Gulbenkian Arts Centre AUTUMN 2024

AUTUMN

Gulbenkian Membership

Welcome

to the Gulbenkian Autumn Season

And a warm welcome back to our growing band of members, regulars and loyal supporters… we wouldn’t be here without you!

You hold in your hand an antidote to the endless distractions of the outside world: within these pages you’ll find enlightenment, engagement and entertainment.

Whether you want to be challenged head-on with searing activism, immerse yourself in the beauty of pure movement, introduce your kids to the joys of live entertainment, indulge in the nostalgia of your own childhood, pogo like it’s 1979…or you just fancy a laugh, we have something for everyone.

We’re changing the format this time around: rather than try and cram a whole year into the one brochure we are focusing on the Autumn Season (with some teasers of what is to come in 2025).

The Autumn season holds a whole range of special events, exclusives and rare treats. Look out for the World Premiere of ’Now’, from resident artists Jasmin Vardimon; for an exclusive celebration of local legends Smallfilms (creators of Bagpuss, The Clangers and so much more) and for a whole

building takeover from our most adventurous local music producers and presenters. There’s the usual fabulous line-ups in Comedy and Family (including a brand new Christmas show from the wonderful Half a String). And our newly refitted state of the art cinema continues to bring the very best of arthouse, blockbusters and the cream of live and recorded from the National Theatre and Royal Opera House. All in all its a whole brochure of reasons to be cheerful! So please peruse, come back often – and we look forward to welcoming you in person to our season.

Enjoy!

David Sefton

Artistic Director, Gulbenkian Arts Centre Director, Culture & Creative Projects, iCCi

Associate Artist Programme

Our Associate Artist programme draws on a diverse pool of extraordinary artists to work with our campus and community in a range of different ways.

From student and community engagement to commissioning and co-producing, this ground-breaking initiative showcases the connections between our artistic programme and the University though a number of bold, new projects.

Jasmin Vardimon MBE

A leading force in British dance theatre for twenty five years, Jasmin Vardimon has built a reputation for challenging, exciting and visually stunning dance and continues to add to the body of critically acclaimed, artistically respected yet accessible work both for the company she formed in 1998 and for some of the leading arts institutions she works with across the world.

As part of a continuing partnership with Jasmin Vardimon Company, we are delighted to be hosting the world premiere of her new work, NOW, in autumn 2024.

The Danaid Project

Following the smash hit of The Suppliant Women in 2021, and Egyptians in 2023, The Foreign Office return with the third part of the reimagined trilogy by Aescylus - staging it for the first time in thousands of years.

As with The Suppliant Women and Egyptians, Danaids includes a community cast – giving our audiences the chance to take to the Gulbenkian stage and be part of this historic staging.

Matthew Herbert and The Radiophonic Institute

It’s no stretch to call Matthew Herbert one of the most important British artists of his generation. From the upper echelons of cinematic scoring and avant-garde composition to iconic, leftfield dance floor tracks and remixes, his accomplishments in music and sound are monolithic.

Matthew also leads The Radiophonic Institute, an organisation that ‘creates, connects and champions innovation in sound and music’. They aim to inspire and enable a new generation of diverse creative practitioners to collaborate, and to challenge the pre-existing conventions of music making and sound design.

In early 2025, Matthew will be curating a new music festival for us, TILT.

Image

©

Manuel

Vazquez

Associate artists not involved in our 24/25 season, but will be back with us in future….

AΦE

Since 2021, Aoi & Esteban have been the Gulbenkian Arts Centre’s Digital Artists in Residence, working closely with our team on the development of our digital arts programming, and developing a digital studio on our Chatham Dockyards site.

Societas & Family

Societas, formerly Societas Raffaello Sanzio, is one of the most celebrated, acclaimed and significant contemporary theatre companies in Europe, arguably the world.

1927

Founded in 2005 by Director, Writer & Performer Suzanne Andrade and Animator & Illustrator Paul Barritt, 1927 is a multi-award winning company based in Margate & London that specialises in combining performance and live music with animation to create magical filmic productions.

BAC Beatbox Academy

Artistic Director Conrad Murray has developed a musical and theatrical devising practice to create new forms of performance and theatre, including the critically acclaimed Frankenstein and Pied Piper, performed at Gulbenkian in 2021 and 2023 respectively.

Improbable

Pioneering improvisers, theatre makers, conversation facilitators and winners of Producer of the Year in The Stage Awards 2023, and most recently producing the multi-award-winning, record breaking My Neighbour Totoro at the Barbican in London.

Julia Cheng

Julia Cheng founded House of Absolute in 2014, she is a creative director, choreographer and dance artist whose work has been presented internationally. We are excited to be hosting new work by Julia as part of our 2025/26 season.

Image:

West

(2021)

Walt Disney Pictures

Jasmin Vardimon Company NOW

When: Thu 19 – Sat 21 Sep, 7.30pm, plus 2pm Sat 21

Venue: Colyer-Fergusson Hall

Tickets: £18 (concessions available)

‘NOW’, a new creation by choreographer Jasmin Vardimon MBE, will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Jasmin Vardimon Company. It will reflect the current moment, the present, and the continuous movement of time.

With an interest in contemporary lives, the structures of our society, and the ever-changing socio-political dynamics, Jasmin uses her distinctive dance theatre and creative approach to tell a story of our time.

Combining a remarkable international cast of performers, and relevant & iconic moments from the Compaany repertoire, NOW will celebrate the beauty of imagination and art.

Content advice: Contains some adult themes.

Gulbenkian Performance Company The Effect

Written by Lucy Prebble

The Effect is a clinical romance. Two young volunteers, Tristan and Connie, agree to take part in a clinical drug trial. Succumbing to the gravitational pull of attraction and love, however, Tristan and Connie manage to throw the trial offcourse, much to the frustration of the clinicians involved.

This funny, moving and perhaps surprisingly human play explores questions of sanity, neurology and the limits of medicine, alongside ideas of fate, loyalty and the inevitability of physical attraction.

