that Reggae Reggae Sauce'

If you’ve ever watched the BBC show Dragon’s Den you’ll no doubt be familiar with those few would-be entrepreneurs that do manage to secure backing for their, sometimes, hair-brained schemes. While not so hair-brained as it turned out, Caribbean sauce creator Levi Roots was one such success, getting support for his memorably-named Reggae Reggae Sauce which can today be found lining the shelves of Sainsbury’s supermarkets everywhere.

During his talk, Levi Roots will be revealing what life was like as an ambitious Rastafarian musician, through to that day in the Dragon’s Den which changed his life, and what he’s been up to ever since.

Wednesday 24 September 2008

Eugene Sully: ‘The Media Phenomenon of Big Brother and Life in the House’

Completing the quartet of 2008 Pittville Gallery Talks will be Big Brother 6 runner-up Eugene Sully who, prior to being put under the microscope in the house, worked in Radio for Surf 107 in Brighton and Mercury FM in Crawley – as well as for the BBC in research and development.

Eugene will sharing secrets of what life is really like in front of the cameras 24 hours a day, as well as what an impact Big Brother has had on him – and fellow contestants – since getting back to the real reality of life.

Booking tickets in advance is recommend for what is set to be a rich and varied season of Pittville Gallery Talks organised by the University of Gloucestershire.

Event: Pittville Gallery Talks
Venue: Pittville Gallery, Pittville Studios, University of Gloucestershire, Albert Road, Cheltenham, GL52 3JG.
Date: See above for full details. Pittville Gallery Talks are scheduled to take place on Tuesday 13 May, Thursday 5 June, Wednesday 25 June and Wednesday 24 September 2008.
Times: The talks start at 7.30pm, with guests being asked to arrive at 7pm.
Tickets: Cost £10 or £5 for concessions. Telephone the University of Gloucestershire on (01242) 714940 for more information and to book tickets.

SoGlos.com
2 May 2008