Theatre programme: Sept - Dec 2013

Theatre

National Youth Theatre’s Romeo and Juliet – photo by Helen Maybanks

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Theatre – Visual Arts – Dance – Music – Comedy – Poetry

Arts and Culture Bedford and Luton

September – December 2013

www.beds.ac.uk/theatre

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Come and see...

Theatre Pages 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 13

Visual Arts Page 10, 16

Music Page 11

Pages 8,14

Comedy Page 12

Dance

Poetry Pages 15

Ticket and Venue information Contact the University box office:

University of Bedfordshire Theatre Polhill Avenue, Bedford MK41 9EA

Tel: 01234 793197

Parking: free onsite parking.

Visit: www.beds.ac.uk/theatre Twitter: @UoBarts

UK Centre for Carnival Arts St Mary’s Road, Luton LU1 3JA

Facebook: /uobtheatre

Parking: use town centre car parks.

Ticket prices vary and concessions are available. Concession prices are for those over 60 or under 18 years of age, unemployed, people with a registered disability, and students (evidence is required on arrival).

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Welcome Our Autumn season is underpinned by some exciting new partnerships for the University of Bedfordshire that have helped us to broaden the scope of our arts programme and enable us to present a range of events in both Luton and Bedford.

We’re working with the UK Centre for Carnival Arts to bring a variety of performance work to a wider audience. Our first event in Luton is The Showstoppers who transform random audience suggestions, on the spot, into an all-singing, all-dancing production with unpredictable results.

National Youth Theatre (NYT) is in residence at our Bedford Campus in October supporting the career aspirations of local young people through a series of workshops and master classes along with performing a double-bill of Romeo and Juliet and Prince of Denmark for all audiences.

This summer we were delighted to support Luton-based visual arts organisation, Departure Lounge, in the production of a new film by writer Michael Smith. Entitled, Mystery River: A Wander Along the Lea, the work will receive its Luton premier at the University in November.

This programme will provoke and challenge as well as entertain. We present contemporary dance, an intriguing visual arts installation by leading practitioners Flexer and Sandiland and a one-woman show by Professor of Visual Performance at the University of Brighton, Liz Aggiss. These shows will be followed by an opportunity to hear more about the process of making new work through informal Q&A sessions with the artists.

Professor Helen Bailey Acting Executive Dean of Partnerships

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4

Theatre

Stick Man by Scamp Theatre FROM THE BOOK BY JULIA DONALDSON, ILLUSTRATED BY AXEL SCHEFFLER Sunday 29 September, 3.00pm, University of Bedfordshire Theatre, Bedford Tickets: £10 Concessions £7

‘Stick Man lives in the family tree with his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three...’

But the world is a dangerous place for Stick Man. A dog wants to play with him.

A swan builds a nest with him. He even ends up on a fire! Will he ever get back to the family tree?

Featuring a trio of actors, puppetry, catchy tunes and funky moves, Stick Man is more fun than you can shake a stick at!

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Suitable for children aged 3+ their friends and families.

“Scamp Theatre send shivers down my spine . They are so lively and innovative.

I love their production of Stick Man – Live on Stage – and so do the audiences.”

Julia Donaldson, Author “I think the quality of what Scamp do is amazing” Michael Morpurgo, The Independent

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Theatre

Romeo and Juliet and Prince of Denmark NATIONAL YOUTH THEATRE Monday 14 October 7.30pm; Tuesday 15 October 4.30pm Wednesday 16 October 7.30pm; Thursday 17 October 4.30pm University of Bedfordshire Theatre, Bedford – running time 1 hour 40 minutes Tickets: £8 Concessions £5 National Youth Theatre is in residency at the University of Bedfordshire Theatre as part of our partnership which aims to encourage young local people to raise their career and educational aspirations and we’re proud to present this exciting double-bill for all audiences.

Romeo and Juliet Set in the early 80s, against a back-drop of youth unemployment and economic recession, award-winning playwright Lolita Chakrabarti has adapted Shakespeare’s beloved tragedy to thrilling effect.

Prince of Denmark A decade before Shakespeare’s Hamlet begins, there’s romance, rivalry and rebellion in the air as teenagers Hamlet, Ophelia and Laertes rage against their parents’ expectations.

