4 1 0 2 N U J R P A
www.disscornhall.co.uk
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For the first time in our history, the Corn Hall will be a venue for the nationally prestigious Norfolk & Norwich Festival. During the festival in May we will be hosting a production of David Leddy’s Long Live the Little Knife (‘Dazzling… hugely enjoyable’ The Guardian), and later in the month there is a treat for jazz lovers with a performance by the electrifying trio Phronesis. Our own programme features, among other highlights, the best of Motown, country, rock and folk music. Don’t miss legends of the Tamla Motown label when they bring you some of pop history’s classic hits in Motor City Memories and Megson, the young duo that is taking the folk world by storm. Throughout the year the Corn Hall will be marking the centenary of the outbreak of World War I with a series of events. In this programme we have Sing-a-long Songs of Wartime and a screening of Joan Littlewood’s Oh! What a Lovely War, the satire which changed attitudes to the Great War. Do make a note too that in September we will be have Sam Sweeney’s Fiddle: Made in the Great War, a very special event featuring Sweeney, the Bellowhead fiddle player in collaboration with the award-winning storyteller, Hugh Lupton.
A crucial moment for the Corn Hall Our Heritage Lottery Fund bid to upgrade and repair the Corn Hall as part of Diss’ transformed Heritage Triangle is at a crucial stage. It’s a truly exciting project which, if we’re successful, could lead to an investment of £3 million in Diss and give a huge economic boost to the local economy. The other side of the coin is that if we don’t manage to go ahead, we see immediate structural problems for the Corn Hall, which we may not have the funds to repair and which may lead to its closure. With pledges from the HLF and other funding bodies we are up to a potential £1.85 million, so we have a lot to do but are well on our way to our target of £3 million. Now we really need your help to raise £100,000 locally. We want to get everyone involved, so we’re launching a major fundraising appeal in a few weeks but meanwhile you can make this once-in-a-generation project for your community happen by giving your support. Please make a donation via MyDonate https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/disscornhalltrust, or email David Case on davidcasefineart@btinternet.com to find out more.
Angela Sykes, Diss Corn Hall Manager
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BOX OFFICE 01379 652241 Mon - Fri 11am - 4pm Sat 11am-2pm www.disscornhall.co.uk
The Old Stables, beside the Corn Hall, St Nicholas Street, Diss IP22 4LB DATE 1-12 April Wed 2 April Sat 5 April Wed 9 April Thurs 10 April Fri 11 April Sat 12 April 15 Apr-3 May Wed 16 April Wed 23 April Sat 26 April Sat 26 April Wed 30 April Sat 3 May 7-31 May Wed 7 May Thurs 8 May Fri 9 May Sat 10 May Wed 14 May Fri 16Sun 18 May Tues 20 May Wed 21 May Thurs 22 May Sat 24 May Sat 24 May Wed 28 May Fri 30 May 4-28 June Wed 4 June Thurs 5 June Fri 6 June Wed 11 June Thurs 12 June Wed 18 June Sat 21 June Sat 21 June Wed 25 June Sat 28 June
EVENT
TIME
PAGE
Art Film Music Film Theatre Music Film Matinee Exhibition Film Film Family Word Film Music Art Film Theatre Theatre Music Film Art
Waveney Springs Art Collective Gravity (12A) Raymond Froggatt The Butler (12A) Romeo & Juliet – Yakety Yak A Touch of Class – Something Happened Frozen (PG) Matinee Screening Astrophotography – Imaging the Universe The Selfish Giant (15) Fellini’s 8½ (15) Saturday Club – A Real Fairy Story – Ripstop Theatre Two Illustrated Talks on Astronomy Saving Mr Banks (PG) Dire Streets Adam Bridgland & Lucy Gough – I Will Forget and You Will Remember Enough Said (12A) Blackadder Goes Forth – The Seagull Rep Long Live the Little Knife – Norfolk & Norwich Festival Motor City Memories – An Evening of Supreme Temptation Nebraska (15) Artex 2014 – Grand Art Exhibition & Sale
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Music Film Theatre Family Music Film Comedy Heritage Film Music Music Film Theatre Film Family Music Film Music
Phronesis – Norfolk & Norwich Festival Blue Is the Warmest Colour (18) Woman in Mind – Open Space Saturday Club – A Family Folk Show with Megson Megson American Hustle (15) Corn Hall Comedy Club The Heritage Triangle – Shops & Shopkeepers Requiem for a Village (18) Limehouse Lizzy Sing-a-long Songs of Wartime 12 Years a Slave (12) Hey Jig-a-Jig! – Let the Fool Dance – Charmed Life Oh! What a Lovely War (PG) Saturday Club – The Story Game The Roving Crows Inside Llewyn Davis (15) The Pure Floyd Show
Box office hours 8pm 7.30pm 8pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2pm Box office hours 8pm 8pm 2pm 7pm 8pm 7.30pm Box office hours 8pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 8pm Various, see entry 8pm 8pm 7.30pm 2pm 8pm 8pm 8pm Box office hours 8pm 8pm 7pm 8pm 7.30pm 8pm 2pm 8pm 8pm 8pm
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April “A work of unique dedication”
Art An exhibition in the Corn Hall Gallery 1-12 April Box Office Hours Free
Waveney Springs Art Collective This exhibition features a wide variety of talents from painters and sculptors to printmakers, potters, textile makers and photographers. All the artists in the Collective live and work within 10 miles of Diss. Along with exhibitions and workshops, you can visit the artists in their own studios on their two Open Studio Weekends on 24-26 May and 31 May-1 June.