The Effect is performed by our own theatre company, and directed by Emma Willatts.

When: Sat 12 to Mon 14 Oct, 7.30pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: £10 (concessions available)

This amateur production of “The Effect” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

Reverend Billy and the Stop Shopping Choir

The Fabulous Unknown

When: Tue 22 Oct, 8pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: £10

Making their Gulbenkian debut, hot off supporting Neil Young on his recent US tour, internationally renowned activists, tellers of truths and righters of wrongs, Reverend Billy and the Stop Shopping Choir

Come hear the music, the song, the tunes, the dynamism, the humour and the passion of the ecstatic environmentalism. All the way from New York this troupe of activist minstrels fill the room with high energy performance and song with a call to action.

The tall and unannounced Maine man appears in a seemingly ordinary 1960’s English living room.

He is the high chaperone and bringer of a grandmother who has not seen her stamp-collecting son for decades; her grandchildren, never.

His reuniting job done, this curious visitor hands the children each a ten-dollar bill says his goodbyes and is gone - off up the suburban street, into the evening and perhaps a hotel in the town centre on his horse. (A hobby horse, in fact, given him by one of the children)

John Hegley

An American In Luton

Festival and radio regular John Hegley returns with a story of family, fantasy, love, loss - and the long unseen son’s stamp album. A Caravaggio and a wry dry stonewaller are also thrown into the mixture. The show contains a good deal of yet-to-bepublished material alongside some back catalogue favourites.

Devised for adults but not unsuitable for the odd nine-year-old. Drawings will be provided. But not biscuits.

When: Fri 1 Nov, 7.30pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: £15 (Concessions available)

“It was like nothing else I have ever seen - thought-provoking, emotional, wonderful”

Moving Memory Dance Company

When: Thu 7 Nov, 7.30pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: £15 (concessions available)

The Devil’s Doorbell

Powerful dance-theatre, made and performed by Moving Memory’s core company of older dancers, The Devil’s Doorbell is a passionate response to the pervasive misogyny written through women’s lives, and gives a voice to women of all ages to demand change.

Drawing on the roles and personas ascribed to women throughout the life course, the company explores the absurdities and injustices conferred upon women’s bodies, serving up a

surprising and provocative experience, laced with laughter and the moving messiness of life.

Not afraid to delve deep, the unspeakable may be spoken.

The performance will include a curtain-raiser from local Groovin Well groups, taking our Spirits to the Sky and showcasing the talent abounding in the local community.

Linda Smith Lecture Henry Normal

COMING THIS SPRING

UK PREMIERE ASSOCIATE ARTIST

Wild Yak & The Foreign Office present

Danaids

After the smash-hit success of The Suppliant Women and Egyptians, comes the stunning third part in Aeschylus’ epic cycle of plays. Reconstructed and reimagined in new versions by David Greig, with music by John Browne, direction by Ramin Gray and movement by Sasha Milavic Davies, these lost ancient works feel like brand new, essential viewing.

Dates to be announced.

We’re delighted that Henry Normal has agreed to give the 2024 Linda Smith Lecture.

A personal friend of Linda’s, Henry has had a dazzling career in TV comedy, writing for iconic programmes like The Mrs Merton Show, The Royle Family and Paul Calf’s Video Diary. He founded Baby Cow Productions (with Steve Coogan) and worked there for seventeen years on such shows as Gavin and Stacey and The Mighty Boosh. More recently, he has gone back to his roots as a hilarious performance poet, writing and starring in his own long-running Radio 4 show.

When: Wed 27 Nov, 7.30pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: £6

Age guidance: 16+

COMING

James Wilton Dance Bach Reimagined

In Spring 2025, we are delighted to welcome back James Wilton Dance with new work drawing on the music of Johann Sebastian Bach.

When: Fri 28 Feb – Sat 1 Mar, 7.30pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: £15 (concessions available)

COMING

JV2 2025

Each year we host a brilliant dance ensemble, handpicked by Jasmin Vardimon, showcasing an exciting and energetic mix of inventive choreography and exceptional new talent.

When: Sat 5 Apr, 7.30pm

Venue:

Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: £10 (Concessions available)

AGMP present

Nine Below Zero & Dr Feelgood

Two of the finest UK Rhythm ‘n’ Blues bands return to Gulbenkian on one incredible bill after their SOLD OUT show in 2023!

Nine Below Zero released their classic debut LP ‘Live at the Marquee’ in 1980, the band kept the momentum going with ‘Don’t Point Your Finger’ in 1981 before releasing their third and final LP on A&M Records, ‘Third Degree’ (1982).

Dr. Feelgood formed on Canvey Island in Essex in the early 1970’s and have enjoyed a string of hit singles in many countries including ‘Milk & Alcohol’, ‘Down at the Doctors’, ‘Roxette’, ‘She’s a Wind Up’ and ‘See You Later Alligator’.

When: Fri 4 Oct, 7.30pm

Venue: Colyer-Fergusson Hall (Standing)

Tickets: £28.50

This will be a standing show, but we have limited seating some please contact the box office if you need a seat.

London Calling Play The Clash

London Calling play the 1978 album by The Clash in full to celebrate it’s 45th anniversary.

The Clash released their acclaimed second album Give ‘Em Enough Rope in 1978. It went to #2 in the UK Charts and was the first album by the band to be released in the USA. Sounds Magazine named the album as the ‘Best Album of the Year’. NME voted it the ‘87th Greatest Album of All Time’ retrospectively in 1993.

When: Sat 19 Oct, 8pm

Venue: Colyer-Fergusson Hall (Standing)

Tickets: £20

This will be a standing show, but we have limited seating some please contact the box office if you need a seat.

Free Range Presents:

Stevie Wishart

Stevie Wishart is an internationally established composer, violinist and hurdy-gurdy player whose current work focuses on ecology and the environment. She has made music for concerts, galleries, theatre and dance with commissions from the BBC Proms, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Ensemble Variances. Her music has been used by choreographers from Pina Bausch to Wayne McGregor.

