The PlaceTheatre, Bedford May to Aug 2016

OUR PLACE

IS YOUR PLACE!

MAY TO AUGUST 2016EVENTS BROCHURE

theplacebedford.org.uk

INFORMATIONTickets for all shows are available online (with no booking fees) from www.theplacebedford.org.uk/ticketsTickets can also be booked by telephone on 01234 354321, call the theatre between 9.30am and 3pm on weekdays, or in person by appointment. We are a very small team and office staff are not always on site.

02 eMail: [email protected] Web: theplacebedford.org.uk

Bradg

ate Rd

Cave’s Lane

Gold

ington A

ve

Goldington Rd

Kim

bolto

n Rd

Kimbolton Ave

Oaklands

North WingHospital

RugbyGround

Tennis Club

Fox & Hounds

Merton

Campbell Rd

Richmond Rd

St Minver Rd

Tiverton Rd

Devon R

d

Cornw

all Rd

The Place Theatre Bradgate Road Bedford MK40 3DE

FREE ONSITE

PARKING

We are happy to support young people who are working towards an Arts Award. Call or email us for advice about planning a visit.

The Place Theatre is managed by Bedford Players Trust, Charity Registration No: 290124 and has received funding from The Harpur Trust the Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation and the Wixamtree Trust.

INFORMATION

We are delighted to present another packed programme of events this season with something for everyone in the mix. We have old favourites like The Pantaloons and Don’t Go Into The Cellar, new theatre companies and some great music events lined up. Progressive theatre company Townsend Productions recently became resident at The Place and they will be helping us celebrate May Day with a folk event that is very fitting for International Workers Day. We hope to see you there!

Laura Pottinger Venue Manager

MAY

Welcome

Tel: 01234 354321 Facebook: ThePlaceBedford Twitter: @ThePlaceBedford 03

Singing duo, Neil (guitar/mandola) and Rhiannon (accordion/flute) tell stories of struggle and solidarity through the songs that inspired the fight of many against injustice and oppression from the 18th century to the present day. The story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs is told through songs written and arranged for the original show by John Kirkpatrick; the hymns from the recently discovered National Chartist Hymn Book are sung for the first time in over 160 years; and the rousing songs of great protest singers and writers reveal the roots of today’s continuing struggles for democracy, peace and equality.

Folk Nights:

THE CLARION 2: SONGS OF STRUGGLE, SOLIDARITY AND SOCIAL CHANGE

SUNDAY 1 MAY 7:30PM

ADVANCE £10 / DOOR £12 ALL AGES

M U S I C

MAY

Blair Dunlop, the award-winning British singer, songwriter and guitarist, will bring his keen-eyed narratives and captivating performance to The Place. Blair and his band will be performing songs from his acclaimed albums and previewing songs from his third as-yet-untitled album scheduled for release in May 2016. The quality of his second album contributed to his winning the BBC Radio 2 Horizon Award and cemented his place as one of Britain’s most exciting talents to come from the folk scene. Support by Jack Carty.

Barney is staying with his grandparents on the chalk Downs of southern England when he falls over the edge of an old chalk pit and tumbles through the roof of a hidden den. When he looks round he sees Stig, a caveman, with shaggy black hair and bright black eyes. Barney and Stig get on rather well together. They have to manage without language, as Stig speaks no English, but that doesn’t seem to stop them. It is nearly 50 years since Stig and Barney’s adventures first saw the light of day but this timeless children’s classic remains as charming and entertaining as ever.


TO U R I N G & P R O F E S S I O N A L T H E AT R E

London Contemporary Theatre

STIG OF THE DUMP By Clive King

Folk Nights

BLAIR DUNLOP

TUESDAY 3 MAY 7PM

FULL £14 / CONCESSIONS £12 6+

THURSDAY 5 MAY 8PM


M U S I C

MAY

A chat show with a difference. Join Oscar Wilde as he interviews leading celebrities of the Victorian era, recounts a story or two and invites his audience to get “Caught in the Act”!

Brought to you by Don’t Go Into The Cellar Theatre Company - the British Empire’s finest practitioners of top-notch Victorian entertainment.


MAY

Stephanie Abrahams is a renowned violinist, whose international career is cut short by multiple sclerosis. Encouraged by her husband, world famous composer David Liebermann, Stephanie seeks out psychiatrist Dr Feldman to help her come to terms with the loss of her career. Slowly her determination to put on a positive face unravels to reveal dark secrets from her past. Through it all a complex relationship grows with the enigmatic Dr Feldman.


