Arts East Winter 2021 Issue

Dedicated to the arts in the Eastern Region

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ARTSeast Winter 2021

Coffee & a Chat with Dom Joly Creating Constable at Christchurch Mansion

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V i s u a l A r t s | T h e a t r e & Fi l m | M u s i c | W h a t ’s O n

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Winter 2021

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Competition Winner from the previous issue:

Editor’s Welcome

Tickets to the live screening of The Nutcracker at The Sudbury Quay on December 12th - Ian Welch from Bury St Edmunds

ARTSeast ARTSeast Magazine Units 10a & 11, Red House Yard Gislingham Road, Thornham Magna Eye, Suffolk IP23 8HH www.artseast.co.uk www.falconpublications.co.uk follow us @artseastmag

Publishers Gary Enderby & Sarah Veness Editorial Sarah Veness sarah@artseast.co.uk 01379 773348 07803 328258

Welcome to the Winter edition

perfectly captures the Suffolk countryside.

of ARTSeast Magazine.

For our coffee and a chat feature we caught

This winter we are thrilled to be able to tell you about a wealth of creative offerings in our region - even more magical after the difficult winter last year.

In this edition we take a look at the stunning Textile Treasures Exhibition at Norwich Castle, focus on the brilliant Creating Constable Exhibition at Christchurch

Advertising Gary Enderby gary@artseast.co.uk 01379 773347 07722 163703

Mansion in Ipswich and cover many other

Web Design David Last info@profileweb.co.uk

Colchester.

Accounts Julia Aitken accounts@artseast.co.uk 01379 831158

fabulous exhibitions including circus art at The Yare Gallery, Great Yarmouth and Background Bob’s comeback at Firstsite in Our artist profile features talented landscape artist Helena Wilsen-Saunders whose work

up with author and broadcaster Dom Joly who is sharing his holiday snaps with us at The Apex, Bury St Edmunds on March 2nd.

We also look forward to Holt Film Festival, Norwich Chamber Music’s new season, next year’s Forest Live concerts and the Haughley Park Spectacle of Light.

As ever, we’d love you to get in touch if there is anything you’d like us to cover. For now, we hope you enjoy both this issue and the amazing array of shows, exhibitions, concerts and events that our region has to offer this winter.

Sarah Veness Editor

Design Copy Concept i.foster4@icloud.com 01379 608358 Distribution Melvyn Veness Andrea Snowden Published by Falcon Publications

Cover image: Ayanna Witter-Johnson who is performing at Saffron Hall on January 7th.

Photo: Nick Howe

Winter 2021

Contents

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Visual Arts News Artist Profile: Helena Wilsen-Saunders

13 Norwich Castle:

Textile Treasures

17 Yare Gallery: Circus Art 18 Background Bob returns!

19 Christchurch Mansion: Creating Constable

20 Coffee & a Chat: Dom Joly 22 Arts & Crafts Directory 24 Theatre & Film News 27 The Corn Hall Diss Competition 36 28 The Venue, Holt 31 Music News 32 Norwich Chamber Music 33 Forest Live 35 What’s On News 36 Arts Council England:

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National Lottery Grants

38 Thursford Christmas Spectacular

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Visual Arts News Chappel Galleries Group Exhibition

Creative Coverage Winter Exhibition Happy and evocative

Chappel Galleries, here in the heart of East Anglia for 35 years, is

paintings of people from

currently running an exciting Group Exhibition of 49 paintings of

the past by John

varying media from nine gallery artists with international

Atkinson from Burston,

reputations. Artists include Trevor Burgess, an early exhibitor at

Diss feature in the

Chappel Galleries since 1992, Mediterranean scenes by London-

Creative Coverage Winter

based artist Jamie Boyd, the son of leading Australian artist Arthur

Exhibition, which runs

Boyd and Mary Griffiths, whose small striking portraits challenge

online until December

the viewer. The

31st. John works mainly in oils. After doing careful drawings of

exhibition

his subjects, he works quickly, layering colours on top of one

boasts a

another to create depth in his paintings. His work consists of

hugely vibrant,

portraiture, still life and landscapes and his paintings have an

turquoise

individual, period feeling to them. The exhibition also features

canvas by

paintings by Norwich-based Heather Tamplin. Heather makes

London artist

contemporary paintings on canvas in oil, acrylic and mixed

Andrew Gadd -

media, with realistic areas contrasting and creating tension with

“The Azure Archipelago” – showing boats floating out to a distant

areas of looser brushstrokes, drips, splats, runs and graphic

horizon on a five and a half foot canvas. The stunning exhibition

elements. This virtual exhibition can be enjoyed in the comfort

continues to December 31st.

of your home.

www.chappelgalleries.co.uk

www.creativecoverage.co.uk/artsist-news/virtual-exhibition

Rhythm and Geometry at The Sainsbury Centre Drawn from the Sainsbury Centre collection, Rhythm and Geometry: Constructivist art in Britain since 1951, celebrates the abstract and constructed art made and exhibited in Britain since 1951. The free exhibition includes work from the beginning of the 1950s to the present-day, comprising c.120 objects across sculpture, reliefs, mobiles, painting, drawing and printmaking. Opening with a selection of significant reliefs – a pivotal art form in Britain in 1951 – the exhibition goes on to look at the transition into abstraction that occurred at this time. Artists include Robert Adams, Yaacov Agam, Rana Begum, Anthony Caro, Lygia Clark, Natalie Dower, Adrian Heath, Anthony Hill, Michael Kidner,

Fritton, Mary Webb, 1971, Painting, Oil on canvas, Sainsbury Centre Collection © Mary Webb

Kenneth Martin, Mary Martin, François Morellet, Victor Pasmore, Jean Spencer, Takis, Mary Webb, Victor Vasarely, Gillian Wise and Li Yuan-Chia. The exhibition marks a significant bequest to the Sainsbury Centre from Joyce and Michael Morris. Following an extensive conservation project, many of these important works will be exhibited in public for the first time in decades. sainsburycentre.ac.uk

Winter 2021

Awash 2022 The Society of East Anglian Watercolourists (SEAW) seeks the best in contemporary watercolour and the use of

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Celebrating The East Anglian School of Painting

fluidity and transparency in the creation of original paintings. The SEAW was established by Richard Sorrell PPRWS (2006-9) and now has over 100 members and Friends, all of whom support their aims to improve watercolour expertise, bring people together to share art opportunities, tips and challenges and show their paintings across the region. SEAW Patron Lillias August RI says; ‘It is wonderful to have a society dedicated to watercolour that is so proactive and diverse.’ Their exhibition AWASH 2022 - running from February 3rd-27th at the Handa Gallery, Wells Maltings - showcases 150 paintings, all demonstrating the beauty, variety and unique qualities of watercolour. Visitors will have a chance to view and purchase original framed, unframed paintings and cards that offer a variety of perspectives of the local area and beyond and to take part in a variety of workshops, demonstrations and ‘meet the artist’ opportunities. www.eastanglianwatercolourists.co.uk

