Luton Culture Venues // The Hat Factory Arts Centre / Stockwood Discovery Centre Wardown House, Museum and Gallery / Luton Library Theatre / Libraries
WHAT’S ON MAY - AUGUST 2017
Box Office 01582 878 100 www.lutonculture.com
Hello and welcome to our SUMMER season guide
Luton Culture We are an arts and cultural charity based in Luton, and we provide amazing arts activities, free museums, libraries, historic house and gardens, and creative workspaces. We develop and present events, theatre shows, festivals, films, story-telling, clubs, exhibitions, public art and much more to entertain and inspire you. We also invite you to enjoy our fantastic cafés, shops and meeting rooms to soak up the atmosphere of our cultural venues. We welcome you, your family and your friends to enjoy our cultural venues which are all free to enter thanks to funding from London Luton Airport Limited, who also help fund our open access arts and cultural programmes and museums.
Stockwood Discovery Centre
Thousands of visitors enjoy these gorgeous gardens and fascinating museum collections all year round. Look out for the LEGO® exhibition Wonders of the World, family dance show The Rose and the Bulbul and our annual Steam Fair. We also provide a seasonal menu at the light and airy Garden Café, a play area for children to explore, and a lovely shop with very special gifts and treats. Wardown House, Museum and Gallery
www.lutonculture.com
After Wardown Park Museum was closed for redevelopment in March 2016, we are excited to announce it has now reopened under the new name Wardown House, Museum and Gallery. Now a fully immersive museum experience we invite you to gain an insight into a wealthy family home during the Victorian period. You can find out more about the redevelopment on pages 14 & 15. Stockwood Discovery Centre and Wardown House, Museum and Gallery are open seven days a week, from 10am - 5pm during summer season and 10am - 4pm during winter season. They are free entry and have free car parking. 2
The Hat Factory Arts Centre
Libraries
We host a vibrant and diverse arts programme in our historic hat factory building in Luton’s Cultural Quarter. From theatre and music, to comedy and film there’s something for everyone to enjoy, all just a short stroll from Luton train station, the Central Library and The Mall Shopping Centre. Connors Café Bar, The Hat Factory’s contemporary café bar is also run by Luton Culture and has a relaxed vibe that’s just right.
Luton’s central and local libraries offer a wide range of books and information resources, a quiet place to study or enjoy regular free activities for adults and children. Rhyme Time sessions are a great way to have fun and enjoy sing-a-long activities with your little ones. There is always something going on in your library, new books to read and help on hand to access information. We deliver Luton’s library services on behalf of Luton Borough Council.
Luton Library Theatre
Luton Culture is a charity, so every penny you spend buying tickets, hiring our spaces, and using our cafés and bars, goes straight back into developing vibrant arts and culture events. We value your donations too – when you drop your money in our charity boxes every penny, pound and note goes towards providing more free arts and cultural activities.
We also have a theatre in the Central Library which we programme with lots of family friendly shows, as well as theatre, music and comedy for adults. Be sure to keep your eye on our website for the latest releases. Tickets go very quickly for our popular shows.
A massive thank you from all the Luton Culture team.
It’s easy to book tickets for all our events at www.lutonculture.com. You can also visit the box office at The Hat Factory or call us on 01582 878 100. Whichever way you choose to book, we won’t charge booking fees.
See page 27 for details of our venues, libraries and library access points. Box Office 01582 878 100
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www.lutonculture.com
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WHAT’S ON AT A GLANCE MAY
PERFORMANCE SUN 2 APR - MON 19 JUN
BEYOND BORDERS
EXHIBITION
POP!
FAMILY 18
FRI 5 MAY
TEZ ILYAS: MADE IN BRITAIN
COMEDY
6
MUSIC IN THE MUSEUM
MUSIC
14
GODS AND MORTALS
DANCE
6
THE TAP DANCING MERMAID
FAMILY
18
NāCA FILM PREMIERE
FILM
10
DEMENTIA AWARENESS WEEK
WORKSHOP
25
WHERE IS HOME?
