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AN EXCITING MONTH

OF CULTURE WITH

EVENTS ORGANISED BY

ARTS RICHMOND We are so lucky in this beautiful corner of London to have so many interesting and engaging cultural experiences on our doorstep. Arts Richmond fervently believes in being a major contributor to this and we have some great events happening this month. PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION Firstly we are organising the Biennial Photography exhibition from Tuesday 7 to Saturday 11 May at RHACC (Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College) in Parkshot, Richmond TW9 2RE. We will host a “Meet the Photographers” evening on Wednesday 8th May 6-8pm, to which you are cordially invited. If you can’t come then DO visit the exhibition throughout the week. AFFORDABLE ART TENT The Richmond May Fair, to be held on Saturday 11 May, is always a vibrant and enjoyable affair. Lots to do and see for all ages and interests and we add to that by organising the Affordable Art Tent. The very talented artists in the area submit beautiful works of art that will cost less than £100.

Come and find us and buy a unique picture – so much better than a mass-produced print! There will also be greetings cards on sale. BOOK PICNIC On Sunday 12 May we hold the Book Picnic and this year we are thrilled that our President, Roger McGough, is the star of the show. He is always entertaining, witty and thought-provoking so it promises to be a marvellous event. To find out more go to the website and click on the “AR Events” tab, or else phone the Arts Richmond Office. Invite friends and family to make up a table or else come along and join a table so you can meet new friends. Tickets are selling fast so don’t miss this great opportunity.

Biennial Photography Exhibition

Tuesday 7 to Saturday 11 May

The theme is TIME with all its broadest interpretations and all photographers are encouraged to submit their photos. To find out more -Go to the website www.artsrichmond.org.uk -Click on “AR Events” tab -Click on the “Biennial Exhibition” tab and click on “More>” -There is a button to view the printable Application Form

Congratulations to Linda Sirker

Our marvellous, dynamic admin officer Linda Sirker who works tirelessly in the office, keeping absolutely everything going, has recently got married to her long-term partner. We wish her every happiness for the future. She will be away from the office for most of April on honeymoon, so we apologise if your queries are not responded to promptly. One or two part-time volunteers will be in the office on a few days a week and hope that they can keep things going (but probably at a slower pace) until she returns. If you wish to send her good wishes please email the Arts Richmond Office info@artsrichmond.org.uk

What’s On

Arts & Culture in and around Richmond upon Thames

May 2019

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Visual Arts

Riverside Gallery: Sat 6 April to Sat 1 June Everybody Should Hang Real Art – That Includes You. An exhibition of work by Swedish artist, Saga Booth. Orleans House Gallery : Sat 16 March to Thu 27 June Reimagine new work inspired by the Richmond Borough Art Collection, questioning how much our view has changed and how art reflects the world it’s made in. orleanshousegallery.org

Fountain Gallery, East Molesey, open Tue to Sun 11.30am to 5.30pm: From Tue 30 April to Sunday 12 May Duet An artistic dialogue between painter Yulia Robinson and sculptor Caroline Sayer - a collection that reflects each other’s love of colour, texture and form in a mix of abstract and figurative art; Tue 14 to Sun 26 May Orsi Cowell-Lehoczky Paintings in her distinctive style of vibrant colours, distorted perspectives with a dream-like quality, and urgent topical narrative; Tue 28 May to Sun 9 June Fernando Velazquez. Ethereal sea and landscapes exploring light-a selection of expressive oil paintings that evoke the spirit of Turner. fountaingallery.co.uk

Richmond & Twickenham Photographic Society: Thu 2 May, Alan Barrett - ‘Composition in the Landscape” He began by photographing the “big” landscape, but later he

became aware of the smaller, intimate landscape which could be just as captivating.; Thu 16 May Dave Mason - ‘Windows of Opportunity’ He takes special pleasure in seeking out the extraordinary in the ordinary, often finding and documenting the surreal happenings on the city streets; Thu 23 May, Sue O’Connell and Peter Brisley - ‘Travels towards the edge’ they have visited countries on the brink of change and captured many images. At St. Luke’s Kew Community Centre, the Avenue, Kew. Non members welcome - £4. rtps.org.uk.

Affordable Art Tent for artists to sell their

work A Call to all affiliated artists

and AR members Arts Richmond are selling Affordable Art at this year’s May Fair on Richmond Green on Saturday 11 May. A great opportunity to sell mounted but unframed work (under £100) and greetings cards in the popular Art Tent. FOR DETAILS: -Go to the website www.artsrichmond.org.uk -Click on “AR Events” tab. -Click on “Affordable Art Tent” tab and click “More>”. -There is a button to view details and printable sales sheets.

