AUTUMN 2016
•
WHAT’S ON
LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND •
MUSIC
•
DANCE
•
FAMILY SHOWS
The Dead Secrets
THEATRE
centrestagetouring.org.uk
‘TOP QUALITY ENTERTAINMENT… A GOOD NIGHT OUT… THE BEST EVENTS COMING TO A SPACE NEAR YOU.’ THE GUARDIAN The Centre Stage Community Touring Network Leicestershire and Rutland helps volunteer promoter groups bring rural communities together to enjoy highquality, entertaining and affordable professional live theatre, music, dance and family shows at a wide range of community venues, from village hall, to church, to school. Tickets are sold locally. For show information, ticket prices and to book, please call the local promoter directly on the telephone number below each show listing. Ticket prices range from £5 – £12. Many of the shows featured are suitable for family audiences and age recommendations are provided for guidance. Disability access. All venues have a commitment to access for disabled people; many have full access and a range of facilities, and others are working towards this goal. For venue and access information, please visit: liveandlocal.org.uk All brochure details are correct at the time of going to press, but please check the website for any changes. Please note that provision of refreshments varies between venues and some may be unable to serve alcohol. Please check when booking tickets.
CENTRE STAGE E-NEWS: FIND OUT MORE, SIGN-UP TODAY at liveandlocal.org.uk Centre Stage Community Touring Network Leicestershire and Rutland is co-ordinated by Live & Local Ltd., is supported using public funding by Arts Council England and Leicestershire and Rutland local authorities, and is made possible by the support of local volunteer promoter groups.
Live & Local Ltd., Pageant House, 2 Jury Street, Warwick CV34 4EW 01926 402 173 / marketing@liveandlocal.org.uk
THE DEAD SECRETS HICKORY DICKORY MURDER
OPERA DUDES LICENSED TO TRILL Il Divo meets Morecambe and Wise! Blending opera, swing, show songs and good clean 'Carry On' fun, this unique double act is outrageously brilliant, a little bit silly and a whole lot entertaining.
‘Perfect.’ The Times Ages: 7+
Award-winning comedy adventurers gently send up the golden age of detective novels with a delightful improv murder mystery. Brimful with untrustworthy characters, implausible plot twists and unbelievable conclusions all based on suggestions from the audience - this is fast, funny and completely unique to the performance you see. Ages: 10+ Thu 06 Oct 7.30pm Melbourne Assembly Rooms DE73 8GF 01332 863 522
Fri 30 Sep 7.30pm Quorn Village Hall LE12 8BB 01509 414 287 Sat 01 Oct 7.30pm Carlton Scroop & Normanton Village Hall NG32 3AR 01400 251 537
SARAH MOULE FEMMES FATALE: SONGS FOR SCARLET WOMEN With superb torch songs and pithy 'bad girl' stories this is a celebration of the 'fatal woman' in all her feisty glory. A classy set by a stylish voice and piano duo brings life to the 1950s New York late-night club jazz of Cole Porter, Stephen Sondheim, et al.
‘Cool, elegant, immaculate.’ ★★★★★ The Observer
‘Excellent… a fine voice and a great talent.’ BBC Radio 2
RAG MAMA RAG IN CONCERT Classic 1920s and 30s acoustic down-home goodtime blues, ragtime and jug band music by one of Europe's finest country-folk blues duos. Timeless music, in exceptionally full and hard driving performances.
‘Outstanding.’
Ages: 14+
★★★★ Blues in Britain Magazine
Fri 07 Oct 8pm
Ages: 10+
Northwick Arms Hall, Ketton PE9 3TA 01780 720 521
Fri 07 Oct 7.30pm Wymeswold Memorial Hall LE12 6TY 07932 623 005 Sat 15 Oct 7.30pm Flintham Village Hall NG23 5LF 01636 525 454
GREENMATTHEWS THE CANTERBURY TALES Six of Chaucer's best-loved tales, packed with colourful characters and strange situations, from the brooding to the bawdy. Inspired by travelling medieval mystery plays this is a scintillating laughs-a-plenty musicalstorytelling show.
‘The finest body of English writing before Shakespeare.’
PROTEIN DANCE MAY CONTAIN FOOD, MAY CONTAIN YOU Award-winning dance company Protein explores today's foodie culture in a playful yet thought-provoking dance-theatre show. Immersive and imaginative, this is a fast-moving feast for the eyes, mind and ears, with dancers, plates and food weaving around the audience tables.