Free Range has commissioned Stevie to write a piece for and with the Free Range Orchestra. Through collaborating with the group and individual players, Stevie will create music that combines her ecological concerns with an understanding of musical communities.

When: Sun 13 Oct, 8pm

Venue: Colyer-Fergusson Hall

Tickets: Free

Free Range Takeover

East Kent has a thriving musical ecosystem made up of small venues, festivals, promoters, nights and bands. This extraordinary night brings together Free Range, Smugglers Festival, the Crash of Moons Club, Dawn Chorus Recording Company and the Gulbenkian Arts Centre to present a mini-festival celebrating psychedelic, jazz, world and folk music with local artists sharing the stage with nationally established bands. With multiple stages, fantastic local DJs, stalls selling merch + zines and a well-stocked late night bar this is going to be a night to remember.

NOTE: headline artists to be confirmed. Follow Free Range on socials for more information.

When: Sat 14 Dec, 5.30pm

Venue: Colyer-Fergusson Hall

Tickets: £15 (Concessions available)

When: Sat 26 Oct, 8pm

Venue:

Colyer-Fergusson Hall

Tickets:

£29

Afro-Celt Sound System

Afro Celt Sound System are among the pioneers of the contemporary world music scene. Their groundbreaking fusion of African, Gaelic and Bhangra influenced sounds has won the hearts and minds of audiences since the group’s beginnings over 25 years ago.

With album sales now topping more than one and a half million, two Grammy nominations to date and tours all around the world, they are the legendary afro-celtic band bringing spirits and music from different cultures together for a breath-taking show.

The Marian Consort Seeing Through Sound

When: Sun 27 Oct, 7.30pm

Venue:

Colyer-Fergusson Hall

Tickets:

£20 (Concessions Available)

The Marian Consort presents a visual and aural feast featuring some of the greatest painters and composers of the Renaissance, a performance that was first presented at the V&A Performance Festival.

This visual music project vividly reveals how Renaissance art is full of sound – angels sing out from altarpieces, ancient gods and goddesses compete in musical contests, and music provides an essential backdrop to sensuous, amorous encounters.

Featuring music by Josquin des Prez, Guillaume Dufay, John Dunstaple and Barbara Monk Feldman, and works by Gentile da Fabriano, Taddeo Crivelli, and Fra Angelico.

Caravan was formed in Canterbury, in 1968 by Pye Hastings (guitar/ vocals), Dave Sinclair (keyboards), Richard Sinclair (bass/vocals) and Richard Coughlan (drums).

The four had previously played at various times with a local band, The Wilde Flowers, which also featured Kevin Ayers and future Soft Machine members Robert Wyatt and Hugh Hopper

A key part of the Canterbury Sound movement, the band blending psychedelic rock, jazz, and classical influences to create a distinctive sound. Despite the sad loss of Richard Coughlan to illness in 2013, the band continue to tour and delight audiences across the UK and beyond.

Caravan

When: Fri 1 Nov, 8pm

Venue: Coyer-Fergusson Hall

Tickets: £25

To mark the 50th birthday of Bagpuss, Gulbenkian is hosting a very special weekend of events.

Bagpuss and Beyond A Smallfilms Celebration

In a converted barn in Blean, on the doorstep of the University of Kent, a unique collaboration created some of the most beloved British children’s television of the twentieth century: Pogle’s Wood, Noggin the Nog, Ivor the Engine, The Clangers and Bagpuss live on in the hearts and minds of multiple generations. As Bagpuss turns 50 we celebrate the remarkable work of Peter Firmin and Oliver Postgate: Smallfilms.

Sandra Kerr

Bagpuss: The Songs & the Music - Live

An incredibly rare opportunity to hear the music of Bagpuss performed live by co-composer (and the voice of Madeleine) Sandra Kerr.

A celebration of Bagpuss on his fiftieth birthday! With Nancy Kerr & James Fagan.

When: Fri 29 Nov, 7.30pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: £20

Smallfilms on the Big Screen

A nostalgic medley of Smallfilms productions in our cinema, including classic episodes of Bagpuss, The Clangers and Noggin the Nog.

This special event will be hosted by Simon Postgate, son of Oliver, who will share stories and insights into these fabulous films.

When: Sat 30 Nov, 12pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Cinema

Tickets: £10

Clangers and Friends with Live Accompaniment

Classic clips from The Clangers, Noggin the Nog and other Smallfilms productions, screened with a live music accompaniment.

When: Sat 30 Nov, 12pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: £10

Saturday November 9th

7.00pm

Tickets £15.00

Mieko Shimizu

Dhangsha Flywheel

Winter: Electronic Dub DJ Set

Costal Electronauts Feat: Shape Navigator Analougue Mechanic

Sophie Sirota

Plus more special guests TBA

In Association with Folk in the Barn

Dervish

Legendary Irish folk music band Dervish, are one of Ireland’s best known traditional bands.

Dervish received a prestigious lifetime achievement award from the BBC in 2019, a fitting tribute to the band after over 30 years of recording and performing all over the world, playing at festivals from Rio to Glastonbury.

When: Sat 23 Nov, 7.30pm

Venue: Colyer-Fergusson Hall

Tickets: £24 (£12 under 25)

Albion Christmas Band

The four stellar musicians are life-long friends and their joy of returning each December to tour and play music together rubs off on their audiences, for whom this heart-warming show has become an unmissable annual tradition at Gulbenkian.

When: Sun 15 Dec, 7.30pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets:

Cregan and Co

When the Faces broke up in 1975, Rod Stewart started his own band. One of the most influential guitarists in this line-up was Jim Cregan. Now, more than 40 years on, Jim, together with four outstanding musicians, performs that well-loved heritage music, including songs from Jim’s 45 year career which included Cat Stevens, Cockney Rebel, and Family, under the name ‘Cregan & Co’.

When: Fri 15 Nov, 7.30pm

Venue: Colyer-Fergusson Hall

Steve Knightley

Tickets: £24 (£12 under 25)

Steve Knightley is a multi-award winning singersongwriter/musician and founder member of widely acclaimed folk/acoustic roots trail-blazers ‘Show of Hands’. A constant throughout his work is his ability to root his songs in geographical place, notably the West Country where he still lives.

