Jan- Ju ne
2015
“Life ain’t so bad at all if you live it at The Wall” Michael Jackson
Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
Comedy
New shows from cult optimist Josie Long and mandolin-playing performance poet John Hegley
Art
Multi-media textiles from around the globe, plus Oxford schools explore human rights through art
Music
Award-winning jazz vocalist Julia Biel makes her North Wall debut, and OperaUpClose make a welcome return
Theatre
Song of Riots brings together myth and masculinity; plus the best of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Kids’ Theatre
Widdershins, Little Angel and Long Nose Puppets return with more magical stories for young and old
Ashley R Good
Welcome to our spring and summer programme. The highlight for us this season is our co-production with the European ensemble Awake Projects. Song of Riots is the fourth and most ambitious collaboration between the North Wall and this exciting company. The piece was sparked by the London riots of 2011, weaving music, text and movement to address a central issue: the place of young men in our society. It premieres here at The North Wall and then will tour throughout Europe. I hope you will come and see what we have been doing. I would also urge you to come and see Chris Thorpe’s Confirmation – it asks important questions about political extremism and our own convictions. It may not change your mind but it will make you think. The endlessly inventive Theatre Ad Infinitum are back with their Edinburgh hit. Light is dazzlingly ingenious and gives sci-fi films a real run for their money. Also from Edinburgh, Every Brilliant Thing is an intensely moving one man show written by one of my favourite writers, Duncan Macmillan. The show made me laugh and cry and then laugh some more. I recommend it highly. Music lovers will be delighted by the return of Opera up Close with a new version of The Marriage of Figaro, and the very talented singer Julia Biel brings her blend of jazz/folk to The North Wall. In January, we have a beautiful piece of dance-theatre from Lost Dog and the playwright Lucy Kirkwood: Like Rabbits is based on a short story by Virginia Woolf. Then, to celebrate Dancin’ Oxford, we have a new take on Flamenco by the young dance company Dot Dot Dot. There is much to look forward to in the months ahead. I look forward to seeing you here at The North Wall. Lucy Maycock Artistic Director
Programme design: white space | www.white-space.net The North Wall photography: Colin Willoughby, Philip Vile,
Multi-Buy Rewards
This season, we’re raising our glasses to the North Wall regulars who keep this place buzzing. As a special thank you to our most loyal customers, we’re offering super savings when you book for two or more selected shows: *2 shows – save £1 per ticket *3 shows – save £1.50 per ticket *4 or more shows – save £2 per ticket Look out for the logo alongside selected events. To take advantage of this offer, just make your booking by Saturday 31st January. Tickets must be booked in a single purchase. Valid for up to two tickets per show.
Come in, sit down, relax, enjoy…! From January, you’ll notice a few differences when you come in to the North Wall. By popular demand, we’ve installed new bar furniture to improve the quality of your experience with us. The bar itself has relocated to the corner, with more room to move around, and a clearer view of what’s on offer – whether you’re after drinks, snacks or ice creams. For those colder days, we’ll now be able to offer you a selection of hot drinks: fresh coffee, tea or hot chocolate. And while you sit and sip, take time to enjoy the fantastic artwork all around you, in one of Oxford’s very best visual art spaces.
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SATURDAY 21 – SUNDAY 22 FEBRUARY Theatre of Widdershins presents
The Magic Porridge Pot
And other tasty tales
www.widdershins.co.uk Recommended age: 3+ Performances: 11am & 2pm Tickets: £7 SUNDAY 22 MARCH M6 Theatre Company in association with Polka Theatre present
Whatever The Weather
M6 Theatre’s imaginative new production is set in the charming world of a traditional Alpine Weather House. When the little woman comes out it’s going to be sunny! When the little man comes out it’s going to rain! The two characters couldn’t be more different. But what happens when the winds of change blow? Blow so hard that everything becomes topsy-turvy? What will our lovable pair learn in their new and unfamiliar conditions? It might rain, it might get a bit windy, but the show must go on whatever the weather! www.m6theatre.co.uk Recommended age: 3-103 Performances: 11am & 2pm Tickets: £7
// Booking: 01865 319450 or www.thenorthwall.com
Kids’ Theatre
On today’s menu there is a trio of traditional and tasty tales. For starters we have the magic pot which won’t stop producing porridge. The main course is a delicious soup made from the scrummiest stone in the world, and for pudding (if you can catch it) we have a walking talking Gingerbread Man. Oh crumbs! These three yummy yarns which you know so well are served with unexpected spices and quirky flavours, along with Widdershins’ trademark ingredients of puppets, pop-up sets and original music. Bon Appetit!