Saturday Watercolour Workshops: Made-to-measure one-day workshops led by experienced tutor Pat Harvey at Cranebrook, her Twickenham riverside home. Sat 4 May Learn From A Watercolour Master: Raoul Dufy; Sat 1 June Paris In Watercolour: Le Moulin Rouge.

10.00am-4.00pm Suggested donation £45 (£10 reduction per class for 3 or more). Call 020 3643 6227 or email patkayharvey@icloud.com for details. patharvey.co.uk

Redlees Studios: Fri 10 to Sun 12 May. Summer Open Studio weekend. Fri 10 May from 6 to 9pm preview evening, all welcome. Sat 11 and Sun 12 May 11-6pm. 25 artists in their studios, housed in the listed historic building. Artists will be demonstrating their skills over the weekend. Show includes painting in a variety of media, printmaking, ceramics in a variety of clays, textiles, photographs, jewellery, glass and mixed media. Redlees Studios, Redlees Park, Worton Road, Isleworth.TW7 6DW. Further information please call Monica Boxley on 07887677332. www.redlees.org

Ham Art Group: Sat 25 to Mon 27 May 10am-6pm. The Group’s Spring exhibition of both framed and unframed works which will be for sale as well as some bargain items and a selection of greetings cards. Free admission. At St Thomas Aquinas Church Hall, Ham Street, Ham, TW10 7HT. Contact phone number 020 8940 5725. hamartgroup.org The Bowman Gallery, 9 Worple Way, Richmond, TW10 6DG: open Tue to Fri, from 12 noon until 6pm, Sat 1pm to 5pm. Specialises in period views of Richmond Upon Thames. bowmangallery.co.uk

Art Holidays Abroad: Would you like to be painting every day in the sunshine on the beautiful island of Corfu? The island offers some of the most

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spectacular scenery in Greece, and Art Holidays Abroad has organised 7 or 14 night trips. Led by artist and tour representative Linda Griffiths, AHA seeks to immerse the group in a creative and cultural atmosphere. Art Holidays Abroad offer a £50 discount per booking for all members of Arts Richmond. artholidaysabroad.com

Calling all affiliated societies

Please email details of any of your upcoming events into the Arts Richmond office before the published deadline – see “Copy/Flyer Deadlines”. We always want to publicise your interesting and inspiring offerings and sending details by email guarantees that we can include them in the What’s On newsletter.

Drama

Orange Tree Theatre: Sat 27 April to Sat 1 June at 7.30pm plus matinees Out of Water. A new play By Zoe Cooperwho wrote the very popular “Jess and Joe Forever”. orangetreetheatre.co.uk

Richmond Shakespeare Society: Sat 27 April to Sat 4 May at 7.45pm (except Sun 28 April at 3pm) Kindly Leave The Stage by John Chapman directed by Scott Tilley. At the Mary Wallace Theatre, The Embankment, Twickenham, Middlesex, TW1 3DU. Box office: 020 8744 0547 richmondshakespeare.org.uk

OSO Arts Centre: Tue 30 April to Fri 3 May at 8pm Boris Rex The story of Boris Johnson retold as a Shakespearean tragicomedy. The OSO on Barnes Green SW13 0LF osoarts.org.uk

Teddington Theatre Club: Sun 5 May to Sat 11 May at 7.45pm (except Sun 5 May at 6pm). Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune. The Tony-nominated romantic comedy for everyone who doesn’t like romantic comedies; Sat 18 to Fri 24 May at 7.45pm (except Sun 19 May at 6pm) Handbagged. Meet Maggie and Liz: expect handbags at dawn - a mostly true story. It is 40 years to the day since Thatcher entered No 10 as Prime Minister. Hampton Hill Theatre 90 High Street, Hampton Hill, TW12 1NZ. teddingtontheatreclub.org.uk

New Plays Festival Spring 2020

Arts Richmond’s celebration of original playwriting will be held at the Orange Tree Theatre, Richmond, in March/April 2020 (exact date to be finalised). Deadline for expressions of interest from affiliated societies is 30th June 2019. Arts Richmond invites entries and scripts must be submitted by 30th September 2019. Information is being sent to Arts Richmond's drama societies/groups.

More information on the website or from the Arts

Richmond office info@artsrichmond.org.uk.

