Through the eyes of a dancer at the New Wimbledon Theatre
Plus: The Basque Country returns to SW19
Good morning, Wimblers — I hope that everyone is having a lovely week!
Thank you to the hundreds of readers who have already filled out our survey. There’s still time to have your say before we take a look at the responses. Just click HERE — it only takes a few minutes.
This week, we have an interview with British ballet dancer Bayley Webster. Webster will be performing with Varna International Ballet at the New Wimbledon Theatre next month for three nights with three exciting shows: The Nutcracker, Cinderella and Swan Lake. I sat down with him to talk about life as a ballet dancer, performing at the New Wimbledon Theatre and what it’s like to tour so extensively.
We’ve got your usual news snippets this week, a ridiculously opulent property of the week and some great recommendations to see you through the following two weeks.
As always, if you want to get in touch, just email zak@thewimble.com.
Happy reading!
This week’s Wimble sponsor ⛳️
The weather has been horrendous this past week, and many of us are seeking activities indoors. Well, look no further than Caddi Club at Wimbledon Quarter. Golf is easier (and often more fun) than you think! At Caddi, you can learn at your own place, get real feedback, play with friends and build up your confidence, one swing at a time. And even if you’re hopeless at golf, Caddi has a fully stocked bar and a menu of delicious nibbles and larger meals. They’ve also got the launch of their new shop, Lemonade Golf Club, this coming weekend. Make sure you get yourself down there for your chance to win a £1,000 cash prize with a hole in one attempt.
News snippets 🗞
🏡 Nearly 150 properties that have been approved to be built in Mitcham will be bought by Merton council for use as social housing. The planned development at the old Mitcham Gasworks had previously been stalled, but the council’s cabinet was able to approve the project last week. The council has also secured funding from the Greater London Authority to help buy nearly a quarter of the homes, so work on site will start sooner than planned. The homes will be built by St. William, part of Berkeley Homes Group. When finished, around a quarter will be bought and managed by the council, to be rented to local people in need of housing. According to the local authority’s press release, “The housing crisis has been caused by factors outside the council’s control – such as rising private rents. As a result, there are more than 10,000 households on the council’s housing register — a 10 per cent increase in the last five years.” Click here to read more.
👋 It looks like Wimbledon has lost one of its celebrity residents. Ant McPartlin, better known as one half of the iconic duo Ant & Dec, moved his family out of their Wimbledon home last November following a highly publicised dispute with his neighbours. In February 2024, it was revealed that Ant and his wife Anne Marie were granted permission to cut down six trees that were protected by a Tree Preservation Order. Neighbours then accused McPartlin of seeking permission to fell healthy trees. As a result, a new plan was submitted wherein the trees would not be cut down, but an existing garden studio would be extended to form a gym, study, games room and studio. Despite all of this, a representative for the star confirmed that McPartlin and his family had moved out for “family reasons” and not because of planning issues. Read more here.
🎉 Soul II Soul, The Hoosiers and Billy Nomates have all been announced as the first major acts for Start of the Line, Merton’s brand-new music, arts and culture festival. Acclaimed local rapper and songwriter RAMZ will also curate and perform on the Mitcham Dreamer Stage, and famed musician Jah Wobble, who has a long connection to the borough, will be delivering a unique performance with special guests. The festival will take place at Morden Park and tickets are £20 per person (children 12 and under go free).
💰 A new witness reward scheme in Merton has been launched in a bid to crack down on fly-tipping. Residents who provide information leading to fly-tippers getting fined could receive up to £200, according to this press release. The council said, “Fly-tipping is criminal behaviour… The scheme builds on the Council’s wider work to crack down on fly-tipping, including nearly doubling the number of waste enforcement CCTV cameras used to catch fly-tippers, many with night-time capability and automatic number plate recognition.” Residents who personally witness fly-tipping can report it by either completing the council’s online fly-tipping form, emailing details to waste.enforcement@merton.gov.uk, or calling the council’s contact centre on 020 8274 4901 and selecting environmental enforcement.
Ask the Wimble❓
I’m currently going through your survey responses and unpacking those, but please do keep sending in your questions for Ask the Wimble — we’ll be answering them as soon as possible.
