ARTSeast June - July 2019 Issue

Dedicated to the arts in the Eastern Region

YOURS FREE

ARTSeast

June -July 2019

NUA Degree Show Lowestoft celebrates First Light Festival

WIN FREE

TICKETS 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

2

|

www.artseast.co.uk

June-July 2019

|

3

4

|

www.artseast.co.uk

ARTSeast Competition Winners from the previous issue:

Editor’s Welcome

Tickets to see Cirque Eloize at Norwich Theatre Royal - Tony Martin of Long Stratton Tickets to see The Villiers Quartet at Wells Maltings - Tim Wright of Norwich 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 Editorial Sarah Veness sarah@artseast.co.uk 01379 773348 07803 328258 Advertising Gary Enderby gary@artseast.co.uk 01379 773347 07722 163703 Social Media Manager Sam Enderby Accounts Julia Aitken accounts@artseast.co.uk 01379 773349

A warm welcome to the June / July issue of ARTSeast Magazine.

artist Rebecca Moss Guyver, take a look at

As the weather warms up, so does the arts

Samuel Thomas’ work for the Cromer Festival

scene in our beautiful corner of the country.

and highlight some of the best exhibitions,

There are festivals aplenty to enjoy including

shows, concerts and fairs across the region in

Holt Festival, King’s Lynn Festival, Latitude,

our

FolkEast, Reepham Festival, Maverick and

news pages.

Maui Waui.

We have tickets up for grabs for the renowned

We also take a look at a brand new 24-hour

Shakespeare Festival at Norwich Cathedral

festival - First Light - taking place in Lowestoft to

which this year sees A Midsummer Night’s

celebrate the first light of midsummer’s

Dream performed in this beautiful location.

weekend.

We hope you like our handy new size and

For our coffee and a chat feature we caught up

welcome your feedback. Please get in touch to

with actress Rebecca Thornhill who is playing

tell us about any upcoming events you’d like

Mrs Wormwood in the upcoming touring

us to cover in our next issues.

production of Matilda which arrives in Norwich

For now, we hope you enjoy both this issue

in July.

and everything Norfolk, Suffolk and further

Design Copy Concept ian@copy-concept.co.uk 01379 608358

Sarah Veness Editor

Distribution Melvyn Veness Andrea Snowden Published by Falcon Publications

We also focus on the paintings of Suffolk-based

Cover image: Jess Gillam who is performing at Snape Proms on August 18th

June-July 2019

20

9

4

Editor’s Welcome

27

First Light Festival

6

Visual Arts News

31

Shakespeare Festival Comp

9

Artist Profile:

32

Music News

34

FolkEast

Rebecca Moss Guyver

13 NUA Degree Show 17 Samuel Thomas 18 Arts & Crafts Directory 20 Arts Council:

People, Places & Creativity

22 Theatre & Film News

36 King’s Lynn Festival 39

What’s On News

|

24

27

42

41 Felixstowe Book Festival 42 Latitude Festival 45 Kid’s Shows this summer

24 Coffee & a Chat: Rebecca Thornhill 46 Fisher Theatre Crowdfunding 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 www.photoelitediss.co.uk 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

5

6

|

www.artseast.co.uk

Visual Arts News Solo Exhibition: Terence Clarke

Celebrating Calligraphy ‘A Way With Words’ is a major touring exhibition celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Calligraphy & Lettering Arts Society, with almost 100 selected pieces of calligraphic and

Thompson’s Gallery in Aldeburgh is holding a solo exhibition

lettering work, in a variety of media, to show the huge

by the hugely popular artist Terence Clarke from July 13th to

range of ways to

August 3rd. In this particular exhibition Terence is showing

express words

works from his

visually and

travels around

beautifully. This

Europe and the

exhibition travels

US, including

across the country

several paintings

before settling at The

from Port d’Olon

Lettering Arts Centre

near Cassis and

at Snape Maltings

Theoule sur Mer

until September

on the Cote d’Azur. He is hugely inspired by the South of

22nd. In an increasingly visual society, calligraphy has

France and there are many wonderful and atmospheric

gained popularity as people appreciate the skilful

landscapes in the exhibition. He has also painted scenes

demonstration of scripts and styles. Traditional manuscript

from Holland, more specifically Sloten and Maccum in

painting and gilding can be seen alongside many other

Friesland and in addition to this there are many beautiful still

techniques, such as writing on metals or glass, work with

lives, painted boldly in a style reminiscent of Cezanne of

nibs, brushes and other tools, paints, inks and engraving,

whom of course Terence is a great admirer.

linocuts and digitally manipulated images.

www.thompsonsgallery.com

www.letteringartstrust.org.uk

Ruth Bunnewell: A Broader Perspective Riverside Art & Glass in Wroxham is hosting a fantastic exhibition of work by Ruth Bunnewell from June 27th-July 18th. Ruth’s work is inspired by the Broads which she has painted for the first time. Growing up in Norwich with the Broads on her doorstep, Ruth knows this area of the county well. ‘It is a part of Norfolk very unique and distinct from other areas and I find in it a still calm tranquility,’ says Ruth. ‘I am drawn to the beginning and end of the day as a subject to paint; as the landscape returns to its quiet emptiness. I am particularly drawn to the areas of the Broads that are slightly hidden such as the smaller rivers or a corner of a broad where reeds are quietly swaying.

And especially to the doubling of the landscape as what is above is reflected in the still water beneath.’ www.riversideartandglass.co.uk

June-July 2019

|

Golden Anniversary for Deben Frames Cambridge Open Studios Artists will open their doors to the public over four weekends in July for the annual Cambridge Open Studios art event. 356 participants will be exhibiting at 222 locations in Cambridge, Ely, Saffron Walden and many surrounding villages. Among the huge range of specialisms will be ďŹ ne art, photography, pottery, sculpture, illustration, textiles, jewellery, furniture making, and more besides. The weekends are: July 6/7, 13/14, 20/21 and 27/28. Download the Cambridge Open Studios app or keep your eyes peeled for the free Guide book.

www.camopenstudios.co.uk

Prestigious Deben Frames in Woodbridge is celebrating 50 years of trading this year. Over the years they have framed a number of unusual objects from ostrich feather fans to full size speedway leathers! With over 300 different mouldings in stock and thousands available to order, Deben Frames can offer a huge range of bespoke frames including some using handmade British mouldings. The shop is also well-stocked with readymade frames which cater to all budgets. They are happy to cut mounts to any size and they offer a full glass cutting service. From watercolours, oils and family photographs, cross stitches, football shirts and medals, Deben Frames are ready to help.

www.debenframes.co.uk

Transference at the Halesworth Gallery From August 17th to September 4th the Halesworth Gallery will be hosting a wild and varied exhibition featuring 100 artists. Each of the artists involved will be challenged to recycle an archive of dry transfer lettering into art in as inventive and imaginative way as possible. This show is open to any artist interested in taking part. The dry transfer lettering is mainly letter forms with some symbols and texture screens. The lettering sheets are quite old and there is no guarantee that the lettering will function properly.

