ARTSeast December - January 2020

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Exciting George IV Exhibition at Palace House Coffee & a Chat with Alan Johnson

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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MARISAARNA J E W E L L E RY S T U D I O & G A L L E RY

Contemporary

Marisa Arna designs and makes her silver, gold and platinum jewellery, including any stone-setting, at her studio near Frinton-on-Sea in Essex. Her work is both contemporary and timeless and comfortable enough to enjoy wearing every day.

It ranges from ready-to-wear inexpensive gifts to engagement and wedding rings. Marisa is happy to discuss commissions which might include the remodelling of old, gold jewellery into new, wearable pieces to be enjoyed for many more years.

Marisa’s studio and gallery are open to the public.The gallery specialises in showcasing jewellery exclusively by independent designer-makers like Marisa, based on the British Isles. jewellery design with traditional

High Street, Thorpe-Le-Soken, near Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, CO160EA

www.marisaarna.com

craftsmanship

01255-862355.

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Editor’s Welcome

ARTSeast Competition Winner from the previous issue: Tickets to see Sherlock Holmes & The Warlock of Whitechapel Steve Harris of Ditchingham

Welcome to the December / January

his latest book as he comes to Norwich

issue of ARTSeast Magazine.

Theatre Royal. Did you know he once

This year has truly passed in a blur and we’re

dreamed of being a rock star?!

struggling to believe we are on the cusp of

Our artist profile focuses on the exciting

2020!

work of NUA graduate Emilia Symis while

If you can resist the urge to stay curled up in

we also profile some of the best festive

front of the fire with a hot chocolate, there

entertainment on offer in the region at both

are a myriad of shows, performances,

Thursford and The Hippodrome, Great

Editorial Sarah Veness sarah@artseast.co.uk 01379 773348 07803 328258

concerts, gigs and events to keep the whole

Yarmouth. Haughley Park’s upcoming

family happy this Winter.

Spectacle of Light in February also promises

This edition, we take a look at the excellent

to be a fantastic, and beautiful, event.

upcoming George IV exhibition at Palace

In our news pages we round up some of the

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

House in Newmarket, focus on the exciting

best exhibitions, performances and events

manipulate festival at Norwich Puppet

taking place in our region while we also

Theatre and discover Antony Gormley’s work

have two tickets to give away to a screening

on display at Firstsite, Colchester.

of The Lighthouse at Cinema City, Norwich.

For our coffee & a chat feature, we catch up

All that’s left for me to say is Merry

with author and politician Alan Johnson

Christmas from all of the team at ARTSeast

ahead of his touring theatre show based on

and we wish you all a very Happy New Year.

ARTSeast Magazine DBH 21, Diss Business Park, Hopper Way, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4GT www.artseast.co.uk www.falconpublications.co.uk follow us @artseastmag

Publishers Gary Enderby & Sarah Veness

Social Media Manager Sam Enderby Accounts Julia Aitken accounts@artseast.co.uk 01379 773349 Design Copy Concept ian@copy-concept.co.uk 01379 608358

Sarah Veness Editor

Distribution Melvyn Veness Andrea Snowden Published by Falcon Publications

Cover image: Harbour by Martin Laurance. Exhibition at Mandells Gallery, Norwich.

Jan12th - Feb 8th.

Dec-Jan 2020

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Visual Arts News

29 Cinema City Norwich Competition

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Artist Profile: Emilia Symis

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Music News

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What’s On News

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Thursford Christmas Spectacular

13 Palace House: King George IV 17 Antony Gormley at Firstsite 19 Eduardo Paolozzi at NUA 37 Hippodrome Christmas 20 Coffee & a Chat: Alan Johnson 22 Theatre & Film News

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Spectacular

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Haughley Park Spectacle of Light

25 Norwich Puppet Theatre’s manipulate festival

Subscribe to ARTSeast We can deliver ARTSeast direct to your door with a year’s subscription of six issues at just £15. All subscribers receive a £15 voucher to spend at Photo Elite in Diss which can be redeemed online at photoelitediss Just order your subscription online and pay by PayPal at info@artseast.co.uk or by online bank payment to Falcon Publications account no: 45594171 sort code 52-30-31 stating your name as reference. Please also remember to email your full name and address to info@artseast.co.uk

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Visual Arts News

Local artist Mimi Nicholson chosen to judge 2020 Young Art East Anglia

Lucian Freud at The Corn Hall, Diss

primary and junior schools pupils, which raises money for

Young Art East Anglia is an annual art competition for Suffolk’s

Cancer Research UK. Children

The Corn Hall, Diss

commended for

presents a collection of

their work as well

etchings by international

as the winners,

artist, Lucian Freud to

usually numbering

coincide with his

over 350 entrants, have their work displayed at the Peter Pears

exhibition at the Royal

Gallery in Aldeburgh and made into postcards, with the

Academy, London. The

winners having their work professionally framed. This year’s

exhibition - Lucian Freud: The Painter’s Etchings 1982-1995 -

judge, Mimi Nicholson, who lives

runs from January 24th-February 8th. One of the most

and works in Suffolk, takes

important figurative post-war artists, Freud regarded his

inspiration from our stunning and

etchings as parallel to his paintings and exhibited them side by

stimulating scenery. This year’s

side stripping down his images to their essentials. Just as with

theme is ‘A Moment In Time’ and

his paintings, Freud always worked directly from the model,

pupils are encouraged to use this

with an etching plate on his easel instead of a canvas. Join

title for work in any medium. The

curator David Case for a special event on January 25th between

closing date for entries is Monday January 27th and the

11am-1pm to discuss the exhibition and Freud’s etchings.

exhibition will be held on March 13th-15th.