Property of the week 🏡
The sheer size and location of this six-bedroom home is jaw-dropping, though I think there’s a lot more that could be done with the interior. That said, I wouldn’t touch that beautiful wooden staircase and chequered floor. But what will a six-bedroom home in leafy SW19 set you back in 2026? In this instance, it’ll be a cool £4m. Check out more photos here.
Through the eyes of a ballet dancer at the New Wimbledon Theatre 🩰
Bayley Webster was born in Northam, England, in 2000, and joined Varna International Ballet in 2023. The company is now in the middle of its tour, arriving at the New Wimbledon Theatre next month for three unique performances: The Nutcracker, Cinderella and Swan Lake. The Wimble sat down with Bayley this week to talk about performing at the New Wimbledon Theatre, life on the road and what it takes to be a professional ballet dancer.
Let’s start with a little bit about you. When did you know that you wanted to be a professional ballet dancer?
I never had the intention of being a ballet dancer when I was really young. In fact, I used to play for a football academy. On Saturdays, my sister would go and do two hours of dance class: ballet and jazz. And every Saturday, I would go with her and sit outside and wait. Without fail, the dance teachers would invite me in, but I’d think: “Oh no, boys don’t need to do ballet. That’s a bit strange. I’ll stick to my football, thanks.” But it got to the point where I thought: “Do you know what… I want to give this a go.” I started off with some jazz lessons, which I enjoyed thoroughly, and then I went on to tap dancing. Ballet was the one I approached last, and it was the one I fell in love with the most.
So from about the age of six, I started to do ballet. I was lucky enough to be invited to different retreats and programmes — even travel. And then there was this moment, I think I was about 14 or 15, where my parents said, “You know, you really ought to start thinking about what it is you’d like to do for a job.” I didn’t know what I wanted to do for a job. My parents pointed out that I seemed to love my dancing, [and that] there was a workplace for it and I could make a living from it. After doing some extensive work looking into professional training programmes, I realised it was what I wanted to do. And I haven’t stopped since.
What is it like to be a touring dancer? Is it gruelling at times?
I think we’re very lucky in this company. We’ve got a lovely tour bus, all the hotels we stay at have excellent facilities, and the team makes sure we get some proper recovery between shows. One of the most important things about our tour is the company’s physio. Let’s say you’ve got an acute pain in your hamstring; we’ve got someone we can go to directly, and she’s available pretty much 24/7. So when you have those days where you’re feeling 80% yourself, she’s there to help you get back to 100% for those really important shows. I also love touring. It’s taken me across the world. I’ve been to Mexico, Switzerland, Greece, Cyprus… all of Europe and South America. Being able to see the world, and do so for your job, is such a privilege.
Do you get much time to explore the places you perform in?
It really depends on the day and the place. If it’s a double show day, we usually have about two or three hours to look around a city or a town. Some days are busier than others, and we only get about an hour and a half to eat, rest and give notes to the other cast taking over the evening show. I’ve performed at so many theatres across the UK that I struggle to keep up with knowing where I’ve been, but I’m pretty sure this is my first time visiting Wimbledon.
For our readers heading to one of your shows next month: What roles will you be playing?
So each ballet has multiple casts — this is to make sure that everyone gets an opportunity and that everyone has some time to rest. But in Swan Lake, I’m doing the Waltz and Mazurka; in The Nutcracker, I’m performing as the Rat King, Clara’s father and Drosselmeyer; in Cinderella I’m one of the clocks and bees, and I’m also in the ball scene — so Cinderella is probably the most intense for me.
Which of the three shows is your favourite?
I personally enjoy Cinderella the most. We’re performing Sergei Prokofiev’s adaptation. I think his concept and the way he’s thought about how to use the music is superb. He’s a very, very intense composer, and that shines through in his score.
And finally, do you have any advice for our Wimbledon readers who might be aspiring dancers?
One word — and it’s a word I run through every day before I go to work — and that word is “discipline”. Ballet is not something that you can do without giving 100%. There has to be an understanding of your craft and your body, and that takes discipline. Everything from your ankles to your knees to your hips needs to be symmetrical. Everything needs to be on point. I find that the word “discipline” encapsulates both the fight and the fun of a career as a ballet dancer.
