Mature Times - Current competitions

Win top price tickets to 'Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci' at the English National Opera

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:03:32 +0100

Richard Jones' new realisation of Mascagni and Leoncavallo’s classic pairing tells of how passion and betrayal can transform the most ordinary of lives and drive individuals to heart-felt and yet extreme acts of revenge.

New life is breathed into this much-loved double bill by illuminating writing from two of Britain’s leading literary figures; TS Eliot Prize-winner Sean O’Brien provides a new translation of Cavalleria rusticana, entitled Sicilian Revenge, and Oscar- nominated Lee Hall (Billy Elliot), writes an compelling new version of Pagliacci, called The Comedians.

Win Fantastic DVDs from the new 'Warner List' !

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 09:34:44 +0100

Is our awful British summer getting you down? Fed up of getting soaked every time you leave the house? Well look no further for a whole host of inexpensive ideas that will keep you occupied and out of the rain – the Warner List!

Warner Bros. have put together the ultimate home video list that showcases all the best titles that they think we should own in DVD collection, have a look at the site here.

Win a copy of 'New Tricks - Series 4' on DVD

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:29:48 +0100

New Tricks makes a welcome return to DVD with Acorn Media’s release of series four this September. Featuring the entire series on three DVDs, the hit BBC One series follows the antics and adventures of three retired policemen recruited by Superintendent Sandra Pullman (Amanda Redman) to reinvestigate unsolved crimes.

Gerry Standing (Dennis Waterman), Jack Halford (James Bolam) and Brian Lane (Alun Armstrong) have, for a variety of complex reasons, handed over their badges and accepted early retirement before being approached by Sandra. But their hunger to solve crimes and right the wrongs of the past is still strong and they are willing to use unconventional methods to solve difficult cases.

Win a copy of 'Looking Back - The Very Best of David Soul' on CD

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:56:53 +0100

This September sees the release of Looking Back - The Very Best Of David Soul, a retrospective collection of songs from the renowned actor, singer & songwriter. The 20 songs, including five of his hits, have been put together by David to reflect not only the successes but also the emotional journey of his life and career over the past four decades.

In addition to the original recording of Don’t Give Up On Us, Baby, the album also features a new recording of the song, arranged by and recorded with Cuba’s number one top-selling band, Buena Fé.

Win a copy of ' Gennaro’s Home Cooking '

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:19:28 +0100

"Gennaro's talent for cooking and story-telling changed my life and my food forever.” Jamie Oliver

When an Italian cooks dinner, it's always a meal to savour and enjoy with as many people as can be found to share it with. The table is like the altar - to eat, drink, discuss, argue and confess - but most of all to enjoy the wonderful food!

In Gennaro’s Home Cooking, Gennaro shows us how we can adopt the effortless and spontaneous hospitality that is a cherished part of Italian life. He shares his favourite family recipes - the ones that will feed a crowd of hungry guests, from his 90-year-old father to his three-year-old twin girls - and offers creative menu advice about which dishes go best together.

Win a copy of the new 'Singer' CD

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:02:25 +0100

Introducing the new compilation album which takes some of the best singer/songwriter tracks ever produced and brings decades of music together on one complete album.

Singer is the latest compilation from Song BMG and features a fresh and eclectic mix of acoustic, soul, jazz, blues and pop singer/songwriter classics to our ears. Whatever the decade, the British public has always had a constant love affair for classic singer/songwriter hits. This compilation now celebrates that with a great mix of old and new.

Win a copy of 'Trial & Retribution - The Third Collection' on DVD

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:25:13 +0100

Acorn Media presents - from BAFTA winning writer Lynda La Plante - the long-awaited Trial and Retribution: The Third Collection. This is the is latest DVD release (the first in three years) for one of the top ten rating returning dramas of 2008 with over 6.5 million viewers on ITV1. A new series is already in production for 2009.

Hard nosed Chief Superintendent Mike Walker (David Hayman) an old school detective with a shady past, works alongside career driven DCI Roisin Connor (Victoria Smurfit) who often has to wrestle with Walker as well as the criminals in order to solve a case and bring it to justice. From crime scene to courtroom conclusion, this hard hitting series is backed with gripping storylines and riveting characters all presented in a powerful and gripping televisual style.

Win a copy of 'Mary Berry - Desserts'

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 09:03:47 +0100

Indulge your taste buds with this array of mouth-watering desserts from one of the UK‘s best-known cookery writers, Mary Berry. The new edition of this kitchen favourite comes with a stunning new look, and is ideal for both culinary experts and kitchen beginners alike.

Whip up the perfect dessert with this enticing and instructive guide.

The step-by step recipes and delicious photos means it’s easy to impress, whether you make fancy cakes and gateaux, pies, tarts, pastries, hot puddings, ice-cream or biscuits. Ideal for today’s dessert-loving generation, Mary Berry’s Desserts contains over 200 delectable treats, from Chocolate Truffle Cake and Raspberry Sorbet to Toasted Sesame Cookies.