DANCE
6
MON 1 MAY
SUN 7 MAY - SUN 2 JUL SUN 7 MAY
SAT 13 MAY SAT 13 MAY
Sun 14 - Sat 20 May THU 18 MAY
SAT 20 MAY
REDISCOVERED
SAT 20 MAY - SAT 15 Jul TALES FROM THE SHED SAT 20 MAY & SAT 19 AUG KNOCK KNOCK SUN 21 MAY THU 25 MAY THU 25 MAY
FRI 26 & SAT 27 MAY SAT 27 MAY
MoN 29 MAY TUE 30 MAY
WED 31 MAY
25
FAMILY 18 FAMILY
18
SPOKEN WORD 6
STEAM FAIR
FAMILY
19
THE SEVENTH SEAL
FILM
11
THE HAT FACTORY PUB QUIZ
12
TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC BALLET
FAMILY
19
BURTON
THEATRE 7
TALES FROM THE TREES
FAMILY
19
CURIOUS CREATURES
FAMILY
19
THE THREE MUSKETEERS
FAMILY
20
JUN THU 1 JUN FRI 2 JUN
SAT 3 JUN SAT 3 JUN
SUN 4 JUN
MON 5 - FRI 9 JUN THU 8 JUN
SAT 10 JUN
THU 15 JUN
THU 15 JUN THU 22 JUN
SUN 25 JUN THU 29 JUN
FRI 30 JUN - SAT 8 JUL 4
UTTER! LUTONIA 15
SPOKEN WORD 7
THE ODYSSEY (GREEK STUFF!)
THEATRE
7
KING HAMMOND
MUSIC
7
PHONICS WORKSHOP
FAMILY
20
LOVE AND SPICE
DANCE
8
BOOKSTART WEEK – LET’S EXPLORE!
FAMILY
20
A DAY IN THE LIVES OF FRANKIE ABBOTT THEATRE
8
DAME NATURE
THEATRE
8
Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday
FAMILY
20
CINEMA PARADISO
FILM
11
DELHI 2 DUBLIN
MUSIC
8
DAS BOOT
FILM
11
‘AS YOU CHANGE SO DO I’ EVENT
PUBLIC ART
LUTONIA
FESTIVAL
13 16
JUL SUN 2 JUL SAT 8 JUL
THU 13 JUL FRI 14 JUL
FRI 14 & SAT 15 JUL
SAT 15 JUL - SAT 9 SEP TUE 18 JUL SAT 22 JUL
FREEDOM’S FIRE
DANCE
9
FERGAL FLY, PRIVATE EYE WORKSHOPS
FAMILY
21
CONFABULATION
THEATRE 9
AN EVENING WITH ROBIN ASKWITH
TALK
9
THE ROSE AND THE BULBUL
DANCE
9
SUMMER READING CHALLENGE 2017
FAMILY
17
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
THEATRE
10
THE SWITCH
THEATRE
10
Exhibition
25
SAT 22 JUL - SUN 3 SEP LEGO®: BRICK WONDERS
TUE 25 JUL & TUE 22 AUG THEATRE IN MUSEUMS: THE CURATOR TUE 25 - THU 27 JUL FRI 28 & SAT 29 JUL SAT 29 JUL
Sat 29 Jul
FAMILY
21
STORY TIME WITH DOGS TRUST
FAMILY
21
THE SEA SHOW
FAMILY
21
Animal Agents and the giant whale
FAMILY
17
WARDOWN BIG SUMMER
FAMILY
22
FAMILY
24
THE DETECTIVE DOG AND OTHER TALES
FAMILY
22
FAR FROM THE WESTERN FRONT
Exhibition
25
MON 31 JUL - FRI 4 AUG DRAMA WEEK: THE enormous TURNIP AUG TUE 1 - THU 3 AUG
TUE 1 - THU 31 AUG
WED 2 - WED 30 AUG MON 7 - 11 AUG
TUE 8 - THU 10 AUG
MON 14 - THU 17 AUG
Wed 23 & Thu 24 Aug FRI 25 AUG
TIME TRAVELLER: THEATRE IN THE MUSEUM FAMILY
22
DRAMA WEEK: THE SECRET GARDEN
FAMILY
24
ARK FARM FAMILY VISIT
FAMILY
22
MEET THE CONSTABULARY
FAMILY
23
JUST SO STORIES
FAMILY
23
Animal Agents CELEBRATION DAY
FAMILY
23
Also this season… EVERY MONTH
EVERY WEEK
THE COMEDY BAR 12 B.I.G HAT FACTORY CHOIR 12
WED 31 MAY - WED 30 May WORKING WEDNESDAYS 12 Box Office 01582 878 100 l www.lutonculture.com
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PERFORMANCE MAY // AUG
‘Radiantly entertaining’ - The Times ‘Intelligent and truly hilarious’ - Edinburgh Festivals Magazine
TEZ ILYAS: MADE IN BRITAIN FRI 5 MAY, 8PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £12 / £10 conc, 16+ Join one of the UK’s most exciting rising stars of stand-up comedy, as he heads out on his first nationwide tour. In 2015, Tez Ilyas achieved phenomenal success with his debut stand up show TEZ Talks. It was met with packed out audiences and huge commercial success at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
GODS AND MORTALS SUN 7 MAY, 4.15PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £10 / £8 conc Vocals, tabla, violin and spoken rhythms accompany the UK’s only Odissi dance group as stories are narrated through music and movement. Presented by Kadam. Part of the season Acknowledging 70 years of the partition and independence of India and Pakistan.