Lucian Freud, Maggi Hambling, John Nash … just a few of the artists associated with The East Anglian School of Painting and Drawing, established in 1940 by Cedric Morris and his partner Arthur Lett-Haines in their home, Benton End. Through the 1940s and 1950s Benton End, on the outskirts of Hadleigh, became the centre of a diverse community of 20th-century artists, writers, and horticulturalists. An exhibition at Firstsite, Colchester will showcase for the first time the network of artists and cultural figures with links to the art school Morris and Lett-Haines created, its influence in the formation of the Colchester Art Society, and the inspirational way of life and approach to teaching and gardening encouraged by Morris and Lett-Haines. Life with Art: Benton End and the East Anglian School of Painting and Drawing (11 December 2021 – 18 April 2022), will feature over 100 artworks, including works by Morris and Lett-Haines, drawn from collections public and private from across the UK. Alongside these will be artwork by artists who studied at Benton End. firstsite.uk

Perfect Printmaking Bircham Gallery kicks off 2022 with their annual Printmakers Exhibition with works in print from many exceptional printmakers. These include Dale Devereux Barker who specialises in reduction linocuts and screen-prints, combining a celebration of colour and form with warmly engaging subject matter. James Dodds’ linocuts follow the coastal variations of the simple workboat and are inspired by boats and boat building, coastal towns, nautical myths and legends. Ross Loveday is a self-taught artist of powerful and very personal interpretations of landscape. Hilke MacIntyre’s linocuts are influenced by ‘primitive’ art, early 20th Century European art and contemporary design, using a simplified figurative style with strong abstract pattern. There are many more talented printmakers exhibiting work in the exhibition which runs from January 8th. www.birchamgallery.co.uk

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Winter 2021

Artist Profile: Helena Wilsen-Saunders A desire to capture the beauty of the Suffolk countryside, led artist Helena Wilsen-Saunders to explore the world of landscapes

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In the space of just the last few months, artist Helena Wilsen-

the view using whatever pen or pencil I have in my pocket,’

Saunders has started painting landscapes of the stunning Suffolk

says Helena.

countryside on her doorstep. This creative focus is a marked

This is the first step in creating her beautiful works of art. Back

departure from what came before.

home, Helena plans her painting before washing her canvas in

After studying art at University, Helena worked as a graphic designer

watered-down oils. ’I I hate the stark white of a canvas,’ she laughs.

and eventually as a teacher of drawing and painting.

‘Working in oils, I often start with the sky in a painting. If that works,

‘The work I’ve done previously is a million miles away from what I’m

I continue. If not, I start again. I build the layers of the painting up

focusing on now,’ laughs Helena. ‘I worked for CBS Records,

finishing with tiny brushes for the minute, finer details. I love

designing album covers for music artists like The Clash, The Bangles

scratching….gouging into the canvas to recreate the reeds or

and Bruce Springsteen. I also used to paint large abstract pieces on

tangled wood for example.’

huge canvases measuring 6ft x 4ft.’

Each of Helena’s paintings are infused with a mix of personal

It was after Helena moved to Woodbridge in 2019 and joined a

expression and stark realism.

local ramblers group, that the beauty of the Suffolk countryside

‘I want my paintings to look real, like a photograph,’ says Helena.

inspired her to pick up her paintbrush again.

‘To capture that moment, in that place, exactly as I saw it. Suffolk is

‘As I started exploring the local area on foot, I fell in love with the

a very special place - a truly rural county. It’s not made up of

scenery and landscape all around me,’ says Helena. ‘It gave me a

manicured lawns or beauty spots but of working farmland which

sense of peace and joy and I felt inspired to recreate that on canvas.’

provides constant interest and inspiration.’

Helena started taking photos on her walks, ready to recreate once

Helena’s work is available on her website -

she was back home.

www.helenawilsensaunders.com - or you can contact her by email

‘I often go back to a place the following day and make sketches of

on fuschiadaze@googlemail.com

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Textile Treasures

Duvet of Love © Norfolk Museums Service (Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery)

Running until February 20th, Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery plays host to this beautiful exhibition showcasing inspiring textile works and their makers.

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Textile Treasures presents some of the best-loved textiles in

play in the centre – the only human figures in the patchwork,

Norwich Castle’s nationally important Costume and Textile

they would only have been visible to those lying in this most

collection. The exhibition showcases local connections and

intimate of spaces.

personal histories as told through textiles created to provide comfort, care and as a form of self-expression.

By contrast the bedcover made in 1961 for Jenny Pitchford, an occupational therapist at Shelton psychiatric hospital,

The exhibition includes extraordinary examples of patchwork,

Shrewsbury, was designed to support the mental well-being of

applique, and embroidery – techniques traditionally used to

its makers. Created by a group of female patients during

make bedcovers. The thirty or so pieces on show combine

Occupational Therapy sessions, each embroidered square was

incredible artistry with emotional resonance which offer an

made separately, stitched together, and gifted to Jenny as a

insight into the lives of ordinary people.

wedding present.

The textiles are presented on open display, not behind glass,

Other pieces are a celebration of the spirit of ‘Make Do and

offering visitors a uniquely intimate view of pieces which are

Mend’. These include a wonderful patchwork skirt by an

not usually on show to the public. With themes of collaborative

unknown maker which dates from just after the end of the

creativity, gift-giving, recycling, friendship, family and love, the

Second World War and reflects the fuller silhouette of the post-

exhibition is even more relevant after the experiences of the

war ‘New Look’ invented by Christian Dior. With repurposed

past year.

fabric from pre-War clothing and a waistband made out of

The exhibition is curated by Curator of Costume and Textiles, Ruth Battersby-Tooke who says: ‘Developing Textile Treasures

black out curtains it’s a timely example of recycling in our disposable culture.

has been a wonderful opportunity to set up conversations

Collaboration is another important theme in the exhibition,

between textiles made by diverse people, often generations

with several of the pieces being created by more than one

apart, who find they have so much in common. The inclusion of

maker. The Marsham Quilt, for instance, which was donated to

some of the most recent additions to the collection

the museum in 2019 and is on display for the first time, is the

demonstrates the continued relevance of creating textiles as an

work of Norfolk sisters, Sarah Patience Marsham and Ethel

act of collective testimony and individual self-expression.’