Don’t Go Into The Cellar

TEA WITH OSCAR WILDE

Swan Theatre Company

DUET FOR ONE

FRIDAY 6 MAY 7:30PM

FULL £10 / CONCESSIONS £8.50 12+

WEDNESDAY 11 TO SATURDAY 14 MAY 7:30PM


C O M M U N I T Y P E R F O R M A N C E O R H I R E

MAY


The true story* of Captain Scott and the invaders from outer space. Antarctica, 1912. Captain Scott and his men perish in their doomed attempt to be the first to reach the South Pole. But what if this isn’t what actually happened? What if the truth was so shocking that it’s been covered up for more than a hundred years? What if Captain Scott actually perished whilst saving the world from aliens? *This is not a true story.


Gonzo Moose presents

GREAT SCOTT!SUNDAY 15 MAY 7PM


Start with traditional folk music, add a touch of classical and jazz, throw in a bit of pop and music hall, and top it off with lashings of wry humour and you have a wonderfully entertaining evening with Belshazzars Feast. Paul Sartin (of Bellowhead and Faustus) and Paul Hutchinson (of Hoover The Dog) have together wowed audiences across the UK with their eclectic and eccentric mix of tunes and between songs chat that always sends audiences home with smiles on their faces.

Folk Nights

BELSHAZZAR’S FEAST

THURSDAY 19 MAY 8PM


M U S I C

MAY

Join Lemuel Gulliver on a fantastical and hilarious voyage into the unknown. Meet the tiny people of Lilliput and the giants of Brobdingnag; visit the floating island of Laputa and a country peopled (or horsed?) entirely by talking horses... A brand-new, adventurous and delightfully innovative adaptation of Jonathan Swift’s classic satirical story loved by adults and children alike. Just please don’t step on any Lilliputians in the rush to get tickets.


MONDAY 30 MAY 7:30PM



The Pantaloons presents

GULLIVER’S TRAVELS

Picture the scene: the neatly mowed village green, clear blue skies, a cricket team in their perfectly pressed whites, tea and sandwiches waiting in the pavilion, loyal wives and girlfriends looking on. Sound perfect? Think again. There are storm clouds gathering, and not just in the sky! Watch the hilarious sparks begin to fly as the team foolishly try to solve their various marital problems at the same time as winning the game.

Bedford Drama Company presents

OUTSIDE EDGEWEDNESDAY 25 TO SATURDAY 28 MAY 7:30PM

FULL £9.50 / CONCESSIONS £8 16+


MAY-JUNE


An enchanted island in the middle of the ocean and the storm to end all storms, The Tempest in a Teacup re-imagines Shakespeare’s fantastical play for a young audience. We open Prospero’s spell book and out fly the most marvellous creatures. This is a story where fairies are conjured from thin air and books fly like butterflies around the room. This is a playful adventure using puppetry and storytelling. The 5pm showing is a ‘relaxed’ performance, particularly suited to children on the autistic spectrum.

Spot is a friendly and endearing stage light who loves to tell stories. Spot can be the yellow sun, the blue sea or red fire; a balloon, a hoop or nothing at all. But most of all Spot loves to have fun. International theatre company La Baracca explores children’s fascination with light in this show specifically made for children aged 1-4 with simple words in English and Italian.

TUESDAY 31 MAY

FRIDAY 3 JUNE

2:30PM & 5PM

11AM & 2PM

FULL £10 / CONCESSIONS £8

FULL £8 / CONCESSIONS £5

5+

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 1-4



Moon On A Stick

THE TEMPEST IN A TEACUP

La Baracca-Testoni Ragazzi

SPOT

JUNE

THURSDAY 9 JUNE

FULL £5 / CONCESSIONS £3.50

7.30PM

Set in a secure psychiatric unit in the 1980s, this powerful new one act play, devised by graduating theatre students, blends drama and movement.



University of Bedfordshire

PATIENTS IS A VIRTUE By fizzique theatre

16+

Noel Coward’s famous ‘comedy of manners’ is set in the 1920s. It takes place in the country home of Judith Bliss, a celebrated retired actress, and her unconventional family. Each of the four of them have invited a guest to spend the weekend. The bewildered guests are drawn in to what seems at times a crazy, hilarious, parallel universe where normal rules of behaviour do not apply! Presented in association with Traffic of the Stage.