Artists will be able to collage, trace, project, photograph, scan and generally re-purpose into art in any way they wish. Artworks must be delivered to the gallery on August 15th before noon for installation in a displayable state. They will also be publishing an A5 perfect bound book to document and celebrate the exhibition in a limited edition of 105. www.halesworthgallery.co.uk

7

8

|

www.artseast.co.uk

UP UNTIL 30 JUNE 2019

June-July 2019

|

9

Artist ProďŹ le: Rebecca Moss Guyver Suffolk-based American Painter and Printmaker Rebecca Moss Guyver tells stories with light, colour, mood and tone Self portrait

10

|

www.artseast.co.uk

June-July 2019

|

11

Growing up in New York with a mother who was a textile artist, exposed Rebecca Moss Guyver to the art world from an early age.

discovered egg tempera as a medium. I love the really vibrant colours produced.’

‘Drawing still life is something I have done for as long as I can remember,’ says Rebecca. ‘I am drawn to pattern and get very excited when the colour, pattern and form speak to each other. I can’t help but record it.’

Despite only starting to use egg tempera in 2017, Rebecca has found much success with the medium.

Born in 1960, Rebecca has a degree in painting and drawing from Stanford University where she studied with some of the Bay Area painters.

‘I learned something very valuable at university,’ says Rebecca. ‘I was told that every day you should forget what you know and instead just respond to what is in front of you. It’s about the delight of seeing something for the first time.Working with other artists taught me that people can see the same thing yet interpret it in different ways.They all had a different language and I learned to develop my own.’

From 2017-18, Rebecca was one of two New English Art Club Drawing Scholars.

‘I met many members in their studios and explored different ways or working,’ she says. ‘I found that I love to paint portraits from life and

In fact, she has just been selected from a record number of over 1800 entries to appear alongside paintings, sculpture, drawings and prints by some of Britain’s leading artists at the Royal Society of British Artists Annual Exhibition at Mall Galleries, London. The exhibition runs from July 4th-14th.

‘I have had two pieces accepted - Orange Collection and Jugs (see p10) both egg tempera on panels,’ says Rebecca. ‘They are small still life arrangements of colourful objects I purchased at the Needham Market and Woolpit car boot sales. It’s a real honour and I’m thrilled.’

There will be other local opportunities to view Rebecca’s work too. She is taking part in Suffolk Open Studios on the five weekends throughout June from her studio in Ringshall, Suffolk and is exhibiting as part of IBBAS, the Inspired by Becker group, over the Bank Holiday weekend in August at Blythburgh Church.

www.rebeccaguyverart.com

June-July 2019

Future Stars

Explore the spectrum of creative skills at Norwich University of the Arts’ 2019 Degree Show

BA Fashion Communication and Promotion - Jess Anderson

|

13

14

|

www.artseast.co.uk

Take hundreds of creative ideas – each one original and

echoes of the same themes in the work of Fashion

ingenious – and add accomplished technical execution.

Communication and Promotion students whose work spans

Welcome to the 2019 NUA Degree Show, where the best

fashion events to new magazines.

work of this year’s graduating class of students will be on

Meanwhile, NUA’s Textile Design students have once again

public show.

committed intricate design to a range of fabrics using

Some of the students are already award-winners in their specialism; many have secured work or are about to start their creative career journey through internships.

The show, which runs from June 25th to July 3rd, spans 14

contemporary technologies and historic techniques.

The built environment – and people’s interaction with spaces and objects - will be explored inside and out by students from the Architecture and Interior Design courses.

undergraduate courses and captures final year students’

Students from NUA’s range of Graphics courses have

creative achievements to-date and represents their calling-

produced work ranging from product packaging design and

card to future employers.

branding, print and digital publishing, to thought-

You will find pioneering screen work and showreels from NUA’s students in Animation, Film and Visual Effects (VFX).

This year’s graduates from the award-winning and

provoking and challenging posters and pamphlets.

This year’s graduating class of illustrators show images best inter-play with words to tell a story, persuade or advocate.

internationally-acclaimed Games Art & Design course will

Photography graduates will show work from their

showcase the characters, worlds and stories they have

distinctive portfolios – from fashion shoots and portraits to

created and offer visitors a chance to play prototype games.

landscape and the environment.

Head to the Fashion studios to see intricate tailoring and

And at the heart of the show is work of this year’s graduates

eye-catching designs that are about to grace the catwalk at

in Fine Art; pioneers working at the boundaries of art but

London’s Graduate Fashion Week.

who also follow in the footsteps of Norwich artists who have

Many of this year’s collections have been inspired by the students’ passionate advocacy of social themes, from sustainability to gender politics and identity. You’ll find

explored ideas, materials and ways of seeing the world for more than 170 years. www.nua.ac.uk/events/degree-shows/

June-July 2019

|

15

BA VFX - Pherya Tribelsky

16

|

www.artseast.co.uk

To advertise in ARTSeast call Gary on 01379 773347 or email gary@artseast.co.uk

Up until 29th June 2019 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram

June-July 2019

Marking Cromer Carnival’s 50th Year

Local artist Samuel Thomas has been commissioned to design the artwork cover for the carnival brochure.

Cromer Carnival officially began back in the summer of 1969, and ever since it has grown with popularity as visitors discover the unique spirit and soul of Cromer.

This new painting by Samuel encapsulates the joy and vibrancy of Cromer; dubbed the Gem of the Norfolk Coast.