Film Wednesday 2 April 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Gravity
(12A)
Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, 2013, USA/UK, 91 mins With Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Ed Harris A work of unique dedication: Cuarón wanted to show us what it is like in space. And thanks to armies of British technicians and cutting edge film techniques, he succeeds marvellously. We are there, weightless with the two stars, in awe at the glorious vastness of space, as they struggle to survive. The excitement extends to the interior drama – within the spaceships and inside Sandra Bullock’s mind as she fights her demons.
Music Saturday 5 April 7.30pm Tickets £16.50 / £13.50
www.waveneysprings.co.uk Evening viewing Wed 2 April in the gallery 6.30-7.45pm Meet the artists.
Raymond Froggatt Top UK country music entertainer Raymond Froggatt has made over 40 records, written around 3,000 songs and was voted the top male singer by the British Country Music Association for six years in a row. His songs have been recorded by artists around the world and he has toured with Rod Stewart, ELO, Tammy Wynette and Glen Campbell. ‘Froggie’ has delighted capacity audiences at the Corn Hall for many years and is back once again due to public demand. www.raymond-froggatt.com 4
Film
Music
Wednesday 9 April 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
The Butler
(12A)
Directed by Lee Daniels, 2013, US, 132 mins With Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, Robin Williams, John Cusack Cecil Gaines (Forest Whitaker) goes from the Georgia cotton fields to the White House, there from ‘house nigger’ to trusted servant. Eisenhower, Kennedy, Nixon, Reagan – the butler tends to them all. His job demands invisibility; it’s Oprah Winfrey as his wife whose spirit is at the heart of the drama. There is genuine passion in the fanciful retelling of contemporary history, alongside the star-spangled jamboree of presidents.
Theatre Thursday 10 April 7.30pm Tickets £10 / Concessions £8 / Students £5 Yakety Yak Young Actors Company presents
Romeo and Juliet
Friday 11 April 7.30pm Tickets £9 / Concessions £8 Something Happened presents
A Touch of Class Long before Downton Abbey, banker’s bonuses and Plebgate, class and money have produced some of our funniest and most interesting songs. The trio Something Happened takes an often hilarious musical journey from Berkeley Square to Skid Row, with the help of classics made famous by Noel Coward, Victoria Wood, Cole Porter, Bessie Smith, Ray Davies and Marilyn Monroe – with a few surprises along the way. A Touch of Class is a feelgood show that will make you laugh – and make you think.
By William Shakespeare Two young lovers, caught in the middle of a blood feud, pay the price of forbidden love when they are forced to take their own lives. Following last year’s sell out tour of Carrie’s War, the vibrant Yakety Yak performs this Elizabethan tragedy with all the gusto of youth, in a truly thrilling and visual production. ‘...nothing short of inspired.’ One Suffolk on Carrie’s War. 5
April “close encounters of the fairy kind”
Film Matinee Saturday 12 April 2pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Frozen (PG) Directed by Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee, 2013, US, 113 mins With Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, Idina Menzel An animated new twist on Hans Christian Anderson’s Snow Queen. Too late for Christmas, but this riproaring fairytale has belting songs, soaring hearts, snappy jokes and an inspirational reworking of the traditional happy ending. There are two heroines – the princess whose dangerous magic powers have exiled her in a frozen winter and her sister who sets out to rescue her. Great fun.
Photography An exhibition in the Corn Hall Gallery 15 April-3 May Box Office Hours Free
Astrophotography – Imaging the Universe Astrophotography is the art of taking photographic images of celestial objects such as planets, nebulae and galaxies. These stunning photographs have been taken using digital cameras, attached to a variety of different computer-controlled telescopes, by members of the Breckland Astronomical Society. Although they are amateur astronomers, the images look as if they might have been taken with the Hubble telescope! Evening viewing Saturday 26 April 6.15-6.55pm and after the Talk Come and learn about how it’s done in two fascinating talks by members of the Society. Starts 7pm (see p.8). Brecklandastro.org.uk
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Film
The Saturday Club
Wednesday 16 April 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
The Selfish Giant
(15)
Directed by Clio Barnard, 2013, UK, 91 mins With Conner Chapman, Shaun Thomas, Sean Gilder Distantly inspired by the Oscar Wilde children’s story, this is a film for adults about children – but reminiscent of the social realism in Kes. Swifty has a way with horses so he and his friend Arbor get involved with a scrap merchant when they’re excluded from school. There is theft, there is cruelty, there is illegal trap racing. But which is the doomed giant in this very moving Cannes prize winner?