The Guardian
‘Lip-smacking fusion of song, dance, mime.’
Ages: 12+
★★★★ The Guardian
Sat 08 Oct 7.30pm
You are invited to bring with you some food that you have made, grown or bought something with sentiment that you wish to offer and share.
Colston Bassett Village Hall NG12 3FD
Ages: 12+
GreenMatthews formerly known as Blast From The Past.
01949 81 720 Produced in association with the Rural Touring Dance Initiative (making the best dance happen in small spaces), supported by Arts Council England. May Contain Food, May Contain You is an adaptation of Protein Dance's touring production May Contain Food. Protein Dance is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
Thu 13 Oct 8pm Manton Village Hall LE15 8SU 01572 737 503
ASHLEY HUTCHINGS FROM PSYCHEDELIA TO SONNETS: A LIFE IN WORDS AND MUSIC 'The Guv'nor of British folk-rock' chronicles his extraordinary life and illustrious career through lyrics, poems, writings and song, supported by the superb violinist/singer Ruth Angell (Rainbow Chasers).
‘An inspired work from start to finish, full of fascinating twists and turns. Very English, very essential.’ BBC Music
BADAPPLE THEATRE THE LAST STATION KEEPER A funny, heartfelt new comedy recounting the drama of a village railway station house threatened by the development of a high-speed rail link. Will all the memories locked within its walls be lost? Original, brilliantly executed and engaging, this affecting play explores the perils of modern life as the 21st Century 'need for speed' hits the 'old ways' head on.
Ages: 12+ Fri 14 Oct 7.30pm Century Theatre, Coalville LE67 3LN 01530 278 444
‘The writing is authentic and economical… the respect for the subject is infectious.’ Hull Daily Mail (on Amy Johnson) Ages: 10+ Thu 20 Oct 7.30pm Newton Village Hall CV23 0DU 01788 860 281
THE REMI HARRIS PROJECT IN CONCERT As seen on the BBC Late Night Jamie Cullum Prom 2016. This sensationally gifted guitarist and his superb band perform traditional gypsy jazz and swing, infused with influences from bebop, blues, rock and world music. Seriously good.
‘An incredible guitarist... I'm absolutely blown away by his talent… amazing.’ Jamie Cullum
‘Astonishing... Remi Harris is probably Britain's greatest jazz guitarist to emerge since Martin Taylor.’ BBC Radio 2 Ages: 10+
HOLY MOLY AND THE CRACKERS IN CONCERT This wild and carnivalesque seven-piece from the Bohemian Quarter of Newcastle blurs the boundaries of folk, gypsy and rock music with its truly terrific sound. Mixing powerhouse story-songs with foot-stomping rhythms this band has more than a touch of magic to it.
‘A rousing and captivating sound… a raucous twenty first century hoe-down.’ Yorkshire Times Ages: 10+ Sat 22 Oct 7.30pm Bulkington Community & Conference CV12 9JB 02476 494 094
Sat 22 Oct 7.30pm Wymondham Village Hall LE14 2AB 01572 787 247
PENTABUS THEATRE HERE I BELONG A thoughtful, compelling and charming portrayal of 60 years of village life seen through the eyes of one village resident, from youth to the fight to stay in her home in old age. A thoroughly engaging performance by an absolutely fantastic 'new writing' company.
‘One of British theatre's unsung treasures… superb touring shows.’ The Guardian
A FISTFUL OF SPOOKIES Glorious close harmony singing and plenty of swagger from this pint sized version of the world-wide hit male choir The Spooky Men's Chorale. One of the funniest bands ever; hugely entertaining.