Tickets are free. www.thecornhall.co.uk

www.youngarteastanglia.co.uk

£47K pioneering arts project to boost wellbeing in the East A Suffolk-based arts charity is celebrating a £47,000 National Lottery Project Grant through Arts Council England which will go towards delivering a pioneering new arts and wellbeing project in the East using virtual reality (VR) technology. Hayley Field, Suffolk Artlink Co-Director, explains: ‘VR is already being used therapeutically, but we are looking to develop its use in artistled participatory practice. Our multidisciplinary artist teams will deliver personalised virtual tours enhanced by the use of sensory and creative material to people in care homes and hospitals. Our participants will also work with artists to create new work together, such as poetry, painting or movement, that are then developed into VR experiences.’ The project begins this month in hospitals and care homes across the East including Ipswich Hospital and the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, and will run until January 2021. www.suffolkartlink.org.uk

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Suffolk Open Studios Winter Exhibition Suffolk Open Studios is joining forces with the popular

Digital Exhibition at Fairhurst Gallery

Ferini Art Gallery in Pakefield, Lowestoft to hold its 20th

The Fairhurst Gallery

Annual Winter Exhibition. Following the success of its

is proud to present a

summer programme, the new exhibition gives visitors a

solo exhibition by

chance to see new work from a wide range of artists across

Norwich-based artist

Suffolk in a variety of mediums, including painting,

Siris Hill whose work

drawing, printmaking, glassware, ceramics and pottery.

is centred around

Cally James, Suffolk Open Studios Chairperson says; ‘We’re

Renaissance and

extremely grateful to Ferini for giving us the opportunity at

Baroque inspired figurative painting. Hill is a digital fine artist,

this time of year

replicating the textures and movement of oil and acrylic paint

to display our

with astonishing skill. Hill’s emotive portraiture explores the

members’ work.

effects that psychological conditions have on an individual, his

Many of them

works reflecting his own realities of living with mental illness as

have been busy

he investigates the social obstructions and loss of identity it

since the summer

creates. Unable to work around the fumes of oil paint, he has

on a number of

undertaken digital painting techniques to demonstrate a

new projects, and

mastery of techniques of 17th-century artists. Hill started

the Ferini Gallery provides the ideal surroundings for visitors to view them for

struggling with his mental health as a teenager and found himself living on the streets. Despite extremely challenging

the first time.’ The exhibition - running until January 19th -

circumstances he completed a BA Fine Arts degree at Norwich

also features work by clients of Suffolk Open Studios’

University of the Arts. The Fairhurst Gallery will be exhibiting

nominated charity, Suffolk Artlink. Ferini Gallery is open

three of Hill’s light boxes, plus a selection of giclée prints and

Friday to Sunday, 11am-4pm.

works on aluminium. The exhibition runs until January 25th.

www.suffolkopenstudios.org

www.fairhurstgallery.co.uk

Martin Laurance: Mandells Gallery Mandells Gallery are holding a solo exhibition of works by talented artist Martin Laurance from January 12th-February 8th. The exhibition showcases his landscapes in mixed media and oil with a focus upon the area where sea, sky and land meet. Reflecting his interest in places, the subjects range from the Norfolk coast to Yorkshire, Cornwall and Orford Ness on the Suffolk coast. ‘Martin Laurance has a unique style, not derivative of, or in the manner of any other artist,’ says John Allen, Director of Mandell’s Gallery.’ His artworks can contain found paper pertaining to the subject, with layered paper and collage. These elements provide a strong textural feel, this combined with his confidence in using strong colours results in highly individual work.’ www.mandellsgallery.co.uk

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Norwich Art Supplies

Open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5.00pm 16 St. Benedict’s Street, Norwich NR2 4AG Tel: 01603 620229 www.norwichartsupplies.co.uk

Dec-Jan 2020

Artist ProďŹ le: Emilia Symis

Stowmarket Fine Art graduate Emilia Symis is aiming to harness all of our senses in her upcoming solo exhibition in Diss

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Despite graduating just last summer in Fine Art from Norwich

and sweet cherries to the right. But upon closer inspection,

University of the Arts, Emilia’s amazing acrylic paintings are

people were able to see the paintings weren’t actually as

already gaining acclaim in the art world.

pleasant as they’d first imagined. ‘I went up to Manchester for

‘During the last unit of our degree course, the lecturers

the ceremony in July and it was amazing to be surrounded by

encouraged us to think

such talented and

about our future career

experienced artists,’ says

and to find ways in

Emilia. ‘It gave me a real

which to get our name

boost.’

out there. One of the

By this point Emilia’s work

most effective ways of

had already been receiving

doing this is to enter

glowing praise after she

competitions,’ says

won the Bishop’s Art Prize

Emilia.

the month before.

Last summer she was

‘The competition was open

thrilled when her work

to all third year students at

- a diptych entitled

the university and I was

Nostalgia - was shortlisted for the prestigious John Ruskin Prize.

thrilled to win first prize with my painting of coffee pouring

‘The theme was Agents of Change,’ says Emilia. ‘My two

through my hands,’ says Emilia.

paintings making up the diptych initially drew people to them as

Her work has also been exhibited in London and in many

I’d added the scent of sweets to them - foam bananas to the left

Norwich galleries.

Dec-Jan 2020

Emilia’s hyper realistic paintings in acrylics are often teamed

mysterious aroma - yet to be decided.

with a fragrance or scent to further evoke a reaction from

’The exhibition is based around food and childhood,’ says

those viewing the painting. Olfactory art, as it is known, is a

Emilia. ‘I’ve drawn inspiration from sweets from my own

fairly new phenomenon and Emilia is rigorously

childhood but also from the weird and wonderful dishes my

experimenting with

mum remembers from

finding the best way to

the 1970s. There will

create a powerful and

also be iconic food film

effective aroma

references such as

around her artwork.