Maud Marsham. They created it while employed as

The objects in Textile Treasures remind us of how personal these pieces of patchwork and embroidery are. Bedcovers and quilts are among the most intimate and domestic of items, and they hold in their fabric the lives of those who created and used them.

Lives such as that of local woman Margaret Brereton who created the extraordinary Brereton Tester panel – the ceiling of a four-poster bed-hangings set – between 1801 and 1805 while grieving the death of her teenage son, John. A stunning example of English pieced patchwork, it is also a moving testament to maternal love, said by her family to have been

housemaids in London in the 1910s. The quilt, which clearly shows their two different approaches to design, was made for their six nephews and nieces back in Norfolk and features an eclectic mixture of fabrics including fine woollen tweeds for men’s suits and overcoats, fragile silk crepe, velvet, half silks for women’s dress, and a range of furnishing textiles.

The exhibition also displays work by contemporary artists who have turned to textiles as a means of artistic expression. David Shenton’s Duvet of Love uses a mosaic of badges attached to a double duvet cover to create a stunning and colourful image of two male figures embracing.

created over a period of four years. A clue as to the emotional

Bringing us right up to date, the amazing Coronaquilt is on

resonance of this object lies in the image of the four children at

display, another example of the resilience of collaboration and

Winter 2021

Brereton Tester © Norfolk Museums Service (Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery)

Pitchford Bedcover © Norfolk Museums Service (Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery)

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Marsham Quilt © Norfolk Museums Service (Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery)

Make Do and Mend Skirt © Norfolk Museums Service (Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery)

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Detail from Corona Quilt © Norfolk Museums Service (Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery)

the therapeutic potential of sewing in the face of challenging

but together, they shed light on our recent shared experience.

times. It was created by members of the Costume & Textile

They spark empathy, enabling us to connect with the past and

Association, who are also supporters of the exhibition, as a

reflect on our own lives. Textile Treasures is a rare and

response to the pandemic. The quilt is made up of individual

unmissable opportunity – a compelling, colourful tribute to

squares embroidered in isolation and then stitched together.

the extraordinary skill and patience of ordinary men and

The result is a unique collective record of living through the

women.

pandemic.

Textile Treasures: A celebration of inspiring textiles and

After a year like no other, this exhibition speaks to us of how

their makers – personal histories, creativity and craft runs

people throughout history have found, in the seemingly

until February 20th 2022 at Norwich Castle Museum & Art

simple act of sewing, personal expression, comfort and

Gallery.

reward. Like pieces of a patchwork, these textiles are separate,

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S E L E C T E D

E X H I B I T I O N

ORIGINAL PAINTINGS | GREETING CARDS | WORKSHOPS | MEET THE ARTIST

3-27 February 2022 11 AM - 4 PM DAILY

HANDA GALLERY, WELLS MALTINGS STAITHE STREET, WELLS-NEXT-THE-SEA NORFOLK NR23 1AU

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Roll Up, Roll Up….

The newly opened Yare Gallery, on Great Yarmouth’s historic South Quay overlooking the river, is showcasing an amazing collection of circus paintings and artefacts from famous artists, many of whom are Norfolk and Suffolk based. There is also work by internationally known painters of circus subjects – Bruer Tidman, who has been painting the Hippodrome circus since 1984, Colin Self - an English Pop Artist who has over 30 works in the Tate, will have six of his clowns on display plus a series of circus themed sculptures created from tin cans. Will Teather, a leading figurative artist, will have one of his famous spheres plus a series of circus paintings whilst work by Mark Burrell, a Lowestoft based realist painter who tells great stories through his paintings, will also be on display.

With additional props from the Hippodrome Circus in Great Yarmouth, the entire three-storey 17th Century Merchants

House is a feast for the eyes. There was circus in six wooden circus buildings in Great Yarmouth before the Edwardian Hippodrome was built. The Hippodrome building was created in 1903 and its splendid interior and fantastic performances have been delighting audiences ever since. It is the last surviving standalone circus building, and one of only three in the world with its original sinking ring and water show. It has been owned by the Jay family since 1979.

This free exhibition, in association with Peter Jay, Hippodrome Circus, runs until January 13th 2022. Opening in early summer this year, this is The Yare Gallery’s 4th exhibition and promises a cornucopia of delights for all tastes and pockets – much like the Hippodrome itself.

www.yare.org.uk

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Artist: Supe

rA

Guess who’s back?

Artist: Darren

Lee Goddard gen

livia Bo

Artist: O

In Autumn 2020, Colchester’s Firstsite opened @background_bob

immediately. This then mushroomed to a remarkable 240 unique

and his amazing friends, a unique collaboration between a young

images co-created by Noah and artists from across the world,

disabled artist from Essex and 200 prominent street artists from

including the UK, Colombia, Italy, Spain, France, Sweden,

across the world, plus members of the public and key workers. It

Germany, the USA and Australia. For the new exhibition, a

caused a sensation, with the show also helping to raise over

staggering 700 artists responded to Noah and Nathan’s latest

£100,000 for local charities, when many of the artworks sold in an

invitation, with tattooists, sculptors and fine artists, creating a

online auction.

broad variety of exciting new pieces for the Firstsite show.

Now, the irrepressible youngster returns with a new show

Once again, leading international street and graffiti artists have

@background_bob and his amazing friends – Guess who’s back! -

contributed work including Inkie, Fanakapan, Akut, Ben Eine,

the title inspired by hip hop legend Eminem’s hit Without Me -

Insane51, Super A, James Bullough and Snik. The artworks

with even more contributing artists and more than 200 stunning

include animals, dinosaurs and TV and comic book characters

artworks to enjoy at Firstsite now until January 9th.

along with public figures, familiar faces from TV, music and film

The project began during the height of the first lockdown, when

and much more!

Colchester-based Noah – AKA @background_bob – was unable to

The exhibition will again raise money for the Colchester and

attend his school and started painted on cardboard as something

Ipswich Hospitals Charity, with the artworks available to bid for

fun to do, while at home. Using a signature palette of bright

online after the exhibition has closed in January. There will also be

colours, Noah paints bold, confident abstract shapes, which

a new book to purchase, available from participating outlets,

collaborators are then invited to use as backgrounds for their own

including the gallery’s own shop.

artworks.

For more information follow @firstsite on Twitter,

Noah and his stepfather, Nathan Jones were stunned when 80

@firstsitecolchester on Instagram, like the Firstsite Colchester

artists from eight different countries responded almost

Facebook page or visit firstsite.uk

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Creating Constable Colchester + Ipswich Museums Service - John Constable (1776-1837), Golding Constable's Flower Garden, 1815, Oil on canvas, IPSMG:R.1955.96.1

The ‘Creating Constable’ exhibition, which explores the work of one of Suffolk’s most famous artists – John Constable, has opened at Christchurch Mansion.

scrapbook compiled by Constable’s relations, the Masons in Colchester, and include a portrait of his brother Abram and early landscapes.