‘Silly, thoughtful and in perfect harmony… (mixing) deadpan comedy with sophisticated a capella harmonies… the results are unexpected, charming and very funny.’ The Guardian
Ages: 14+ Pentabus Theatre is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
Wed 26 Oct 7.30pm
‘Inspired. A fantastic night out is guaranteed!’ BBC Radio 2 Ages: 12+
West Deeping Village Hall PE6 9HP
Fri 28 Oct 7.30pm
01778 380 197
Countesthorpe Village Hall LE8 5TB 07531 440 365
FARNHAM MALTINGS THEATRE / BUCKET CLUB LAUNCH PARTY Attend a 'leaving do' with a difference: for a sister who is journeying into outer space. A playful and lovable new show - with live music and buckets of charm - about family and space exploration, by a multi award-winning young theatre company. ★★★★ The Scotsman ★★★★ The Stage
‘Wry, offbeat humour, live music and a wonderfully idiosyncratic, often haunting soundscape.’ The Guardian (on Bucket Club's Lorraine & Alan)
TRAVELLING BY TUBA FAREWELL TOUR This multi-instrument extravaganza by one of the UK's most successful classical music duos mixes wonderful musicianship, sheer silliness and cheeky audience rapport in a set packed full of quirky musical gems ranging from classical to jazz. Exhilarating and utterly irresistible.
‘Experts who really get their enjoyment of music across.’ The Times
Ages: 8+ Ages: 6+ Farnham Maltings is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
Fri 11 Nov 7.30pm Wymeswold Memorial Hall LE12 6TY
Sun 30 Oct 7.30pm
07932 623 005
Twyford Village Hall LE14 2HU 01664 840 774
Fri 25 Nov 7.30pm Humphrey Perkins Community Centre LE12 8JU 07718 153 117
LEICESTERSHIRE & RUT
•• COLSTON •
KEGWORTH • • Kingston • Upper Broughton
•
• MELBOURNE • Long Whatton • Wymeswold • Belton
•
• THRINGSTONE
• Grim
LOUGHBOROUGH
•
•• BARROW UPON SOAR •
• QUORN
•• COALVILLE • Queniborough
•• TW LEICESTER
• •• LEICESTER FOREST EAST • Atherstone
•• COUNTESTHORPE •
HINKLEY
MARKET H
•• BULKINGTON Barnacle•
•
• Shilton
• Newton
Centre Stage is supported by:
TLAND • Aslockton
BASSETT
MELTON MOWBRAY
•
mston
• Braceborough • Swayfield • Wymondham
• Cottesmore
YFORD
HARBOUR
RUTLAND • West Deeping • Uffington • Manton • South Luffenham
MINIMA: SILENT FILM & LIVE MUSIC THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Spellbinding live music accompaniment turns this fast-moving, 'ultra-fantastic melodrama' (New York Times) - one of the great classics of American silent film - into an atmospheric and gripping emotional experience.
‘A superbly sinister live score by the soundtrack group Minima.’ Financial Times
‘One of the coolest events… Minima sound unmistakably modern, but capture the film's disturbing mood perfectly.’
AMADOU DIAGNE & GROUP YAKAR IN CONCERT A colourful, energetic and highly original musical mix of the traditional and new, Western and West African from a charismatic Senegalese singer-guitarist and some of the UK's top world-musicians. From joyous, up-tempo numbers to soaring hearttugging ballads, this is a startlingly good show.
‘Sensational!’ fRoots Magazine ★★★★ Financial Times ★★★★ Songlines Magazine Ages: 5+ Supported by Live & Local Friends.
The Telegraph Sat 12 Nov 7.30pm Ages: 10+ Fri 11 Nov 7.30pm Quorn Village Hall LE12 8BB 01509 414 287
Thringstone House, Thringstone LE67 8NR 01530 222 337
NEW PERSPECTIVES THEATRE OH WHISTLE AND I'LL COME TO YOU
ANONYMOUS IS A WOMAN THINK OF ENGLAND A rousing, thought-provoking immersive play of two young ladies travelling the country hosting tea dances for RAF fighter pilots during WW2, and of their real purpose; sending the men off to fight having experienced all of life's pleasures.
‘Excavates women's stories with spirit and invention.’ The Guardian Ages: 12+
A gripping Christmas chiller based on M R James's classic Edwardian ghost story in which the chance find of an ancient whistle with a soul-stirring inscription unleashes a terrifying supernatural encounter. Mesmerising from start to finish.
