BEAT MAGAZINE
25
September - December 2016
Featuring full listings for The Firestation
THE LIPSINKERS SYNC FOR A MINUTE
plus David Baddiel, Tiff Stevenson, Ezra Collective, Minima, Spillikin & loads of augmented reality content!
Hello‌ After a brilliant summer of barbecues, festivals, putting ourselves about a bit and actual, real, sunshine (I know!?), autumn is upon us and as usual we’re turning golden, revved up and ready to go! There’s just so much new stuff about at the moment, so much to talk about, we’re feeling hugely spoilt for choice! Times of change can be a bit of a head-wreck, take a little navigating and the occasional time out, but there’s no denying it’s a thrilling ride! Take tech for example - or more specifically Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. Sure, PokÊmon was fun, but the future that awaits us, when performers can appear in your living room or you can step into somebody else’s world just by slipping on a pair of goggles (here already really), is a game changer. We’re already looking at our spaces and you - our crew - to imagine how things will change and how we can make the most of the moment. We’ve taken our first steps into VR production - did we mention that already? I lose track. You can watch the trailers for our first dance on VR and immersive theatre on our Fireythings YouTube channel (search Fireythings on Youtube or follow the QR below), and we’ll let you know when the full features are released this season!
In other news.. This programme jumps straight out of the traps with 2 nights of David Baddiel’s My Family: Not The Sitcom, before it heads to the West End, swiftly followed by our favourite day out The Big Picnic in Alexandra Gardens on the 10th September! Brilliant US comic Lewis Schaffer is back with us on the 24th (p.11), Tiff Stevenson’s new show Seven (p.12), and essential film Son of Saul on 23rd (p. 12). My top tips are high energy, genre-bending jazz outfit Ezra Collective on 4th November (p.13) who blew me away at Brainchild Festival, and Vauxhall Tavern residents The LipSinkers on the 19th (p.6 & 14). If none of that’s your thing, how about our first robot theatre show - Spillikin - on 8th November (p.14)??
Kindly supported by
See you in the future, Dan ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌.‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌.
THE FIRESTATION CENTRE FOR ARTS & CULTURE St. Leonards Road, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 3BL 01753 866 865 info@firestationartscentre.com www.firestationartscentre.com
OPENING TIMES Monday to Friday: 10:00 - Midnight Saturday: 09:00 - Midnight Sunday: 09:30 - 22:30
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Contents HOW TO FIND US
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The Firestation Centre for Arts and Culture is housed in The Old Court, Windsor’s old Firestation, Magistrates Court & Police Station. You’ll find us on the corner of St. Leonards Road & St Marks Road, look for the big red fire doors.
Shop Firestation
ON FOOT & BIKE
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Things We Like…
06
The LipSinkers
From Windsor Castle, go straight down Peascod Street until you reach the Criterion & Crosses Corner pubs at the traffic lights. Go straight across and keep heading down, past East Berkshire College, you should be able to see us, all red and shiny, on your right.
BY TRAIN
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Csaba Kis Róka
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Things We Like…
BY BUS
Listings for The Firestation
The Firestation is well served by buses to and from Windsor, Slough, Bracknell and the surrounding area. Routes 71, 191, 200, 701 & 702 either go right by us or very nearby.
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We are a fifteen minute walk from Windsor & Eton Riverside Station or ten minutes from Windsor Central Station.
BY CAR
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Cecilia Knapp
19
Leah Schrager
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Firestation Classes & Workshops
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Membership, Hire & Getting Involved
The Firestation is within easy reach of the M4 (Jct 6) and M40 (Jct 2). We have a number of inexpensive short stay bays opposite The Firestation offering discounts for Advantage Card holders. A parking space at the rear of the building is available for Disabled Badge holders plus a limited number of spaces are kindly made available to us from 7pm (please check on arrival). Nearest multi-storey car park is situated 5 minutes away on the corner of Victoria Road and Alexandra Road.
ACCESS The Auditorium and Upper Bar are accessible by wheelchair and there is a designated disabled parking space and access ramp at the rear of the building. Our new lift makes the Basement Studio fully accessible.
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SHOP
FIRESTATION for great gifts, original artwork, new writing and unique things
THINGS WE LIKE‌ ‌ as you’d expect, we watch a fair ol’ chunk of dance previews, clips and the like over here, whether it’s touring shows or things that people just send us because they’re ace (the clips and the people). But every now and then something pops up on screen that’s just TOOO good not to share - like this clip from Jiri Kylian’s work with the Nederlands Dans Theatre.
đ&#x;“š ‌ and then of course there’s stuff like this. The insanely brilliant Japanese Donald Trump Commercial from Mike Diva!
Such beautiful choreography, such precision from the dancers, we hope you like it as much as we do‌
Why? Well, we’re not really sure. We’ve asked ourselves this a lot, but still can’t find an answer. Part meta-pop, part chip-tune, part sugar rush, there’s also a Hillary Clinton Meme Queen that goes with it (jus’ for balance like)‌
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THE LIPSINKERS‌
After first sashaying onto the stage some ten years ago, the Lip Sinkers have proved themselves to be a drag cabaret act with enduring appeal. Following a five year residency at Bistrotheque's Cabaret Room (2007-2012) and a fantastic reception at the Edinburgh Fringe 4 years running, you can now witness The Lipsinkers every month at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern where they have been resident since 2012. Their shows are an absurdist blur of intense energy, first-class choreography and some pretty fantastic wig work – all laced with canny social commentary. Sarah Humphrys got in touch with Richardette, Lisa Lee, Blanche Dubois, Smelly Mae and Steve Nice ahead of their show at The Firestation (Saturday 19th November) to ask them a couple of questions.
