WOW 1
PROMOTING AND CENTRALISING LOCAL ART // ACTIVITY WORKSHOPS // EXHIBITIONS // ALTERNATIVE EVENING ENTERTAINMENT
steppingstonestudios.com
10AM - 3PM CAFE - GALLERY - ART 6PM - LATE BAR - MUSIC - EVENTS
2 MUSEUM AVENUE WEEK STREET, MAIDSTONE, KENT ME14 1QX
The Creative heart of Medway for over 10 years. Shops • Studios • Workshops Conference Room • Cafe Nucleus 272 High St Chatham ME4 4BP 01634 812108
nucleusarts.com
75 High St Rochester ME1 1LX 01634 780932
Gabriels Hill Maidstone ME15 6JR 01622 690337
original@nucleusarts.co.uk
WELCOME TO WOW Your guide to the best of What’s On Where The big news in my tiny office (okay, spare room) this month is that WOW is launching a Subscription Scheme! Now, you need never miss a print copy of the magazine again; you’ll receive lovely benefits and you can feel saintly knowing you’ve helped WOW to grow. Please join if you can – see the back page. It may not be Spring yet, but goodness new things are happening all over Medway and Maidstone, and there’s never been an easier time to own art or join in, with the local Affordable Art Schemes we’ve uncovered for you, ably reviewed for you by Sam Froudist. Also this month you’ll find two previews of the musical goodies to come over one glorious weekend early in May, with Sweeps in Medway and the Maidstone Fringe in its third, impressive year; and have we ever had a more beautiful subject for ‘The Artist’s Space’? Turn to the inside back cover to decide. It’s been a long time coming (sorry: sheer pressure of being a one-woman band!) but WOW’s first newsletter will be winging its way to readers who have signed up to receive it this month. Meanwhile, for the first time, 6000 print copies of WOW are reaching the streets – an increased circulation of 1000. Hoorah! Emma Dewhurst editor@wowkent.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPH OF THE EDITOR BY RIKARD ÖSTERLUND
PLEASE MENTION WOW! WOW needs your help to survive: if you love the magazine please become an ambassador for it and mention it at every turn, especially if you use any of its advertised services. WOW depends entirely on its supportive advertisers.
COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY PHIL DILLON OF DIDI BERGMAN, WHO IS PLAYING AT THIS YEAR’S SWEEPS FESTIVAL
Photograph by Michele Roselli-Cecconi, whose work can be seen in the ‘Distant Gaze’ exhibition by Final year UCA photography students at Stepping Stone Studios, Maidstone 2 April to 1 May
CONTRIBUTORS Clive Austen is a live and recording engineer, musician and gig promoter. He has been heavily involved in the promotion of original and new music in the Maidstone and Medway areas for over 10 years under the Make Some Noise banner. Phil Dillon is a former Medway musician turned photographer who is best known for his work with bands such as Groovy Uncle, Theatre Royal, Wheels, The Lovedays and Stuart Turner and the Flat Earth Society. He is also the principal protagonist in Medway Eyes, an independent, not for profit, creative collective and has recently taken on the role of producer for Fizzer’s Radio Show. Sam Froudist is a writer and bunting enthusiast. She co-runs bunted!, a bespoke bunting business, and is a card carrying member of the Rochester Vintage Society. You can find her blogging over at hellosamgoodbyesamantha.com. Nick Walker (Film) is a film festivals programmer and film writer. Nick is the director of the Rochester Film Society, which currently includes screening and discussion events at the Odeon Chatham and at Central Theatre, Chatham. Nick has worked for The Guardian and the London Film Festival and currently he is Festivals Director at Film Education and Director of National Schools Film Week. For more information on the Rochester Film Society please visit www.facebook.com/ rochesterfilmsociety.
DOCKYARD Find us on Facebook facebook.com/WOWMedway
@EmmaDewhurst7
SEASONALLY EFFECTED A new Medway cultural open mic, mixing music, poetry, art, comedy, writing, history, film, and other forms of cultural exploration.
coFWD is… a self-managed, independent community united by one purpose – getting stuff done. Venture through the doors of our old bank building at the end of Rochester High Street and you’ll find an eclectic mix of individuals from all sorts of backgrounds and disciplines. Together we’re building a community where people are encouraged to share and develop ideas, roll up their sleeves and get plans and projects off the ground. Interested? coFWD.org
I
A BRAND NEW
Contributors will respond to the time of year, whether telling a story about the season, discussing a piece of art or singing about current affairs. 10 min spots can be booked by emailing: seasonallyeffected@gmail.com The next events will be at the Dot Cafe in Rochester and are planned for: Wed 24 April 6.30-9pm Wed 29 May 6.30-9pm seasonallyeffected.wordpress.com
THE ENGLISH FESTIVAL
SUBSCRIPTION SCHEME WITH BENEFITS!
WOW’s subscription scheme has launched! WOW with benefits, what could be better? See the back page
Saturday 20 April, 11am to 5pm Riverside Country Park, Gillingham Popular all-day festival with countless activities: l Have-a-go falconry l laser clay pigeon shooting l country stalls l dog agility l craft demonstrations Plus an English Festival Beach and The Village Square... And it’s all FREE!
ANNOUNCING…. THE BEST OF… ART COMPETITION Artists from 11 to 110 are to be invited to enter a new art competition being launched by a happy partnership of WOW magazine, Rochester Independent College and the University of Kent School of Art’s Art Society next month.
Children and adults alike will be able to enter the competition, which will be themed and open to interpretation in any medium, with a host of fantastic prizes. The best entries will be exhibited in a public exhibition at the end of the year.