SATURDAY 25 APRIL Little Angel Theatre presents
The Journey Home Join Polar Bear as he sets off in search of a new home when the ice starts melting. Travelling through storms, busy shipping lanes and across oceans, he picks up some exciting friends along the way. What will they encounter on their journey of discovery and friendship? The Journey Home, the acclaimed children’s book by award-winning author Frann Preston-Gannon, is brought to life through puppetry, lyrical music and transformative design in this new production by Little Angel Theatre, directed by Steve Tiplady. www.littleangeltheatre.com Recommended age: 3+ Performances: 11am & 2pm Tickets: £7
SATURDAY 30 MAY Long Nose Puppets present
Flyaway Katie
Katie is all alone and feeling grey. The birds in the picture on her wall look so colourful - if only Katie could be as bright as them, who knows what might happen? Bursting with colour, movement and surprises, Flyaway Katie is an inspiring flight of fancy about the power of imagination from the creators of Arthur’s Dream Boat, based on the popular children’s book by Polly Dunbar with music by Tom Gray of Gomez. www.longnosepuppets.com Recommended age: 2-7 Performances: 11am & 2pm Tickets: £7
// Booking: 01865 319450 or www.thenorthwall.com
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SATURDAY 20 JUNE
Tony & Mike
Kids’ Theatre
Tony the Owl lives in the countryside. He’s really happy in his little garden until Joe and Charlotte turn up and ruin his peace and quiet. They’ve moved from the city for a quieter life and, to be honest, they’ve got no idea what they’re doing. To make matters worse, they’ve bought Mike the Squirrel with them. He’s loud, he’s cheeky and he likes to party! Featuring puppetry, original music, and a squirrel flying machine. Recommended age: 3+ Performances: 11am & 2pm Tickets: £7
Ben Blackall
Tom Frankland & Laura Mugridge present
“One of the best pieces of children’s theatre that I have seen in a long time” ★★★★ What’s On Stage Step through the Wall and come on an adventure! Children aged 3 – 11 are invited to join The North Wall Explorers’ Club. Each time they come to see a show, they’ll collect a sticker and to add to their Explorer’s passport – once they’ve completed five Special Theatrical Quests, their sixth comes absolutely free! Ask at the box office on your next visit.
The Barefoot Books Studio in Summertown is a great place to meet friends, find books and educational games and attend fun workshops. If your tummy rumbles after the show and you feel like a bite to eat, present your Explorer’s passport or theatre tickets to the Barefoot Books Storyteller’s Café and enjoy a 20% discount on your order!
// Booking: 01865 319450 or www.thenorthwall.com
SATURDAY 24 JANUARY Lost Dog & Lucy Kirkwood present
Like Rabbits Inspired by Virginia Woolf’s short story Lappin and Lapinova Co-commissioned by Brighton Festival and The Place
On a night in a city a man and a woman meet and have sex and fall deeply in love. Each night the lovers slip away from their real lives and disappear into a world that exists only in their shared imagination. A world that belongs to them, in which tax returns and shopping lists and commuting do not exist. A world in which they are not their normal selves, but King of the Rabbits and Queen of the Hares. But what begins as a game soon becomes a battleground, and the couple hurtle towards a tragedy of the quietest, saddest and most ordinary type.
“A strikingly elegant and funny piece of dance theatre” ★★★★ The Guardian “Lucy Kirkwood [is] Britain’s brightest young stage writer” The Independent
Age Suitability: 14+ Performance: 8pm Tickets: £15 (concessions £12)
£5 STUDENT TICKETS LIMITED AVAILABILITY
// Booking: 01865 319450 or www.thenorthwall.com
Zoe Manders
www.lostdogdance.co.uk
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SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY Dot Dot Dot presents
No Frills
Dance
Three dancers, one voice, one guitar and one percussion box: No Frills is flamenco stripped down to its bare essence. Through an exploration of a number of its traditional styles in their most evocative form, this show is a celebration of the raw and nuanced energy that flamenco awakens, not only in the dancer but in the spectator too. Three young artists, Noemi Luz, Magdalena Mannion and Yinka Esi Graves, seamlessly interweave their individual styles creating a shared flamenco language. No Frills asks the spectator to put aside pre-conceptions of what flamenco is, instead giving a unique insight into its rhythms, melodies, energy and power. Performance: 8pm Tickets: £15 (concessions £12)
Flamenco Taster Session 2pm - 3pm If you are new to Flamenco: enjoy a comprehensive hour long introduction to the rhythms and movements of flamenco in a fun environment. Cost: £10 Flamenco Master Class 3.15pm - 4.45pm If you have experience with Flamenco: take part in the full masterclass in which company members will focus on body technique and footwork, culminating in a short choreographed piece accompanied by the company musicians. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the relationship between the dancer and the musicians. Cost: tbc For more details on the workshops and to book a place, email dotdotdotflamenco@gmail.com
// Booking: 01865 319450 or www.thenorthwall.com
Alex Brenner
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WEDNESDAY 28 – THURSDAY 29 JANUARY Theatre Ad Infinitum presents
Light
Charged with hunting down ‘terrorists’ who seek illegal disconnection, a young government agent encounters an enigmatic figure from his shadowy past. Inspired by Edward Snowden’s revelations and the ensuing debate on state surveillance, Theatre Ad Infinitum conjures an Orwellian future where a totalitarian regime monitors the thoughts of its citizens through implants. Blending anime-style storytelling and a pulsating soundscape, this is a nightmarish tale of love, betrayal and technological power.