“I could happily have sat through a piece twice this length and so, it transpired, could the school students watching enrapt alongside me.” Evening Standard on Prince of Denmark

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Theatre

The Showstoppers Improvised Musical A BRAND NEW MUSICAL COMEDY

Thursday 10 October, 7.30pm UK Centre for Carnival Arts, Luton Wednesday 23 October, 7.30pm University of Bedfordshire Theatre, Bedford Tickets: £12 Concessions £8.50

A brand new musical comedy is created from scratch at every single performance of this award-winning show. Audience suggestions are transformed on the spot into an all-singing, all-dancing production with unpredictable and hilarious results.

This incredible comedy troupe never fails to impress as they create shows packed with drama, dazzling dance routines and catchy melodies, The Showstoppers leave delighted audiences singing all the way home.

The show has played sell-out seasons in London’s West End, and has been a must-see staple of the Edinburgh Fringe for five years – as well as delighting audiences on tour around the world.

Age guidance 14+ “The show is a blast. It makes your jaw drop in impressed amazement and your ribs ache with laughter. Simultaneously a pastiche, a parody and a paean to musical theatre.”

Mail On Sunday “Spontaneous and hilarious. Awe-inspiring and very, very funny.”

Whatsonstage.com

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Theatre

Recalculating BOMBSYTEtheatre Wednesday 30 October, 7.30pm University of Bedfordshire Theatre, Bedford Thursday 31 October, 7.30pm UK Centre for Carnival Arts, Luton Tickets: £8 Concessions £5

Living, studying and partying together was just not enough together time for five students so they decided to squash themselves into a Peugeot 206 and drive from John O Groats to Lands End in just seven days. Devised and performed by Don Morrisey, Errin Keefe, Eva Blackwell, Giorgia Davies, Kyle Gardner.

BOMBSYTEtheatre’s unique performance takes you on a journey that will leave you chuckling, reminiscing and itching for your own adventure.

This original piece was created by the five members of BOMBSYTEtheatre as part of their BA in Theatre and Professional Practice. The performance will be followed by a Q and A during which the graduates will share their experience of touring this production at Bedfringe and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Age guidance 14+ “This informal production, which felt like a live episode of ‘The Inbetweeners’, hit the spot. A group of believable actors, whose tangible excitement to be performing was warming and enjoyable to watch.” threeweeks.co.uk

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Dance

Student Performances JUNIOR TESTBED VII Wednesday 27 November 7.30pm University of Bedfordshire Theatre, Bedford Tickets: £5 Concessions £3

This is the seventh performance research platform, hosted by the Junior Research Institute. Students have developed performance work based on independent practice-based research. Junior TestBed platforms present an opportunity to see undergraduate work that is challenging, thought provoking, and forms part of the University’s research community.

ONE-BY-ONE Wednesday 11 December – Friday 13 December, 7.30pm University of Bedfordshire Theatre, Bedford Tickets: £5 Concessions £3

Dance and Professional Practice final year students perform solos as part of their Choreographic Resolutions unit. Encouraged to hone their individual choreographic voice and performance presence, students use the solo as a distinct performance form. One-by-one, each night, a different set of performances can be seen that offer a contrasting invitation and experience to the audience.

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Theatre

PROCESS TO PRODUCTION Friday 8 November 7.30pm, University of Bedfordshire Studio Theatre, Bedford Tickets: £5 Concessions £3

An opportunity for BA Theatre and Professional Practice first year students to perform for an audience as a theatre ensemble. Working as a company within the professional framework of the rehearsal process, the students have developed their skills in using text, movement, voice and visuals to create and shape performance material.

SCRATCH NIGHT Wednesday 27 November 7.30pm University of Bedfordshire Studio Theatre, Bedford Tickets: £5 Concessions £3

Small-scale theatre companies formed by Theatre and Professional Practice students present work in progress in this scratch night; audience members are invited to feedback and comment.

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Visual Arts

Mystery River: A Wander Along The Lea

by Michael Smith Monday 4 November 7pm University of Bedfordshire, Luton FREE event in partnership with Departure Lounge

Highlighting the diversity and uniqueness of the River Lea from Bedfordshire to the Thames ‘Mystery River’ is a 16 minute film that will be screened outdoors at the University of Bedfordshire’s Luton Campus.

Mystery River traces the story of the river from Leagrave and Luton, through sites of interest such as Waltham Abbey, Hackney Wick, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, to its mouth at the River Thames near Canary Wharf.