Buddy the Elf’s Sweet

‘Sometimes I varnish

Spaghetti from the

the paintings to seal in

film Elf.’

the paint and then add

The exhibition

a fragranced oil so the

promises to be a

painting itself contains

vibrant, fun,

the scent,’ says Emilia.

multisensory

‘Other times I use a

experience that leaves

plug-in diffuser that fills the gallery space with scent.’

you feeling conflicted and slightly uncomfortable but

Emilia is holding a solo show at The Corn Hall, Diss from

eager for more.

February 14th-March 16th entitled ‘A Feast for the Senses’.

www.emiliasymisart.co.uk

She will be showcasing her new paintings, paired with a

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‘Wood and Water ’ - Thicks and Stones From 21st November 2019

24 Church Street Woodbridge IP12 1DH Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 5pm www.galleryeast.co.uk @galleryeastwoodbridge

Jane Human / Bordering the Fen II

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King George IV: Royalty, Racing and Reputation Palace House, Newmarket is home to this fascinating exhibition celebrating George IV’s passion for both art and horseracing

George IV (1762-1830) when Prince of Wales, After Thomas Gainsborough, c.17825. Royal Collection Trust (c) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2019

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Variously cast in the public imagination as a dissolute wastrel,

a horse race (which he did in 1671), and his passion for the

builder of the Brighton Pavilion or the slow-witted dupe of his

sport contributed to Newmarket becoming the spiritual home

scheming butler in the TV classic Blackadder, George IV is one

of flat racing the world over.

of British history’s most fascinating - and misunderstood figures.

As Prince of Wales (1762-1820), Prince Regent (1811-20) and King (1820-30), George delighted in rubbing shoulders with

Now, a new exhibition at Palace House in Newmarket will explore George’s legacy as not only a great patron and collector of art, but also as a prominent and, at times controversial, patron of horse racing.

jockeys and stable-lads as well as racing’s great and good.

However, George IV was a controversial figure, most famously getting caught up in a scandal involving his horse Escape in October 1791. Escape performed surprisingly poorly in a race,

King George IV:

only to win

Royalty, Racing and

convincingly the

Reputation - running

following day. His

until April 19th -

jockey, Sam Chifney,

explores this

was accused of

colourful monarch’s

holding the horse

fascination with

back, in a bid to win a

horseracing. This

substantial purse the

abiding enthusiasm

day after. Artist

gives us fresh

Thomas Rowlandson

insights into the life

subsequently made a

of a man who defined

hand-coloured

an era.

etching of this episode, How to

All but one of the

Escape Winning. This

forty-two artworks

satirical picture shows

featured – including portraiture, comical

Goodwood Cup 1829, Paul Storr. Royal Collection Trust (c) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2019

etchings and historic trophies – are lent by Her Majesty The Queen from the Royal Collection and offer an exceptional glimpse into the sport of kings. The objects on display at Palace House connect Newmarket with George IV in many

Escape with its legs bound by the motto

of the Order of the Garter, while Chifney is riding the horse nonchalantly, to the envy of his fellow jockeys. George himself looks directly at the viewer, his face imploring secrecy.

ways by showing the company he kept, the lives he and his

Horses inevitably played a central role at George IV’s

contemporaries led, and the animals they cherished.

coronation of 1821, with both the Royal Champion and the

Palace House is a uniquely appropriate setting for the exhibition, as it was originally founded by King Charles II in the 1660s as a royal base for his horseracing activities. Charles remains the only reigning monarch to have ridden a winner in

Lord High Steward being required to ride their mounts through ancient Westminster Hall in an attempt to evoke the glories of England’s medieval monarchy – which can be seen in the Denis Dighton print The Third and Last Challenge by the Champion during King George IV’s Coronation Banquet at

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Westminster Hall (1821). The coronation also managed to combine the king’s passion for horses with his love of boxing, the ushers at Westminster Abbey were all working-class boxers, chosen by the champion boxer John Jackson, portrayed in an 1810 mezzotint by Ben Marshall (Palace House).

George IV maintained his interest in horse racing throughout his life and in later years commissioned a string of magnificent trophies from the royal silversmiths. John Bridge’s splendid Lincoln Race Cup of 1829 was ironically won by the King in the same year, with his horse Fleur-deLis. She was one of George IV’s most successful

Thomas Rowlandson, How to Escape Winning, 1791. Royal Collection Trust (c) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11 2019

mares: she first won the Goodwood Cup in 1829 and repeated her success the following year. The 1829 trophy,

by Paul Storr, is a monumental piece of silverware, shaped like a vase. The 1830 trophy (also made by Storr) features

celebrity status during the Georgian era. Owners were keen to immortalise their champions and James Ward was one of the leading equine portraitists of his day. He was much indemand for his ability to capture the nervy, highlystrung nature and character of thoroughbreds and these traits can be clearly seen in his painting of Soothsayer (1821).

Palace House Chief Executive, Professor Steven Parissien, says; ‘I am absolutely delighted to be working with Royal Collection Trust on this fascinating and prestigious exhibition. In displaying these works from the Royal Collection, we are able to emphasise the strong and enduring royal connections with our museum and indeed with the town of Newmarket, which the royal family helped to make the world’s horseracing

The Third and Last Challenge by the Champion during King George IV's Coronation Banquet in Westminster Hall, Denis Dighton, 1821. Royal Collection Trust (c) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2019

capital.’

King George IV: Royalty, Racing and Reputation

horseracing scenes on one side and on the other, ‘gods presenting prizes.’ Although commissioned by George IV, he never saw the finished product, as he died before its completion.