PLANT SWAP & GIVEAWAY Award-winning Medway-based community project Full Frontal Gardens, which work with residents on the greening up of our streets, is hosting this event on The Vines, Rochester (Crow Lane entrance) on Sunday 14 April, 2-4pm. Bring your divided garden plants, excess seedlings, cuttings, bulbs etc to help new and aspiring Full Frontal groups. fullfrontal.org.uk
LAUNCHING SOON: MAIDSTONE ART WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS! Stepping Stone Studios launches a new programme of workshops this Spring for children and adults. The workshops will be led by professional artists who have many years’ experience in their field. MUMS & TODDLERS: MUSICAL MONDAY MORNINGS Every Monday, 10-12 noon. £5 per class, includes refreshments Tutor: Rea Qunta AGES 6-12 years (5 if parent can assist) KITES, BOATS & BASKETS Model making 2,3,4 April 10am-2pm (3 day Easter club) £65 per child (full course) includes lunch Tutor: Theresa Paton AGES 9-17 years YOUNG PERSON’S CLAY SCULPTURE 1 + 5 April and 8 + 12 April (2 day course separated across week) 10am-2pm £65 per course Tutor: Joanne Weaver The workshops may be paid for via the unique Affordable Art Scheme run by the Studios (see article) and will be celebrated with a mini-exhibition of the work produced in the gallery. For more details, and to see what adult workshops are on offer, go to steppingstonestudios.co.uk
SOLDERING, ANYONE? Creatabot have organised a one day workshop of BASIC SOLDERING TECHNIQUES on Friday 26 April at 161 High Street, Rochester 10am-3.30pm. The course is for anyone from artists to geeks and costs just £5. To book a space email natasha@ creatabot.co.uk or call Natasha on 07541 072603
Are you a self-directed, proactive person? Need help to make your ideas flourish? Do you work from home and occasionally want company? Want to contribute to and be part of a wider community? There’s an infectious energy that comes from being around people doing cool things. coFWD.org
LOVELY STUDENT FILM DEAL Rochester Film Society have introduced a great new scheme for students attending their weekly Thursday evening screenings at the Chatham Odeon. Students presenting a current student card receive a special 2 for 1 ticket offer on the student price; therefore making the bargain price of £3.25 per person.
RECOLLECT MUSIC FAIRS
All types of records, CDs, DVDs, memorabilia & bargains RAINHAM MARK SOCIAL CLUB Sun 21 April 19 May: 9.30am-3.30pm. Refreshments, free parking. Admission £1 ROCHESTER PRINCES HALL, High Street, Rochester Sun 28 April. No fair in June. 10am-4pm. Free admission
WEDDINGS
l
PORTRAITS
l
LIFESTYLES
sara norling PHOTOGRAPHER
10% off all bookings in March & April for WOW readers www.saranorling.com mail@saranorling.com 07878 841898
Rochester’s friendly Designer Florist Same Day Delivery Funerals & Weddings Unique plants and gifts Online shop at sweetpeaandolive.co.uk
renew and restore stained glass design and restoration based in rochester: design - creation - repair restoration - installation steve harries - 0779 608 0338 steve.harries@blueyonder.co.uk
L O VO EW N A R T ! ART?
SAM FROUDIST GIVES THE LOWDOWN ON THREE LOCAL AFFORDABLE ART SCHEMES
Ever walked into a gallery, seen something you love and couldn’t possibly live without? I often find myself in this situation, and my reaction is unfailingly “LOVE. Want. Must be mine. ONE THOUSAND POUNDS? Damn and blast, well that’s just not going to happen”, before I run out of the gallery, weeping, hoping nobody has recognised me for the fraud that I am. Luckily for you, dear readers, there are a number of fantastic local schemes designed specifically to avoid this dilemma and help you on your way to cultured paradise: David Faltrego, Nucleus Arts
FRANCIS ILES GALLERY, ROCHESTER operates the Arts Council ‘Own Art’ scheme, a national programme providing interest free loans to pay for contemporary art and craft ranging in price from £100 - £2,000. Nettie Iles, a proprietor of the gallery, says “It’s genuinely brilliant. We have been operating the interest-free scheme for about 6 years now and many of our customers use it to buy art on a regular basis – everybody from pensioners to investment bankers! Apart from helping our customers, it also helps our artists”. High: Application is done online, taking only 15 minutes, the first payment is taken 6-7 weeks later with 10 equal payments over 10 months. Low: It’s a grown up credit agreement, so those of us with slightly less squeaky clean credit ratings may not be eligible: you must be over 18 and in employment/self-employment over 16 hours per week. Own Art Scheme at Francis Iles: Rochester ownart.org.uk/francis-ilesgallery or francis-iles.com
NUCLEUS ARTS VENUES IN CHATHAM, Rochester and Maidstone offer an in-house Affordable Art Scheme. Requiring a 20% deposit, the balance is then spread over four equal payments.
MAIDSTONE’S STEPPING STONE STUDIOS operate an Affordable Art Scheme with a difference: you can use the Scheme to pay for their new programme of workshops for children and adults.
The Scheme is available across all Nucleus premises, and you can make cash payments in any of the stores. It’s available for works of both traditional art and contemporary craft.
Emma Whittall, one of the Studios’ founders, says “We aim to break down some of the usual barriers to accessing the arts…”. The Scheme also applies to works exhibited at the Studios. Options include a ‘half now, half later’ scheme, a ‘brother and sister’ discount if more than one child attends and a straightforward instalment plan.
High: The opportunity to purchase from a huge range of art and craftworks by local artists: chances are you know some of them! Application is made via a simple form, available on request instore. The Scheme is easy to set up and no credit check is required.
High: You can incorporate two plans, for example the brother and sister discount alongside the instalment plan.
Low: Nucleus Arts keeps hold of the artwork until the balance is paid off, so you forfeit that delicious impulsebuying high.
Low: Hard to pinpoint a low on what is an excellent idea. There aren’t many schemes like this one which cover arts activities, too.
Nucleus Arts: Chatham, Rochester & Maidstone nucleus-arts.com
Stepping Stone Studios: Maidstone steppingstonestudios.co.uk/workshops
FILM PROBABLY THE LOCAL MOVIE WORLD’S BEST KEPT SECRET… Cineworld, Rochester have regular screenings of some of the best opera and theatre performances around, LIVE. The shows screen via a live feed and include interviews with the principals, behind the scenes shots and explanations. Brilliant!