Rose Theatre, Kingston: Thu 21 May at 7.30pm Paul Merton's Impro Chums; Sat 25 to Mon 27 May at 7.30pm Black Beauty By Anna Sewell adapted by Ciara Morris and

directed by Anthony Hoskyns, Lucy Morrell and Ciara Morris. Performed by Rose Youth Theatre; Wed 29 May to Sun 2 June at various times The Gruffalo. rosetheatrekingston.org Hammond Theatre: Thu 30 May at 7pm National Theatre Live stream: All My Sons by Arthur Miller. The Hammond Theatre, Hampton School, Hanworth Road, Hampton, TW12 3HD. thehammondtheatre.co.uk

Edmundian Players are performing the play “Good Night Mister Tom”, A play by David Wood based on a book by Michelle Magorian, on 6, 7 and 8 June (evenings only) at St. Edmunds Church Hall, Nelson Road, Whitton, TW2 7BB. Ring Box Office 07765 605374 between 6.00-9.00 p.m. or daytime answerphone. edmundianplayers.com edmundianplayers.com

NB: Some productions have audio-described performances. Check websites for full details or contact Arts Richmond for help.

Film

Richmond Film Society: The season continues with '120 BPM (Beats Per Minute)' (France, 2017) on 14 May at 8:00pm,'The Beatles: Eight Days A Week - The Touring Years’ (USA/UK, 2016) on 21 May at 8:00pm and 'Glory’ (Bulgaria, 2016) on 28 May at 8:00pm. Films are screened at The Exchange, 75 London Road, Twickenham, TW1 1BE. Members free. Non-member tickets available in advance from The Exchange’s Box

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Office (020 8240 2399), online at http://exchangetwickenham.co.uk

/events/ or on the night (cash only). richmondfilmsoc.org.uk/

Dance

-

Swing Patrol Kingston: - weekly swing dance classes - a weekly drop-in and you don’t need to bring a partner. Mon 6 May. 7pm – 8pm Absolute Beginners Swing Dance class Level 1; 8pm – 8:30pm: social dancing/practice time; 8:30pm – 9:30pm Level 1.5 Improvers swing dance class; 9:30pm – 10pm: social dance/drink/dinner. Take more than one class on the same evening the second class is half price at £5. At the Grey Horse, 46 Richmond Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT2 5EE. artsrichmond.org.uk/society-events.php?id=1046

Hammond Theatre: Thu 16 May at 7pm The Royal Ballet live stream : Flight Pattern/Within The Golden Hour/New Work by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. The Hammond Theatre, Hampton School, Hanworth Road, Hampton, TW12 3HD. thehammondtheatre.co.uk

Richmond Youth Dance: the borough’s youth dance initiative happening outside of school time. In the Summer term there are classes for young adults 12-19 years on Wednesday evenings at Teddington Sports Centre. There is also an adult dance class on Saturdays for older

adults, parents or teachers to get fit and have fun. combinationdance.co.uk

Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance: Creative dance classes for children and young people on Saturdays for ages 2 ½ -18 years at Clifton Lodge, St Margarets. Adult ballet, contemporary and yoga classes are also available weekday evenings and on Saturdays. Sign up now for a free trial class. Email classes@rambertschool.org.uk or call 020 8892 9960. rambertschool.org.uk/participation

Music

Instant Opera: Sat 27 April at 7pm a Spring Opera Gala featuring a compere, 10 professional guest soloists and a full orchestra and chorus performing operatic masterpieces by Puccini, Bizet, Rossini, Mozart, Handel, Verdi, Strauss, Gilbert and Sullivan and many more. Tickets £18 or £15 for three or more, or for concessions. At Twickenham's new Exchange Theatre, opposite Twickenham Station. Bookings phone: 0208 240 2399 or go online at: www.exchangetwickenham.co.uk.

Tickets also available at the door. instantopera.co.uk

Hammond Theatre: Sun 5 May at 2 pm Royal Opera House Live: Faust - Opera In Five Acts; Tue 14 May at 7.30pm Caroline Palmer Recital. Programme - Debussy, Schubert, Ravel and Chopin. The Hammond Theatre,

Hampton School, Hanworth Road, Hampton, TW12 3HD. thehammondtheatre.co.uk

SHOWCOACH Top quality trips with

like-minded companions

12 MAY Book Picnic, Richmond May Fair 11JUNE Pitzhanger Manor and St Mary’s Church Perivale classical concert (provisional) 30 JUNE to 3 JULY Yorkshire residential trip 1 AUGUST Chichester Theatre “Oklahoma” SEPTEMBER The Proms (provisional) OCTOBER Glyndebourne 2 night residential stay (provisional) 10 DECEMBER Sadlers’ Wells “The Red Shoes” by Matthew Bourne

Members of Arts Richmond may invite one guest per visit to accompany them. See website or booking form in Arts Richmond’s mailing Loki Music: Monday 6 May at 7pm The anarchic minstrel trio Princes in the Tower return to one of their favourite haunts, The Verulam Arms in Saint Albans, to mark the beginning of Spring. The evening will include some friendly ceremonies of Spring as well as a version of early music. Further information can be found on the website lokimusic.co.uk