SATURDAY 4 JUNE 7:30PM



Logos Theatre Company

HAYFEVER

JUNE

A Mano (by hand) is performed by El Patio Teatro, a company brought over to the UK from Spain by Full House Theatre especially for June Arts Jam. Told with beautifully crafted clay characters and remarkable artistry, By Hand is a touching and life affirming story about love, small failures, a potter’s wheel and four hands at play.


THURSDAY 16 JUNE

£7 6+

6:30PM


El Patio Teatro

A MANO

A cast of just five actors present every single one of Geoffrey Chaucer’s timeless tales in under two hours! Join the pilgrims for puppetry and poetry, music and magic, talking chickens and burnt bottoms. Fast-paced, physical and funny, this show is pure medieval mayhem for the whole family, performed in modern English.

SUNDAY 19 JUNE 7PM



The Pantaloons

THE CANTERBURY TALES

JUNE

3rd-20th june 2016

*Registered Charity Number: 1165541

@JuneArtsJam @fullhousetheaCOFull House Theatre

A fine selection of performances for children and their families.

JuneArTS JAM

FOR MORE inFO VISITFUllHouSE.ORG.UK/WHATSor call 01525 630783

JUNE �TS JAM

B�FORD’S

FinD THE JUNE ArTS JAM FUN AT;John Bunyan Museum - The Place Theatre The Higgins Museum - Kempston LibrAry& Bedford Central LibrAry

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JUNE


This is a free event to mark Refugee Week - a collection will be made on behalf of BRASS (www.brassbedford.org.uk). This British film comedy stars Eddie Marsan, Olivia Coleman and Philip Jackson and takes us through one year of growing, pruning and harvesting in the Little Eden that is Blacktree Road Allotments. Some people keep allotments because they like the taste of fresh vegetables. Some go there for the company. Some of them are looking for love. Some go there to escape from their marriages. One of them is there to escape from something much, much worse.

Bedford Refugee and Asylum Seekers Support (BRASS)

GROW YOUR OWNDirector: Richard Laxton

MONDAY 20 JUNE

FREE EVENT 9+ (RATED PG)

7PM

F I L M

To mark Refugee Week, local poets, actors and musicians come together for an evening to reflect upon the journeys and experiences of refugees. A collection will be made with all proceeeds going directly to Friends of Refugees to support those who are fleeing their homes.

www.friendsofrefugees.org.uk

TUESDAY 21 JUNE

SUGGESTED DONATION £5 ALL AGES


Friends of Refugees Bedford FORFEST - AN EVENING OF POETRY, STORY & SONG

7:30PM

JUNE


Sixty years ago, the audience at the Arts Theatre in London was baffled by a new play called Waiting for Godot. It was directed by the 24 year old Peter Hall who declared that he had no idea what it meant. Since then Beckett’s play may have become more familiar to us, but its mystery remains. Who is Godot? Certain Age is proud to present this production which, though it may not answer that question, will certainly provoke and entertain. This amateur production of Waiting for Godot is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD

THURSDAY 23 TO SATURDAY 25 JUNE



Certain Age

WAITING FOR GODOT

7:30PM

Back by popular demand, following a visit to Bedford in October last year, “This rootsy North Carolinian may be the most buzzed-about new songwriter in folkdom. He displays John Prine’s gift for stark little songs that tell big, complex stories, Guy Clark’s lean melodicism, Lyle Lovett’s wry mischief, and Bill Morrissey’s knack for the revealing image.” (Boston Globe) My Girl The River, created by adopted Bedfordian Kris Wilkinson Hughes, recently released their debut album ‘This Ain’t No Fairytale’. Inspired by Kris’ upbringing in the American Deep South and ranging from alt-country and folk to Americana and roots, it brings to life anecdotes, half-truths, white lies and fables.

Wonderfuel Productions Presents

THE BIG HOUSE CONCERT FEATURING JONATHAN BYRD WITH MY GIRL THE RIVER

THURSDAY 30 JUNE 8PM

ADVANCE £12.50 / DOOR £14 ALL AGES

M U S I C


JULY

A dark comedy that sees two inmates await their executions on Death Row. The days are long and numbered. All Frank and Michael have is each other and the friendship they built through a wall. As Frank’s time draws near, the youthful and tormented Michael must try come to terms with the idea of losing his only family. Will he understand the way life works and make his peace in time?