ROCHESTER FILM SOCIETY
Chatham Odeon Cinema, Maritime ME4 4LL 0871 2244 007
The Rochester Film Society’s screenings occur every Thursday at 7.45pm. There is always an introduction to the screening followed by a post film discussion over a glass of wine. £8.60/£6.50. More information at facebook. com/rochesterfilmsociety
NABUCCO (12A) Mon 29 Apr 7.15pm Placido Domingo in a new production of Verdi’s classic work from the Royal Opera House. 170 mins GIULIO CESARE Sat 27 Apr 5pm. Handel’s baroque masterpiece screened live from New York’s Met. Stylish, sexy production whose influences include the British Raj and Bollywood! Note length: 271 mins cineworld.co.uk CENTRAL THEATRE ‘AFTERNOON TREAT’
170 High Street, Chatham ME4 4AS 01634 338338
BRIEF ENCOUNTER (PG) 1945 Tue 17 Apr 2.30pm Dir: David Lean Cast: Celia Johnson, Trevor Howard Matinee screening . £4 (includes hot drink and teacake). 86 mins medwayticketslive.co.uk MAIDSTONE FILM SOCIETY
Hazlitt Theatre, Earl Street, Maidstone ME14 1PL 01622 753922
A diverse range of world cinema. Licensed bar. Fixed rate parking in Fremlin Walk after 7pm. Yearly subscription rates: Adult £24; Couples £42; Senior/Student £19; Guest per film £3.50. ‘A CLASSIC’ to be decided by popular vote, preceded by MFS AGM. Mon 15 Apr 8pm This will be the last film in the Season. maidstone-film-society.org.uk
QUARTET (12A) 2012 Mon 4 Apr 7.45pm Dir: Dustin Hoffman Cast: Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Billy Connolly, Pauline Collins Well-received British comedy drama based on the play by Ronald Harwood. A ‘bittersweet tale of ageing opera singers forced to face their mortality’ (The Observer) with a stellar cast. 98 mins
Chastain, Joel Edgerton, Chris Pratt Story of the manhunt to find Osama bin Laden through the eyes of Maya, a CIA operative. 157 mins SCREEN CLASSICS
Central Theatre, 170 High Street, Chatham ME4 4AS 01634 338301
A monthly, big-screen celebration of cinema classics. Introduction and post-film discussion over a complimentary drink hosted by programmer Nick Walker. £7, concs £5, includes free drink. BRIEF ENCOUNTER (PG) 1945 Mon 15 Apr, 7.30pm Dir: David Lean Cast: Celia Johnson, Trevor Howard Glorious stiff-upper lip romanace. See Nick Walker’s article. 86 mins medwayticketslive.co.uk STEPPING STONE STUDIOS 2 Museum Avenue, Maidstone ME14 1QX
TUESDAY CINEMA CLUB Showing a selection of handpicked films from around the world. Every Tuesday from 7pm. See Facebook page for programme. FREE
SELECTED APRIL RELEASES:
DJANGO UNCHAINED (18) 2012 Thu 11 Apr 7.45pm Dir: Quentin Tarantino Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, Samuel L Jackson & Christoph Waltz Acclaimed latest from Tarantino. A freed slave (Foxx) sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner. 165 mins
IN THE HOUSE (15) Classy French drama with Kristin Scott Thomas Rel 29 Mar THE ODD LIFE OF TIMOTHY GREEN (U) Boy born to childless couple is not all he seems… Rel 5 Apr SNITCH (12A) American crime drama. Rel 5 Apr
HITCHCOCK (12A) 2012 Thu 18 Apr 7.45pm Dir: Sacha Gervasi Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson Set during the filming of ‘Psycho’ in 1959, the movie concentrates on the relationship between Hitch and his wife Alma. 98 mins
Showing at the following: ODEON CHATHAM 0871 224 4007. odeon.co.uk ODEON MAIDSTONE 0871 22 44 007. odeon.co.uk ROCHESTER CINEWORLD 0871 200 2000. cineworld.co.uk THE ROYAL CINEMA Box Office: 01795 591211 royalcinema.co.uk SHOWCASE BLUEWATER 0871 220 1000 showcasecinemas.co.uk/bluewater
ZERO DARK THIRTY (15) 2012 Thu 25 Apr 7.45pm Dir: Kathryn Bigelow Cast: Jessica
NICK WALKER PREVIEWS ONE OF THE BEST-KNOWN BRITISH FILMS OF ALL TIME, THIS MONTH’S SCREEN CLASSICS’ CHOICE
BRIEF ENCOUNTER Perhaps as tense as a Hitchcock thriller or as disturbing as a Hawks melodrama, ‘Brief Encounter’ could also feel like a classic Noir movie, but this film is quite unique, as it sympathetically represents a romantic England of yesteryear – all stiff upper lips and taut manners. For my money, however, this has a universal appeal to anyone who loves cinema. Lean has true auteur status as a filmmaker. He began life as an editor and was responsible not only for two terrific Dickens’ adaptations in ‘Oliver Twist’ and ‘Great Expectations’, but also some of the most moving and affecting British films of all time, such as ‘Bridge on the River Kwai’ and ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, both winning him Academy Awards. Critics’ thoughts didn’t exactly cause Lean to lose much sleep, however, as he famously remarked: “I wouldn’t take the advice of a lot of so-called critics on how to shoot a close-up of a teapot”!
The film itself was based on Noël Coward’s 1936 one-act play, ‘Still Life’, with Lean giving it a more optimistic and warmer feel. The principal two lovers, played by Celia Johnson (‘This Happy Breed’) and Trevor Howard (‘The Third Man’), were synonymous with housewife and dry but capable types respectively and therefore perfectly cast as the doomed lovers. The undercurrent of morality in post-war Britain matched with the scandalous tension of a romance based on self denial in suburbia makes this classic an enduring favourite and a must see. For more information please visit: www.facebook.com/rochesterfilmsociety
Brief Encounter screens as part of the Screen Classics season at the Central Theatre, Chatham on Monday 15 April at 7.30pm. The film is introduced by Nick Walker and followed by a discussion over a free drink.
FR
M A I D S TO N E F R I N G E THURSDAY 2 – BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 6 MAY
THIS GROWING FESTIVAL BOASTS AN IMPRESSIVE LINE-UP: CLIVE AUSTEN PREVIEWS Maidstone’s third town-wide music festival runs from Thursday 2 May to Monday 6 May across multiple venues and features over 100 live acts and DJs. Jointly organised by promoters Make Some Noise and Zoë Sparkle, the concept behind the event is to utilise the many small venues in the county town – a little along the lines of Sweeps and Broadstairs Folk Week, but to have a wider musical palette that encompasses the diversity of musical talent in Kent and the South East.