When: Thu 28 Nov, 7.30pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: £20 (£10 under 25)

© Colin Gillen

Image © Jolyon Holroyd

Our Department Music

Based at the award-winning Colyer-Fergusson Hall on the Canterbury campus, our Extra-Curricular Music Department presents a vibrant programme of music-making, open to all students and staff at the University, and to the local community, throughout the academic year.

From orchestral works to big band swing, choral concerts, Musical Theatre, chamber opera and more, from our outstanding concert-hall to Canterbury Cathedral and Deal Memorial Bandstand, there are plenty of opportunities to rehearse and perform, whatever you study.

Music Performance Scholarships are also open to talented instrumentalists and singers, offering a cash bursary and the opportunity to continue with instrumental or singing lessons, as part of being involved in University musical life. Practice-rooms are available for use throughout the year, including a dedicated bandroom for amplified instruments.

For details about our Extra-Curricular Music Department activities and Music Performance Scholarships, please visit kent.ac.uk/music

University Chorus and Orchestra

Programme includes the UK premiere of Winter Nights by Stephanie Martin

When: Sat 7 December, 7.30pm

Venue: Colyer-Fergusson Hall

Tickets: £15 (full) / £8 (students)

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www.lilfordgallery.com

Xenia Aidonopoulou Skydiver

Prepare to soar through the fluffy clouds where flocks of birds and butterflies flutter. Explore the dream-like world that waits above us, in this multi-sensory dance experience for families.

Take your little ones on a magical journey with Skydiver and experience how movement, sound and stunning visuals bring whimsical characters to life in an enchanting encounter in the skies.

When:

Sun 29 Sep, 11.30am & 2pm

Venue:

Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets:

£8 (£6.50 Groups 4+)

Age: 3+

Still Hungry

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show has been dazzling audiences around the globe for over seven years, faithfully bringing to the stage Eric Carle’s timeless classics.

Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, this production of the critically acclaimed show features a menagerie of over 75 magical puppets, including the star of the show –The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Alongside The Very Hungry Caterpillar, every production of the show features three other Eric Carle stories. Audiences will visit a winter wonderland and meet the colourful characters of Dream Snow; travel the world with 10 Little Rubber Ducks; and spend time with friends big and small in Head To Toe.

When: Sat 5 & Sun 6 Oct, 11am & 2pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: £14/12

Age: 3+

Image

© Nikolas Louka

Image © Carol Rosegg

House Theatre

Boxville

Join Designer Sam Wilde and Director Ian Nicholson (I Want My Hat Back Trilogy) on their next cardboard adventure.

Work with the BOXVILLE engineers to crafta-long with the story and build your own way through the tasks and trials of BOXVILLE. You will meet paper dragons, corrugated crabs and cardboard space robots in this STEM skilled, hands on, interactive, cardboard adventure!

Hurly Burly You are the Sun

Hurly Burly Theatre presents You are the Sun, a folk inspired opera for babies and grown ups that explores the magic of nature. Combining the joy of gentle classical singing and sensory play, it is an invitation to see beauty in the smallest things and to let plants be our guides.

Celebrate the gift of nature and help to conjure a world out of breath, water, sunlight and soil in this magical musical adventure for 0 – 2 year olds.

When: Sun 27 Oct, 11am & 2pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: £8 (£6.50 Groups 4+) Age: 4+

When: Sat 16 Nov, 11am, 1pm & 3pm

Venue: Colyer-Fergusson Hall

Tickets: £6

Age: 0-24 Months

Image © Paul Blakemore

CHRISTMAS SHOW

When:

Sat 7 – Thu 19 Dec, times vary

Venue:

Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets:

£10 (£8.50 Groups 4+)

Age: 4+

Half a String The Snowsmith

Half a String return to Gulbenkian with another magical Christmas treat and a daring quest to fix winter!

What can unite the grumpy town of Thawmor this winter?

Legends tell of soft white snow that blankets the ground, and inventor Eira is determined to bring it back. So grab your goggles and join her madcap adventure as she battles a fearsome whale, explores an abandoned mine, and meets herds of goats whilst finding unlikely friends in the strangest of places.

Get lost in Half a String’s world of breathtaking puppetry, live songs and folk music, all led by captivating storytellers. Discover this original winter tale that will enthral the whole family, and answer the question: will it snow this winter?

Relaxed & BSL interpreted performances: Sun 8th and Sun 15th Dec, 2pm Schools performances and discounted tickets.

PLUS! Family coming in Spring

Oily Cart Theatre

When the World Turns

Inside a living, breathing world, featuring hundreds of real plants, an adventure is waiting for you. Set from dusk until dawn, listen with all your senses as the world around you comes to life with music, scents, sounds and shadows.

MishMAsh Toot!

Join the MishMash Ensemble on a delightful musical journey designed for 7 to 11-year-olds and their families/ schools. Experience the charm of the wind quintet as they bring to life a performance filled with warmth, excitement, and magic.

When: Sat 15 Mar, 2pm

Venue: Colyer-Fergusson Hall

Tickets: £8 (£6.50 Groups 4+)

Age: 7+

When: Mon 10 & Tue 11 Feb, times vary

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: £6

Full House Theatre

The Worst Princess

Based on the best-selling book by Anna Kemp and Sara Ogilvie, Full House Theatre’s new show is about to explode onto the Gulbenkian stage, bringing the bestselling picture book to life. The whole family will enjoy laugh-out-loud comedy, cool puppets, sing-along pop anthems and a dazzling larger-than-life dragon.

When: Sun 1 Jun, 1.30 & 4pm Mon 2 Jun, 11am & 1.30pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: £14/£12

Age: 3+

Canterbury’s independent cinema, Gulbenkian shows Kent’s most diverse mix of film, from blockbuster to art house and international releases.