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Barnes Music Society: Wed 8 May at 7.30pm at the Velehrad, 39 Lonsdale Rd, Barnes, SW13 9JP. William Thomas (bass), Catriona Hewitson (soprano) and Michael Pandya (piano) present a recital including Schumann’s Frauenliebe und-leben, Op.42 with songs and duets by Strauss, Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, Dvořák. Tickets (for non-members) available at the door £15, £12 concessions, £6 students, or in advance from www.WeGotTickets.com. Details phone 020 8876 1563 or see website. barnesmusicsociety.org.uk Hampton Choral Society will be performing Elijah by Felix Mendelsohn under the direction of Richard Harker with a professional orchestra and soloists at 7.30 pm on Sat 11 May in St Mary's University Chapel, Strawberry Hill, Twickenham TW14SX. Tickets are £15 (adults) and £10 (under 16s) from Di Bidwell bidwell.di@gmail.com or 020 8941 5394). Langdon Down Centre: May 11 at 7. 30 pm Rigoletto. Villa InCanto is delighted to perform their version of Rigoletto by Verdi. Tickets: £20 and £16 concessions; Sun 12 May at 7pm Handel in London A narrated concert: highlights include Zadok the Priest, scenes from his great operas, and extracts from Messiah, with full baroque orchestra. Tickets £15. Book on website or order by phone on 0333 1212 300. Langdon Down Centre, 2a Langdon Park Teddington TW11 9PS. langdondowncentre.org.uk

Twickenham Choral: Sat 18 May, 10am to 5pm. Come and sing Haydn's Creation. An open

workshop with Twickenham Choral led by guest conductor Scott Inglis-Kidger. At St Andrew's Church, Surbiton. Ticket price includes a sandwich & quiche lunch, tea, coffee, and (lots of) cake and biscuits. The day will end with an informal free public performance.Tickets for singers are £25 and £12.50 for under 25 yrs. Please register via website. twickenhamchoral.org.uk

Richmond Concert Society: Tue 21 May at 7.45pm. Ensemble Mirage (St John's Smith Square Young Artists) will be playing Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky, Penderecki Copland and Dohnanyl at St Margarets Church, St Margarets, Twickenham. See website for further details. richmondconcerts.co.uk

Vocal Tonix Community Singing Group: Sing Along, socialise with this weekly singing group hosted by Twickenham vocalist Shelle Luscombe. No singing ability needed whatsoever. All welcome! Every Thursday 1.30-3.30pm ETNA Community Centre, 13 Rosslyn Road TW1 2AR. vocaltonix.co.uk

The Choral Foundation: Every Sunday at 3.30pm, Choral Evensong at Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace. choral.foundation@hrp.org.uk

Thameside Harmony Chorus: at the White House, 45 The Avenue, Hampton, TW12 3RN. A friendly and fun-loving women's A cappella group who enjoy singing together in harmony. Email thamesideharmony@gmail.com. thamesideharmony.co.uk

Big Funny Fest Sat 15 to Sun 16 June

Richmond’s first Comedy Festival featuring Mark Watson, Jason Byrne Luisa Omlelan, Phil Wang, Hal Cruttenden, Lou Saunders, Rhys James, Desiree Burch and many more. In the Big Top and the Little Top in Old Deer Park, Richmond Surrey. Early Bird tickets on sale – see website for details.

bigfunnyfest.com

Ella's Choir: Meets weekly on Thursdays 7.00-8.30pm at St Mary's University (Room G3), Waldegrave Road, TW1 4SX. In aid of charity React. To enquire email helenastrid@gmail.com

In Flagrante choir rehearses on Tuesday evenings, 7.30 - 9.30pm. Venue : St. Anne’s church hall, Kew Green, TW9 3AA. All are welcome to come along to meet, and sing along with, the choir. They have a fun time working on a wide range of songs - a love of music and ability to hold a tune is all that’s required! No audition. Our Musical Director is the renowned Eamonn O’Dwyer www.eamonnodwyer.com. For further details of the choir contact Cathy Jago on catherine@cjhenergy.co.uk

Magna Carta Chorus: Men’s four-part harmony A cappella chorus rehearses on Thursday evenings from 8-10pm at The White House,45 The Avenue, Hampton, TW12 3RN. New members always welcome. Contact: Dennis Counsel, Chorus Secretary on 01344

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843522 email dennis@stillriver.plus.com

magnacartachorus@gmail.com Kingston Madrigal Society: meets on the first Saturday of each month from October to March in the Swinnerton Hall, St Luke's Church, Gibbon Road, Kingston KT2 6AB at 7.30pm

kingstonmadrigals.org.uk

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Copy/Flyer Deadlines

NB: Deadline for information for Newsletter for events in

June 2019 is Thursday 25 April

Deadline for delivery of flyers

for events inJune 2019: Tuesday 7 May 2019

Contact the office for current rates

Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this newsletter, we urge you to

check details with venues before attending an event.

