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March 2015

Suffolk Libraries Bookfest: Exciting New Festival

Interview: Marti Pellow Local Arts Scene: Lowestoft

WIN Dinner Out!

Visual Arts

eatre & Film

Music

Literature

What’s On

Gainsborough’ss House Gainsborough’ Museum, Gallery & Shop

Artists at Home and at Work Work by Anne Purkiss 28 February 2015 - 31 May 2015 Opening times: Monday to Satur Saturday day 10am to 5pm, Sundays 11am 11am to 5pm *DLQVERURXJK·V +RXVH *DLQVERURXJK 6WUHHW 6XGEXU\ 6XͿRON &2 (8 *DLQVERURXJK·V +RXVH *DLQVERURXJK 6WUHHW 6XGEXU\ 6XͿRON &2 (8 _ PDLO#JDLQVERURXJK RUJ _ ZZZ JDLQVERURXJK RUJ _ PDLO#JDLQVERURXJK RUJ _ ZZZ JDLQVERURXJK RUJ Charity Number: 214046

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Mr Turner

Village Screen

Ida The Lunchbox

Ida Date: Time: Venue: Tickets: Bookings:

Wednesday 4th March 2015 2pm Westacre Theatre £6 01760 755800

Effie Gray Date: Time: Venue: Tickets: Bookings:

Saturday 7th March 2015 2.30pm & 7.30pm Acle Recreation Centre £5 01493 752043

Mr Turner Date: Time: Venue: Tickets: Bookings:

Saturday 7th March 2015 7.30pm Tittleshall Village Hall £4.50 01328 700952

The Sound Of Music Date: Sunday 8th March 2015 Time: 2pm Venue: Three Holes Village Hall, Tickets: £2 Bookings: 01945 773710

Community development charity Creative Arts East rounds off an exciting season of specialised film screenings showing at village hall venues across Norfolk, during March 2015. Supported by the British Film Institute (BFI), Creative Arts East has partnered 16 rural community groups over the last 12 months to enable them to promote a wider choice of films to their local audiences.

The Lunchbox Date: Time: Venue: Tickets: Bookings:

Monday 9th March 2015 7.30pm Edgefield Village Hall £4.50 07789 102274

What We Did on Our Holiday Date: Wednesday 11th March 2015 Time: 2.00pm Venue: Westacre Theatre Tickets: £6 Bookings: 01760 755800 Mr Turner Date: Time: Venue: Tickets: Bookings:

Friday 13th March 2015 7.30pm Poringland Community Centre £5 01508 494358

For full information on titles, dates and venues for these screenings and other Creative Arts East events please go to: http://www.creativeartseast.co.uk/whats-on/ If you are interested in bringing Village Screen to your community please contact Alice Morelli on 01953 713390 or alice@creativeartseast.co.uk

www.creativeartseast.co.uk

Mr Turner Date: Time: Venue: Tickets: Bookings:

Saturday 14th March 2015 7.30pm Marlingford Village Hall £4.95 01603 880479

Pride Date: Time: Venue: Tickets: Bookings:

Saturday 14th March 2015 7.30pm Tittleshall Village Hall, £4.50 01328 700952

Two Days, One Night Date: Wednesday 18th March 2015 Time: 2pm Venue: Westacre Theatre Tickets: £6 Bookings: 01760 755800 Mr Turner Date: Time: Venue: Tickets: Bookings:

Wednesday 25th March 2015 7pm Wacton Village Hall On the door £5, In advance £4 01508 536774

Mr Turner Date: Time: Venue: Tickets: Bookings:

Wednesday 25th March 2015 2.00pm Westacre Theatre £6 01760 755800

Sunshine on Leith Date: Friday 27th March 2015 Time: 7.30pm Venue: Shotesham Trinity Hall Tickets: £5 Bookings: 01508 550122 The Wind Rises Date: Wednesday 1st April 2015 Time: 2.00pm Venue: Westacre Theatre Tickets: £6 Bookings: 01760 755800

Live Via Satellite RSC: Love Labour’s Won Date: Wednesday 4th March 2015 Time: 7.15pm Venue: Thornham Village Hall Tickets: £15 Bookings: Live event: 07787 255597 ROH: Swan Lake Date: Tuesday 17th March 2015 Time: 7.15pm Venue: Thornham Village Hall Tickets: £15 Bookings: Live event: 07787 255597

March 2015 | 3

ARTSeast Magazine

6

19

31

Cover Story

Literature

Music

6 Suffolk Libraries Bookfest

16 Dragon Hall / November Keys

30 Music News

17 Book Review

31 Princess Theatre, Hunstanton

18-19 Cambridge Literary Festival

32 Jazz Page

34-35 Music Hubs

Visual Arts 7

Visual Arts News

8

Garden House Gallery, Cromer

Theatre & Film

33 The Apex, Bury Competition

9

Birdscapes Gallery, Glandford

20 Theatre & Film News

What’s On

10 Galleries on View

21 Fisher Theatre - Cabaret Pin-Up Girls

11 Artist Profile - Claire Dowson

22 Eastern Angles

36 Festivals Guide - Part 2

12 Friends' School

23 Cinema City Competition

37 Listings

13 Kettle's Yard, Cambridge

Local Arts Scene

41 38 Lowestoft Photos

23

39 Lowestoft Introduction 40-41 Marina Theatre 42 Coconut Loft / Ferini

15 Arts & Crafts 14 St Andrew’s Arts & Crafts 15 Cornucopia, Harleston

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24-25 Coffee & a Chat - Marti Pellow

43 Lowestoft Arts Centre / Museum

26 Red Rose Chain

44 Subscriptions / Comp winners

27 Norwich Theatre Royal - Richard Alston

45 Win a meal at Sgt Peppers Restaurant

Dance 29 Kid's Corner - Cambridge Corn Exchange

Directory 46

Welcome

ARTSeast ARTSeast Magazine Dolphin House (first floor) 23 Church Street, Diss

Editor’s Letter

Norfolk, IP22 4DD

Editorial: Sarah Veness sarah@artseast.co.uk 01379 415003

Sales: Gary Enderby gary@artseast.co.uk

Welcome to the March edition of

focuses on Lowestoft and its many

ARTSeast Magazine.

galleries and theatres. With its beautiful beach and surrounding area,

01379 415002

Accounts: accounts@artseast.co.uk

With winter almost behind us, once

Lowestoft continues to inspire artists of

again our thoughts are already turning

all genres.

to all the amazing festivals we have

Alongside our features, we are lucky to

ian@copy-concept.co.uk

locally to enjoy.

have some great prizes to offer you

01379 608358

Our front cover this month features

including theatre tickets, gig tickets,

performance poet Luke Wright who is

books and dinner out.

Printed by:

appearing at the first ever Suffolk

And finally…we hope you've all

Town & Country Printers

Libraries Bookfest. Turn to page 6 to

managed to get your hands on our new

info@tcprinters.co.uk

find out more about this exciting new

ARTSeast Visual Arts Directory by now.

festival.

We've been thrilled with all the

I'm also thrilled to feature an interview

fantastic feedback we've had on the

with one of my childhood heartthrobs

directory and will continue to distribute

Design: Copy Concept

Marti Pellow who has seamlessly

it each month along with ARTSeast.

moved from pop superstar to west end

All that's left for me to say is I hope you

leading man as he stars in an excellent

enjoy this issue and all our wonderful

production of Blood Brothers, coming to

region has to offer arts lovers this

the Kings Lynn Corn Exchange.

month…

Our local arts scene for this month

Sarah Veness Editor

Distribution: Tim Walken Melvyn Veness Carol Tunmore

@artseastmag www.artseast.co.uk

ARTSeast Magazine is published by

Falcon Publications

March 2015 | 5

Cover Story

Exciting new book festival Suffolk Libraries has launched its first book festival.

'Suffolk Libraries Bookfest’ will take place throughout March and features a range of authors visiting some of Suffolk’s libraries and other local venues to give talks about their work with additional workshops.

hosting workshops at Ipswich Library on March 14th. Daily Mail blogger, food writer and recipe columnist Anne Shooter is appearing at Felixstowe Library on March 18th while on

‘We wanted to organise a book festival which was a bit

March 19th The John Peel Centre for the Arts in Stowmarket

different - something accessible and enjoyable for everyone,'

plays host to Suffolk-based performance poet Luke Wright

says Alison Wheeler, Suffolk Libraries General Manager. 'The

who tells tales of ordinary people having extraordinary

aim is to invite a mix of popular, local and up and coming

moments. On March 20th Adele Geras will be appearing at

authors to our libraries and run a series of events around

Cardinal Newman Hall in Southwold. Adele has written more

Suffolk. I’m delighted with the programme we’ve been able to

than 90 books for adults and younger readers. Her novel Troy

put together and am looking forward to welcoming some top

was shortlisted for the Whitbread Book Award and highly

authors to our libraries.'

commended for the Carnegie Medal.