‘As it is the 50th year ‘Summer of 69’ is being released as a signed limited edition print of only 50,’ says Samuel Thomas. ‘This special piece captures the nostalgia, charm and beauty of Cromer including the Red Arrows that regularly perform at the carnival.’

Samuel’s art-deco inspired artworks echo back to the 1920 Come to the Seaside Rail Posters featuring other iconic Norfolk Landmarks. There’s an element of nostalgia celebrating the glory of the past, whilst simultaneously looking forward with an optimistic vision of even better things to come.

Samuel’s original paintings and print range is shown seven days a week at The Garden House Gallery (www.gardenhousegallery.co.uk) in Cromer. Also at this gallery, running throughout Carnival Week, is a large exhibition from August 10th – 26th. Alternatively if you want to browse or purchase artworks including ‘Summer of 69’, you can do so from the online shop: www.samuelthomasart.co.uk To see the full programme of events go to www.cromercarnival.co.uk

|

17

18

|

www.artseast.co.uk

Arts & Crafts

DIRECTORY UNIQUELY PRINTMAKING

Courses for artists of all abilities and ages curwenprintstudy.co.uk 01223 892380 enquiries@curwenprintstudy.co.uk

June-July 2019

|

Make sure you are in the 2020 Visual Arts Guide Telephone 01379 773347 Or email gary@artseast.co.uk

ORCHARD FRAMES Quality Picture Framing Service & Gallery Prints • Oils • Water Colours • Mouldings • Ornate Frames • Mountboard • Glass • Dry Mounting

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

Colorcraft

The Art & Craft Shop in Saffron Walden

Screen printing for artists

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!

Full programme of Art & Craft Workshops, see our website for details.

Courses & Workshops. Studio Hire

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

Colorcraft, 1-2 Emson Close, Saffron Walden CB10 1HL Open 9.30am - 5pm, Mon to Sat

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

cut-editions@hotmail.com www.cut-editions.co.uk 07786330023

19

20

|

www.artseast.co.uk

People, places and creativity

Garden Party

The Arts Council invests in a huge range of arts and

As you read this, Norfolk & Norwich Festival will still be

culture. From names that are almost universally known –

fresh in many people’s memory. It is one of England’s

such as Royal Opera House, National Theatre and Royal

largest mixed arts festivals and its programme draws

Shakespeare Company – through others that do brilliant

thousands of people to Norwich. All of those visitors

work but might not roll off the tongue quite so easily.

make a significant contribution to the local economy –

Despite the difference in size and awareness, all of them are united by one thing - the desire to create great work

with an average economic impact of around £1million.

And more than that, it also helps drive awareness of

that reaches out to people, places and communities

Norfolk and Norwich as a visitor destination. Somewhere

across England (and beyond in many cases!).

people can come to for a wide range of experiences, not

Whilst we enjoy the incredible work that they create,

just arts and culture.

there’s so much more to arts organisations, museums,

Whilst the economy is hugely important, it is the human

libraries and artists that we support. It’s not just about

impact of our work that really strikes a chord. The

what they put on page, stage, canvas or vinyl – it is also

capacity for arts and culture to engage those who are on

about the impact that work has on the people, places

the periphery of society is quite incredible.

and communities that experience it.

Photos: JMA Photography

June-July 2019

|

The Journey Chris Bullzini

Norfolk Museum Service is one of the Arts Council’s

And through its Dementia Café, the Museum of Norwich

National Portfolio Organisations, working across Norwich

has developed monthly sessions for those living with

and Norfolk. It has a number of wonderful initiatives all

dementia and their carers. The morning events offer those

designed to reach out to and engage those who might be

living with memory loss an introduction to the museum

lonely, experiencing challenges or feel ‘left-behind’.

space at their own pace, followed by a nice cuppa and chat.

As a Museum of Sanctuary, Norfolk Museums Service has

These are just a handful of examples of how arts and

embedded the idea of sanctuary in its work. It actively

cultural organisations can, and do, make a positive impact

works to engage sanctuary seekers and to create an

on the people, places and communities around them.

environment that is welcoming to all. This has included a

There are many, many more across the whole country.

collaboration with New Routes – the organisation that leads on City of Sanctuary in Norwich – to provide new arrivals with an invaluable opportunity to develop their English, form friendships and make them feel at home in Norwich.

Many of these organisations are charities and without public funding from organisations like the Arts Council, they would not be able to make the wonderful impact they do. At a time when fragmentation is becoming more prevalent, arts, culture and creativity continue to stand-up for collaboration, understanding and togetherness.

21

22

|

www.artseast.co.uk

Theatre & Film News

Comedy Gem in King’s Lynn

Well-known thriller comes to Norwich Paula Hawkins' 2015 acclaimed number-one best-

Celebrating his twentieth anniversary as a comedian living

selling novel The

and performing in the UK, Reginald D Hunter sets out on a

Girl On the Train

forty date tour of the UK

was an international

including the King’s Lynn

phenomenon selling over twenty million copies worldwide.

Corn Exchange on June

Now adapted into a stage play, it is set to entertain Norwich

23rd. Reginald’s

Theatre Royal audiences from July 1st-6th. A gripping

searingly honest

psychological thriller, starring Samantha Womack and Oliver

material has garnered

Farnworth, it will keep you guessing until the final moment.

him a popular fan base

Samantha takes on the central role of Rachel Watson, an

that spans the

unhappy alcoholic who longs for a different life. Her only

generations. His

escape is the perfect couple she watches through the train

appearances on television have included Have I Got News For

window every day, happy and in love. Or so it appears.

You, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown and the hugely

When Rachel learns that Megan, the woman she’s been

popular BBC2 series Reginald D Hunter’s Songs Of The

secretly watching, has suddenly disappeared, she finds

South and its equally successful follow up Reginald D

herself as both a witness and a potential suspect in a

Hunter’s Songs Of The Border, both of which documented the

thrilling mystery in which she will face bigger revelations

growth of American popular song.

than she could ever have anticipated.

www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk

www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

The More Things Change: Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds is celebrating its work in the community over the past four years, including all of the people involved in that work, and it is with immense pride that they present an evening full of music and song, poetry, drama and even humour, performed by the people who have created it - The More Things Change. The performers have drawn from their experiences of homelessness, mental health, addiction and violence to create an informative, passionate and sometimes humorous look at social issues in Bury St Edmunds during the past 200 years, in 50 year increments from 1819 to the present day. The play, from June 19th-20th, makes visible the invisible and communicates important universal stories buried in the experience of life in rural Suffolk. The title comes from the French saying ‘the more things change, the more they remain the same.’ This year, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds celebrates 200 years of existence and as such, the group has explored how different issues in society have, within that time, both changed and stayed the same. www.theatreroyal.org

June-July 2019

| 23

A Night with the Rev! Join Rev. Richard Coles as he tells a story that is as real as it is unlikely at Cambridge Arts Theatre on July 9th. During the

Children’s Classic comes to Bungay

evening he will connect the euphoria and mayhem of being Top of the Pops in the 80s to his present circumstances as a

Strange Fascination Theatre celebrates its fifth year and

Church of England priest, radio broadcaster and television

returns to Bungay Castle on July 27th-28th with a brand-new

show panellist, answering amongst many burning questions,

adaption of the Kipling classic Jungle Book. Full of puppets,

“How do you go from pop star to priest? And why?” Richard is

colourful characters, audience interaction and all the comedy

best known as the regular host of BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live

and excitement you have come to expect from an SF

programme and appears regularly on Newsnight and TV

show! Join Mowgli, Baloo, the fearsome Shere Kahn and all

panel shows such as QI and Have I Got News For You. Richard

your favourites. Fun for all the family! Bring a picnic and

is also well known for taking part in 2017’s BBC series Strictly

enjoy an afternoon of jungle adventure like no other!

Come Dancing.

www.fishertheatre.org

www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

Inaugural Drama Festival Celebrates Writing A festival of new drama is set to take over Cambridge’s theatres in July 2019. Organised by WRiTEON, the Cambridge Scriptwriting Forum, the Festival will be the biggest and most ambitious project the group has staged, and will feature plays never performed before.

The six new one-act plays, penned by local and national writers, will run every night from Tuesday July 23rd to Saturday July 27th across three venues - ADC Theatre, Corpus Playroom and the Larkum Studio. The plays range in subject matter from a thriller about a bodyguard (Guarded) through to a couple who learn the consequences of taking role play too far (Role Play) to arguments among gargoyles (The Offensive). Richard McNally, Festival Director: ‘We’re so excited about this project. It’s a great opportunity for audiences in Cambridge to see fresh and outstanding new writing. Some of it’s quite challenging, some is experimental, but each play offers something different and entertaining.’

www.writeon.org.uk

24

|

www.artseast.co.uk

Coffee & a Chat Mid-July, Matilda the Musical waltzes into Norwich Theatre Royal for a month. We

caught up with actress Rebecca Thornhill who plays Matilda’s mum, Mrs Wormwood.

Photo: Manuel Harlan

June-July 2019

|

Having played Mrs Wormwood for two years in the West End,

During her career, Rebecca has worked with many famous

Rebecca is looking forward to reprising the role on tour.

faces including Hugh Jackman.

‘I love doing the tour,’ says Rebecca. ‘It is great going to

‘Oh he is gorgeous - handsome,’ she says. ‘He is a lovely guy -

different theatres with different atmospheres and reactions.

beautiful inside and out. He was fantastic to work with. I

The show is just the same as the show in London - that is the

think he got the X-Men when we were in Oklahoma, and he

great thing. It feels very different to be able to go back to the

met Howard Keel as well. How amazing is that!’

character and find new things – I think ‘wow, why didn’t I do that before?’

So what does Rebecca make of the part of Matilda’s highlycritical mum?

Back to Matilda, is there any other role Rebecca would love to play?

‘I would want to play Trunch,’ she smiles. ‘Who doesn’t want to play Trunch? It’s the best part – the dialogue is stunning

’Mrs Wormwood is wonderful. She is a nasty mum who loves

although I quite like Mr Wormwood as well. He’s really

ballroom dancing although she’s really not very good at it!

physical. I have to stand quite still to make his physicality

She also loves Rudolpho her dance teacher. The energy in the

come out even more and it’s quite frustrating.’

Wormwood house is fast and mad yet Matilda is this strange being that’s arrived and Mr and Mrs Wormwood ignore her because they didn’t really want her. She is intelligent and

Matilda is incredibly popular among children. What message does it give?

questions them all the time and they can’t really deal with

‘Watching the show encourages them to be brave and to not

that.’

be afraid of being intelligent and reading books and standing

But does she have any redeeming features?

‘I love her, but no, she doesn’t really!’ laughs Rebecca. ‘I love

up for yourself and seeing what’s right and what’s wrong.

Watching the child actors on stage (because they are phenomenal, they’re amazing how much they retain) I think

the colourfulness of her and I love the costume. The skirt is

kids must sit and watch that and think ‘I could do that’. That’s

really heavy and when you move it flounces and gives you

lovely, isn’t it? They are absolutely incredible.’

that extra va-va-vroom. I like the ridiculousness of her. The hair is just fabulous – something you’d never do yourself, and to get to wear it is just brilliant.’

Rebecca has had a wide and varied theatre career and challenging roles in some big musicals. But is there a thread running through the characters she chooses?

Being on tour gives the chance to explore many different cities across the country. Had Rebecca been to Norwich before?

‘I absolutely love Norwich,’ she says. ‘They have a great Bikram Yoga place here which I always go to, and I love the layout of the city. I did Witches of Eastwick and Top Hat there

‘I’ve done a few,’ says Rebecca. ‘I was Mrs Banks in Mary

and I’m going back to the same digs that I stayed in last time I

Poppins. I was in the Witches of Eastwick which was great fun.

was there. It’s a lovely place.’

It’s funny because you forget – it has been 31 years. Someone says ‘Oh you did that’ and I think ‘Oh yes!’. Someone did say ‘Oh she’s doing another squeaky character’, which I hadn’t thought about before. My career has been quite varied.

Before this, I did Morticia in the Addams Family and I’ve done classical roles and I can do comedy. I love comedy.’

Matilda is at Norwich Theatre Royal from July 16thAugust 17th. www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

25

26

|

www.artseast.co.uk

June-July 2019

First Light This month a truly unique 24-hour long festival comes to Lowestoft‌

Photo: Getty Images

|

27

28

|

www.artseast.co.uk

Tavin Singh

June-July 2019

|

Simon Mayo

First Light Festival is a brand new, free, non-stop 24-hour long,

will be offering hands-on activities for all ages and spotlight

multi-arts festival that celebrates the first light of

talks on subjects including ancient humans, the deep sea and

midsummer’s weekend at Britain’s most easterly point.

sun and moon gazing.

