Luton Culture Venues // The Hat Factory Arts Centre / Stockwood Discovery Centre Wardown House, Museum and Gallery / Luton Library Theatre / Libraries
WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 2017
Omid Djalili / Sun 26 & Mon 27 Nov - See page 11
Box Office 01582 878 100 www.lutonculture.com
Hello and welcome to our AUTUMN season guide
Luton Culture We are an arts and cultural charity providing amazing arts activities, free museums, libraries, and an historic house and gallery. We develop and present events, theatre shows, festivals, films, storytelling, 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 libraries, open access arts, cultural programmes and museums. www.lutonculture.com The Hat District We are developing a creative workspace project in the heart of Luton’s Hat District. Two empty Hat Factories are being transformed into workspaces for the creative and digital sector. Designers, makers and many other creative people will have the opportunity to collaborate and build their businesses whilst benefiting from our facilities, networks, events and technology. The Hat District will provide 25,000sqft of additional work space to support new jobs in the area. A dedicated website is being launched to promote the Hat District and we welcome enquiries from anyone interested in securing a workspace or getting involved. www.hatdistrict.co.uk 2
Stockwood Discovery Centre
Thousands of visitors enjoy the gorgeous gardens and fascinating museum collections all year round. With various exhibitions throughout the museum, from the evolution of transportation in the Mossman collection, to the history of Luton rooms and the unique temporary exhibitions, there is something for everyone. We also provide a seasonal menu at the light and airy Garden Café, a play area for children to explore, and a lovely shop full of very special gifts and treats. Wardown House, Museum and Gallery
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery is a fully immersive museum experience. We invite you to gain an insight into a wealthy family home during the Victorian period and learn more about Luton’s journey and development into the town it is today. Stockwood Discovery Centre and Wardown House, Museum and Gallery are open seven days a week, 10am - 4pm during winter season, excluding Christmas Day and New Years Day and from 10am - 5pm during summer season. Both are free entry and have free car parking too!
The Hat Factory Arts Centre
Libraries
We host a vibrant and diverse arts programme from theatre and music, to comedy and film. Our historic hat factory building in Luton’s Cultural Quarter is just a short stroll from Luton train station, the Central Library and The Mall Shopping Centre. The Hat Factory’s contemporary Connors Café Bar is also run by Luton Culture and has a relaxed vibe and delicious, freshly cooked food.
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 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.
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. 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 23 for details of our venues. Box Office 01582 878 100
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WHAT’S ON AT A GLANCE SEP
PERFORMANCE THU 7 – SUN 10 SEP
HERITAGE OPEN DAY TOURS
HERITAGE
6
AS YOU LIKE IT
THEATRE
7
TALES FROM THE SHED
FAMILY
18
SAT 23 SEP – SUN 26 NOV INTERNATIONAL GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
EXHIBITION
21
FRI 29 SEP
EAST IS EAST
FILM
16
GoWrite: Playwriting Course
WORKSHOP
13
SAT 30 SEP
PETER AND THE WOLF
FAMILY
18
MON 2 – SUN 8 OCT
GET ONLINE WEEK - TRY 1 THING
WORKSHOP
11
LEAF
FAMILY
18
WHOSE BIRIYANI IS IT ANYWAY?
