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Chicago style SALÓN VARIETES Theatre in Fuengirola is holding open auditions for its production of the musical Chicago. The show, set in 1920s Prohibition-era America, explores themes of fame, scandal and corruption through jazz and satire. It will run from Wednesday, March 18 to Sunday, March 29. At the story’s core are Roxie Hart, a housewife who murders her lover and exploits media attention for stardom, and Velma Kelly, a showgirl imprisoned for killing her husband and sister, competing for the same notoriety. Supporting roles include slick lawyer Billy Flynn, who manipulates trials for publicity; overlooked husband Amos Hart; prison matron ‘Mama’ Morton, who trades favours for money; and reporter Mary Sunshine. Interested performers should WhatsApp 622 440 164 with their details to

New Year’s classics ESTEPONA will usher in 2026 with its traditional Extraordinary New Year’s Concert, featuring the prestigious Orquesta Filarmónica de Malaga (OFM). The event, which launches the town’s 2026 cultural programme, promises an evening of joyful classics to celebrate the new year. The orchestra will perform under the baton of acclaimed Singaporean conductor Darrell Ang. The Grammy-nominated maestro, artistic director of the Sichuan Symphony Orchestra since December 2016, is a frequent guest with ensembles including the Philharmonia Orchestra London, London Philharmonic, and Vienna Chamber Orchestra. Featuring timeless New Year’s favourites, the programme presents overtures, waltzes, polkas, and dances by composers such as Franz von Suppé, Johann Strauss II, Josef Strauss, Bedřich Smetana, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It includes a composition by

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Chicago the musical.

organise an audition. Directors seek those with strong singing, dancing and acting skills to handle the show’s Fosse choreography and iconic songs like ‘All That Jazz’ and ‘Cell Block Tango’. The English-language theatre has a history of staging Broadway hits for the Costa del Sol’s expatriate community, blending professional quality with local involvement. Candidates must prepare a song in the show’s style, a monologue and be ready for dance callbacks. Rehearsals follow auditions, leading to a twoweek run expected to attract full houses. This is an opportunity for talented performers to shine on stage. Credit: OFM FB

Orquesta Filarmónica de Malaga.

Ang himself, ending with a grand finale of Passacaglia - The Secret of the Wind and the Birds by Chinese composer Tan Dun. Founded in 1991 as the Orquesta Ciudad de Malaga, the OFM has become a cornerstone of classical music in Andalucia, known for promoting the repertoire, supporting emerging artists, and staging popular events along the Costa del Sol. This cherished tradition offers an elegant and festive start to the year. The concert takes place on Sunday, January 4, at 8pm, at the Teatro Auditorio Felipe VI, Calle Diputado Ignacio Mena, Estepona. Tickets are available online at www.teatroestepona.com.

Do you Love to Sing? ON the western Costa del Sol, in Sabinillas, Manilva, the Love to Sing Choir has become a cherished local institution since its founding in 2017-2018. Led by accomplished musical director Shirley Helleur (BA LTCL), this international mixed community choir unites singers from diverse backgrounds through their shared passion for music. The group rehearses every Wednesday evening and performs an eclectic repertoire, including pop, musicals, classical, and rock. No auditions are required, and reading music is helpful but not essential. Seasoned vocalists and enthusiastic beginners are all welcome, as long as they commit to weekly sessions and yearround performances.

A cherished local institution.

Now nearly 60 strong, the choir stands out for its strong community spirit and charitable work. It has raised thousands of euros for local causes, such as cancer care (Cudeca and AECC), mental health support (Afesol), dementia initiatives, children’s Christmas appeals (St George’s and Hogar Betania), and aid for underprivileged families. Recent highlights include festive concerts in 2025 supporting the Manilva anti-dementia group

and Cudeca hospice, alongside summer fundraisers that generated substantial donations. Beyond performances, the choir builds lasting friendships through social events, trips, and gatherings for members and partners. As the choir seeks new voices ahead of 2026, it invites anyone who loves to sing to join. Contact Maggie on +34 628 163 977 or at loveto singchoirmanilva@gmail. com.

