Festival on The Close 2024

A message from Ryan Goode Your Local Relationship Manager

"Thank you Festival on The Close, for choosing Cancer Research UK as your charity partner again.

Over the last 50 years, our work has helped double cancer survival in the UK. For example, o ur research led to the development of the HPV vaccine, which is expected to prevent almost 90% of cervical cancers in the UK.

Thank you for your fantastic ongoing support and I hope you enjoy the 2024 festival."

Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.

WELCOME

Festival season’s here again and we are definitely in the party mood this year at the Festival on The Close as we open up the famous grounds of Rugby School to our annual celebration of creativity for the whole community. And in a new development this year, we’re taking away the seats and inviting you all to dance, laugh and sing together in our party-in-the-park programme of amazing acts for 2024.

WE BELIEVE STRONGLY IN THE POWER OF CREATIVITY TO FUEL FUTURE GROWTH

As ever, at the heart of the festival is our workshop programme for young people and we are pleased to welcome children from schools across the region to join us for free once again this year to stomp with the West End cast of Stomp, to dance with Britain’s Got Talent finalists Flawless and to sing, play, act and create with a host of professional artists and creatives. It’s not just an ‘arts’ festival though, we believe strongly in the power of creativity to fuel future growth, entrepreneurship, enterprise, technological innovation and more. So our workshop programme is made up of a combination of Arts and STEM disciplines – from VR headsets to Social Media influencing; from planetarium domes to architecture – and by fusing STEM with Arts to create STEAMfest, we aim to inspire creativity in all of our workshop participants, whatever their talents.

HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE TO COME TOGETHER TO LEARN NOT ONLY HOW TO PERFORM THEMSELVES BUT ALSO HOW TO BE GOOD AUDIENCES

And for our community, we want to share our love of creativity across generations and sectors, helping young people to come together to learn not only how to perform themselves but also how to be good audiences, whilst offering the public a chance to see world-class performances at a fraction of the cost of a trip to the West End, right here in Rugby.

So bring a chair, a rug or just your dancing shoes and have some fun on The Close with us this June. We welcome you all to the party. And if we had a roof on our Tandem Outdoor Arena, I’m sure we’d be raising it this summer!

Dr Tim Coker, Artistic Director and Festival Director

“The arts are not the cherry on the cake, they are the cake,” said Melvyn Bragg earlier this year.

He went on: “The evidence of the connection between the arts and intellectual health has now been conclusively made. We have scientific proof that art exercises the imagination and feeds us in positive, unique and lasting ways.”

Nationally The Arts are in a perilous state. Much has been made this year of the drastic cuts to The Arts in Birmingham, one of the great cultural centres of the world. Sadly, this is not an isolated example.

NATIONALLY THE ARTS ARE IN A PERILOUS STATE

However, there are good news stories which we must celebrate. Festival on The Close, Rugby’s summer festival of culture, creativity, collaboration and community in support of Cancer Research UK, is a shining example.

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 2024 Festival, at which there’s plenty of “cake” to inspire, educate and enjoy

Thank you for supporting the Festival. I know that you will be well-nourished by all that’s on offer.

I hope that the experience will invigorate you to shout for everyone to have access to The Arts so we can grow and develop as a society who understand their vital importance and transferable benefits.

I HOPE THAT THE EXPERIENCE WILL INVIGORATE YOU TO SHOUT FOR EVERYONE TO HAVE ACCESS TO THE ARTS

This week’s Festival will be enjoyed by many young people from Rugby School, other local schools and the wider community. They are the future, whether as performers, audiences, financiers and influencers, and they have the power to transform society through the arts having been inspired by experiences like The Festival on The Close.

Richard Tanner, Director of Music and Festival Director

WELCOME TO RUGBY SCHOOL AND FESTIVAL ON THE CLOSE

I am delighted that this wonderful celebration of the performing arts is now an integral part of both the Rugby School and Rugby Town calendar.

As well as being a joyous celebration of creativity, the Festival is emblematic of the power and importance of the Arts. Thousands of local children engage actively in the workshop programme during the day, while the headline acts in the evening serve to bring people from across the Rugby community together. There are exciting collaborations between students and professional actors and musicians, while we also have the opportunity to see the premiers of newly created works. Above all Festival on The Close is an opportunity for us all to come together, to laugh, to be transported to different places, to have horizons widened and minds broadened, and to have a great deal of fun.

We are once again extremely grateful for our principal sponsors, Tandem Property Management. Without their generosity the Festival could not be as ambitious or inclusive. And we are again delighted to be partnering with Cancer Research UK, a pioneering and important charity.

I hope you will enjoy this uplifting celebration of the Arts.

Gareth Parker-Jones, Head Master of Rugby School

inpartnership with

A MESSAGE FROM OUR HONORARY PATRON, DAME JUDI DENCH

I am pleased once again to support the Festival on The Close and its work with young people and the arts, as well as its partnership with Cancer Research UK. I firmly believe that the arts can transform lives and know how important it is for young people to appreciate and enjoy creative opportunities such as those made available at this festival. I once again wish the festival every success.

THANK YOU

It is a wonderful thing when collaboration happens. When we can bring together a huge amount of kind people who offer their time, energy and sponsorship to all achieve the same goal – to provide our community with a spectacular week celebrating the arts.

To all the artists, workshop practitioners, individuals and organisations that have supported in any way in the production of this week, thank you! Because of you, so many children across the region will be able to take part in our workshop programme, receiving incredible opportunities to work alongside talented experts from a variety of backgrounds and industries. The benefits of your labour doesn’t stop there. Festival on The Close supports Cancer Research UK for

another year, in their fantastic efforts to cure cancer sooner.

As you explore the festival, it is our hope that you can see and feel the impact of the enormous range of life-changing moments for people of all ages to engage with the arts. Thanks to the investments from your companies, as well as the precious gift of time from a multitude of organisations, this festival is possible. Most significantly, together we have provided young people with inspiring artistic experiences that will pave the way for a new generation of performers, scientists, writers, engineers, designers, musicians and directors!

PRINCIPAL PARTNER

FESTIVAL FRIEND SUPPORTED BY PATRONS

Festival On The Close is fortunate to be championed by supportive patrons:

Honorary Patron: Dame Judi Dench

John Agard, Prof. Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, Anthony Horowitz, Mark Pougatch.

FESTIVAL ON THE CLOSE ABOUT

FESTIVAL ON THE CLOSE HAS BEEN BRINGING WORLDCLASS PERFORMANCE, OUTREACH AND EDUCATION TO RUGBY TOWN SINCE 2017.

The historic grounds of Rugby School will once again host a celebration of creativity in all its forms this year. The school gates will be flung wide to welcome local schools to join us for an irresistible programme of workshops and exhibitions led by professional artists, creatives, and STEM specialists. All are welcome at the birthplace of Rugby football to experience an amazing programme of professional and student performances on our purpose-built outdoor arena and other stunning venues across the campus.

A star-studded line up of entertainment on Rugby’s doorstep kicks off with our popular Cancer Research UK Comedy Night, this year presented by Manford’s Comedy Club Television favourite, comedian Paul Sinha headlines, alongside a line-up of top-quality comedians hand-picked by Jason Manford.

Symphonic Ibiza brings the ultimate party night, fusing full symphony orchestra with high tempo beats, live DJ and vocalist in our biggest party in the park event to date.