‘Smart performances... haunting music... a chilling presence.’ The Stage (on Watching The Living) Ages: 10+ Thu 17 Nov 7.30pm Century Theatre, Coalville LE67 3LN 01530 278 444
Produced in association with the Live & Local DART programme (developing artists for rural touring), and with Community Touring Network promoters in East and West Midlands. Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
Sat 12 Nov 7.30pm
Thu 01 Dec 7.30pm Melbourne Assembly Rooms DE73 8GF 01332 863 522 Tue 06 Dec 7.30pm South Luffenham Village Hall LE15 8NW
Leicester Forest East Parish Hall LE3 3JD
01780 720 687
01162 392 198
Cottesmore Village Hall LE15 7DH
Thu 08 Dec 7.30pm
01572 812 350 Fri 09 Dec 7.30pm Thomas Cranmer Centre, Aslockton NG13 9AL 01949 850 600
JEZ LOWE SONGS FROM THE RADIO BALLADS Poignant, powerful and evocative narrative folk songs - real stories of real people by a 2015 BBC Folk Awards double nominee (best singer, best new song), as featured on BBC Radio 2's landmark Radio Ballads series.
'Jez Lowe is one of our finest songwriters.’ BBC Radio 2 Ages: 10+
ARLETTY THEATRE SWAN CANARIES Award-winning, innovative music theatre, at turns funny and thought-provoking, telling the fateful story of the 1918 Chilwell munitions factory explosion. A masterful snapshot of the extraordinary lives of four ordinary women during the Great War; of sisterly love and family secrets, of camaraderie and conflict. Ages: 8+ Swan Canaries is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
Thu 17 Nov 8pm Braceborough Village Hall PE9 4NT 01778 560 417
Fri 25 Nov 7.30pm Countesthorpe Village Hall LE8 5TB 07531 440 365 Sun 27 Nov 7.30pm The Old School, Cropwell Bishop NG12 3BU 01159 894 656
TANGRAM THEATRE THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES…
CENTRIC THEATRE GIANTS ON THE HILL A quirky and engaging new play set against the backdrop of the energy crisis and exploring its political and personal impact on a rural community. The clever use of live sound effects and soundscapes, and onstage pedal power electricity generation, underpin an unusually inventive show. Ages: 10+ Produced in association with the Live & Local DART programme (developing artists for rural touring), and with Community Touring Network promoters in the East Midlands. Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
This uproarious, critically acclaimed one-man musical comedy tells of Charles Darwin's revolutionary discovery of the secrets of evolution. Packed with fascinating scientific facts, terrible puns, brilliant physical comedy and witty original songs, this is an absolutely charming load of monkey business.
‘Remarkably inventive, thoroughly entertaining… 19th century science can rarely have been so fascinating and never so much fun.’ The Stage: A Must See Show Ages: 11+ Fri 02 Dec 7.30pm
Sat 26 Nov 7.30pm
Rutland County Museum, Oakham LE15 6HW
Long Whatton Community Centre LE12 5DB
01572 723 393
01509 646 413 Sun 27 Nov 7.30pm Queniborough Village Hall LE7 3DH 01162 698 256
MAMBO JAMBO IN CONCERT Musical sunshine from a multi-talented, multiinstrumental acoustic roots duo: an upbeat, feel-good concert mixing sounds and styles from around the world with wonderful banter and a great stage presence.
‘An extremely listenable criss-crossing of world music boundaries… nice!’
JEZ LOWE & THE BAD PENNIES SNOWED IN Musical Christmas cheer from Geordieland with double BBC Folk Awards 2015 nominee Jez Lowe and his terrific band. Part folk concert, part musichall revue, this is a warm, rousing festive show of great songs, excellent performances, and entertaining chat.
fRoots Magazine
‘One of the hottest acts around.’
Ages: 6+
The Telegraph
Sat 03 Dec 7.30pm
Ages: 10+
Grimston Village Hall LE14 3BZ 01664 812 696
Wed 07 Dec 7.30pm Belton Village Hall LE12 9TU 01530 222 897
TIM KLIPHUIS TRIO GOES GRAPPELLI This award-winning Dutch jazz violinist is seen by many as the inheritor of jazz violin legend Stéphane Grappelli's crown. Here, his trio, now in their 10th year, bring their compelling interplay to Grappelli's highenergy gypsy swing and jazzed-up classical tunes.
‘Playfully inventive and technically brilliant.’ ★★★★ The Scotsman
‘The music of Grappelli is alive and well in the hands of Tim Kliphuis and his musicians.’