Varna International Ballet will be at the New Wimbledon Theatre for three nights. Click the button below.
Monday 9 February — The Nutcracker
Tuesday 10 February — Cinderella
Wednesday 11 February — Swan Lake
The Wimble’s to-do list 🍷
🦐 Pintxo evening at The Artisans Depot: The Artisans Depot will become a Spanish-style pintxo bar once more! If you have never been to the Basque Country, now is your chance to sample some of their incredible cuisine from the comfort of SW19. The pintxos will be prepared by Ralph, who many of our readers will be familiar with for his tapenade and hummus. It’s a first come, first served basis, but you can reserve a table by emailing the bar (artisansdepotwimbledon@gmail.com) or getting in touch via their Instagram.
Where: The Artisans Depot
When: Friday 30 January, 6–10.30pm
🍋 Lemonade Golf Club Shop launch event at Caddi: Join the Caddi Club team this Saturday for their official launch of the Lemonade Golf Club Shop. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or new to the sport, expect a high-energy evening of golf, drinks, DJs and competitions in one of SW19’s most unique social venues. There’s even the chance to win a £1,000 cash prize with a hole in one attempt.
Where: Caddi Club, Wimbledon Quarter
When: Saturday 31 January, 6.30pm
🦜 Wimbledon Common Nature Club: Bird Feeders: The nature club meets once a month to host events for 6–14 year olds. Parents are of course welcome to attend as well. On the first day of February, the children are invited to feed the birds of the common. The event is free, though donations are welcome.
Where: Information Centre, Windmill Road, Wimbledon Common
When: Sunday 1 February, 10am – 2pm
🍷 California wine tasting at Jeroboams: Experience some of the hugely diverse wines of the Golden State. If any of you have seen the brilliant film Sideways, you may remember the infamous line about merlot. But have no fear, for Californian merlot is actually very delicious. See for yourself! Tickets are £45 per person and can be bought here.
Where: Jeroboams, Wimbledon Village
When: Friday 6 February, 6–7.30pm
⭐️ Ruby’s Worry at Polka Theatre: “Ruby had always been happy, perfectly happy… until one day… she discovered a worry… Ruby tries and tries to get rid of her worry, which grows bigger and bigger! Eventually she meets a boy who has a worry too. Together they discover that everyone has worries, and that if you talk about them, they never hang around for long!” Through the use of live music, song, puppetry and physical theatre, Ruby’s Worry takes the audience on an adventure based on the beloved book by Tom Percival. Tickets can be bought here.
Where: Polka Theatre
When: Wednesday 11 – Sunday 22 February
💕 The Little Gym Valentine’s Day Special Sessions: Join the Little Gym Wimbledon this February for Valentine’s Day specials, with two themed sessions for babies and toddlers. These sessions are gentle, sensory-led and full of movement – perfect for making special memories. Expect fun activities, refreshments and more! Click here to book and for more details on age suitability.
Where: The Little Gym, Wimbledon
When: Friday 13 February, 10–11am and 11.15am–12.15pm
💋 Valentine’s Day at 601 Queens Road: This is one for the lovebirds. Spend your Valentine’s Day at the chic and, if I say so myself, sexy rooftop bar at 601 Queens Road enjoying a three-course menu for £45 per person. Thoughtfully cooked dishes designed for sharing time, from Brixham crab tart or smoked duck breast to roasted cod with mussel chowder or braised ox cheek vol-au-vent. Click here to view the menu and book your table.
Where: 601 Queens Road, Wimbledon
When: Saturday 14 February
Question of the week 🔍
Last week, I asked you in what year the Wimbledon Windmill was built. The answer: 1817.
Q: Which of these famous directors lived in Wimbledon for a time?
You’re up to date 👋
Thank you for reading this week’s edition of The Wimble. I hope you enjoyed our interview with Bayley about his upcoming shows at the New Wimbledon Theatre. If you haven’t already, please do fill out our survey. Other than that, have a great rest of the week and we’ll see you next time.
As always, chatty, interesting and fun to read ! Thank you ! Xx