SPRING 2017
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WHAT’S ON
WORCESTERSHIRE THEATRE
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MUSIC
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DANCE
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FAMILY SHOWS
shindig.org.uk
‘TOP QUALITY ENTERTAINMENT… A GOOD NIGHT OUT… THE BEST EVENTS COMING TO A SPACE NEAR YOU.’ THE GUARDIAN The Shindig Community Touring Network Worcestershire helps volunteer promoter groups bring rural communities together to enjoy high-quality, entertaining and affordable professional live theatre, music, dance and family shows at a wide range of community venues, from village halls, to churches, to schools. 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 £7 - £11. 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 print, 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.
SHINDIG E-NEWS: FIND OUT MORE, SIGN-UP TODAY at liveandlocal.org.uk Shindig Community Touring Network Worcestershire is co-ordinated by Live & Local Ltd., is supported using public funding by Arts Council England and Worcestershire 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 AFTER HOURS QUINTET IN CONCERT A superb night of beautiful, good-time vintage jazz evoking the speakeasy sounds of the Roaring 20's, and ranging from irresistible Django Reinhardt hot-jazz to Duke Ellington swing classics. Ages: 10+ Sat 21 Jan 7.30pm Ashton under Hill Village Hall WR11 7SW 01386 881 416
OPERA DUDES MISSION IMPROBABLE No ordinary double act, this wonderful duo rip up the rule book with a classy mix of opera, swing, show tunes and slapstick humour. Bringing formidable voices and a great deal of self-deprecating charm to a truly eclectic repertoire ranging from Verdi to Elvis, this is a gem of entertainment.
‘Conspicuously skilful performers… exhilarating.’ The Guardian Ages: 7+ Sat 21 Jan 7.30pm Church Lench Village Hall WR11 4UE 01386 870 794 Sat 01 Apr 7.30pm Ashton under Hill Village Hall WR11 7SW 01386 881 416
ROVING CROWS IN CONCERT Best Live Act, Spiral Earth Music Awards 2014 The next folk-rock supergroup in waiting, this Anglo-Irish band boasts uncommonly exhilarating music, filled brimful with inspired lyrics and rollicking melodies. Its powerful, high-energy live shows make this an utterly fantastic must-see act. ★★★★ Financial Times
‘Just pure musical energy. Tight rhythms, great on-stage personality, proper up-on-the-tableskicking-over-the-beerglasses fun-time music… genuinely the next big thing on the folk scene.’ BBC Music Ages: 10+
SCARY LITTLE GIRLS SORRY I HAVEN'T A MINUTE A fast moving, delightfully bonkers comedy cabaret tribute to local radio, packed with outrageously funny media mockery (and some superb slapstick). With the audience playfully invited to join the action - live sound effects, taste test vox pops and 'on-air' phone-in blather - this smart spoof is a sparkling crowd pleaser.
‘This easy going show is daft, enjoyable and fun.’ The Scotsman
‘Scary Little Girls …stars of rural touring.’ The Guardian
‘Powerful theatre… compelling.’ Metro Ages: 12+
Thu 26 Jan 7.30pm Bishops Wood Centre, Crossway Green DY13 9SE 01299 250 513
Sat 28 Jan 7.30pm Worcester Arts Workshop WR1 1UH 01905 25 053
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
‘Something special.’ Classical Music Magazine Ages: 6+
MSFITS THEATRE FUR COAT & MAGIC KNICKERS This genuinely delightful one-actor three-characters comedy-drama brings together a compulsive shopper, a personal shopper and a reluctant shopper to brilliant effect, with the hilarious script - by prizewinning Scottish writer Rona Munro and chameleonesque performance - by awardwinning actor Fiona Knowles each allowing the other to shine. Intimate, moving and very, very funny.
‘The dialogue is vivid, the storytelling keen.’ The Guardian Ages: 12+
Sun 29 Jan 7pm St George's Church, Barbourne, Worcester WR1 1HX 01905 759 702
Thu 09 Feb 7.30pm Chaddesley Corbett Primary School, Lower Chaddesley DY10 4QN 01562 777 312
A FISTFUL OF SPOOKIES IN CONCERT
SYNERGY AIRE FLAMENCO
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.
A vibrant evening of warm and spirited Spanish music, with this skilled trio's finger-flying guitar solos, driving rhythms and passionate vocals whisking you away to the gypsy flamenco caves of Andalucia.