Just as today, the most successful racehorses were afforded

coincides with the exhibition George IV: Art & Spectacle on display at The Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace running until May 3rd 2020 (and subsequently at The Queen’s Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh). www.palacehousenewmarket.co.uk

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The Visual Arts Guide 2020

The Visual Arts Guide 2020 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 email: gary@artseast.co.uk or Sarah on 01379 773348 email: sarah@artseast.co.uk

www.artseast.co.uk

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Antony Gormley’s Iconic Work comes to Colchester

Antony Gormley, Field for the British Isles, 1993. Arts Council Collection, Southbank Centre, London © the artist. Acquired in 1995 with the assistance of the Art Fund and The Henry Moore Foundation

The renowned Field for the British Isles, by Antony Gormley has arrived at Firstsite.

Field for The British Isles, which consists of 40,000 tiny individual terracotta figures, is the largest single artwork in the Arts Council Collection and its arrival in Colchester heralds the latest stage in the journey of this spectacular piece.

Gormley, who won the Turner Prize in 1994 after this work was created, currently has a major solo exhibition at The Royal Academy. But it is at Colchester’s Firstsite that arguably his most famous, iconic and beloved sculpture will reside, for the next four months until March 8th.

Field for The British Isles was made by Gormley in 1993 from a mountain of brick clay with over 100 volunteers who were invited to find their own form for each figure following three simple instructions: ‘hand-sized, stand up and have eyes.’

After being acquired by the Arts Council Collection in 1995, Field for the British Isles has been exhibited at a variety of venues across the UK, including Salisbury Cathedral, Greenesfield BR Works in Gateshead, The British Museum and Tate Liverpool. At each location, the configuration of Field is changed to suit the

space, but the thousands of small figures are always installed to resemble a dense carpet, with each figure looking directly at the viewer. In Firstsite the figures will swarm through the rear half of the building, including throughout the main gallery spaces - a seemingly endless mass confronting the viewer.

Gormley himself said of the artwork: ‘Thirty tonnes of clay energised by fire, sensitised by touch and made conscious by being given eyes ... a field of gazes which looks at the observer making him or her its subject.’

Firstsite Director Sally Shaw says; ‘Field for the British Isles comprises 40,000 figures and there are 40,000 children and young people living in Colchester. This work is an ideal way to represent the scale of the local population and the responsibility adults have to ensure that Colchester’s youngsters are given every opportunity and the necessary support to fulfil their potential.’

For more information about this and other exhibitions/events at Firstsite follow @firstsite on Twitter, @firstsitecolchester on Instagram, like the Firstsite Colchester Facebook page or visit firstsite.uk

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To advertise your forthcoming exhibition contact: Gary on gary@artseast.co.uk or call 01379 773347

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Eduardo Paolozzi: General Dynamic F.U.N.

Eduardo Paolozzi, An Empire of Silly Statistics… A Fake War for Public Relations. Copyright the artist and DACS Courtesy © Trustees of the Paolozzi Foundation, Licensed by DACS 2019

A new Hayward Gallery Touring exhibition of screenprints by Eduardo Paolozzi will open at East GalleryNUA, Norwich as part of a national tour.

Sir Eduardo Paolozzi (1924–2005) was one of the pioneers of the pop art movement in the UK. Born in Scotland, Paolozzi was a compulsive collector and a jumbler of icons. He is equally revered for his mechanistic sculptures and his kaleidoscopic print projects. The artist, who described himself as 'a wizard in Toytown', transformed the mundane, the derelict and the mass-produced into images that zap with electric eclecticism and impress with their graphic complexity.

'Carrots into pomegranates!'

Paolozzi's canny alchemy is vividly apparent in General Dynamic F.U.N, a series of fifty screenprints and photolithographs created between 1965 and 1970. Here

Paolozzi employs the technologies of mass-reproduction and gorges on its idols – the household names and familiar faces of consumer advertising, high fashion and Hollywood. The artist's friend and sometime collaborator, J.G. Ballard, described General Dynamic F.U.N as a 'unique guidebook to the electric garden of our minds'.

The prints, which bear idiosyncratic titles such as Totems and Taboos of the Nine-to-Five Day; Twenty Traumatic Twinges and Cary Grant as a Male War Bride, do not occupy a rigid sequence but can be viewed in any order. For Paolozzi, the modern age, exposed as ephemera, is a necessarily fragmented collision of visual stimulus and influence, and his work is a 'health warning for an uncreative and thriftless society'.

• The exhibition runs until January 4th at East Gallery, Norwich University of the Arts. Free admission. www.nua.ac.uk

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Coffee & a Chat From politician to best-selling author, Alan Johnson talks music, writing and how he once wanted to be a rock star‌

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Just how does an orphan, growing up in a poverty-stricken

‘Nostalgia, some light-hearted comedy, and lots of talk about

west London slum, chart a path to becoming one of the most

music, that’s for sure,’ says Alan. ‘There will be excerpts from

important and influential politicians of his generation?

many of the songs which have a particular resonance to the

Alan Johnson, the former postman-turned-home secretary has now become an award-winning and best-selling author. And

stories I tell, as I reflect on some of the key moments of my life.’

he is lifting the lid on his remarkable journey in a brand new

These include his early teenage years, when he and his sister

touring theatre show based on his latest book, ‘In My Life’.

had to find a way through life following the death of Alan’s

‘This is a deeply personal story about politics, pop, power and passion,’ says the 68-year-old, whose memoirs have sold more than half a million copies since the publication of his debut work in 2013.

‘Yes, I’ve held senior offices in Government, but I don’t want people to think this is a show which is just about party politics.

First and foremost, it’s about me; memories of my childhood, life growing up in the 1950s, the people and places which have played a significant role in making me who I am today with plenty of comedy, and music.’

Music has always played an important part in Alan’s life. ‘In my teenage years, I certainly wasn’t harbouring any ambitions to be a politician – oh no, I just wanted to be a rock star. I can’t imagine a life without music. I was part of the baby boomer generation which was there right at the start of rock ‘n roll, living through the emergence of acts from Dennis Lotis to

mother when he was just 13 years old; all those teenage musical dreams; stacking shelves at Tesco; and his Post Office work which led to him becoming the youngest ever general secretary of the Union of Communication Workers.