F E S T I VA L
A number of unique and talented Kent-based acts are now releasing records and gaining national recognition for their material, in terms of reviews, radio play and festival dates. Dan Turnbull a.k.a Funke & The 2 Tone Baby is a case in point: a one-man-band taking blues as a starting point but venturing into uncharted territory through his use of loop pedals, harmonica, guitar and percussion. After several self-funded E.P’s, he releases his debut album in May and plays at Earls on 2nd as part of a national tour. David Migden & The Dirty Words, a phenomenal live band, have recently released their second album ‘Killing It’ to much acclaim, fusing avant-garde rock with blues and twisted soul: they play the Festival on 5 May. White Bone Rattle and Stacey & The Freeloaders are both young Maidstone-based acts taking strong influences from psychedelic rock, with memorable songs and a musical maturity that belies their years. White Bone Rattle have been lauded by magazines such as Artrocker and Classic Rock and play The Rafters venue on 4 May. On a more leftfield tip Medway’s long-
RNI -G E standing experimental rockers Upcdownc join the Style & Winch’s all-day Sci-Fi fancy dress party on Bank Holiday Monday alongside original punk rocker TV Smith from The Adverts, performing acoustic versions of material from his 30 year career. Superbly funky, and highly danceable new band The Jacs also appear, with their modern take on northern soul. Fans of swing, soul and funk can check out McCalla at the Buddha Lounge Bar on 2 May – or Hullaballoo at The Royal Albion on 5th. If you’re looking for something that’s very quirky but extremely entertaining, the No Limits Street Band are a full brass ensemble, playing pop covers – you’ll recognise the songs, but won’t have heard them delivered in this manner before! They appear at popular real ale pub The Flowerpot on 4 May. The majority of the Fringe Festival is free, but there are also three larger ticketed venues this year, including The Exchange, which play’s host to Squeeze front-man Glenn Tilbrook (3 May) and The Kast Off Kinks (4 May). The Exchange hosts an all-day ska festival on Sunday 5 with The Estimators, Toot ‘n’ Skamen and The Kix, skanking
from midday onwards. Dance fans are catered for at Bar Chocolate and The Source Bar – who are holding three big DJ events this year featuring established names such as Radio One’s MistaJam, Judge Jules and Nic Fanciulli. Medway’s favourite country bluesman Pete Molinari appears at the Pizza Express Music Room on 5 May, with full band and brand new album, and also on a blues tip, the long running Blues Corporation appear with Rosco Levee And The Southern Slide at Rafters on 2nd May.
Musically there is something for everyone at the festival this year: come and join us. Full listings at maidstonefringefestival.co.uk
Photographs: Zoë Sparkle
L 2013
SW
S W E E P S F E S T I VA L 2 0 1 3 SATURDAY 4 – BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 6 MAY
You can never hold back spring, so the song goes. This simple fact of life must have once pleased chimney sweeps enormously, because May Day was the one day a year they were given a holiday. Imagine that. They must surely have savoured every minute of it. The Morris dancers who frequent Rochester’s Sweeps Festival know a thing or two about spring too, for it is they who welcome that perennial trickster the Jack in the Green each May Day at dawn, to celebrate fertility and rebirth and (in my experience at least) the fact that apples can be fermented to make cider. Of course, where there is celebration there is often music, and Sweeps is no exception. Musicians come from far and wide to play at the festival and our local stars step up and shine for the vast and mixed audience that Sweeps attracts. There is more music lined up for this year than you can shake a stick with bells on at, so what follows is a few highlights and recommendations. For more information (including timings where not stated), visit the official page at whatsonmedway.co.uk.
Dunkerque ‘maritime raw folk’ band Sur Les Docks cite The Clash and The Pogues as influences and are always hugely entertaining. They’re playing at the Man of Kent Alehouse in the evening of Saturday 4th and at the Gordon Hotel on the evening of Sunday 5th. They will be supported at the Gordon by, amongst others, local favourite and astonishing singer Didi Bergman. Didi returns to the stage having been busy with other projects and is also playing at the City Wall Wine Bar on the Saturday morning at 11.00am and on the Guildhall stage on the Monday at 3.45pm. Among others also playing at the Man of Kent are the Rochester based Stuart Turner and the Flat Earth Society (Thursday 2nd) and Hobo Jones and the Junkyard Dogs (Monday 6th) who, if their website is to be believed, have been delivering ‘off the rails skiffle’ since 1954. The band is also playing at the Singapora, the Two Brewers and Ye Arrow
over the course of the long weekend, and all of these pubs have gigs scheduled throughout the festival. In fact, it’s probably worth just hanging about in pubs and waiting to see what happens. There are worse strategies. That said, it’s not just the pubs and hotels that are hosting live music. The main stage is in Rochester Castle Gardens and boasts sets from established local barnstormers Hot Rats, ‘Fip Fok’ (Folk, Pop and Hip Hop) outfit Coco and the Butterfields, Galley Beggar and others. The Edith May sailing barge will be docked on the Esplanade serving up tea, cakes and music in the form of one of the innumerable bands on Earth called No Worries on the Friday evening, and young Canterbury singer/songwriter Luke Jackson on Saturday. There will also be a Buskers’ Corner opposite the Cathedral throughout the weekend. The Corn Exchange is also hosting concerts on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. The most important and utterly unmissable of these takes place on the Saturday from 7.30pm, when Medway’s legendary elder statesmen The Singing Loins play their last ever concert after twenty-three years of making raw, truthful, cinematic, comic, heartfelt, spiritual, raucous and beautiful music together. There won’t be a dry
eye in the house by the time the gig is over. Unlike the majority of pub and open air gigs that take place during Sweeps, this one will cost you a tenner on the door. That’s quite a bargain when you consider that a) the Corn Exchange is a splendid venue, b) the Singing Loins might turn out to be the best band you ever see in your life (there’s a reason why they were able to launch their last album ‘Here On Earth’ at London’s landmark 100 Club) and c) their support for the evening comes from the compelling, uniquely talented and hugely influential Lupen Crook, whose recent single ‘Treasons To Be Beautiful’ was download of the week in The Sunday Times. Folk music comes in many forms, and people are often passionate about defining it. That doesn’t matter. What matters is that many of us are lucky enough to have a few days away from the daily grind at the beginning of May and the opportunity to enjoy a bucket load of great music right on our collective doorstep. Go. Enjoy, and, if you like it, go again even if there isn’t a festival on. Medway is full of fantastic live music, all of the time. Be merry. Phil Dillon whatsonmedway.co.uk/festivals/sweeps-festival
Photographs of Chris Broderick, Didi Bergman and Lupen Crook by Phil Dillon
W EEPS
MUSIC ALL SAINTS
NAGS HEAD
ROCHESTER CATHEDRAL
ORGAN CONCERT with THOMAS HEYWOOD (Australia) Thu 18 Apr 7.30pm. Includes music by Offenbach, Best and Gounod. £8, refreshments available after concert. maidstoneallsaints.co.uk
TAPE ERROR Fri 3 May 8pm. Free entry
ROCHESTER CHORAL SOCIETY & ROCHESTER SINFONIETTA Sat 13 Apr 7pm. Includes Mozart Requiem, and Haydn’s Te Deum. Directed by Roger Sayer. Tickets: £18, £14, £7 (students £3) online at rochesterchoral.co.uk or 01634 401049 or at the door
Mill Street, Maidstone ME15 6YE
BROOK THEATRE
Old Town Hall, Chatham ME4 01634 338338
FEAST OF FIDDLES Sun 14 Apr 7.30pm Lots of very good fiddlers, fiddling. £16.50 FOLK AT THE BROOK: JOHN KIRKPATRICK The Victorian Farmer’s Year in Song Thu 18 Apr 8pm £10 CENTRAL THEATRE
170 High Street Chatham, ME4 4AS 01634 338338
JOE BROWN IN CONCERT Fri 12 Apr 7.30pm Rock and roll guitarist. 24, £26. medwayticketslive.co.uk
292 High Street, Rochester ME1 1HS
JAZZ:
Sponsored listing
Award-winning 144Club THE ROFFEN 41 New Road, Rochester, ME1 1DX
Wed 10 Apr Evening concert with Katie Melua’s sax player, SAM MAYNE, a regular with the BBC Big Band, is joined by award-winning pianist Jonathan Gee, top flugelhorn player Matt Gough, bass player to the stars Jerome Davies, and drummer Roan Kearsey-Lawson. Doors 7.15pm for reception, meals and bar for 8.15pm start. £13 or £23 for 2 course meal.