Film Wednesday 23 April 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
8½
Saturday 26 April 2pm Tickets £5 / Children £3 (Ages 3-7yrs) Ripstop Theatre Company present
A Real Fairy Story Mrs Buttersnap is an expert on fairies but she has never even seen one! How will she photograph one for her book? With the help of various gadgets and her cat she finds herself in fairyland where all is not well. Find out how she helps the fairies and captures one in a photograph. A show full of wonder and close encounters of the fairy kind!
(15)
Directed by Frederico Fellini, 1969, Italy, 138 mins With Marcello Mastroianni, Anouk Aimée, Claudia Cardinale A successful film director has lost the inspiration for his next film – and it’s too late to back out. Under pressure from his wife, mistress and friends he retreats into dreams about his life so far. Between fantasy and reality, Guido toys with clairvoyance, priests, whores and the sea. Possibly Fellini’s autobiography, probably the inspiration for A Great Beauty and certainly a wonderful, magical film – always in lists of the top ten of all time.
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Come along at 1pm and make your own fairy. Running time 50mins.
www.ripstoptheatre.com
April-May “one of the most successful guitar bands of all time”
Word Saturday 26 April 7pm Tickets £8 / Concessions £6 / Under 18s £2.50 Breckland Astronomical Society presents
Two Illustrated Talks on Astronomy A Beginner’s Guide to the Night Sky – in Late Winter and Early Spring Bob Greef introduces us to planets, constellations and other objects of interest in the night sky. Collecting Light from the Darkness Dan Self explains how you can use photography to produce your own images of the moon, planets and other deep sky objects. Telescopes will be on display and if the sky is clear may be set up outside for viewing Jupiter. The exhibition of the Society’s astronomical photographs will be open before and after the talk (see p.6).
Film Wednesday 30 April 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Saving Mr Banks
(PG)
Directed by John Lee Hancock, 2013, US, 125 mins With Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Annie Rose Buckley Walt Disney’s battle of wills with PL Travers over the rights to her novel Mary Poppins makes for an entertaining yet gently challenging film and the perfect vehicle for Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson. As the two tussle over the integrity of the plans for his film, there is genuine insight into the process, in particular the melancholia behind Travers’s haughty disdain for Hollywood. Thompson’s comic timing gives us much more than crotchety caricature.
Music Saturday 3 May 7.30pm Tickets £12.50
Dire Streets Dire Streets is fronted by finger picking guitar ace, John Brunsdon. He and his band of superb musicians perfectly capture the distinctive, authentic sound of Dire Straits, one of the most successful guitar bands of all time. Covering tracks from early classics like Sultans of Swing and Wild West End, through to the mega-hits of the 80s and Brothers in Arms, taking in all the classic album and live versions from the legendary Alchemy, Live Aid and Mandela concerts, their attention to detail marks them as the stand-out Dire Straits tribute in the UK.
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Film
Art
Wednesday 7 May 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
An exhibition in the Corn Hall Gallery 7-31 May Box Office Hours Free
Adam Bridgland and Lucy Gough
Enough Said
– I Will Forget and You Will Remember
Directed by Nicole Holofcener, 2013, US, 93 mins With Julia Louis-Dreyfus, James Gandolfini, Catherine Keener
(12A)
Artist duo and husband and wife team, Adam Bridgland and Lucy Gough, bring together a selection of their print works created over the last year. Adam is a graduate of the printmaking MA at the Royal College of Art and is in several major collections. Lucy Gough is an artist and illustrator who works predominantly in print and photography. She has completed several important commissions. Both have exhibited widely in the UK and internationally. Afternoon viewing Saturday 10 May 12-2pm Adam and Lucy will be live printing, creating an exclusive collaborative silk screen work.
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A romantic comedy that really is romantic and funny – and grown-up. The late lamented James Gandolfini (from The Sopranos) and Julia LouisDreyfus (Veep) play divorcees with grownup daughters. What does love mean in middle age; how does a TV archivist relate to a therapist? An answer is attempted in this astute and funny look at human relationships, spiced up with a forgivably contrived comedic plot twist.
May “Dazzling… Wild… Hugely enjoyable…”
Theatre Thursday 8 May 7.30pm Tickets £10 / Concessions £9
Theatre Friday 9 May 7.30pm Tickets £12 / Concs £10.80 / Under 25s £7.50 (in advance, not available online)
The Seagull Rep presents
By Richard Curtis & Ben Elton “We’re in the stickiest situation since Sticky the stick insect got stuck on a sticky bun.”. As the troops are about to go over the top, can the unlucky Blackadder – hampered by his bumbling companions, Baldrick and George – avoid certain death? The Seagull Rep have won an army of fans for their pitch-perfect recreations of our favourite comedy tv shows, join them as they bring to life three episodes from this classic BBC series.