Let's start with the origin story of the LipSinkers how did you guys begin? What or who inspired you to start a lip-synching troop? We were originally a manufactured band put together to cover weekend slots at a local cabaret bar. We'd rehearse in the afternoon and perform in the evening, getting changed in the toilets at the back of the room. We did this for almost 6 years and as you can imagine when things are left in a toilet for a very long time they start to grow.
Did you imagine in 2006 that you would have such continued popularity? Popularity has never played a big part in our manifesto. Our early days were defined by long weekend runs over 3 and four months in the same venue and 6 week Christmas shows - the gigs kept coming and time slid by! By the time we moved to The RVT the work and our love of it and the amount that we had created had become part of us and keeping it going almost unquestionable. We never imagined it - but we're totally, absolutely thrilled to have lasted a decade!
What do you think is the key to your enduring appeal? Our popularity.
We love the variety of your song choices, with numbers ranging from Queen to Will.I.Am - how do you decide which songs to include in your repertoire? What makes a song perfect lip-sync material? The songs arrive in many ways - backs of cabs, the martini girl, late night sessions, gifts, commissions, deliveroo.
What's the process for creating your routines? We work hard together. Our process is on-going and omni referential. We have a monthly gig at The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, we never perform the same show twice
…QUEER CABARET and this structures our year. We’re in constant rehearsals whilst also making new work - we don't stop the process as a company, we don't take holidays (individuals are allowed out occasionally!). As a structure this plans out the rest of our lives which we aim to colour in with our work. The work draws from the socio political climate of the time and often refers to previous work as well as drawing on more personal and/or abstract matters which may be affecting us.
Your shows make frequent references to current affairs and political events - is this important to you? / why is this important to you? We are a queer political performance company. Current Affairs Matter. Dead Celebrities Matter. Cats in Dustbins Matter. Black Lives Matter.
Especially with such frequent and fast costume changes, have you had any entertaining on-stage mishaps you can tell us about? How do you overcome these?
ur work is Things happen in the moment. O It can be very live, that's part of its charm. a right Carry On at times. Off the top of our heads… Over dressed. Under dressed. Misjudged stage dives. Spaghetti underfoot. Glitter on the tonsils. Falling stage weights. Unexploded confetti cannons. Flying wigs. Broken heels. Accidentally singing. Vomiting hen party.
Have popular television shows such as RuPaul's Drag Race, Jimmy Fallon with his Lip Sync Battle or James Corden's Car Pool Karaoke had an effect on your popularity or the type of crowds that you draw at your shows? We don't feel a lot of affinity with these shows. From what we've seen of any of them- which is pretty limited - we appear to have little in common, though that's not for us to decide really is it? Our audience is beautifully broad but there hasn't been a noticeable spike to tie in with any of these shows' growing in popularity. We like this quote. “The LipSinkers are a drag troupe who mime to other people's songs, but they're not a night out with Danny La Rue, and they're not Ru Paul's Drag Race. They are weird, wild, funny and fresh” ***** The Scotsman
Why do you think these types of lip-syncing videos and celebrity musical shows have become so popular on the internet? Do you watch these clips yourselves? Why? More TV channels, more on line platforms, more celebrities needing stuff to do, more devices to view it all on. That kind of thing maybe?
If you could invite anybody to cameo in one of your performances who would you choose and what song would they sing? We'd invite Wilson, Keppel and Betty to join us in a rousing performance of Ali Baba's Camel.
Do you have any top tips for budding lip synchers? Move your lips. A mirror is not an audience, it's a tool. Your body is the greatest instrument you will ever own.
Describe the LipSinkers in 5 words? Like Muppets with a pulse. (Someone once wrote this about us and we've forgotten who - but we still love it) The Lip Sinkers are at The Firestation in Windsor on 19th November, see page 14 for full details. You’ll find more info and upcoming dates on Facebook thelipsinkers.
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www.lemonadegallery.com
Csaba Kis Róka - ’Layer’ 2015
In.Your.Face “A snowball in the face is surely the perfect beginning to a lasting friendship� Markus Zusak
www.lemonadegallery.com
THINGS WE LIKE‌
đ&#x;“š ‌ without doubt one of the stranger things you’ll see today (unless you’re visiting parts of the internet you just shouldn’t), Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared is a slow burning, kids infomercial‌ thing.. that doesn’t disappoint!
‌ part CBeebies part David Cronenberg, let Notebook take you on an enchanting journey through all the different ways you can be creative. And then maybe not.
đ&#x;“š A little on the sweary side (parents, those of you working in v. quiet offices, play groups, churches etc. be warned), Lil Dicky’s awesome $ave Dat Money is part making-of documentary and part vid. It features our favourite wailing millennial Flippy Flap and a laid back, cut short contribution from Rich Homie Quan.
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Listings SEPTEMBER
METHI BLONDE Saturday 10th from 19:30
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Join Methi at the Big Picnic’s official afterparty; a hazy, cosmic jive, combining rock, synths and boogie. An unexpected disco jam! DJ Methi Blonde won’t hesitate to express her dark side; she loves the obscure, the cosmic, the psychedelic sounds and the new wave electronics. She can be inspired from anything, especially from those not expected. Free
FOLKS GET DOWN Saturday 17th from 20:00 Two men of advancing years, vinylly addicted and near crippled financially, shall descend on the Royal Borough with several decades of disco obsessed crate digging. If you’re thinking Abba and Travolta, stop it! Free
KIDS’ CLUB CINEMA: ZOOTROPOLIS
LEWIS SCHAFFER: YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL
Saturday 3rd at 13:00
Saturday 24th from 20:00
In a city of anthropomorphic animals, a rookie bunny cop and a cynical con-artist fox must work together to uncover a conspiracy. Get ready for a bunch of fun as optimistic Officer Judy Hopps discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy.