After being elected to parliament in 1997 as Labour MP for Kingston Upon Hull West and Hessle, he went on to serve in both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown’s cabinets, holding three of the most important cabinet posts – Education Secretary, Health Secretary, and finally Home Secretary until being succeeded by Theresa May in 2010.

‘If people want to talk to me on the tour about my time in Government, of course I’ll be happy to share some of the stories.’ says Alan. ‘But I’m not really interested in any heavyweight blow-for-blow accounts of the rights and wrongs of things. The focus of this show is not about my time in Government.’

Elvis Presley, Lonnie Donegan’s skiffle, and

Alan is currently working on his first

of course The Beatles in the 1960s.

fiction book. ‘It’s still in the early stages

As a songwriter and a guitarist, Alan was part of two swinging sixties bands, The Vampires and The Area, playing gigs around the London area. The Area even recorded a single, ‘Hard Life’, which was hawked around several record labels.

Alan looks back on these formative days

so I can’t tell you too much about it,’ he says. ‘But it’s based on an idea I’ve had in my head for some time – a kind of thriller, with romantic and comedy overtones, set in the 17th century. I’m not looking to win a Booker prize, but I like the solitude and the process of producing 80,000 words.’

during the show with great fondness. Not to mention, perhaps, a certain regret that he didn’t continue to play, or write songs beyond his 20s.

So what exactly can people expect from the show?

Alan Johnson is at The Apex on December 16th. www.theapex.co.uk

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Theatre & Film News Call the Midwife star in Cambridge show

Prepared to be Thrilled at The Quay Sudbury ‘Put it down, you fool! Do you want to look through a dead man’s eyes?’ This is the warning that comes with R M Lloyd Parry’s one-man show that tells two chilling and thrilling

Daphne du Maurier’s

tales from M R James,

psychological thriller My

the master of the English

Cousin Rachel comes to the

ghost story. In A View

Cambridge Arts Theatre

from a Hill, a pair of old

from January 13th-18th

binoculars reveal the

starring Call the Midwife’s

grisly history of an idyllic

Helen George. Murderess,

stretch of English

seducer, thief, enchantress -

landscape. In The

or merely a woman intent on survival? Alluring, exotic and

Treasure of Abbot Thomas, a treasure-seeker comes face to

unconventional, Countess Rachel Sangalletti travels from

face with unspeakable horror at the bottom of an ancient

Florence to the Ashley Estate in Cornwall, home of her

well. Dead Men’s Eyes, performed at The Quay Theatre

recently deceased husband. Her presence in the house

Sudbury on January 23rd, is the sixth instalment of

arouses dark suspicions and uncontrollable desires, not least

Nunkie’s M R James Project, a series of one-man shows that

in young Philip, cousin and heir to the Ashley home. Feverish

seek to revive the tradition of oral, supernatural storytelling

passion battles reason in this classic Gothic romance set in

that was perfected by Montague Rhodes James in

the wild landscape of the rock-ribbed Cornish coast.

Cambridge in the years leading up to World War One.

www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

www.quaysudbury.com

Rambert2 tear up the stage in Norwich Following the huge critical and popular success of their first visit to the Norwich Playhouse last year, Rambert2 is back with yet more thrilling choreographers to showcase their breath-taking style of intense, exhilarating and fierce contemporary dance. Formed each year from a global search for new contemporary dance talent, Rambert2’s dancers combine technical virtuosity with raw energy.

They work with some of the most exciting international choreographers around to create dance pieces that embody their fearless spirit. This brand new programme features Sin, a duet by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and Damien Jalet, created as part of their 2010

Image by Britt Lloyd, concept and executive creation direction by Stefan Campbell. Dancers Chen Peng (wearing A Cold Wall) and Juliette Wooden

piece Babel(words). It also includes Sama; new work by Andrea Miller, a star of the New York dance scene known for “visceral, imaginative work, where dancers can seem to do the impossible” (Dance Magazine), and Terms and Conditions from Jermaine Spivey, a dancer and choreographer best known for his standout performances with Crystal Pite’s Kidd Pivot.

www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk

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A Celebration of Joyce Grenfell Kick In The Head presents Choice Grenfell at The Corn Hall, Diss on January 23rd. Featuring the best of Joyce Grenfell’s hilarious songs and monologues, from Stately as a Galleon and School Nativity Play, to A Terrible Worrier and First Flight, this is a wonderful celebration of the work and talent of the unremittingly genteel queen of comediennes. Using previously unpublished rehearsal recordings, Joyce herself (played by Suzanne Walters) is our guide for a delightful delve into some of her most endearing characters, ably

Shirley Valentine: Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds Shirley Valentine’s life and marriage is as exciting as the chips and egg she cooks for her ungrateful husband. She wonders what happened to the young Shirley who wanted to travel the world but married a man who gets jet lag going to the Isle of Man - on a ferry! A free holiday to Greece with her best friend Jane re-awakens the lost desires of her youth and she starts to

accompanied by her trusted pianist William Blezard

see the world very differently. Theatre Royal Bury St Edmund’s

(performed by Andrew D Brewis).

own production of Willy Russell’s heart-warming comedy,

www.thecornhall.co.uk

running from January 31st-February 15th, will have audiences laughing out loud at the hilarious musings of the lovable Shirley, brought to life by Keddy Sutton in this delightful onewoman play.

www.theatreroyal.org

Top Local Talent Bring Timeless Tale To Life In Hit Musical Norwich and Norfolk Operatic Society are bringing a thought-provoking, entertaining and timeless musical hit to life in their 2020 production. They present the Norwich Theatre Royal premiere of Made in Dagenham from January 28th – February 1st, fresh from the success of Guys and Dolls 12 months ago. The musical explores the life of factory workers in Dagenham during the 1960’s and the struggle for equal pay for female workers in the Ford Factory in the Essex town. It shows how small scale collective action by those society gives no power to are able to achieve remarkable things when they work together. With rousing speeches, beautiful heart-warming moments, memorable songs and a taste of the Sixties, the musical remains topical with the ever-relevant fight for gender equality.

www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

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Interested in the arts?