WHERE IS HOME?
THU 18 MAY, 7.30PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £10 / £8 conc / £6 schools, 11+ Soweto, late 80s. A young man struggles against the security forces, confronts tribal tensions and deals with the death of his own mother. Where Is Home? is a dance theatre show that explores and investigates themes of global human migration and displacement.
KNOCK KNOCK
SAT 20 MAY & SAT 19 AUG, 7.30PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £10 Formerly known as X Marks the Spot. Soul Food Poetry’s Knock Knock is a night filled with spoken word artists and a live band set who entertain the audience with their unique, powerful and impactful spoken word. Presented by Soul Food Poetry
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PERFORMANCE MAY // JUN
BURTON
“Fantastic, the whole audience was in the SAT 27 MAY, 7.30PM palm of his hand from beginning to end” ★★★★★ - Edinburgh Guide The Hat Factory Arts Centre £10 / £8 conc, 12+ Vividly presents the life of the great Welsh actor in his own words from humble beginnings to Hollywood mega-stardom. Beautiful women (not least Liz Taylor), alcohol, wealth, stage and screen are the threads woven into this sad, happy, exuberant often hilarious one-man show. Presented by Makin Productions Ltd
UTTER! LUTONIA 15
THU 1 JUN, DOORS 7.30PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £5 / £3 conc, 16+ Eclectic and ever-changing line-up of Spoken Word talent from Luton, London and further afield. Hosted by Lee Nelson. Supported and co-produced by Luton Culture
THE ODYSSEY (GREEK STUFF!) FRI 2 JUN, 7.30PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £10 / £8 conc, 12+ From the makers of Great Expectations and Dracula comes a tale more exciting than excitement itself. The journey of all journeys. To Hell. And back again. Gods, Monsters, Sirens, Derring-Dos and Derring-Donts! It’s Greek Stuff...with all the boring bits removed! Presented by Rabbit Theatre
KING HAMMOND
SAT 3 JUN, DOORS 8PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £10, 16+ ‘Rude Boy Music for today’ the King mixes classic Skinhead Reggae rhythms, penning lyrics to match the music ranging from knife and gun crime through to politicians, infidelity, London Markets & pure love songs.
Box Office 01582 878 100
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www.lutonculture.com
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PERFORMANCE JUN
LOVE AND SPICE SUN 4 JUN, 4.15PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £10 / £8 conc A couple look back on their lives together, reliving key moments through the memory of the meals that they shared. Presented by Kadam. Part of the season Acknowledging 70 years of the partition and independence of India and Pakistan.
A DAY IN THE LIVES OF FRANKIE ABBOTT THU 8 JUN, 7.30PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £10 / £8 conc Have you ever wondered what happened to Frankie Abbott the mother-smothered buffoon from Please Sir? Find out in this new comedy by David Barry.
DAME NATURE: THE MAGNIFICENT BEARDED LADY SAT 10 JUN, 7.30PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £10 / £8 conc, 12+ An evening of stories and characters for audiences who don’t like to judge a woman by her beard. Join Dame Nature as she recounts tales from her extraordinary life and has a hilarious, heartfelt and hairy look at a world in which, unfortunately for her, it’s not what’s on the inside that counts. Presented by Havoc
DELHI 2 DUBLIN THU 22 JUN, 8PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £10 Delhi 2 Dublin bring their ridiculously energetic live show to the UK for some exciting dates this summer. Fusing their Celtic and Bhangra roots with dance beats, dub, reggae, rock and electronic, these guys (and gal) put on one hell of a show. Presented in association with Asian Arts Agency
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PERFORMANCE JUL
FREEDOM’S FIRE SUN 2 JUL, 4.15PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £10 / £8 conc Poet, singer and activist Arieb Azhar, whose repertoire stretches from Punjabi and Urdu folk, Irish to Balkans music, is joined by a Bengali singer and kathak dancer. Presented by Kadam/Pulse. Part of the season Acknowledging 70 years of the partition and independence of India and Pakistan.