"a bizarre cross between performance art, a swingers’ party and a papal blessing" Clair Smith, The Scotsman★★★★★
DAVID BADDIEL - MY FAMILY: NOT THE SITCOM
You Are Beautiful takes the audience on an incredible and surprisingly uplifting journey and has been called “hilarious�, “amazing and brilliant�, and “inspirational, almost spiritual.� Comedian, Stewart Lee, listed it on his top shows of 2015, calling Schaffer a “genius Jew�, and the show earned a raft of four and five star reviews in Edinburgh.
Thursday 8th & Friday 9th at 20:00
You will feel beautiful afterwards!
My Family: Not the Sitcom is a massively disrespectful celebration of the lives of David Baddiel’s late mother, Sarah, and dementiaridden father, Colin. It’s a show about memory, ageing, infidelity, dysfunctional relatives, moral policing on social media, and gay cats. Come and be offended on David’s behalf.
Free
GA ÂŁ5.00 / Child ÂŁ2.50 / Mem/Adv ÂŁ1.00 (on the day only)
‘Compelling to watch both for its unvarnished truth and complicated affection’ - Michael Billington, The Guardian ★★★★ The Times ★★★★ The Telegraph ÂŁ15.00
THE FIRESTATION’S BIG PICNIC Saturday 10th from 12:00 at Alexandra Gardens, SL4 5HZ Hang out with us at The Firestation's eighth Big Picnic! A whole day of live music, food and drink, and pop-up stalls from indie shops, makers and community associations. Line up includes Wildflowers, Electric Wood, Me and the Moon, Livvy Beer and Carrie Jane plus loads, loads more. Free
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OCTOBER FOLKS GET DOWN Saturday 1st from 20:00 See September listing for details. Free
KIDS CLUB CINEMA: THE JUNGLE BOOK Saturday 8th at 13:00 Rudyard Kipling's classic tale beautifully re-booted. Man-cub Mowgli embarks on a journey of self discovery with the help of panther, Bagheera, and free spirited bear, Baloo. GA ÂŁ5.00 / Child ÂŁ2.50 / Mem/Adv ÂŁ1.00 (on the day only)
đ&#x;“š Photo by Steve Ullathorne
TIFF STEVENSON: SEVEN Saturday 22nd at 20:00 ‘Seven’ is inspired by a gig Tiff did in David Lynch’s nightclub in Paris last year, just one month before the Bataclan attacks. Tiff explores our need to make huge worldwide impactful events about us, delving into morality, modernity, vanity, mental health, film reboots & clouds. ★★★★★ The Sunday Herald “This is a heartfelt, hilarious, provocative, important hour of stand-up from one of the best in the business.�
COSMIC COMMUNICATION Saturday
8th
from 20:00
Transmoleculise yourself down to The Firestation for a funky journey into the unknown‌ Join Sir Alan & AweEwa as they soulfully go where no DJ has gone before, with an eclectic mix of universal jams from around the Cosmos. Free
GA ÂŁ12.50
SUNDAY CINEMA: SON OF SAUL Sunday 23rd at 19:00 Arguably one of this year’s most powerful and unmissable films. Låszló Neme’s debut feature tells the unflinching story of Auschwitz prisoner Saul Ausländer, a member of the Sonderkommando forced to dispose of the gas chamber victims during the Holocaust. GA £7.25 / Concs/Members/Adv £5.00
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7UP Saturday 15th from 20:00 West London’s infamous club night continues to create a fuss and make a mess. Play the ultimate seven tune set and win a bottle of champagne! Indulge yourself and get yer own tunes on for a change.. Free FOR INFO & HELP WITH OUR NEW DYNAMIC PRICE SCHEMES, PLEASE ASK US, OR VISIT WWW.FIRESTATIONARTSCENTRE.COM/NEO-TICKETING
VAMPYR with live score by Minima and Stephen Horne Monday 31st at 20:00 Minima are a four-piece group who have specialised in silent film accompaniment since 2006. Their instrumentation includes cello, double bass, mandolin, autoharp, dulcimer and synthesizer. This new score is a collaboration between Minima and the internationally renowned silent film pianist Stephen Horne. GA £9.00 / Mem/Conc £7.00
NOVEMBER PENGUIN! ELEPHANT! Wednesday
26th
at 11:00
Penguin is a little bit selfish. Penguin loves fish fingers, but never shares them. Everything is black and white and that’s just the way Penguin likes it. Until one day Elephant turns up. Elephant is big. Elephant is messy. Elephant likes lots of colour everywhere. However will Penguin cope!? Suitable for everybody 3+ “A funny, visually expressive piece of storytelling… diversity has never been so much fun” The Stage
EZRA COLLECTIVE Friday 4th at 20:00 Ezra Collective is the award winning London based band born out of Tomorrows Warriors UK organisation for jazz music. The unique blend of young instrumentalists with wide-ranging influences gives Ezra Collective a unique, upfront and captivating sound. Their influences range from Afro Beat, Reggae, Jazz and Hip Hop, fused with a London touch to create the Ezra Collective sound. Highly recommended! GA £6.00 - £10.00 / Mem/Conc £4.00 - £8.00
GA £11.00 / Child £9.00 / Family £34.00
PROJECT HATECRIME LAUNCH PARTY Friday 28th at 20:00 Windsor’s brand new alternative music night kicks off with an allsouls inspired fancy dress special. Held in the haunted Firestation Basement Studio (Suzy’s hang out), a weird night with live music, djs and visual stimuli awaits you. Free
ELEANORE & THE LOST Saturday 29th at 20:00 Returning to Windsor after winning many fans with their 2011 Windsor Festival debut, Eleanore & the Lost are promoting their second album The Gift - plus favourites from debut album Parlour Game. Formed in 2010, the band have enthralled audiences with stunning performances - showcasing Eleanore’s spectacular four octave range - since their first show. “The awesome vocal might and musical presence of Eleanore & the Lost is unleashed! Eleanore, a Kate Bush-like vocalist stole the show and certainly uplifted the audience, evident by standing ovations at the end.” Royal Borough Observer
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE
GA £6.00 - £10.00 / Mem/Concs £4.00 - £6.00
are back by popular demand. Going strong for over 25 years, they
Saturday 5th at 20:00 Eight-piece soul, rhythm and blues masters Mission Impossible were the first band to perform at the legendary Old Trout in Windsor. Since then they have performed well over a thousand gigs all over the UK and Europe. GA £12.00
COSMIC COMMUNICATION Saturday 5th from 20:00 See October listing for details. Free
SPILLIKIN
FOLKS GET DOWN
Tuesday 8th at 20:00
Saturday 12th from 20:00
Sally's memories are fading fast, but she can still recall fragments of her earlier life: an awkward courtship, mid-life adultery, songs. And now a new life-companion has arrived - a state-of-the-art robot, uploaded with the personality of her late husband. It's all rather confusing. Can love really conquer all?