ARTSeast is the only bi-monthly publication dedicated to the arts in the Eastern Region. In each issue we cover the best of visual arts, theatre, music, film, dance and literature.

We are as passionate about the arts as our readers are, and would love to help bring you that bit closer to the eclectic mix of events happening in our region.

SUBSCRIBE for 2020 (six issues) for just £15 and receive a free £15 voucher to spend online at Photo Elite in Diss.

Just order your subscription by email to info@artseast.co.uk and pay online by Paypal or by BACS to Falcon Publications, sort code 52-30-31 account no 45594171 stating your name as refeence. Please also remember to email your full name and address. You will receive six issues of ARTSeast throughout the year together with a free copy of the 2020 Visual Arts Guide.

Dec-Jan 2020

A Feast for the Imagination Norwich Puppet Theatre’s manipulate Visual Theatre Festival proves that puppets aren’t just for children…

After Chekov

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Great Grimm

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Puppet Animation Scotland’s annual manipulate Visual Theatre

Samolœt, with their intriguing and emotionally powerful work

Festival returns to Norwich Puppet Theatre in February 2020,

After Chekov. Acclaimed at leading festivals throughout Europe,

bringing with it a fantastic programme of diverse and exciting

this performance follows three sisters through their dream-like

shows and events for adult audiences. From hand

existence in an eternal present. The production has been

shadowgraphy to avant-garde puppetry and adult fairy tales,

described as both ‘familiar and indescribable’, and under the

the Festival offers Norwich audiences a rare opportunity to

direction of Anna Ivanova, the Franco-Russian company has

experience some grown-up puppetry and related artforms in

created a dialogue-free performance which instead focuses on

the magical setting of Norwich Puppet Theatre.

sound, movement and the interplay between objects and the

Opening the festival in Norwich are experimental visual artists

three actresses.

Mid-week, there are two opportunities to catch internationally

Cinema in Silhouette

acclaimed and imaginative hand shadowgrapher Drew Colby.

Based on the idea that hand shadows are likely to be the oldest form of puppetry, Drew’s show, Cinema in Silhouette takes audiences on an amusing and highly skilled journey from the age of the caveman to the present day. The solo performance contains elements of stand-up comedy, gentle political satire and a long list of shadows that can be made with two hands.

The programme of shows is completed with Edinburgh Festival sell-out show Great Grimm, a co-production from Box Tale Soup and Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham. Great Grimm is an engrossing storytelling experience for adults, celebrating some of the lesser-known fairy tales, and with plenty of the more grim details left in. Enjoy horrible, hilarious, weird and wicked stories, expertly told through performance, puppetry, mask and song.

During the week-long festival, Norwich Puppet Theatre are also partnering with NUA to present an animation showcase, as well as offering an opportunity to get hands-on with a ‘Theatre in a Suitcase’ workshop. This three-day workshop will be led by experienced puppet maker Judith Hope. Beginners are welcome and participants will be provided with their own vintage suitcase to turn into a mini theatre. ‘manipulate is an exciting opportunity for us to focus on our adult audiences,’ says Communications Office Fiona Fletcher.

‘There really is something for everyone at this year’s festival, with each performance showcasing very different skills in manipulation, from Colby’s physical hand manipulations to Samolœt’s powerful imagery and Box Tale Soup’s gripping storytelling.’ manipulate Visual Theatre Festival is running from Feb 1st-8th. www.puppettheatre.co.uk

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Head to the Big Screen this Christmas at Cinema City December is always a magical time at Cinema City, Norwich and this year is no exception. Their Christmas Season is in full swing and features something for all the family. In addition, big blockbusters like CATS and Star Wars: The Last Skywalker, are set to thrill young and old alike.

The New Year brings a wealth of fantastic films in the lead up to awards season including Armando Iannucci's Personal History of David Copperfield starring Dev Patel, Tilda Swinton and Hugh Laurie, Greta Gerwig's adaptation of Little Women, and WWI drama 1917 from director Sam Mendes.

Robert Eggers highly anticipated black and white feature The Lighthouse is slated for release at the end of January. Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe star in this hypnotic and hallucinatory tale of two lighthouse keepers on a remote and mysterious New England island in the 1890s.

www.picturehouses.com

Competition

WIN TICKETS

ARTSeast has teamed up with Cinema City, Norwich to offer one lucky reader the chance to win two tickets to see The Lighthouse.

Date of showing to be confirmed by the cinema once the competition closes.

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

Closing date: January 24th, usual terms and conditions apply.

Tickets cannot be exchanged for another screening or cash alternative.

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Music News Bury hosts music legends The Levellers Levellers are still going strong after 30 years in the game and are heading to The Apex in Bury St Edmunds for two nights on February 12th & 13th. They have long been, and still are, one of the best live bands around and they’re back in 2020 with a new studio album and an extensive tour taking in double nights at some of their favourite towns and cities. Over the years, Brighton folk-rock band Levellers have worn many masks; most self-made, some imposed upon them. But while their status has evolved over the decades, the basic humanity underpinning their music has remained constant.

www.theapex.co.uk

Record-breaking Beatboxer SK Shlomo in Ipswich This February, following a blistering 2019 that included a 5-star run at the Edinburgh Festival , a breathtaking live performance on BBC’s Blue Peter and performing on the Other Stage at Glastonbury Festival , the record breaking beatboxer SK Shlomo comes to Ipswich’s New Wolsey Theatre with his sell-out family show Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure For Kids.