Norfolk & Norwich Festival presents
Long Live the Little Knife Written & directed by David Leddy A dynamic, absurd and uplifting theatre piece, written and directed by ‘theatrical maverick’ (Sunday Times), David Leddy. Liz and Jim are small-time con-artists who need £250,000 to buy their way out of a turf war over fake vintage handbags. Their mission is to be the greatest art forgers in the world. There’s only one problem. They can’t paint. This boisterous caper finds the 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…’ HHHH Lyn Gardner, The Guardian Suitable for ages 12+; Under 15s must be accompanied by an adult Part of a mini-tour during Norfolk & Norwich Festival; it will also be in Wymondham, Loddon, Norwich & Great Yarmouth. Supported by South Norfolk District Council
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Photo: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
Blackadder Goes Forth
Music Saturday 10 May 7.30pm Tickets £17.50
Film Wed 14 May 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Motor City Memories Nebraska – An evening of Supreme Temptation Following the success of The Sounds of The Supremes UK tour in 2012, the group are back with special guest the Temptations vocalist, trumpeter and songwriter, Johnny Britt. Group leader Kaaren Ragland joined Mary Wilson’s Supremes in 1977 and remained a member for over a decade. Johnny Britt has worked with some of the biggest names in the music business including Quincy Jones, David Bowie, Jennifer Lopez, The Temptations and Luther Vandross. Join us for an unforgettable evening of irresistible Motown tunes including, Stop! In the Name of Love, Baby Love, The Way You Do the Things You Do, My Girl and many more.
(15)
Directed by Alexander Payne, 2013, US, 115 mins With Bruce Dern, Will Forte, June Squibb Alienated from his family, a cantankerous old drunk (a career-crowning performance from Bruce Dern) is convinced he’s won a million dollars in a sweepstake and sets out to walk 800 miles to Nebraska to claim it. His son rescues him from his heroic trek to drive him there, and a quietly humorous road movie unfolds. But this is no wacky romp: it’s also a richly serious film about male sadness and disappointment.
Art Saturday 17 May 10am-6pm Free Sunday 18 May 10am-3pm Free Diss & District Rotary Club present
Artex14 – Grand Art Exhibition & Sale This exceptionally popular event for art-lovers will feature over 500 pictures from 120 high profile East Anglian artists and a wide range of styles and media. Funds raised will benefit charities both locally and abroad. Preview Evening Friday 16 May 7.30pm £7.50 (includes buffet & 2 glasses of wine) Contact 01449 781321 www.dissartshow.org.uk 11
May “represents everything that’s exciting about live jazz”
Music
Film Wednesday 21 May 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Tuesday 20 May 8pm Tickets £12 / Concs £10.80 / Under 25s £7.50 (in advance, not available online)
Blue Is the Warmest Colour
Norfolk & Norwich Festival presents
Phronesis Life To Everything is the vibrant title of the forthcoming album from Phronesis, who kick off a national tour with this special Festival show. Bassist Jasper Høiby leads a stunning trio that represents everything that’s exciting about live jazz – a propulsive groove-driven sound that is utterly accessible despite its underlying complexity. ‘The most electrifying experience to be had in British jazz’ The Telegraph Supported by South Norfolk District Council
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(18)
Directed by Abdellatif Kechiche, 2013, France, 179 mins With Léa Seydoux, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Salim Kechiouche Truly an epic love story: two students, seven years apart in age, fall in love and move in together, but doubts develop about the equality of the relationship. The two women are passionate, their liaison filmed with almost relentless proximity and directness. The Cannes Palme d’Or award was shared between the director and the two young stars – performances of remarkable grace and conviction.
Theatre Thursday 22 May 7.30pm Tickets £9.50 / Concs £8.50 Open Space presents
Woman in Mind By Alan Ayckbourn Vicar’s wife, Susan, is so bored and frustrated by her life that she starts to create an idealised fantasy family in her mind. Illusion and reality collide with hilarious and tragic results in one of Ayckbourn’s finest, and darkest, comedies. www.openspacetheatre.org.uk
Saturday Club Saturday 24 May 2pm Tickets £5 / Children £3 (Age 0-5)
Megson
– Family Folk Show
This relaxed and enjoyable Family Show by the successful folk duo, Megson, is a wonderful introduction for children to live music. Featuring a great mix of songs like Oats & Beans & Barley Grow and The Riddle Song from their highly-acclaimed album of old and new children’s folk tunes, the children are encouraged to join in with actions or animal noises and to dance amid the bubbles from the bubble machine if they want to. You try stopping them! ‘Simply Brilliant’ The Sunday Express Running time approx 1hr.