If you need help with contact

details, please contact our office

info@artsrichmond.org.uk

Rock, Jazz & Folk

Landmark Arts Centre: Sun 5 May at 8pm Stacey Kent returns to the Landmark with her 5-piece band, featuring songs from the new album, I Know I Dream including American Standards, Bossa Nova classics, Chansons, as well as original songs co-written by Kazuo Ishiguro. Tickets:£25 / £22. Supper £9.50pm served at 7pm and must be booked via the Landmark Office by 30 April. At the Landmark Arts Centre, Ferry Road Teddington TW11 9NN. landmarkartscentre.org Hammond Theatre: Sat 11 May at 8:00 pm Steve Hutchinson In Concert. An evening of original melodic rock and pop. The Hammond Theatre, Hampton School, Hanworth Road, Hampton, TW12 3HD. thehammondtheatre.co.uk

Mood Indigo: Fri 10 May at 8.30pm: Janet’s Jazz Night with the Terence Collie Trio featuring Kerry Williams and Isobel Pearce + Jam Session at Jazz Café Posk, 283 King Street, Hammersmith W6 0RF; Sun 19 May at 7.45pm: The Music of Kenny Wheeler & Dave Holland with the Terence Collie Quintet featuring . Matt Dibble and Paul Jordanous. Riverside Arts Centre, 59 Thames Street, Sunbury-on-Thames, TW16 5QF; Sun 26 May at 7.30pm: Jazz On The Plaza - Duo Concert with Terence Collie and guest TBA.

Neighbourhood Café Yukari, 110 North Road, Kew, Richmond TW9 4HJ. moodindigoevents.co.uk

Eel Pie Club: at The Patch, 67 London Road, Twickenham TW1 3SZ.Doors 8:30pm. Music 9-11pm (unless otherwise advertised). Thursday 2 May Atomic Rooster, the legendary prog rock band, featuring 2 original members - Peter French (vocals) and Steve 'Boltz' Bolton (guitar) £17; Thursday 16 May Kast-Off Kinks, containing 3 actual members of The Kinks the original drummer Mick Avory, bassist John Dalton and keyboard player Ian Gibbons £14; Thursday 31 May Slim Chance, which features original members, Charlie Hart, Steve Simpson, Steve Bingham, plus guests £15. eelpieclub.com TwickFolk: at The Cabbage Patch, 67 London Road, Twickenham TW1 3SZ. Sun 5 May closed because of a Rugby fixture; Sun 12 May at 7.45pm Bob Fox Return of the Songman + Lizzy Hardingham: Hertfordshire singer-songwriter £11 plus £1.10 booking fee; Sun 19 May at 7.45pm Ed Hopwood Showcase and Singers’ Night; Sun 26 May closed because of a Rugby fixture. twickfolk.co.uk Twickenham Jazz Club: Tue 7

May Kelvin Christiane ‘AllStars’ Big Band (£13/£11); Tue 21

May Pete Oxley and Nicolas Meier with Raph Mizraki and Paul Cavaciuti (£14/£11). All sessions start at 8pm at the Patchworks Bar 67 London Road, Twickenham TW1 3SZ. twickenhamjazzclub.co.uk

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Museums

The Twickenham Museum: Open Tuesdays & Saturdays 11.00–3.00 and Sundays 2.00–4.00. Admission free. twickenham-museum.org.uk

The Museum of Richmond: Sat 11 May to Sat 13 July An exhibition Ham Is Where The Heart Is. Developed from an oral histories project, this pop-up exhibition explores life in Ham and Petersham over the last 80 years through stories and pictures. museumofrichmond.com

Musical Museum 399 High Street, Brentford, TW8 0DU: Regular musical events and film screenings – contact the Museum for details. musicalmuseum.co.uk

Historic Houses

Turner’s House Trust: 40 Sandycoombe Road, Twickenham TW1 2LR. Open Wed-Sunday, 12noon to 4pm. Exhibition - Miniature Lands of Myth & Memory. J.M.W. Turner’s designs for Sir Walter Scott’s Poetical Works & Life of Napoleon Buonaparte. This exhibition focusses on their last collaboration before Sir Walter’s death. Exhibition free

with paid entry and includes an exhibition brochure. turnershouse.org ‘ Ham House: Discover more about the uses of dew in the 17th century and take part in a range of fun activities. Tickets £10 per adult, £5 per child including breakfast in the