“Immersive, imaginative and intensively invasive” ★★★★ British Theatre Guide “Thrilling” The Observer “A jaw-dropping technical achievement” Time Out www.theatreadinfinitum.co.uk
£5 STUDENT TICKETS LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Age suitability: 12+ Performance: 8pm Tickets: £15 (concessions £12)
// Booking: 01865 319450 or www.thenorthwall.com
Theatre
Theatre Ad Infinitum’s work defies easy categorisation. Effortlessly switching styles in service of its latest subject, the international ensemble’s productions have been a highlight of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe since 2008
Sheila Burnett
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SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY The Devil’s Violin presents
The Forbidden Door Don’t open that door! As soon as the rule is laid down, we know it will be broken. Once the door is opened, then what? All of us love a good tale, and this is a wonderful one. Expect love, loss, drama, danger, horror, humour, twists and trials.
“An enchantment, a work that walks the line between life and death, which recognises with the power of voice and the power of music, that there is magic everywhere” The Times
Age suitability: 12+ Performance: 8pm Tickets: £13 (concessions £11)
// Booking: 01865 319450 or www.thenorthwall.com
Music
Drawing on influences from Folk and World to Jazz and Classical, the music and story work as one, transporting you into a world of the imagination.
Spoken Word
With their visceral combination of live music and dynamic storytelling, The Devil’s Violin has been weaving an enchantment of melody and mystery since 2006.
FRIDAY 13 – SATURDAY 14 FEBRUARY OperaUpClose presents
The Marriage of Figaro On the day they are due to be married, Susanna horrifies Figaro by revealing that the unwanted attentions of his boss – the womanising Count – are becoming increasingly insistent. Further complications are caused by Cherubino’s infatuation with the Countess, who loves her unfaithful husband but is flattered to be noticed by a much younger man… Olivier Award winning OperaUpClose return to Oxford with their hit production of Mozart’s joyous The Marriage of Figaro. Bursting with great tunes, laughout-loud comedy and powerful insights into what it is to be human, it’s little wonder that The Marriage of Figaro is one of the world’s best-loved operas. Directed by Sarah Tipple, this highly inventive and theatrical production is sung in a new English version by Robin Norton-Hale (La Bohème & La Traviata) with an orchestration for piano, viola and clarinet by Alex Beetschen.
Christopher Tribble
“Terrific fun...sung and acted so beautifully.” ★★★★ Time Out “Inspirational...the singing and playing is of such a high standard.” ★★★★ Independent “Maximum impact...for once the laughter doesn’t rely on surtitles.” ★★★★ Evening Standard Performances: 7.30pm Tickets: £25 (concessions £20)
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Theatre/ Opera Opera
// Booking: 01865 319450 or www.thenorthwall.com
THURSDAY 26 FEBRUARY Move to Stand in association with Little Mighty presents
Fat Man
Orpheus is doing stand-up for the gods. A sharp new take on a classic Greek myth, this is a bitterly funny story of love, loss and eating your way out of grief. As the audience are transformed into the gods of legend, will Orpheus ever escape his past? The award-winning Move to Stand are back with a black comedy that bridges the everyday with the celestial. Martin Bonger (NIE’s North North North, The Plasticine Men’s Keepers) delivers a gripping solo performance. There might even be a song. www.movetostand.co.uk
“ Funny, immersive and surprisingly emotional.” ★★★★★ Plays to See “Entertaining and at times exceptional.” ★★★★ Everything Theatre First performed at Ovalhouse in July 2014. Created in association with North Wall Oxford, Live Theatre Newcastle, and South Street Reading.
Performance: 8pm Tickets: £13 (concessions £11)
// Booking: 01865 319450 or www.thenorthwall.com
Sheila Burnett
£5 STUDENT TICKETS LIMITED AVAILABILITY
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FRIDAY 13 – SATURDAY 14 MARCH Ridiculusmus presents
The Eradication of Schizophrenia in Western Lapland
Theatre Critically acclaimed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2014, this new work from Ridiculusmus is a dual family drama about recovery from schizophrenia. The play simultaneously stages the first psychotic episodes of a mother and son as they navigate stress and change with fantastical results involving Finnish folk, Margaret Drabble, Adolf Hitler and the knitted cover for a toilet roll. Their two interconnected stories are performed in separate but adjoining auditoria in the same theatre space, audible but unseen to each other. At half time the audience switch seats and the action is replayed, mapping a pathway to recovery.
“A startling piece of work that challenges how you listen and fathom what you hear” ★★★★ The Guardian “As a piece of stagecraft it is completely remarkable” ★★★★ Time Out www.ridiculusmus.com Performance: 8pm Tickets: £13 (concessions £11)
// Booking: 01865 319450 or www.thenorthwall.com
£5 STUDENT TICKETS LIMITED AVAILABILITY
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TUESDAY 17 MARCH Fire Exit presents
Long Live The Little Knife Written and directed by David Leddy
Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
Theatre
A dynamic, absurd and uplifting theatre piece about forgery, castration and blind drunkenness. Liz and Tom are small-time con-artists who need £250,000 to buy their way out of a turf war. Their mission is to be the greatest art forgers in the world. There’s only one problem. They can’t paint. Originally developed with support from the Royal Shakespeare Company and performed at The British Museum, this fast-paced, provocative and boisterous caper finds incongruous connections between verbatim theatre, free-market economics, the psychology of “truth”, and a castrated labradoodle in a classic Chanel clutch bag.