Join our mailing list to get regular updates:

thegulbenkian.co.uk

boxoffice@kent.ac.uk

With ART31 young people aged 13-25 across Kent can...

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TAKE PART

“Youth theatre created a space where I felt I could be myself more than any other environment in my life during the time I was there. It remains one of the more important things that have happened to me so far.”

ART31 is a vision created with, by, and for young people aged 13-25 in Kent.

We believe that amazing arts and culture is a human right and want to make sure every young person gets the chance to get involved. ART31 empowers young people to achieve their creative potential and makes young people equal partners in any decision making that affects them.

Gulbenkian Arts Centre is home to ART31, where we run various youth projects. We also work closely with partners who deliver activity across Kent.

ART31 is funded by Arts Council England and Kent County Council.

To get involved:

Follow @ART31KENT on Instagram and Twitter

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TAKE THE LEAD

“There is so much trust put into us. We’ve been given some freedom and it’s resulted in... just the best experience.”

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Join the ART31 mailing list via Gulbenkian’s website

TAKE ON THE WORLD

“ART31 has very much opened my eyes to being able to enjoy and work in the creative industries, and definitely made me more confident in myself and my ideas.”

Email creativeengagement@kent.ac.uk to sign up

Follow @art31kent on Instagram for updates.

Some of the free ART31 activity that takes place at Gulbenkian Arts Centre:

Youth Theatre – for ages 13-15 and 16-18, Wednesday evenings

Gulbenkian Young Company – an auditioned company aged 13-19 creating their own production for the National Theatre Connections Festival

Gulbenkian Performance Company – a theatre-making ensemble for ages 18-25, Monday evenings

KRAN Fam – a drama group with members of Kent Refugee Action Network

TECH31 – workshops in technical theatre, ages 13-25

SCREEN31 – workshops in filmmaking, ages 13-25

ART31 GENERATE - steer ART31’s governance, influence arts policy and practice, and programme the annual GENFest Youth Takeover Festival.

Square Pegs Arts – weekly drama club for people aged 16-25 who have a learning disability, autism or who struggle to fit in with mainstream activities, monthly singing for all abilities, aged 14+ & a monthly Relaxed Film Screening.

ART31 Medway - Look our for a new series of ART31 workshop and events happening in Medway throughout 2024/25.

All activity is free to access, thanks to ART31 funders Arts Council England and Kent County Council.

Email creativeengagement@kent.ac.uk to find out more or register interest in any of these groups.

Steve Bugeja: Self Doubt (I think)

The creator and star of ITV2’s hit sitcom, Buffering, is back on the road following a critically acclaimed run at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Clinton Baptiste: Roller Ghoster

Solo again, Britain’s most celebrated clairvoyant medium psychic from Peter Kay’s ‘Phoenix Nights’ returns with his brand new hilarious one-man stand up show.

Mark Watson: Search

Mark Watson returns to Canterbury in autumn 2024 with his new tour. He’ll consider the search for meaning that we’re all on, with or without Google. There’ll be a lot of jokes, and a show that’s different every night.

When: Thu 12 Sep, 8pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: £13.50 Age: 14+

Kane Brown

Fearlessly hilarious delivery combined with honesty and sincerity. Kane Brown is 19 years in the game, has performed around the world, has opened for Guz Khan on his UK Tour, can be seen on Man Like Mobeen (Netflix), Deepfake (Channel 4), She’s the One (Amazon) and heard on his hit Podcast, Rated 18.

When: Fri 20 Sep, 7.30pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: £27.50 Age: 14+

Grace Campbell is on Heat

About to enter her 30s, Campbell has recently made some huge life changes. Bound to be fiery, unhinged, but also, a more mature Campbell, which no one has ever seen before. As seen on BBC, Channel 4, Comedy Central & Dave.

When: Thu 3 Oct, 8pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: £20 Age: 14+

Jason Byrne: No Show

Jason, along with the audience, will begin No Show with no show whatsoever. Witness Jason use his infamous audience interactions with a sprinkle of props, both on and off the stage, to create No Show!

When: Thu 17 Oct, 8pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: £16.50 Age: 16+

When: Wed 23 Oct, 8pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: £18 Age: 16+

When: Thu 24 Oct, 7.30pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: £26.50 Age: 14+

Felicity Ward; I’m Exhausting!

Star of ‘The Office’ (Australia), Felicity Ward returns for her first national tour in six years. In a two hour laugh out loud extravaganza, Felicity Ward talks about something that no one has ever done before – she had a baby.

As seen on Wakefield, BBC’s Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week, Stand Up Sketch Show and Amazon Prime.

When: Thu 31 Oct, 8pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: £14 Age: 16+

Ed Byrne: Tragedy Plus Time

This “delicate, sensitive high-wire act of a show” (Mail on Sunday) returns to Gulbenkian after selling out in 2023.

Booking for 2025

Sun 2 Mar, 8pm Sarah Keyworth

Wed 2 Apr, 8pm Andy Zaltzman

Wed 14 May , 8pm Jenny Éclair

When: Sun 24 Nov, 7.30pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Gulbenkian’s monthy comedy club – radical and exciting, but also warm and snuggly as a bunny rabbit

Ali Woods & Kate Martin

When: Fri 27 Sept

Venue: Gulbenkian Café

All events Tickets: Time: Age: £7/£5 8pm 16+

Tickets: £27.50 Age: 14+

Anuvab Pal & Pete Selwood

When: Fri 25 Oct

Venue: Gulbenkian Café

Dan Antopolski & Bas Rahman

When: Fri 29 Nov

Venue: Gulbenkian Café

Karen Bayley & Masai Graham

When: Fri 13 Dec

Venue: Gulbenkian Café

Canterbury Academy

Shrek the Musical

Join our favourite ogre, Donkey and Princess Fiona as they battle the villainous Lord Farquaad on the journey of a lifetime filled with adventure, romance, and hilarity.

On Thin Ice Echoes of Pink Floyd

On Thin Ice are an established Pink Floyd Tribute band recreating the atmosphere and music of the band live. The show features meticulous musicianship, a stunning light & video show and over two hours of incredible music of Pink Floyd’s albums from across the decades.