With 21 events in total running between March 6th and

Alongside the above, are many other fantastic events

22nd, there really is something for everyone.

comprising workshops, talks and Q&As.

Simon Scarrow

Catherine Johnson

On March 7th, Simon Scarrow is appearing at Ipswich Library.

Children are well catered for with a Dr Seuss workshop at

Simon is best known for his ‘Eagle’ series of Roman military

Rosehill Library in Ipswich on March 9th, afternoon events at

fiction. International best-selling author of seven novels,

Gainsborough Library on March 20th - World Storytelling Day

Harriet Evans is at the same venue on March 9th. Two days

- and a pirate workshop on March 22nd with Tilly the

later, on March 11th Alison Weir, the UK's top-selling female

Talespinner at Kedington Library.·

historian, and author Kate Williams are giving a talk entitled 'An evening with the history girls' at Beccles Library as part of

For a full programme of events and to book tickets go to www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/bookfest

Beccles Library History Month.

You can follow @SuffolkBookFest or like Suffolk Bookfest on Author Catherine Johnson - winner of the Young Quills Prize for best Historical Fiction in the 12 plus category - will be 6 |

www.artseast.co.uk

Facebook - www.facebook.com/SuffolkBookFest

Visual Arts

Visual Arts News

Exciting new Cromer Exhibition The Gallery Norfolk in Cromer has teamed up with eight artists – most of them members of the distinguished East Anglian Group

Painting Auction for Essex Church

of Marine Artists – for its most ambitious exhibition yet. From March 27th to April 21st 2015, ‘Sheringham to Yarmouth - An Easterly Viewpoint’ will show some 40 paintings, focusing on the Eastern corner of Norfolk, from Sheringham to Yarmouth, and including the Norfolk Broads. 'The Gallery Norfolk has always had a focus on the sea and nature,' says Polly Miller, who established the gallery in 2012. 'We’ve shown work by established Norfolk painters and also commissioned other wellknown names to give us their particular take on the coastline. As it happens, The Gallery Norfolk is one of the most easterly

Artist Martine Norman, from Witham Essex, has recently completed

galleries on the North Norfolk coast, so we decided to look east

an oil painting entitled 'Vatican Celebration' which is being

with this exhibition to a part of the county that is every bit as

auctioned to raise funds for the upkeep of the town's Roman

beautiful as the perhaps more picturesque areas to the west.'

Catholic Church. Originally created in Gothic style as an Anglican

www.thegallerynorfolk.co.uk

church, the building eventually became derelict. In 2014, there were various events marking the 25th anniversary of the venue having been restored and being used as a Roman Catholic church. One of these events included a display of Martine's work with the first public viewing of 'Vatican Celebration.' Today, the building serves the local population as it stands proud, partially surrounded by the old Anglican churchyard. The auction painting was created based upon photographs and feedback from parishioners after a pilgrimage, also using older resource material from the artist's previous visits to Rome. Bids will be accepted until June 1st this year.

www.paintdraw-artistmartine.co.uk

100 Years: Bernard Reynolds Sculptor University Campus Suffolk presents a retrospective exhibition of the work of Ipswich sculptor Bernard Reynolds in the centenary year of his birth. The exhibition includes works from the Reynolds family, including previously unseen drawings and photographs. Born in Norwich, Bernard Reynolds lived for almost fifty years in Ipswich and worked as an inspirational teacher at Ipswich Art School for several decades. Alongside working constantly on his own sculptures, Bernard was also a regular curator of exhibitions throughout East Anglia as well being an extremely active member of several art groups including the Norwich 20 Group of which he was co-founder. The exhibitions runs from March 19th to April 6th at the Waterfront Gallery.

www.ucs.ac.uk March 2015 | 7

Visual Arts

Nostalgic yet unique Celebrate the arrival of British Summer Time at Samuel's first

taught artist and consequently

exhibition this year opening 28th March - 12th April at the

he has developed a

Garden House Gallery in Cromer, Norfolk. See a colourful array

distinctive painting style that

of Limited Edition Prints & New Original Paintings of pop-art

is truly unique, euphoric and

inspired Norfolk landscapes.

mesmerising.

Samuel’s exhibitions have

Samuel captures a sense of nostalgia in his works similar to the

been growing having

now iconic ‘Come to the Seaside’ rail posters of the 1920’s but

exhibited in seven UK

with a modern twist. These are not backward-looking pastiches,

counties and he now

but aspirational projections of the self into a better future.

ships work to buyers as far

‘People appreciate the artwork because it lifts one's spirits and

as the US but Cromer in

it is not shrouded in layers of portentousness, and I do my best

Norfolk still remains his

to keep the artwork affordable with limited edition prints starting

home. Samuel prides

at £95 each.' explains Samuel.

himself on being a self-

www.gardenhousegallery.co.uk

THE GARDEN HOUSE GALLERY & SHOP

31, Garden Street, Cromer NR27 9HN Tel.01263 511234 www.gardenhousegallery.co.uk info@gardenhousegallery.co.uk 8 |

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Visual Arts

Beautiful Birds

Now in its 10th year, BIRDscapes is the UK’s only

Bayfield Swallows, linocut print by Niki Bowers

independent bird-art gallery and has a growing reputation for its unique selection of bird-inspired paintings, original prints and sculptures, all in a wide range of styles and media.

Although Wild Birds and Wild Places is the main theme, local landscapes and other wildlife also feature, along with affordable reproductions, wildlife art books and cards.

Carry Akroyd S WL A March 21st to April 12th

A programme of exhibitions involving over 60 nationally-known and local artists, continues over Easter with Carry Akroyd. Carry, a member of the prestigious Society of Wildlife Artists, is a highly-acclaimed printmaker, specialising in stylish, often colourful screenprints and lithographs. Illustrator of the book about Radio 4’s Tweet of the Day and recently appointed ‘Bird of the Month’ artist at The Oldie magazine, her reputation continues to build.

BIRDscapes is one of Norfolk’s more spacious galleries, with a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere and easy parking. Open daily, 11 till 5, in a complex that includes the Art Café, binocular retailer CleySpy and Grey Seal coffee roastery, it also stocks the free Bayfield Bird Walk leaflet. Follow this three mile trail around the beautiful Bayfield country estate and you will find it easy to while-away a whole day in unhurried, North Norfolk style.

BIRDscapes Gallery, Glandford, Holt Norfolk NR25 7JP Open daily 11 to 5 Next to Art Café Tel: 01263 741742

www.birdscapes.co.uk March 2015 | 9

ALISON WAGSTAFFE artist – printmaker Paintings, Prints & Cards www.aliwagstaffe.co.uk

01263 740400 28 Langham,Road, Blakeney, Norfolk NR25 7PJ

Artfellows Picture Framers & Art Gallery

ARTIST ON LINE

Bespoke Framing, Hand Finishing, Good Selection of Original Paintings, Antique Restoration Exclusive Greetings Cards

www.paintdraw-artistmartine.co.uk telephone 01376 501229 Commissions undertaken Curwen Print Study Centre

EXCELLENCE IS A FINE ART Courses for artists of all abilities and ages 2015 Printmaking brochure out now curwenprintstudy.co.uk 01223 892380 enquires@curwenprintstudy.co.uk

10 |

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Dove to Dusk Paintings and limited edition prints by Nicola Slattery. www.nicolaslattery.com Studio visits welcome.

Weekend Painting and Printmaking courses.

Tel: 01986 788853

Visual Arts

Artist Profile: Claire Dowson Suffolk artist Claire Dowson paints striking pictures that can't fail to bring a smile to your face.

Originally from Lowestoft, Claire spent many years teaching art across schools including Thetford Grammar School. It was only after retirement, she found herself back living on the coast.

'I moved back to Lowestoft in 2003 with the aim of concentrating on painting,' says Claire. 'At first my pictures were of seas and skies. I love looking at the patterns in nature,

nature, either in the local countryside or my own back garden, and I love the jigsaw of shapes, lights and darks and experimenting with putting colours next to others.'

Last year, Claire was talking with a friend who pointed out that she was starting to spot animals and, in particular, birds within Claire's paintings.

'She was right, birds seem to have crept into my paintings,' laughs Claire. 'Leaf patterns have become an arrangement of birds.'

the forming of the waves and the clouds in the sky.'

In 2014, Claire took one of her bird paintings - called Parrots and Pink Pianos - to an exhibition in Snape and was thrilled when it sold. 'I really didn't know what to expect but it seemed to go down very well,' she said.

'I think people like a bit of fun and that's what these paintings are.'

Since then, Claire has sold her work at The Upstairs Gallery, Beccles, Buckenham Galleries Southwold and at galleries in Snape Maltings.

'I love painting and often find I just can't stop,' says Claire.