“A powerful and engaging piece of theatre in the mould of Martin McDonagh.” - David Schaal

We take you back to 1966 Las Vegas and bring you our very own recreation of Sinatra at the Sands when Count Basie and his Orchestra provided the warm up and accompaniment to Sinatra’s show A Man and His Music. The shows were staged at the Copa Room in the Sands Hotel when both Sinatra and Basie were arguably at their very best. The result was a “must see” show attended by many celebrities and rumours of tickets changing hands for up to $10,000. Marking the 50th Anniversary of these concerts and Sinatra’s centenary year, special guest Mel Peake joins big band Swings the Thing to present this faithful celebration and recreation.

FRIDAY 1 AND SATURDAY 2 JULY

THURSDAY 7 JULY

FULL £11 / CONCESSIONS £9.50

£12.50

16+

ALL AGES



A-Game Entertainment

THE PENDULUM SWINGS

SWINGS THE THING: SINATRA AT THE SANDS FEATURING MEL PEAKE

7:30PM

8PM

JULY


JULY

A great night of soul from one of the best known and best loved soul singers in the area. The Soul Man has been performing in Beds, Bucks and Herts for over 12 years and generates energy and excitement everywhere he sings. His rich, powerful voice recreates much loved soul classics from artists such as George Benson, Barry White, Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye and many more.

Cultural Aspects

THE SOUL MANSUNDAY 17 JULY 7:30PM

£9 ALL AGES

M U S I C

Laurel and Hardy’s slapstick comedy still makes people laugh nearly 100 years after they made their first film together. Theirs was a partnership - and friendship - that lasted a lifetime. In Another Fine Mess, we meet Stephen and Phil whose tribute act to Laurel and Hardy includes some of the duo’s classic sketches. But as they rehearse in the back room of a pub, real life intervenes. A shocking revelation from Phil strains their relationship, possibly to destruction.

SATURDAY 13 AUGUST 7:45PM



White Cobra Productions

ANOTHER FINE MESS

L I V E A T T H E P L A C E DOORS OPEN 7pm show starts 7.30pm

ALL TICKETS £9.00 ONLINE LIMITED TICKETS ON THE DOOR www.theplacebedford.org.uk

email: [email protected] www.facebook.com/culturalaspects Tel: 07796 827700


Come and enjoy European literature over coffee in an informal group. Meetings every six weeks for those with a good command of Spanish, with a weekly guided reading for those still learning the language. Groups reading in other languages begin again in the autumn. For details see www.bedfordlanguagecentre.co.uk or call 07985 113996.

Members of the Swan Theatre Company present an evening of poetry, with some prose and drama, and a new theme each first Sunday of the month. Reading take place over a drink in the informal surroundings of the Eagle Gallery, 101 Castle Road, Bedford.

1 May - TRAINS, PLANES and AUTOMOBILES Following our unfortunate derailment in March, we’re ready to board again! An exploration of all things that take us places.

5 June - ON VACATION Our final poetry evening of the season sees us looking forward to the summer in holiday mood....and if the weather’s fine we’ll be outside!

FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

TICKETS £5 (AVAILABLE ONLINE FROM THE PLACE THEATRE) ALL AGES

7PM

OTHER

WO R K S H O P S A N D PA R T I C I PAT I O N

The Bedford Language Centre

SPANISH READING CLUB

Swan Theatre Company presents

POETRY EVENINGS AT THE EAGLE GALLERY

TA L K S, P O E T RY A N D S P O K E N WO R D

OTHER


7PM

OTHEREagle Gallery Artists

EXHIBITIONS AT THE PLACEE X H I B I T I O N S

Sue Wookey to 1st JuneSue’s work is inspired by her love of nature, the magic of myths, dreams and symbols and Britain’s megalithic past.Living on the ancient Icknield Way beneath Galley Hill in Bedfordshire, Sue finds the Chiltern landscape, its ancient history and its wildlife a constant source of inspiration. Working in watercolour, Sue surrounds her work with words inspired by the painting. More of her work can be seen at www.suewookey.com

Mike Townsend 1st June to 13th JulyMike studied Fine Art in the late sixties early seventies.The work is displayed is from his archive of paintings made in the 90s.He is currently using this work as inspiration for more abstract work dealing with shape, tone and colour, work he is intending to display in a one-man show at the Eagle Gallery in 2017.Contact Mike 07775621568. [email protected]

Les Miller 1st June to 13th JulyLes was brought up in the North-east of England and trained in Edinburgh from 1964 to 1970 before moving south. He is at present working towards forthcoming solo shows at Bedford School and the Eagle Gallery.The paintings here were based on visits to Suffolk and have not been exhibited before.Contact Les 01234 782224. lesw.miller@ virgin.net

The Place Theatre hosts a rolling programme of selling exhibitions by members of the Eagle Gallery. Work can be viewed when the venue is open for events or by appointment during office hours.