‘Silly, thoughtful and in perfect harmony… (mixing) deadpan comedy with sophisticated a capella harmonies… the results are unexpected, charming and very funny.’
Ages: 14+
The Guardian
‘Inspired. A fantastic night out is guaranteed!’ BBC Radio 2 Ages: 12+ Sat 11 Feb 7.30pm Feckenham Village Hall B96 6HN 0333 666 3366
Sat 11 Feb 7.30pm Clows Top Victory Hall DY14 9HG 07788 604 542
KIMBER'S MEN STILL SINGING UP A STORM As seen on BBC Four's Shanties and Sea Songs with Gareth Malone. This rousing Yorkshire malevoice shanty group performs a riot of colourful sea songs, nautical ballads and spirited broadsides with full-tilt enthusiasm and praiseworthy gutsiness. An assured, sumptuous, and suitably stirring set celebrating the spirit of the sea. Ages: 7+ Sat 11 Feb 8pm St Swithun's Hall, Trinity, Worcester WR1 2PN 01299 250 569
SHIFTING SANDS THEATRE THE KING LEAR Giving a modern comedic twist to Shakespeare's popular tragedy, this acclaimed clown theatre sets the action in a pub in the here and now, with pub landlord as king. A compellingly inventive retelling mixing slapstick and pathos with warm humour, this is a marvellously fun night.
‘Wonderful.’ Time Out Ages: 10+
Sat 04 Mar 7pm Bockleton Parish Hall, Tenbury Wells WR15 8PX 01568 750 414 Sat 25 Mar 6.30pm Fairfield Village Hall B61 9LZ 01527 836 713
The King Lear is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Thu 23 Feb 7pm St Swithun's Hall, Trinity, Worcester WR1 2PN 07833 087 718 Sun 26 Feb 7.30pm Bishampton Villages Hall WR10 2LY 01386 462 306
MAMBO JAMBO IN CONCERT
PENTABUS THEATRE AS THE CROW FLIES
Musical sunshine from a multi-talented, multi-instrumental acoustic roots duo: an upbeat, feel-good concert mixing sounds and styles from around the world with wonderful banter and a great stage presence.
Pentabus has a superb track record of punching above its weight with its touring shows, and sustains its brilliant reputation here with a heartwarming true story of an unlikely friendship between a dispirited divorcée and a wounded crow. With a smart script by award-winning playwright Hattie Naylor (Royal Exchange Theatre, BBC Radio 4), faultless performances and bewitching original music and songs by Dom Coyote (Kneehigh, National Theatre) this is thought provoking, darkly humorous and truly engaging entertainment.
‘An extremely listenable criss-crossing of world music boundaries… nice!’ fRoots Magazine
‘Absolutely tremendous! Really brilliant sound; so uplifting!’ BBC Radio Derby
★★★★ The Guardian
Ages: 6+
★★★★ Time Out
Sat 11 Mar 7.30pm
Ages: 12+
Bentley Village Hall B97 5TB 01527 542 015
Produced in association with the Live & Local DART programme (developing artists for rural touring), with Community Touring Network promoters in the Midlands, and with Salisbury Playhouse.
Sat 11 Mar 7.30pm Wyre Piddle Village Hall WR10 2HR 01386 550 136
KEL ELLIOTT & HER THREE MAN ORCHESTRA TRUTH AND TALL TALES
THE BUDAPEST CAFE ORCHESTRA IN CONCERT
As seen at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival BBC Introducing stage, with Jamie Cullum and Jo Whiley.
Infectious and impassioned Eastern European gypsy folk, heart-rending ballads and fiery dances delivered by a quartet of Britain's most revered international musicians, as nattily behatted as befits any strolling gypsy band.
Uplifting, genre-leaping songs from a rousing quartet led by a sassy double-bass playing singer-songwriter with a rich and powerful voice. Quality live music by rising stars championed by Grammy award-winning jazz-pop artist Jamie Cullum. Everyone goes home happy.