Cloudbusting

The Music of Kate Bush

Cloudbusting are thrilled to bring their stunning ‘The Line, The Cross and The Curve’ tour. Featuring songs from the legendary short film of the same name which Kate Bush released in 1994, this spectacular new show offers audiences a fresh ‘take’ on those tracks in a set list that also includes classic hits such as Wuthering Heights, Babooshka, Hounds of Love and Running Up That Hill.

When: Tue 16 to Thu 18 July 7pm, plus 2pm matinee on Thu 18 Jul.

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: £10

The Upbeat Beatles

The Upbeat Beatles are second to none - powerhouse vocals, precision harmonies and tight musicianship. The show takes you through the Fab Four’s long and winding road from the early Cavern days through Beatlemania, America, Sergeant Pepper to Abbey Road, with narrative and full multi-media presentation.

When: Sat 21 Sep, 7.30pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: £20

When: Fri 27 Sep, 7.30pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Navarro & Sacconi

Wildness and Wonder

Wildness and Wonder is a captivating new collaboration between singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Richard Navarro and the world-renowned Sacconi Quartet.

For this very special Festival programme, the quartet will complement Navarro’s songs with works by Roxanna Panufnik, Jessie Montgomery and Maurice Ravel.

Tickets: £26

The Rat Pack

A Main Event presents the Las Vegas Show Experience with Britain’s longest and original Rat Pack tribute show. The show includes all of the hit songs made popular by the legendary performers of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr and Dean Martin, such as “Ain’t That A Kick In The Head”, “The Lady Is A Tramp”, “My Way”, “Mr Bojangles” and of course, ‘New York New York’.

When: Sat 19 Oct, 7.30pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: £25

When: Fri 25 Oct, 8pm

Venue: Colyer-Fergusson Hall

Tickets: £22

When: Sat 26 Oct, 7.30pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets:

CANTERBURY FESTIVAL PRESENT

PPA School of Rock

Based on the hit movie, Dewey Finn, a failed rock star, decides to earn some extra cash as a substitute teacher. There, he turns a class of straight–A pupils into a guitar-shredding rock band! But can they make it to the Battle of the Bands without getting caught?

Coram Shakespeare Schools Festival 2024

Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation provides a platform for up to 30,000 young people to express themselves and grow in confidence as they take to a professional stage. These performances are the culmination of months of work in which young people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities have been finding their voice in school rehearsal rooms.

Ned Boulting’s Marginal Mystery Tour: 1923 and All That

Ned Boulting returns again! But this time he’s 101 years too late for the 1923 Tour de France! In his latest celebration of the greatest race on earth, Ned delves into the hidden mysteries of a mysterious roll of film from the 1923 Tour de France that fell into his possession during the Covid pandemic, and inspired his bestselling book “1923!”

When: Sat 16 & Sun 17 Nov, times vary

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: £18.75 (Concessions available)

When: Mon 18 Nov, 7pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: TBC

When: Tue 19 Nov, 7.30pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

T24

Nov 2024

A production brought to you by the University of Kent T24 theatre society. The show, which is yet to be decided, will be produced and performed by T24.

The George Harrison Project

Enjoy the UK’s leading live music tribute to George Harrison, performing his best-loved hits from The Beatles, his solo career, and The Traveling Wilburys, including My Sweet Lord, Here Comes The Sun, Something, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Got My Mind Set On You, and much more!

Tickets: £28.75

UK Soul Choirs present Candlelit Soul

Join our East Kent Soul Choirs for a night of festive inspired soul and pop classics by candlelight! Take your seat and let their 100 plus member strong choir lead you into a magical wonderland of soulful and uplifting harmony!

When:

Wed 20 - Fri 22 Nov, Times TBC

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: TBC

When: Sat 23 Nov, 7.30pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Tickets: £23.50

When: Fri 29 Nov, 7.30pm

Venue: Colyer-Fergusson Hall

Tickets: £18 (Concessions available)

UKC Musical Theatre Society Showcase

A musical showcase brought to you by the UKC Musical Theatre Society. The show, which is yet to be decided, will follow a storyline and include performances of songs from many different musicals.

Langton Music Centre Schools Concert

Ten schools from across the Rural and City districts of Canterbury perform a host of Christmas favourites. Join us for fun, laughter and plenty of Christmas spirit – the perfect way to start your celebrations! Directed by Lucy Gove and accompanied by the award winning Simon Langton Brass Band.

The Searchers and Hollies Experience

It is easy for audiences to become entranced by the magical quality of this show.

The Searchers & Hollies Experience -`The Best of Both Worlds` brings to the stage the iconic magical hits of two of the biggest bands in the 60s and 70s era and features an incredible back catalogue of over 30 hit songs.

When: Sat 30 Nov, 7.30pm

Venue:

Colyer-Fergusson Hall

Tickets: TBC

When: Tue 10 Dec, 7.30pm

Venue:

Colyer-Fergusson Hall

Tickets: TBC

When: Sat 1 Feb, 7.30pm

Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre

Canterbury Symphony Orchestra

Skandinavian Skies

Canterbury Symphony Orchestra welcome local soloist George Needham for a performance of Grieg’s immortal Piano Concerto, accompanied by celebrations of Iceland, Denmark, Finland, and Estonia.

Poland and Paris

Local soloist Emily Hopper joins Canterbury Symphony Orchestra for a concert that celebrates the two homes of Frédéric François Chopin: Poland and Paris.

From the soaring melodies of Tchaikovsky’s ‘Polish’ Symphony to the thrilling complexities of Witold Lutosławski, this concert takes you on a kaleidoscopic journey across Europe.

When: Sun 24 Nov, 6pm

Venue:

Colyer-Fergusson Hall

Tickets: £15 / £8

When: Sun 2 Mar, 6pm

Venue:

Colyer-Fergusson Hall

Tickets: £23.50

Tickets: £15 / £8

The Rest is Music

Shostakovich is at his most intimate in his Ninth Symphony. Using smaller forces, the piece is the composer at his most cryptically complex. Local composer Elizabeth Winters and local soloist Jessica Meakin are also celebrated in this programme, the latter with Samuel Barber’s iconic Violin Concerto.

