Coincidental cosmic events

Fun cabaret duo The Bling Crosbies named their show at Simply Italian “A Starry, Starry Night” - not knowing that round the corner at Rye Harbour, The Sussex Wildlife Trust had chosen Starry, Starry Night as the title of a night-sky presentation.

Both are on Thursday, October 30, and start at 7pm.

But while The Bling Crosbies will be entertaining diners in their trademark twinkly outfits with songs such as Swinging On A Star and Fly Me To The Moon, the Trust’s fans will be settling down for a ‘tour of the universe’ talk, followed by an outdoor walk with telescopes.

The double-up was spotted in local online listings by Ellie Laine, who performs in the Rye duo with singing partner Alain Du Sel.

Ellie said: “At first, I thought our show had been listed twice - but then I realised it was two different events with the same name. The odds on that happening must be astronomical.

“We chose the name because we sing songs from big stars such as Frank Sinatra and also because Alain will be singing Don McLean’s hit song Vincent for the first time, which starts with the line ‘Starry, starry night’.

“We’ve advertised prizes for people who turn up in the most sparkly outfits, so I hope no-one gets mixed up and turns up at Rye Harbour in a sequinned ball gown. Of course, if any astronomy fans come to our show by mistake, I’d love them to tell me that I look like Venus - but perhaps not Pluto!”

Places for the Simply Italian cabaret dinner can be booked on 01797 226024. For the Wildlife Trust talk, turn up at Rye Harbour Village Hall at 7pm.