'I paint all day from early morning until the light goes.'

Over time Claire's work has evolved to take in more elements

Claire's paintings are intricate and time-consuming so she

of the landscape surrounding her, for example, the reedbeds at

plans to have prints made of each one.

Snape.

'I started to concentrate on the detail in the foreground, while

Claire has an exhibition of work at The Upstairs Gallery in Beccles from March 31st-April 13th. In September she also

fading the background significantly,' says Claire. 'A lot of my

has an exhibition at the Buckenham Galleries in Southwold.

paintings have become close-ups. I still look for the patterns in

www.clairelouisedowson.co.uk March 2015 | 11

Visual Arts

Where Learning is an Art Friends’ School is a school with a difference. Small, diverse, vibrant, and located in the heart of Saffron Walden, just twenty minutes from Cambridge. With a history of more than

There is a superb new Junior School building, complete with

300 years the school welcomes students of all faiths, offering

dedicated Early Years facilities, which offers Friends’ youngest

education for boys and girls aged 3-18 with boarding from age 11.

learners the best possible start. Pastoral care at the school is

There is a Senior and Junior

excellent because the staff really get to know each pupil well

school on the same site, which

and there is always a listening ear or a helping hand. The

allows for a seamless transition

school also has a medical centre, staffed by two qualified

between Year 6 and 7, and also

nurses.

Nursery and Reception.

To find out more, visit Friends’ on their Working Open Morning

Moreover, sharing the site

on Wednesday 11th March at 9.30am. Call Alison Stanbury on

means that Junior pupils have

01799 525351 or email admissions@friends.org.uk for further

access to specialist teaching in certain areas of the curriculum

information or visit the website at www.friends.org.uk. You can

and use of Senior School facilities.

be assured of a warm welcome.

Meet Charlotte.

She wants to be an artist.

We’re going to help her get there.

“Calm, caring place for individuals who benefit from bespoke push, stretch and support” The Good Schools Guide 2014

12 |

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Friends’ School SaffronWalden admissions@friends.org.uk www.friends.org.uk

Visual Arts

New Rhythms

Henri Gaudier-Brzeska: Art, Dance and Movement in London 1911-1915 Kettles Yard - March 17th-June 21st 2015 This spring Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge presents a major exhibition to mark the centenary of the death in the First World War of the French-born sculptor and draughtsman Henri

sculptures and drawings by

Gaudier-Brzeska (1891-1915). Gaudier-Brzeska moved

Gaudier-Brzeska, acquired by

permanently to London in January 1911. He made a significant

the creator of Kettle’s Yard, Jim Ede in 1929. New Rhythms

contribution to the development of modern sculpture, as one of

takes as its starting point Gaudier‐ Brzeska’s two contrasting

the key members of the Vorticist movement and by influencing

sculptures Red Stone Dancer and Dancer. The exhibition looks

a later generation of sculptors. His precocious artistic talent

in detail at the inspirations for the two sculptures of 1913,

was cut short by his death at the age of 23 while fighting for

using them as studies for a wider exploration of the artist’s

the French army in Neuville St Vaast, France.

interests in the subject and the cultural milieu in which he was

This exhibition is the first to explore the artist’s engagement

working.

with dance and movement. New Rhythms brings together

As well as exploring dance, New Rhythms will investigate the

sculpture, drawing, photography, film, and archive material,

artist’s wider fascination with motion, the physical dynamism of

combining the strengths of Kettle’s Yard’s sculpture and

bodily movement, and wrestling.

drawing collections with important loans from national and international institutions. The exhibition includes work by Gaudier-Brzeska’s contemporaries David Bomberg, Jacob Epstein, Percy Wyndham Lewis, William Roberts, Auguste Rodin,

This will be the final exhibition at Kettle’s Yard before closing for a major development of the site and offers a chance for visitors to enjoy the house and an exhibition intimately linked to it and the permanent collection.

Helen Saunders and others who engaged with the subject of dance. Kettle’s Yard holds one of the largest collections of

www.kettlesyard.co.uk March 2015 | 13

Arts & Crafts

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SAVE THE DATES!

B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B EASTER B EXTRAVAGANZA B 2015

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St. Andrew’s & Blackfriars’ Hall, Norwich Good Friday 3rd April, 11am to 4pm Easter Saturday 4th April, 10am to 5pm All welcome; entrance free

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Arts & Crafts Clothes & Jewellery Traditional family fun Spring exhibition by Photographers’ Gallery - Holt Food & Drink Plants Music, magic & more!

www.artseast.co.uk

www.standrewshall.co.uk Also fundraising for The Nook Appeal www.each.org.uk/the-nook Easter Extravaganza Norwich

B B B B BB

Book Review

Advertisement Feature

Exciting Expansion for Cornucopia

Vintage Emporium and tearoom Cornucopia, based in the heart of Harleston, is about to embark on an exciting new venture.

On Saturday May 9th - the day after VE day - their new garden area will be opening to the public complete with a 1940s VE Day celebration.

there's another surprise in store too.

'All of our traders will be in 1940s dress and we'll have

'We are extending the tearooms down into the cellar,' says

relevant music and wartime food on offer too,' says owner

David. 'This will be themed to tie in with the VE Day

David Charles.

celebrations but I can't give you any more details yet as we

The outside space - to be known as Alley Gardens- will

want our customers to be surprised when they arrive.'

consist of various areas dotted along the side of the current

The tearooms itself has a new spring menu offering tasty

building and out into the back garden. It will have a decked

treats and hot food throughout the day. It's a lovely, relaxing

area and there are plans afoot for all sorts of quirky details.

place to enjoy lunch or afternoon tea.

'The gardens will have a twist but people will have to come

In August David and his partner Glen Philpott will celebrate

and see for themselves what this is,' says David. 'Opening the

two years since Cornucopia opened its doors. Since then it

gardens has given us a fantastic opportunity to expand the

has grown beyond expectations to house an eclectic mix of

Cornucopia brand outside. It will be a lovely area to sit and

more than 40 traders selling a range of vintage memorabilia.

enjoy some food or a drink.'

'Our Alley Gardens will be one of the most secluded outside

There will also be reclaimed garden furniture and other

seating areas in Harleston,' says David. 'It's very private with

outdoor items for sale in and around the gardens.

an intimate, cosy feel.'

And it's not just the gardens that are in for a makeover,

www.harlestoncornucopia.co.uk March 2015 | 15

Literature

Historic new home for writers’ centre

Suffolk authors launch debut novel Father and son team Brian and Michael Turner have published their debut novel November Keys.

It tells the story of a quaint village that was ready to sell its soul to the devil for hastily promised riches. However, when the devil buys he expects to collect. November Keys is a very funny tale of greed, gangsters and things that go bump in the night.

Son Michael initially masterminded the plot and characters in November Keys, prompted by an idea from an unusual picture he had idly doodled. After numerous pages of incomplete

Dragon Hall in Norwich is set to become the National Centre

drafts, he invited Brian, a published author, to add further input

for Writing following a decision by partners to bring in new

and contribute fresh ideas for the book's subsequent

long-term tenants to the Grade I listed building.

completion. The project has taken over four years

After careful consideration by current tenants, the Norfolk and

to complete and both

Norwich Heritage Trust, in partnership with building owners,

authors are delighted to

Norwich City Council, the hall has been offered as a potential

present a book that they

venue for the prestigious centre – part of Norwich’s

proudly believe to be

commitment as England’s first UNESCO World City of

very funny and highly

Literature.

entertaining.

The decision has been made following discussions over the last few months between partners including the city council, the Heritage Lottery Fund (who funded the original restoration of Dragon Hall), Arts Council England, Norfolk County Council, UEA and Writers’ Centre Norwich (WCN). This was in light of expert advice sought into the viability of Dragon Hall under its current use, which made it clear that a new long-term tenant was needed to secure a future for the building that was also sympathetic to its historic significance.

In the run-up to the 2016 opening as the National Centre for Writing, WCN will continue its fund-raising campaign to develop the already approved south wing extension at Dragon

WIN a signed copy of November Keys ARTSeast have teamed up with Brian and Michael to offer one lucky reader a signed copy of November Keys.

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

Hall as an education space and to update key elements of the building’s infrastructure to secure its long term future for the city, its residents and visitors.

16 |

www.artseast.co.uk

Closing date: March 20th

Literature

Book Review Diss Publishing, a lovely bookshop in the heart of the pretty market town of Diss, has an excellent art section and a wide range of art books. Here, Head of the Art Department, Sandra Sheehy, reviews one of the titles they have for sale.