When: Sun 6 Jul, 6pm

Venue: Colyer-Fergusson Hall

Tickets: £15 / £8

Canterbury Music Club

The Gulbenkian Arts Centre are delighted to welcome Canterbury Music Club back for their 83rd Season of chamber music concerts.

They mix artists with established reputations with the best of those building their careers and aim to attract a wider audience than their membership itself.

CMC Tickets for Under 26s are available FREE with support of the CAVATINA Chamber Music Trust “Free Ticket Scheme”.

Craig Ogden, classical guitar

“A worthy successor to Julian Bream” (BBC Music Magazine) and “following in the footsteps of John Williams”, Craig Ogden is a highly sought-after classical guitarist. He is one of the UK’s most recorded guitarists including five chart-topping albums for Classic FM, and frequently plays for film and presents for radio.

In 2020 Ewan Millar won the woodwind final of BBC Young Musician, going on to the Grand Final and getting to perform the Navarro “Legacy” concerto with the BBC Philharmonic. Since the competition he has been performing recitals around the UK, including at the Windsor, Cheltenham, and Lake District Summer Music Festivals.

When: Sun 29 Sep, 3pm

Venue: Colyer-Fergusson Hall

Rachel

Podger, Baroque violin / Director with Members of Brecon Baroque

“Rachel Podger, the unsurpassed British glory of the baroque violin,” (The Times) is a leading interpreter of Baroque and Classical music. Join Rachel Podger and lute and harpsichord players for the first live performance of Biber’s improvisational 1681 Sonatas to be released on Channel Classics this December.

When: Sun 17 Nov, 3pm

Venue: Colyer-Fergusson Hall

Tickets: £25 (Under 26s Free)

When: Sun 20 Oct, 3pm

Venue: Colyer-Fergusson Hall

Passamezzo:

“Old Christmas Returned”

Christmas celebrated, banned, and restored in 17th Century Canterbury. Passamezzo, an early music ensemble, bring Christmas to life withmusic by Attey, Bull, Dowland, Gibbons, Locke and Purcell; and readings by Breton, Herrick, Shakespeare and Winstanley - all performed in historically correct costume.

Tickets: £25 (Under 26s Free)

When: Sun 15 Dec, 3pm

Venue: Colyer-Fergusson Hall

Tickets: £25 (Under 26s Free)

London Bridge Piano Trio

Tickets: £25 (Under 26s Free)

The London Bridge Trio is one of Britain’s most exciting and brilliant chamber groupsinternational pianist Daniel Tong with Ben Hancox, violin and Cara Berridge, cello. “A stunning concert I attended at Kings Place on April 7th”- Grenville Hancox. The trio perform an exquisite set of piano trios by composers old and new.

When: Sun 19 Jan, 3pm

Tickets: £25 (Under 26s Free) Ewan Millar, oboe

Venue: Colyer-Fergusson Hall

Façade

– An Entertainment

By Edith Sitwell and William Walton

Sitwell’s “shocking” nonsense poems spoken to the rhythm of Walton’s specially composed dramatic music, first performed in 1923. With Matthew Rose, bass and Linda Hirst, mezzosoprano as Narrators – and the ensemble Grand Mansions’ Collective, Director Anna Tilbrook, featuring professional musicians all of whom were students at Canterbury Christ Church University.

When: Sun 23 Feb, 3pm

Venue: Colyer-Fergusson Hall

Kyan String Quartet

… a terrific, passionate, and inspiring performance…”

Formed in 2020 at the Royal Academy of Music in London, the Kyan Quartet brings together four exceptional young musicians from the UK, the US, China and France. Bound by a shared love of chamber music and a deep commitment to performing, this young, ambitious, and exciting group are a must see quartet.

James Gilchrist, tenor Anna Tilbrook, piano

Acclaimed British tenor and lieder / oratorio favourite, James Gilchrist has developed a reputation “unsurpassed among lyric tenors” (‘The Independent’). He joins his longestablished duo-partner Anna Tilbrook to perform repertoire which includes composers such as Quilter, Fauré, Mahler, Boulanger, and Muriel Herbert.

Tickets: £25 (Under 26s Free)

When: Sun 16 Mar, 3pm

Venue: Colyer-Fergusson Hall

Tickets: £25 (Under 26s Free)

When: Sun 27 Apr, 3pm

Venue: Colyer-Fergusson Hall

Tickets: £25 (Under 26s Free)

About Your Visit

Ticket Office Opening Hours (vary with programme)

Monday to Friday 5-8pm

Saturday & Sunday 1-8pm

Discounts

Concessions

Where advertised apply to children aged under 12, young people aged 12-25, full and part time students, registered unemployed, senior citizens, disabled person and a companion. Proof of status may be required.

Schools

Gulbenkian offers creative engagement opportunities for school students and staff, including discounted tickets for specific events. Please contact creativeengagement@kent.ac.uk for more information.

Family shows

Gulbenkian welcomes children with a valid ticket and accompanied by an adult at all times. Age ranges are provided as a guide and we ask you to consider whether the show is suitable for your child. Baby-onlap-tickets - £1 tickets for age 0-18 months are available on selected family shows.

Access

We now have a dedicated Access Membership Scheme, with members able to book access, wheelchair spaces and carer tickets for free online (when available).

We offer an infrared audio system in the cinema for audiences, wheelchair spaces in all our venues (booking essential), dedicated parking spaces, level access through automatic doors to the theatre, foyer and bar, disabled accessible toilet.

Assistance dogs are welcome.

We offer an infrared audio system for audience members who are hard of hearing. Headsets available from the Ticket & Information office.

More access information on our website.