Featherby Road, Gillingham ME8 6AN 01634 405037
DONN BARCOTT BAND Thu 11 Apr 8.30pm . With guest vocals from Elaine Diane. Songs from the Great American Song Book and a musician at your table! Raffle & bar. £6 (no membership required) THE HASTINGS ARMS FUNCTION ROOM Lower Rainham Road, Gillingham ME7 2YD
ROCHESTER SWING PRESERVATION SOCIETY Thu 25 Apr, 8.30pm. This Month’s special guest is top trombonist, Geoff Mason. £5. Free parking. Reservations: 01634 712217
12 Star Hill, Rochester ME1 1XB
THE BLOCKHEADS Sat 6 Apr 7pm til late. Of Ian Dury fame. Tickets £8 from safeconcerts.com CRYBABY SPECIAL AND THE MONSTERS Sat 27 Apr 8pm POCO LOCO 58-60 High St Chatham, Kent ME4 4DS 01634 844198
TANK TRAP, BROKEN CHORDS + SPYDER BYTE Fri 12 Apr, 9pm. Free entry 63 Layfield Road, Gillingham ME7 2QY
BARDS @ THE BARGE OPEN MIC Wed 3 Apr THE RED DIRT SKINNERS Wed 17 Apr THE HIGHER STATE Sat 20 Apr THE LIGHTWORKER + TBC Wed 24 Apr All gigs 8pm and free entry
Lower Halstow Dock 07814950442
44TWO SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB
ROYAL FUNCTION ROOMS
THE BARGE
EDITH MAY THAMES BARGE
INTRODUCING NEW TALENT Sat 13 Apr Showcase for upcoming local talent. Includes Velvet Daisy, a 3 piece, and The Lightworker, an acoustic duo. Hatches open 6.45pm, music 7.30pm. £6 edithmay.com
Garth Precinct, Rochester ME1 1SX
SUNDAY LUNCH at LARKFIELD PRIORY RESTAURANT 802 London Road ME20 6HJ (on A20 next to B&Q)
Sun 7 Apr: Roast Lunch and Jazz featuring Kylie Minogue’s trumpeter STEVE FISHWICK, regarded by Wynton Marsalis as the best trumpeter to come from the UK. Fishwick is appearing with full band, including actormusician Kit Massey on violin and piano, plus world travelled Chris Nicholls on drums, BBC signed Neil Francis on bass and master vibesman Roan Kearsey-Lawson. Tickets include Roast meal, £26 for 2 courses, £30 for 3 courses. Menu, information and tickets from 01634 365453 or 144club.co.uk
THE SEE-HO
Pear Tree Lane, Shorne, Gravesend DA12 3JX 01474 822386
IAN DAY of Tank Trap Fri 19 Apr Solo acoustic gig (covers) ST MARY’S SOCIAL CLUB
Belmont Road, Gillingham ME7 5JB
ALTERNATIVE MUSIC NIGHT Last Friday of the month. 26 Apr 8-11.30pm. Acoustic open mic + DJ. TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC SESSION Mon 8, 15, 22 and 29 Apr 8.30pm to midnight. £1 to nonmembers. stmaryssocialclub.com ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH Huntsman’s Corner, Maidstone Road ME4 6JE
TOSCA by the New London Players Thu 11 Apr 7.30pm Charity gala performance. Tickets 01634 353435, £15, concs £8
KENT
Ale
WORLD. FOLK. ROOTS & BLUES April 2013
ONCE IN A BLUE MOON
PO P-U P JAZZ CLU B Stepping Stone Studios Museum Avenue, Maidstone ME14 1QX
Next club:
FRIDAY 19 APRIL Live Blues and funky Jazz by the Groovechasers CHEF IN HOUSE
Book a table for dinner and a relaxing evening of jazz music.