Music Saturday 24 May 8pm Tickets £10 / Concessions £9
Megson Three times nominated in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and double winners of the 2011 Spiral Earth Awards, husband and wife duo, Stu and Debbie Hanna, draw heavily on their Teesside heritage to create a unique brand of folk music. Their infectious sound is a mix of heavenly vocals, lush harmonies and driving rhythmic guitars and mandolas. ‘…if you don’t like the music here then you have a problem.’ fROOTS Magazine ‘The most original duo on the British folk scene.’ The Guardian ‘Simply brilliant’ Sunday Express on their new LIVE album www.megsonmusic.co.uk 13
May-June “one of the most exciting new acts on the circuit”
Film Wednesday 28 May 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
American Hustle (15) Directed by David O Russell, 2013, US, 138 mins With Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper This is black comedy, set in the 1970s, as New Jersey conmen are coerced by the FBI into trapping corrupt politicians. Bradley Cooper is the hyperactive agent, Christian Bale and Amy Adams his delusional prey. Preposterous characters and retro hairstyles abound, as the plot spirals gleefully into chaos. Oscar nominations galore for the director of Silver Linings Playbook and his cast. Great fun, but with an icy grip.
Comedy Friday 30 May 8pm Tickets Advance £9 / Door £10 Min age 18
Corn Hall Comedy Club Alan Francis Alan first came to the notice of comedy audiences when he won Channel 4’s So You Think You’re Funny competition in 1991. He’s also an award-winning writer (Alistair McGowan’s Big Impression) and actor, recently seen in Psychoville with the League of Gentlemen, and Mid Morning Matters with Alan Partridge.
Alan Francis
‘Slapstick at its subtle best.’ The List Alex Smith Alex’s laser-sharp observations and cleverly crafted comedy songs have quickly singled him out as one of the most exciting new acts on the circuit. In just two years he has appeared on BBC Radio 2’s New Comedy Awards and BBC3’s prestigious, Live at the Electric.
Alex Smith
Danny Ward (Compère) Danny’s unique observational humour is delivered in an up-beat, well honed and easy-going style that is both endearing and very funny. ‘Tight on gags and tongue twisting set pieces’ Huffington Post Hot chilli & rice and bar from 6.30pm. Line up is subject to change.
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Danny Ward
Heritage
Film
An exhibition in the Corn Hall Gallery 4-28 June Box Office Hours Free
Wednesday 4 June 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
The Heritage Triangle – Shops and Shopkeepers Carrying on from our ‘Corn Hall Memories’ exhibition last autumn, we continue the story of the Hall and around it. This time we look at the shops and businesses in the triangle and those who owned or worked in them. Find out about Bobby’s empire of shops at the bottom of Market Hill and the Waveney Temperance Hotel and Restaurant where you couldn’t get a beer, but could get some of the best and cheapest food in Diss! Opening evening Wednesday 4 June 6.30-7.45pm Peter Hyde of Diss Ironworks – who has drawn all the materials together – will give an introduction at 7pm. Peter and others will be there from 11am-1pm every Saturday during the exhibition. So come in and talk to us and bring photos and documents, or anything else connected with the area around the Hall!
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Requiem for a Village (18) Directed by David Gladwell, 1975, UK, 68 mins With Vic Smith, The Witnesham villagers, The Metfield villagers Authentic 20th-century Suffolk rural life mixes with the ghosts of time past in this unique hymn of regret for the destruction of a way of life. Filmed just north of Ipswich, this is Akenfield country. Again, actual villagers feature, here acting out a vivid tale about how history and memory resonate in our lives. David Gladwell (who edited If and other classics) made this film and Memoirs of a Survivor – then went back to being an artist. One or two of Gladwell’s short films will also be screened.
June “a nostalgic trip down memory lane and a good old sing-a-long”
Music
Film
Thursday 5 June 8pm Tickets £15
Wednesday 11 June 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Limehouse Lizzy ‘If you’re sceptical about tribute acts, you won’t be after seeing Limehouse Lizzy’ Radio Times An action-packed pyrotechnic-fuelled explosion of a show, Limehouse Lizzy’s musicianship, attention to detail and audience interaction leave you with the feeling of having witnessed the real thing. Expect classic tracks like The Boys are Back in Town, Whiskey in the Jar and Sarah as they keep the spirit of Celtic rock icon, Philip Lynott and his band Thin Lizzy alive, well and dominating stages worldwide. www.limehouselizzy.co.uk
Music Friday 6 June 7pm Tickets £12.50
Sing-a-long Songs of War Time – hit songs from WWI & II Commemorating 100 years since WWI began and 75 years since the start of WWII, this evening of favourite tunes from each era – performed by three singers and the three-piece band, Big D and the Blitzers – will have you singing along to hits by The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Dame Vera Lynn, Max Bygraves, Gracie Fields, The Andrews Sisters and many more. Highlights include a George Formby medley played on three ukuleles, dance routines, video snippets and imagery on a giant screen. Come along and have a nostalgic trip down memory lane and a good old sing-a-long. 16
12 Years a Slave (12) Directed by Steve McQueen, 2013, US, 134 mins With Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael K Williams, Michael Fassbender Director Steve McQueen marshals his great skills to deliver an engrossing and necessary history lesson. This is what slavery was like, as seen through the eyes of a free man tricked and turned slave. Yes, we look away from some of the detail, but we look back in awe at the powerful, true story and the magnificent central performance of Chiwetel Ejiofor. Michael Fassbender is equally compelling as a hellish slave master.