Shlomo’s groundbreaking vocal skills gained him international recognition as a pioneering beatboxer, plus a Guiness World Record ,and the chance to work with famous musicians like Bjork, Ed Sheeran, Rudimental and Lily Allen.

Join this sonic superhero on tour in Ipswich on February 16th and become one of his sidekicks in a world of funny sounds, brilliant noises and cool music, whether you’re aged 1 or 101!

www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Celebrating Norwich’s Twin City Novi Sad The annual Paul Cross Memorial Concert, promoted by the Norfolk & Norwich Novi Sad Association, comes to the Assembly House, Norwich on January 18th. It sees a return visit to the city of the renowned international Serbian-born pianist, Rita Kinka. Ms Kinka (who was brought up in Novi Sad) will play Beethoven’s Sonata in E major and Chopin’s Sonata No.2 in B flat minor as well as Liszt’s grandiose Sonata in B minor. The concert honours the memory of Paul Cross the much-loved chairman of the Norfolk & Norwich Novi Sad Association whilst celebrating the long-standing friendship and twinning partnership that exists between the historic cities of Norwich and Novi Sad. As in past years, proceeds from the concert will go towards supporting an educational project at the Milan Petrović School for children and young people with special needs in Novi Sad. nnnsa.org.uk

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World Class Music in Holt ensemblebash has a reputation as one of the world’s most

Headliners announced for Forest Live

innovative and groundbreaking chamber ensembles.

Will Young and James Morrison have announced

Formed in 1992, the British percussion quartet

Appearing at the Auden Theatre in Holt on February 12th,

co-headlining dates as part of Forest Live, the summer

ensemblebash mixes contemporary classical, jazz and music

concert series presented by Forestry England. The special

theatre into unforgettable performances. This is the second

concerts will see both BRIT Award winning artists

in a series of five subscription concerts at The Auden with

perform individual sets on June 19th in Thetford Forest,

world class musicians. You can book any concert individually

that include greatest hits and material from their latest

but the good news is that even if you missed the first in the

albums: Will’s ‘Lexicon’ and James’s ‘You’re Stronger

series you can subscribe to the remaining four for £65 and

Than You Know’. Forest Live is a major outdoor live

save £30! Upcoming performances include piano duo Ferris

music series held every year by Forestry England. It

& Milnes on March 4th, the Timbre Trio on April 22nd and

introduces forests to new audiences in unique, natural

the European Union Chamber Orchestra with Fenella

woodland arenas around the country, including

Humphreys on May 21st.

Thetford Forest.

www.audentheatre.co.uk

forestryengland.uk/music

Pure Floyd comes to the Fisher Theatre Celebrating their 20th year in 2020, The Pure Floyd Show has earned its reputation as one of the most passionate, visually stunning and theatrical tributes to one the world’s greatest classic rock bands, Pink Floyd. The 13-piece production takes the audience on a journey performing popular songs from world record-selling albums such as Dark Side Of The Moon, Wish You Were Here, The Wall, The Division Bell and many more. On January 31st they perform the complete Dark Side of the Moon at the Fisher Theatre in Bungay, followed the next night by a show packed with many of their classics. With the front row boasting some of the best guitar fire power in the tribute business, driven by one of the country’s up and coming prog drummers, topped with gorgeous keyboards, saxophone magic and a trio of stunning backing singers, it’s one not to miss.

www.fishertheatre.org

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Ickworth Uncovered This January experience the re-imagining of Ickworth’s classical design, alongside Ickworth’s biggest ever roof conservation project.

Inspired by the beauty and power of classical architecture, artist Pablo Bronstein working with David Kohn Architects, will create a contemporary external art installation celebrating Ickworth as a home of great art and architecture. Using recycled materials, they seek to reveal a playful and extraordinary alternative to the Rotunda’s traditional grand façade.

Inside the Rotunda, set designers The Decorators and lighting company Studio Dekka, will use innovative lighting to highlight Ickworth’s unique architecture and spectacular collections.

To find out more visit nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth @trustnewart © National Trust 2019. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846.

Dec/Jan 2020

What’s On News Noah’s Ark has arrived at Ipswich Waterfront A half-sized replica

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Internationally acclaimed photography exhibition heads to Marks Hall Estate The stunning arboretum and gardens at Marks Hall Estate, near Colchester is playing host to the globally acclaimed International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition from now until February 23rd. Visitors can explore some of the best images from

Big Ship BV

IGPOTY Competition 12,

of Noah’s Ark has arrived at Orwell Quay on Ipswich Waterfront.

including the winning

It will stay for up to three months as part of an ongoing tour.

photo taken by British

Noah’s Ark is the world’s only floating museum and exhibition

photographer Jill

of Bible stories. From Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah,

Welham. The

Abraham, Moses, David and Goliath and countless more, this

competition is run in

extraordinary space brings to life the biblical stories through an

association with the Royal

array of uniquely beautiful wooden carved sculptures and

Botanic Gardens, Kew, and

tableaux. There are four floors of sculpture stories, at the

focuses on garden, plant, flower and botanical photography. Both

centre of which is the Tree of Life, growing 12 metres up

amateurs and professionals from any country can enter with the

through the middle of the Ark. It’s about culture and

competition attracting more than 20,000 entries annually. Marks

storytelling and is not affiliated with any Church or religious

Hall Estate has also launched its own photography competition

group. Since its launch in 2010, this huge wooden ship has

with amateur photographers of all ages invited to capture the

travelled across Europe and sailed into over 55 harbours. It has

landscape, wildlife and architecture of Marks Hall Estate. There

welcomed over half a million visitors of all nationalities, faiths

are a range of prizes to be won.

and cultures. www.arkmuseum.eu

www.markshall.org.uk

Breeze Beneath the Wings On February 7th at The Fisher Theatre, Bungay, author Victoria Panton Bacon will look back to the Fall of France in 1940, with readings from her Grandfather, Alastair Panton’s published memoir ‘Six Weeks of Blenheim Summer’. The words have been set to a dramatic musical score composed and played by musician, William DrewBatty. Times columnist Matthew Parris, wrote ‘Panton’s story grips you by the lapels and sometimes by the throat; all who love tales of war will devour every page.’