Straight from the West End, SHOWSTOPPER!

The Improvised Musical take to our outdoor stage, where an amazing cast of West End stars create their very own brand-new musical comedy from scratch, based entirely on audience suggestions.

We are excited to welcome members of the world-famous percussion-dance-theatre sensation STOMP, followed by Britain’s Got Talent stars, FLAWLESS, whose spectacular fulllength street dance show will wow audiences.

The festival ends, as is becoming tradition, with the spectacular HometownGlory:ATributetoAdele, who will bring all your favourite Adele hits to life.

Elsewhere at the Festival Sir Gregory Doran will be discussing his incredible portfolio of work and a stunning performance of Henry Purcell’s Te Deum will be presented in concert by the celebrated Canzona baroque orchestra with The Rugby Choristers at Bilton Grange

If that wasn’t enough, local schools, colleges and universities have been invited to join the festival’s workshop programme, which offers taster sessions exploring big bangs in Science, ambitious arts in design, and melodies in music. These opportunities exist to inspire and empower young minds, providing special outreach days where they can work alongside industry professionals

FLAWLESS

SO MUCH TO EMBRACE AND ENJOY ”

and STEM experts. Thanks to the support of our generous sponsors, we are excited to be able to welcome over 2,000 children from education settings across the region to join our free creative workshop programme. There is so much to embrace and enjoy, whether you are seeking entertainment or exceptional outreach for young people thanks to Festival on The Close.

It is a privilege to once again raise vital funds and awareness for our charitable partners, Cancer Research UK. So, whether you’re purchasing tickets, visiting them at their pop-up stall on The Close, or donating to one of the charity buckets around the venue, you have our sincerest thanks.

Amie Barton-Young, Festival Manager

HOMETOWN GLORY A TRIBUTE TO ADELE

SYMPHONIC IBIZA

PAUL SINHA

PAUL SINHA

Plus MC Barry Dodds, Kate Lucas and Paul McCaffery

Saturday 22 June 8pm

Venue: Tandem Outdoor Arena

Comedian Paul Sinha was born in the UK to Bengali parents and the family medical dynasty. Whilst studying medicine in the 1990s, Paul took his first steps on the stand-up comedy circuit. He pursued both careers and at the 2006 Edinburgh Festival Fringe earned a nomination for the highest accolade in live comedy the Edinburgh Comedy Award. Shortly after his nomination, Paul hung up his stethoscope to become a full-time comedian.

Paul is a familiar voice on radio with appearances on Radio 4’s Just A Minute and The News Quiz and on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Fighting Talk. His own Radio 4 series Paul Sinha’s History Revision won the Rose d’Or for radio comedy in 2016. He’s also appeared on television on BBC’s QI and Would I Lie to You? and as a competitor on Channel 4’s Taskmaster

A lifetime of curiosity and learning informs Paul’s comedy but now also ranks him as one of the UK’s finest quizzers. This has led to yet another concurrent career, this time as a general knowledge expert on the awardwinning ITV quiz show The Chase

Bringing the best bunch of award-winning comedians to Rugby, Manford’s Comedy Club always delivery on a great night out! The thrill of being there is something that nothing can replicate, the excitement of watching a performer with your mates, colleagues or loved ones knowing that absolutely anything could happen and witnessing the magic that only happens there in that very moment; it’s why stand up comedy remains one of the best nights out you’ll ever have.

JASON MANFORD

Sunday 23 June 8pm

Venue: Tandem Outdoor Arena

Created by DJ and Producer Andy Joyce, (Pacha, Amnesia, Eden, Café Mambo) and accomplished composer and musical director Steve Etherington, Symphonic Ibiza fuses the best Ibiza dance anthems with a DJ, vocalists and a thrilling live orchestra creating an incredible night of euphoric dancing, banging tunes and stunning high tempo performances.

Launched at the Ibiza super club Eden in 2018, a residency at Savannah on Ibiza’s famous Sunset Strip in 2019 and finishing the 2022 summer season with a show at the iconic Ibiza Rocks Hotel in Ibiza, returning again in 2023, Symphonic Ibiza is the only authentic Ibiza orchestra in the UK.

Symphonic Ibiza made its UK debut at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and appeared at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2019 receiving five star reviews and winner of the Underbelly’s Best Event category and has been delighting audiences at festivals and venues up and down the country for the past five years, often having the pleasure of performing with vocal legends Sonique, Angie Brown, Rozalla, Alison Limerick, Marcella Woods, Alex Party and LMC.

ISYMPHONICI IBIZAI

Symphonic Ibiza brings to Festival on The Close some of the most famous Ibiza club anthems from the last 30 years presented in a totally unexpected way.

In 2023 Symphonic Ibiza were invited to perform for the Saracens v Harlequins Rugby Showdown at Tottenham Stadium and again for the Saracens v Sale Sharks at the Gallagher Premiership Final at Twickenham Stadium, so it is hugely exciting for them to now be playing at the birthplace of the game, right here at The Close.

The Improvised Musical

SHOWSTOPPER!

Monday 24 June 8pm

Venue: Tandem Outdoor Arena

Olivier Award winners – Best

Entertainment and Family Show 2016

With fourteen years as an Edinburgh Fringe mustsee phenomenon, a BBC Radio 4 series, a critically acclaimed West End run and an Olivier Award to their name, The Showstoppers have delighted audiences across the globe with their ingenious blend of comedy, musical theatre and spontaneity.

A brand-new musical comedy is created from scratch at each performance of this award-winning show as audience suggestions are transformed on the spot into all-singing, all dancing productions with hilarious results. These incredible performers are guaranteed to impress as they create shows packed with drama, dazzling dance routines and catchy melodies – and it’s all made up on the spot!

So,whether you fancy Hamilton in a hospital or Sondheim in the Sahara,you suggest it and The Showstoppers will sing it!

Spontaneous musical comedy at its absolute finest – direct from the West End and now heading to Festival on The Close, Rugby.

‘So polished, it defies belief.’ Daily Telegraph

‘If this is what improv can do, you wonder why anyone bothers writing anything down.’ The Times

‘Achingly funny… Worth seeing again and again.’ Time Out (Critic’s Choice)

Q&A WITH ORIGINAL SHOWSTOPPER RUTH BRATT

Hello to you Showstopper Ruth Bratt! Thank you for taking the time to speak to us today and welcome to Rugby’s annual celebration of creativity Festival on The Close! Have you visited Rugby before?

Hello. I don’t think I’ve ever been to Rugby before, but the show has been – don’t quote me on it, but I think in 2019? My memory is bad, and my ability to look things up on the shared google drive is worse, much to the chagrin of my fellow Showstoppers!

I can confirm, it was 2019, so not a bad memory there. How would you describe Showstopper! The Improvised Musical in 3 words? Musical, improvised, showstopping!

Can you tell us a little bit about how the show works?

Of course. The show opens with a writer character who asks the audience for suggestions of the setting they’d like to see, the musical styles they’d like in it and the title of the musical – the audience decides, voting by noise! and then we just start! Nothing is prepared, no script, no music, no lyrics, nothing. Everything you see is made up on the spot for that night only, the words, the dancing, the songs – everything. And it will never be seen again. It’s like a bespoke musical and a first night every night.

That sounds so unique! So, do our audiences need to come prepared?