Rossetti by J B Bullen £35.00 “Rossetti “ is a lavishly illustrated and comprehensive study of the Pre-Raphaelite artist and poet. His work has become synonymous with the age he lived in.Think of the PreRaphaelite art movement and probably a beautiful, voluptuous flame haired woman will come to mind. However there is far more to this larger than life artist. His drawings (this book unusually features many of his preparatory sketches and drawings) show a technical brilliance and confidence of line and his oil paintings have an intense and highly personal use of colour. His life was flamboyant and passionate as you would hope an artist to be so Bullen’s book make a fascinating read.

Colouring for Grown-Ups It is a rare thing these days to be able to sit down and be completely absorbed by something and live in the moment. The health benefits in terms of mind and body are well known. Colouring books for adults, with their intricate lines and beautiful designs, have helped many people achieve this enviable state.

They have become incredibly popular for being both relaxing, rewarding and challenging.

Diss Publishing bookshop have a great range of adult colouring books for you to try.

WIN A COLOURING BOOK Diss Publishing are giving away a beautiful colouring book and a set of colouring pencils to one lucky reader. To enter, email your name, address and phone number to info@artseast.co.uk Closing date: March 20th

March 2015 | 17

Cambridge Literary Festival Spring 2015 14–19 April In partnership with

Festival highlights

Omid Djalili Maggi Hambling Jane Hawking Anthony Horowitz Will Hutton Celia Imrie Robert Macfarlane Roger McGough Mary Portas Michael Rosen Graham Swift S.J.Watson

Book free online at www.adcticketing.com or call 01223 300085 student concessions cambridgeliteraryfestival.com Picture by Martin Bond www.acambridgediary.co.uk

18 |

www.artseast.co.uk

Literature

Vibrant line-up for Cambridge Literary Festival Next month (April 14th-19th) sees an abundance of writers, thinkers, creators and challengers arrive in the city of Cambridge for its much loved Literary Festival. Now in its thirteenth year headline names include comedian Omid Djalili discussing his memoir Hopeful; queen of the high street Mary Portas shares her memoir Shop Girl; a rare appearance from Everything But the Girl duo Ben Watt and Tracey Thorn who will

Celia Imrie

Robert Macfarlane returns with his latest meander across the English landscape with Landmarks.

be talking about their latest books; one of Britain’s most significant and controversial artists, Maggi Hambling will

Love it or hate it the General Election is just around the

discuss her major new book; national treasure and poet Roger

corner and as the two-party ancien-rĂŠgime of British politics

McGough will warm our hearts with his latest performance; star

crumbles, the festival focus is on the state of the nation and

of Acorn Antiques and Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Celia Imrie

wider international affairs. Joining the discussion are some

previews her debut novel; renowned philosopher A. C. Grayling

of our most experienced practitioners and insightful

provides food for thought in challenging times; festival favourite

commentators including political grandees Norman Tebbit, Shirley Williams and Roy Hattersley. Journalists Will Hutton, Polly Toynbee, Zoe Williams and John Crace will be on hand to give their own particular take.

There are some truly exceptional highlights for children including beloved Judith Kerr (The Tiger Who Came to Tea and When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit); best-selling author of teen-spy series Anthony Horowitz; and the utterly fabulous

Mary Portas

Michael Rosen with his latest family show.

Book free online www.adcticketing.com or call 01223 300085 student concessions apply.

www.cambridgeliteraryfestival.com

Maggi Hambling

Anthony Horowitz

March 2015 | 19

eatre & Film

Theatre & Film News Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho Off The Kerb Productions in association with Aine Flanagan Productions present Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho at Norwich Playhouse on March 28th. After becoming an Edinburgh Fringe sensation with a sell-out run she's back! Britain's first female prime minister stars in a drag comedy musical extravaganza like no other!

On the eve of the vote for Section 28, Maggie gets lost in Soho and accidentally becomes a cabaret superstar, but will she change her mind about the homophobic bill before it's too late? A camp odyssey about gay rights, the 80s and disco!

The Picture of Doreen Gray

www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk

From March 16th-18th Suffolk favourites and award winning duo LipService are back at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich with The Picture of Doreen Gray, and will be celebrating 30 years of making comedy. Maggie Fox and Sue Ryding founded the company in 1985 and have created 18 original stage plays winning four prestigious awards, including the Stage Door Foundation Award for Excellence. Celebrity presenter Doreen Gray has it all, a drive time radio show, a high ratings lifestyle programme on Even More 4, but hitting 50, Doreen finds her face no longer fits the bill. At a school reunion she stumbles across a youthful self-portrait and makes a dark and dreadful pact with the picture. Featuring community actors as Doreen’s school mates live on stage and on film. www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Rat, Mole, Badger & Toad come to Bury Award-nominated Immersion Theatre and the critically-acclaimed Cambridge Touring Theatre join forces to present a spectacular musical adaptation of the classic, The Wind in the Willows at the Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds on March 30th-31st. Join the boat-loving Ratty, the sensible yet curious Mole, wise old Badger and the fantastically irrepressible Toad as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime to save Toad Hall! Eye-catchingly elaborate costumes and toe-tapping music. This delightful adaptation of Kenneth Graheme's novel is the perfect treat for all the family!

www.theatreroyal.org

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eatre & Film

A Taste of the Twenties

Fisher Theatre, Bungay - March 21st, 7.30pm For a unique night out, head to the Fisher Theatre to witness the spectacle that is The Cabaret Pin-Up Girls.

With a mixture of cabaret acts, singing and dancing, be welcomed into the past as you step inside Bungay’s speakeasy, and enjoy a complementary glass of fizz.

Be transported back to the roaring 20s, where the evening will come to life with live music, great company and a cheeky Charleston to bop along to.

The Company specialises in traditional cabaret performance and entertainment… from the moment you venture inside, till the moment you shim sham your way home as the sun rises.

They encourage the audience to feel as if in a real club, so feel free to mill about and grab a cocktail whilst the show is rolling. There is a chance to learn some Charleston steps and have a boogie as well as sitting back to let the evening wash over you in a glorious wave of jazz ‘n’ Liquor.

Last but not least… feel free to dress up in your glad rags.

It’ll be a divine night out darling!

www.fishertheatre.org March 2015 | 21

eatre & Film

Sex, boat-building and bivalve molluscs!

Oysters, a new play from Eastern Angles Theatre Company, focuses on the restoration of an Essex Oyster Smack. It is written and directed by Ivan Cutting whose previous maritimerelated shows include When The Boats Came In (about the Lowestoft fishing industry) and Beyond The Breakers (about East Coast Lifeboat service), and also directing the Arthur Ransome adaptation We Didn’t Mean to Go To Sea and Up Out o’ The Sea. Described as a tale of sex, boat-building and bivalve molluscs, Oysters combines historical fact and contemporary fiction, capturing the soul of an ancient local industry and putting its beating heart on stage. The main character Mo has just turned fifty and is busy restoring an oyster dredger recovered from an Essex riverbed. Helping him bring the boat back to life is Kasey, a young intern with a chip on her shoulder. When a piece of Mo’s beloved dredger goes missing, their lives are up-ended and the past floats to the surface.

Oysters has been researched and developed as part of the Pioneer Sailing Trust Land and Sea project (www.pioneersailingtrust.org.uk), which is focused on restoring the 1893 Oyster Smack Priscilla.

The play will be performed at the Sir John Mills Theatre in Ipswich from April 20th-25th. Tickets are priced £13 (full-price) and £12 (concessions). There will be a free pre-show talk on Monday 20th 7pm – 7.30pm.

Eastern Angles will also be taking Oysters to the Pioneer Sailing Trust’s headquarters in Brightlingsea for a three-day residency on May 7th-9th.

Friday night will be a special £15 a ticket Gala performance including complimentary pre-show drinks and introduction from Ivan Cutting whilst Saturday’s shows will be part of a full day of On tour March 11th - June 6th 01473 211498 www.easternangles.co.uk

PST activities and wraparound events. The show will tour all over East Anglia from March 11th – June 6th.

Tickets from 01473 211498 or www.easternangles.co.uk 22 |

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eatre & Film

Coming soon to Cinema City In the heart of Norwich lies Cinema City, the perfect place for a cosy drink, delicious meal and to watch a film in comfort. Here's a taster of what's coming soon….

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel The sequel to the 2012 sleeper hit features an ensemble cast including Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Celia Imrie, Dev Patel, and Richard Gere. Muriel (Smith) is now co-manager and helping the soon-to-be-married Sonny (Patel) negotiate plans to open another hotel, since the original Marigold is fully booked with colourful characters.

Suite Francaise During the early years of German occupation of France, romance blooms between Lucile Angellier, a French villager and Bruno von Falk, a German soldier. Starring Kristin Scott Thomas, Margot Robbie, Michelle Williams and Sam Riley.

Woman in Gold WOMAN IN GOLD is the remarkable true story of one woman's journey to reclaim her heritage and seek justice for what happened to her family. Sixty years after she fled Vienna during World War II, an elderly Jewish woman, Maria Altmann (Helen Mirren), starts her journey to retrieve family possessions seized by the Nazis, among them Klimt's famous painting 'The Lady in Gold'. Co-starring Ryan Reynolds, Daniel Bruhl, and Katie

C O M P E T I T I O N

Holmes.