TALK
13
LIBRARIES WEEK
WORKSHOP
11
LADY BOYS OF BANGKOK
Cabaret
7
I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO
FILM
16
TALES FROM THE SHED
FAMILY
18
THE TEMPEST
THEATRE
7
DARK DAYS
FILM
16
JOAN
THEATRE 7
WED 13 SEP SAT 16 SEP
Sat 30 Sep – Sat 13 Jan
OCT FRI 6 & SAT 7 OCT SAT 7 OCT
MON 9 – SUN 15 OCT THU 12 OCT FRI 13 OCT
SAT 14 OCT
WED 18 OCT THU 19 OCT
FRI 20 OCT
SAT 21 OCT – SAT 25 NOV BY THE LIGHT OF THE MOON SAT 21 OCT SAT 21 OCT SAT 21 OCT
MON 23 OCT
TUE 24 & WED 25 OCT THU 26 OCT THU 26 OCT THU 26 OCT FRI 27 OCT
SAT 28 OCT SAT 28 OCT
TUE 31 OCT
4
FAMILY
18
JACK AND THE BEANS TALK
FAMILY
19
LOS PACAMINOS
MUSIC
8
Colonialism, Culture & Identity
TALK
13
BLOWN AWAY
FAMILY
19
THE TIME TRAVELLER
FAMILY
19
CODING CRAZY
FAMILY
11
THE GHOSTLY GARDENER
THEATRE 8
THE LUNCHBOX
FILM
16
CHILD OF THE DIVIDE
FAMILY
20
THE GIRL AND THE GIRAFFE
FAMILY
20
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS
THEATRE
8
THE BOOK OF DARKNESS AND LIGHT THEATRE
8
NOV WED 1 NOV – WED 13 DEC 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF UK/PAKISTAN RELATIONS
EXHIBITION
21
FRI 3 & SAT 4 NOV
A SENSE OF PLACE
CONFERENCE
21
THE THINKING DRINKERS
COMEDY
9
STEVE BUGEJA
COMEDY
9
TEAM VIKING
THEATRE
9
VICEROY’S HOUSE
FILM
17
SONG OF THE SEA
FILM
17
STEPHEN K AMOS
COMEDY
9
J.R.R Tolkien’s ‘Leaf by Niggle’
THEATRE
10
A THOUSAND FACES
DANCE
10
THE COMMITMENTS
FILM
17
TALES FROM THE SHED
FAMILY
18
SHOLAY
FILM
17
THE FUREYS
MUSIC
10
FRI 3 NOV
SAT 4 NOV
TUE 7 NOV FRI 10 NOV
SAT 11 NOV SAT 11 NOV
THU 16 NOV THU 16 NOV FRI 17 NOV
SAT 18 NOV SAT 18 NOV
TUE 21 NOV FRI 24 NOV
DREADZONE
MUSIC
10
SUN 26 & MON 27 NOV
OMID DJALILI
COMEDY
11
SAT 2 – SAT 30 DEC
WARDOWN HOUSE AT CHRISTMAS
FAMILY
14
UTTER! LUTONIA 17
SPOKEN WORD 11
CHRISTMAS AT STOCKWOOD
FAMILY
14
BAD SANTA
FILM
15
THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT
FAMILY
15
COMEDY BAR & CURRY NIGHT
COMEDY
15
DEC THU 7 DEC
SAT 9 – SAT 23 DEC SAT 9 DEC
MON 11 – SUN 24 DEC FRI 15 DEC
Also this season… EVERY THIRD FRIDAY OF THE MONTH EVERY WEDNESDAY
THE COMEDY BAR 12 B.I.G HAT FACTORY CHOIR 12
EVERY FIRST SUNday of month music in the museum 12 Box Office 01582 878 100 l www.lutonculture.com
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heritage OPEN DAYS Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture celebrating heritage, community and history. Luton Culture has teamed up with Luton Borough Council to invite you to see hidden places and try out new experiences around Luton – and it’s all FREE! Our Heritage Open Days programme also marks the beginning of the development of Luton’s Hat District in the Cultural Quarter. Go to www.lutonculture.com for more information and to book your tickets. Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Hat District Tours
THU 7, FRI 8 & SAT 9 SEP, 11.30am - Meet at Connors Café Bar Exclusive tours of the area and inside Hat House, led by Piers Read. This heritage building will shortly undergo renovation works to create state of the art workplaces for businesses from the tech, digital and creative industries.
Town Hall Tours
Sat 9 Sep, 10.30am & Sun 9 Sep, 3.30pm - Luton Town Hall The Mayor’s Chambers will be open for one hour tours
Hat Resource Room
SAT 9 SEP, 11AM, 12PM, 1PM, 3PM & 4PM - Wardown House, Museum and Gallery A quick look at the Luton Hat Industry with our Significant Collections Curator
Up on the Roof
SAT 9 SEP, 11AM, 12PM, 1PM, 3PM & 4PM - Wardown House, Museum and Gallery Take a close up look at Wardown’s chimneys and peak in the attic collection stores with our Heritage Collections Curator.