BADAPPLE THEATRE THE ELVES AND THE CARPENTER Who will help Santa as crisis hits Christmas toy making time. Not the Elves, they've not been seen since last year when they packed their cases and headed off. A whirlwind journey ensues as Mrs. Claus tries to wrestle victory from defeat. A feel-good comedy alternative to a classic panto, making good use of the magic of puppetry, physical theatre and the songs of BBC Folk Awards 2015 nominee Jez Lowe to delight family audiences. Ages: 5+
Nigel Kennedy Sat 10 Dec 4pm Ages: 10+
Colston Bassett Village Hall NG12 3FD
Supported by Live & Local Friends.
01949 81 720
Thu 08 Dec 7.30pm Barnacle Village Hall CV7 9LD 02476 619 126 Fri 09 Dec 7.30pm Owen Street Community Arts Centre, Atherstone CV9 1DG 01827 713 634 Sat 10 Dec 7.30pm Quorn Village Hall LE12 8BB 01509 414 287
Sun 11 Dec 2pm Upper Broughton Village Hall LE14 3BA 01664 823 165
SHOOSHOOBABY'S CHRISTMAS PARTY
BOX TALE SOUP ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND
Cabaret Pick. The Independent With heaps of musical wit and superb harmonies, this effortlessly funny double act (and their pianist) host an unashamedly sparkly Christmas party, with new arrangements of well-known songs and gorgeous unknown vintage gems. Such fun.
‘Totally enjoyable.’ ★★★★ The Scotsman
‘Clever, entertaining and delicious! The audience had a ball.’ The Stage
Alice's remarkable journey to a strange world as re-imaged by fantastic performances, masterful puppetry, a beautiful set that unfolds from a vintage trunk and magical original music. An endlessly enjoyable take on Lewis Carroll's wellloved tale for children and adults alike, as wonderful as any wonderland could be.
‘Loaded with charm... ingenious.’ The Stage
‘I was completely mesmerised by this enchanting production.’ Joanna Lumley
Ages: 9+ Ages: 4+ Sun 11 Dec 7.30pm Thringstone House, Thringstone LE67 8NR
Fri 16 Dec 7.30pm
01530 222 337
01509 673 138
Kegworth Village Hall DE74 2FH
BECOME A FRIEND TODAY We have three levels of membership with varying benefits to each level, as outlined below:
Membership Options Silver (£20) Thank-you on our website and in our e-newsletters; 1 x Buy One Get One Free Ticket Voucher; regular Friends' Newsletters.
Gold (£45) Thank-you on our website and in our e-newsletters; 2 x Buy One Get One Free Ticket Vouchers; regular Friends' Newsletters; advance season mailings; invitations to Showcase Events; membership of our 'Go And See' (GAS) talent scouting scheme.
Platinum (£75) Thank-you on our website and in our e-newsletters; 3 x Buy One Get One Free Ticket Vouchers; regular Friends' Newsletters; advance season mailings; invitations to Showcase Events; membership of our 'Go And See' (GAS) talent scouting scheme; a free gift; Curated Programming; other occasional special events, invites and benefits. All prices inclusive of VAT For more information or to become a Friend visit liveandlocal.org.uk or choose a membership option, complete the form below and return to us with a cheque for the correct amount made payable to Live & Local Ltd. You will then receive a welcome pack in the post.
Name Address
Postcode Telephone Email
Please return to Live & Local Ltd., Pageant House, 2 Jury Street, Warwick CV34 4EW
‘SEEING SHOWS IN MY LOCAL CHURCH HALL HAS BECOME A HUGELY IMPORTANT PART OF MY LIFE. I DONATE TO LIVE & LOCAL AS A SMALL WAY OF SAYING ‘THANK YOU’ FOR THE PLEASURE I’VE RECEIVED OVER MANY YEARS OF SHOWS TOURING TO MY COMMUNITY.’ DAVID HOWE, LIVE & LOCAL FRIEND BECOME A LIVE & LOCAL FRIEND TODAY. A little support makes a big difference. Our supporters are a crucial part of Live & Local Community Touring Networks. They enable us to continue doing what we love; helping local people bring entertaining and original performances to the heart of their communities. They ensure that we can tour outstanding international performers and that shows reach and enthuse the widest possible audiences. Join us and get involved in our work by supporting the seven Live & Local Community Touring Networks: Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. SUPPORT THE ARTS YOU LOVE AND HELP SECURE COMMUNITY AND RURAL TOURING FOR GENERATIONS TO COME Live & Local Ltd., Pageant House, 2 Jury Street, Warwick CV34 4EW 01926 402 173 / marketing@liveandlocal.org.uk