The Salvation In 1870s America, a peaceful Danish settler (Mads Mikkelsen) kills his family's murderer which unleashes the fury of a notorious gang leader. His cowardly fellow townspeople then betray him, forcing him to hunt down the outlaws alone. Also starring Eva Green, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Eric Cantona.

WIN TWO TICKETS WIN two tickets to see WOMAN IN GOLD by answering the following question.

WOMAN IN GOLD is based on the Gustav Klimt painting 'The Lady in Gold.' Can you name Klimt's most famous painting? Email your answer (including your name, address and phone number) to info@artseast.co.uk Closing date: March 20th

www.picturehouses.co.uk

Usual terms and conditions apply.

March 2015 | 23

ARTSeast Magazine

Coffee & aChat From 80s heartthrob to West End darling, Marti Pellow has commanded the stage. Now he's bringing awardwinning musical Blood Brothers to our region…

Straight from Evita in the West End, a two-week stint with Blood Brothers in Glasgow and now a UK tour of the production, Marti Pellow is one busy man.

'I’m a glutton for punishment,' he laughs. 'No, the good thing about Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers, is that I love it. But most importantly, I love the people who work on that project and who are part of that team. I did it in the West End for Bill and then I went on tour, and there’s a wee family there of people who stay with Blood Brothers for several years. People like Maureen Nolan, who’s an absolute sweetheart to work with, and Sean Jones, who plays Mickey, who I’m such a big fan of.

So what is about the show that really appeals to Marti?

'Well, as I said, first and foremost, it’s the people that are involved in the project and it’s the people that Bill Kenwright casts,' says Marti. 'It’s a very earthy piece, it’s got a lot of heart, it’s honest, and for me, there are a lot of things that I can relate to. The imagery, the feelings that it evokes are feelings that I can relate to from growing up as a child. I think that when you come from a working class background and you see how hard it is for people to make ends meet, worrying about their jobs or their vocations in 24 |

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Coffee & a Chat

life, the journey that Blood Brothers takes you on, especially

tapestry of music, so we always wanted to go there and see

at the tail-end of the journey where there’s mass

what it was all about. And the city has been so good to me

unemployment that’s going on and he’s finding it difficult to

throughout the years and supported me as a solo artist and

find a job, I can relate to that because coming from

musical theatre.'

Clydebank and the shipyards, at the tail-end of the Eighties when Thatcherism was at its most potent, a large majority of the shipyards were closing down and the miners’ strikes were happening, it was a very prevalent time for me, a very provocative time' In Blood Brothers, Marti plays a Liverpudlian. Was it hard for him to perfect the accent?

'It’s actually my Glaspudlian accent which is a hybrid Glasgow/Liverpudlian accent,' he laughs. ‘Wet Wet Wet, spent a lot of time recording there, doing our early demos was recorded just outside Kirkby in a studio there called Amazon Studios. Liverpool has been so prolific when it comes to music, especially with the advent of the Beatles and how much they brought to the world. Liverpool’s such a rich

Marti is appearing in Blood Brothers at the King's Lynn Corn Exchange from March 16th-21st.

Tickets www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk, 01553 764864

March 2015 | 25

eatre & Film

Different Buttons

The award-winning Suffolk-based theatre company Red Rose Chain have hit the ground running with the success of Joanna Carrick’s new play Progress - the opening show at The Avenue Theatre. March sees their ambitious opening season continue with the anticipated return of the powerful and thought-provoking Different Buttons, back by popular demand.

Different Buttons explores some of the incredible real-life stories of people who lived in Ipswich’s former Victorian asylum St Clements throughout its 140 year history. The story follows Ruth, a modern day young woman, as she waits for a psychiatric appointment when she suddenly encounters ghosts from St Clements’ past; through their stories Ruth is able to find the courage to face a positive future. Joanna Carrick’s powerful play was originally performed in the asylum in 2012 to critical acclaim; now see it brought to life again in Red Rose Chain’s very own Heritage Lottery Fund supported theatre.

To book tickets call their Box Office on 01473 603388 or visit www.redrosechain.com 26 |

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eatre & Film

Ground-breaking Dance

Theatre Royal, Norwich, March 19th-20th Richard Alston Dance Company returns to Norwich Theatre Royal this month with a new programme in celebration of its 21st anniversary.

Founded by Richard Alston in November 1994, the company brings three eclectic dance pieces to Norwich - Nomadic and Burning, the latest works by Alston and his associate choreographer Martin Lawrance, alongside 2003’s Overdrive.

Alston breaks new ground with Nomadic, a collaboration with hip hop choreographer and performer Ajani Johnson-Goffe set to music by Ursari Gypsy band Shukar Collective which fuses Romany and electronic music.

Martin Lawrance’s latest work Burning, premiered in autumn 2014, is set to a live rendition of Lizst’s Dante Sonata, and explores the composer’s relationship with the young Countess,

Local dancer shines on stage Colchester-born James Muller will be starring in these performances.

He began his training at the Linda Shipton School of Dance in Ipswich before continuing at the Royal Ballet School and Central School of Ballet, graduating in 2006. James has worked with Northern Ballet, Peter Schaufuss Ballet in Denmark, Ballet Ireland and Theater Ulm in Germany. He has performed in works by David Nixon, Christopher Gable and Roberto Scafati among others. In 2011 James participated in the German Young Choreographers Platform creating Prisoners Cinema for Theater Ulm. He joined Richard Alston Dance Company in 2013. Highlights from his first season with the Company included dancing in the Olivier award nominated production of Phaedra at the Barbican, and performing at the Fall For Dance festival in New York's City Center.

Marie D’Agoult – a passionate and frenetic piece.

The third piece is Alston’s classic Overdrive, an exhilarating

Performances are on March 19 and 20 at 7.30pm.

blast of non-stop dancing to the pulsating rhythms of

Tickets £5.50-£20.50. Call 01603 630000 or see

Californian minimalist Terry Riley.

www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk March 2015 | 27

MARCH Thur 19 – Fri 20 Mar RICHARD ALSTON DANCE COMPANY Contemporary dance £5.50 - £20.50

26 Mar RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC All the hits in stunning tribute £7 - £23.50

Sun 15 Mar NORFOLK SCHOOLS PROJECT Three local schools with their own operas Free

Sat 21 Mar BRITTEN SINFONIA Bach’s Goldberg Variations £6.50 - £26

Sat 28 Mar MILKSHAKE LIVE Kids’ TV favourites £5.50 - £14

Sun 15 Mar SALLY MORGAN Psychic to the stars £5.50 - £24

Mon 23 – Wed 25 Mar ENGLISH TOURING OPERA Puccini’s La boheme, Donizetti’s The Wild Man of the West Indies £6.50 - £35

Mon 16 Mar THE MEATLOAF STORY Steve Steinman stars £5.50 - £22.50

Book online: www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk T H E ATR E STR EET, N ORWI C H N R2 1 RL

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Tues 31 Mar – Sat 11 Apr TOP HAT Award-winning dance musical £8 - £44

Barnum

BOX OFFICE: (01603) 63 00 00 Tues 3 – Sat 14 Mar BARNUM Brian Conley stars in exhilarating circus musical £6.50 - £49

eatre & Film

Kid’s Corner: Cambridge Corn Exchange Standing outside the Cambridge Corn Exchange my six-yearold stared at the poster advertising the show we were about to see.

'Are they real?' he gulped, his hand feeling for mine.

'Or course not!' sneered my 4-year-old. But I could see her eyes widening just a little bit.

And they were right to ask.

Erth's Dinosaur Zoo is a fantastic puppet extravaganza which brings dinosaurs of all sizes to life right in front of your eyes. It

figures. The audience participation really helped move the

first roared into the UK in 2013 where it enjoyed a hit summer

story along and brought the show to life. It was my first time in

season at Regent's Park Open-Air Theatre in London and a

the Corn Exchange and I was really impressed with the venue.

Christmas season at London's Phoenix Theatre.

It won't be long before we head back as a family.

And it really was amazing. The excellent tiered seating at the

And we won't have to wait long. Coming up in 2015 at

venue meant that we all had a perfect view - something that

Cambridge Corn Exchange are a host of fantastic family shows

can sometimes hamper a theatre trip with a little one. The

including Dr Suess's The Cat in the Hat (April 6th). Based on

dinosaur puppets were so realistic, that at times it was easy to

the munch-loved book, watch The Cat in the Hat cause mischief

imagine they were real. The puppets themselves, the way they

and mayhem from the moment his tall, red and white striped

moved…everything was done to perfection. Alongside the

hat appears around the door. On April 12th How the Koala

puppets, the show was full of interesting dinosaur facts and

Learnt to Hug is a charming tale about the magic of family and the importance of a nice, warm hug.

Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom arrives in town from June 27th28th. Packed full of games, songs and laughter, it takes an enchanting journey through the Magical Kingdom. On July 25th-26th, Aliens Love Underpants takes to the stage in a fantastically fresh and funny production based on the bestselling children's book. An acclaimed production of Lord of the Flies - direct from London's award-winning Regent's Park Theatre- will delight older children from October 6th-10th.

Finally, for a Christmas show with a difference head to Horrible Christmas, brought to life by the much-loved Horrible Histories team (December 14th). From Victorian villains to Medieval monks, Puritan parties to Tudor treats, it's a horrible history of Christmas that will send you crackers!

www.cornex.co.uk March 2015 | 29

Music

Music News

Photo: William Knight

Opera at Norwich Theatre Royal English Touring Opera performs a new season of fully-staged opera at Norwich Theatre Royal from March 23rd to 25th. It presents Puccini’s masterpiece La bohème, on March 23rd and 24th, and a rare Donizetti title, The Wild Man of the West Indies (Il

Cambridge Corn Exchange: Paul Carrack

furioso all’isola di San Domingo), on March 25th. Both operas are sung in costume, in Italian with English surtitles and accompanied

Talented singer, songwriter Paul Carrack is bringing his unique

by ETO’s chorus and 25-piece orchestra. La bohème features

British talent to the Cambridge Corn Exchange on March 19th.

young singers from a Norwich infants school as a children’s

Frontman and songwriter of Ace, Paul was also in Squeeze, Roxy

chorus of street urchins. La bohème is one of the most moving

Music and Roger Waters backing group The Bleeding Hearts

operas of all time. Set in Paris, lovers Mimi and Rodolfo draw close,

Band. He was also the co-frontman and songwriter for Mike and

but poverty and ill-health force them apart. Donizetti’s The Wild

the Mechanics following Paul Young's death. His new album

Man of the West Indies is also a love story, set on a Caribbean

Rain or Shine comes after an epic ten-month run of shows

island. Hugely successful when first performed in 1833, it

including performances in the UK and across Europe and North

vanished. Never before staged in the UK, its first performance is in

America with Eric Clapton.

Norwich.

www.cornex.co.uk

www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

Kylie and Kaiser Chiefs come to Newmarket Global superstar Kylie Minogue and Indie rockers Kaiser Chiefs are the first acts to be announced for the 2015 Newmarket Nights season. At home in some of the world's biggest and best arenas, Kylie performs her classic hits old and new on June 19th. The following month - on July 31st - multimillion selling Kaiser Chiefs, led by BBC1's The Voice coach Ricky Wilson hit the stage. Famed for singles including 'I Predict a Riot', 'Ruby' and Everyday I love you less and less', Kaiser Chiefs have had five top ten albums.

www.jockeyclublive.co.uk

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Music

An Evening with Julian Lloyd Webber Photo: Simon Fowler

Princess Theatre, Hunstanton - Sunday April 19th In this superb new presentation, Julian Lloyd Webber will take the audience on an historical and musical journey in which he will give unique insight into not only his life as one of the

For any cellist out there- bring along your cello and have your chance for Julian Lloyd Webber to play it for you on stage as the encore and get a mini masterclass with the man himself!

Box office: 01485 532252, www.princesshunstanton.co.uk

world's finest musicians but also as a member of arguably the most influential musical dynasty of modern times.

Julian will recount stories and anecdotes of touring, recording sessions, concerts, TV shows and the like, all of which will be linked with rare video footage of him playing and talking with many of the people involved in his amazing life such as Nigel Kennedy, Elton John, Katherine Jenkins, Tim Rice, Yehudi Menhuin, Joaquin Rodrigo, Cleo Laine, Stephane Grappelli and many others.

The backbone of the show and complimenting the chat and clips, he will be joined by his wife and fellow cellist Jiaxin Lloyd Webber and pianist Pam Chowhan to perform works such as Faure's Elegy, Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Music of the Night, Rachmaninov's Cello Sonata as well as works by composers William Lloyd Webber, Philip Glass, Frank Bridge, and JS Bach.

COMPETITION

WIN TICKETS to see Julian Lloyd Webber ARTSeast has teamed up with the Princess Theatre, Hunstanton to offer three lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets for this exciting show.

To be in with a chance of winning, email your name, address and telephone number to info@artseast.co.uk Closing date: March 20th Usual terms and conditions apply March 2015 | 31

Music

Jazz Legends An Eclectic Mix come to Beccles of Talent Leading jazz duo, Jacqui Dankworth and Charlie Wood, will be performing at Beccles Public Hall on Friday 17th April at 8pm.

It's unsurprising that Jacqui is so eminent in the world of jazz

Norwich Jazz Club has been entertaining music lovers with an eclectic mix of jazz artists every week since 1989 and this month's gigs are as fantastic as ever.

and so talented as she's been heavily influenced by her parents

On March 10th, the club hosts vocalist Marlene VerPlanck,

- highly acclaimed jazz singer, Dame Cleo Laine, and jazz

followed by Dick Pearce on the trumpet on March 17th. A week

legend, Sir John Dankworth, who sadly passed away five years

later, on March 24th, the Norwich Student's Jazz Orchestra takes

ago.

to the stage and on March 31st Phil Brooke brings his guitar

'We are so thrilled that Jacqui and Charlie will be performing at

skills to the club, supported by the Norwich Jazz Club Trio.

the Hall - what a special evening of music as we celebrate our

The house trio comprises Simon Brown (piano), Ivars Galenieks

second year of community ownership! We are looking forward to

(bass) and Brian McAllister (drums).

it immensely,' said Sue Bergin, Events Coordinator.

Keep an eye out for the club's Jazz Weekender on August 29th-

Book your tickets early for what promises to be a sumptuous

30th in the club room at OPEN, Norwich. It's shaping up to be a

evening of beautiful jazz numbers with Charlie, who hails from

great weekend.

Memphis, performing on piano and vocals and Jacqui on vocals.

Patti Russo rocks Bury

COMPETITION

WIN TICKETS The Apex – Saturday, April 11th at 8pm.

Best known as Meat Loaf's Girl Friday in the magnificent Paradise by the Dashboard Light, Patti Russo has performed alongside some of the world's finest artists including Queen, Roger Daltrey, Jeff Beck and Cher.

Light (I’ve Gotta Life), with Meatloaf, which reached the Top 20 in the UK and Germany as well as Take Good Care Of

ARTSeast has teamed up with The Apex to offer two tickets to see Patti Russo on April 11th.

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

Closing date: March 20th Usual terms and conditions apply.

For nearly 20 years, she has been an integral part of both

My Heart, which was

Meat Loaf's touring and recording career, cementing Patti’s

featured in the film South beach Dreams and – according to

status as 'the perfect foil' for Meat Loaf’s bombastic and over

one New York Times Reporter – “trumped the film itself”.

the top theatrical stage performances across the globe. Since 1995 Patti has appeared on all his recordings and played an important role in creating some of the most memorable stage performances for that famous mini opera Paradise by the Dashboard Light.

Along with many Meat Loaf albums, she has also featured on other recordings such as Bryan Ferry’s Frantic, Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s critically acclaimed rock opera, Beethoven’s Last Night, as well as the movie soundtrack to Jim Carrey’s The Grinch. Her song writing credits include Running for the Red

Patti’s theatre credits include the lead role of Esmeralda in the West End production of Notre Dame de Paris and she was personally asked by both Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen to perform in their Las Vegas production of We Will Rock You as none other than the Killer Queen.

After an interesting career alongside these other iconic performers, she is now ready to take her life experiences – and her own music – out on the road.

www.theapex.co.uk Photo: Jerry Gilbert

March 2015 | 33

Music

Music Education Hubs ...delivering music education for children and young people across the East of England

One of the key ambitions of the Arts Council’s 10 year vision

education institutions - professional music organisations and

is the aim that every child and young person has the

arts organisations. Hubs across the East of England are

opportunity to experience the richness of arts and culture,

working with NPOs, such as Aldeburgh Music, to offer a variety

particularly through participation. Music education hubs

of opportunities for children and young people to participate

represent a key way in which this is being achieved and

in musical activities. These hubs are already working with 80

provide an important opportunity for children and young

per cent of schools in England, meaning that around one

people across England to sing and play instruments – solo

million children and young people are learning a musical

and in groups – and to be able to take these opportunities

instrument.

further if they have the ambition or inspiration to develop their skills.