William will also present his musical narrative poem, Late Closing, which tells the story of Bomber Command through the eyes of a veteran tail gunner on a Lancaster bomber. Both presentations are tributes to the thousands of young men who died in service with Bomber Command during World War II. www.fishertheatre.org

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Spectacular Thursford The Norfolk village of Thursford is famously home to Thursford Christmas Spectacular, one of the nation’s most lavish and highly anticipated annual Christmas events.

Now in its 43rd year, Thursford Christmas Spectacular runs until December 23rd.

The glittering rhinestone and tinsel-packed variety show has been seen by over 5.7 million people since opening its doors in 1977 and regularly attracts up to 50 coaches a day from far and wide.

Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steve Hewlett is new to Thursford Christmas Spectacular for 2019. The wonderfully witty comedian and ventriloquist will introduce this year’s speciality acts including one of the world’s top acrobatic Cyr wheel specialists Billy George (as seen on BBC’s Tumble, ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, Get Your Act Together and as special guest on Diversity’s UK Arena Tour Up Close and Personal) and the phenomenal, gravity-defying, international roller skating double act Royer and Emelie.

Returning to the Christmas stage is leading theatre organist Phil Kelsall, dazzling audiences on The Mighty Wurlitzer, one of Thursford Collection’s most prized possessions, the centre piece for the show and one of the largest remaining Wurlitzers in Europe.

Over 3000 West End and Broadway performers auditioned this year for the company of over 120 dancers, singers and musicians who will perform show-tunes, chart toppers and

rock ‘n’ roll favourites to Irish-dancing, the Can Can and classic Christmas carols.

With a production budget of £2 million this year and the installation of a brand new lighting experience, Christmas 2019 is set to see the highly anticipated family-run show have its biggest and best season to date.

This year, Thursford Christmas Spectacular won (for a second time) the award for ‘Best Event for Groups’ at the Group Travel Awards held at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel in London, beating fellow 2019 nominees in the groups category including Christmas at Kew, Classical Spectacular at the Royal Albert Hall, Edinburgh Tattoo, John Rutter’s Christmas Celebration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Royal Ascot.

Nestled in the beautiful Norfolk countryside, the truly unique Thursford Collection also includes Santa’s Magical Journey, an enchanted trip for children and grandchildren through a festive fantasy land to meet Father Christmas and the Steam Engine Museum, the world’s largest collection of steam engines and organs. The Garden Pavilion transforms into a festive celebration of cafés, restaurant, bar, and shopping village, home to the famous Christmas Shop and pantry; and the luxurious, awardwinning bed and breakfast Holly Lodge is just a three minute walk away. www.thursford.com/christmas-spectacular

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Roll up for a different Christmas Show!

The Hippodrome Circus in Great

his unique madcap shows and

Yarmouth is renowned for its

recently made a huge impact

spectacular shows throughout the

on Britain’s Got Talent, with

year. Its Christmas Spectacular is one

his now legendary ‘misheard

of Europe’s largest festive shows and

lyrics sketch.’

brings together a truly unique

Producer and director Jack

combination of awe-inspiring elements.

Jay says; ‘We have an

There are world class circus acts, including

incredible line up this

the stunning Cuban Teeterboard acrobats

Christmas in a fast

the Cuban Revolution, the world’s greatest Juggler Roberto Carlos from Mexico,

moving and now

e

n troup

evolutio Cuban R

record-breaking dynamic show.

spellbinding Ukrainian hand-to-hand

There’s drama, the unique water spectacle and the world’s

strongmen, and the heart stopping Wheel of Death from

best circus artistes. What a way to celebrate Christmas.’

South America. This stunning cast are joined by excellent dancers and swimmers along with the wonderful children from Dance Estelle, The show is hosted throughout by Hippodrome favourite and BBC Radio Norfolk presenter Jack Jay, who also directs the show. This year he is joined by fantastic Norfolk funny man Ben Langley. Ben is loved throughout the country for

The Christmas Spectacular is a dynamic yuletide show which has been dubbed by the “Daily Mail” one of the “7 wonders of the British seaside”.

Hippodrome Christmas Spectacular runs from December 7th - January 5th. www.hippodromecircus.co.uk

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Country estate announces magical after-dark event for 2020 Haughley Park, near Stowmarket, is bringing a sensational

Haughley Park’s owner, Robert Williams, said: ‘We are very

new event to Suffolk in 2020.

excited to launch this wonderful new event. It’s something

The ‘Spectacle of Light’ will take place in February and offers everyone the opportunity to discover the night-time beauty of this usually private Suffolk estate.

The after-dark experience, which has already seen success at other historical locations, will feature illuminated trails and trees along with a wide array of colourful light installations, all supported by a musical score. A warming range of food and drink, from hot chocolate to mulled wine, will also be on offer along the way.

different to look forward to in the new year and perfect for brightening the long winter evenings. Of course, its timing – over Valentine’s Day – is also rather fitting given the popular wedding venue here. Who knows – there may even be a proposal!’

The event runs from 7th -9th and 14th-23rd with entry times between 5.30pm and 7.30pm. The estimated walk time is 6075 minutes and the trail is wheelchair accessible. www.haughleypark.co.uk/spectacle