‘Brilliant.’ Madeleine Peyroux (BBC Jazz Awards Best International Artist) Ages: 12+ Sat 18 Mar 7.30pm Trinity Centre, Lickey B45 8ES 01214 477 455 Thu 23 Mar 8pm Worcester Arts Workshop WR1 UH 01905 25 053
★★★★ The Herald ★★★★ The Scotsman
‘The fiery vivacity and awe-inspiring musicianship leaves you with a grin on your face and rhythm in your feet.’ The Times Ages: 7+ Wed 22 Mar 7.30pm University of Worcester: St John's Campus WR2 6AJ 01905 544 444 Tue 04 Apr 7.30pm Number 8 Arts Centre, Pershore WR10 1BG 01386 555 488
• Cookley BEWDLEY
•KIDDERMIN
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Chaddesley Clows Top•
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STOURPORT• • Hartlebury Heightington • Crossway Green
TENBURY WELLS •Eastham Great Witley• •
•Shrawley
•Bockleton
Ombersley DR • • Stoke Bliss & Kyre
• Barb
Worcester
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Leigh Sinton• • Bransford
•MALVERN
Cowleigh•
UPTON UPON SEVERN
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• Castlemorton
WORCESTERSHIRE •Clent
NSTER
• Lickey
y Corbett •
• Fairfield
-ON-SEVERN
ROITWICH
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• Barnt Green
•BROMSGROVE •REDDITCH
Bentley • Headless Cross• • Feckenham
bourne
Crowle •
•Rous Lench
Preston on Stour•
• Church Lench •Bishampton •Wyre Piddle PERSHORE
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•EVESHAM •Bretforton •Ashton under Hill
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BROADWAY
Shindig is supported by:
PEACOCK ANGELL TRIO IN CONCERT A superb set of wonderfully eclectic music coloured by country, blues, jazz and folk. The beautiful vocals and spirited fiddle of Ruth Angell – best-known as a member of Ashley Hutchings' Rainbow Chasers – are matched all the way by the dextrous guitar of Sid Peacock and Steve Tromans' thrilling piano. ★★★★ Financial Times
‘A storming set… mesmeric.’ BBC Music
‘Absolutely amazing… scintillating.’ Maverick Magazine
IAN MCMILLAN AND LUKE CARVER GOSS WORDS, MUSIC, GLEE & DELIGHT A terrific evening of entertainment, pitting the Bard of Barnsley's rip-roaring poetry and stand-up repartee against the big sound worlds of multi-instrumentalist Goss. Without doubt the funniest, quirkiest, sharpest improv musical-comedy show.
‘Unmissable.’ Daily Express
Ages: 12+
‘Fabulous.’ Fri 24 Mar 7.30pm
BBC Radio 3 Late Junction
St George's Hall, Bewdley DY12 2EQ
Ages: 10+
01299 400 110 Fri 24 Mar 8pm Ombersley Memorial Hall WR9 0DY 01905 356 608
BADAPPLE THEATRE EDDIE AND THE GOLD TOPS
TAYO ALUKO & FRIENDS CALL MR. ROBESON. A LIFE, WITH SONGS
A masterclass in musicalcomedy, this joyous, nostalgic, feel-good tale follows the meteoric rise of a hard-working village milkman to stardom during the 1963 pop revolution. Chronicled with wit and invention, and with enjoyably stylish original songs and music by BBC Folk Awards nominee Jez Lowe, this charming show is sprinkled with irresistibly funny satire and delivered with a knowing wink.
This compelling and awardwinning one-man (and pianist) show pays tribute to the dramatic life and songs of the legendary black American actor, singer and civil rights activist Paul Robeson. A remarkable and moving piece of musical-theatre: high quality drama, first class singing.
‘Extremely funny.’ The Stage
★★★★
‘First-rate… an admirable introduction to a great pioneering performer.’ The Guardian
Ages: 10+
‘Moving… perfect… fascinating… intense.’
Thu 30 Mar 7.30pm
Yorkshire Post
St Michaels Village Hall, Tenbury Wells WR15 8TG
‘Quietly compelling.’
01584 811 853
The Stage Ages: 12+ Sat 01 Apr 8pm Rous Lench Village Hall, Evesham WR11 4UN 01386 793 590
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.’ The Telegraph
‘Acclaimed soundscapers Minima provide a superlative soundtrack.’ Time Out Ages: 10+ Sat 01 Apr 8pm Clent Parish Hall DY9 9QT 01562 886 013 Sat 06 May 7.30pm St Peter's Church, Cowleigh, Malvern WR14 1QP 01684 438 692
RABBIT THEATRE THE ODYSSEY
ARLETTY THEATRE QUILTER AND THE GHOST
A hugely enjoyable solo show performed by an immensely talented actor (and first class fool). David Mynne (Kneehigh Theatre) delightfully brings Homer's epic poem to life, with great skill, outstanding comic timing, brilliant selfmade sound effects and a handful of home-made props. A superb show; charming, funny, beautifully told.