Michael Smith is a writer, film-maker and broadcaster, who’s made a number of short

films for BBC 2’s The Culture Show. He’ll talk about the making of Mystery River and read an excerpt from his new book ‘Unreal City’.

This film was co-commissioned by Departure Lounge and Up Projects for a Floating Cinema programme devised by artist duo Somewhere. It was created with support from the University of Bedfordshire with camera work by University of Bedfordshire graduate Karoline Lebek, editing by Television Production Co-ordinator, Igor Drozdov and production assistance from Ben Hodson.

The Floating Cinema was designed by Duggan Morris Architects and supported by The Legacy List, the charity of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, with corporate partner Bloomberg as part of Bloomberg East in partnership with the Canal and River Trust.

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Music

Dick Gaughan Wednesday 6 November 7.30pm University of Bedfordshire Theatre, Bedford Tickets: £10 Concessions £7

Folk artist, Dick Gaughan has been at the cutting edge of Scottish music for almost four decades. Guitarist, singer, songwriter, actor, musical director, composer, arranger, producer, engineer, he’s been there, done it. He is a stunning singer with a wonderfully expressive voice belying passion, allied to a dazzling guitar technique; Dick just doesn’t deliver gigs which are ‘ordinary’.

Dick was brought up immersed in the musical traditions and culture of the Gaels, both Scots and Irish, which naturally, therefore, provide the foundation for everything he does.

“Relaxed and funnier than many comedians” Edinburgh Evening News “The kind of voice that could stop a train in its tracks” The Independent

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Comedy

Indian Takeaway with Hardeep Singh Kohli AN EVENING OF COMEDY, COOKING AND CURRY Wednesday 13 November 7.30pm University of Bedfordshire Theatre, Bedford Friday 15 November 7.30 pm UK Centre for Carnival Arts, Luton Tickets: £12 Concessions £8.50

This country is obsessed with curry. That much we know.

But how do Hardeep’s homecooked curries, the recipes inspired by his Mum and Gran, compare to the local Indian Takeaways we love and adore? Let’s find out!

At the beginning of each show Hardeep will order a takeaway live on stage for delivery to the theatre, having selected a local Indian takeaway from audience suggestions submitted via HardeepLive.com. He will then order an audience member’s favourite meal.

Whilst waiting for the order to arrive Hardeep cooks his own food.

Two curries with side orders of delicious cooking tips and lip-smacking Comedy. What’s not to like?

Age guidance 14+ “Kohli’s cookery and anecdotes left a reassuringly warm aftertaste.” The Times

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Theatre

The English Channel Wednesday 20 November at 7.30pm University of Bedfordshire Theatre, Bedford Tickets: £10 Concessions £7

Born during a time of post war austerity, Liz Aggiss was encouraged to be seen and not heard. After 60 years, Liz has finally given herself permission to do what she damn well pleases.

Audiences will see a one woman show where surprise guests from Max Wall to Robin Hood are channelled in to being.

As an experienced choreographer and film-maker, Liz uses performance art, dance and archive images to become The English Channel.

Age guidance 14+

Photography by Joe Murray

“The English Channel is an inspiring, irreverent, clever, solo performance that looks at age, beauty and being seen and very definitely heard” Culturevulture.com

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Dance

Dance Evening for All Tuesday 3 December 7.30pm University of Bedfordshire Theatre, Bedford Tickets: £5 Concessions £3

Hip-hop, commercial dance and jazz pieces will be performed by the University of Bedfordshire Dance Society along with ballet. This dance evening gives members of the society an opportunity to showcase their talent, from contemporary to classical with the pieces they have developed over the term. Choreographed by the society’s teachers, it’s a celebration of the students hard work and dedication.

Suitable for school bookings, particularly those completing the Arts Award.

Weightless

by Flexer and Sandiland Wednesday 4 December, 7.30pm University of Bedfordshire Theatre, Bedford Tickets: £10 Concessions £7

Have you ever wondered what it might feel like to let go or take flight?

Weightless is a dance piece that explores what it is that roots us down physically and emotionally. In a tongue in cheek way, Weightless references its own historical position.

Featuring Yael Flexer’s stamp of humour, combined with fast-paced, space-hungry movement and a driving musical score by Karni Postel and Dougie Evans, Weightless includes video projection and a sonic environment of disembodied voices as well as text by Wendy Houstoun.