CONFABULATION THU 13 JUL, 7.30PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £10 / £8 conc / £6 student, 12+ A funny and startling show about not being able to trust a single thing you remember about your past. Confabulation starts with a spotty teenager at a Motörhead gig and ends up at the cutting edge of memory research. Presented by Little Mighty
AN Evening WITH ROBIN ASKWITH FRI 14 JUL, 7.30PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £14 / £12 conc, 16+ Star of the Confessions... series of comedies and more recently Coronation Street and Benidorm, Robin Asquith talks about his theatre, film and TV career.
THE ROSE AND THE BULBUL
FRI 14 & SAT 15 JUL, 12PM & 3PM
Stockwood Discovery Centre £5 / £3 conc / under 5s free Outdoor immersive theatre in the gardens of Stockwood. Professional dancers, actors,musicians and community artists tell this family-friendly love story, featuring acclaimed artist Arieb Azhar. Part of the season Acknowledging 70 years of the partition and independence of India and Pakistan.
Box Office 01582 878 100
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www.lutonculture.com
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PERFORMANCE JUL
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM TUE 18 JUL, 7PM
Stockwood Discovery Centre £12 / £8 conc / £6 under 16’s A troupe of cycling actors who carry with them on their bicycles all of the necessary set, props and costume to perform extremely energetic, charmingly chaotic and environmentally sustainable Shakespeare play; This is an outdoor performance, so please dress for the weather. Seating is not provided, but you are welcome to bring your own seats or rugs.
THE SWITCH
SAT 22 JUL, 7.30PM
Library Theatre £10 / £8 conc A long time ago the land wasn’t like it is today. It was noisy, it buzzed. People walked the land with their eyes down, lost in a device that divided. People forgot how to look up, people forgot how to talk face to face. Things need to change before it’s too late. Presented by Next Generation Youth Theatre
FILM NāCA SHORT FILM PREMIERE SAT 13 MAY, 6.30pm
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £8 / £3 conc, 15+ An inspirational story about a young, Bengali, Muslim man’s, leap of truth. Raheem has dreams of becoming a dancer but struggles to find a balance as he feels conflicted by his strict traditions. A locally produced film with Luton talent.
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FILM MAY // JUL
The Seventh Seal THU 25 MAY, 7.30PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £5, PG A man seeks answers about life, death, and the existence of God as he plays chess against the Grim Reaper during the Black Plague. Directed by Ingmar Bergman Part of the World Cinema Season
CINEMA PARADISO THU 15 JUN, 7.30PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £5, PG A filmmaker recalls his childhood, when he fell in love with the movies at his village’s theater and formed a deep friendship with the theater’s projectionist. Directed by Giuseppe Tornatore Part of the World Cinema Season
DAS BOOT
SUN 25 JUN, 4PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £5, 12 The claustrophobic world of a WWII German U-boat; boredom, filth, and sheer terror. Directed by Wolfgang Petersen Part of the World Cinema Season
BATTLE ROYALE
FRI 14 JUL, 7.30PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £5, 15+ In the future, the Japanese government captures a class of ninth-grade students and forces them to kill each other under the revolutionary “Battle Royale” act. Directed by Kinji Fukasaku Part of the World Cinema Season
Box Office 01582 878 100
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REGULAR EVENTS MAY // AUG
COMEDY BAR
EVERY THIRD FRIDAY OF THE MONTH, 8PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £5, 16+ Resident MC Jake Pickford hosts an evening of open-mic comedy from the nation’s up and coming talent.
B.I.G HAT FACTORY CHOIR EVERY WEDNESDAY, 7PM
Connors Café Bar at The Hat Factory Arts Centre £53 for the term (9 weeks) Sing and have fun in a community choir. Make friends, build confidence, improve your voice and reduce stress. All welcome regardless of singing ability. Email info@bigmusiccompany.org.uk Presented by B.I.G Music Company and Luton Culture
THE HAT FACTORY PUB QUIZ Thu 25 May, 7PM
Connors Café Bar at The Hat Factory £1, 16+ Get a drink, settle in and fight it out for the glory, money and title of The Hat Factory Pub Quiz winner.
WORKING WEDNESDAYS EVERY WEDS BETWEEN WED 31 MAY - WED 30 AUG
Stockwood Discovery Centre Free A chance to see stationary engines in their full working glory.
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AS YOU CHANGE, SO DO I
Luton Culture’s three year programme of public art, As You Change, So Do I was launched in September 2016 and since then, site specific artworks have been presented in Luton’s Cultural Quarter.
Translations of the Beacon into locally spoken languages are displayed in the town.
