A regular feature of Rye’s annual Arts Festival and Christmas celebrations have been the fabulous shows performed by locally based actor Martin Wimbush and singer Sally Bayly, with theatre musical director Malcolm Newton and violinist Nuri Koseoglu.
It was a shock for the community of Rye when Martin died suddenly from Motor Neurone Disease in late 2024, a week before their annual Christmas Show. It still went ahead, with the help of two of Martin’s beloved actor friends. As Martin would have said: “The Show Must Go On”.
With the support of Martin’s widow Marie, Sally, Malcolm and Nuri are continuing to perform together with a focus on raising funds for research into MND.
Their next show on October 11 and 12 is Licensed To Thrill: Bayly Sings Bond – a feast of legendary James Bond songs, interwoven with fascinating and fun-filled facts from over sixty years of the making of these iconic movies.
They are delighted to be joined by TV’s Jonathan Wrather who is perhaps best known for his role as the villainous Pierce Harris in the long-running continuing drama Emmerdale!
Rye’s very own Rick DeLong will also be featured on bass.
There will also be an interval Bond quiz – so bring your friends, grab a table and test your knowledge of the world of James Bond!
Songs include: From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, Live and Let Die, Nobody Does It Better, You Only Live Twice, Skyfall and many more.
Prepare to be both shaken and stirred!
Performances at Rye Community Centre: Saturday October 11 at 7.30pm and Sunday 12 October 12 at 4.00pm. Tickets £15 from ryeartsfestival.org.uk and Grammar School Records, High Street, Rye, 01797 222752.
Image Credits: Sally Bayly .