If you would like a text copy of this brochure in large type please email boxoffice@kent.ac.uk

Gulbenkian, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NB

Tel: 01227 769 075 during opening hours only Free booking online: thegulbenkian.co.uk

Email: Boxoffice@kent.ac.uk

How to find us

http://www.thegulbenkian.co.uk/your-visit

Parking

Free parking is available to Gulbenkian customers after 5pm on weekdays and all day at weekends in any University car park.

For Gulbenkian customers attending events between Monday and Friday 8am to 5pm please park in the Visitor Pay and Display car parks on Campus. The nearest Visitor Pay and Display is the Central Visitor Car Park.

When attending events we strongly recommend customers to allow extra time to find your space and park in designated parking spaces only. Please be advised that yellow lines on campus are enforced and we advise customers to park in designated car parking spaces.

Coach/Mini bus parking

Safe, convenient drop off points are available close to the Gulbenkian. Please contact the Tickets & Information team boxoffice@kent.ac.uk and let us know in advance how many vehicles/coaches and what size they are so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

Bus Service

A regular bus service operates from Canterbury City centre to the University. Please see www.stagecoachbus.com

We charge a booking fee of £1.25 per ticket across most events. This is for tickets purchased online, by phone or in person at the Box Office.

All information and dates correct at time of printing, bur due to the nature of our programme we strongly recommend checking the website for the latest information before attending.

24/25 Season Calendar

Details of events are correct at time of print (June 24). Please check thegulbenkian.co.uk for latest events and details.

August

Sa 24 & Su 25 bOing! International Family Festival

September

Th 12 8pm Steve Bugeja

Th 19 - Sa 21 7.30pm NOW (Plus 2pm Sa 21)

Fr 20 7.30pm Clinton Baptiste

Sa 21 7.30pm Echoes of Pink Floyd

Fr 27 8pm Funny Rabbit: Ali Woods & Kate Martin

Fr 27 7.30pm Cloudbusting: The Music of Kate Bush

Su 29 11.30am & 2pm Skydiver

Su 29 3pm CMC: Graig Ogden, classical guitar

October

Th 3 8pm Mark Watson

Fr 4 7.30pm Nine Below Zero & Dr Feelgood

Sa 5 - Su 6 11am & 2pm The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Sa 12 - Mo 14 7.30pm The Effect

Su 13 8pm Stevie Wishart

Th 17 8pm Kane Brown

Sa 19 8pm London Calling Play the Clash

Sa 19 7.30pm The Upbeat Beatles

Su 20 3pm CMC: Ewan Millar, oboe

Tu 22 8pm Reverend Billy & the Church of Stop Shopping

We 23 8pm Grace Campbell

Th 24 7.30pm Jason Byrne

Fr 25 8pm Funny Rabbit: Anuvab Pal & Pete Selwood

Fr 25 8pm Navarro & Sacconi: Wildness and Wonder

Sa 26 8pm Afro-Celt Sound System

Sa 26 7.30pm The Rat Pack

Su 27 11am & 2pm Boxville

Su 27 7.30pm The Marian Consort

Th 31 8pm Felicity Ward

November

Fr 1 7.30pm John Hegley: An American in London

Fr 1 8pm Caravan

Th 7 7.30pm The Devil’s Doorbell

Sa 9 7pm Wonky Plonky Electronk Fest

Fr 15 7.30pm Cregan and Co

Sa 16 11am, You Are the Sun 1pm & 3pm

Sa 16 & Su 17 times vary School of Rock

Su 17 3pm CMC: Rachel Podger

Mo 18 7pm Coram Shakespeare Schools Festival

Tu 19 7.30pm Ned Boulting’s Marginal Mystery Tour

We 20 – Fr 22 times TBC T24

Sa 23 7.30pm The George Harrison Project

Sa 23 7.30pm Dervish

Su 24 7.30pm Ed Byrne

Su 24 6pm Canterbury Orchestra: Skandinavian Skies

We 27 7.30pm Linda Smith LectureHenry Normal

Th 28 7.30pm Steve Knightley

Fr 29 7.30pm Bagpuss: The Songs & the Music

Fr 29 8pm Funny Rabbit: Dan Antopolski & Bas Rahman

Fr 29 7.30pm Candlelit Soul

Sa 30 12pm Smallfilms on the Big Screen

Sa 30 12pm Clangers and Friends with Live Accompaniment

Sa 30 7.30pm UKC Musical Theatre Society Showcase

December

Sa 7 7.30pm University Chorus and Orchestra

Sa 7 - Th 19 times vary CHRISTMAS SHOW: The Snowsmith

Tu 10 7.30pm Langton Music Centre Schools Concerts

Fr 13 8pm Funny Rabbit: Karen Bayley & Masai Graham

Sa 14 from 5.30pm Free Range Takeover

Su 15 3pm CMC: Passamezzo: ‘Old Christmas Returned’

Su 15 7.30pm Albion Christmas Band

On sale for 2025

January

Su 19 3pm CMC: London Bridge Piano Trio

February

Sa 1 7.30pm The Searchers and Hollies Experience

Mo 10 & Tu 11 times vary When the World Turns

Su 23 3pm CMC: Façade –An Entertainment

Fr 28 & 7.30pm BACH Reimagined

Sa 1 Mar

March

Su 2 6pm Canterbury Orchestra: Poland And Paris

Su 2 8pm Sarah Keyworth

Sa 15 2pm Toot!

Su 16 3pm CMC: Kyan String Quartet

April

We 2 8pm Andy Zaltzman

Sa 5 7.30pm JV2 2025

Su 27 3pm CMC: James Gilchrist, tenor, Anna Tilbrook, piano

May

We 14 8pm Jenny Eclair

Theatre & Dance

Music

Comedy

Family

Guestlist

Festival

Film

June

Su 1 - Mo 2 times vary The Worst Princess

July

Su 6 6pm Canterbury Orchestra: The Rest is Music

Half A String Christmas Show: The Snowsmith

Sat 7 - Thu 19 Dec, times vary

Gulbenkian Theatre

For ages 4+

Half a String return to Gulbenkian with another magical Christmas treat and a daring quest to fix winter! Book now: www.thegulbenkian.co.uk