The timely exhibition, which runs at the Mansion’s Wolsey Art Gallery until April 24th, coincides with the 200th anniversary of The Hay Wain, one of Constable’s most famous works. It is also 200 years since the death of Suffolk artist George Frost, who was Constable’s early mentor. To mark this significant bicentenary, the ‘Creating Constable’ exhibition will explore Constable’s artistic roots by revealing stories about Suffolk artists, family, friends, and early supporters who provided him with the foundations on which to build a career.

As well as works by Constable, visitors will also be able to view pieces by other notable Suffolk artists, including Thomas Gainsborough, George Frost, John Dunthorne, Elizabeth Cobbold and Thomas Churchyard.

Four early Constable works recently acquired

by Ipswich Museums, with support from the Friends of the Ipswich Museums, the Art Fund and the V&A Purchase Fund, will also be on public display for the first time. The recently discovered artworks were found in a

Today, Ipswich holds the largest collection of works by Frost in any public collection with over 300 drawings and paintings. This will be the first time in many years that these collections have been on display, and the first time that they have been digitised for online access, reaching a wider audience than ever before.

The research behind the exhibition has been supported by funding from the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art, and support for the exhibition has also been provided by the Friends of the Ipswich Museums and

Kerseys Solicitors. Key loans from the V&A collections will be included which show Ipswich in the 1800s, as well as artworks from the East Anglian Traditional Art Centre depicting the influence of Constable.

Councillor Carole Jones, Ipswich Borough Council’s Museums Service Portfolio Holder, has said: ‘2021 is a significant year for the renowned landscape painter, John Constable, and this exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to highlight his work and the wider Ipswich art collection – giving the people of our town an opportunity to see works by some of Suffolk’s most famous artists.’

Richard Wilson, Chair of The Friends of the Ipswich Museums, said: ‘We are delighted to be supporting this important exhibition. It features many works from Ipswich’s own collections, and celebrates how the career of Suffolk artist John Constable, who changed how we look at landscape, was shaped by other local artists, many of whom have been overlooked.’

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Coffee & a Chat Best-selling author and broadcaster Dom Joly wants to share his Holiday Snaps with you. Here he explains why.

Winter 2021

Best known as the creator of Trigger Happy TV, Dom Joly is undertaking his first UK tour since 2011.

Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps see Dom talking about his exploits as a serial globe-trotter and seeker of dangerous travel spots. From North Korea through the Congo and Syria to Chernobyl, he’s visited some of the most unusual spots on the planet.

But it was the cult TV show Trigger Happy that first put him on the map. Sandwiched between Friends and Frazier, Joly had caught the slipstream of Cool Britannia and propelled himself to stardom as one of Britain’s funniest and most clever entertainers.

The former ITN political reporter created Trigger Happy TV with cameraman Sam Cardman. They made 14 episodes and two Christmas specials. The shows was built on clever, timeconsuming editing; original ideas and a perfect marriage of cool tunes and funny sketches. He’d captured the zeitgeist, created a phenomena and his hidden camera show was sold to more than 70 countries worldwide, with America making its own version.

After, he hosted his own BBC chat show, invited The Cure’s Robert Smith to his wedding, bought a big house in the country and started writing about travel for The Sunday Times and The Independent.

At one stage, he persuaded the BBC to fly him to the Seven Wonders Of The World, where he filmed stunts at the Great Wall of China, The Grand Canyon, the Taj Mahal and others. Later, he started writing travel novels and visited Chernobyl, Cambodia and more as he filmed big adventures for Sky and more.

His favourite clip of all time was frightening an eskimo in Newfoundland, which he filmed for a subsequent TV show, World Shut Your Mouth. He’d driven all the way to Newfoundland only to find there were no eskimos. So he drove for five hours to find one then crept up behind him before smashing a cymbal near his ear. Just for giggles.

Joly hates beaches. He hates normal holidays too. But he loves going to weird places. So, after a chat with his agent, he started visiting obscure places around the globe before writing such hit books as The Dark Tourist: Sightseeing in the World's Most Unlikely Holiday Destinations. In that book, he travelled to Chernobyl, visited his childhood home of Lebanon and went to

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Iran for a skiing holiday. As you do.

In his second travel book, Scary Monsters and Super Creeps, he travelled the world in search of mythical monsters such as Bigfoot and the Yeti. ‘The cast from Bigfoot’s foot is in my front room,’ he laughs. And it actually is...!

‘North Korea is still the weirdest place I’ve ever been to. It’s insane,’ he laughs. ‘The only people who go to North Korea are hardened travellers whose idea of hell is a coach tour – but they all sign up to a coach tour. And they take you around the Museum of Agricultural Scythes and Lathes and it’s dreadful but because it’s North Korea everyone thinks it’s great. They have a massive bunker to stash the presents given to North Korea by other world leaders. So they have a train from Stalin, a stuffed alligator holding drinks from the PLO, a little plate from the NUM in Derby.’

His most recent book, The Hezbollah Hiking Club, followed a boozy, cricket-filled afternoon at Lord’s, where Joly convinced his two closest friends to agree to the unthinkable: a challenging hike across Lebanon, from the Israeli border in the south, along the spine of the country's mountain range, all the way to the Syrian border in the north. For Joly it was something of a homecoming, having grown up in Beirut.

And now it’s time to share those tales. From outlandish stunts for Trigger Happy TV and Sky to unlikely travel snaps from the Lebanon and Chernobyl; Joly will be sharing uncensored travel tales from the dark side in Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps.

‘I’ve got this collection of weird holiday snaps,’ he says. ‘And I know there’s that cliché that nobody wants to see anybody else’s holiday snaps Well, my holiday snaps are really good. And I’ve got some really good stories with them.

‘So, for instance, when we did Trigger Happy TV, we went to Switzerland and found out our runner couldn’t ski and then I got arrested for impersonating a yeti. There’s another snap of me at Chernobyl, thinking: ‘Should I eat the vegetables here or not?’

So when I put all of them together, I’ve got a seriously great holiday show.’

Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps is at The Apex, Bury St Edmunds on March 2nd.

www.theapex.co.uk

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Arts & Crafts

DIRECTORY

Colorcraft

The Art & Craft Shop in Saffron Walden For all your Art materials, Winsor & Newton, Daler Rowney, Sennelier, Proarte stockists, Paints, papers, boards, pens, pastels, canvas etc....