Absolutely not. We’re not! You can improvise too… There’s no enforced audience participation or anything like that. That being said, someone will have to say something, otherwise we’ll all just stand around waiting! You just have to come ready to enjoy a made-up musical. People who love musicals love it, and people who don’t love musicals love it – it really is something for everyone.

I am sure our audiences will be able up to offer some brilliant suggestions. Your ensemble includes not only members of different genders and identities, but also of different performance disciplines. How do you blend all those skills together whilst improvising?

Well, diversity can only make things more exciting, and give opportunities for new and more rounded stories. Same with diverse skill sets – they all work together to make a greater whole, than the sum of the parts. And we all work together and learn from each other – while also knowing that each individual brings something unique and special to the table. That’s an exciting way to work.

By Amie Barton-Young

Do you remember the first ever musical you created on stage? What was it about?

I do. It was the very first Showstopper, above a pub in North London. It was called The Shifting Sands of Time and it was about London in the second world war – I think there was a black marketeer called Archie and a woman of slightly loose morals called Misty… my memory is actually as foggy as London was in the 40s. I’m not great at remembering details! Which is probably why I love improvising so much…

What is the most bizarre musical you have created together?

There have been so many. One set in a pickle jar sticks out!

Do you have high hopes for the musical you will create here at Festival on The Close?

Oh, I hope that it will be full of joy and wonder, and will be somewhere we’ve never been before, with beautiful songs, and so much laughter. Sort of like my hopes for life!

I am sure you and the rest of the Showstoppers will not disappoint! Thank you so much for your time today. We absolutely cannot wait to host you on Monday 24 June at our Tandem Outdoor Arena!

FLAWLESS

Tuesday 25 June 8pm

Venue: Tandem Outdoor Arena

Flawless are an award-winning street dance company, led by Marlon ‘Swoosh’ Wallen, who have been wowing audiences with their inspirational performances for the last 20 years. Their sophisticated, mature execution has always enabled them to stand out from everyone else! Since starring on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009 where they became a household name, Flawless have appeared in smash hit movies Street Dance 3D 1 & 2, headlined for the Royal Family performing at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert alongside Kylie Minogue, performed for the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympics, heated things up with the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing professionals, and made history collaborating with the exceptional English National Ballet.

The Stars of Britain’s Got Talent & hit movie, Street Dance 3D, Flawless are one of the premier dance collectives in the world and will bring their incredible portfolio to this year’s Festival on The Close as part of their 20th anniversary celebration.

IHOMETOWNI GLORYI

A Tribute to Adele

Plus Student Support Act

Wednesday 26 June 8pm

Venue: Tandem Outdoor Arena

Natalie Black together with her sensational live band are the ultimate tribute to Adele, setting the tribute industry alight with her stunning replica show that she been performing around the world since 2011, from weddings to cruises, TV work and even featuring in the 2020 hit film Greed alongside Steve Coogan.

This stunning show is not to be missed for any Adele fan, Natalie’s unrivalled likeness in both vocal quality and appearance makes this a night to remember. Natalie will perform all your most loved Adele songs from her 4 album past catalogue with such hits as Set Fire to the Rain, Make you Feel my Love, Someone Like You and I Drink Wine. Natalie prides herself in her high standards seeking out the music industry’s top musicians, costume makers, musical arrangements and tour organisers to help her deliver this high quality, pitch-perfect show to you. Expect to see replica costumes, moving heartfelt storytelling and the infamous Adele cackle!

This special performance closing our Festival is sure to leave you warm inside; a not-to-be-missed night you won’t forget in a hurry!

IELSEWHEREI IATTHEFESTIVALI

Alongside the main stage programme, events take place at other stunning venues across the historic Rugby School grounds, including Macready Theatre and Temple Speech Room.

SUNDAY 23 JUNE

Square Pegs Macready Theatre Young Actors’ Ensemble presents:

3 COUPLES, 2 BREAKUPS, 1 BARBIE AND THE BERLIN WALL

by Georgina Dettmer

Seven teenagers (and a Barbie doll) invite you to a joyfully absurd play about love, love, love in all its weird and wonderful forms. In true Square Pegs style, this life-imitating-art play about growing up asks lots of questions about what it means to be human and in our own inimitable absurdist fashion, offers absolutely no answers whatsoever. Join Offienominated Macready Theatre Young Actors for 45 minutes of fastpaced, fun-filled story-telling as we share tales of breakups, heartache and what it’s like to fall in love with the Berlin Wall.

‘A short spectacular showcase’ ★★★★★ (Mumble Theatre)

‘Joyous’ ★★★★ (Broadway Baby)

Co-commisioned by Bloomsbury Festival and Macready Theatre

Sunday 23 June 6pm

Venue: Macready Theatre

Cast: Millie Astbury, Chloe Beynon, Alex Bonsall, Lucia Lee, Tilly Measures, Alex Morgan, Louisa Roberts

Director: Tim Coker

Movement Director: Ellen Finlay

Designer: Kyle Arrowsmith

Sunday 23 June 6pm

Venue: Temple Speech Room

Performers: Momoko Egashira, Miranda Robertson, Sophie Costa, Audrey Hunter,Chilam Wu,Chloe Wu, Ryan Bradshaw

Programme: Violin Concerto in Eminor, op.64, 3rd movement - Felix Mendelssohn / Ach ich fühls from Die Zauberflöte - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart / Harp Concerto in Cminor, 1st movement, Allegro risoluto - Henriette Renié / Fantasie op.79 - Gabriel Fauré / Violin Concerto no.3 in G major, K216 - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart / Nocturne in D minor op.19 no.4 - Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky / Piano Concerto no.4, op.58, 3rd movement - Ludwig van Beethoven

Conductor: Rebecca Taylor

Rugby School Music Department presents:

CONCERTO CONCERT WITH THE BLISS SINFONIA

Join Rugby School’s professional orchestra in residence, Bliss Sinfonia, as they accompany some of the school’s most outstanding student soloists who are already performing internationally. Conducted by our Deputy Director of Music, Rebecca Taylor, this year’s concert will feature movements from well-loved works such as Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, The Magic Flute, Tchaikovsky Nocturne, and Renié’s Harp Concerto. It will also include a performance by pianist Ryan Bradshaw, who recently made his debut with the Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra in their New Year Concert.

MONDAY 24 JUNEI

Rugby School Music Department presents:

CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT

In this exciting chamber concert, some of Rugby School’s most talented musicians will perform a programme to include Shostakovich’s Five Pieces for Two Violins and Piano, the first movement of Schumann’s Piano Quintet in E flat major (Op. 44) and Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Mandolins in G major (RV 532).

Monday 24 June 1:30pm

Venue: Memorial Chapel

Monday 24 June 2:30pm

Venue: Temple Speech Room

King’s International Ballet present:

WHAT’S THE POINTE OF TANGO?

A delightful feature at this year’s Festival on The Close, King’s International Ballet will open with excerpts from our enchanting production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. The audience will experience a brief and magical journey into Act 2’s Land of Sweets. This is a sneak preview of our full length production which will be performed this December, at Macready Theatre. More information on this full-scale performance can be found here.

For the second part of this performance, Strictly Ballroom meets Classical Ballet in a short original piece What’s The Pointe of Tango? Set to the distinctive music of Astor Piazolla, with a dash of humour, sensitivity, style and Argentine temperament, this ballet portrays the typical break up/make up scenario experienced by most of us.