Between August 2012 and March 2015 the Arts Council has invested more than £171 million on behalf of the Department

The hubs have now been in place for two school years and

for Education in a network of 123 Music education hubs

offer a fresh approach to music education in England, working

across England – of which 11 are based in the East of

in local areas to create joined up provision for children and

England.

young people. Hubs include schools - from primary to further

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Music

Norfolk Centre for Young Musicians Open Day 2014, images: Stuart Beard

The Department for Education recently announced it will increase the funding it gives to the Arts Council to deliver music education, building on the success that has been achieved to date and expanding the opportunities for children and young people to take part in music, through singing, playing or composing. The additional investment of £18 million will bring the total amount of funding available to Music education hubs in the next financial year (2015-16) to over £75 million.

Norfolk Music Education Hub - Norfolk Centre for Young Musicians (NCYM)

Cambridgeshire Music Education Hub - 1000 Voices

The Norfolk Centre for Young Musicians runs a range of

As part of 1000 Voices, (which aimed this year to provide

activities of activities for students aged 8 – 18. The emphasis

opportunities for 1000 students to become involved in vocal

is on encouraging enthusiastic musicians to take part in a full

projects across the county), the hub piloted a project called

morning of musical activities. It currently runs three choirs, a

SingFest, a partnership between Cambridgeshire Music, EPOC

range of string / wind chamber ensembles from grade 2

(English Pocket Opera Company) and Cambs Music Trust. It

through to grade 8+, improvisation sessions, general

supports and develops singing across 22 schools in one

musicianship classes, classical guitar/percussion groups,

locality through primary singing festivals, opera workshops

theory and individual lessons. NCYM has proved to be an

and singing CPD (continuous professional development) for

inspirational and positive experience for all those involved.

staff. SingFest has proven very successful and popular

Since opening its doors in September 2013 with 50 students,

amongst the schools in the area and will be delivered in three

it is now in its 4th term with 92 students regularly attending

more areas across Cambridgeshire in the next year.

Saturday mornings during term time.

March 2015 | 35

What’s On

Festival Guide Following on from last month's guide to festival fun, here are some more festival highlights from our corner of the country.

Wymondham Music Festival - June 20th-July 4th Wymondham Music Festival fortnight returns for the 20th year

Folk on the Pier - May 8th-10th

in 2015 featuring a mix of musical style for all ages. With a

Every year, the Pavilion Theatre on Cromer Pier hosts this

busking day, community choirs competition, a Ceilidh, a

impressive festival. This showcase for the finest folk and folk-

Midsummer Jazz Picnic and even a Teddy Bear's Picnic, there's

rock acts in UK and beyond, has also spilled out into the town

something for everyone. Beautiful Wymondham Abbey has a

with a host of fringe and impromptu events taking place.

busy programme of concerts and recitals.

www.folkonthepier.co.uk

www.wymfestival.org.uk

Bury St Edmunds Festival - 15th-24th May

North Norfolk Music Festival - August 12th-22nd

Ten days of great music, theatre, film and exhibitions dotted

Based at St Mary's Church, South Creake, this prestigious

around the town to celebrate their 30th Festival. Alongside

festival offers a wide variety of music from a host of

wonderful music and fascinating speakers, this year's festival

distinguished performers. Other venues include the beautiful

will also pair music with film and art and even ballet with

Holkham Hall.

juggling!

www.buryfestival.co.uk

www.northnorfolkmusicfestival.com FolkEast - August 21st-23rd

Southwold Arts Festival - June 17th-July 4th

Set in the beautiful grounds of Glemham Hall, this three-day

The second Southwold Arts Festival celebrates local, national

festival offers up a fine selection of some of the best national

and international talent in music, theatre, poetry, visual arts,

and international folk artists. It also celebrates 'Folk in the

photography, film, family events, discussions and literature. It

East' with a wide variety of workshops, activities, crafts, food

takes place in venues in and around the town.

and drink.

www.southwoldartsfestival.co.uk

www.folkeast.co.uk

FolkEast 2014. Photo: Kathy Baxendale

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What’s On

What’s On – Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in our region. If

March 8th-April 5th - Exhibition of Anthony George's screen

you’d like an event, show, exhibition, performing arts

prints in The Front Room, Anteros Arts, Norwich. Winner of the

class, festival, talk or anything else arts-related included

Norfolk Contemporary Art Society Award.

in our listings section, please get in touch. Each listing

www.anterosfoundation.com

costs just £15 (no VAT) and you can pay by cheque to Falcon Publications or by PayPal to info@artseast.co.uk.

If you’d prefer to pay by BACS online, call 01379 415002 for account details. To submit a listing, email details to

March 21st-26th - Ceramics, Batik, Painting, and Prints.

Exhibition of the work of Robert Wheeler and Helen Dougall at: Edmund Gallery, Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1LS www. robwheelerpottery.com www.hdbatik.co.uk

info@artseast.co.uk. We need details 8 weeks before the date of the event to guarantee inclusion.

THEATRE & FILM March 12th - Blue Orange Theatre Company presents Jane

MUSIC March 15th - St Mary's Church, Thornham Parva hosts a concert of vocal music from 17th & 18th century Italy, France and England. Peter Holman MBE is joined by sopranos Claire Tomlin and Sarah Potter. www.musicatthornham.org.uk, 01379 788130379 788130.

Full details at http://musicatthornham.org.uk March 28th - Sheringham and Cromer Choral Society Spring Concert, St Peter's Parish Church. Tickets: £12 (£15 on door) Under 18s FREE. From Sheringham Little Theatre Box Office 01263 822347, www.sheringhamandcromerchoral.co.uk March 29th - Waterloo - The Best of Abba Tribute Show complete with stunning costumes and breathtaking choreography. Pavilion Theatre, Cromer Pier. www.cromer-

Eyre at Diss Corn hall, Charlotte Bronte's tale of a young woman's courageous fight through injustice and hardship. www.disscornhall.co.uk, tel: 01379 652241 March 16th-21st - The Woman in Black - billed as the most terrifying live theatre experience in the world - comes to Cambridge Arts Theatre. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com, 01223 503333 March 23rd-27th - Light Comedy 'Best Served Cold' lunchtime theatre in the Maddermarket Theatre, Norwich. www.maddermarket.co.uk, 01603 620917

FESTIVALS/CRAFT FAIRS March 7th - Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair - the largest vintage marketplace in the UK - comes to the Corn Exchange, Ipswich. £2 entry. Under 12's free www.judysvintagefair.co.uk

pier.com, tel: 01263 513495 March 6th-22nd - Suffolk Libraries Bookfest. 21 events held at

EXHIBITIONS March 4th-23rd - The Waveney Springs Collective (painters, sculptors, potters, printmakers, glassmaker and textile artists) are holding an exhibition of their work at the Fisher Theatre, Bungay. www.waveneysprings.co.uk

libraries across the county. Q &As, interviews, workshops, children's events. www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/bookfest, tel: 01473 263838 March 20th-22nd - Spring Craft, Food & Gifts Fair at Sandringham Estate. Tickets £6.50, Over 65s £6, Children £2 (under 5s free) www.livingheritagecraftshows.com.

March 2015 | 37

ARTSeast Magazine

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Local Arts Scene

Lowestoft: Centre for the Arts Located at the UK's most easterly point, Lowestoft brings to mind sunshine, sand and traditional English seaside fun.

And while there's an abundance of all of those things, there is also a thriving arts scene spread across the town and its surrounding neighbourhoods.

Art lovers are well catered for with a range of galleries including Ferini Art Gallery, The Coconut Lounge, Lowestoft Arts Centre and the Merchant House Gallery which all house a range of exhibitions and workshops.

If theatre is your thing, the impressive Marina Theatre in the heart of the town has a range of theatre, music, film and much more to keep the whole family entertained. The Seagull Theatre in neighbouring Pakefield plays host to a regular stream of local talent and is home to its very own touring theatre company, The Seagull Rep. Lowestoft is also the birthplace of arguably the greatest English classical composer of the last century, Benjamin Britten.

So dust off your bucket and spade and head to the coast‌..

March 2015 | 39

Local Arts Scene

The Home of Theatre in Lowestoft With a mixture of live entertainment and great cinema, the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft is at the cultural heart of the community.

But it's future hasn't always been certain.

As recently as 1984, the Marina closed to the public. Then, just 24 hours before a demolition deadline in 1985, it was bought by Waveney District Council. On October 1st 1988, it re-opened as the new Civic Theatre and Cultural Centre with a concert given by rock legend Rick Wakeman. Over the next few years it gained an excellent reputation as a top-class venue for world-famous acts. In 2005, the Marina became a residence of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, one of only two venues outside London to be granted such a prestigious honour. But by 2011, the theatre's future once again looked uncertain. Thankfully it was saved due to the formation of the new Marina Theatre Trust. With an extensive renovation project complete, the future of the Marina Theatre is now brighter than ever.

In 2015, an exciting mix of fantastic performances have been lined up including live screenings, comedy, cinema, music, children's shows, opera, circus and theatre.