See September listing for details.
GA ÂŁ12.00 / Mem/Concs ÂŁ10.00
Free
DANIEL SLOSS: SO? Friday 18th at 20:00 Don’t miss this stunning new show from Scotland’s internationally acclaimed and award- winning comedian! Daniel has sold out 8 consecutive Edinburgh Fringes and tours extensively throughout UK, Europe, Australasia and USA. TV includes Sunday Night at the Palladium, Russell Howard’s Good News, and five appearances on Conan O’Brien. He co-created online sitcom M.U.F.F, gave a Tedx Talk, and is working on his pilot for Warner Brothers Studios. Following last year’s incredible 80 date UK & European DARK tour, he’s made his New York debut with a smash-hit season at the Soho Playhouse followed by a sold out 2 month tour in Australia and New Zealand!!! (*and breathe). SO?... what else is new‌?! GA £13.50 / Concs £11.00
KIDS CLUB CINEMA: THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE Saturday 12th at 13:00 Find out why the birds are so angry. When an island populated by happy, flightless birds is visited by mysterious green piggies, it's up to three unlikely outcasts - Red, Chuck and Bomb - to figure out what the pigs are up to. GA ÂŁ5.00 / Child ÂŁ2.50 / Mem/Adv ÂŁ1.00 (on the day only)
đ&#x;“š THE LIPSINKERS Saturday 19th from 22:00 At the heart of London's alternative cabaret scene for the last ten years, The LipSinkers debut at The Firestation, with their unique and radical drag show, which cuts an uncompromising line between showbiz insanity and queer political spoof.
PAUL FOOT: ’TIS A PITY SHE’S A PIGLET Saturday 12th at 20:00 In Paul's first new show in two years, Professor Ketchup and his camembert piglet join forces as he tackles the big issues such as terrorism, Ant 'n Dec, Immigration, the X-Factor and breakfast. The multi-award winning Mr Foot has appeared on numerous TV and Radio programmes including Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Would I Lie To You, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, If Katie Hopkins Ruled The World, Russell Howard’s Good News and The Infinite Monkey Cage on BBC Radio4.
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Stick around post show for an after-hours session DJ-ing disco, new wave, new romantic, pop with smokin' hot burlesque Go-Go's and other weird shit transporting their legendary Royal Vauxhall Tavern Show and After Party to royal Windsor!
Don’t forget, our website has our most up to the minute listings!
GA ÂŁ10.00
SUNDAY CINEMA: EDEN Sunday 20th at 19:00
"Utterly outlandish, but beneath layers of absurdity is Foot’s sharp eye for satire" Time Out
Paul, a teenager in the underground scene of earlynineties Paris, forms a DJ collective with his friends and together they plunge into the nightlife of sex, drugs, and endless music.
GA ÂŁ13.50
GA ÂŁ7.25 / Concs/Members/Adv ÂŁ5.00
FOR INFO & HELP WITH OUR NEW DYNAMIC PRICE SCHEMES, PLEASE ASK US, OR VISIT WWW.FIRESTATIONARTSCENTRE.COM/NEO-TICKETING
ACIDHOUSEWIFE
CHRISTMAS. TIME.
Saturday 26th from 21:00
Thursday 15th at 20:00
After Acidhousewife conquers Bestival and Ibiza, DJ Lottie heads back down to the Basement for her excellent club night, mashing up the very best in up-to-the-minute and classic house. Bringing the good times of Misdemeanours and the female-fronted swagger of Geisha, Acid Housewife dives deep underground at The Firestation for a no prisoners dance floor session, just how you like it.
Christmas. Time. is a musical comedy for all the family and a fun and fantastically funny Christmas offering from Near-ta Theatre!
Free B4 23:00, then ÂŁ8.00
Set in a small prison cell, Charlie and Toby are feeling low, and why wouldn’t they? It’s Christmas Day and they’re serving time at Her Majesty’s pleasure. But why shouldn’t they be having a Merry Christmas too? What’s stopping them from creating Christmas around them? A Christmas cabaret ensues, and they set off on their festival of carols, Claus, Christ and custody!
DECEMBER
Join them on a fantastical adventure through Dickens, pantomime, musical, Christmas dinner and festive films! Recommended 10+.
HOLY PRESENTS: AN UNHOLY PUPPET COMEDY BY HUMANISH
Friday 16th at 20:30
Thursday 1st at 20:00 A humanette puppet comedy starring the Holy Trinity at home for Christmas!
GA ÂŁ12.00 / Mem/Concs/Adv ÂŁ10.00 / U16 ÂŁ6.00
FRIDAY NIGHT SWING Swing out to some great music from the 1930s, 40s and 50s at Swingland’s regular swing and jive dance party! All jive/swing styles and non-dancers welcome! Includes a taster swing dance class for absolute beginners. You don’t need a partner, just get here and let the beat do the rest.