Running successfully since 2002, Act One Theatre School holds sessions on Saturdays during term time for Juniors, Intermediates and Seniors. As well as offering acting lessons, each year students have the opportunity to enter the Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech and Drama and to study for acting examinations set by the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art – LAMDA.

Contact Sally Hammelev on 07988 762170 or email [email protected] for more information.

Creative Saturdays art workshops are open to all 4 to 13 year olds. Children work with a new theme each week, exploring a wide range of techniques and materials, the changing seasons, the world around us as well as different artists and cultures. Contact Philippa on 07824345042 or email [email protected] for more information. www.creative-days.co.uk



CREATIVE DAYS

ACT ONE THEATRE SCHOOL

SATURDAYS MORNINGS IN TERM TIME

SATURDAY MORNINGS IN TERM TIME

4+

7+


OTHERBOOKING ESSENTIAL

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

COMING UP IN SEPT...


OTHERDATE COMPANY SHOW

30 Aug to 3 Sept Bedford Youth Opera A Little Night Music

4 Sept Goblin Theatre Penguin! Elephant! Goblin!

24 Sept Townsend Productions Dare Devil Rides to Jamara

28 Sept house Nine Lives

30 Sept Peppermint Muse The Colours of Kenny Roach

Tickets for all shows are available online (with no booking fees) from www.theplacebedford.org.uk/ticketsTickets can also be booked by telephone on 01234 354321, call the theatre between 9.30am and 3pm on weekdays, or in person by appointment. We are a very small team and office staff are not always on site.

Concerts at St Andrew’s presents:

15th OctoberBring & Sing -

Brahms Requiem7.30pm (rehearsal 2.30pm)

4th JuneTim Thornton

Quartet7.30pm

3rd DecemberJulian Bliss &

Joseph Middleton 7.30pm

St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Road, Bedford, MK402PF for further details call 01234 216881 or visit www.standrewsbedford.org

Tickets £10/£8/£4 - Under 16s FREE

Concerts Patron: Carolyn Sampson - St Andrew’s Church Registered Charity: 1130171


DIARYDATE COMPANY SHOW

Sun 1 May The Clarion 2 Songs of Struggle

Tue 3 MayLondon Contemporary Theatre

Stig of the Dump

Thur 5 May Folk Nights Blair Dunlop

Fri 6 May Don't Go Into The Cellar Tea With Oscar Wilde

Wed 11 to Sat 14 May Swan Theatre Company Duet for One

Sun 15 May Gonzo Moose Great Scott!

Tue 17 May (SOLD OUT) Rogan's BooksHow to Train Your Dragon: Talk by Cressida Cowell

Thur 19 May Folk Nights Belshazzar's Feast

Wed 25 to Sat 28 May Bedford Drama Company Outside Edge

Mon 30 May The Pantaloons Gulliver's Travels

Tue 31 May Moon On A Stick The Tempest in a Teacup

Fri 3 June La Baracca-Testoni Ragazzi: SPOT

Sat 4 June Logos Theatre Company Hayfever

Sat 11 June Bedford Community Arts Choir Concert with the Wing-It Singers

Thur 16 June El Patio Teatro A Mano

Sun 19 June The Pantaloons The Canterbury Tales

Monday 20 June Bedford Refugee Week FILM: Grow Your Own

Tue 21 June Friends of Bedford Refugees Poetry, Story and Song

Thur 23 to Sat 25 June Certain Age Waiting For Godot

Thur 30 June The BIG House ConcertJonathan Byrd & My Girl The River

Fri 1 and Sat 2 July A-Game Entertainment The Pendulum Swings

Thur 7 July Swings the Thing An evening of Big Band music

Sun 17 July Cultural Aspects The Soul Man

Sat 13 August White Cobra Productions Another Fine Mess

The PlaceTheatre, Bedford May to Aug 2016

Documents

Transcript of The PlaceTheatre, Bedford May to Aug 2016