Other projects include Billboards, Culture Wall and Storefront with curators Matthew Shaul, Andrew Hunt and J Hackson and artists Polly Apfelbaum and Yuri Pattison. The next launch of new artworks within this project will be on 29 June 2017. Visit www.asyouchange.co.uk to find out more about the artists and projects. Funded by Arts Council England’s Luton Investment Programme and The Bid.
Box Office 01582 878 100
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WARDOWN HOUSE, MUSEUM AND GALLERY
Extraordinary Everyday
Discover Wardown House, Museum and Gallery Free Entry. Free Parking / Old Bedford Road, Luton LU2 7HA / #WardownHouse
Explore the refurbished museum; get hands-on and up close with Luton’s History Step back in time and glimpse an insight into a wealthy family home during the Victorian period. The museum tells the story of Luton’s transformation into the exciting and diverse town it is today. The redevelopment of the former Wardown Park Museum has cost £3.5m, with Heritage Lottery Fund generously funding £1.8m, other trusts funding £1.6m and the remaining amount raised by fundraising and public donations. Look out for regular events, including live performances with Music in the Museum and Theatre in the Museum.
MUSIC IN THE MUSEUM
SUN 7 MAY / SUN 4 JUN / SUN 2 JUL, 2PM Wardown House, Museum and Gallery Free A great opportunity to experience regular live music performances in a unique museum setting. Booking is essential.
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Highlights include: The Billiard Room, The Drawing Room, The Library Room, The Bedroom and much more. The ever popular Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment Gallery has new displays and now resides on the first floor. Great for Children: Follow the Hide & Squeak Trail. Find the beautifully hand crafted mice hiding around the museum – can you find them all? Discover the link between Luton and Gentoo Penguins from Antarctica.
The
Dining
Room
Enjoy delicious food and refreshing beverages in the Victorian style dining room overlooking Wardown Park. The perfect setting for a relaxing afternoon with family and friends. Group bookings can be made by emailing venues@lutonculture.com or by calling 01582 547445
Box Office 01582 878 100
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BRINGING WORDS TO LIFE
FRI 30 JUN - SAT 8 JULY A celebration of words. Join us for a 9 day festival of performances, talks, readings and more. See website for details. Presented by Luton Culture.
AFTERNOON TEA
Treat someone special to a delicious Afternoon Tea in a unique setting. Celebrate with family and friends for only £18.50 per person (Minimum of two or more guests) or take advantage of an extra-special price of £16.50 per person when you book your group of twelve or more.
Choose from one of our venues: The Dining Room at Wardown House, Museum and Gallery The Garden Café at Stockwood Discovery Centre Connors Café Bar at The Hat Factory Arts Centre
Advance booking required. To book, please email venues@lutonculture.com or call 01582 547445 16
SUMMER READING CHALLENGE JUL // SEP
FILE
ANIMAL AGENTS SUMMER READING CHALLENGE 2017 SAT 15 JUL – SAT 9 SEP
Animal Agents and the mystery of the giant whale Sat 29 Jul, 11am – 3pm
Luton Central Library Booking essential Kick start your child’s Summer Reading Challenge with a 30 minute piractical show inside the belly of an enormous whale! See website for prices and time slots. www.lutonculture.com
Box Office 01582 878 100
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Illustrations ©Tony Ross for The Reading Agency
Luton Libraries Free, 0 - 12 years Join the challenge, read library books and collect rewards along the way, including mysterious smelling stickers. Animal Agents is a must for all eagle-eyed kids and will test their skills and ingenuity.
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CHILDREN & FAMILIES MAY
POP!
MON 1 MAY, 1.30PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £7, 3+ A fun, dynamic and inspiring show, performed by the award-winning comedy magician Christian Lee – Semi finalist of Britain’s Got Talent 2016, winner of CBBC’s The Slammer and associate of the Inner Magic Circle with Silver Star. Pop! tells a mysterious and enchanting story through physical theatre, illusion, video and puppetry.