THE BIG SING

Festival on The Close welcomes back the much-loved Big Sing for KS2. This year’s event is led by Matthew Sandy, Head of Vocal Studies at Rugby School, and joined by the members of Rugby School’s premier A cappella group, Woodhouse 9. After a fun day of singing, games, and workshops, the KS2 children will have the fantastic opportunity to end the day with a performance for parents in the iconic setting of Rugby School’s Temple Speech Room.

Woodhouse 9:

Monday 24 June 5pm Macready Theatre

Choreography: Tania Matos, Cheryl Thrush

Festival

Performers: Thatcher Lai, Isabella Kettel, Raina Du, Chilam Wu, Benedict Tanner, Chloe Wu, Sophie Costa, Tirion Gimblett, Glenny Wu, Audrey Hunter, Audrey Wang, Rebecca Taylor

Salma Ansari, Verity Brown, Oliver Fulche, Harry Gorick, Jack McCallum, Miranda Robertson, Arthur Shaw, Naomi Simon, Benedict Tanner

MONDAY 24 JUNEI

Rugby School Theatre and Performing Arts students presents:

THE LOST PRINCE by

Chris Browning

Rugby School’s Middle School production this year is The Lost Prince a new play written in honour of the Rugbeian Prince Alamayu. The Lost Prince tells Alamayu’s incredibly life story which includes his time at Rugby School. The production features Year 9 and 10 students in a creative ensemble production in the exciting open-air space of The Old Quad.

Director: David Bird

Cast: Pip Reeve, Giselle Borchardt, Clara Morgan, Penny Fawdry-Jeffries, Lottie Repp, Freddie Llyod-Baker, Arya Sharma, Tae Ballantyne, Harnek Sahota, Alex Adebonojo, Bertie Mayhew, Charlie Walton, Alfie Fowler, Ayokunle Nylander , Sammy Wakayu

Monday 24 June 5pm

Venue: Temple Speech Room

Monday 24 June 5pm

Venue: OBS (The Old Quad)

Rugby School Music Department presents:

AMERICANA

Join Rugby School’s flagship choir, The Temple Consort, as they sing an exciting programme of American choral music in the majestic surrounds of the Temple Speech Room, conducted by Michael Lukin. Featuring composers such as Caroline Shaw, Samuel Barber, and Eric Whitacre, along with poetry of Old Rugbeian Matthew Arnold, the programme will explore themes of the impending summer vacation: sunshine, sleep, and the great outdoors. The centrepiece of the programme comprises Amy Beach’s rarely performed cantata, The Canticle of the Sun, which will highlight the school’s wonderful Bryceson organ along with a quartet of fantastic sixth form student soloists.

Consort Sopranos: Amelia Tuff, Naomi Simon, Miranda Robertson, Louisa Roberts, Elsa Melia, Audrey Hunter, Evalina Hills, Tirion Gimblett, Zara Enright, Salma Ansari, Jemima Barton, Sophie Beard, Philippa Hyde, Laura Bursey Faulkner, Rosanna Wicks Altos: Sebastian Carrington, Verity Brown, Benedict Tanner, Nanako Ueda, Matthew Sandy, India Lord Tenors: Philip Curtis, Jimmy Scanlon, Alex Morgan, Thomas Liversidge, Harry Gorick, Milo Coker, Ian Wicks, Richard Tanner Basses: Taran Sohal, Arthur Shaw, Lucas Selby Jerrold, Jack McCallum, Cheuk-Hei Ma, Benedict Lenton, William Griffiths, Lev Godar, Oliver Fulcher, Toby Davies, Joshua Clarke, Andrew Davey, Jamie Conway

The Rugby School Theatre Studies and Performing Arts and Music Departments, together with Macready Theatre present:

WEST END 2 BROADWAY

Welcome to the razzmatazz of our West End to Broadway show, a showcase of wonderful musical theatre.

Each year Rugby School invites students to perform their favourite musical theatre numbers and crown the school year with a joyous showcase.

With songs this year from such notable hit musicals such as Wicked, Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen our fabulous ensemble promise fresh and exciting interpretations of some of your favourite show tunes. Accompanied by our in-house rhythm section, our talented musical theatre students will hit all the high notes with their brilliant performing. Not to be missed.

Monday 24 June 5pm

Venue: Macready Theatre

Temple

TUESDAY 25 JUNE

Rugby School Music Department presents:

Join us for a lunchtime concert in the magnificent Memorial Chapel where musicians from Rugby School will perform a selection of works, including the first movement from Arensky’s Piano Trio No.1 in D minor (Op. 32), the first movement from Dvořák’s Piano Quintet in A major (Op. 81), the first two movements of Glière’s Twelve Duos for Two Violins (Op. 49 No.1) and, in the centenary year of the composer’s death, the second movement of Stanford’s Piano Trio no. 2 in G minor. Rugby School Trumpet Ensemble, directed by Ian Foster, will also perform Within Sacred Walls, by Erik Morales. This piece was commissioned to commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the International Trumpet Guild.

Tuesday 25 June and Wednesday 26 June 1:30-2:30pm

Venue: Art and Design

Tuesday 25 June 1:30pm

Venue: Memorial Chapel

The Rugby Choristers at Bilton Grange and Canzona present: PURCELL’S

TE DEUM

The choristers are very excited to be collaborating with Canzona, one of England’s leading ensembles specialising in the performance of baroque music on period instruments under the direction of Theresa Caudle, for a wonderful concert of music by Henry Purcell at Festival on The Close. Conducted by Richard Tanner in the Temple Speech Room, the programme will include a performance of Purcell’s famous Te Deum. The concert will also feature Chaconny in G minor and well-known anthems by Purcell accompanied by period instruments including Rejoice in the Lord Alway, My Beloved Spake, O Sing Unto The Lord and Thy Word is a Lantern

ART & DESIGN EXHIBITION & FASHION SHOW

Fashion show, exhibition and self-guided gallery tour of the Design Centre showcasing the fantastic work of Rugby School students in the Art and Design departments. Work on display includes Fine Art, Graphics, Photography, Textiles and 3D Design. One of the most sought-after events in the festival, the fashion show will feature the incredible work from our Upper School students and will run live in the Lewis Gallery to end the gallery tour. Two slots available on each day: 1:30-2:00pm and 2:00-2:30pm. Each time-slot includes gallery visit and Fashion Show.

Tuesday 25 June 4:45pm

Venue: Temple Speech Room

Conductor: Richard Tanner

Performers: Raina Du, Samuel Lau, Arthur Shaw, Matt Li, Momoko Egashira, Vanessa White, Benedict Tanner, Chloe Wu, Jonathan Divall, Zara Enright, Nanako Ueda, Rebecca Taylor, William Griffiths, Grace Harwood, Alyssa Barnett, Finn Coker, Jack McCallum, Isabel O’Neill, Jimmy Scanlon, Aryan Seven, Scarlett Penman, Liam Crabb, Steve Lee

“

”

“ WORLD-FAMOUS PERCUSSIONDANCE-THEATRE SENSATION

STOMP IS AN IDEAL SHOW FOR ALL AGES

”

on The Close.

Members of the current and past company of STOMP will be performing extracts from their stunning stage show in our incredible Outdoor Performance Arena. STOMP will have been work-shopping with student stompers all day and the results of the workshops will also be presented live with student stompers performing with their mentors.