The Saturday Club
Theatre Thursday 12 June 7.30pm Tickets £9 / Concessions £7.50 (Not suitable for under 14s)
Saturday 21 June 2pm Tickets £6 / Children £4 (Age 6+)
Charmed Life presents
Hey Jig-a-Jig!
– Let the Fool Dance!
Hey Jig-a-Jig! is the rollicking tale of Will Kempe, the leading comic actor in Shakespeare’s company, who decided – in a fit of pique and self-promotion – to dance 125 miles from London to Norwich. Undeterred by inclement weather, and spurred on by an adoring public, Kempe cavorted his way from Stratford-atte-Bow to the Maddermarket, indulging in an array of delectable exploits along the way. Packed with songs, dancing and bawdiness, this is a high-energy show that is not to be missed. Hysterical, historical and a delightful new look at the first in a long line of troubled comic geniuses.
Film Wednesday 18 June 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Oh! What a Lovely War
(PG)
Directed by Richard Attenborough, 1969, UK, 144 mins With John Gielgud, John Mills, Maggie Smith, Laurence Olivier, Kenneth More, Susannah York Stratford East is reviving the play in this dark anniversary year, and the Corn Hall is reviving the film. And a strangely compelling show it is: the main characters assemble on the pier to sing rousing old songs, while the awful mounting devastation of the Great War challenges their gaiety. A large and glittering gallery of stars (including three Redgraves) convey the black humour as well as the horror. 17
The Story Game Andrew Barnett Jones has made up stories for loads of top TV shows including Mr Bean: the Animated Series, Dennis the Menace & Gnasher and Shaun the Sheep. Today he’s going to make up a story for you – but he has no idea what it is. Instead, with your help, he’ll be playing The Story Game, creating a brand new, hysterically funny, wildly creative story from a handful of words, a roll of the dice and his own roller coaster imagination. ‘The children dissolved into giggles, the parents shone and I laughed for the first time in three days.’ The Times ‘He… plays the audience so skilfully that you soon find yourself grinning as broadly as the kids.’ The Guardian Running time approx 50mins.
www.andrewbarnettjones.com
June “The next folk super group in waiting”
Music Saturday 21 June 8pm Tickets £10 / Concessions £8
The Roving Crows Multi-award winning folk-fusion outfit, The Roving Crows were a huge Corn Hall hit last year. Legendary for their high energy, musicianship and their ability to connect with their audience, The Roving Crows weave a rich tapestry of sounds crossing musical boundaries from Folk, Celtic and Country-Rock. ‘Really individual Celtic folk rock group’ Mike Harding, BBC ‘The next folk super group in waiting’ Nancy Dunham, folking.com (2013) Band of the Year – FATEA Music Awards 2014 Top Celtic Rock Band and Top Fiddle Player – Irish Music Awards 2012. www.rovingcrows.com
Film Wednesday 25 June 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Inside Llewyn Davis
(15)
Directed by Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, 2013, US, 104 mins With Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Justin Timberlake, John Goodman The Coen Brothers are masters of every type of film; here comedy and melancholy provide the meat for a sort of musical – rather like O Brother Where Art Thou? Pre-Dylan Greenwich village is the backdrop to our hero’s lonely pitch for fame. Even his music friends (Carey Mulligan and Justin Timberlake) are wary of him; the wider music world struggles to find space for him. Will he succeed after all?
Music Saturday 28 June 8pm Tickets £14 / Concessions £12
The Pure Floyd Show A high-energy eight piece tribute to the music of the legendary Pink Floyd. Faithful to the spirit of the original band but adding their own touches of energy and fun, The Pure Floyd Show includes all the favourite tracks from the psychedelic 60s through to Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall and Division Bell, as well as Brick in the Wall, Comfortably Numb, Money and many more. www.thepurefloydshow.co.uk
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COMING TO
CLASSES & COMMUNITY Pilates Classes 9.30-10.30am or 10.30-11.30am – Waveney Room, Diss Corn Hall Every Monday except Bank Holidays
These forthcoming events are on sale now. Go to www.disscornhall.co.uk for more information and the latest updates. Saturday 5 July 7.30pm Tickets £15 / Concs £13.50
The Honeycombs – Released in 1964, ‘Have I The Right’ soared up the UK charts and became the first song to knock The Beatles off the No 1 slot. 50 years on, we welcome sixties pop sensations, The Honeycombs (headlined by founder member Martin Murray), live on stage as part of their 2014 anniversary tour. Early booking recommended.
Friday 11 July 7.30pm Tickets £12 / Concs £10 / Under 18s £8
Kakatsitsi Royal Drummers of Ghana – a group of outstanding traditional drummers, dancers and singers from the Ga tribe of Southern Ghana – are the leading African traditional group in the UK. Seen live, they show culture as it is meant to be celebrated, breaking down the barriers between audience and performers. Come and join in the fun!