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Poetry

Essex Lion Saturday 7 December 7.30pm University of Bedfordshire Theatre, Bedford Tickets: £10 Concessions £7

Ever seen a lion? In the wild? In England? Last year in Clacton some campers thought they did. They didn’t of course, lions aren’t native to north-east Essex. But their notsighting triggered something in the brain of Radio 4 poet Luke Wright. Now he too is seeing things others don’t. Step into Luke’s world of romping satirical verse where posh plumbers, paunchy ex-rockers and Lovejoy roam free. Get ready to roar.

Age guidance 14+ “His lexical acrobatics are astounding, often motor-mouthed and breathtakingly honest…Go for the wordsmithery, stay for the painful poignancy.”

The List “Why aren’t all poets this funny?”

Broadway Baby

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Visual Arts

Trip Hazard by Flexer and Sandiland Tuesday 3 – Sunday 8 December 4pm – 10pm Post Graduate Centre, University of Bedfordshire, Luton FREE event

Part one-liner gag, part public intervention, Trip Hazard, is a free art installation created by dance artists choreographing ‘real’ people. Trip Hazard forms a physical bridge between everyday actions in public spaces and their potential hazardous outcomes.

Are you prepared to trigger Trip Hazard?

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Dance at the

University of Bedfordshire Explore your passion for dance through a range of exciting study opportunities.

BA (Hons) Dance & Professional Practice MA Dance Performance & Choreography MA Community Dance Leadership MSc Dance Science MA by Research PhD

Like to learn more? Visit: http://uob.cc/dancecourses PGDance_242x170.indd 1

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Enrich your student life!

Beds SU is here to listen to, and represent, the many voices of students at the University of Bedfordshire.

We enrich students’ lives through opportunities to have fun, find help and advice, enhance employability and campaign for change.

/bedssu

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@bedssu

www.bedssu.co.uk

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20%

off introductory of fer!

Call 01582 43 7100

Looking for an inspiring cost effective venue?

The UK Centre for Carnival Arts is one of Bedfordshire’s most creative and flexible venues. As a pioneering building with state of the art facilities, we have a variety of spaces available to hire for meetings, conferences, launch events, parties and much more!

We offer: • A flexible space that can cater up to 450 attendees • A free consultation and a tour of the centre • Bars and catering services • Technical and administrative support

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Call our team on 01582 437100 or email maggie@carnivalarts.org.uk to book a free consultation today! www.carnivalarts.org.uk

‘Fantastic venue, efficient service and very helpful staff.’

UK Centre for Carnival Arts 3 St Mary’s Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3JA

WiFi access Disability facilities Multiple day block bookings Day and half day delegate rates upon request • On site car parking (for up to 20 vehicles)

Luton Borough Council

(next to St Mary’s Church)

CarnivalArts

@carnivalukcca

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15 Theatre www.beds.ac.uk/theatre

Diary: September to December 2013 Sunday 29 September

Stick Man

Bedford

Thursday 10 October

The Showstoppers

Luton

Monday 14 October

Romeo and Juliet and Prince of Denmark

Bedford

Tuesday 15 October

Romeo and Juliet and Prince of Denmark

Bedford

Wednesday 16 October

Romeo and Juliet and Prince of Denmark

Bedford

Thursday 17 October

Romeo and Juliet and Prince of Denmark

Bedford

Wednesday 23 October

The Showstoppers

Bedford

Wednesday 30 October

Recalculating

Bedford

Thursday 31 October

Recalculating

Luton

Monday 4 November

Mystery River: A Wander Along The Lea

Luton

Wednesday 6 November

Dick Gaughan

Bedford

Friday 8 November

Process to Production

Bedford

Wednesday 13 November

Indian Takeaway

Bedford

Friday 15 November

Indian Takeaway

Luton

Wednesday 20 November

The English Channel

Bedford

Wednesday 27 November

Junior TestBed VII

Bedford

Wednesday 27 November

Scratch Night

Bedford

Tuesday 3 December

Dance Evening for All

Bedford

Tuesday 3 – Sunday 8 December

Trip Hazard

Luton

Wednesday 4 December

Weightless

Bedford

Saturday 7 December

Essex Lion

Bedford

Wednesday 11 – Friday 13 December

One-by-One

Bedford

COMEDY – VISUAL ARTS– DANCE – MUSIC – THEATRE – POETRY www.beds.ac.uk/theatre B010813-Theatre Programme Oct13 20

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