Tues 2nd : Ukulele Jam Night Wed 3rd : Funke & the Two-Tone Baby Thur 4th : Two Man Ting Wed 10th : Mambo Jambo Thur 11th : Howling Mat Wed 17th : Kent Duchaine Thurs 18th : Louis Turpin & Roger Hubbard Wed 24th : Tbc Thur 25th : Nightshift The Jem Turpin Trio
May 2013 May Day Wed 1st : Skinners Rats Thurs 2nd : Stuart Turner Fri 3rd : Ash Mandrake Sat 4th 2pm : Funke & The Two Tone Baby 8.45pm : Sur Les Docks Sun 5th 2pm : Hartley Morris Singers 8.45pm : JD and the Longfellows Mon 12.30pm : Galley Beggar 8.30pm Hobo Jones & the Junkyard Dogs Tues 7th : Ukulele Jam Tbc Wed 8th : Sarah McQuaid Thurs 9th : The Mercurials
Tickets £20 a head for dinner and wine. £8 to come along for the music. Incredible 50% discount for booking in advance - £4!! bookings@steppingstonestudios.co.uk
6-8 JOHN ST, ROCHESTER TEL: 07772 214315 WWW.THEMANOFKENT.COM
COMEDY BILLABONG CLUB
Royal Function Rooms, Star Hill, Rochester ME1 1XB
STUART MITCHELL, JAMES REDMOND + SUNNA JARMANS Thu 25 Apr, doors open at 7.30pm, comedy at 8pm. £9 in advance available from the Billabong Club, the Dot Café at 172 High Street, Rochester or from wegottickets. com. Groups of 6+ can claim one free ticket. Limited number of 2 for 1 tickets available via wegottickets.com as part of Dave’s promotion of comedy clubs. billabongcomedyclub.co.uk BROOK THEATRE
Old Town Hall, Chatham ME4 4SE 01634 338338
COMEDY CLUB Mon 15 Apr 8pm Evening of laughter with some of the UK’s best stand-up comedians. For 18 years + only. £10, £9 (Comedy Club members) medwayticketslive.co.uk HAZLITT COMEDY NIGHTS
Exchange Theatre Earl Street, Maidstone ME14 1PL 01622 758611
JOKING WITH INTENT
The Good Intent, 3 John Street, Rochester ME1 1YL
OPEN MIC COMEDY CLUB First Thursday of the month. Next gigs: Thu 4 April and Thu 2 May 8-10pm. £2 admission. Find Joking with Intent on Facebook LARKFIELD PRIORY HOTEL
London Road, Larkfield ME20 6HJ 01732 846858
MARK FELGATE, QUINCY + DEBRA JANE APPLEBY Mon 8 Apr, restaurant opens 6.30pm (£24.95 inc meal and drink) comedy 8pm. £10 inc drink voucher (in adv) or £10 on the door ORCHARD THEATRE
Home Gardens, Dartford DA1 1ED 01322 220000
SEAN LOCK: PURPLE VAN MAN Tue 16 Apr 8pm Nimble, quick witted comedian with succession of quick fire gags. Over 16s only. £21 orchardtheatre.co.uk
T H E AT R E
IAN D MONTFORT, JAMES ACASTER + DANIEL SIMONSEN Wed 3 Apr 8pm £10 Special offer: book in advance and get a free drink on the night MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE: THE BRIG SOCIETY Wed 10 Apr 8pm Sharpwitted comedian on tour. £15 KATHERINE RYAN: NATURE’S CANDY Sat 13 Apr 8pm Rising star comedienne. £12, £10 concs. Click katherineryan.co.uk/ @kathbum
music. £7, concs £5 CABARET OF CUROSITIES Fri 19 Apr 8pm. More fun, outrageous burlesque and circus performances. £11 Age 16 + only Equator presents SOUTH INDIAN BHARATNATYAM DANCE Sat 20 Apr 7.30pm. A gorgeous blend of traditional & modern Indian dance. £9, £12, child £4, concs available medwayticketslive.co.uk MARLOWE THEATRE
The Friars, Canterbury CT1 2AS 01227 787787
DIRTY DANCING Tue 2-Sat 20 Apr 7.30pm, Fri 5pm and 8.30pm Sat Mat 2.30pm. Thu 18 at 7.30pm. National Tour of the smash hit movie. £29 £51.50 concs available. SUGGS: MY LIFE STORY IN WORDS AND MUSIC Tue 23 Apr 7.30pm. Suggs’ one man hit show. 24.50 marlowetheatre.com (booking charges applies via internet) HAZLITT THEATRE
Earl Street, Maidstone ME14 1PL 01622 758611
FOUR FARCES Sat 6 Apr 8pm. An evening of Victorian one act farces from popular locally based European Arts Company, famed for fine acting and inventive staging. This will be fun! £12, £10 concs hazlittartscheme.co.uk ORCHARD THEATRE
Home Gardens, Dartford DA1 1ED 01322 220000
BROOK THEATRE
Old Town Hall, Chatham ME4 4SE 01634 338338
TIDDLER AND OTHER TERRIFIC TALES Sun 7 Apr 3pm. Julia Donaldson’s tales accompanied by live music and puppets for aged 3+. £10, £12 concs available RECOMMENDED: THE GIRL WITH NO HEART Wed 17 Apr 7.45pm. Resident company Sparkle & Dark’s story is inspired by Hiroshima and told with beautiful puppetry & live
30th BIRTHDAY GALA Sun 14 April 7.30pm One off spectacle of comedy and music. Hosted by Brian Conley. £39.50 - £53.50 JOAN COLLINS Wed 17 April 7.30pm Inimitable Hollywood siren gives her one-woman show. £30, £35 JULIAN CLARY Thu 25 April 8pm. Master of camp. Over 16s only. £21, concs £19 CHINESE STATE CIRCUS Thu 4 – Sat 6 Apr, child concs and family ticket available. Thu 8pm, Fri 5pm & 8pm, Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm. £18-£26 orchardtheatre.co.uk
community arts community arts community arts
RANSCOMBE FARM RESERVE
DESIGN A POSTCARD COMPETITION with creative workshops WE ARE LAUNCHING A POSTCARD DESIGN COMPETITION AND A LINKED SERIES OF CREATIVE WORKSHOPS AT RANSCOMBE FARM RESERVE AT THE END OF APRIL. What does Ranscombe Farm Reserve mean to you? Design a postcard-sized piece of art that tells us what Ranscombe means to you, and you could win one of 15 prizes to be awarded across 5 age categories from young children to adults. Ranscombe Farm is Plantlife’s largest nature reserve in England, with its rolling landscape of arable farmland, large areas of ancient woodland and fragments of chalk grassland, it offers superb views across the surrounding countryside. Whether it’s enjoying the carpets of bluebells in the spring, summer picnics in a sun-filled glade, or autumn walks in misty woodland, Ranscombe offers it all. And if you enjoy wild flowers, the reserve is famous for them... We’re looking for exciting, original artwork that says what Ranscombe’s wild flowers, landscape and history mean to you. The winners will be printed as real picturepostcards! The competition will be launched at our Spring Open day on Sunday 28 April where you can take part in workshops with professional artists to try your hand at designing a postcard and enter the competition.
To help to inspire you, here at Ranscombe Farm Reserve we have organised a series of FREE creative workshops run by professional artists: Sunday 28 April 2013: Spring Open Day Launch, 12.00 noon – 4.00pm Wild at Heart with Wendy Smith, and The Whispering Wild: Stories from the Heart of the Wilderness with Emily Parrish Sunday 26 May 2013: 1.00pm – 4.00pm Flower Detectives with Wendy Daws Sunday 16 June 2013: 1.00pm – 4.00pm Find a Painted Landscape in the Foliage with Andy Evans Sunday 28 July 2013: 1.00pm – 4.00pm Bees, Bugs & Butterflies with Päivi Seppälä aka Poppana To book your place and for more information, call us on 01634 292062 or e-mail ranscombe@plantlife.org.uk. plantlife.org.uk/ranscombe facebook.com/RanscombeFarm Ranscombe Farm is situated just off Junction 2 of the M2. Nearest rail stations are Cuxton, Strood and Rochester. It is served by bus routes 140, 141 and 151 and footpaths from Strood, Cuxton and Cobham.