“ Dazzling… wild… hugely enjoyable” ★★★★ The Guardian “Played with dazzling vitality” ★★★★ The Times
Age suitability: 16+ Performance: 8pm 8pm Performance: Tickets: £13 (concessions £11) Tickets: £13 (concessions £11)
Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
www.davidleddy.com
// Booking: 01865 319450 or www.thenorthwall.com
£5 STUDENT TICKETS LIMITED AVAILABILITY
THURSDAY 19 – FRIDAY 20 MARCH Warwick Arts Centre and China Plate present
Confirmation By Chris Thorpe Developed with and directed by Rachel Chavkin
Commissioned by Northern Stage and Battersea Arts Centre
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If you pinned me against a wall, I’d probably admit to being a liberal. Of course, pinning me against a wall is exactly what I’d expect from someone like you. A show about the gulfs we can’t talk across, and about the way we choose to see only the evidence that proves we’re right. Working with research into the phenomenon of confirmation bias, Confirmation is an attempt to have an honorable dialogue, real and imagined, with political extremism. To find out how we believe what we believe, and how we can end up so far apart.
“Rachel Chavkin’s fast-moving, kinetic production offers us an absolutely compelling performance from a man who is fast becoming one of the most powerful performers in the UK” ★★★★ The Scotsman ★★★★ The Times ★★★★ The Guardian ★★★★ What’s On Stage ★★★★ Time Out www.chinaplatetheatre.com Age suitability: 14+ Performances: 8pm Tickets: £13 (concessions £11)
// Booking: 01865 319450 or www.thenorthwall.com
£5 STUDENT TICKETS LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Theatre
A 2014 Fringe First award-winning show: written and performed by Chris Thorpe (Unlimited Theatre, Third Angel), developed with and directed by Rachel Chavkin (The TEAM).
“It’s funny, heart-breaking, sexy, strange, but above all else, it’s beautiful. I cannot recommend it highly enough” ★★★★★ Three Weeks on Awake (2013)
// Booking: 01865 319450 or www.thenorthwall.com
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TUESDAY 14 – SATURDAY 18 APRIL Awake Projects & The North Wall present
Song of Riots Written by Lucy Maycock Music by Maria Sendow Directed by Christopher Sivertsen & Lucy Maycock This is a story for you, my son A song for you to learn to sing The story of kingdoms lost then won And here is where we must begin
With woods, wildmen, the fairytale Iron Hans and the words of William Blake, Song of Riots explores how boys cross the bridge from childhood to maturity and what happens if they fail to make that journey. Who are these wild boys, running loose in our cities and on our streets? And is there a kingdom left for them to inherit? Please take me to your forest deep Please take me to your forest den I’ll leave my parents fast asleep I’ll leave and not come back again This dynamic, physical piece is acted, danced, spoken and sung by an international cast including four members of the Polish company Song of the Goat. www.awakeprojects.com
Age suitability: 12+ Performances: 8pm Tickets: £13 (concessions £11)
£5 STUDENT TICKETS LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Theatre
Two boys. A prince from a fairy tale – the only child of a King and a Queen. A kid from the inner city – the only son of Polish immigrants. Both boys need to leave home. Both are out in the night. Both are looking to find golden opportunities. When they meet, a riot breaks out.
THURSDAY 23 APRIL Show and Tell present
So It Goes by On The Run
Hannah has always wanted to talk about her dad. But in the seven years since he died, she hasn’t quite managed it. Not one to be defeated, she’s enlisted her friend David to help her on a journey through memory, laughter and sorrow. Frank, funny and endlessly inventive, So It Goes explores the light and dark sides of grief, in a playful and deeply personal show about love and loss.
“ I’ve never seen a depiction of grief that is quite as deft, daring, amusing and moving as this one. An extraordinary debut” ★★★★★ The Times “ A gorgeous, profoundly moving show” ★★★★ The Telegraph www.ontheruntheatre.co.uk
£5 STUDENT TICKETS LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Performance: 8pm Tickets: £13 (concessions £11)
// Booking: 01865 319450 or www.thenorthwall.com
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TUESDAY 28 APRIL Idle Motion presents
Shooting With Light
Margaret Durow
Theatre
In 1934 a young German refugee flees to Paris and discovers the genius of photography. She reinvents herself as Gerda Taro, becoming one of the pioneering women to photograph the front line. In this startling and visually rich production Idle Motion expose one of the most remarkable untold stories of our age. Today we live in a world where our lives can feel like they are defined by our collective Kodak moments. With the compulsion to capture it all we are flooded by a myriad of images. And yet within the 2.5 billion photographs taken every day, there will only be a precious few that we will continue to hold on to. Described by The Guardian’s Lyn Gardner as “a brilliant emerging company” and developed with New Diorama, The Lowry and Greenwich Theatre, Idle Motion use innovative staging, physicality and multimedia to interweave the dramatic stories of photographs undeveloped, scattered and unearthed. This is a story about capturing moments, freezing shadows and the £5 STUDENT photographs that outlive our memories. Performance: 8pm Tickets: £13 (concessions £11)
// Booking: 01865 319450 or www.thenorthwall.com
TICKETS LIMITED AVAILABILITY
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THURSDAY 14 MAY
TES
by Steve Larkin
TES is a contemporary theatrical adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s celebrated novel Tess of the D’Urbervilles in which the tragic heroine is reinvented for the 21st century as a teenage boy from a Newcastle council estate who is found to be descended from a famous Romantic poet.