Saturday 26 July 7.30pm Tickets £12
The Neil Diamond Story – The life of a legend in song – As Neil Diamond prepares to mark 50 years at the top, singer and guitarist Bob Drury – ‘The UK’s Voice of Neil’ – celebrates the life and work of this musical legend. Featuring iconic songs such as Cracklin’ Rosie, Sweet Caroline, Love On the Rocks and America, Bob Drury’s one-man show is a ‘must see’ for all Diamond fans.
Monday 28 JulySaturday 9 August 10am-4pm (not Sun 27) £125
Saturday 30 August 8pm Tickets £12 / Concs £11 / Gig & Workshop £17
The Keeper’s Daughter Acting Summer School – Work with professional actors to create an immersive theatre production! Two weeks of professional acting training, culminating in a public performance! ‘Approachable leaders, brilliant script; best way to spend two weeks’ Participant feedback For more details contact: thekeepersdaughter@rocketmail.com
A fantastic form of exercise to improve your health, improve your posture and improve your concentration and coordination. Getting together each week to exercise with a Pilates group feels good! For more information contact Amanda on 07557 025513 or go to: http://amandapilates.com
Baby Café 1pm-2.30pm – Waveney Room, Diss Corn Hall Every Monday except Bank Holidays Baby café has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with advice and support always on hand for those who are breastfeeding. Contact the Children’s Centre on 01379 651786.
Blood Donor Sessions 1-3.30pm and 5-7pm Tuesdays 15 & 22 April, 27 May and 24 June New donors: Please register in advance at www.blood.co.uk
An evening of Clairvoyance with Fiona Nichols 7pm on Friday 25th April Tickets £10
The Anna Mudeka Band – Lead by the extraordinary Anna Mudeka – Zimbabweanborn singer, dancer and Mbira player – this 5-piece band’s refreshing and original sound and driving drum beat makes them one of the best on the world music scene.
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All sale proceeds are going to Scope, a Charity that supports adults and children living with disabilities (www.scope.org.uk). Tickets can be purchased by either emailing: janharveyscope@hotmail.co.uk or calling: 07724 930 064. Some tickets will also be for sale on door.
Wilderness Stores ANTIQUES & DECORATIVE HOMEWARE HARLESTON, NORFOLK
1- day Paint Your O wn Furniture W orks 26 April, 1 hops – 7 May & 21 June
Shabby-chic and… French rustic… Bullock Fair Close, Harleston IP20 9AT
Tel 01379 853067 www.wildernessstores.com
…furniture and much, much more
– Woodcuts by Michael Carlo – Paintings by Maggi Hambling – Etchings by Sean Scully
t. 01379 668875
e. davidcasefineart@btinternet.com
www.ildivorestaurant.co.uk
Family Friendly Pizza & Pasta Restaurant 01379 644447
www.davidcasefineart.com
CORN HALL
“Events nights” offer
3 Cobbs Yard Pizza and a glass of house wine £10 Diss IP22 4LB Pasta and a glass of house wine £12 Open Monday to Saturday from 11am lunchtimes and 5.30pm evenings Booking advisable Credit and debit cards accepted Eat early and still get to see the show 20
Lunches From £5
COMING TO These forthcoming events are on sale now. Go to www.disscornhall.co.uk for more information and the latest updates. Saturday 30 August 4-5.30pm Tickets £8
African Dance Workshop – With Anna Mudeka. Suitable for all ages and abilities.
Saturday 6 Sept 8pm Tickets £12 / Concs £11
Budapest Cafe Orchestra – “…the fiery vivacity and awe-inspiring musicianship of the finest purveyors of Eastern European gypsy music… will leave you with a grin on your face and rhythm in your feet” The Times. If you saw them last year, you’ll know this quote is no exaggeration. www.budapestcafeorchestra.co.uk
Saturday 13 Sept 7.30pm Tickets £11 / Concs £9
Big Daddy vs Giant Haystacks – Every Saturday, from 1976 to 1988, millions of Britons, were in the grip of an extraordinary sports phenomenon: watching two fat men (a.k.a. Shirley Crabtree and Martin Ruane) pretend to fight each other. This is their story. Touching and hilarious Big Daddy Vs. Giant Haystacks is a comedy drama not to be missed. Big Daddy Vs Giant Haystacks is a knockout! Metro
Friday 19 Sept 7.30pm Tickets £12 / Under 18s £9
Dylan Thomas: Return Journey – 2014 is the centenary of the birth of Dylan Thomas, one of our greatest – and most fascinating – poets and writers. This acclaimed production (Critics Choice in The Times, Time Out and The Guardian), celebrates Thomas’ life and work and stars Bob Kingdom, in an electrifying performance as the Welsh genius who lived hard and died young.