Ghost Signs
SAT 9 SEP, 10AM & SUN 10 SEP, 2.30PM - Meet at Luton Town Hall, front steps Ghost Walk looking at old signs and their significance, from High Town into the Town Centre.
Waulud’s Bank Walk
SUN 10 SEP, 10AM - Meet at Leagrave Common car park on Sundon Park Road A guided walk of an ecological history site and 19th century farm. Dogs welcome.
Dray’s Ditches Walk
SUN 10 SEP, 2PM - Meet at the car park at the top of Links Way where the road joins Warden Hill Road A guided walk of Dray’s Ditches; starting from the foot of Wardown Hill.
Garden Tour
SUN 10 SEP, 11AM, 12PM, 1PM & 3PM - Stockwood Discovery Centre A 20 mins tour with the Head Gardener, exploring original garden features.
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PERFORMANCE SEP // OCT
“Gloriously eccentric and very, very funny” ★★★★ - The Stage
AS YOU LIKE IT WED 13 SEP, 7PM
Stockwood Discovery Centre £12 / £8 conc / £6 under 16s, 8+ A rip-roaring bicycle-powered all-female production of Shakespeare’s classic comedy tale, presented by The HandleBards. This is an outdoor performance so please dress for the weather and bring your own seats and rugs.
LADY BOYS OF BANGKOK THU 12 OCT, 7.30PM
Library Theatre £23 / £21 conc, 14+ Hotter, sexier and funnier than ever, the country’s number one touring cabaret show The Lady Boys of Bangkok return to the UK with a lavish new production: Who Runs The World!
THE TEMPEST
WED 18 OCT, 1.30PM & 7.30PM
Library Theatre £10 / £6 schools, 10+ Bilimankhwe Arts present this powerful, passionate and magical production of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest featuring stunning contemporary African choreography and music from Malawi.
JOAN
FRI 20 OCT 7.30pm
“Comic fizz, emotional ballast and cross-dressing that looks like sorcery.” - The Guardian
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £10 / £8 conc, 14+ This earthy and refreshing look at Joan of Arc – history’s greatest underdog is performed by drag king champion Lucy Jane Parkinson. A fearless solo show, with uproarious songs, exploring what it means to stand out, stand up and stand alone.
Box Office 01582 878 100
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www.lutonculture.com
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PERFORMANCE OCT
LOS PACAMINOS - FEATURING PAUL YOUNG SAT 21 OCT, 7.30PM
Library Theatre £19 Playing the very best in Tex Mex Border music. Expect a party night, with the cactus sharp, tequila fuelled, stetson wearing, magnificent Los Pacaminos!
Theatre in Museums: The Ghostly Gardener Thu 26 Oct, 7pm & 8pm
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery £4, 12+ “I haven’t properly introduced myself, have I? My name’s Vernon, Wardown Park’s trusty gardener at your service.” Join us for a spooky performance through the grounds of the museum.
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS: A FOLK OPERA SAT 28 OCT, 7.30PM
Library Theatre £10 / £8 conc, 9+ Musical adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s well-loved classic. Join Ratty, Mole, Badger and of course the irrepressible Mr Toad as they embark on their adventures.
The Book of Darkness and Light Tue 31 Oct, 7.30PM
£10 / £8 conc 14+ The Hat Factory Arts Centre Join The Storyteller and The Musician for an evening of spine-tingling tales and haunting live music. You are invited to discover the secrets of The Book of Darkness & Light… If you dare! Presented by Adam Z. Robinson in association with LittleMighty
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PERFORMANCE NOV
THE THINKING DRINKERS FRI 3 NOV, 8PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £14, Strictly 18+ As seen on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch and Jamie Oliver’s Drinks Tube, these award-winning professional drink experts perform their intoxicating, hilarious time-travelling journey through our drink-drenched past. You’ll laugh a lot, you’ll learn a lot and, if that’s not enough, you get five free drinks.