www.stevelarkin.com
£5 STUDENT TICKETS LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Performance: 8pm Tickets: £13 (concessions £11)
// Booking: 01865 319450 or www.thenorthwall.com
Theatre/
“An Orwellian portrayal of Britain’s rotting underbelly that slices like a rusty razor” ★★★★★ Victoria Times Colonist
Spoken Word
Following the critical success of its Canadian tour, TES is the latest spoken word theatre show by writer/performer Steve Larkin. Steve is the founder and president of poetry slam organisation Hammer & Tongue and front man of klezmer ska band Inflatable Buddha. He is a firm favourite with fringe theatre and spoken word audiences internationally, renowned for 2013’s N.O.N.C.E and his other solo shows, which are noted for their enthralling stories and crowd-pleasing performance poetry pieces.
MONDAY 18 MAY Paines Plough and Pentabus Theatre Company present
Every Brilliant Thing
by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe You’re six years old. Mum’s in hospital. Dad says she’s ‘done something stupid’. She finds it hard to be happy. So you start to make a list of everything that’s brilliant about the world. Everything that’s worth living for. 1. Ice Cream 2. Kung Fu Movies 3. Burning Things 4. Laughing so hard you shoot milk out your nose 5. Construction cranes A new play about depression and the lengths we will go to for those we love, based on true and untrue stories. The performance of Every Brilliant Thing involves members of the audience, making each night unique.
“ Heart-wrenching, hilarious...possibly one of the funniest plays you’ll ever see, full stop” ★★★★ The Guardian www.painesplough.com www.pentabus.co.uk Age suitability: 14+ Performance: 8pm Tickets: £13 (concessions £11)
// Booking: 01865 319450 or www.thenorthwall.com
£5 STUDENT TICKETS LIMITED AVAILABILITY
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THURSDAY 21 MAY Caroline Horton & Co and China Plate present Caroline Horton’s
Mess
Josephine is putting on a play – Boris and Sistahl help. It’s about anorexia. But don’t let that put you off. Unflinchingly they confront big issues (and extremely tiny ones). Today they will tackle a particularly thin elephant in the room. Obsession, addiction and not wanting to get out of bed: a play with songs from 2013 Olivier Award nominated Caroline Horton (You’re Not Like Other Girls Chrissy). 2012 Stage Award Winner for Best Ensemble.
Touring in association with Beat. Developed with the help of King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry. Triggered@ Warwick Arts Centre and funded by the Wellcome Trust. Commissioned by Battersea Arts Centre and Parabola Arts Centre with the support of Ovalhouse.
£5 STUDENT TICKETS LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Age suitability: 13+ Performance: 8pm Tickets: £13 (concessions £11)
// Booking: 01865 319450 or www.thenorthwall.com
Theatre
“Comes perilously close to genius and announces Horton as a major talent” ★★★★ Time Out ★★★★ Evening Standard ★★★★ Financial Times ★★★★ The Independent
WEDNESDAY 11 MARCH Show and Tell presents
Josie Long:
Cara Josephine Three-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and cult optimist is back with her most personal show to date - about love and being outdoorsy as a bear. Josie is the star of Radio Four’s All Of The Planet’s Wonders and Short Cuts – as seen on BBC1’s Have I Got News For You, Channel Four’s 8 Out Of 10 Cats and more. Cara Josephine was the overall best-reviewed comedy show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2014.
“An original and unflagging spirit, oozing enthusiasm and intellect” ★★★★ The Times “A passion for ideas and creativity… this is a lovely show” ★★★★ The Guardian “An absolute delight.” ★★★★ Time Out www.josielong.com
Age suitability: 14+ Performance: 8pm Tickets: £15 (concessions £13)
// Booking: 01865 319450 or www.thenorthwall.com
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SATURDAY 23 MAY So Comedy by arrangement with Troika present
John Hegley: New and Selected Potatoes The UK’s favourite performance poet, comedian and musician hits the road, mandolin in hand, with a performance of pieces new and older, sung, spoken and awoken with dance: meditations upon family, celery and happier Daleks. Light and lyrical. Deep and daft. Come and sing. In addition to John’s extensive live work he has had 10 critically acclaimed books published and is a TV & radio regular, most recently in his own BBC Radio 4 series ‘Who Does John Hegley Think He Is?’
“Scandalously talented” Sunday Times “Awesomely mundane” Independent www.johnhegley.co.uk www.socomedy.co.uk
// Booking: 01865 319450 or www.thenorthwall.com
Comedy
Age suitability: 14+ Performance: 8pm Tickets: £13 (concessions £11)
SATURDAY 28 MARCH Awake Projects present
Awake LOVE Orchestra Awake LOVE Orchestra has been entertaining audiences all over Europe since 2009. Formed by members of Awake Projects’ multi-talented ensemble, this unique fusion of folk, choral and popular music transports the listener from Scandinavia and the Mediterranean to Eastern Europe and the USA.
