Notes from the Riverside Arts Centre

At last we are seeing something like normality back at the Riverside and already we have staged various live events. We have several more in the coming weeks; the last few performances of Zodiac’s colourful song and dance show, more jazz, a quiz, the sponsored piano playathon plus the week-long competitve drama festival. That is selection of what you can come and see, but in what can you participate ? There are so many activities that you can enjoy in comfortable air-condtioned surrounding. Whether you want to learn a new skill, improve your ability, exercise your mind or your body or relax there will be an activity or group that you can join.A list of these and contact details is on our Riverside presents..... advertisement on page 19 in this magazine or check out our website. How about?... Learning a new musical instrument or brush up your skills which may have laid dormant since school days. Or perhaps you want to just play along with other experienced musicians. Whether you want to blow it, pluck it, or caress its keyboard we probably have a group for you. Similarly for the artists we can offer all levels of expertise or media. From beginners to award winning artists, all have an outlet at Riverside, with the opportunity to specialise in oils, water-clopurs, acryllics, portraiture, icons, or caligraphy etc. Our flower club meets to appreciate the beauty and scents of floral arrangements with demonstrations and workshops. If you want to move with your music there are all sorts of dance possibilities; for adults, children and even toddlers. Aerobics, ballroom, ballet barre, or zumba. Maybe you need to exercise your brain or your body. To keep the brain-cells in trim there is an active poetry appreciation society; as well as a book circle who regularly have visits from well-known authors. For the body and the more energetic we have keep-fit or Pilates, and then offering well-being for both body and mind there is Yoga. The performing arts are very active with drama, musical theatre, pantomime and youth theatre groups. Some of our groups are of very high standard and others offer a more social atmosphere enjoying the subject of your choice. There is something for everybody at every level. Perhaps you just like pottering around doing a bit of DIY, or helping in the bar. There is certainly an outlet for you in helping to maintain our volunteer run Arts Centre. Whatever you fancy doing, you can do it this winter at the Riverside.

Riverside Arts Centre

57/59 Thames Street, Sunbury TW16 5QF 07796 531427

www.riversidearts.co.uk info@riversidearts.co.uk

Registered charity 272929

Haven’t we missed live performances?! The restrictions of lockdowns have made us realise how much we took for granted. I consider myself lucky to have attended the first of the Riverside Arts Centre Showcase come back events recently. This afternoon tea concert featured Mengyang Pan (pictured), a pianist of international class and renown. She has collaborated with top conductors such as Ashkenazy, presented with the Tagore gold medal by HRH Prince Charles, the highest honour possible. She has been presented to the Queen for her contribution to music and art. And here she was performing at the Riverside Arts Centre! Look out for further concerts: www.ticketsource.co.uk/riversidepresents, and also the listings in this magazine. We also attended a performance at a new theatre. This time in Esher. Esher Theatre only opened in September and is just by the council offices, with easy parking. Have a look at what’s on at eshertheatre.com. In November they are putting on RC Sherriff’s ‘Journey’s End’. Esher Theatre is at Community Walk. Esher, KT10 9RA. Tel 07794 362 999. Finally, remember the Riverhouse Barn just over Walton Bridge. I attended a lunch time concert there recently. Stunning music. Book in advance but the request is to leave a mindful donation. Details at riverhousebarn.co.uk. The next lunchtime concert is October 13th at 1pm.