Plantlife is a national charity which speaks up for the nation’s wild plants.
INTENSIVE EASTER REVISION COURSES
GCSE, AS & A2 1-5 & 8-12 APRIL
Improve confidence and grades
• Exam preparation • Wide range of subjects including Maths, English, Chemistry, Physics & Biology 2-4 April 2013
EASTER HOLIDAY ART WORKSHOPS for children aged 8-12 Art, Photography Graphics & Ceramics Advance booking only.
A Co-educational Day and Boarding School
www.rochester-college.org STAR HILL ROCHESTER ME1 1XF 01634 828115
YEAR 7 TO SIXTH FORM ISC ACCREDITED
Illustrations by Chris F Clark
MEET…
G I L B E RT A N D C L A R K
A rickety old shed and a spare room – I remember those days well. The cold and damp, sore hands, smell of wax and many cold coffees; walls covered with test prints and artists’ proofs, wonky shelves with piles of paper and stacks of ink cartridges, and the whirr of the printer carrying on into the early hours.
Artists and photographers were delighted and we happily booked people in to display their work. We continued with one white wall until the next big decision was made, to make a move of 27 strides, tiredly but proudly opening our doors one October morning last year at 65 High Street.
Well, our coffees still go cold, but happily that’s now due to the many wonderful people we meet on a daily basis.
This wonderful space gives us more room to swing frames, sell a delightful selection of quirky gifts and cards, and more space for Chris’s piles of papers and inks. But the most exciting development is a dedicated room for displaying fabulous art... the aptly and affectionately named Below 65 Gallery.
From the old shed and the spare room, Chris and I made a plan to combine her business with mine, and Gilbert & Clark Frame and Print was born. The opportunity arose for us to develop, and a few years back we made the decision to operate solely from our shop in Maidstone, a decision we don’t regret. Our fantastically creative customers began to see the benefit of being able to form a working relationship with their printer and their framer, all under one roof. As a result our framing services are sought after, and the quality of our Giclee printing brings artists to us from far and wide. Our days are filled with questions: “How do I…?” and “What’s the best way…?”. One question asked repeatedly was “Do you exhibit artists’ work?”, so we decided to dedicate the best wall we had to this cause, which became known as ‘one white wall’.
So, Chris and I, with all of the inspiringly creative people who pop in for a frame, a print, to take a wander downstairs and enjoy the gallery, or to exhibit their work, look forward to an exciting new chapter of creative enjoyment. See you soon, Elaine & Chris
VISUAL ART EASTER ART WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS (8-12 years)
Rochester Independent College, Star Hill, Rochester ME1 1XF 01634 828115
Tue 2-Thu 4 April, 9.30am-3.30pm Creative fun for children aged 8-12 during the Easter Holidays. Art, Graphic Design, Photography and Ceramics. Participants can come for one day or for all three. Advance bookings only. £25 per day including materials. rochester-college.org
landscapes by members of this lively society. Most works for sale. Wheelchair accessible. Free CAFÉ NUCLEUS, NUCLEUS ARTS 272 High Street, Chatham ME4 4BP 01634 812108 Open every day
CAFÉ NUCLEUS PRESENTS VARIOUS ARTISTS Fri 5-Thu 18 April. A handpicked selection of new works by resident Nucleus Artists. Preview Sat 6 Apr 4-8pm, all welcome. CRANBROOK LIBRARY
Carriers Road, Cranbrook TN17 3JT
VIR-Art: THE WRITING ON THE WALL Fri 26 Apr to 1st June. Works by VIR-Art artists including Sheilagh Dyson, Veronica Tonge, Cas Holmes and Sue Pritchard inspired by books in the Kent Libraries collection. Free. Further info: 01622 738887. vir-artartists.blogspot.co.uk THE DEAF CAT COFFEE BAR & GALLERY
83 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX
ART ABOUT STUDIO
Unit 3, Boundary Wharf, High Street, Rochester ME1 1DA (behind Café Moroc)
ART ABOUT: SHARING THE LOVE Sat 13-Thu 18 April, 10-3pm. Open studio exhibition celebrating work by artists made during Art About’s three month pop-up studio. Free entry art-about.co.uk BELOW 65 GALLERY
Gilbert & Clark Frame & Print 65 High Street, Maidstone ME14 1SR 01622 685146
Open 9.30am-4.30pm Mon-Sat CHRIS F CLARK and other works. April. New gallery, below the shop, this month featuring owner Clark’s delightful, uplifting work. Free entry. See article in this month’s WOW. gilbertandclark.com BROOK THEATRE ART GALLERY Old Town Hall, Chatham ME4 4SE Open Mon-Sat 10-5pm
ROCHESTER & WEST KENT ART SOCIETY – Various artists Thu 4-Thu 25 Apr. Still life, marine works &
Open all week 9.30am-5pm WORK IN PROGRESS Mon 8-Sun 1 May. Selected work by GCSE, AS and A level students at Rochester Independent College. Free entry thedeafcat.com FRANCIS ILES GALLERY
103 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX 01634 843081
Open 9.30am-5.30pm Mon-Sat, late night opening to 8pm 4th Wed of each month. SPRING EXHIBITION featuring JEREMY SANDERS plus new works from the Gallery’s artists. To 15 June. Works may be purchased under the Own Art scheme – see article. francis-iles.com NO.1 SMITHERY: The Gallery
The Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TZ 01634 823800
Opening times: 10am-6pm. Adults £17.50, Children £11, concs available. Includes unlimited return to all Dockyard attractions for one year.
ART IN THE DOCKYARD To 6 May Excellent new exhibition of Dockyard-inspired artworks. thedockyard.co.uk NUCLEUS ARTS
272 High Street, Chatham ME4 4BP 01634 812108
Gallery opens 9-5pm, closed Sunday Free See also CAFÉ NUCLEUS re-stART: A NEW LIFE FOR OLD PIECES – Hadlan Sat 20 Apr-Thu 2 May. Hadlan creates something useful using only recycled and pre-loved items. Preview Fri 19 Apr, 6-8pm, all welcome. NUCLEUS ARTS, ROCHESTER 75 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX 01634 780932
NUCLEUS ARTS, MAIDSTONE 2-4 Granada House, Gabriel’s Hill, Maidstone ME15 6JR 01622 690337 Gallery shops with eclectic selection of artworks for sale: see Affordable Art Schemes article. ROCHESTER ART GALLERY
Medway Visitor Information Centre, 95 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX 01634 338319 Mon-Sun 10am-5pm
MAN’S RUIN – RICHARD HEEPS Evocative, cinematic photographs capturing the spirit and pursuit of the American Dream. ARTIST’S TALK by Richard Heeps Sat 20 Apr, 1-2.30pm. Free but booking essential on 01634 338319 SINGAPORA LOUNGE
51 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LN
FOURSEVEN EXHIBITION: Fraser Peek Sun 7-Wed 10 Apr. Opening night 7 Apr, 6pm til late (over 18s only). Open for viewing 12 noon til late. Email fraser@four-seven.com with enquiries STEPPING STONE STUDIOS 2 Museum Avenue, Maidstone ME14 1QX
2 Apr - 1 May DISTANT GAZE: UCA Final Year Photography students – Shazad Khalid, Muma Molobeka & Michele Roselli-Cecconi. Proceeds to Maidstone homeless charity. Stunning large-scale portraiture (see Welcome page).