STEVE BUGEJA SAT 4 NOV, 8PM
“Bugeja has an eye for original comic detail that’s all his own” - The Guardian
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £12 / £10 student, 16+ Join BBC New Comedy Award winner Steve Bugeja as he relives the fateful summer he spent working at a kids’ camp in his brand new show Summer Camp, his third solo show following two critically acclaimed sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe.
“Joyous – heart-lifting and incredibly moving... as accomplished a piece of The Hat Factory Arts Centre storytelling as you could £10 / £8 conc, 14+ hope to see" The remarkable and hilarious story of ★★★★ - The Stage James and his best friend who, after being diagnosed with heart cancer has a last wish to be given a full Viking burial.
TEAM VIKING
TUE 7 NOV, 7.30PM
STEPHEN K AMOS SAT 11 NOV, 8PM
“Deliciously deft…we roared at ad-libbing that was first rate throughout…you’ll leave the show smiling” - The Times
Library Theatre £17.50, 16+ Leave your problems behind for the evening in the company of the effusively charming Stephen K Amos for his show Bread and Circuses and who knows? Maybe the world will seem just a little bit brighter.
Box Office 01582 878 100
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www.lutonculture.com
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PERFORMANCE NOV
J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘LEAF BY NIGGLE’ THU 16 NOV, 7.30PM
“Intricately layered telling of Tolkien’s short story” ★★★★ - The Stage The Hat Factory Arts Centre £10 / £8 conc, 10+ Tolkien’s miniature masterpiece about an obsessive painter named Niggle is brought to the stage surrounded by by ladders, bicycles and heirlooms.
A THOUSAND FACES THU 16 NOV, 7.30PM
“A powerful hard-hitting emotional production” - BBC Asian Network
Library Theatre £10 / £8 conc, 8+ Subverting the imagery of Bollywood beauty and Hollywood glamour this bold dance-theatre explores the indiscriminate abuse and violent attacks on women. European mime movements combine with Kathak’s intricate and detailed theatrical gestures of abhinaya.
THE FUREYS
TUE 21 NOV, 7PM
Library Theatre £19.50 These legends of Irish music sing all their timeless classics including Sweet 16, The Green Fields of France, Red Rose Café, From Clare to Here and Her Father Didn’t Like Me Anyway. Their songs stir many emotions…tears, laughter, sadness and joy.
DREADZONE
FRI 24 NOV, 8.30PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £17.50 Dreadzone are one of the most energetic, exciting and powerful live bands to emerge from the post-rave scene. Perfecting their own unique and inimitable take on dub - they bring the party to every club, dancehall or field.
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PERFORMANCE NOV // DEC
OMID DJALILI
“One of the most joyfully smart, SUN 26 & MON 27 NOV, 8PM stimulating and entertaining comedians this country has” Library Theatre - The Telegraph £24, 16+ Join the award-winning comedian and acclaimed actor for a comedy masterclass. Omid recently starred in Dickensian (BBC1) and Lucky Man (Sky1). Catch him live in Luton this Autumn!
UTTER! LUTONIA 17 THU 7 DEC, 8PM
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. Co-produced by Luton Culture
What’s On at your Library Get Online Week – Try 1 Thing Mon 2 - Sun 8 Oct
Luton Libraries Throughout the week library staff will help adults learn how to make better use of the internet and download and use apps.
Libraries Week – Love your Library Mon 9 – SUN 15 Oct
Luton Libraries A week of activities highlighting the services available for children, families and adults in Luton Libraries.
Coding Crazy
Thu 26 Oct, 11AM – 3PM
Luton Central Library, Children’s Library Half Term fun in the Library! Try your hand at coding, play games and make things from LEGO®.
Box Office 01582 878 100
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REGULAR EVENTS SEP // DEC
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 £5 / £4 conc Sing the Beatles - introductory session Wed 27 Sep £51 / £45 conc, for the term (9 sessions) A community choir for all abilities. Make friends, build confidence, improve your voice and reduce stress. Email info@bigmusiccompany.org.uk to register Presented by B.I.G Music Company and Luton Culture
Music in the Museum
Every First Sunday of the month, 2pm
Free These classical music performances will take place in The Drawing Room, surrounded by the museum’s unique art collection and with spectacular views overlooking Wardown Park.