THE TAP DANCING MERMAID SAT 13 MAY, 11.30AM & 1.30PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £7, 3+ Gather round, gather round for the Moon’s magical, mystical story about a tippetty-top tap dancer who he has been watching at night. Featuring puppets, tap dancing, comedy, live music and lots of audience participation. Presented by Pigtails Productions
REDISCOVERED
SAT 20 MAY, 1.30PM, 4.30PM & 7.30PM
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery £8 / £5 conc, 4+ Follow, listen and imagine as stories from the past unfold on this immersive adventure. Journey through Wardown House, Museum and Gallery as you’ve never seen it before. Presented by Luton Culture and Next Generation Youth Theatre
TALES FROM THE SHED
SAT 20 MAY / SAT 17 JUN / SAT 15 JUL 10AM & 11.30AM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £7 / £20 all 4 shows, 0 - 6 years Vibrant and interactive theatre shows that are perfect for young children. Tales from the Shed are informal, lively and amazingly engaging as the performers and audience share the same space children are always encouraged to make a lot of noise and to make the story happen. Presented by Chickenshed Theatre
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CHILDREN & FAMILIES MAY
STEAM FAIR
SUN 21 MAY, 10AM - 4pm
Stockwood Discovery Centre Free A must for all steam enthusiasts. Enjoy a host of visiting steam engines as well as those from Stockwood’s own historic collection, lovingly restored by volunteers.
TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC BALLET FRI 26 MAY, 10.30AM & 1.30PM SAT 27 MAY, 10.30am & 1.30PM
HALF-TERM
Library Theatre £8, 6 months - 5 years / £5 Preschools & nurseries Combining classical ballet, physical theatre, gorgeous visuals and crystal-clear story-telling to engage and enthral all children. Our teddies would love you to join them as they eat, dance, play and have fun! Presented by Let’s All Dance
TALES FROM THE TREES
MON 29 MAY, 11AM & 1.30PM
HALF-TERM
Stockwood Discovery Centre £7, 5+ The tremendous world of trees, from branch to leaf and twig to root, from berry to blossom and bark to fruit! Tales from the Trees is a terrific tangle of puppetry, storytelling, live music and comedy, with a theme that embraces natural history, folklore and ecology. Listen! The trees have tales to tell…Presented by Squashbox Theatre
CURIOUS CREATURES
TUE 30 MAY, 11AM & 1.30PM
HALF-TERM
Stockwood Discovery Centre £7, 5+ Expect to meet curious creatures of all shapes and sizes: from performing fleas, skateboarding snails and gymnastic gerbils to an irritable alligator, an over-excited elephant, and a very intelligent orang-utan! This show has puppets, comedy, slapstick and live music - plus lots of amazing natural history facts. Presented by Squashbox Theatre
Box Office 01582 878 100
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CHILDREN & FAMILIES MAY // JUN
THE THREE MUSKETEERS WED 31 MAY, 2PM
HALF-TERM
Library Theatre £7, 5 - 11 years Chaos, mayhem and stupidity reign supreme as the Three Half Pints swish their swords, buff their boots and flourish their feathers in their most ridiculous adventure yet! Join the CBeebies’ favourites (Justin’s House, Spot Bots) in a hilarious new slapstick adventure of chivalry, swordplay and suddenly falling over. Presented by Faultline Arts
PHONICS WORKSHOP WITH EXPLORE LEARNING
HALF-TERM
SAT 3 JUN, VARIOUS TIMES
Luton Libraries Free, 5 – 7 years If your child is in reception or year one, you can book a place on a free workshop and get to grips with phonics.
BOOKSTART WEEK – LET’S EXPLORE OUTDOORS! TUE 6 - THU 8 JUN, VARIOUS TIMES
Luton Libraries Free, 0 – 5 years Discover your next storytime adventure with Everybunny Dance! at Bookstart Rhyme Times at your local library. To celebrate 25 years of Bookstart – and to encourage families to have fun reading together, anywhere and anytime – we have a free copy of the picture book Everybunny Dance! by Ellie Sandall, for every child that comes along.
Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday THU 15 JUN, 11.30AM & 1.30PM
Library Theatre £8, 3+ The enchanting world of Sarah & Duck is brought to life in a brand-new stage show, featuring the wonderful characters from the BAFTA award-winning CBeebies show. Told through a fantastic blend of puppetry, storytelling and music, Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday will take you and your children on a magical adventure. Presented by MEI Theatrical Ltd
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CHILDREN & FAMILIES JUN // JUL
FERGAL FLY, PRIVATE EYE WORKSHOP WITH EXPLORE LEARNING SAT 8 JUL, VARIOUS TIMES
Luton Libraries Free, 7 – 11 years With the Summer Reading Challenge about to begin, get your compound eye in with Animal Agent extraordinaire – Fergal Fly, Private Eye.
THEATRE IN MUSEUMS: THE CURATOR TUE 25 JUL / TUE 8 AUG / TUE 22 AUG 10.30AM, 11.30AM & 1PM
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery £6, 4+ It’s not a normal day for our intrepid rule following curator. Join them for the museum tour of a lifetime where everything changes and new mysteries reveal themselves. Can you help solve the puzzle? Let’s find out together!