“ The theme is love and it is beautifully expressed through the group’s absolute joy for music. The talent coming from this small, international ensemble is obvious as they use their mouths, bodies and instruments to create sound in a wonderfully unique and connected way.” Three Weeks Performance: 8pm Tickets: £11 (concessions £9)
// Booking: 01865 319450 or www.thenorthwall.com
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WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL
DUOTONE plus special guests
Music
Duotone is the alias of songwriter Barney Morse-Brown, cellist with multiplatinum artist Birdy, BBC Folk Award winners the Imagined Village, Chris Wood, Eliza Carthy & Jackie Oates Single-handedly disproving the myth that ‘men can’t multi-task’, his mesmerising solo performances of multi-instrumental live looping move seamlessly between riotous energy and heartfelt intimacy. Duotone is proud to be returning to the North Wall to launch his new LP Let’s Get Low. Written at home on his narrowboat, Let’s Get Low reveals a songwriter who is unafraid to explore real-life experiences that are often hidden from view. His debut album Work Harder & One Day You’ll Find Her (2009) and critically acclaimed second LP Ropes (2011) saw Duotone navigating his way through the loss of his wife. Let’s Get Low, two years in the making, presents a new perspective on his experiences and explores the meaning of home and his sense of place.
“ A hidden gem” Observer
Performance: 8pm Tickets: £12 (concessions £10)
John Carins
★★★★★ Songlines “ One of Britain’s most intriguing & inventive bands” Rock ‘N’ Reel
// Booking: 01865 319450 or www.thenorthwall.com
SATURDAY 9 MAY Pitt Rivers Museum AfterHours and OCM present
Nanook of the North – A Live Soundtrack Performed by Dead Rat Orchestra One of the UK’s most innovative ensembles, melding heart-rending improvisation with gritty folk and roots music, Dead Rat Orchestra present their own live soundtrack to the classic, and possibly first ever, feature length documentary Nanook of the North. Released in 1922, R. J. Flaherty’s controversial film portrays “love and life in the actual artic”, following the daily trials of the Inuit on the edges of the Arctic Circle. Join in the discussion of the film directly after the performance with the musicians, leading academics and historians.
“ Reconstructing folk music from the ground up” The Quietus on DRO www.ocmevents.org www.prm.ox.ac.uk
Performance: 7.30pm Tickets: £14 (concessions £10)
// Booking: // Booking: 0186501865 319450 319450 or www.thenorthwall.com or www.thenorthwall.com
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SATURDAY 6 JUNE
Julia Biel
Since spearheading a wave of British vocal folk/jazz with her pioneering and selfproduced debut album ‘Not Alone’, co-written with folk/jazz guitarist Jonny Phillips, Biel is now looking forward to the release of her new record, an altogether bolder affair than her acoustic debut. A former Perrier Jazz Vocalist of the Year, her set promises to be chock full of melancholic innocence and epic drama, with nods to Radiohead, PJ Harvey, Portishead and Bjork as well as to Nina Simone and Billie Holiday.
“ Her mesmerizing voice and magnetic stage presence should encourage many to follow where she leads… about to hit the big time” The Guardian Performance: 8pm Tickets: £13 (concessions £11)
// Booking: 01865 319450 or www.thenorthwall.com
Music
Hailed by the Independent as “the best British vocalist to emerge in an age”, award-winning singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Julia Biel is blazing a trail on the British music scene, blending vocals reminiscent of the greats of jazz’s golden age with a poetic yet conversational lyrical style and a uniquely sharp perspective on contemporary life and love.
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SATURDAY 2 – MONDAY 4 MAY
National Theatre Connections
New plays performed by young people
Each year the National Theatre asks ten writers to create new plays for performance by young theatre companies all over the country. From Inverness to Cornwall and Belfast to Norfolk, Connections celebrates great new writing for the stage – and the energy, commitment and talent of young theatre-makers. The North Wall are delighted to be hosting this exciting festival once more. We’ll be welcoming eight young companies from schools and youth theatre groups across the region who will each be performing their chosen play over the course of three days.
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/connections Performances: Sat 4pm & 8pm, Sun – Mon 11am, 3pm & 7pm Tickets: £4 (concessions £3) per show
THURSDAY 18 JUNE Performed by the children of SS Philip and James Primary School
A Shining Candle in a Sea of Darkness Written by N.E.A. Carter Directed by Jon Bliss A struggling merchant. A man yoked to a plough. Two blighted lives that meet to stir an astounding light. In this versioning of a classic Ethiopian folk tale we are reminded that, no matter what the suffering or misfortune, everything changes, everything passes. With songs, humour and a wayward goat, A Shining Candle in a Sea of Darkness is a tale for all ages. Performances: 3.30pm & 6.30pm Tickets: £7.50 (concessions £5.50, children £3.50)
// Booking: 01865 319450 or www.thenorthwall.com
Community
Shows yet to be announced – keep your eye on The North Wall website for more details.
Ruskin School of Art The Ruskin School of Art is a top-ranked art school at the heart of the University of Oxford, devoted to cutting-edge artistic production and rigorous thought. The School offers a flourishing undergraduate programme (BFA), a highly successful postgraduate DPhil programme and is about to launch a Masters in Fine Art (MFA). The North Wall Gallery is delighted to work with the RSA to bring work by these highly talented young artists to a wider public audience.
WEDNESDAY 7 – SATURDAY 24 JANUARY
WEDNESDAY 15 – THURSDAY 30 APRIL
BFA Exhibition
DPhil Exhibition
BFA Students are encouraged to work across all media and to develop their own focus and interests in a variety of aspects. A selection of BFA finalists here present work which results from unfettered experimentation, underpinned by rigorous studio-practice and deep theoretical reflection that characterises the course.