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WORKSHOPS & TALKS SEP // JAN
GoWrite: Papatango Playwriting Course Sat 30 sep - Sat 13 Jan, 1.30pm (4 sessions)
The Hat Factory Arts Centre Free, 16+ A free playwriting course guiding you in the process of conceiving, writing and redrafting a play. Application essential deadline Fri 15 Sep. See www.lutonculture.com for details.
WHOSE BIRIYANI IS IT ANYWAY? SAT 7 OCT, 7.30PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre ÂŁ3 A discussion about cultural appropriation, including colonialism, workforce development and how Asian food including biryani, effects the economy. Talk chaired by Raheed Salam, director of All Faiths and None charity.
Colonialism, Culture and Identity SAT 21 OCT, 7.30PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre ÂŁ3 A panel discussion chaired by Dr Fatima Rajina, highlighting the impact of colonialism on British Asian communities and how the dividing lines of faith, culture, ethnicity and nationality impacts Britain today.
Box Office 01582 878 100
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CHRISTMAS DEC
Wardown House at Christmas SAT 2 DEC – SAT 30 DEC
Free As part of the yuletide festivities the House is being decorated in Christmas splendour! See three uniquely decorated trees inspired by Dicken’s tales of past, present and future as part of the museum’s delightful Christmas decorations! Music and merriment continue inside as The B.I.G Choir Carols will be sprinkling some additional cheer on Wardown House.
Christmas at Stockwood Discovery Centre
Sat 9 / Sun 10 / Sat 16 / Sun 17 / Thu 21 / Fri 22 / Sat 23 DEC Santa’s Grotto £5 per child, accompanying adults free. Create happy memories with your little ones: visit Santa in his magical Christmas Grotto among the collection of festive Christmas carriages! Festive Activities £5 per child, accompanying adults free. Take part in festive craft activities, dance in the Christmas Bubble Disco and visit the Sparkles café area. Avoid disappointment and pre-book at www.lutonculture.com All Christmas events include free admission to Stockwood Discovery Centre and grounds.
Afternoon Tea
Looking for a Christmas treat with someone special? Book your scrumptious Christmas Afternoon Tea at Wardown House Museum and Gallery, Connors Café Bar at The Hat Factory Arts Centre, or Stockwood Discovery Centre.
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CHRISTMAS DEC
CHRISTMAS SHOW
MON 11 – SUN 24 DEC, Various Times Library Theatre £10.50 / £9 Over 60s, 4+ £12 All tickets on Sun 24 Dec
Full House Theatre return to Luton this Christmas with The Owl and The Pussycat! The classic tale is re-imagined with all the charm, magic and fun you’d expect of a Christmas show. Relaxed and signed performances available.
Christmas Film: Bad Santa SAT 9 DEC, 7.30PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £5 / £3.50 conc, 15+ A miserable conman and his partner pose as Santa and his Little Helper to rob department stores on Christmas Eve. But they run into problems when the conman befriends a troubled kid.
Comedy Bar & Curry night FRI 15 DEC, 8PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £5, plus £6 for curry, 16+ Resident MC Jake Pickford hosts a Christmas Special evening of open-mic comedy from the nation’s up and coming talent. Make a night of it, with a curry at The Hat Factory’s Café, Connors, from 6.15pm.
Box Office 01582 878 100
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FILMS SEP // OCT
EAST IS EAST
FRI 29 SEP, 7.30PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £5 / £3.50 conc, plus £6 for pre-film curry, 15+ An award-winning comedy set in the early 1970’s about a multi-ethnic family in Salford. A Pakistani father finds his authority challenged by his anglicized children. Make a night of it, with a curry at The Hat Factory’s café, Connors, from 6.15pm. Part of the South Asian Film Festival
I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO FRI 13 OCT, 7.30pm
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £5 / £3.50 conc, 12A Based on James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript, this film tracks the lives and assassinations of Baldwin’s friends: Martin Luther King Jr, Malcolm X and Medger Evers. Celebrating Black History Month
DARK DAYS
Thu 19 OCT, 7.30PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £5 / £3.50 conc, 15+ Award-winning documentary dubbed the ‘proletarian antithesis of Woody Allen’s Manhattan’, Dark Days reveals the extraordinary lives of homeless people who live below ground in New York’s railway tunnels.