New year, new jazz JAZZ heads on the Costa del Sol can look forward to a vibrant start to the new year as the promising Diego Díaz Trío performs at Clarence Jazz Club on Saturday, January 3. The trio is led by the remarkably talented 18-yearold pianist Diego Díaz, accompanied by 23-year-old Diego Díaz. bassist Magnus Bodzin and a rotating drummer, including collaborators such as Andreu Giró (24), Alejandro Marqués, or Silvano Olalla. All members are currently based in The Hague, where they are studying at the prestigious Royal Conservatoire’s renowned jazz programme. Fresh from the independent release of their debut album, First Impressions Matter!, the young musicians are earning praise for their joyful and accessible approach to jazz. The group’s core philosophy is to enjoy creating music with close friends and outstanding players - a mindset they say produces some of the most engaging live performances.

Credit: Clarence Jazz Club

Their concert will feature rearranged jazz standards adapted to the trio’s distinctive sound, alongside original compositions by Díaz. Every piece benefits from the ensemble’s collaborative spirit, with all members contributing to the arrangements. Tickets cost €10 to €15, with a 20 per cent discount for club members. Advance booking is recommended via clarencejazz club.com. The venue is Clarence Jazz Club, Calle Danza Invisible, 8, central Torremolinos. This performance offers a chance to experience the next generation of jazz talent and begin 2026 on an uplifting note.

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Marbella’s fish secret Credit: EB FB

Credit: Carol Fishwick, FB.

Start 2026 with a splash!

Best value quality seafood, Marbella. A New Year dip for charity.

LOOKING for a fun, invigorating way to kick off the new year? Join the annual New Year’s Day sponsored swim in Benalmadena - a hilarious tradition running for more than 15 years, full of laughter, chills, and charity. Organised by the Costa Jive group, Benalmadena Ladies Group, and friends, participants dress in outrageous fancy costumes before plunging into the Mediterranean. All proceeds benefit 4 Paws Adoptions, an animal rescue charity in Mijas Costa helping abandoned dogs and cats find homes. The event takes place on Thursday January 1. Everyone meets at Weatherspains Bar, Avenida Antonio Machado 76,

Benalmadena (near the windmill roundabout in Bonanza Square). The bar opens at noon, offering great food, friendly service, and affordable prices. The swim starts at 2pm from the nearby beach, with safety divers present. This popular event draws locals, expats, and visitors for madcap fun. Past years have raised thousands for charity, followed by post-swim celebrations at the bar. It’s a brilliant way to banish New Year’s Eve hangovers, embrace the chill for a good cause, and start 2026 positively. Fancy dress is encouraged - the sillier, the better! Contact: +34 609 572 407 or PayPal: info@4pawsadoptions.com. Make a splash for a paws-itive year!

IN among the chic of Marbella, where overpriced venues abound, El Bigote stands as one of Marbella’s most popular fish restaurants and as a refreshing antidote. The family-run marisquería in Nueva Andalucia has served exceptional seafood for over 40 years under José Manuel, his wife, and daughter. The unpretentious spot puts ultra-fresh daily catch first, prepared simply to bring out the natural flavours. Locals celebrate the place as the finest seafood on the Costa del Sol - authentic and no-frills amid the surrounding bling. Décor is humble: paper tablecloths, basic seating in a narrow interior, and a small terrace for warmer days. Diners select from displayed seafood. Starters are well worth trying with coquinas (steamed clams with

garlic), gamba blanca de Huelva, gamba roja, quisquillas, or carabineros prawns. Mains feature grilled wild fish such as merluza hake, seasonal red tuna, or cigalas langoustines. Other highlights include the fritura (fried mixed fish) , centollo spider crab, arroz con bogavante lobster rice, or even rabo de toro oxtail stew. Wines couple perfectly, favouring crisp Spanish whites like Albariño or Verdejo. Desserts are simple and traditional: home-made fruit tarts or flan. Prices offer outstanding value for top quality and location, far below Puerto Banus rivals. Booking is essential; it fills quickly with loyal patrons. A €20 per person deposit may apply. Contact +34 686 058 260. Location: Calle Tirso de Molina, 106, Nueva Andalucia.