Summer Fest
ival:
T IS T S ! N O T IC E F O R A LL A R 6 APRIL APPLICATIONS DUE 2
er twelve nd year, and ov Now in its seco nfirmed, it’s not too y co venues alread ed!!! and be involv er st gi re late to
APPLY NOW VIA:
tudios MedwayOpenS dios @mwayopenstu nstudios.co.uk pe yo wa ed www.m
W O W G I V E AWAY
We are delighted to offer WOW readers the chance to win tickets to a glamorous comedy cabaret night with our April Giveaway. Local-girl-made-good, comedienne and burlesque star Ivy Paige, is taking her live music, comedy and burlesque show, ‘Ivy Paige’s School of Burlesque’, to the heart of London’s West End, with a monthly residency at the Leicester Square Theatre. Famed for her blazing red hair, “lightening wit” (Broadway Baby magazine) and penchant for glamorous costumes, Maidstone-based Ivy Paige has performed all over the world alongside the likes of Hollywood Legend and creator of Hairspray John Waters, The Hoosiers and James Blunt. Most recently she was nominated for Best Compère at The London Cabaret Awards, and as WOW goes to press the show has just been booked to play The Edinburgh Festival under the umbrella of one of Britain’s biggest Comedy Clubs, ‘Just The Tonic’, for the whole of August at The Fancy Room.
EDITORIAL: editor@wowkent.co.uk 0845 388 2243 (local rate from BT landlines)
Distributed locally to Medway households and public pick-up points throughout the Medway towns and Maidstone.
FREE LISTINGS: listings@wowkent.co.uk
Current print circulation: 6000 copies.
ADVERTISING: advertising@wowkent.co.uk
Excellent discounts for series bookings available to all advertisers. All ads also appear in the e-edition of the magazine at wowkent.co.uk
DESIGN: A Stones Throw astonesthrowdesign.co.uk PRINTING: The Colour Factory Ltd, Sittingbourne, 01795 470 825, www.colour-factory.com PUBLISHER: Emma Dewhurst
Copy/listings deadline for May issue: Thursday 18 April ©WOW Kent magazine.
The show also features some of Britain’s finest burlesque stars, including The Folly Mixtures and Miss Polly Rae, and Ivy will be accompanied on the piano by Pete Saunders, originally from the 80‘s hit band Dexy’s Midnight Runners. TO WIN TWO TICKETS to see the show at London’s Leicester Square Theatre on Friday 24 May at 9pm, simply email competitions@wowkent.co.uk with your name and address. Closing date: April 30 2013. The winner is responsible for their own travel arrangements. ‘Ivy Paige’s School of Burlesque’show dates: 29 March, 26 April, 24 May, 26 July, 21 September, 19 October, 23 November, 13 December 2013. Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BX Box Office: 08448 733433 Ticket Price: £12.50 or 2 for £10 leicestersquaretheatre.com ivypaige.co.uk
All rights reserved. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that details in this publication are accurate, we cannot accept responsibility for such. Readers are advised to check listings information to avoid disappointment. Views expressed by contributors and advertisers do not necessarily reflect those of the editor and publisher. wowkent.co.uk
Ivy Paige : “One of the new queens of British Burlesque” The Mail on Sunday. Photo by Chris Harris
Win an alternative night out in London with our rather adult draw!
Please mention WOW if you use our advertisers’ services or attend an event you found in our listings facebook.com /WOWMedway
@EmmaDewhurst7 WOW magazine is printed on 100% recycled paper
DOCKYARD
THE ARTIST’S SPACE
PAINT ROLLER WALL LAMP
BY NATALIE SAMPSON
I love to repurpose commonplace household objects by constructing them into pieces of furniture, jewellery and artistic lighting. Lighting features in the majority of my work and is often playful and unexpected in its design. I am fascinated by the shadows that are cast when multiple objects are lit from within, and how this can transform a space. Although my work is not a direct desire to recycle, in a world where there are mass produced objects in abundance, combined with the consumptive appetite of the human race, my work awakens the potential of how these objects can be creatively reused outside their original purpose. nataliesampson.co.uk
Natalie Sampson will be showing her work at St Mary’s Church Higham, over the weekend of 27 and 28 April, between 12-4pm each day as part of ‘Art in the Church’, an exhibition of works by local Medway artists including fine art, ceramics, photography, lighting and mixed media.
I
A BRAND NEW
SUBSCRIPTION SCHEME WITH BENEFITS!
SUPPORT THE LITTLE MAGAZINE THAT PUNCHES ABOVE ITS WEIGHT AND NEVER MISS A PRINT COPY OF WOW AGAIN! FREE POETRY CD FOR THE FIRST 50 SUBSCRIBERS
I ♥ WOW is an annual subscription scheme for readers, with lots of artsy benefits. A print copy of the magazine will be posted out to you hot off the press by first class post each month*. In addition, WOW’s founder and editor Emma Dewhurst is working with WOW’s supporter businesses in Medway and Maidstone to bring subscribers exclusive discounts on all sorts of services, from pub meals, to room hire, floristry, framing and printing services. WOW is also giving the first 50 subscribers a free copy of ‘Left Tae Tell the Tale’, a CD of veteran actress Eve Pearce reading from her moving collection of poems, ‘Capturing Snowflakes’ (available online), which was published by WOW’s imprint Greenheart Press in November 2012. An annual subscription costs £25. Members of the scheme will receive a very lovely ‘I heart WOW’ card which they must show to receive their discounts.
*Please note: Subscribers will receive 10 issues per year, due to joint issues in July/August and December/January. A list of the available discounts, which will be added to throughout the year, will be sent to you when you subscribe.
To join please email subscriptions@wowkent.co.uk with your name and address and we will be in touch with payment details.