STORY TIME WITH DOGS TRUST
TUE 25 – THU 27 JUL, VARIOUS TIMES
Luton Libraries Free, drop in, all ages Join us for a fun afternoon of ‘Doggy Tales’ and activities with Gemma, Dogs Trust Education Officer. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Contact your local library for more details. This event is part of the Summer Reading Challenge
THE SEA SHOW
FRI 28 & SAT 29 JUL, 11AM & 1.30PM
Stockwood Discovery Centre £7, 5+ A quirky and hilarious mix of puppet show, natural history and comedy cabaret. Come and celebrate the sea with tall tales, silly slapstick, fantastic facts, live music and songs - unmissable fun! Presented by Squashbox Theatre
Box Office 01582 878 100
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CHILDREN & FAMILIES JUL // AUG
WARDOWN BIG SUMMER SAT 29 JUL, 11AM – 7PM
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery Free Entry – charges may apply to some activities Come and join in with our big summer victorian themed celebrations with plenty to do including a traditional Punch and Judy show.
THE DETECTIVE DOG AND OTHER TALES TUE 1 – THU 3 AUG, VARIOUS TIMES
Luton Libraries Free, 4+ Find out what’s been going on in the library by sharing stories and solving clues with Animal Agents. This event is part of the Summer Reading Challenge
THEATRE IN MUSEUMS: THE TIME TRAVELLER WED 2 AUG / WED 16 AUG / WED 30 AUG 10.30AM, 11.30AM & 1PM
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery £6, 4+ Just a regular, every day, completely normal tour of the museum… or is it? A whizz through time with a secret/magical trunk, an imaginative guide and a little of your help. Learn and bring history to life. Remember, you just have to imagine!
ARK FARM FAMILY VISIT
TUE 8 – THU 10 AUG, VARIOUS TIMES
Luton Libraries Free, all ages An animal encounter designed with younger children in mind, where they can meet a range of animals that may include Pickles the Pygmy African Hedgehog, Tobias the Leopard Tortoise and Plop the Barn Owl. Part of the Summer Reading Challenge
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CHILDREN & FAMILIES AUG
MEET THE CONSTABULARY
MON 14 – THU 17 AUG, 11AM – 12PM
Luton Libraries Free, school aged children Find out how to solve crimes with help from Bedfordshire Police Force. Over the week, we will be joined by a range of agents, animals and otherwise, from sniffer dogs to Scene of Crime Officers. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Part of the Summer Reading Challenge
JUST SO STORIES
Wed 23 & Thu 24 Aug, VARIOUS TIMES
Luton Libraries Free, 4+ The Elephant’s Child and other tales by Rudyard Kipling as performed by story-teller John Kirk. How the Elephant got its trunk, How the Camel got its hump and How the Rhinoceros got its skin.
SUMMER READING CHALLENGE CELEBRATION DAY FRI 25 AUG, 10AM – 3PM
Central Library Free, all ages A free celebratory event for those taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge, join us for a day of fun activities for the whole family. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Illustrations ©Tony Ross for the Reading Agency. Part of the Summer Reading Challenge
Box Office 01582 878 100
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SUMMER DRAMA WEEKS JUL // AUG
DRAMA WEEK: The Enormous Turnip
MON 31 JUL – FRI 4 AUG, 10am – 4pm
Stockwood Discovery Centre £70 For the week. 7 - 11 years The art of storytelling is hundreds of years old. Learn and develop the skills necessary to produce an exciting performance of The Enormous Turnip in Stockwood’s beautiful gardens.
DRAMA WEEK: The Secret Garden
MON 7 AUG – FRI 11 AUG, 10am – 4pm
Stockwood Discovery Centre £70 For the week. 7 - 11 years The art of storytelling is hundreds of years old. Learn and develop the skills necessary to produce a thrilling performance of The Secret Garden in Stockwood’s beautiful gardens.
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EXHIBITIONS & WORKSHOPS APR // SEP
BEYOND BORDERS: THE ART OF INTEGRATION SUN 2 APR – MON 19 JUN, 10AM – 5PM
Stockwood Discovery Centre Free An inspiring photographic exhibition comprising of striking images which show successful integration of Muslims from different cultures and backgrounds. Presented by Luton Culture in association with Dar Aminah
DEMENTIA AWARENESS WEEK SUN 14 MAY - SAT 20 MAY
Central Library Free, 16+ Learn more about what it is like to live with dementia and turn that understanding into action. Book your place on an information session on Tue 16 May, 1pm and 3pm, at www.dementiafriends.org.uk. Plus pop in to find out how your local library can support you throughout the week.