Orangery cafe. nationaltrust.org.uk/hamhouse

Walks, Talks & Courses

Richmond Association for the National Trust: Thurs 2 May: Coach visit to Baddesley Clinton and Packwood House Warwickshire; Thu 16 May: City walk - How to read the City visiting the area around St.Paul’s Cathedral ending in Cheapside. Programme Manager - phone 020 8979 3834, email: wendyasim@btinternet.com nationaltrust.org.uk/features/rich

mond-association

Poetry Performance at the Adelaide Pub 57 Park Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 OAU. Entry costs £2.00 plus purchase of drink from the bar. Sun 5 May from 6pm-8.30pm. Read your own poetry or just come along and listen. Please contact Anne Warrington on warringa@blueyonder.co.uk if you would like to reserve a

Richmond Local History Society: Sat 11 May 10am to 5pm Richmond May Fair on Richmond Green, Richmond;

Mon 20 May at 8pm AGM, followed by talk by Sir David Williams: Ham in the early 20th century then a party at Duke Street Church, Richmond. Visitors welcome £4 donation. richmondhistory.org.uk

Barnes Literary Society: Wed 15 May at 8pm Just Do It. Two local authors reflect on the business of being an author and the challenges of writing fiction. Local author Rhidian Brook’s “The Killing of Butterfly Joe” came out in 2018 and the film of his third novel, The Aftermath, starring Keira Knightley has just been released. Tor Udall’s well received debut novel “A Thousand Paper Birds”, set largely in Kew Gardens, was published in 2017. Venue: OSO Arts Centre, Barnes Green.

Borough of Twickenham Local History Society: Mon 13 May at 8pm. The Society ends its 2018/2019 season with its annual general meeting and a short talk on the Star and Garter Hotel in Richmond from Howard Webb. St Mary’s Church Hall, Twickenham. Non-members and guests £2.50. botlhs.co.uk

The Arts Society Richmond: Tue7 May at 7pm. David Hockney and his Struggles with Modernism. Speaker: Ray Warburton. This lecture will focus on how Hockney came to do some of his most famous paintings including his double portraits and swimming pool pictures. This is a bring-friends-free lecture. At Duke Street Church, Duke Street, Richmond TW9 1DH. theartssocietyrichmond.org

Richmond Society: Wed 8 May at 7.30pm. Heritage Walk: Retracing “The Prospect of

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Richmond”. A walk retracing Overton and Hoole’s birds-eye view painting of Richmond in 1726. From Richmond Station upper concourse. A donation of £2 requested; Thu 16 May at 7.30pm. Speaker Meeting: An Evening with Sir Trevor McDonald. In Duke Street Church, Duke Street, Richmond TW9 1DH. Free to Members, non-members welcome for a £2 donation. Note the change from the usual venue; Wed 22 May at 7.30pm. Heritage Walk: Celebrating 150 years of the second arrival of the railway. It focusses on the impact of the new Kensington and Richmond Railway link to London on the development of the Town. From Richmond Station upper concourse. A donation of £2 requested. richmondsociety.org.uk

Richmond Scientific Society: Wed 15 May at 8pm 'The Heart, Ancient and Modern', by Dr Rob Feneck, Consultant Anaesthetist at Vestry Hall, 21 Paradise Road, Richmond TW9 3SA (Opposite the top of Eton Street). rss.btck.co.uk

Richmond U3A: Wed 29 May at 2.30pm. Egypt, from Nomads to Nation by Janet Diamond. At Clarendon Hall, York House, Twickenham. u3asites.org.uk/richmondon-thames

Richmond WEA: Wide range of courses and evening classes on offer each term wealondon.org/Richmond

RHACC (Richmond and Hillcroft Adult and Community College): provides a wide range of Further Education courses rhacc.ac.uk

Young Writers’ Competition update

Each year Arts Richmond invites young people in the borough to enter a Young Writers’ Competition and a large number of children of varying ages submit their creative literary efforts to a panel of judges. This year, Gemma Craig-Sharples (this year’s Young Writer Laureate) was awarded the prize of attending “The Dresser” a play staged by the Colwyn Bay & Crewe and Bluefire Production at Hampton Hill Theatre on 25 March 2019. Here is a photo of her receiving her award from the Mayor earlier in the year.

Below is the excellent review she wrote after seeing the play. We at Arts Richmond are delighted to encourage our young people to express themselves in words but also to visit live theatre and appreciate dramatic expression and the staging of well-known plays.

A review of the play “The Dresser”

by Gemma Craig-Sharples,

Young Writer Laureate

“A haze of smoke and Glenn Miller music welcomes the audience into the auditorium for the final performance of Ronald Harwood’s The Dresser by Colwyn Bay &

Crewe, setting the scene for this wartime foray into the world of theatre, life, and love.

