THIS IS MY THEATRE Summer Tour

Following This Is My Theatre's knock-out Spring Tour (see review below) this talented Sussex-based small theatre company brings two new productions to brighten up our summer...

Robin Hood

Based on the traditional tales of the outlaw of Sherwood Forest, with sword fights galore this exciting adaptation will have everyone on the edge of their seats this summer! Join the legendary Robin Hood as he takes on the Sheriff of Nottingham, steals from the rich to give to the poor and finds love along the way!

All ages will love this contemporary telling of this much loved hero with live music, song and did we mention sword fights?

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare. Who doesn’t love love? Well, you might be surprised! In Shakespeare’s raucous romantic comedy, deception is rife as wedding bells sound in the air, testing not only the young lovers Hero and Claudio, but also the steadfastly single Beatrice and Benedick! With plots, pranks and live music throughout, you will fall in love all over again with Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing this Summer!

Visit www.thisismytheatre.com to discover dates and venues through July and August.

...REVIEW...

This Is My Theatre's production of Wuthering Heights at the Hawth Amphitheatre, late May

We arrived early at the Hawth Amphitheatre to secure a good spot, so with comfy chairs unfolded, snacks and a flask full of hot coffee we settled down looking forward to the evening’s performance.

The magic started straight away, as the audience arrived and the amphitheatre filled up the five-strong TIMT cast sang acapella songs, creating the perfect atmosphere for the story about to be told. This is one of the great features of a TIMT performance. The 'intro' and the set-changes between each scene are filled with Associate Artistic Director and Resident Composer

Simon Stallard’s wonderful music, sung in clear, rich

The

set, sings the audience to their seats

And so the performance began, and in very dramatic style! There was Cathy, a spirit lost, distraught and frenzied, howling to be let in at Heathcliffe’s window. Kate Bush’s famous song came to mind as I recognised Brontë's use of a device so favoured by today's movie makers – showing us the final chapter of this unrequited, deranged and compulsive love story, followed by the story in flashbacks revealing what brought about such a tragic fate for this tormented pair.

The cast were magnificent, some playing dual roles, transporting us back to Yorkshire in the late 19th century to witness the gradual dwindling spiral of Cathy and Heathcliffe’s relationship. Jess Aquilina fulfilled the Cathy of my imagination, a redheaded, fiery free spirit yet inhibited and trapped by the conventions and mores of the times. And Luke Rees-Oliviere as Heathcliffe didn’t disappoint. Here was a brooding, misunderstood and confused man, obsessed with his desire for Cathy, somehow navigating the various disturbing situations that befell him.

Hannah Johnson's redoubtable Nelly was a constant anchor in this maelstrom of a story. Jamie Patterson was perfect as the ineffectual Linton, bewildered by Cathy's unravelling descent into madness, and Jake Tweddle's bullying Hindley made my skin creep.

A wonderful evening’s entertainment, over much too soon, which brought Emily Brontë’s story vividly to life in TIMT’s unique and ingenious way.

friends create intense, joyful and dynamic live performances that expand the bounds of tradition in striking directions.

On 21st September Scottish smallpipes player Brìghde Chaimbeul arrives. Brìghde has brought her instrument to a global stage and her music goes beyond folk music, discovering a place where tradition

Three contrasting shows this summer at ROPETACKLE

Arts Centre

Ropetackle Arts Centre at Shoreham-by-sea routinely seems to have diverse and interesting shows on offer. And this summer is no exception. For example…

On 26th July we can see the award-winning political comedian Mark Thomas in ‘England and Son' – Work In Progress, performing this one-man play. Written by Ed Edwards and directed by Cressida Brown, this is the first play Mark has ever performed that he has not written himself.

Strangely enough, I’ve long been a fan of Mark Thomas even though I don’t agree with all his political views. He’s insightful and amusing and somehow one gets carried along with his ramblings.

With some deep, dark laughs – and some deep, dark love – along the way, England and Son emerges from characters Mark knew in his childhood and Ed's lived experience in jail. Prepare to be taken on a kaleidoscopic odyssey where disaster capitalism, Thatcherite politics and stolen wealth merge into the simple tale of a working class boy who just wants his dad to smile at him.

4th August sees the arrival of award winning Le Vent du Nord, a leading force in Québec’s progressive francophone folk movement. The group’s vast repertoire draws from both traditional sources and original compositions, while enhancing its hard-driving soulful music with a broad range of global influences.

An amazing live act, Le Vent du Nord continues to explore new sounds with stunning vocal arrangements. On stage these five and minimalism meet, offering her the freedom to experiment in sound and create something completely her own. top and inset: Brìghde Chaimbeul; below: Le Vent du Nord

Her piping has earned her a BBC Young Folk Award and a BBC Horizon Award, and saw her perform for heads of state at the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow.

Visit www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk for full information about what’s on.

The Comedy Of Errors

Classical Ballet at its finest comes to the region

Classical Ballet and Opera House returns to the UK with a great new cast and accompanied by a large live orchestra!

After last year's success, the UK is set to welcome back the world of classical ballet with open arms. The anticipation is high as the Classical Ballet and Opera House returns to the UK, featuring timeless classics such as Swan Lake, the compelling legend of a tragic romance; the Nutcracker, brimming with evocative music and exquisite dance; and Giselle, a romantic ballet in which love triumphs over betrayal.

Its return promises to bring a new level of culture and sophistication. Their brand is renowned for its