Win a copy of ' Very Best of - While My Guitar Gently Weeps' on CD

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:08:42 +0100

Presenting The Very Best Of While My Guitar Gently Weeps – the fourth album in the hugely successful series which has gone on to sell over 600K albums since its inaugural release.

This fantastic album is being released on the 1st September and has the strongest track listing of the series yet – featuring all the recognisable classics Mott The Hoople – All The Young Dudes, Carlos Santana & John Lee Hooker – The Healer, Stealers Wheel – Stuck In The Middle With You and of course Jeff Healey’s – While My Guitar Gently Weeps.

Track List

Warren Zevon – Werewolves Of London

Win a copy of 'The Modern Grandparents' Guide'

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:31:39 +0100

21st century grandparents today are light years away from their predecessors. The baby-boom generation is young – physically, mentally and actually. There are currently fourteen million grandparents in the UK, and one in two people have grandchildren by the time they’re fifty-four.

Modern-day parents are under enormous pressure with the cost of living rising all the time; they can’t afford not to work and so they often look to their parents to fill the emotional gaps and provide practical help with childcare.

Win a copy of 'The Titanic Experience'

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:41:15 +0100

The story of the Titanic remains popular even to this day, hailed as “unsinkable” and seen as the biggest ship in the world at the time.

Yet within five days of setting off on her maiden voyage from Southampton, the Titanic struck an iceberg and sank to the bottom of the North Atlantic, taking with it the lives of 1500 of its passengers.

It has been regarded as the worst disaster in seafaring history. This book is to mark 100 years since the contract agreeing to build the Titanic in Belfast was signed in 1908.

Dozens of books have charted the ship’s short life, but this is the first to contain 30 fascinating facsimile items of the Titanic memorabilia. These give a unique and compelling insight into life aboard the ship before she ventured out into the cold seas of the North Atlantic on her first & last trip in April 1912, including telegrams sent on the night of the collision, the ticket belonging to Father Frank Browne and much more.

The Titanic Experience contains over 200 photographs and features facsimiles of rare ship §documents, such as blueprints, original plans, telegrams sent on the night of the collision, letters and two stunning gatefolds. The book also contains an account of what happened on the night of the disaster, what steps were taken for the evacuation of the women and children and the aftermath. Included is an audio CD, which tells first hand, accounts from the survivors and dramatic recreations.

Beau Riffenburgh is both author and historian. A native of California, he has earned his doctorate degree at the Scott Polar Research Institute at the University of Cambridge and has served as an editor ‘of Polar Record’, the world’s oldest journal of polar research, for 14 years. He has also lectured in history at the University of Cambridge and written several books, including ‘The Royal Geographical Society Exploration Experience’, published by Andre Deutsch. He lives in Wales and is available for interview.

Win a copy of 'Rainforest Safari' by James Parry

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:13:14 +0100

Rainforest Safari takes a unique approach to the subject of viewing in these areas of biodiversity, across the five continents, rainforests are not only seen as places of beauty, but also home to more than 50 per cent of the world’s known wildlife species.

The first book of its kind, it combines information on each of the species and regions, together with images from the world’s most celebrated wildlife photographers, alongside rare of newly discovered species. James Parry explores the various landscapes, with reference to 25 sites and the wildlife they support.

Win a copy of 'The Supper Cub' by Sophie King

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:42:16 +0100

A travelling supper party - held in a different house every month - seems like the perfect way for village neighbours to socialize. Lucy wants to introduce new fiance Mike to her neighbours. And getting out in the evening might help her friend Chrissie to focus on something other than that baby. Maybe she can even do a little matchmaking for her sister Jenny. And it`s the perfect excuse to meet the fashion model who`s stolen her friend Maggie`s husband.

Win a copy of 'Land of Summer' by Charlotte Bingham

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:41:57 +0100

The master of romantic storytelling weaves a spell of secrets, love and loss during the 19th century.

Emmaline has always understood from her mother that, as the eldest of four daughters, she must marry, but it seems that no proposals are going to come her way. Until, at a crowded ball, Julius makes his way to her side and waltzes her off. The next morning he makes it plain that he wants to marry her, and will marry her no matter what. So it is that Emmaline finds herself on the way to England from America to meet her husband to be, her hopes as high as they have ever been.

Win a copy of 'The Things we do For Love' by Imogen Parker

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:51:23 +0100

Remember the time when love was the answer, even when we didn’t know the question?

It is 1969 and eight-year-old Julia Allsop wants to be a princess. But a fairytale wedding doesn't guarantee happily ever after and Julia will discover that life is more complicated than dreams of love, whatever love means…

Nineteen-year-old would-be feminist Iris Quinn hopes to carve out a successful career, but London in the seventies is full of other temptations, and a passionate clandestine affair threatens to destroy everything she believes in.

From glass slippers to glass ceilings via Glam Rock, Grease and Greenham Common, the destinies of two very different women and their families interweave across two decades, as Julia and Iris's quest for fulfilment begins to uncover the corrosive power of secrets.

By the acclaimed author of The Time of Our Lives:

‘As addictive as a good soap opera’ Sunday Times

‘Divinely readable’ The Times