Wednesday 24 Sept 8pm Tickets £15 / Concs £13
Sam Sweeney’s Fiddle: Made In The Great War – Bellowhead fiddle player, Sam Sweeney collaborates with award-winning storyteller Hugh Lupton, fellow Bellowhead band mate Paul Sartin and acclaimed concertina player Rob Harbron to create a multi-media performance which will mark the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I and tell the incredible personal story of his fiddle made by non-returning World War I soldier, Richard Howard. 21
HIRE This impressive historic building in the heart of Diss offers flexible accommodation which can meet a variety of needs at very reasonable cost. This includes the Assembly Hall (seating capacity 300) for dinners, dances, wedding receptions, corporate hospitality, productions, fairs, sales and exhibitions, indoor sport and educational gatherings. The Waveney Room and Council Chamber provide excellent locations for classes and workshops, rehearsals and seminars. With a range of room sizes, versatile seating and layout possibilities, a fully-equipped bar, kitchen and large dance floor, Diss Corn Hall is the obvious first choice when organising your event. For more details go to the Hiring page on our website www.disscornhall.co.uk, come to the box office in the Old Stables or phone Angela Sykes on 01379 652239. Viewings may be made by appointment.
Vouchers are redeemable for 12 months from the date of purchase and may be made up to whatever value you wish, starting from just £5.
VOUC GIFT HERS
We can also provide gift Friend memberships, see below for more information about costs and benefits.
Diss Corn Hall Gift Vouchers make great presents. And, you’ll be helping to support the Corn Hall at the same time!
To purchase a Gift Voucher or gift Friend membership, visit the Box Office in the Old Stables Mon-Fri 11am-4pm, Sat 11am-2pm or ring on 01379 652241.
Become a Friend of Diss Corn Hall If you believe that the Corn Hall should be an important feature in the life of Diss – please support us by becoming a Friend – and there are of course benefits! Become a Friend for £25 a year (under 25s £15) – get £1.50 off tickets at most performances and £1 off films Become a Good Friend for £100 or a Very Good Friend for £250 – Good Friends get 6 free tickets, and Very Good Friends 15 free tickets each year
Please complete this form and send it, along with your cheque made out to “The Diss Corn Hall Trust”. To: Diss Corn Hall, St Nicholas Street, Diss IP22 4LB I would like to
become a Friend – enclosing £25 become a Good/ Very Good Friend – enclosing £ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................................................................................................. .......................................................................................
Postcode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
designer makers@21
Thursday to Saturday 10 – 5 pm 21 St Nicholas Street, Diss, Norfolk www.designermakers21.co.uk
Local extraordinary crafts-people
Grain Brewery, Alburgh, IP20 0BS www.grainbrewery.co.uk 01986 788884 23
BOX OFFICE 01379 652241 Mon-Fri 11am-4pm
Sat 11am-2pm
The Old Stables, beside the Corn Hall, St Nicholas Street, Diss IP22 4LB www.disscornhall.co.uk email: boxoffice@disscornhall.co.uk diss.cornhall @disscornhall Tickets In person: During box office opening hours. By phone: Card payment is accepted (credit cards incur a 50p processing fee). Outside box office opening hours you may leave a message and your call will be returned. Tickets will be held for collection on the door or can be posted to you for an additional 50p if requested. By post: Send full details of the tickets you require along with a SAE and a cheque for the full amount. Cheques should be made payable to the Diss Corn Hall Trust. Online: Tickets for most events may be booked online at www.disscornhall.co.uk. Email: You may email requests for tickets to boxoffice@disscornhall.co.uk.
Accessibility There are three disabled parking bays on the street in front of the Corn Hall. The hall, bar and accessibility toilet are fully accessible to wheelchair users via the side entrance. Please inform the box office when booking. The main hall is fitted with an induction loop which covers all seats. Hearing aids should be switched to the t-position. Please note: sound enhancement is only available for films and amplified performances.
Bar and door opening times The bar opens at 6.30pm on event nights. The auditorium will usually open 30 minutes before the start of the performance.
DI SS
Getting involved If you are interested in volunteering as a steward, in the box office, or in any other way, email admin@disscornhall.co.uk. We’d love to hear from you.
Thanks Our heartfelt thanks go to: Diss Town Council, South Norfolk Council, Norfolk County Council and our dedicated team of volunteers. Special thanks to our Good Friends Terence Blacker, David Case, Lynn Clark, Peter Dudley, Don Dunkin, Brian & Gunilla Falk, Charles & Liz Handy, Stephanie Harrison, Jo & Gary Hincks, Alun Howkins, Paul Howling, Rosemary Jones, Martha Kearney, Jay Leader, Mrs A Leitch, Dr A Linder, Glynne Lloyd-Davis, Richard Mabey, T. Manning, Linda Merricks, Elizabeth Mooney, Sheila Moss-King, Laura Purling, Sue Shrager, John Taylor, Richard Vivian and Corporate Friends: Conisbee structural and civil engineers, Grain Brewery, Il Divo, Mere Players, John Taylor Builders and Wilderness Stores.
Patron The Duke of Norfolk.