Matchboxes, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, and more fill the stage with energizing beats at STOMP: the inventive and invigorating stage show that’s dance, music, and theatrical performance blended together in one electrifying rhythm.

STOMP performers teaching and performing at Festival on The Close are: Simeon Weedall, Joe White, Rob Shaw, Rhys Stone, Jamie Welch, Andy Patrick, Emma King and Opal Edmonds, with Fraser Morrison, Paul Gunter and Adam Buckley assisting with teaching. Broadway Baby

TUESDAY 25 JUNE

ONE OF THE SUPREME SHAKESPEARE DIRECTORS OF OUR ERA ” “

Tuesday 25 June 6pm

Venue: Macready Theatre

Conversation with

Greg Doran has been described as “one of the supreme Shakespeare directors of our era” (Financial Times). He joined the Royal Shakespeare Company as an actor in 1987 and became its Artistic Director in 2012. He has directed and/or produced every single play in the First Folio of Shakespeare’s plays at Stratford-upon-Avon. He was awarded the Sam Wanamaker Prize for pioneering work in Shakespearean theatre in 2012 and won a special Olivier Award for outstanding achievement for a season of Jacobean plays in 2002. His writing credits include the book Woza Shakespeare!, coauthored with Antony Sher.

This book charts the personal and professional journey of Doran as Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company from 2012 until 2022. Each chapter looks at a different play, considering the choices made and weaving in both autobiographical detail and background on the RSC, as well as giving insights into key collaborations.

Alix Scott-Martin, Rugby School’s Head of Creative Writing, will speak to Sir Gregory Doran about his extraordinary journey through Shakespeare’s first folio in the historic Macready Theatre, named after one of the country’s greatest Shakespearean actors.

There will be a post-show book-signing at this event in the Macready Theatre foyer.

TUESDAY 25 JUNE

Tuesday 25 June 4:45pm

Venue: Macready Theatre Studio

Rugby School Theatre and Performing Arts students presents:

LEMONS LEMONS

LEMONS

LEMONS LEMONS by Sam

Steines

Rugby School Performing Arts students take to the stage with their adaptation of Sam Steiner’s 2015 play. The average person will speak 123,205,750 words in a lifetime. But what if there were a limit of 140 words per day? Oliver and Bernadette are about to find out.

Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons imagines a world where we’re forced to say less. What do we say and how do we say it? What about the things we can only hear in the silence; about dead cats, activism, eye contact and lemons, lemons, lemons, lemons, lemons.

Cast: Gabriella Hawker, Alex Morgan

Director: Alex Morgan

Tuesday 25 June 7pm

Venue: Macready Theatre

Threedumb Theatre presents:

APPLE OF MY EYE

A one-man musical: the story of the life of Apple cofounder Steve Jobs. A divisive character deemed a genius by some and hated by others. With a cultish following, in the eyes of his fans he could do no wrong whilst in private he could exhibit toxic traits. Notorious amongst colleagues for his fiery temper which would be shown to them in his pursuit of perfection. Perhaps the greatest business start-up story.

Stephen Smith, Artistic Director of Threedumb Theatre, is an actor from Watford and created Threedumb Theatre with Matthew and Duncan at LIPA in 2015. Since leaving drama school, he has undertaken the role of Artistic Director of the company after spearheading several projects. He enjoys all aspects of the theatre-making process, but especially loves creating shows that showoff his talented friends. He is keen to develop the digital theatre work Threedumb creates, as well as continuing to tour his solo shows around the world.

Written and performed by Stephen Smith

WEDNESDAY

26 JUNE

Rugby School Music Department presents:

CHAMBER OPERA CONCERT: TROUBLE IN TAHITI

by Leonard Bernstein

If you love musicals, opera or just want a short production to fit into your festival plans, this is for you! A one-act opera divided into seven parts, Trouble in Tahiti by Leonard Bernstein is widely regarded as Bernstein’s ‘darkest’ staged work, focusing on the downfall of the marriage of Sam and Dinah.

Director: India Lord

Performers: Sebastian Carrington, Louisa Roberts, Arthur Shaw

Chorus: Naomi Simon, Elsa Melia, Miranda Robertson, Oliver Fulcher, Toby Davie, Jack McCallum, Alex Morgan, Harry Gorick, Milo Coker

Wednesday 26 June 1:30pm

Venue: New Music Room

Wednesday 26 June 1:30pm, 4:45pm, 6pm, 8pm

Venue: Tandem Outdoor Arena

Rugby School Music Department presents:

ROCK & POP

This year’s student Rock & Pop events at Festival On The Close promise to be the best yet! Once again, we take to the main stage for an eclectic mix of high-quality student performances, and this year we have a number of different performances enabling us to showcase even more music; Wednesday at 1:30pm, 4:45pm and 6pm. You’ll hear pop, rock, metal, indie and funk to name but a few! There will be solo performances, accompanied by our incredible staff band, and some high energy performances by student bands. The songs are all chosen by the pupils based on their skill set and tastes in music, and they practise all year to develop their ensemble, performance and individual playing ability to make high quality, polished events. Playing on the Festival stage is the highlight of our year.

Director: Stephanie Sanders

Performers:

1:30pm: Amber Stainton, Josh Clarke, Evelina Billaud, Mohammed Al-Aidaroos, Suki Chen, Sammy Wakayu, Kit Howells, Arya Sharma, Harvey Nix, Nico Davies, Thatcher Lai, Celia Duffy, Maddie Murray, Lucia Lee, Laura Mossop, Eve Taylor, Benedict Lenton, Thomas Berryman, Momo Egashira, Eve Taylor, Tirion Gimblett, Finn Coker, Nathan-Asher Oriakh, Hugo Firmin, Robin James, Yasmin Woo, Deborah Chin, Tom Bish, Thomas Marriott-Clarke, Charlie Sheldon

4:45pm: Niyati Joshi, Josh Clarke, Aurelia McGreevy, Venus Xu, Sophie Breslin, Sophia Langley, Serena Browne, Cece Marriott-Clarke, Finn Coker, Raphael Abreu, Harry Westlake, Petter Laosirichon, Tea Habib, Robin James, Yasmin Woo, Laura Mossop, Sebastian Carrington

6pm: Louisa Roberts, Benedict Tanner, Jonathan Divall, Joshua Clarke, Amber Stainton, Evelina Billaud, Mohammed Al-Aidaroos, Suki Chen, Lucia Lee, Laura Mossop, Eve Taylor, Benedict Lenton, Milo Coker, Naomi Simon, Verity Browne, Cecily Harley, Alex Taylor, Bella Liu, Thomas Berryman, Momoko Egashira, Max Zheng, Oliver Fulcher, Benedict Tanner, Nathan-Asher Oriakhi, Sammy Wakayu, Kit Howells, Arya Sharma, Nico Davies, Thatcher Lai, Harvey Nix, Elsa Melia

8pm: Thomas Berryman, Momo Egashira, Eve Taylor, Tirion Gimblett, Max Zheng, Finn Coker, Naomi Simon, Verity Browne, Cecily Harley, Alex Taylor, Bella Liu, Miranda Robertson, Nathan-Asher Oriakhi, Hugo Firmin

Rugby School Theatre and Performing Arts students presents:

THE MOST HAPPY

Music & Libretto by Louisa Roberts

Rugby School Theatre and Performing Arts Year 12 student Louisa Roberts debuts her 30-minute musical.