euroweeklynews.com

FEATURE

1 - 7 January 2026

A Community Built on Action Fuengirola’s proof that humanity still thrives As 2025 draws to a close, an extraordinary coming together of compassion, leadership and quiet sacrifice reminds us that real community is built not on words, but on deeds. AS the final days of the year unfolded in Fuengirola, something deeply meaningful took place away from headlines and grand gestures. Inside the Adintre community centre, dignity, warmth and hope were served alongside food, offering a powerful reminder that even in a world facing growing hardship, humanity is very much alive. At the centre of this story stands Joyce Gyimah BEM, the founder of Adintre and a woman whose life has become synonymous with service. Joyce has not simply supported the homeless; she has built a refuge of stability and compassion in an increasingly unstable world. Her British Empire Medal recognises extraordinary service, but even that honour barely touches the depth of her sacrifice. Joyce has given up her own life comforts so that others might survive theirs, dedicating herself entirely to seeing her long-held dream of shelter, dignity and support become a reality. This particular Monday afternoon followed a long and unforgiving weekend for those living on the streets. The atmosphere at Adintre was different. Joyce had recently been unwell, yet once again she was present, quietly commanding the room with calm authority and maternal warmth. For those gathered, she is far more than a charity leader - she is family. What made the day truly exceptional was the arrival of Tibbi Aquila, founder of La Scala Group, accompanied by his fiancée Michelle Mellett, whose kindness and generosity of spirit left a lasting impression on everyone present. Tibbi is widely recognised across the Costa del Sol as one of the region’s most successful restaurateurs - a man behind some of the most respected, consistently excellent and welcoming restaurants in the area. His venues are known not just for outstanding

food, but for atmosphere, hospitality and the rare ability to make every guest feel genuinely valued. Tibbi is, by any definition, a tough and highly astute businessman. His success has been earned through discipline, standards and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Yet beneath that professional steel is a heart of gold. He is, quite simply, one of the finest hosts the Costa del Sol has to offer - in business and in life. On this day, he brought that same professionalism and generosity to those who so rarely experience it. Together with Michelle, Tibbi arrived bearing trays of beautifully prepared food - not charity food, not leftovers, but restaurant-quality dishes made with pride. The menu included hearty chicken stroganoff with rice, penne all’arrabbiata, creamy turkey soup, rich chocolate brownies with warm chocolate sauce, and a festive Christmas cake provided by the Euro Weekly News team. Tibbi personally guided the volunteers on plating and service, ensuring every portion was generous, hot and worthy of the people receiving it. Before the meal was served, Joyce gathered everyone for her customary prayer. Her words cut straight to the truth. Adintre receives no government funding. Not one cent. It survives solely because of people in the community who believe that being human still matters. “We all have the right to fall,” she said. “And if there is no other human being to pick us up, we will never get out of that hole.” The applause that followed was heartfelt and deserved.

Alongside Joyce and Tibbi stood Michel Euesden, whose contribution to this cause spans years rather than moments. Long before cameras, articles or public recognition, Michel has quietly and consistently fed the homeless on Fuengirola’s streets. Profits have been given away without hesitation. Time, energy and personal health have often come second to the urgent need in front of her. There have been no headlines, no self-promotion - only silent dedication to a problem that continues to grow. Michel’s work is driven not by obligation, but by deep personal conviction. Homelessness is not an abstract issue to her; it is a human crisis demanding action. Alongside Steven Euesden, and supported by the wider Euro Weekly News team, she has repeatedly shown up when others look away. Special recognition must also go to Alison Steele, Esteban Molina Walsh, and Benjamin George Wickham, who once again gave their time freely - as they do so often - to help feed those in need. These are people who understand that community is not a concept; it is something you actively participate in. As Christmas crackers were pulled, laughter filled the room and party hats appeared, something extraordinary happened. For a few hours, people were not homeless - they were guests. They were not forgotten - they were seen. This was a powerful way to end the year. A reminder that Fuengirola is not just a town, but a strong, compassionate community held together by individuals who choose action over indifference. As we step into 2026, we do so knowing that people like Joyce, Tibbi, Michelle, Michel and the Euro Weekly News family are proof that kindness, when consistently practised, can still change lives. And that is something truly worth celebrating not only giving food but more importantly HOPE.

HAPPY NEW YEAR