THE LUNCHBOX
THU 26 OCT, 7.30PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £5 / £3.50 conc, plus £6 for pre-film curry, PG Love blooms when Sajaan, a Mumbai office worker is accidentally given the wrong lunch, prepared by Ila, the housewife of another man. Make a night of it, with a curry at The Hat Factory’s café, Connors, from 6.15pm. Part of the South Asian Film Festival
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FILMS NOV
FILE VICEROY’S HOUSE FRI 10 NOV, 7.30PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £5 / £3.50 conc, plus £6 for pre-film curry, 15+ The final Viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten, is tasked with overseeing the transition of British India to independence. Enjoy a pre-film curry in the Connors Café at The Hat Factory at 6.15pm! Part of the South Asian Film Festival
SONG OF THE SEA SAT 11 NOV, 11AM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £5 / £3.50 conc, PG A superb and enchanting family animation about a vanished mother, a grieving father, and two lost children trying to make their way home. The story is rooted in Irish folklore, with selkies, giants and faeries.
THE COMMITMENTS FRI 17 NOV, 7.30PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £5 / £3.50 conc, 15+ A self-proclaimed promoter, decides to organize an R&B group to fill the musical void in his hometown of Dublin. It’s 27 years since Alan Parker’s classic comedy hit the silver screen, and the impact, the music, and the heart and soul can still be felt today.
SHOLAY
SAT 18 NOV, 4.30PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £5 / £3.50 conc, plus £6 for interval curry, PG After his family is murdered by a notorious and ruthless bandit, a former police officer enlists the services of two outlaws to capture the bandit. Make a night of it, with a curry at The Hat Factory’s café, Connors, during the interval. Part of the South Asian Film Festival
Box Office 01582 878 100
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CHILDREN & FAMILIES SEP // NOV
TALES FROM THE SHED
SAT 16 SEP / SAT 14 OCT / SAT 18 NOV 10AM & 11.30AM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £7, 0 - 6 years Vibrant and interactive theatre shows that are perfect for young children. Children are always encouraged to make a lot of noise and to make the story happen. Presented by Chickenshed Theatre
PETER AND THE WOLF SAT 30 SEP, 11AM & 2PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £7, 4+ Join Peter on a hilarious adventure through the fields and forest as he discovers new sounds and noises. Combining imaginative puppetry and fun interaction, this performance even has real vegetables used as musical instruments!
LEAF
FRI 6 OCT, 10AM / 11AM & 1PM SAT 7 OCT, 11AM & 1PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £7, 0 - 3 years Inspired by nature and the seasons, this intimate and playful life story of a very special leaf, is the perfect introduction to theatre for the very young. After the show, children are invited onto the stage to play among the leaves.
By The Light of the Moon
HALF-TERM
SAT 21 / MON 23 / TUE 24 / WED 25 OCT SAT 11 / SAT 18 / SAT 25 NOV
Companion piece to The Owl and the Pussycat brought to you by Full House Theatre. A beautiful new show for all the family to enjoy. Listen to the bedtime stories only ever told under the light of the silvery moon. Various venues, please see website for more information.
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CHILDREN & FAMILIES OCT
JACK AND THE BEANS TALK SAT 21 OCT, 11.30AM & 2PM
HALF-TERM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £7, 3 - 7 years After he swaps his cow for some magic beans Jack is surprised to hear a whispering in the breeze and a giant rumble in the sky. A charming and inventive performance with an enormous beanstalk, bags of gold and a smelly old giant.