Events will begin on Lowestoft’s sandy South Beach at noon

Enjoy performances from the new First Light Ensemble led by

on Saturday June 22nd and will run continuously through

Jonathan Morton, Artistic Director of the Scottish Ensemble

changing tides, light and darkness, sun and stars until noon

with Clio Gould, former leader of the Royal Philharmonic

on Sunday June 23rd.

Orchestra. Italian pianist and composer Frederico Albanese

Genevieve Christie, Festival Director, says: ‘This is a really packed programme that is all about a sense of place, and which will deliver a truly unique shared experience on Lowestoft's beautiful beach, of music, dance, film, literature, art, science, talks, walks, sports, workshops, fire, food and drink.’

Academy award-winning director Danny Boyle, introduces the beach screening of his sci-fi epic ‘Sunrise’ while Gilles Peterson, BBC6 Music presenter and international club DJ, brings the best worldwide vibes to the beach for a sundown

plays his latest work ‘In the Deep Sea’ through the early morning mist, while Mercury prize-winning musician Talvin Singh, opens the festival as well as welcoming dawn with a performance of his renowned and evocative work ‘Light’.

Other highlights include a late-night silent disco on the beach with a special soul set from Wayne Hemingway and a magical new dance work by Rosemary Lee with 24 dancers aged 8 to 80 performing on the hour every hour in the sand dunes.

There will be cosmic pirate fun for children - including

session. A host of other DJs will keep the party going around

illustrator and author Jonny Duddle and ‘Aliens in Lowestoft’

the clock.

with author Gareth P Jones.

Festival-Goers can enjoy a programme of talks informed by

Add in Beach hut art, a Sunday morning Speed of Light 5K run,

the sea, sky and beach on nautical fashion with Amber

an early morning feast and much more...

Butchart, the moon with space expert Dr Kevin Fong and the cosmos with Professor Carolin Crawford. Radio presenter and

Wild camping is on offer in a designated area of the beach.

author Simon Mayo, also talks about the importance of the

Free access to the festival and events (tickets needed for

spirit of a place in his writing.

headphones for silent film, silent disco, after-party event and

Science zone partners Cefas, Natural History Museum, University of East Anglia and Norwich Astronomical Society

camping). www.firstslightlowestoft.com

29

30

|

www.artseast.co.uk

Pick up your free copy of

The Visual Arts Guide 2019

Featuring artists, art galleries and workshops across Norfolk & Suffolk Published by ARTSeast Magazine DBH 21, Diss Business Park, Hopper Way, Diss, IP22 4GT

01379 773347 www.artseast.co.uk

June-July 2019

|

31

Dreaming of Shakespeare at Norwich Cathedral A Dream of a show is heading to this summer’s Shakespeare Festival at Norwich Cathedral.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream will take centre stage in the Cloisters on July 11th-12th for the annual open-air festival that is always a summer highlight in the Cathedral’s cultural calendar.

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men – who last year wowed audiences with a spellbinding production of The Tempest – will be returning to perform the magical midsummer comedy featuring mischievous fairies, feuding lovers and a hilarious group of rude mechanicals.

Set in an enchanted forest, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a tale of tangled and true love where chaos ensues as lovers at war cross paths with a fairy king and queen at odds and a meddling sprite named Puck.

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men are a modern day incarnation of the Bard’s own travelling troupe of players, and they will be performing A Midsummer Night’s Dream just as it would have been played out in Shakespeare’s day - with an all-male cast, Elizabethan costumes and traditional music and dance.

This latest production is also set to be extra special as it is celebrating both the 15th anniversary of the modern day TLCM and an incredible 425 years since Shakespeare’s original players first performed.

For tickets go to www.cathedral.org.uk/shakespeare

Competition

WIN TICKETS ARTSeast has teamed up with Norwich Cathedral to offer one lucky reader two tickets to A Midsummer Night’s Dream at 7pm on Thursday July 11th.

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

Closing date: June 26th, usual terms and conditions apply.

32

|

www.artseast.co.uk

Music News Snape Proms Throughout August, Snape Proms offers 30 great nights out in the company of top, international performers, ranging from outstanding singer-songwriters to bands playing trad and contemporary jazz, stomping folk, classical soloists and orchestras, popcountry crossover and events for children and families.

Inject some live music into your August this year!

On August 10th-11th, the well-loved Reepham19 music festival will be back, bigger and better than ever before. With

Highlights include Clare Teal and her all-star nine-piece big

lively acts on the main field this year headlined by Bad

band, Pee Wee Ellis - one of the best saxophonists of the last

Manners, nearby a quieter more intimate musical experience

half century, The Shires who are currently one of the leading

at the “Festival within a Festival” - the Church Stage, and

country music acts in the UK and 5 BBC Folk award-winners

events at their partner site Whitwell Railway on Friday

Oysterband. Keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman returns while Don

evening and Sunday there really is something for everyone.

McLean makes his Snape Maltings debut with a solo

Book yourself a spot - children can attend for a nominal £1

performance that spans five decades.

per head.

www.snapemaltings.co.uk/snape-proms

www.reephamfestival.co.uk

Martin Kemp to DJ 80s night at Great Yarmouth Racecourse If anyone knows about 1980s music, it is Martin Kemp. He was there, at the top of the charts, in one of the biggest bands of the time. So the Spandau Ballet bass player is the ideal star DJ to play tracks from the era to put the icing on the party cake at Ladies Night at Great Yarmouth Racecourse on July 17th. Musician, stage and screen actor, author, director and talent show judge … the 58-year-old’s life remains busy. After Spandau’s heydays, he found movie acclaim as notorious gangster Reggie Kray and TV fame as EastEnders baddie Steve Owen, before the band reformed to tour. His appreciation of life, and family, were heightened by having two benign brain tumours removed in the late 1990s. Now, full of vim and vigour, he is touring a Back to the 80s DJ around a string of venues, including the Norfolk seaside racecourse following the last race at 8.40pm. www.greatyarmouth-racecourse.co.uk