For all your Knitting, Crochet, Embroidery, Tapestry supplies, DMC, Anchor, Appletons, Sirdar, King Cole, Patons, Kits, Canvas, Aida, wool, thread, needles, patterns, felt, ribbon etc....

For all your modelling materials, plaster, glue, Balsa wood, construction card, Mount board, Doll’s house brick paper etc....

For all Mum’s homework and junior project requirements, pipe cleaners, poster paints, feathers, pom poms, glue, card, peel-offs, fat quarters, blank cards etc....

Useful stuff – Useful staff!

Picture Framing Service

Friendly, expert framing for paintings, prints, posters, photographs, cross stitches and just about anything else!

Where is this Emporium? Where it has been for over fifty years.

Colorcraft, 1-2 Emson Close, Saffron Walden CB10 1HL Open: 10am-5pm Tues-Sat (Closed lunchtimes 1.30-2.30) (Closed Mondays & Sundays)

Telephone: 01799 522607 Email: colorcraftsw@hotmail.co.uk www.colorcraftsw.com

Members of the Fine Art Picture Guild

3 Church Street, Cromer, NR27 9ER 01263 515745

Winter 2021

ORCHARD FRAMES

Quality Picture Framing Service & Gallery Prints • Oils • Water Colours • Mouldings • Ornate Frames • Mountboard

We make frames to fit your Embroideries • Oils • Watercolours • Posters • Medals • Photos etc Wills Yard, Chapel Street, Diss, Norfolk. Tel: 01379 644968

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32 postcards of the arches of Chappel Viaduct from the original watercolours by artist Władsław Mirecki

£15

• Glass • Dry Mounting

Mirrors

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Available from plus p&p Chappel Galleries £1.75 www.chappelgalleries.co.uk 01206 240326

Trusted by many Cambridge Open Studios artists to provide the highest quality giclée fine art print and framing services, year after year.

Unique glass beads, jewellery and more

Ask about our exclusive special offers for all Cambridge Open Studios members, running right up to the end of July!

Monday-Thursday & Saturdays 10.30am-1pm (closed Friday & Sunday)

Rectory Farm, Brewery Road, Pampisford Cambridge, CB22 3EN

1 Albert Street, Holt NR25 6HX • 01263 478020 seahorsestudio@icloud.com seahorsestudioholt

01223 834411

www.photoartgb.com

The Visual Arts Guide 2022 The Visual Arts Guide 2022 is an ideal opportunity for art galleries, artists, workshops, exhibition promoters etc to advertise themselves to art lovers, collectors and fellow artists across Norfolk & Suffolk.

The guide will be distributed free to art galleries, art centres, art & music shops, theatres, hotels & restaurants, coffee shops, tourist information centres and other public venues across Norfolk & Suffolk throughout the year.

Published by Falcon Publications.

Contact Gary on 01379 773347 or gary@artseast.co.uk Or Sarah on 01379 773348 or sarah@artseast.co.uk

www.falconpublications.co.uk

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Theatre & Film News Great Yarmouth’s Town Hall set to host Panto

A Biddy’s Christmas Carol A Christmas Carol is back at Biddy’s Tea Room in Norwich and Aylsham this year, with performances from December 7th31st. The Keeper’s Daughter presents A Biddy’s Christmas Carol - an innovative, playful and faithful adaptation of the story of Ebenezer Scrooge; a cranky, old miser who makes life a misery for everyone who crosses his path, until an evening of ghostly visitations

Widow Twankey will be setting up her laundry in very smart

forces a change

surroundings this year as panto Aladdin takes up residence at

in him for the

the Town Hall. This will be the first show to be staged in the

better. With

Town Hall’s newly refurbished Assembly Room and will run

just two actors playing all the parts, plus puppets,

between December 22nd and January 2nd. Audiences are

improvisation and surprises, this is a gripping ghost story for

promised music, magic and comedy on a rollercoaster ride at

friends and families. This imaginative re-telling of the well-

100 smiles an hour all the way to Old Peking with panto

known Victorian tale is an hour long and is suitable for all

regular and producer Gavin Dean, joined by star villain Dave

those aged five and over. Tickets are just £10 each (£7.50 for

Higgins, comedy fall guy Jimmy Catchpole and leading lady

under-14s) and include mulled apple juice and home-made

Clare Durrant, as well as comedy magician Joshua Pickering

mince pies. Bookings can be made at:

and star of the stage Emily Johnson.

www.keepersdaughter.com and

www.GreatYarmouthPanto.com

www.biddystearoom.com

Cambridge hosts Animal Farm The animals of Manor Farm drive out the farmer and run the farm themselves. A revolution. And then what? Then freedom. Every animal will be free. Old Major, the prize boar, calls the animals of Manor Farm together. He has had a strange dream of a better future. George Orwell’s world-famous fable tells the story of a revolution and its aftermath. Re-imagined by an award-winning creative team, Animal Farm is a dynamic, daring, and contemporary take on a timeless story. The production - running at Cambridge Arts Theatre from February 8th-12th - is a Children's Theatre Partnership production in association with Birmingham Rep. Directed by Robert Icke, whose version of 1984 (coadapted and directed with Duncan Macmillan) was a smash-hit in the West End and on Broadway, this brand-new production features puppetry by Toby Olié who originally performed as ‘Joey the Horse’ in the original West End production of War Horse. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

Winter 2021

Award-winning play comes to Sudbury

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Lowestoft’s very own Cinderella

Come and watch the Fairy Godmother wave her magic wand to make Cinderella’s dream come true at the Marina Theatre’s pantomime, running from December 14th to January 2nd.

The Sudbury Quay theatre hosts the excellent Smokescreen Productions’ performance of Waiting for Hamlet on January 7th. The play won its writer - David Visick - the International Kenneth Branagh New Drama Writing Award in 2018. Only Yorick can stop dead King Hamlet destroying everything and everyone he loves. It’s a battle of wits between two fools – but only one of them knows he is one! Waiting For Hamlet is a

This classic traditional family pantomime tells the romantic and heart-warming tale of the beautiful Cinderella. Under the power of her wicked Stepsisters, Cinderella lives as a poor servant girl, pandering to their every need and only dreaming of their luxurious lifestyle. With help from her only friend Buttons and a fabulous Fairy Godmother, can she make it to the Royal Ball and find her Prince Charming?