Joy to the world, in Heaven Jesus’ iphone 6S is ringing, the Holy Ghost is on the loo and God’s lost His glasses. Sweaty stilton, too much port, and a turkey that’s drier than Joseph’s flip-flop; it’s just another family Christmas in the household of its holy originators.
GA ÂŁ10.00
An absurd and endearing portrait of Christmas, like The Royle Family meets Phoenix Nights, in miniature.
Roxy Magic are the UK's best and longest-running tribute to Roxy Music & Bryan Ferry. They recreate live material that spans four decades, from futurist/nostalgic art rock, to classic standards. Their aim is to give the audience a fabulously entertaining evening. Very high quality musicianship and a wonderful Bryan Ferry look and sound-alike in singer Kevin Hackett, create an unmissable night out!
GA ÂŁ12.00 / Mem ÂŁ9.00 / Conc ÂŁ8.00
ROXY MAGIC: A NIGHT OF ROXY MUSIC Saturday 17th at 20:00
“Wow!â€? Bryan Ferry “There's only one Bryan Ferry, but if there were two the other one would be Kevin Hackett... absolutely brilliant band!" Chris Evans, BBC R2 GA ÂŁ12.00 / Mem/Concs ÂŁ10.00
FOLKS GET DOWN Saturday 17th from 20:00 See September listing for details. Free
PLASTIC GROOVE
SUNDAY CINEMA: A DIE HARD MARATHON
Saturday 3rd from 20:00
Sunday 18th at 18:00 & 20:30
New and growing label Plastic Groove return to The Basement for another late, loud, and increasingly packed night of deep house and techno.
Hailed by many - including us - as the ultimate Christmas movie, join us for back to back screenings of Die Hard and Die Hard 2 in glorious HD. Bonus points for spotting Bruce Willis’ stunt double! Yippee-Ki-Yay for sure‌
Very special guests as always - tbc. Free
CHRISTMAS KIDS’ CLUB CINEMA: HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE
Double bill - GA £10.00 / Mem/Concs/Adv £7.00 Per show GA £7.25 / Mem/ Concs/Adv £5.00 
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Saturday 10th at 13:00 Join us on a nostalgic, christmassy trip back to where it all began! In this very first HP movie, Harry proves his worth and meets his new friends at his first term at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry Potter dress up prizes! GA ÂŁ5.00 / Child ÂŁ2.50 / Mem/Adv ÂŁ1.00 (on the day only)
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Cecilia Knapp… It was amazing. I love Brainchild. I love how small it is. You can walk from your tent to the main stage in a matter of minutes but it’s packed full of interesting people and artists and kind humans. The care and attention put into how it looks and what there is to do is so uplifting. There’s amazing panels and talks and films and dance and pop up performances and hula hooping and jam sessions and it just reaffirms your faith and hope for the world. I hosted and performed in the spoken word sessions in the Forum. There were so many people there to listen and the writers were all incredible.
Are you happy performing your work live, or more or an on-page person? I can’t really decide that because they are two such different things. I enjoy performing because I enjoy the telling of the story, the energy of the crowds, the shared experience of it. There’s something really special about that moment, that collaboration between writer and audience. You can vibe off the people in the space.
Cecilia Knapp is a writer, performer and poet who has performed at some of the UK’s most popular poetry nights, such as Bang Said the Gun, numerous festivals including Bestival and Brainchild, and has been featured on 1Xtra, and XFM. She was recently made a Roundhouse Resident Artist and was mentored by acclaimed writer Polarbear for a year as part of their influential poetry scheme. In May 2015 she was commissioned by the BBC to write new work to be showcased on iplayer. We caught up with Cecilia just after her Brainchild show to chat about her work, her inspirations, her work with C.A.L.M, and pancakes vs french toast.
Hi Cecilia, how are you and what are you up to? Hello! I’m very well thank you. Currently sat on my bed with my cat drinking coffee and trying to write new things. Not bad for a Tuesday afternoon really.
But writing, or reading on your own off the page is also incredibly important to me. Sitting down and writing is my time to figure out my thoughts and make sense of the scramble that they are when they are in my head. I can’t explain the feeling I get when I write something that helps me make sense of a feeling or a situation I’m experiencing. It’s like this complete, serene calm mixed with pure joy and I don’t get it from anything else.
What first got you in to writing? The discovery that it made me feel good. I was in my own head a lot as a kid, making up stories, wanting to know other peoples stories and asking questions. Knowing other peoples stories made me feel less anxious and alone so I just used to write it all down.
Tell us a little about your Roundhouse residency and work with Polarbear? When I first moved to London I was feeling a little lost. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I went to see a poet who lectured at my University do a reading in Soho and I saw a poster for a Polarbear show. I went home and watched him on Youtube and was so excited by what I saw.
I’ve also been doing some teaching, at Huddersfield Uni as well as in schools, a prison and for charities. I love that part of my work. Working with people who don’t think they can write and helping them tell their stories, having the pleasure of getting to know them and hear what they have to say.
I saw he was running a poetry course at the Roundhouse in Camden and went along, not knowing what to expect. But in short, it changed my life. I met 5 other aspiring writers who became some of my best friends. We used to sit in a room every Sunday afternoon, the 6 of us and Polarbear, writing, trying new things and reading them to each other. It gave us the space to find out who we were as writers. We were all at a stage in our lives where we were lost and needing direction. It was so serendipitous that we all came together at that time, this group of misfit aspiring writers bundled into a room telling their stories to each other. The Roundhouse continued to support us afterwards, giving us gigs and opportunities. I became a resident artist there and they gave me rehearsal space, advice and endless support. They still do.
In between all of that I’ve been doing the obligatory park dwelling with cans of beer and attempting barbecues in temperamental weather, so yeah it’s been pretty cool.
What’s happening with Finding Home now? How was it to make such an ambitious piece?
We (almost) caught up with you at Brainchild Festival. How was that for you?