We all know the story of Henry VIII and his six wives: ‘Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived’. But it’s Anne Boleyn’s story that has captured the public’s attention and fascinated us for years. It’s Anne Boleyn who has inspired countless books and films. Anne Boleyn’s story is the one we remember: The power-hungry seductress with six fingers who bewitched the helpless King. But...is this

Cast: Owen Richards, Louisa Roberts, Luke Schravesande Director: Louisa Roberts Musical Director: Milo Coker

Wednesday 26 June 4:45pm

Venue: Temple Speech Room

Wednesday 26 June 4:45pm

Venue: Macready Theatre

who she really was? Well, we don’t know. And we can never know. So, maybe there are more interpretations of Anne Boleyn’s story to consider than this popular view we have been offered. Maybe the fact that her story was written by men who despised her just might have played a part in what we have been told for 500 years.

This musical begs us to consider how easy it is for male-dominated narratives to shape our own understanding of the past. It asks us to look at history afresh. And no, this is not SIX the musical.

Rugby School Music Department presents:

GOOD HOPE SCHOOL CHINESE ORCHESTRA

Conductor: Mr Wong Chi Wah

Rugby School Orchestra players: Chilam Wu, Thatcher Lai, Jonathan Divall, Josephine Butler, Ella Chatterton, Alyssa Barnett, Samuel Lau, Oliver Fulcher, Audrey Tsang, Isabel O'Neil, Arthur Shaw, Raina Du, Momoko Egashira, Emily Minor, Chloe Wu, Zara Enright, May Wu, Cheuk-Hei Ma, Benedict Tanner, Ryan Chin, Verity Browne, Elsa Melia, Matt Li, Jack McCallum, William Shaw, Audrey Hunter, Lucas Selby-Jerrold, Rex Yip

Rugby School Theatre and Performing Arts students presents:

MONOLOGUE SLAM

Presented by Rugby School Theatre and Performing Arts students, the Monologue Slam was a thrilling event last year and this year promises to be no less of a classic showcase of startling talent and skill. Over 70 Rugby School students have had LAMDA exams this year and the Monologue Slam gives audiences the opportunity to see some of the best monologues performed.

Festival on the Close is delighted to welcome the Good Hope School Chinese Orchestra who will collaborate with the Rugby Youth Orchestra for an orchestral piece written for Chinese and western instruments.

Founded in 2013, the Good Hope School Chinese Orchestra is one of the most complete Chinese orchestras within the Hong Kong school community. The Orchestra has 50 members, composed of students aged from 12 to 17, and is led by renowned conductor Mr. Wong Chi-wah. In just a few years’ time, the orchestra has built up its reputation among secondary schools in Hong Kong and received favourable comments at various music festivals. The orchestra was also the first Chinese orchestra that had the honour to perform in the Vienna International Centre of the United Nations.

Taking up the call to be music ambassadors, the orchestra also travels abroad on a regular basis and conducts music exchanges with musicians from all over the world.

Wednesday 26 June 6pm

Venue: Macready Theatre

WHAT’S ON at the Macready Theatre

THEATRE - DANCE - COMEDY -

MUSIC - SPOKEN

WORD

July

Tuesday 2 BYOB Comedy

Friday 5 Pizza and Jazz

Friday 19 Gin and Jive

Saturday 20 Manford’s Comedy Club

Friday 26 Once Upon a Fairytale

Friday 26 Confessions of a Teletubby

Friday 26 Robin Boot: Master of Punnets

Saturday 27 Rebels & Patriots

Sunday 28 Montage of Monet

Monday 29 The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde

Tuesday 30 3 Couples, 2 Breakups, 1 Barbie and The Berlin Wall

August

Friday 16 Sip & Paint

Friday 30 Along Came a Magpie

September

Friday 20 Pizza and Jazz

Saturday 21 Manford’s Comedy Club

October

Tuesday 8 Scholars’ Showcase

Monday 14 Burning Down the Horse

Tuesday 15 Burning Down the Horse

Saturday 19 Sip & Paint

Sunday 20 Concered Others

Monday 21 Concered Others

Monday 28 Shock Horror: A Ghost Story

Tuesday 29 Shock Horror: A Ghost Story

November

Friday 1 Gin and Jive

Saturday 2 Jungle Book & The Lost Forest

Thursday 7 LAMDA Showcase

Tuesday 19 Scholars’ Play

Wednesday 20 Scholars’ Play

Saturday 23 Manford’s Comedy Club

December

Friday 6 The Nutcracker

Saturday 7 The Nutcracker

Sunday 8 The Nutcracker

Friday 13 Sip & Paint

Friday 20 Pizza and Jazz

Sunday 15 December 2024 –

Sunday 5 January 2025 Three Little Pigs

RUGBY ESTATE

In 1567, a Tudor merchant, benefactor, and grocer to Queen Elizabeth I, Lawrence Sheriff, stipulated in his will that a sum of money was to be used “to serve chiefly for the children of Rugby and Brownsover”. The amount of money was greatly reduced and as a counter he bequest his eight-acre pasture in Conduit Close. Once a field sitting half a mile outside of the London city walls in Middlesex, it was not allowed to be built on. Over time, as rules changed, Trustees of Rugby School received permission to construct and thus the residential development of the site began, as the city spread north and west to reach it. Over 450 years later, Rugby Estate is a rarity, snuggly nestled in the concrete metropolis of London.

This special collection of Georgian buildings, has been cherished, nurtured and loved by many but no more than it is today. With its comfortable feel and village-like atmosphere where people reside, work and socialise, the clear vision of the school and Rugby Estate Committee is safeguarded in

the work that Tandem Property Management LLP accomplish. Their team of leading specialists deliver the highest quality of independent property asset management services; attracting a compatible mix of tenants, upholding an attractive location to visitors and achieving an appropriate market return, all whilst retaining the charm and appeal of this special setting. The work that they do to support the estate makes a huge contribution to the charitable ethos of Rugby School, that began with Lawrence Sheriff all those years ago. The income from the School’s founder’s shrewd investment in this individual part of central London funds bursaries and scholarships that, over the years, have allowed many hundreds of children to attend the school who might otherwise not have been able to. In some cases, 100% of their fees have been waived. Today, some 30% of students at the School benefit from this, and they are enormously grateful to our tenants for helping to give them this opportunity of a Rugby School education. This was the ethos on which the School was found in 1567.

Buried in the hustle and bustle of city living, stands a picturesque avenue of independent shops, eateries and pubs. Lamb’s Conduit Street forms a central section of the Rugby Estate.

“The experiences which have been provided to me as a Performing Arts Scholar have completely shaped me as a performer, a creative, a person, and has allowed my passions to grow. If it were not for my scholarship, I would never have had the same chances I am lucky enough to have here at Rugby School. These opportunities include workshops with industry professionals, performing for casting agents, creating and performing new work at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and taking part in incredible School productions. My scholarship is truly invaluable.”

Louisa Roberts, current Rugby School Scholar.

“Lamb’s Conduit Street is a funny little pocket of central London. Everything you need is here. I can go a whole week without needing to leave the street. It is very old school London.”

The Perserverance Pub.

“There is a nice sense of community within the traders.”