Enjoy breath-taking special effects, spectacular scenery,

comedy about a tragedy, and a love letter to the greatest play

sparkling costumes, plenty of pantomime mayhem and oodles

ever written.

of comedy.

www.quaysudbury.com

www.marinatheatre.co.uk

Poetry, Music and Drama Let your inspiration be set ALIGHT at the Fisher Theatre, Bungay, on January 14th during an evening of poetry, music, and drama with the acclaimed poet, lawyer and motivational speaker Dave Neita, and the multi award-winning composer Dr. Deborah Pritchard. Experience poetry and music to elate your heart and mind, alongside Dave's solo-performance play Uplift: a tribute to the Windrush Generation - where a discarded helium tank is set into flight as a symbol of their indomitable spirit. One of the UK's leading advocates for social justice, Dave Neita is regarded as the 'People's Lawyer and the People's Poet' due to his representation of excluded individuals and marginalized groups. Dave appears alongside acclaimed composer Deborah Pritchard on the double bass. Debs' work has been commissioned and premiered by ensembles including the London Symphony Orchestra, the London Sinfonietta, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Philharmonia Orchestra, and BBC Singers. www.fishertheatre.org

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Winter 2021

The Canada Boys comes to Diss

The Corn Hall in Diss welcomes Feast Theatre on February 24th with their funny, sad and thought-provoking play The Canada Boys.

The Canada Boys is based on the true story of a group of workers at J & J Colman. In 1912 the famous mustard company, concerned by rising unemployment in Norwich, offered some of its employees the opportunity of a new life on the other side of the Atlantic. ‘The Canada Boys’ is the story of two brothers who’d never ventured further west than Wymondham but who dared to imagine a new life for themselves in Competition ‘The British Dominion of Canada.’

Set in the shadow of The First World War this funny, sad and thought-provoking play resonates with Norfolk voices and locations and examines life in a world where ‘things int fixed solid no more’ and where change is coming…even to Norfolk. This play examines the relationship between a progressive company and its workers before the First World War. It is about ambition, love, duty, family and mustard.

WIN TICKETS

ARTSeast has teamed up with the Corn Hall, Diss to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of tickets to see The Canada Boys on February 24th at 7.30pm.

To be in with a chance of winning, email your name, address and telephone number to sarah@artseast.co.uk.

Closing date January 31st.

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Welcome to The Venue, Holt

In the heart of Holt is a very special place.

The Venue Community and Arts Centre was fully refurbished in 2019 to fully embrace the Arts before sadly having to close its doors due to Covid. But now it’s back and raring to go!

Winter 2021

Chairperson Carolyn Burns BA Hons says; ‘Our aim is to provide excellent arts facilities at an affordable cost, to enable newly emerging artists to have a space in which to engage with the public but also to enable those who have not engaged with the arts to connect in new and meaningful ways. We host art workshops, discussion groups, theatre groups, live music and dance, cinematic screenings, and visual art exhibitions, and connect with other organisations to promote the arts in and around our town. The Venue also hosts many local community groups to help to combat loneliness and isolation in the area, with everything from lunch clubs to yoga.’

In 2019, the Venue was thrilled to welcome Lady Anwen Hurt on board as Patron.

‘She is a staunch supporter of the Venue and the Arts activities therein, helping us to establish the Venue as a centre of excellent for the Arts in the region, says Carolyn. ‘She also started the first of our Film Festivals in 2019, screening an eclectic mix of films all with a connection to Norfolk.’

Now The Venue, Holt is delighted to announce its second February film festival which will take place from February 25th to 27th. Given the difficult times we’ve all been experiencing, The Venue, in conjunction with Holt Festival and the Sir John Hurt Film Trust has chosen a wonderful programme of the very best of films to bring a smile and to cheer the heart. With classic films such as Some Like it Hot and Breakfast at Tiffany’s to modern day hits like The Artist and Once, it promises to be a weekend of fun and laughter and there’s nothing quite like being part of a crowd as the lights go down and the credits start to roll. You won’t even have to go out to eat as the excellent kitchen at The Venue will be providing food and drinks throughout the weekend at very reasonable prices.

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Tickets at £5 per film are affordable and if you’re a real movie aficionado you can purchase a weekend ticket which will give you access to all 10 films for the discounted price of £40.

In conjunction with the film festival, The Venue is hosting A Life in Film, an exhibition of film memorabilia belonging to the late Sir John Hurt. The exhibition will include artefacts from some of Sir John’s most iconic films along with a selection of his drawings and will take place in the newly-named Anwen and John Hurt Exhibition Space. The exhibition will be open during the festival and for the following week. Anwen, Lady Hurt will be the guest at the Arts Forum on February 23rd when she will be in conversation with Phil Barrett discussing her own and Sir John’s experiences working in the film industry.

www.thevenueholt.com

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FOUNDATION COLLEGE Eden Theatre Arts is a foundation college for performing arts of the highest calibre. Nestled in the heart of Suffolk, the college boasts impressive facilities and a 100% success rate.

Focusing on training and preparation of the highest standard, Eden Theatre Arts is the only foundation college for performing arts in West Suffolk. Its dedication, devotion and expertise help pupils reach their goal of being accepted into many of the UK’s major Performing Arts Colleges.

Hollow Road, Bury St. Edmunds. IP32 7AP (07595) 455056 www.edentheatrearts.co.uk info@edentheatrearts.co.uk

Winter 2021

Music News Teddy Thompson: The Apex Called "one of the most gifted

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Award-winning cellist comes to Saffron Hall On January 7th Saffron Hall hosts

singer-songwriters of his

incredibly talented

generation" by The New York

cellist and vocalist

Times, Teddy Thompson is the son

Ayanna Witter-

of singer-songwriters Richard and

Johnson. Classical,

Linda Thompson and has

jazz, alternative R&B:

collaborated on projects with

she’s all of these and

Rufus and Martha Wainwright. He

much more, and her Saffron Hall debut (alongside a guest

emigrated to the States, barely

drummer and pianist) promises to be something very special

out of his teens, to embark on a career of his own. He was

indeed. A performer of extraordinary versatility, her live shows

heavily influenced not by folk music, but by such artists

are intimate journeys that chronicle her experience as a

as Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley and the Everly

female artist in the 21st century. Time Out claims she “has to

Brothers.He has released five critically acclaimed albums and

be heard to be believed”. ‘I feel like my music will live in

contributed to the soundtrack of Brokeback Mountain. Now

various places and hopefully in people’s heart,’ says Ayanna

Teddy is set to take Bury St Edmunds by storm when he

Witter-Johnson of her genre-defying, multi-award-winning

performs at The Apex on January 31st.

music. ‘That’s where I want the songs to stay.’

www.theapex.co.uk

www.saffronhall.com

Stonham Sounds - New Music and Arts Hub Artists, bands, theatre groups and creative talent from across the East of England are invited to perform, collaborate and even record at a new Mid-Suffolk facility. Stonham Sounds - a new hub for music and the arts - has been developed by the owners of Stonham Barns Park who are looking to encourage emerging talent from the region to bring live music and entertainment to visitors of the leisure, retail and holiday venue - and to people from all over the UK by ‘live’ streaming events and performances. ‘Stonham Sounds’will include a new performance facility – The Aspal – and be fronted by musician and newly-appointed Music Director Ronan MacManus from West London. ‘This is the region that attracts the attention of global superstars and mega names from music, art and film,’ says Ronan. ‘It is a place where creativity has no bounds, and we want to support the emerging talent that has evolved here. We intend to work in collaboration, not in competition, with the other venues in the region who work tirelessly to promote local talent.’ Watch this space! www.stonhambarns.co.uk

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World-Class Music in Norwich Norwich Chamber Music prides itself on the quality of its concerts, bringing excellent performers of international renown to Norwich and the surrounding area.