Finding Home did really well when we last ran it in late May 2015. We had 2 sold out nights at the Roundhouse as part of their spoken word festival. The plan is to tour it, starting with the Cheltenham
How was your summer? It’s been gorgeous so far. Summer is festival season so I’ve been reading at a few festivals as well as rehearsing and performing my one woman show - Finding Home - at the Roundhouse.
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…Finding Home Literature Festival in October, where I am also one of their guest curators. I’ll be doing Finding Home as well as some exciting other events I am in the process of planning. Then we’re taking it on the road early 2017. I want the show to be seen by as many people as possible because at it’s heart is this message about loving yourself in spite of everything. It’s about finding your home physically, finding a place to call your own, but also finding the home within yourself. The show is about a lot of things; growing up as a girl with a single Dad, falling in and out of love, moving away from home, meeting important people, but predominantly it’s about the suicide of my older brother Leo and how you deal with losing someone in that way. The show aims to be candid about this type of bereavement because it’s a topic that is so stigmatised in our society. I want to demystify bereavement and loss through storytelling and sharing this experience so anyone who has been affected can feel less alone.
What do you have coming up that we should know about? Keep your eyes peeled for Finding Home tour dates on my website, as well as other poetry gigs coming up in London and across the UK. I’m working on a new piece of theatre with a company called I.O.U which will also be touring next year. I also run a lot of workshops if anyone wants to try their hand at some writing. Also, check out C.A.L.M. as we have another show with them in September.
What’s your most pressing ambition? I just want to keep getting better and keep making work. I’m currently working on my debut poetry collection but I’m also writing a novel. It’s early days but I’m enjoying it.
It was hard making such a charged and personal piece, but my ambition to get this story out there and try and help others in this small way made me power on through the times when I felt like I just didn’t want to have to say it out loud anymore.
Which writers inspire you? Great story tellers. I’m reading Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche at the moment. Every book of hers I read I get completely lost in her worlds. I also just finished Max Porter’s Grief is a Ting With Feathers which is the most beautiful thing I think I’ve ever read. It’s about Grief, like Finding Home but approached in a different way, part poetry, part memoir, part allegory. It’s a beautiful example of how writing can address and confront these enormous and terrifying emotions.
What’s on your Netflix watch list?
Biggest disappointment?
I am so ashamed to say that I’ve never seen Breaking Bad. Every time I say that I haven’t seen it someone gets incensed so I need to just watch it so I don’t have to deal with the incredulous cries anymore.
You get set backs all the time as a freelance artist, gigs that fall through, finding out some one else has been chosen for a commission, funding applications getting rejected. But you just have to remember to be grateful for what you have. I’m so lucky I actually make money from something I love so much. I’ll never stop being grateful for that.
What’s in your headphones? At the moment ABRA, Eska, Christine and the Queens and Anderson Pak. Oh and James Blake’s new album is delicious.
You work with CALM. How did that come about? After my Brother Leo died my awareness to suicide and metal health was opened. I heard that suicide was the biggest killer of young men in the UK which is a truly shocking statistic. A really close friend of mine, Jack Rooke was working with the charity and I asked to go along to meet them. They are a tiny organisation made up of the most wonderful, dedicated people. I felt instantly at home and wanted to start helping. I became an ambassador but I wanted to do more as well. I really believe in the transformative power that creatively expressing yourself can have. Writing has saved me at times, I really believe that. I wanted to put on an awareness raising night for C.A.L.M that promoted this idea, using great writers, musicians and comedians, so Jack and I did just this and called it ‘Save the Male’. We did the first one at the Roundhouse 3 years ago and still put them on regularly. We have been to Bestival, Leefest, Secret Garden Party and all over London promoting C.A.L.M’s message that we need to talk more openly about suicide and mental health.
Rainy days or beach lazing? Give me a beach and a book.
Pancakes or french toast? Pancakes every time. With maple syrup.
Brexit of Brexin? Why? Brexin. It broke my heart when we left. I’ve always seen myself as European, part of a bigger community, a rich and diverse community. I’m more than a bit terrified of being left on this tiny, Tory run island without being part of Europe. We are living in very dark and unstable times and I think the most important thing is to continue to love. To send as much love out as possible. Keep loving and creating and fighting against hate and unfairness. You’ll find latest news, event information and videos on Cecilia’s website at www.ceciliaknapp.com. Table portrait by Charlie Carr-Gomm.
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In.Your.Face I woke again having seen you, this time cooking with your hood up on Borough Street with bleeding gums. You were shelling pistachios on the sofa, you were in the library inhaling dust. You were shopping for a pair of new boots. Proper ones to keep the cold out this time. You were in the seat behind me at the cinema. I turned my white throat to see you in the dark but you disappeared into the light of the projector. The popcorn itching on the roof of my mouth. Maybe it was you standing on the traffic island as we drove past, wet windowed and exhausted, clock blinking the date on the dashboard. You were on my bus home, handprints and love notes melting away from the steamed up windows, this narrow church, this barrel. I, head like blown trees stared out into the coming morning. Today is Wednesday. You wear the nose of our grandfather like a cold rain. I thought I saw it in profile at the Lansdowne, sinking into swaddling wine, it was just before Christmas. I pushed from my pins and needles to get a better look, to search for your eyes. I suppose you know now what kind of a man he really was. Perhaps you have torn that nose off so I wouldn’t be able to recognise you anyway. Tell me, what’s it like where you are? And how long will you be trying to remind me that you’ve gone?