June-July 2019

|

33

Maui Waui Magic comes to Theberton, Suffolk The Maui Waui Festival is three full days and nights of international music, performance & arts across the Bank Holiday weekend of August 23rd-25th. Now in it 7th year it is fast becoming one of the most exciting and uniquely creative festivals in East Anglia, attracting over 100 bands, talented performers & incredible international acts, with Jamaican reggae and dub legend, Lee Scratch Perry headlining this year’s festival. Watch world-class bands, full circus shows in a dedicated circus tent, smaller bands, acoustic acts, plus cabaret and comedy. This year sees the return of the local talent contest Maui’s Got Talent, a chance for local young performers to showcase their skills and win prizes. There are now six Arenas at the festival showcasing an eclectic mix of top-class music from around the world.

www.mauiwauievents.co.uk

Will Pound – Through The Seasons On June, 25th, a celebration of the year in folk dance, Through the Seasons gives audiences at Norwich Arts Centre a chance to experience a journey through the year of folk dance through an original artistic collaboration of exceptional musicianship and spellbinding storytelling.

Will Pound and his collaborators bring the morris and folk dance year to life showcasing stunning arrangements of traditional dance tunes and songs, bringing their innovative and playful style to life through both music, image and spoken word.

www.norwichartscentre.co.uk

The Voice Project Choir Reach Right Up to the Sun at Houghton Hall Norwich’s multi award-winning Voice Project Choir are presenting two very special summer performances in the spectacular grounds and gardens of Houghton Hall near Kings Lynn on Saturday July 6th at 5.30pm and 8pm. I Reach Right Up to the Sun is being specially created to be performed among the exhibits for Henry Moore at Houghton Hall - Nature and Inspiration. All the music is written specially for the 100 voices of the choir by composers Karen Wimhurst, Helen Chadwick, Orlando Gough and Voice Project co-director Jonathan Baker. As ever the choir will be conducted by Jon’s fellow Voice Project co-director Sian Croose. Jon and Sian have worked closely with Houghton Hall to create a promenade performance that allows the audience to gently stroll around the exhibits and view them from a fresh perspective, creating a new interaction between sculpture and ethereal vocal music. www.voiceproject.co.uk

34

|

www.artseast.co.uk

FolkEast’s Magnificent Seven This renowned Folk Festival is back with a stellar line-up..

It’s ‘lucky seven’ time for East Anglia’s unique, fast-rising

Henderson (uillean pipes, whistle), Ed Boyd (guitar). James

FolkEast – England’s most easterly folk music festival. Not

Fagan (bouzouki), Toby Shaer (fiddle, whistles) and Ben

only is it the seventh year the event has been held in the

Nicholls (bass).

glorious grounds of Suffolk’s 16th century Glemham Hall but this year it will offer diverse performances on no less than seven stages.

The 2019 festival will be staged between August 16th-18th with an enviable line-up of artists from England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Poland, Canada and USA. Leading the way will be formidable folk legend Richard Thompson – a revered singer songwriter and jaw dropping guitarist– who takes to the main Sunset stage as Sunday night headliner. A co-founder of trailblazing folk rockers Fairport Convention, Thompson has carved himself a high class career bringing iconic international status.

FolkEast will also field some of folk’s finest female artists – opening night headliner will be the brilliantly inspired Scottish singer songwriter and hot property Karine Polwart performing with her Trio (Stephen Polwart and Inge Thomson).

Also from Ireland, the mighty Sharon Shannon Band will be heading to Suffolk.

Sharon is a show stopping accordionist whose career is soaked in the Irish tradition but takes so many more influences on board.

FolkEast is also thrilled to announce that the eloquent and exquisite English singer-songwriter/guitarist John Smith will join the 2019 line up. John has released six albums including his most recent Hummingbird, with over 10 million Spotify streams. Flying the flag for Wales will be the effervescent five-piece revivalist traditional band Calan, who sing in both Welsh and English The FolkEast Art Arcade, Instrumental, brings together some of the country’s top instruments makers, a packed dance programme, archery, donkey rides, children’s activities (including den building, storybook making and a mud kitchen linked together in a special new children’s trail)

Saturday night at FolkEast will see a very special headline

yoga, poetry, storytelling, the Eastfolk Chronicle Kinedrome

event as the peerless Irish songstress Cara Dillon takes to

(showing folk and local interest films) and tours of

the stage. Derry-born Cara will be joined by the class line-

Glemham Hall by estate owner Major Philip Cobbold.

up of husband Sam Lakeman (piano, guitar), Jarlath

www.folkeast.co.uk

June-July 2019

Richard Thompson

Cara Dillon

Karine Polwart

FolkEast 2018 JellyďŹ sh Parade

|

35

36

|

www.artseast.co.uk

Endellio

n quart

et

arrett

G Lesley

Louise Dearman

June-July 2019

|

37

Out of This World

In July, King’s Lynn welcomes back its fantastic festival The splendid BBC Concert Orchestra will launch the 69th

The Festival will look to the skies as it marks the 50th

King’s Lynn Festival heralding a packed, wide-ranging

anniversary of the moon landing on July 20th with a

two-week programme of music and the arts from July

science and arts theme including a lecture by Robert

14th-27th.

Winston entitled Manipulating Humans. Music inspired by

The orchestra’s programme of Songs for a Swingin’ Orchestra, conducted by Richard Balcombe with star

space and the planets will feature in several concerts.

Dr Matthew Boswell from Cambridge Institute of Astronomy

vocalists Graham Bickley and Louise Dearman, will have the

will be in discussion with composer Tim Watts whose work,

festival’s quality hallmark associated with more world-

Creation of the Universe, will have its premiere.

famous names including the Endellion Quartet, who will present the Ruth Fermoy Memorial

accompaniment for much-loved silent movies. Other films

Concert, and London Handel

will be shown in conjunction with King’s Lynn Community

Players.

Cinema Club.

Violinist Tasmin Little will share a

The Festival’s popular morning coffee concerts will feature

platform with pianist Piers Lane,

stars of the classical music world. The Amatis Piano Trio will

and another festival favourite,

present the last of these and will then be part of the final

soprano Lesley Garrett, will team

concert by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

up with renowned clarinettist

“We always aim to stage a top-quality programme with

Emma Johnson.

wide appeal and this 69th festival certainly meets our high

Top Scottish folk band Skipinnish, celebrating its 20th anniversary,

Adding variety renowned pianist John Lenehan will provide

standards,” said Festival chairman Alison Croose.