In this its 70th year, their 2021-22 season promises to be just as spectacular, welcoming world-class performers for an outstanding series of concerts.

Joseph Middleton & Carolyn Sampson

On Saturday December 18th, soprano Carolyn Sampson is accompanied by pianist Joseph Middleton with a celebration of beautiful songs including My Heart is like a Singing Bird by Hubert Parry, An Die Music by Schubert and An ein Veilchen by Brahms.

The Gould Piano Trio take to the stage on January 9th performing Haydn’s Trio in F sharp minor Hob.XB:26, Beethoven’s Trio in D Op.70 No.1

The Gould Piano Trio

(‘Ghost’) and Lekeu’s Trio.

On January 29th, Norwich Chamber Music welcomes Quatuor Arod who will perform Dvořák’s Quartet in C, Op.61, Bartók’s Quartet No.3 and Ravel’s Quartet in F. Rachel Podger and Friends perform on February 19th and include Rachel herself on violin, Matthew Truscott (violin), Alex Rolton (cello), Roger Hamilton (harpsichord) and Eligio Quinteiro (theorbo).

Quatuor Arod

Together they will play pieces by Handel, Purcell and Leclair.

All concerts are held at the John Innes Conference Centre in Norwich Research Park - a modern 300seat concert hall, well suited to chamber music, with plenty of free parking. Audiences are asked to wear a face covering to comply with the venue’s regulations.

www.norwichchambermusic.org.uk Rachel Podger

Winter 2021

Rag’n’Bone Man

Forest Live 2022

Keane

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Jess Glynne

Madness

Postponed in 2021, Forest Live, the outdoor summer concert series

On June 18th, Madness rock the forest. Drawing on their musical

presented by Forestry England, is back with a vengeance in 2022.

roots in ska, Madness were responsible for some of the most

Over four nights in June, Thetford Forest plays host to some of the biggest names in the music industry.

credible pop compositions of their generation with the ability to write songs that sparkle with the spirit of British life. Creating their trademark ‘nutty’ sound, they became the UK’s consummate

Opening the series on June 16th is Rory Graham, aka Rag‘n’Bone

singles group with a huge haul of hits such as ‘One Step Beyond’,

Man, an English singer-songwriter known for his distinctive

‘My Girl’, ‘Baggy Trousers’, ‘House Of Fun’, ‘Driving In My Car’, ‘Our

baritone voice. Having won the 2017 BRIT’s ‘British Breakthrough

House’ and ‘Wings Of A Dove’.

Act’, Rag‘n’Bone Man cemented his success with the recordbreaking release of his 4 x platinum No.1 album Human and a further BRIT Award for ‘British Single’ for the title track (Human) in 2018. His eagerly anticipated new album 'Life By Misadventure’ went straight in at No. 1 preceded by lead single ‘All You Ever Wanted’ and follow up, ‘Anywhere Away From Here’, a collaboration with the incredible P!nk.

Rounding things up on June 19th is incredibly talented Jess Glynne. Through her debut album, ‘I Cry When I Laugh’ (1.2 million album sales and counting) and platinum selling follow-up ‘Always in Between’, Jess Glynne is one of the most successful acts of the past decade and holds the record for most Number 1 singles (seven) scored by a British female solo artist. Whether performing solo (‘Hold My Hand’, ‘Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself’,

The following night, on June 17th, much-loved band Keane take

‘I’ll Be There’, ‘Thursday’) or in a collaborative spirit (‘Rather Be’ with

to the stage. With a succession of No 1 albums, they have

Clean Bandit’, ‘My Love’ with Route 94, ‘Not Letting Go’ with Tinie

accumulated over 13 million sales worldwide: ‘Under The Iron

Tempah, ‘These Days’ with Rudimental and Macklemore) her

Sea’, ‘Perfect Symmetry’, ‘Night Train’, ‘Strangeland’ and the

unique powerhouse vocal has delivered a succession of monster

seminal debut smash, ‘Hopes and Fears’. Generating hit singles

hits crossing the genres of pop, soul, R&B and house. Jess is

‘Somewhere Only We Know’, ‘Everybody’s Changing’, ‘This Is The

currently working on material for her third album.

Last Time’ and ‘Bedshaped’, this recording became one of the biggest selling albums in UK chart history and secured Keane’s place as one of Britain’s best-loved bands.

For the latest information and tickets online visit:

www.forestryengland.uk/music

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ARTS EVENTS AT THE VENUE HOLT COMMUNITY AND ARTS CENTRE NEW JAZZ CLUB

THE ARTS FORUM

Live Jazz Music every 1st Wednesday of the month, starts 7.30pm

Interviews with different artists discussing their working processes

1st Dec: Barbar and the Black Sheep

15th Dec 2021, 6.30pm: Chris Moorhouse, talk illustrated with song and

5th Jan 2022: Jazz Unlimited

instrumental material, followed by a short concert by The Lighters. Bar open

2nd Feb: George Jefford

23rd Feb 2022: Interview with Anwen Hurt (A Life in Film)

CHRISTMAS CROONERS

LAUNCH OF NEW GALLERY: THE ANWEN AND JOHN HURT EXHIBITION

7th Dec, 2pm: Live Music with the Jeff Short Swing Combo and Singers

SPACE, FEATURING EXCLUSIVE EXHIBITION OF MEMORABILIA FROM

Tea and cake included. Call 01263 733845 to book

THE CAREER IN FILM OF JOHN HURT

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE OPERA AND BALLET SCREENINGS Featuring the ‘best of the best back catalogue’ every 2nd Sunday of the Month.