Cecilia Knapp Questions for the Middle Child January 2016
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www.lemonadegallery.com
www.lemonadegallery.com
Leah Schrager - ’đ&#x;‘’ đ&#x;’Ž đ&#x;’‹ ’ 2015
Classes & Workshops The Firestation and Prime Studios host a huge range of classes, workshops and meet-ups for everything from junior dance to life drawing and making music. Details of current classes are below, or check The Firestation website for the most up-to-date listings. BLOSSOM BALLET & HAWTHORNE SCHOOL OF DANCE Blossom Ballet offers a new way to learn through exciting movement classes derived from imaginative play, providing a sound foundation for dance, education and having lots of fun. Upon graduation from Blossom Ballet, pupils are welcome to join Hawthorne School of Dance to continue their learning in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Acrobatics and Street. Classical Ballet - Delivered in a fun and imaginative manner with classes divided by age and ability - suitable for girls, boys, beginners and improvers. Tap and Modern dance - delivered in an energetic and interactive manner with classes divided by age and ability - suitable for girls, boys, beginners and improvers.
WINDSOR PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY The Auditorium The Windsor Photographic Society is one of the largest photographic societies in the UK. Members enjoy a friendly atmosphere & a varied and stimulating programme of practical help, creative sessions , speakers, competitions and social evenings. Come along to the opening night of their annual exhibition on Monday 5th September for a drink and a chat about all things photography. Perfect if you’re looking to get involved in the society, to pick up a few tips or even (and especially) to just admire some beautiful photography while sipping on a pint (or two). Exhibition runs Monday 5th September - Saturday 15th October. FFI: www.windsor-photographic-society.co.uk MONDAYS 5TH SEPTEMBER - 12TH DECEMBER (EXCL. 31ST OCTOBER) 20:00 - 22:00
Both with optional examinations validated by the ISTD. SATURDAYS 24TH SEPTEMBER - 10TH DECEMBER (EXCL. 29TH OCTOBER) 09:30 - 10:20 ISTD Primary Ballet and Tap (Year 1) 10:25 - 11:15 ISTD Pre-Primary Ballet and Tap (Reception) 11:20 - 12:10 ISTD Primary Ballet and Tap (Year 1) FFI: www.blossomballet.com
LINDY HOP SWING DANCE CLASSES Lindy hop is the original style of partnered swing dancing. From the dance halls of 1920s Harlem it exploded with the worldwide swing craze of the 30s and 40s. Over the last 20-30 years swing dancing has been enjoying a global renaissance. London has been one of the major cities driving this revival - and it’s now spreading rapidly from town to town across the country. The classes at Windsor Lindy hop are taught by Martin and Ruth Ellis - with Rosie Skinner helping when Ruth is unavailable. MONDAYS 5TH SEPTEMBER - 12TH DECEMBER BEGINNERS (6-count) 20:00 - 21:00 Learn all the basics with simple fun routines aimed at getting you dancing quickly - with plenty of emphasis on good lead/follow
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technique and connection. Includes practice time. Absolute beginners always welcome. No partner needed! IMPROVERS/INTERMEDIATES (8-count) 21:00 - 22:00 Move your dancing on with more complex rhythms, moves and combinations. Includes practice time. Join this class once you are confident with the 6-count steps taught in the beginners class We rotate partners regularly in both classes so you don't need to bring a partner and you get a chance to dance with everyone. This is the best way to learn and it's a great way to meet people too! We strongly suggest that you join in the rotation, you will learn much quicker!
SOTA MUSICAL THEATRE CLASS The Auditorium Have a ball learning songs, dances and acting scenes from West End and Broadway musicals with our highly experienced acting, dance and singing coaches. AGES 6-8 YEARS 16:30 - 17:45 RISING 9-11 YEARS 17:45 - 19:00
Either class £10 per session / £40 per 5 week block
TUESDAYS 13TH SEPTEMBER - 29TH NOVEMBER
Or both classes £12 per session / £50 per 5 week block
(EXCL 18TH & 25TH OCTOBER) £132 per 10 week term
…………………………………………………………………….. CLUBBERCISE Basement Studio Clubbercise is all about Fun, easy-to-follow aerobic dance fitness routines using reusable battery glow sticks to club anthems from 90′s classics to the latest chart hits taught in a darkened room with disco lights. If you like the idea of a fitness class that feels more like a night out than a workout you’ll LOVE Clubbercise® This is an adult class over 16, children cannot take part. Jill is convinced that women should build themselves up through exercise, not deplete themselves. Life isn’t about taking up less space! So come and get your GLOW on! Jill can show you how to be confident, vibrant and how to throw out some seriously cool shapes on the dance-floor!