Tandem Property Management LLP

Find out more about Lamb’s Conduit Street here

Workshops

Shock Horror workshops with Thunder Road Theatre Company

Uncover the devices and techniques used to create suspense and tension within horror storytelling for stage and screen, led my multi-award-winning horror makers Thunder Road Theatre Company

Transparent Wall Hangings

Join professional artist Jessica Hartshorn in the creation of largescale, collaborative artwork. Drawing inspiration from nature, participants will work together to develop a design and patterns with acrylic posca pens with the finished product resulting in an impressive, large-scale piece.

Printing

Get creative with professional artist Jessica Hartshorn and learn a new skill with workshop exploring printmaking. Learn how to create a range of prints, from block, mono to collagraph. The workshop will focus on line, markmaking and pattern. Using printing ink and tissue paper you can create images inspired by your topic of choice. Let your creativity run free!

Steel Band and Other World Music With Fareed Siddiqui

Learn to play musical percussive instruments from Africa, Brazil and the

Caribbean. Learn how the differing art forms originated and the cultural and historical significance of each genre. To conclude with a piece of music performed by you, the participants!

Dance with Flawless!

Take part in this exciting opportunity to groove with the award-winning street dance company Flawless ahead of their headline performance in our Festival on the Close Tandem Arena! This workshop is designed to give all levels an opportunity to learn various Foundation styles such as HIP HOP, HOUSE, POPPIN, LOCKIN & KRUMP from our special guests.

Music Production

Join Amber Music Group in a fun and unique music production workshop. Learn to create your own music by experimenting with drum machines, keyboards, samples and editing software. You can also explore song writing, with tips from artist Nicole Justice. Once you’ve created your masterpiece, you’ll also be given the opportunity to record your vocals!

Highly Sprung - Theatre that Moves

Join award winning Highly Sprung Performance to explore movement in this fun physical theatre skills session with lifts, movement, and creative tasks. This workshop will experiment contact work, ensemble work devising choreography and storytelling. Suitable for all abilities!

Chemistry Show & Sci-Fi Film

Join us for this fascinating double bill exploration into the world of science –witness a fascinating and fun chemistry show featuring all sorts of chemical concoctions, and then ponder the role of science fiction in pop culture in a review of Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey with Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar.

Why Shrek is the Greatest Film Ever

Join a diverting discussion of one of pop culture’s most peculiar phenomena, Shrek! Good, Bad, or Ugly… you decide!

Parkour!

Always wanted to try parkour? Join this creative workshop using set and movement inspired by free running with Ascension Dance. Led by Qualified Parkour coaches using the Ascension bespoke set, participants will experience the joy of movement in these short, high-energy sessions.

Bake-Off Rugby Real BreadCupcake Decoration Competition!

Join this Bake-off inspired workshop series where each participant is provided with a cupcake, icing, and sprinkles. After an expert demonstration and planning stage, it’s time for them to work their magic! Two winners from each session will receive a bespoke prize, everyone gets to take their cupcake away.

Bake-Off Rugby Real Bread Hosts - Biscuit-Making Showdown!

Edible art in monochrome! Each student is provided with two portions of biscuit dough - one light & one dark. What can they create? Two winners per session and a delicious biscuit guaranteed.

Parkour!

Magic Workshop with Angus Baskerville

Learn magic with a professional magician and mind reader featured recently on ITV News & Autism’s Got Talent! In this workshop, Angus will share his secrets and teach magic tricks that will captivate your friends and family; come and learn magic and it may just change your life in ways you would not have imagined!

Neurodiverse or Naughty? The Magic of Angus Baskerville Mind-reading and unbelievable trickery abound in this performance which explores how autism and magic make anything possible, with rising star Angus Baskerville, Magic Circle Magician. Come along and enjoy an uplifting, magical adventure of triumph over adversity - this show is an inspirational must-see for magic aficionados and neurodiverse/typical audiences alike. Angus brings the superpowers of neurodiversity to life, whilst not shying away from sharing its challenges.

Cryptic Crosswords

Put your logic and analytical skills to the test to crack codes and create cryptic clues in this fun workshop that explores what goes into the creation of puzzles and crosswords!

Vamos Theatre Presents Mask Performing Workshop

This engaging and fast-paced full mask workshop provides an introduction into mask theatre by the UK’s leading full mask Theatre Company, showing how to create characters, develop clarity in communication and devise original mask work.

Exploring the Social Media Landscape with Sam Williams! Join Social Media Sensation Sam Williams to explore all things social media, comedy and digital content as he provides an insight on how to be creative and make your mark online.

Frankenstein Physics - the reckless pursuit of scientific discovery can lead to chaos, tragedy, and despair. A talk by Nick Fisher

This workshop begins with a talk and finishes with a workshop on writing science fiction.

Arabic Calligraphy

Delve into the amazing art of Arabic Calligraphy! Enjoy using Bamboo pens and hand-mixed inks to feel how traditional Arabic Nastaliq Calligraphy was written, and also find out a bit more of the fascinating history of Arabic Calligraphy!

One Man Band Music Workshop –Tom Kirkpatrick!

Put your music skills to the test with this fun musical workshop with the One-Man Band, Tom Kirkpatrick!

Health & Well-Being – Strategies for Managing Stress and Anxiety

We can all get a little stressed during exam season, so come and experience a little tranquility in this workshop, designed to provide practical guidance for students to manage stress, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed. You will learn about guided breathwork and EFT tapping, techniques you can take away and put into practice to restore calm and balance.

Rock Up! Drumming Tips and Tricks

Experience world class drumming in this workshop. Each participant will sit at their own practice pad in which to play alongside the creative director of Palace Drum Clinic, Matt Green. Improve technique, practice methods, learn tricks of the trade, ending in a Q & A session.

Aerial and Hula

Learn circus skills by flying high with aerial silks and hula hoops in this exhilarating and accessible workshop with Circus Select.

Character design and world-building

This drawing workshop will explore what it takes to build a world and populate it with your own cast of characters. Map out this world in this fun fantasy workshop!

Architecture - Bridges, Maths & Design

Brush up on your architecture skills by learning about beam, cantilever and suspension bridge types by building your own structures! Teamwork, resilience and imagination are all engaged in this popular workshop.

Bhangra Dance

High energy and high fun, our Bhangra classes combine the strong, festive moves of this traditional North Indian Folk style with an up-to-date edge.

African Drumming

Experience the exhilarating vibrations of African drums. The sizzling beats combine with the essential components of stamp, sliding dance footsteps of movement. Learn the history of these sounds and how they were used as warning sirens, songs and stories to bring alive their history in village life and traditional ceremonies within the community.

Rock Up! Drumming Tips and Tricks

Beatboxing

Learn the artform of beatboxing with expert artists who will coach you to explore this fun and fascinating skill to explore percussion. This beatboxing workshop explores rhythm, introducing participants to new ways of making sounds and music, individually and in teams.

Rapping

Ever fancied yourself an MC? Try your hand at spitting some bars in this fun workshop exploring rap, rhythm and freestyle. Using poetry, spoken word, word association, rhyming and rapping, this workshop covers any topic you want to bring to the mic, from bullying to personal identity issues.

Graffiti

Are you the next Banksy? Get involved in this creative workshop that explores Graffiti Art techniques in a hands-on, inclusive session.

Microbial Art Workshop

Have you ever seen art created in a petri dish using living, growing microorganisms? That’s agar art! Creators use either naturally colorful microbes, like the red bacteria Serratia marcescens, or genetically modified microbes to create weird and wonderful petri dish paintings!