The DPhil in Fine Art is designed to support research in contemporary art making and contemporary art history and theory. Artists, art historians and art theorists work closely together in world-leading, research-intensive programmes which allow for a wide range of interdisciplinary and collaborative work at this level.
// Gallery: Mon-Fri: 10am-4pm, Sat: 12pm-4pm // www.thenorthwall.com
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WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY – SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY
Miranda Stewart
Expressions of the Oxford Landscape
Miranda Stewart’s work is inspired by the Oxfordshire landscape. The paintings are personal expressions of the views from Port Meadow and other rural perspectives surrounding Oxford. In many of the paintings, the forms and compositions are consciously ambiguous and unspecified, inviting the viewer to imagine their own narrative. The technique combines quick brushstrokes with layers of paint to produce semi-abstract images that may – or may not – represent trees, water and the city skyline. Using a palette of bright colours, Miranda aims to achieve complex dreamscapes blending the classical with modernistic expressionism.
WEDNESDAY 11 – SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY
Judie Waldmann & Claire Sadler
…within reach…
// Gallery: Mon-Fri: 10am-4pm, Sat: 12pm-4pm // www.thenorthwall.com
Art
The struggle to come ‘within reach’ is explored metaphorically through Claire Christie Sadler’s drawings and Judie Waldmann’s photographs and words. The artists examine the individual who feels ‘out of reach’ and isolated, absorbed by imaginings, negative perceptions and self-doubt. Yet there is a longing to find a reality where potential strengths and self-worth are ultimately acknowledged and encouraged. In the past 14 years, Claire and Judie have exhibited regularly in solo, group and joint shows. They have also facilitated community workshops.
WEDNESDAY 25 MARCH – SATURDAY 11 APRIL
Camphill Foundation:
World Wide Weave: Textile Art from Four Continents
This exhibition brings together the artistic achievements of people with learning disabilities living and working together in 61 intentional communities in 18 countries. From California and Vancouver in the west to India and Vietnam in the east, from Norway to South Africa, children, young people and adults have contributed multi-media textile art to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the international Camphill Movement. In holistic and integrated environments they live extraordinary lives, co-responsible for their communities and doing regular, productive and fulfilling work. Their many gifts and talents, practical, artistic and social, celebrate unity in diversity and the spark of creativity which is common to all humanity, transcending boundaries of language, culture, religion and politics. The exhibition will tour the UK, Ireland and USA in 2015-2016.
www.camphillfoundation.net
WEDNESDAY 27 MAY – FRIDAY 12 JUNE
Oxford Schools Freedom from Torture:
Helen Bamber Memorial Exhibition Helen Bamber, OBE, founder of Freedom from Torture, was an inspiring champion of human rights. Following her death in August, Oxford secondary schools are participating in a competition to produce art inspired by the concept of human rights. The works will be judged by acclaimed war artist, Phil Whiting, for emotional impact, interpretation of the brief and artistic merit. The themes explored and developed by the students – unjust imprisonment; The Womans Block by Phil Whiting torture; persecution because of gender, sexuality, race, religion and other abuses – will be portrayed in this exhibition of young talent provoking visitors to consider the worldwide problem of human rights abuses.
www.freedomfromtorture.org/
// Gallery: Mon-Fri: 10am-4pm, Sat: 12pm-4pm // www.thenorthwall.com
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SATURDAY 2 – FRIDAY 22 MAY
Oxfordshire Art Weeks 2015:
Out of Hours
A collection of current work from the Art department staff of St. Edward’s School Oxford. An exciting mix of disciplines from ceramics to painting, and subject matter from figurative to conceptual, including work by Peter Lloyd-Jones, Adam Hahn, Jane Bowen, Lorraine Turley, Tova Dalgleish, Tom Hunter, Phillip Jolley, Sharron Keen and Richard Siddons. Alongside their teaching commitments this group remain heavily involved in the world of producing, setting an example for the next generation of artists they teach. Between them they have studied at some of the country’s most prestigious institutions including Glasgow, The Ruskin, Loughborough, Staffordshire, Camberwell, Manchester Met and The Royal Academy.
Art // Gallery: Mon-Fri: 10am-4pm, Sat: 12pm-4pm // www.thenorthwall.com
ST EDWARD’S AT THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE 2014
Tune in to Teddies TV to find out more
www.stedwardsoxford.org
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WEDNESDAY 4 – SATURDAY 21 MARCH
St Edward’s School Art Department:
Work In Progress
An exhibition showcasing the work of students across all age groups, and displaying a wide variety of media and techniques, print making, ceramics, drawing, painting and textiles amongst others. This is the first opportunity that these young artists will have had to exhibit in public.
TUESDAY 16 JUNE – SATURDAY 4 JULY
Summer Exhibition & Leavers’ Show An exhibition celebrating artistic achievements from the past academic year. From the 16th-30th, work from a variety of year groups and disciplines will be on display. From the 30th4th the Upper Sixth leavers will showcase their work from their ‘A’ level and IB courses. A show not to be missed!