Tasmin Little

will visit Lynn for the first time. Another famous name, John

The internally-renowned artist and political activist, Gustav

Williams, will be in concert with fellow guitarists John

Metzger, who lived in Lynn’s Queen Street in the 1950s will

Etheridge and Gary Ryan. Singer, pianist and songwriter Joe

be the subject of the Festival exhibition.

Stilgoe will also perform in Lynn for the first time with

www.kingslynnfestival.org.uk

his trio.

38

|

www.artseast.co.uk

Do you need a programme, brochure or leaflet published?

Falcon Publications publish a range of programmes, brochures and town guides for arts venues and local councils.

Can we help with yours?

Just give us a call on 01379 773347 or email info@falconpublications.co.uk for further details

Publishing is our business Falcon Publications DBH 21, Diss Business Park, Hopper Way, Diss IP22 4GT www.falconpublications.co.uk

June-July 2019

What’s On News

|

39

The Ness – Rise & Shine Photography Competition In association with The Ness, the UK’s most easterly park, residents and visitors to Lowestoft are encouraged to submit images on the

Festivel Fever hits Holt

subject ‘Rise &

From July 21st-27th Holt Festival brings a vast range of

Shine’ for a new

outstanding events to North Norfolk. Music includes icons of

photography

the British music scene, award-winning contemporary jazz and

competition. In

the very best of Irish traditional music and classical music. Only

partnership with

in Holt do best-selling authors rub shoulders with national

Lowestoft Photographic Club, the images will be showcased

treasures and toe-tapping dancers. There’s funny and thought-

online and on Facebook with the winners featured as part of

provoking drama, one of the very best performance poets

an exhibition in the new space at Lowestoft Central Parcel

around and a great line-up of comedy. The Festival features two

Office at the Train Station. The winners will also feature in The

fabulous art loan exhibitions, not one but two art prizes, and

Lowestoft Journal. The competition closes at noon on August

new exciting art events around the town. An entire day is

5th with the exhibition running from August 23rd-26th over

devoted to events and activities for children and young people

the bank holiday weekend. To enter, simply email your

while the fabulous opening-night circus cabaret for adults has

image with the subject header ‘Rise & Shine’ to

thrills, spills and risqué fun. The Festival features a host of big

lowestoftimageproject@gmail.com, along with your name

names including Sir Martyn Lewis, Kate Mosse, Toyah, Nigel

and mobile number.

Havers, Sir Tim Waterstone, Terry Waite and Georgie Fame.

www.lowestofttowncouncil.gov.uk/events

www.holtfestival.org

A Punjab Spectacular Essex Cultural Diversity Project return with their Festival of Norfolk & Punjab from June 15th - August 3rd. A countywide celebration of the life and achievements of the Duleep Singh family and their contribution to Norfolk.

The last Royal family of the Punjab, the ‘Duleep Singhs’, were associated with Norfolk for almost a century. Exhibitions, talks, tours, workshops and family events at locations across the county - Gressenhall, King’s Lynn, Norwich, Southburgh, Thetford and Thompson. Highlights include a special exhibition and events at Ancient House Museum, a Maharajah’s Feast at Elveden and a grand finale Thetford Mela. www.leapinghare.org

40

|

www.artseast.co.uk

June-July 2019

|

41

Pop up, Richard O’Neill

Love books?

Head to Felixstowe this June for their prestigious Book Festival Whether you like fact or fiction, the Felixstowe Book Festival on June 27th-30th, will have something for you.

The festival was started in 2013 by Meg Reid who, as an avid

session on the beach using wooden puppets, like a modern Punch and Judy, and we will also be in Landguard Fort and in the seafront gardens. There will be lots going on.’

reader and attender of book festivals elsewhere, thought that

Over 50 authors are attending, including Esther and Annie

the town where she lived would be an ideal location for

Freud, Prue Leith, Alan Johnson, James Runcie, Jonathan Coe,

something similar.

Photo: Neil Dunn Curre nt

Alison La wrence

Georgina Harding who are among the highest quality writers the country has at the moment. Emma Healey who wrote the

Photo:

‘We have a very exciting mix of fiction writers and workshops this year,’ says Meg Reid. ‘We have Lucy Hughes Hallett and

popular “Emily is Missing” is coming to talk about her latest book and Rupert Thompson is also coming.’

Although the Festival is based at the Orwell Hotel, and the

ith Prue Le

Alan Johnso n

Children’s Book Festival is at the library, there will be events

Simon Heffer, Liz Trenow, and Barbara Eskine. There are ten

popping up all over the town. ‘We are again having writing

workshops for writers, including one run by the National Centre

workshops in a shipping container, as people like stepping

for Writing, coming to Felixstowe from its base in Norwich.

inside and the emotions it creates,’ says Meg. ‘We are having a

www.felixstowebookfestival.com

42

|

www.artseast.co.uk

Latitude Festival 2019

Famed for offering an eclectic mix of top-class music, comedy, dance, theatre and children’s activities, Latitude is back with a vengeance this summer Latitude Festival has unveiled a host

daydreaming. The show that

of new names across the music and

rocked Edinburgh and started a

arts stages, joining headliners

thousand conversations also

George Ezra, Snow Patrol, Lana Del

comes to Latitude; Daughter

Rey, Jason Manford, and Michelle

presented by Quiptake, The

Wolf. The 14th edition of the festival

Theatre Centre, and Pandemic

takes place in the stunning grounds

Theatre, faces toxic masculinity

of Henham Park, Suffolk, from July

head on, distilling it into the figure

18th- 21st.

Comedy legend Frank Skinner becomes Latitude’s third comedy headliner, joining Michelle Wolf, and Jason

of one very funny, very engaging, very troubled man.

Latitude’s stunning Waterfront Stage plays host to some

Manford. This is a unique opportunity to witness Skinner

magical productions including performances by the

perform new material for the first time in five years. Also

Northern Ballet, Sadler’s Wells and Rambert.

joining the phenomenal comedy bill is Latitude regular and star of Live at the Apollo, and Have I Got News for You, Marcus Brigstocke, and Mock the Week regular and star of People Just Do Nothing Tiff Stevenson.