Paint and Glaze – Mug Workshop!

Design your own and glaze your own mug in this fun ceramics workshop which covers the basics of pottery design. You get to keep your own mug at the end!

Circus Skills with Motionhouse

Learn some acrobatic partner-work with awardwinning dance circus company Motionhouse in this fun, physical session. Participants will explore group work, choreography and physical skills in this collaborative and creative workshop.

Chinese Arts

Experience a panoply of Chinese Arts in this workshop which explores games, dancing and puppetry with a 34ft Chinese dragon! Learn how to use the dragon puppet and try dance routines inspired by Kung Fu and traditional styles.

Bollywood Dancing

Fuse your love for movement and drama whilst learning about the basics of Bollywood Dancing. Get ready for dramatic facial expressions and cinematic pizazz as you learn traditional movements originating from India’s numerous dance forms.

Roller skiing

Grab a pair of roller skates for this off-snow skiing experience around The Close. It’s cross-country skiing –without the snow!

VR Headsets: F1 Racing Experience with Matrix Virtual Reality

Experience what racing a real life F1 car on real life tracks such as Silverstone GP and Monza feels like in this cutting-edge VR experience workshop.

Maypole and Morris Dancing

Maypole, Morris Dancing, and games. Learn intricate moves and dancing with our full-sized maypole. Learning folkloric English Morris dancing with the use of bells, sticks and scarfs for the ultimate traditional experience.

Space Hopper Football

You read that right! This riotous workshop will test your coordination and teamwork skills. Come along and get hopping mad!

STOMP with the cast of STOMP

The cast of the international hit show STOMP are here! And they will be working with 100 young stompers for the day culminating in a unique performance on our main stage where you get to STOMP with STOMP!

Poetry with Anthony Anaxagorou

Join celebrated poet Anthony Anaxagorou in a workshop to develop your voice as a writer and poet

Ukulele!

Our very own guitar legend Mr Geoff Tooley gets you all rocking out strumming the latest hits on ukuleles (ukuleles provided, but feel free to bring your own!)

Shout Out for The Arts

An intriguing workshop from Warwickshire Cultural Education Partnership’s Arts Coordinator

Shakespeare Workshop

Discover how playful Shakespeare can be! We’ll activate some of the funniest characters and most compelling scenes from the canon and push the limits of what this 400+ year-old text can do.

Shock Horror workshops with Thunder Road Theatre Company

Mask Workshop

Proudly funded by our generous partners CEMEX, our new STEAM Fest enterprise will provide local primary school children with a carousel of STEM and art-based activities. Most noteworthy is an immersive 360-degree digital dome, where students will experience planetariums shaped around the current national curriculum, covering more than 10 subjects. Other irresistible activities exclusively featuring in this aspect of the workshop programme includes specially designed STEM-based board games and virtual reality headsets.

Brought to you in partnership with

Q&A WITH BRAND CREATOR, ZOE

By Amie Barton-Young

Hi Zoe, firstly, thank you again for your generous offer of 500 bracelets to be gifted to our audiences at this year’s Festival on The Close. I think we would all love to know more about the story behind your brand, Zoe Sevak. What inspired you to form a fashion brand?

You are most welcome, and I indeed feel honoured to support such a cause via Rugby School and more specifically through the Festival on The Close. Undoubtedly, even though I am a lawyer with an MBA in Organisational Development and with many years of banking and commercial experience, I always had an interest in fashion, beauty and art. Art in any form. So, while I was in Kenya, I realised there is a plethora of talent and craftsmanship amongst the local people and I saw the opportunity to start and develop a fashion brand with clothes and accessories, combining the African zest with a European touch.

These bracelets have a wonderful message behind them. Could you share a little more about them specifically and the message they carry?

The specific handmade bracelets are made from “Kitenge”, a Kenyan, colourful (pink, for the occasion) cotton fabric, locally and ethically sourced. The knot represents the unbreakable bonds that are created amongst people to support and help each other.

It is worth mentioning that they were also part of a fund-raising event that took place in Thessaloniki, Greece, organised by AELIA, an NGO that was targeting to support women who could not afford breast cancer treatment and to simultaneously raise Breast Cancer awareness.

Currently, a percentage of the sales is providing indirect aid to Kenyan women that cannot afford relevant treatment.

Tell us more about these talented Kenyan ladies who craft these bracelets by hand.

As mentioned above, Kenyans and more so, Kenyan women, are extremely talented. ZOE SEVAK is supporting mainly underprivileged women to help them primarily cover their basic needs and improve their lifestyle and overall contributing to a sustainable future of the local economy and society.

If our audience members would like to support your brand further, where can they do this?

You could find us and contact us online using the following links:

IG: @ZOESEVAK

The “Festival on The Close” handmade bracelets represent the bond amongst people, through the knot and the pink colours, while creating Breast Cancer awareness and providing indirect aid to women that cannot afford relevant treatment.

ZOE SEVAK was established in October 2017 as a brand that would take women’s fashion in a refreshing new direction. The emphasis on design, with thoughtful construction and details, provides comfort while maintaining performance through everyday’s life.

Simple, easy shapes, with attention to detail and texture, provide a sophisticated style of dressing that is both versatile and unique.

ZOE SEVAK SUSTAINABLE FASHION

Our designs highlight natural beauty with simple, elegant lines and bright, African inspired colours.

EXPLORE RUGBY SCHOOL

Steeped in fascinating history and positively crammed with old world charm, a tour of Rugby School and its museum is not to be missed.

Top of many international visitors’ ‘must–see’ venues in the UK, the impressive school buildings and hallowed rugby ground alone never fail to impress.

Contact us to book: 01788 556169

MACREADY ARMOURY

OBS

CHAPEL

MACREADY THEATRE

TEMPLE SPEECH ROOM

NMR

STANLEY HOUSE GARDENS

TANDEM OUTDOOR ARENA AND FESTIVAL VILLAGE

MEMORIAL CHAPEL

ART & DESIGN

FLT

COLLINGWOOD CENTRE

FESTIVAL CREDITS

Festival Directors: Tim Coker and Richard Tanner

Festival Manager: Amie Barton-Young

Events Manager: Vicky Henderson

Head of Production: Mark Watts

Workshop Coordinator: Ellen Finlay

Festival Steering Committee: Tim Coker, Richard Tanner, Amie Barton-Young, Andrew Davey, lan Foster, Lee Shepherd, and Ellen Finlay

Outreach Coordinator: Jeremy Brown

With thanks to: Kyle Arrowsmith, Rugby School Staff, Juice Sound Limited, Tandem, Rugby Estate, Chartwells, Cleaning Teams, Security, Rugby School Estates and Ground Team, Rugby First, Rugby Town Council, Immersive Experiences, Chris Browning, Sammy Farmer, Andy Chessell, Felicity Passmore, Nora Johnson, Stephanie Sanders, John Good Print, Stefan Musgrove, Alice Maxim, Cameron Ward, Joel Hassall, Molly Sewell, Sarah Heales, Jennie Fitzstanley, Georgia Heales, Faye Young, Kate Smith, Rugby School Levée, CEMEX, Sam Aires, Joanne Mouran, Rebecca Taylor, India Lord, Michael Lukin, Matthew Sandy, James Williams, staff from local education settings.