THE SEQUEL TO ‘DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS’ Alongside musical theatre spectacular Dreamboats & Miniskirts (see opposite page), upcoming shows include performances by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, a chance to see the 60th anniversary production of Agatha's Christie's The Mousetrap and Olivier-award nominated comedy with Fascinating Aida and the BAFTA and British Comedy Award winning comedian Alan Carr.

BILL KENWRIGHT AND LAURIE MANSFIELD IN ASSOCIATION WITH UNIVERSAL MUSIC PRESENT

BOOK BY

Following the enormous success of last season's production of Snow White, this year's pantomime, opening on December 15th, will be the enchanting story of Sleeping Beauty with tickets already being snapped up!

THE NEW ROCK‘N’ROLL MUSICAL

LAURENCE & MAURICE

MARKS GRAN

The Marina is also the perfect place to enjoy a wide range of films.

Coming up over the next few weeks are Mortdecai, Trash, Selma, Shaun the Sheep, The Theory of Everything, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and A Royal Night Out.

Including the smash hit s...

A PICTURE OF YOU ALL I HAVE DO YOU LOVE TO DO IS DREAM IT’S IN HIS KIS ME 1 HANDY MAN S1 IT’S MY PARTY WHEN WILL I BE HIPPY HIPPY LOVED SHAKE and many more.. .

ONE WEEK ONLY! 30 MARCH - 4 APRIL BOX OFFICE: 01502 533200 marinatheatre.co.uk

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DIRECTED BY BILL KENWRIGHT AND KEITH STRACHAN CAROLE TODD MUSICAL SUPERVISION KEITH STRACHAN SEAN CAVANAGH LIGHTING DESIGN TIM OLIVER SOUND DESIGN DAN SAMSON

The popular Marina Theatre Cafe Bar is open Monday to Saturday from 10am, serving a wide range of speciality hot drinks including their own brand of Marina Theatre Coffee, delicious cakes and light meals. It's the perfect place to meet with friends for lunch, or enjoy a light meal before a performance. There are a wide range of PreShow Food Platters available to order to make your visit just that little bit special. Why not treat yourself?

CHOREOGRAPHED BY DESIGNER

/BKLProductions

@BKL_Productions

Design: Target Live

For listings and tickets go to www.marinatheatre.co.uk or call 01502 533200

The Marina Theatre, Lowestoft - March 30th-April 4th 2015

COMPETITION

Dreamboats and Miniskirts arrives in Lowestoft as part of a major national tour and follows the enormous success of

WIN TICKETS

Dreamboats and Petticoats and sister show Save The Last

to see DREAMBOATS & MINISKIRTS

during their respective runs in Lowestoft.

ARTSeast has teamed up with The Marina Theatre to offer one lucky reader two tickets to see Dreamboats and Miniskirts.

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

Dance For Me - both of which played to capacity audiences

Dreamboats And Miniskirts is set to take audiences back through the ‘music and magic’ of the early 60’s featuring the same wit, charm, and great songs as the original. Written by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, the team behind Goodnight Sweetheart, Birds of a Feather, The New Statesman, Shine on Harvey Moon, Save the Last Dance For Me and of course, Dreamboats and Petticoats, the official sequel is set in 1963.

With the world changing, Bobby and Laura’s single has not taken off and Norman and Sue have settled down to non-marital bliss – and a baby! However Ray and Donna seem blissfully happy. The advent of the Beatles and the Merseyside sound is inspirational, but will it inspire Bobby and Laura to have one

Closing date: March 20th

more shot at stardom – Norman to “get off the drains” and find

Usual terms and conditions apply.

that singing voice he has longed for, and Ray to realise his ambition and manage a really top pop act?

March 2015 | 41

Coffee Lounge Art Gallery “A sensor y, grown up experience”

Opening Times Monday - Saturday 8.00am – 6.00pm Sunday 10.00am – 4.00pm Drop in and say hello! You can find us at...

8 Waterloo Road Lowestoft Suffolk NR33 0AA Contact us on: Tel: 01502 521845 Email: info@thecoconutloft.plus.com www.thecoconutloft.co.uk

15

th

ANNIVERSARY

We are pleased to be celebrating 15 years Tel: 01502 562222 Open 11am - 4pm Fri/Sat/Sun (bank holidays) info@feriniartgallery.co.uk www.feriniartgallery.co.uk Like us on Facebook Ferini Art Gallery Photographer/Videographer studio@ferinimedia.co.uk www.ferinimedia.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @ferinimedia

42 |

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Local Arts Scene Across the street - Holly Road, Oulton Broad by John Daynes

Lowestoft Arts Centre Lowestoft Arts Centre is a thriving small community gallery and studio complex in the centre of Lowestoft, serving arts and crafts people in the town and the surrounding area. It is a voluntary organisation staffed and run by its members, which currently number around seventy.

Each month one wall of the gallery is devoted to the ‘Artist of the month’ exhibition which allows individual or small groups

eclectic display of art and craft work by many of the Centre’s members.

of artists to show off their work in more detail. During March

The gallery, on the Triangle Market Place, St Peters Street,

this space is taken by the duo Carolyn Reeder and John

Lowestoft, is open 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday.

Daynes. For this exhibition Carolyn is concentrating on her

www.lowestoft-arts.org

fused dichroic glass work which she presents as both abstract and semi-abstract ‘pictures’

Angel of Love by Carolyn Reeder

Lowestoft Museum

and jewellery. Alongside this

Housed in a beautiful building in Nicholas Everitt's Park, Oulton

she will be showing some of

Broad, Lowestoft Museum is renowned for its collection of 18th

her stimulating hand built

century Lowestoft Porcelain. The factory was only in existence

ceramic work. John will be

for 50 years, finally closing in 1802, and the porcelain is highly

showing a range of his

collectable today. The museum also houses a comprehensive

paintings. For the most part

history of Lowestoft with displays including fossils, Roman and

these will be semi-abstract

Anglo Saxon pieces and displays on local industries including

representations of natural or

fishing. There is an old Doctor's surgery and a cobbler's shop,

man-made structures.

also a "bygones from Lowestoft" room where visitors enjoy

This exhibition will be

reminiscing about childhood items.

followed in April by work from

The museum, run by volunteers, is celebrating its 30th

a local figure drawing group.

anniversary this year.

In addition to this exhibition, there will also be the usual

www.lowestoftmuseum.org

Claire Louise Dowson

Oil & watercolour paintings Appointment only Telephone: 01502 500722 Or email: Claire@clairelouisedowson.co.uk www.clairelouisedowson.co.uk March 2015 | 43

ARTSeast Magazine

Competition winners from our previous issue: The Business of Murder, Bury Theatre Royal – Morven Grant of Bury St.Edmunds

Toyah Willcox at Epic Studios – Susan Fisher of Cromer

Live screenings at Fisher Theatre: Hamlet - K Lanchester of Burston, Swan Lake

Grumpy old Man at Beccles Public Hall – Karl Clare of Norwich

- Anne O'Maolain of Thetford

Overnight stay at The Swan House - John Hartley of Winterton-On-Sea

44 |

www.artseast.co.uk

Take a few minutes to complete our ARTSeast reader survey to be in with a chance of winning a tasty meal for two at the unforgettable 60sthemed Sgt. Peppers Restaurant in Lowestoft.

Not just somewhere to enjoy a great meal, Sgt. Peppers is a restaurant to experience. Spectacular food, cool music, rock and pop memorabilia and warm, friendly service all add up to a great night out.

Now, one lucky reader can win a meal for two, plus a drink, at Sgt. Peppers. To be in with a chance of winning, just complete this page and post to ARTSeast, Dolphin House (first floor), 23 Church Street, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4DD.

Winners will be notified by phone or email, usual terms and conditions apply. Closing date for entries: March 20th. Prize is valid from Monday to Thursday. www.sgtpeppersrestaurant.co.uk

ARTSeast

New

www.artseast.co.uk

Dolphin House (first floor) 23 Church Street, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4DD

Tel: 01379 415002 Email: info@artseast.co.uk

Directory

Trinity Stained Glass

Individually designed panels Period restorations, leaded lights and repairs www.trinitystainedglass.co.uk 01603 622099 | 103 Ber Street, Norwich NR1 3EY

Quality

Picture Framing Service &

Gallery 1SJOUT t 0JMT t 8BUFS $PMPVST t .PVMEJOH t 0SOBUF 'SBNFT t .PVOUCPBSE t (MBTT t %SZ .PVOUJOH

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Rural Magpie A store of rescued treasures and handpainted furniture pieces

Contact Karen on 01223 894292 or karen@ruralmagpie.co.uk www.ruralmagpie.co.uk

Pick up your free copy of the ARTSeast Visual Arts 2015 guide Available throughout Norfolk & Suffolk Also online at www.artseast.co.uk

Additional copies available on request

Please telephone 01379 415002 March 2015 | 47

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