// Gallery: Mon-Fri: 10am-4pm, Sat: 12pm-4pm // www.thenorthwall.com
Art
St Edward’s School Art Department:
Outreach At The North Wall Since opening, the North Wall has provided amazing opportunities for young and aspiring artists across various theatre disciplines – often helping them take that first step into a career in the creative arts. Traditionally taking place in the summer, this programme is now being expanded to allow more young people to access more opportunities throughout the year.
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Spring Half-Term Dance Into Theatre! A 3-Day Masterclass in Dance Theatre Wednesday 18 – Friday 20 February 2015 What is Dance Theatre? … What’s different about it? If you live locally, are aged 13 – 18 years with some dance experience, spend three days working with dancers from the acclaimed Mark Bruce Company – last seen at the North Wall with two sell-out performances of their stunning, award-winning version of Dracula. The project will culminate with a work-in-progress sharing on the evening of Friday 20 February. Cost: £50 for all 3 days
Easter Holiday Theatrecraft A Project for Young Writers and Directors Monday 23 March – Saturday 4 April 2015 We are seeking young and aspiring playwrights and directors aged 18 – 25 from across the UK to work intensively for 2 weeks with an ensemble of professional actors, directors and writing mentors. The project will culminate with performances of rehearsed readings and staged extracts. Recruitment will be by application and interview, and writers will need to submit a short script. Application packs are available on the website. Participation is free of charge and board and lodging is provided. Scratch Performance: Sat 4 April 7pm Tickets: £6 (concessions £5)
The Annual Summer Residency
Monday 20 July – Saturday 8 August 2015 Once again, the North Wall will be running our summer theatre residency for young performers, designers, composers, musicians and technicians aged 18 – 25. Come and work with a team of inspirational professionals, looking to use your talent and energy to work towards the making of an important new piece of theatre. Participation is free of charge and board and lodging is provided. How to get involved: We will be holding a series of auditions and interviews in the spring. Contact us (see below) to go on our mailing list and we will send you full details of the application process and audition dates nearer the time. Scratch Performance: Friday 7 & Saturday 8 August. More details nearer the time
Please contact Sherrell Perkin on 01865 319457 for details of how to get involved or visit www.thenorthwall.com/projects.php to find out more.
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Booking Information Groups One ticket is free with every ten purchased. Concessions Where indicated, these apply to schoolchildren, full-time students, UB40s, over 60s and registered disabled. The carer for a wheelchair user receives a free ticket.
Students Special £5 ticket offer for some shows. Contact box office for availability. School Groups £7.50 tickets on selected shows (£9 for Light). Accompanying staff members go free.
Multibuy Great reductions when booking 2 or more shows together (see p.4 for details). Make a meal of it with Cibo! (at 4 South Parade, just a step from The North Wall) On performance evenings North Wall audience members can enjoy a pre- or post-show meal and receive 25% off their bill. Dated ticket or other proof of attendance on the night must be shown.
Keep up to date with news and offers Don’t miss out – join our mailing list by registering on the homepage of our website or email contact@thenorthwall.com. www.thenorthwall.com
The North Wall is part of St Edward’s, Oxford: charity number 309681
At a glance event guide DATE
EVENT
CATEGORY PAGE
Jan 24 Jan 28 - 29 Feb 7 Feb 13 – 14 Feb 21 – 22 Feb 26 Feb 28 Mar 11 Mar 13 – 14 Mar 17 Mar 19 – 20 Mar 22 Mar 28 Apr 14 – 18 Apr 23 Apr 25 Apr 28 Apr 29 May 2 – 4 May 9 May 14 May 18 May 21 May 23 May 30 June 6 June 18 June 20
Like Rabbits Light The Forbidden Door The Marriage of Figaro The Magic Porridge Pot Fat Man No Frills Flamenco Josie Long The Eradication of Schizophrenia… Long Live The Little Knife Confirmation Whatever The Weather Awake Love Orchestra Song of Riots So It Goes The Journey Home Shooting With Light Duotone NT Connections Nanook of The North TES Every Brilliant Thing Mess John Hegley Flyaway Katie Julia Biel A Shining Candle in a Sea of Darkness Tony & Mike
Dance 8 Theatre 10 Spoken Word/Music 13 Opera 14 Kids’ Theatre 5 Theatre 16 Dance 9 Comedy 30 Theatre 17 Theatre 19 Theatre 20 Kids’ Theatre 5 Music 32 Theatre 22 Theatre 24 Kids’ Theatre 6 Theatre 25 Music 33 Community 37 Music 34 Spoken Word 27 Theatre 28 Theatre 29 Comedy 31 Kids’ Theatre 6 Music 35 Community 37 Kids’ Theatre 7
Exhibitions Jan 7 - 24 Jan 28 – Feb 7 Feb 11 – 28 Mar 4 - 21 Mar 25 – Apr 11 Apr 15 – 30 May 2 – 22 May 27 – Jun 12 Jun 16 – Jul 4
Ruskin BFA Exhibition Expressions of the Oxford Landscape Within Reach… SES: Work in Progress World Wide Weave Ruskin DPhil Exhibition Artweeks: Out Of Hours Helen Bamber Memorial Exhibition SES: Summer Exhibition & Leaver’s Show
See page 46 for special offers and full details of concessions.
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