LEGO® BRICK WONDERS EXHIBITION SAT 22 JUL – SUN 3 SEP
Stockwood Discovery Centre Admission charges apply, All ages Brick Wonders features recreations in LEGO® bricks of amazing sights from around the world, curated by artist Warren Elsmore. Beginning with the seven wonders of the ancient world, the exhibition also takes in modern, natural, and historic wonders from all seven continents. Check website for details
FAR FROM THE WESTERN FRONT TUE 1 – THU 31 AUG
Central Library Free A ‘hugely moving’, ‘eye-opening’ and ‘beautifully presented’ exhibition exploring the untold stories of South Asians whose crucial contribution shaped the First World War. Follow the stories of eight people across the globe, using previously unseen images, digital media, and individuals’ experiences uncovered from the archives. Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Box Office 01582 878 100
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FREE ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES BOOKSTART RHYME TIME
Babies, toddlers and grown-ups can enjoy rhymes and stories together. Duration 30 mins. Term-time only. Luton Central Library: Sun 11.30am, Tue 11am & Thu 11am Lewsey Library: Mon 2.15pm Leagrave Library: Wed 9.30am & 11am Marsh Farm Library: Thu 10.15am Stopsley Library: Wed 9.30am & Thu 2.15pm
BOOKSTART STORY TIME
Stories and rhymes for families with 2 to 5 year olds. Term-time only. Leagrave Library: Tue 9.30am Young children can also join the library and take part in Bear’s Reading Adventure.
THE LIBRARY GAMES
Try your hand at coding, play games and make things from LEGO®. School aged children and their families. Duration 1 hour. Term-time only Luton Central Library: Mon 4pm Lewsey Library: Tue 4pm Stopsley Library: Tue 4pm Leagrave Library: Thu 4pm Marsh Farm Library: Fri 4pm
HOMEWORK HELP
Homework Helpers at your local library, giving children the confidence and skills to complete their learning logs for themselves. School aged children and their families. Term-time only. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Luton Central Library: Sat 2pm - 5pm Lewsey Library: Sat 2pm - 5pm Stopsley Library: Sat 10am - 1pm Leagrave Library: Sat 2pm - 5pm Marsh Farm Library: Sat 10am - 1pm Bury Park Library: Sat 10am - 1pm
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VENUES BOOKING TICKETS Online booking available 24 hours a day: www.lutonculture.com Alternatively, call the Box Office on 01582 878 100 Luton Culture does not charge booking fees
The Hat Factory Arts Centre 65 - 67 Bute Street, LU1 2EY 01582 878100
Stockwood Discovery Centre London Road, LU1 4LX 01582 548600
Luton Library Theatre Luton Central Library, St George’s Square, LU1 2NG 01582 878100
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery Old Bedford Road, LU2 7HA 01582 546722
OUR LIBRARIES Luton Central Library Lewsey Library St George’s Square, LU1 2NG Landrace Road, LU4 0SW 01582 547418 01582 696094 Leagrave Library Marsh Road, LU3 2NL 01582 556650
Stopsley Library Hitchin Road, LU2 7UG 01582 706368
Marsh Farm Library Lea Manor High School, Northwell Drive, LU3 3TL 01582 574803
Bury Park Library 161 Dunstable Road, LU1 1BW 01582 486569
Hockwell Ring Library Access Point Hockwell Ring Community Centre Mayne Avenue, LU4 9LB 01582 548392 Chaul End Library Access Point Chaul End Community Centre 515 Dunstable Road, LU4 8QN 01582 557155
Farley Library Access Point Home Library Service Farley Community Centre based at Marsh Farm Library Delphine Close, LU1 5RE 01582 491428 01582 736812
A big thank you goes out to our funders and supporters we couldn’t do it without you! Arts Council England, BIFFA Award, Community Covenant, DCMS Wolfson Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Heritage Lottery Fund, London Luton Airport Limited, Luton Borough Council, Murry Barford Trust, Steel Charitable Trust, The Mall Shopping Centre, Worshipful Company of Feltmakers
Luton Culture: registered Charity No. 1122964. 27
LUTON CULTURE VENUES The Hat Factory Arts Centre 1 65 - 67 Bute Street, LU1 2EY 01582 878100
Stockwood Discovery Centre 3 London Road, LU1 4LX 01582 548600
Luton Library Theatre 2 Luton Central Library, St George’s Square, LU1 2NG 01582 878100
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery 4 Old Bedford Road, LU2 7HA 01582 546722
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@WeAreLutonCulture @LutonCulture