Warm, nostalgic musicaltheatre (with lovely, emotive folk songs and well-crafted storytelling) of a reclusive hoarder and her strange but sweet ghost, who together in their ramshackle home collect real stories of strong and inspiring women lest they be lost to history. A glorious patchwork story-quilt forms the colourful backdrop to the play, each fragment of fabric a remembered life, some truly affecting and powerful. An extraordinary, comic and compelling modern fairytale.
‘A terrific blend of mesmerising acting and delightfully daft drama… faultless.’ Derby Telegraph
Ages: 10+
Ages: 12+ Sun 02 Apr 8pm The Odyssey is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Sat 01 Apr 7.30pm Malvern Cube WR14 2YF 01684 572 072
The Fleece Inn, Bretforton WR11 7JE 01386 831 173
ZOE GILBY QUARTET IN CONCERT This nationally-renowned, immensely talented and spirited jazz vocalist is joined by her commanding band for an adventurous blend of new music, familiar classics and contemporary covers. An evening of sheer enjoyment.
‘Excellent.’ Courtney Pine, BBC Radio 2
‘Sparkling… an exuberant singer whose lively personality comes across on every song.’
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-drummer and some of the UK's top world-musicians. From joyous, up-tempo numbers to soaring heart-tugging ballads, this is a startlingly good show.
‘Sensational!’ fRoots Magazine ★★★★ Financial Times
Jazz UK
★★★★ Songlines Magazine
Ages: 15+
Ages: 5+
Sat 08 Apr 7.30pm
Supported by Live & Local Friends.
Clows Top Victory Hall DY14 9HG
Sat 29 Apr 8pm
07788 604 542
Worcester Arts Workshop WR1 1UH 01905 25 053
MARTIN HARLEY IN CONCERT An 'awesome' (BBC Radio 2) solo acoustic performance by a supremely talented roots blues singer-songwriter with a burgeoning global reputation. A slide guitar master and devotee to the music of yesteryear's Mississippi Delta troubadours, Harley is quite simply a great live act. ★★★★ Classic Rock Magazine
‘Intricate playing yoked to passionate vocals… spellbinding.’ The Observer Ages: 10+ Sun 30 Apr 8pm St Swithun's Hall, Trinity, Worcester WR1 2PN 01299 250 569 Fri 26 May 7.30pm Clows Top Victory Hall DY14 9HG 07788 604 542 Sat 27 May 7.30pm St Andrew's Church Parish Centre, Barnt Green B45 8NR 01214 477 455
BOB FOX WARHORSE IN SONG Stunning music from the multi-award winning smash hit adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's War Horse by the West End show's 'songman'. A northern folk music legend and one of the finest exponents of storytelling through song, this twice nominated BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Singer Of The Year couples a magnificent voice, virtuoso guitar and lovely melodeon work to gorgeous Class A songs. ★★★★★ Manchester Evening News
‘Astonishing guitar technique coupled with one of England's finest voices.’ Ralph McTell Ages: 14+ Fri 05 May 7.30pm Heightington Village Hall DY12 2XU 01299 822 987
THE DEAD SECRETS HICKORY DICKORY MURDER 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 a fast, funny and completely unique performance every time.
‘Surrender to the madness.’ The List Ages: 10+ Sat 06 May 6.30pm Fairfield Village Hall B61 9LZ 01527 836 713
SPITZ & CO. GLORIATOR The Oscar-winning Hollywood blockbuster Gladiator re-imagined on a shoestring, with just two actors and everything made of cardboard. A beautifully bonkers and gloriously witty knockabout comedy by a wonderful French / English duo. So so funny. And clever. And silly. A triumph in cardboard.
‘A great show by a hysterical female double act… catch them now before they are selling out at the Albert Hall.’ Mel Giedroyc, Woman's Weekly Magazine
‘Immaculate comic timing… riotous slapstick and very funny sight gags.’ The Stage Ages: 8+ Gloriator is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Sun 14 May 7.30pm Clent Parish Hall DY9 9QT 01562 886 013
BECOME A FRIEND TODAY We have three levels of membership with varying benefits to each level, as outlined below:
Annual 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: join online at liveandlocal.org.uk or choose a membership option above, 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