BLOWN AWAY
HALF-TERM
MON 23 OCT, Workshop 1PM, Performance 2PM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £7, 3 - 11 years Spectacular circus, magical puppetry and catchy songs, Metta Theatre’s joyous stage adaptation of Rob Biddulph’s award-winning children’s book is fun for all the family. Join the workshop before the show, from 1pm.
THEATRE IN MUSEUMS: THE TIME TRAVELLER
HALF-TERM
TUE 24 & WED 25 OCT, 11.30AM, 1.30PM, 2.30PM
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery £4, 6+ Just a regular, every day, completely normal tour of the museum… or is it? Whizz through time with a magical trunk, an imaginative guide and a little of your help. Taylor Tompkins loves working in Wardown House and showing visitors around the museum. However, Taylor has got a big secret… he’s a time traveller! Join him and his magical trunk on a journey back through time! Written by Teresa Burns. Produced by Luton Culture.
Box Office 01582 878 100
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CHILDREN & FAMILIES OCT
CHILD OF THE DIVIDE
FRI 27 OCT, 3PM & 7.30PM
HALF-TERM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £7, 6+ Inspired by the short story Pali by Bhisham Sahni. A remarkable story of family, identity and belonging; marking the 70th anniversary of the partition of India. Amid the violent political upheaval young Pali’s fingers slip from his father’s hand, and his destiny changes forever. Taken in by a Muslim family, he is given a new name, a new faith and a new life. But when his real father returns to claim him, Pali must decide who he is. Presented by Bhuchar Boulevard in association with Big Imaginations, Partition History Project and Polka Theatre.
THE GIRL AND THE GIRAFFE SAT 28 OCT, 11AM & 2PM
HALF-TERM
The Hat Factory Arts Centre £7, 3 – 6 years Charming puppetry, an enchanting soundscape and beautiful storytelling combine in this sensitive show about wellbeing and friendship, told from a child’s perspective. Presented by Half Moon
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EXHIBITIONS & VISUAL ARTS SEP // DEC
INTERNATIONAL GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR Sat 23 Sep - Sun 26 Nov
Stockwood Discovery Centre Free This exhibition captures beautiful images of plants, habitats and amazing landscapes from amateur and professional photographers. Photo: Nigel McCall
70th Anniversary of UK / PAKISTAN relations. Photographic Exhibition WED 1 NOV - WED 13 DEC
Luton Central Library Free Documenting the work the UK has done in Pakistan, including projects in Punjab, Sindh, Karachi, Lahore, Punjab and KPK. Photography by Sara Farid. Presented by Pakistan Unit Foreign & Commonwealth Office
A sense of place
Arts, enterprise and placemaking - an interdisciplinary conference on Fri 3 and Sat 4 Nov by testbeds in partnership with Luton Culture. To be held at The University of Bedfordshire’s Luton Campus, The Hat District and other places around Luton. For more information and to book your tickets, go to www.testbeds.beds.ac.uk Our other projects include Billboards, Culture Wall and Storefront with curators Matthew Shaul and Andrew Hunt. www.asyouchange.co.uk. Led by Luton Culture. Funded by Arts Council England, Luton Investment Programme and Luton Bid.
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: Tue 2.15pm Leagrave Library: Wed 9.30am & 11am Marsh Farm Library: Thu 10.15am Stopsley Library: Wed 9.30am & Thu 2.15pm See website for details of these regular free activities at libraries across Luton.
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. 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 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm Lewsey Library: Sat 2pm - 5pm Stopsley Library: Sat 10am - 1pm Leagrave Library: Sat 2pm - 5pm Marsh Farm 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, Heritage Lottery Fund, London Luton Airport Limited, Luton Borough Council, SEMLEP, Historic England, The Friends of Luton Museums, The Architectural Heritage Fund. Luton Culture: registered Charity No. 1122964. 23
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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LUTON TOWN CENTRE
4 WARDOWN HOUSE, MUSEUM AND GALLERY A6
3 STOCKWOOD DISCOVERY CENTRE M1
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ST. GEORGE’S SQUARE
P BUTE STREET CAR PARK IS FREE AFTER 6PM
@WeAreLutonCulture @LutonCulture