ART
BY RACHEL MOWBRAY
VISUAL ART From now until Saturday 10 February the Ilminster Arts Centre host ‘A Sense of Place’ exhibition. This show brings together an intriguing line-up of artists who take their primary inspiration from landscapes both rural and urban. Working across a range of media - including watercolours, oils, textiles, photography and sculpture - these artists each have their own way of capturing and conveying light, topography and a sense of place. From the Somerset Levels to Venetian lagoon, from the African plains to London’s theatreland, this exhibition is all about the power of perception, and its creative impact.
From Monday 12 until Saturday 24 February the annual celebration of art by local schoolchildren returns to the Ilminster Arts Centre for its seventh glorious instalment. Featuring colourful, imaginative and ingenious works by the artists of the future this exhibition is a joyful showcase of youthful creativity. This year the participating schools are: Strode College, Stanchester Academy, Chard School, Swanmead Community School, Neroche Primary School, Greenfylde Church of England First School. From Monday 26 February to Saturday 17 March the Ilminster Arts Centre host ‘Rethink’. An exhibition of paintings and sculpture by Ilminster, Chard and Langport Rethink Carers’ Group. The group was formed some 15 years ago to provide sympathetic mutual support for those experiencing mental health problems and their carers. It runs a programme of talks by local visiting speakers together with ‘quiet’ sessions where members share problems. The group raises its own funds through the support of its members and friends. The group receives backing from the charity Rethink Mental Illness, which actively works to achieve a better life for millions of people. MUSIC On Saturday 27 January from 7.30pm at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton see the ‘Woodfalls Band’ present ‘Music from Stage and Screen’. Tickets £9. On Monday 29 from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see ‘New Jersey Nights’. A spectacular celebration of the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons and takes the audience on a nostalgic musical journey through the career of one of the biggest selling groups of all time. From the back street studio in New Jersey where it all began, this vibrant production includes all of The Four Seasons’ greatest hits including ‘Sherry’, ‘Rag Doll’, ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’, ‘Walk Like A Man’ and many more. The production features an award winning cast of singers, dancers and a rocking on stage band. Tickets £21.50. On Thursday 1 February from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see ‘The Vampires Rock Ghost Train’. For more than two decades, Steinman and his crew have returned to our stages night after night and delivered exhilarating performances that have been packed with energy, fabulous dance routines, spectacular 22
special effects and of course, amazing music that has everyone up on their feet. This rock-tastic, hilarious, musical concert lives up to its rocking reputation. A tongue in cheek story, spellbinding cast and guitar gods take you on a ride through some of the greatest classic rock anthems ever! Including tracks from Queen, AC/DC, Meat Loaf, Journey, Bon Jovi, Guns ‘n’ Roses and many more. Tickets £27. On Friday 2 at 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see ‘The Greatest Hits of Motown’. This combines first class music with the slickest choreography and an amazing band, to deliver truly outstanding performances for the best Motown experience you will ever have! This show will have you Dancing on The Ceiling, with songs from legendary artistes such as Lionel Richie, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson Five, The Isley Brothers, Edwin Starr and more. Tickets £25. On Friday 2 at the Ilminster Arts Centre from 8.00pm see ‘Woman of World War 1 – A Tribute in Music, Words and Images’. Women of all ages and backgrounds tell their experiences of living through the dramatic events of World War One. Their varied stories, drawn from letters, diaries, poems and autobiographies, are brought to life with music for piano and strings written by female composers of the era, among them Lili and Nadia Boulanger, Rebecca Clarke, Ethel Smyth, Alma Mahler, Mel Bonis and Muriel Herbert. Women of World War One is directed by Petra Schofield who narrates alongside Barbara Ingledew, with music performed by Jacquelyn Bevan on
piano, Jamie Hughes on violin and Linda Stocks on cello. Tickets £12. On Saturday 3 at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil from 7.00pm see the Sing A Long of the new adaptation of iconic fairy tale ‘Beauty and the Beast’. The Singalonga host will start with a pre show where they will warm up your voices, teach you some hand actions, show you how to use the famous Singalonga props bag during the film and when to Boo the arrogant Gaston and of course judge the fancy dress competition! Tickets Adults £16, Children £11. On Saturday 3 at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton from 7.30pm see ‘The Story of Guitar Heroes’. Featuring Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Hank Marvin, Brian May and Slash as the outstanding guitar heroes you will have chance to experience in one amazing show! This phenomenal live concert style ‘rockumentry’ is performed by the extraordinarily talented and renowned musician, Phil Walker, and his exceptional band. With over 20 guitars used on stage, the show accurately recreates the sound and ambiance of each guitar hero starting from the 1950’s to the present day. Also offering the very latest in video screen technology to create a larger than life event. Tickets £15. On Saturday 3 at 8.00pm at the David Hall in South Petherton see Chris Wood. A frequent performer at The David Hall, Chris Wood is a self-taught musician, composer and song writer, and a lifelong autodidact whose independent streak shines through everything he does. His eagerly awaited new album, ‘So Much to Defend’, includes reflections on minor league