The curtain rises to reveal designer Junis Olmscheid’s impressive set, a cosy dressing room simultaneously evoking the dilapidated tattiness and reassuring warmth of wartime theatre. Daniel Wain as Norman and Lottie Walker as Her Ladyship brilliantly set the tone for the piece, with their tense, fretful exchange establishing an uneasy atmosphere of anxiety and uncertainty which – thanks to Sir’s unreliability – underscores the rest of the play.

Amid heated talk of cancellation, Sir (wonderfully played by Steve Taylor) staggers onstage, having discharged himself from hospital after a diagnosis of exhaustion. Prone to weeping, Sir is a man on the edge: ageing, forgetful, and insecure. For much of the first half he is a pitiable character, with Taylor perfectly capturing the crushed bravado of this struggling man. As he gets into character for his 227th performance as King Lear, however, he starts to change, appearing to acquire Lear’s dignity and authority. It is clear that Sir lives for, and through, his acting. The illusion is nonetheless a fragile one, as Sir repeatedly asks what play they’re performing tonight and what the first line is. Norman is on hand to guide Sir through this ritual preparation, and Wain sensitively conveys the complexity of his relationship to Sir, caught between frustration and devotion. With much cajoling

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and reassurance, Sir is eventually ready to go on stage – only, when it comes to his entrance, he doesn’t actually want to go on.

In one of the funniest and best-acted scenes of the play, the audience watch the shenanigans behind the scenes as Norman and Her Ladyship try to entice Sir out of his chair whilst the other actors, unseen, valiantly attempt to muddle through onstage. “The King is coming,” says Gloucester. “Methinks I saw the King,” another Knight adds. “Methought so too,” says Her Ladyship as Cordelia, somewhat accusatorily, after having had to give up on Sir behind the scenes and enter alone. Several drumrolls later, Sir is at last dragged out of the chair and makes it onstage, much to the relief of Norman and Stage-Manager Madge (Mia Skytte Jensen).

That the company are equally successful in bringing to life the humour of this scene and the emotional intensity of the subsequent scenes is testament to the skill and sensitivity with which they all perform. As the play careers towards its moving denouement and Sir’s faults become ever more apparent, the audience are reminded of the devastating consequences and all-too-human costs of hubris, selfishness and egocentricity. In light of current political events, it would seem that this message, urging gratitude, consideration, and humility, remains as important and relevant as ever.” Reviewed by Arts Richmond Young Writer Laureate Gemma Craig-Sharples

The Diana Armfield Drawing Competition

Held at the Landmark Arts Centre between Wednesday 6

and Friday 15 March 2019

Over 100 drawings were submitted to be included in the recent Diana Armfield “Drawing From Observation Competition”. The standard was very high and artists chose a fascinating range of subjects. They used much skill and imagination to represent what they had chosen to depict. Diana Armfield RA NEAC, our very kind benefactor, had sponsored this competition in memory of her late husband, Bernard Dunstan RA. Her motivation is to encourage artists to go back to the very fundamental skill of drawing from life. She feels that this may be becoming a neglected skill and that it is the basis on which most artwork depends. All these fine drawings were exhibited at the impressive space of the Landmark Arts Centre in Teddington for 10 days in March. On Thursday 7 March from 5pm to 7pm there was a Private View and the presentation of prizes. It was very well-attended and visitors admired the work on display whilst imbibing a glass of Prosecco. Hilary Dodman, the Chair of Arts Richmond, introduced Diana Armfield, the generous sponsor of this Competition and she gave an inspiring speech to the audience and the artists present. She then proceeded to present two prizes - £250 for First Prize and £100 for Second Prize. Jonathan Barker won First Prize for his drawing “The

River at Teddington”. He works close to Teddington Lock and he is part of a drawing club at his work. They go out one lunchtime a week to draw and his entry was a 40 minute sketch done whilst taking part in this initiative. As the winner he also has the honour of keeping a fine drawing by Diana Armfield for a year and I’m sure this will inspire him to keep drawing. The photo below shows him accepting this drawing from Diana herself.

Jonathan Barker with Diana Armfield

Diana also felt that there was a worthy Second Prize winner in Rachel Labovitch who did a delicate and sensitive portrait of a head entitled “Steph”.

Rachel Labovitch with Diana Armfield

Many more artists were commended for their efforts. There was such a range of techniques, skill and acute

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observations of many different subjects that it must have been hard for Diana and her fellow judges Sue Ribbans and John Coombes to select the finalists. Do remember that there are further opportunities for those actively involved in the Visual Arts to participate in two events i.e. the Biennial Photographic Competition and the Affordable Art Tent – details of how to enter on pages 1 and 2.