SOTA STAGE SCHOOL SOTA SEEDS & SAPPHIRES All Spaces SEEDS AGES 3-4 YEARS A fabulous introduction to performing arts for younger pupils with an engaging mix of song, dance and drama. Designed to encourage pupils to explore their creativity, improve physical co-ordination and enjoy the freedom of performance. TUESDAYS 15:45 - 16:30 SUNDAYS 09:45 - 10:30 SAPPHIRES AGES 5-6 YEARS This class develops the children’s dance, singing and drama skills and prepares them for joining our 3 hour SOTA School sessions. The children have fun developing confidence to perform solo material, develop characterisation skills and establish good vocal and dance technique. TUESDAYS 15:45 - 16:30 SUNDAYS 10:00 - 10:45 TUESDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER - SUNDAY 4TH DECEMBER (EXCL 18TH - 30TH OCTOBER) £88 per 10 week term
For suggestions or any feedback on what we do, please talk to us at info@firestationartscentre.com
Be prepared - LEDS, Disco domes and don't forget the Pure Power Sound System!! The Ultimate Clubbercise Experience. Remember to bring your official re-usable Clubbercise GlowSticks or they can be purchased on arrival for £5. TUESDAYS FROM 13TH SEPTEMBER 20:30 - 21:15 £6 per session
FIRESTATION YOUTH THEATRE Basement Studio Our fantastic youth theatre class with Bea Vanderkar, provides a fun and stimulating environment for young people to develop a practical understanding of the art of theatre whilst making new friends. The group learns the techniques of improvisation, using these to write and devise their own pieces as well as exploring existing scripts and performing a showcase to friends and family at the end of term. THURSDAYS 22ND SEPTEMBER - 8TH DECEMBER (EXCL. 27TH OCTOBER) 7-11yrs 16:15 - 17:45, £110
…………………………………………………………………… SOTA SUNDAY STAGE SCHOOL Three hours of dance, singing, drama and musical theatre for 6-18 year olds inspiring creative expression, performance skills and technique development. A 30x minute limber and stretch followed by three 45x minute workshops when pupils work in three age groups and rotate between workshops in dance, singing and drama. Sometimes students will also work together on major projects and shows. SOTA believes in giving pupils a wide range of challenging performance opportunities so SOTA SCHOOL pupils work towards performing end of term presentations and annual shows at The Firestation. AGES 6-18 YEARS SUNDAYS 18TH SEPTEMBER - 4TH DECEMBER (EXCL 23RD & 30TH OCTOBER) 10:30 - 13:30
XBOX MASSIVE The Auditorium Grab a sofa in The Auditorium and spend the night playing the latest games and classic titles at the biggest Xbox experience out there. Head down with your friends, or just jump into the action solo to drive, battle and play your way onto the leader boards. Don't feel like playing? No bother, just grab a drink and pick up tips and tricks watching other players. *Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.* WEDNESDAYS FROM 7TH SEPTEMBER 19:00 - 23:00 Free
…………………………………………………………………….. STARLIGHT SALSA Basement Studio Join this amazing new Salsa course. No experience is required and you don’t need a partner, so come alone and have a great time, learning how to Salsa with the best teachers in Berkshire. Be part of the fun, enjoy the best Latin music, meet new people and have great time! WEDNESDAYS FROM 7TH SEPTEMBER 20:00 - 22:30 £8 per session £40 for 6 week course
£270 per 10 week term
LIFE DRAWING Basement Studio A fun and lively life drawing session for all abilities – from total beginner to professional artist. There is music, plus excellent stage-lighting in the studio, which allows a great range of tone. Highly-experienced and professional models pose (nude) for the class, for a combination of quick and long poses with typically one very long pose at the end. Students can bring whatever materials they want to use – e.g. pencils, oil paint, acrylic, chalks etc, and paper. Easels and drawing boards will be provided and class tutor - Patrick Palmer - brings a selection of basic materials and paper. Patrick is a professional artist who specialises in drawing and painting the female form. He exhibits in Mayfair and the King's Road in London, and his work has been included in several books. He is happy to help you with method and technique. Alternatively you can be left to your own devices. 11TH SEPT, 2ND OCT, 6TH NOV & 4TH DEC 17:30 - 19:30 £10 drop in / £8 Mem/Concs/Adv, £35 for 4 sessions FFI: patrick.palmer@yahoo.co.uk
WATERCOLOUR TECHNIQUES Prime Studios On the Watercolour technique courses students will learn techniques to depict tone, form and composition as well as understanding colour theory to mix colours. They will produce sketches and experimental work, as well as more refined work. Alongside the practical work they will learn to contextualise and analyse other artist’s methods of working. The Student will be working in a small group and their learning will be supported with practical demonstration, presentations and hand-outs. All materials will be provided. SATURDAYS 17TH SEPTEMBER - 8TH OCTOBER 10:00 - 15:30 THURSDAYS 22ND SEPTEMBER - 27TH OCTOBER 10:00 - 13:00 SATURDAYS 12TH NOVEMBER - 3RD DECEMBER 10:00 - 15:30 THURSDAYS 10TH NOVEMBER - 15TH DECEMBER 10:00 - 13:00 £300 for each course (including materials and refreshments) Jessie is a Painter, Fine-art Photographer and Arts Educator who has been teaching Art for 10 years. She is based at Prime Studios on Alma Road in Windsor, 5 minutes’ walk from the River Thames and Windsor Castle. Join her in the calm and relaxed studio environment to attend a well-structured course for beginners and intermediates. FFI: www.jessierayat.co.uk
FOR SUGGESTIONS OR ANY FEEDBACK ON ANYTHING WE DO, FROM CLASSES TO EVENTS TO GAMING, TALK TO OUR TEAM OR DROP US A LINE AT INFO@FIRESTATIONARTSCENTRE.COM
‘Women of the Auxiliary Territorial Service unload rifles’ 1941 (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
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By joining our fantastic membership scheme you can benefit from a whole host of offers and special events. On top of an array of discounts (which are listed below), you are exclusively invited to a Members only event to celebrate the launch of the new season, supplying all the information you need to enjoy the next season’s sensational programme to the fullest! Individual, family and corporate membership packages available.
Whether you’re thinking about a party, private cinema viewing, Xbox tournament, or children’s party, we’ve a fast growing reputation for being THE place to have fun. With all the gear to provide great tunes, DJ’s, entertainers, films and games, plus of course two great bars and a vibrant atmosphere, what’s not to love!
• Exclusive booking period for premium events • 20% discount on all season performances • 10% discount at The Firestation Bar • 10% discount on private hires and conferences. • Discounts with our partner restaurants and shops. Check website for up to date list of deals and offers. Firestation Membership £25.00 Concession Membership £20 Family Membership £37.50 For Corporate Membership: Please contact our office team on 01753 866 865 to discuss your fantastic Corporate Membership options. To get your Firestation Membership, please visit our website and fill out the short registration form or call us on 01753 866 865.
To find out more visit our website or call us on 01753 866 865
Volunteers join us on a regular basis and they are integral to our success! Opportunities range from Marketing & Distribution to Technical team and Front of House. In exchange for your well-spent time here, we offer exclusive, exciting benefits, as well as a spectacular insight into working in the arts industry! Curating, Performance & Workshops We’re always on the lookout to nurture new talent, from offering DJ spots in the bar, programming new bands in our music nights, to performances or artists leading a workshop or class. Email us now on info@firestationartscentre.com