Exhibition runs from 25th Feb to 4th March. Opening reception: Fri 25th Feb, 6pm

Starts 2.30pm. Bar open

LAUNCH OF FEBRUARY FEEL GOOD FILM FESTIVAL

12th Dec 2021: The Nutcracker (The Royal Ballet)

From Fri 25th to Sun 27th Feb, feature length and short films day and night, plus

9th Jan 2022: La Traviata (The Royal Opera)

refreshments and bar open. Opening reception Fri 25th, 6pm

13th Feb 2022: Giselle (The Royal Ballet)

A Film Festival celebrating films old and new that epitomise the ‘feel good’ factor

FOR MORE DETAILS ON THESE EVENTS OR TO ENQUIRE ABOUT HIRING THE EXHIBITION SPACE, CALL THE VENUE ON 01263 713427 OR EMAIL INFO@THEVENUEHOLT.COM WEBSITE: WWW.THEVENUEHOLT.COM

Winter 2021

What’s On News

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In Conversation with Lady Glenconner Head to Holkham Hall on December 27th to hear TV and Radio presenter David Whiteley in conversation with Lady Glenconner; sharing

Spectacle of Light returns The sensational Spectacle of Light at Haughley Park, near Stowmarket, returns this winter, featuring a brand new trail and new light installations for the whole family to enjoy. The popular after-dark event will take place throughout February and invites people to explore the usually-private Suffolk estate as they follow a magical, illuminated trail through its extensive gardens and grounds. A gentle musical score accompanies the tour and a warming range of food and drink is also available

insights about her life and what stimulated her third and most recent novel, A Haunting At Holkham. You will be welcomed to the Lady Elizabeth Hall with a drink on arrival, before taking your seat for an insight into the novel, the stories behind the tale and a glimpse into Lady Glenconner’s life at Holkham Hall as a young

along the way. The event runs each Friday, Saturday and

girl. Guests will be invited to submit questions ahead of their

Sunday in February, with entry times between 5.30pm and

event, which David will select from and include in their

7.00pm. The estimated walk time is 60-75 minutes and the

conversation during the evening. Copies of the book will be

trail is wheelchair accessible.

available to purchase on the evening.

www.haughleypark.co.uk

www.holkham.co.uk

Celebrating Christmas at The Hippodrome The Hippodrome Great Yarmouth is readying for another blockbuster version of its Christmas Spectacular Dec 11th to Jan 9th. The festive show, now firmly a Norfolk tradition, sees circus acts from all over the world come together and a Christmas extravaganza like no other. All set within the historic Hippodrome Circus arena, it's a truly unique and magical experience for the entire family.

This year The Hippodrome has recently opened Cafe 1903 next to the circus entrance, a stunning new coffee shop and cafe. Adorned with vintage circus memorabilia from The Hippodrome's collection, it’s the perfect place to start or end your visit to the circus. Ticket holders for the Christmas Spectacular will also be eligible for 10% off all food and drink at The Empire - a historic former theatre on Great Yarmouth seafront, which is now home to the east coast's most exciting and talked about new venue. With a range of street food, a bar and regular live music events, it’s perfect for all the family.

www.hippodrome.co.uk

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Lonnie Holley from Afterness, a National Lottery Project © Artangel

Alice Channer from Artangel’s Afterness, a National Lottery Project © Thierry Bal

Revamped National Lottery Project Grants

Christchurch Mansion’s Power of Stories, a National Lottery Project, Colchester & Ipswich Museums © Megan Wilson

Winter 2021

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Tilbury Bridge, Walkway of Memories, a National Lottery Project © Evewright Studio

National Lottery Project Grants (NLPG) is getting a revamp. NLPG is the Arts Council’s open access programme for arts, museums and libraries projects. The fund supports thousands of individual artists, communities and cultural organisations.

The decision to revamp and relaunch the grant scheme was made to ensure every element of NLPG fits in with the objectives of our new 10 year strategy, Let’s Create, and to ensure we maintain the fund’s success. Aligning one of our key funding strands with our organisational objectives is vital to achieving those goals and create the change we want to see within the arts and cultural sector.

The refreshed scheme will have new guidance for applicants and a new application form, all centred around how work aligns with Let’s Create Outcomes and Investment Principles. Organisations will be able to apply for the revamped grants scheme now.

Artists and organisations will be able to apply for up to £30,000 and get a decision within eight weeks. A quick decision time will help those applying to adapt to changes in a timely manner and will give more breathing room to everyone involved. This change has been made to nurture more ambitious activity and help this funding channel become more Dynamic – a key Investment Principle in Let’s Create.

Support for individuals will also change. At the Arts Council we believe enhancing support for grass-roots artists, who are at the

beginning of their career, is vital for the health of arts in this country. It encourages a flow of new talent into the creative industry and helps nurture the next generation of artists and cultural figures. We make this investment because you get out what you put in. We hope to implement this support by providing targeted advice to those that have not applied to our funds before.

Due to the sharp decline in footfall during the pandemic, some of the worst hit venues we fund were museums. We want to continue to build on the support provided to museums through the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund and have made it easier for museums to apply for project grants. More museums will be eligible to apply, including those that are non-Accredited.

These alterations will encourage museums to apply for funding to unlock their collections.

In addition, libraries are still welcome to apply for activity that aligns with any of the four Universal Library Offers: Creativity and Culture, Reading, Information and Digital, Health and Wellbeing.

The Arts Council is looking forward to welcoming applications for funding for the relaunched National Lottery Project Grants, one of the first steps in bringing the Let’s Create strategy to life.

For more information go to

www.artscouncil.org.uk/projectgrants

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Christmas Magic atThursford

Europe’s largest and most lavish Christmas show is once again lighting

acts includes ITVs Britain’s Got Talent finalists, the brilliantly eccentric

up the tiny Norfolk village of Thursford with its most ambitious and

and energetic British-Armenian comedian Kev Orkian who will

extravagant show to date.

introduce the world-class acrobat Billy George on the Cyr Wheel.

Set in the midst of the world’s largest collection of steam engines, mechanical organs and fairground rides, Thursford’s opulent Christmas Spectacular is performed by a cast of 130 professional performers, many of whom have come directly from the West End in

Returning to the stage is renowned theatre organist Phil Kelsall on Thursford’s Mighty Wurlitzer (one of the largest remaining Wurlitzers in Europe and the centre piece for the show) and the gravity-defying duo Delfina & Bartek will also feature in an acrobatic spectacle.

this three-hour show-stopping bonanza featuring a wide range of

Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience the truly unique

music, dance and comedy, with many more surprises along the way.

Thursford Collection which also includes The Enchanted Journey of

Running until December 23rd, this year’s extraordinary selection of

Light, a magical walk-through experience for all ages.

www.thursford.com

Winter 2021

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