OBITUARY JANE OLIVER 1926-2019 Jane Oliver who sadly died at the beginning of March was not only a well-known member of Richmond Shakespeare Society but in the 1980s and 90s she was the very hard working Membership Secretary for Richmond upon Thames Arts Council (RuTAC) for many years and then remained an active member of Arts Richmond. Jane also enjoyed many ‘Showcoach’ outings over the years, but it was her failing health that prevented her attending the theatre trips that she loved so much. A Humanist service to commemorate her life was held at The South West Middlesex Crematorium on Monday 4 March 2019. Our condolences go to her friends and family.

MANY THANKS TO ALL

OUR TREMENDOUS

SUPPORTERS

Arts Richmond is blessed to have some wonderful people who work very hard to put on many cultural events, encourage self-expression and creativity in Richmond borough and beyond. Foremost of these are the Committee and the Patrons, amongst others. We thank them for such valued support. Here is the current list of the Committee and the Patrons.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: VICE PRESIDENTS John Coombs Pam Frazer Sandra Green Edie Purdue David Ward

CHAIR Hilary Dodman

TREASURER Simon Bartlett Jean Wit (Assistant Treasurer)

COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cllr Geoff Acton Lesley Alabaf Sue Bell Peter Cregeen Benedict Dias Janet Langhorne Heather Montford Gillian Thorpe Anne Warrington Linda White

CO-OPTED MEMBERS Heather Morgan (Showcoach) Sue Ribbans (Visual Arts) Clive Bradley (Literature) Laurie Coombs (Drama)

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PRESIDENT 2018-2019: Roger McGough

PATRONS Ms Diana Armfield Ms Marcia Ashton Sir David Attenborough OM, CH,KBE Mr & Mrs Jason Bowyer Mr Gyles Brandreth Mrs Sara Burn Edwards Sir Vincent Cable MP and Lady Cable Ms Liz Crowther Mr Clive Francis Mr Michael Frayn & Ms Claire Tomalin Mr Bamber Gascoigne Mr Julian Glover & Ms Isla Blair Mr Howard Greenwood Sir Jeremy Hanley KCMG Ms Lee Langley His Honour Bernard Marder Sir Trevor McDonald Mr Roger McGough CBE Mr James Naughtie Lady Camilla Panufnik Mr Alan Price Ms Helena Richardson Ms Anne M. Sebba Mr Colin Squire Mr John Stapleton and Ms Lynn Faulds Woods Mr Colin Starkey Mr Sam Walters MBE & Ms Auriol Smith Mrs Kay Williams

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ADVANCE NOTICE OF OUR SHOWCOACH GLYNDEBOURNE RESIDENTIAL TRIP

Glyndebourne Opera

Tour

16th - 18th October 2019

3 days, 2 nights bed and breakfast staying at the Crowne Plaza, Felbridge with dinner included on the 1st night.

We will be visiting Hever Castle and grounds on Day 1 On Day 2 we visit Farley’s House and Gallery in the morning

then to Berwick Church and lunch at nearby Pub before heading to Glyndebourne for a pre-opera carvery. Followed by a performance of Rigoletto

On Day 3 we will be visiting Bateman’s a National Trust property before returning home

Cost is £489 with a single supplement of £59 4 pick up points as usual

More information will be available shortly but expressions of interest can be made to the Arts Richmond office

020 8892 9446 email: info@artsrichmond.org.uk

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020 8892 9446 info@artsrichmond.org.uk

@ArtsRichmond

Arts Richmond (est. 1966) is an independent charity (251359) supporting 100+ Arts and Cultural Organisations

in and around the borough of Richmond upon Thames

Arts Richmond is an independent charity with 100+ affiliated societies based in and around the borough of Richmond upon Thames As well as representing the voluntary arts sector on the Richmond upon Thames borough council’s Arts Advisory Forum, we provide a wide variety of services and events aimed at promoting local arts and cultural activity including: Regular Information about What’s On and How to Get involved in the thriving local arts & cultural scene through our website, and monthly What’s On Newsletter. Show Coach: Excursions to plays, musicals, operas, concerts and places of interest – some with coaches from pick-up points across the borough. We know how important safe transport and companionship is for our members and we make every effort to ensure ease of access for all. Literature: We run literary events throughout the year including our biennial Book Picnic on Richmond Green, and Young Writers’ Festival, as well as events in the Richmond upon Thames Literature Festival. Drama: We promote the performances of local professional and amateur theatre companies and run the Swan Drama Awards – our local version of the Oscars – rewarding amateur talent in the borough – as well as a New Plays Festival. Music: We promote the extensive programme of concerts organised by concert societies, choral and other music groups throughout the borough and run an annual Choral Workshop with eminent local conductors. Visual Arts and Photography: We promote the work of local artists and run exhibitions and competitions offering the opportunity to buy paintings, prints and photographs at affordable prices. Heritage and Museums: We promote the events and exhibitions taking place at the large number of historic places in the local area.

www.artsrichmond.org.uk