Celebrating their 25th Birthday, Frantic Assembly kick off festivities by headlining the Theatre Arena with new show Sometimes Thinking - a celebration of the hours invested in

On the weekend of the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo Moon Landings, Latitude celebrates the science behind our relationship with space. In the Music & Film Arena, The Cosmic Shambles Network are proud to present a rare event with Helen Sharman OBE, the first British person in space.

Marina joins The Obelisk Arena bringing her piano and keyboard driven songs that vary from melancholic ballads

June-July 2019

George Ezra

|

43

Marina

to out-and-out glam pop. Also playing this stage are

‘Still Fighting It’. And in the Music & Film Arena there’ll be a

atmospheric alt-Rockers Palace.

rare live appearance from psychedelic pop group Whyte

Adding to The Sunrise Arena and Latitude’s worldwide

Horses with special guests.

talent offerings, is the Nigerian born Adekunle Gold,

The Lake Stage showcases the very best in new talent

Newcastle-Upon-Tyne’s Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs

including headliners Liverpool four-piece She Drew The Gun

(PIGSx7 for short) who will be bringing their acid rock,

whose debut album Revolution Of The Mind was one of

psych metal, and stoner influences plus trailblazing

BBC6 Music’s Albums of 2018, and County Durham indie-

traditional music from The Local Honeys.

punks Martha whose much anticipated album Love Keeps

Elsewhere Ben Folds & A Piano will play a unique Waterfront Stage performance, pulling at the heartstrings of festivalgoers with tracks such as ‘The Luckiest’, ‘Landed’, and

Kicking is out this week. www.latitudefestival.co.uk

44

|

www.artseast.co.uk

June-July 2019

This Summer, our region is packed with great shows for all the family. Here are some of the highlights…

Matilda - Norwich Theatre Royal, July 16th-August 17th

Mr Stink - Lowestoft Marina, August 5th-7th

This multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company is inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

The very kind, but lonely 12-year-old Chloe, invites ‘Mr Stink’ and his slightly wiffy dog to leave behind the wooden bench they call home and secretly move into her family’s shed. But exactly who is Mr Stink anyway? This brilliantly staged version of David Walliams’ warm-hearted and funny story is packed with original musical numbers. www.marinatheatre.co.uk

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show - Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, June 17th-18th The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by author/illustrator Eric Carle has delighted generations of readers since it was first published in 1969 selling more than 43 million copies worldwide. The timeless classic has made its way off the page and onto the stage featuring a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets. www.theatreroyal.org Peppa Pig: My First Concert - Saffron Hall, August 16th Peppa Pig, along with Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and George, visit Saffron Hall for Peppa Pig: My First Concert – a fun, interactive introduction to a live orchestra for ages 18 months and older. Peppa and George learn all about the different sounds that instruments make and enjoy some of their favourite music from the show. Little piggies can join in with Peppa and her family, and make music of their own! www.saffronhall.com

Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom - Ipswich Regent, July 20th-21st Holly is a young Fairy Princess, who is still learning how to fly and her magic doesn’t always go quite according to plan. Her best friend, Ben the Elf, doesn’t have wings and he doesn’t do magic, but he runs very fast and flies on the back of Gaston the Ladybird. Join Ben and Holly, and their friends on this exciting, enchanting and magical musical adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter. apps.ipswich.gov.uk A Mermazing Pirate Adventure - Sheringham Little Theatre, August 15th Far away in the deepest blue sea lives the beautiful Mermaid Merchelle who loves to sing as she swims the vast oceans. But Mermaid Merchelle only wants one thing – to become a human for a day and to be able to explore the land as well. With the help of her new friend, Pirate Pete, she sets out to try and find the right magic spells that will make her wish come true. www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com

|

45

46

|

www.artseast.co.uk

The Fisher Theatre Needs Your Help!

The Fisher Theatre in Bungay has received

Anglia’s own Greatest Showman Mr David

an amazing opportunity to completely pay

Fisher! Fisher was the first of at least five

off a long-standing debt on its refurbished

generations who made their name in the

building. A sum of £150,000 needs to be

theatre building up an impressive circuit of

raised by the end of 2019 in order to

13 Georgian theatres around East Anglia

release it from a much larger long-

connecting Norwich, Beccles, Sudbury, Eye,

standing loan. The money has to be raised

Woodbridge, Newmarket, East Dereham,

by community fundraising so the theatre

Swaffham, Halesworth, Lowestoft, Thetford,

has launched a national Crowdfunding campaign to attract interest to the very last of the Fisher theatres in the UK.

Wells-Next-The-Sea and of course Bungay.

Roughly a third of these buildings are still standing - one is a

‘We’re going to be running an ongoing TEXT Donate scheme

restaurant, one is a nursery, many are gone without a trace.

as well as many on-the-ground fundraising activities, from

Lowestoft's was last to be developed, as flats just recently

hosting ‘Mr Fisher Tea Parties’ to taking leisurely ‘heritage

finished. The Fisher Theatre, Bungay is the only one which

bike rides’ around some of the old theatre sites,’ said Ruth

remains a theatre.

Selwyn-Crome, Fisher Theatre trustee. ‘This really is an incredible chance for the town to finally own the building.

It’s such a wonderful asset to the community- we host weddings and wakes, town dinners, vintage film afternoons for older residents, film screening and craft sessions for little ones, live theatre and opera streaming from the West End, regular music evenings in the cellar and exhibitions for local artists in our gallery, in addition to our ever-changing programme of theatre from rural touring groups and performers.’

Bungay’s Fisher theatre was built in the 1800’s by East

The Fisher Theatre has no outside revenue funding and relies solely on ticket sales. It offers a brilliant, inclusive programme and is also home to a thriving youth theatre, FYTG, but manage to provide all of this on a shoe-string - as do most surviving independent provincial theatres. The theatre has so much potential to undertake more vital projects in this rural community. Crowdfunded 'futureproofing' is now the goal.

The Fisher Theatre is rural and little but really, really important! www.fishertheatre.org

June-July 2019

|

If people wish to donate a larger sum or would like to offer ways to help raise money for the theatre, please email fishertheatrecampaign@gmail.com

47