2 1 0 2 C E D T C O www.disscornhall.co.uk
If you want to see why Diss Corn Hall has become a byword for the best in arts and entertainment, you only have to look at this season’s offerings which include: a singing legend; a rare joint show by the fifth Python, and the man Stephen Fry describes as, ‘The wittiest writer in Britain today’; an evening with one of the country’s leading stand-up comedians; a wild night of contemporary bluegrass and dancing; cutting edge poetry; the glamour of a Big Band and lots more. There’s been a buzz of excitement since we first announced that Elkie Brooks was to appear at the Corn Hall in October, so don’t delay in booking your tickets if you want to experience the pleasure of hearing this spellbinding star in the flesh. Later in the month, The Merry Opera Company’s, A Night at the Opera will be a real treat for music lovers, and an uproarious night of fun is guaranteed, when parodists extraordinaire, Craig Brown and Neil Innes, give a rare joint performance. In November, our reputation for hosting some of the best names in comedy continues when Lee Hurst hits town with his latest stand-up tour and Red Card Comedy Club returns with another cracking line-up. For those of you who enjoy a dance, the Cut A Shine Hoedown is an absolute must! We have some excellent theatre programmed too, with Scene Productions performance of Marlowe’s Dr Faustus, Short Plays by Anton Chekov & Brian Friel presented by Open Space Theatre Company, and a new adaptation of T’was the Night Before Christmas by the Corn Hall’s resident company, The Keeper’s Daughter. Other highlights of the season include: Jonathan Wyatt and the Moonglow Sisters, The Searchers, Who’s Next and The Clapton Xperience. All this, plus our regular excellent Wednesday films, great family entertainment with The Saturday Club and top quality art exhibitions, are set to make this an outstanding end to 2012. It’s been an exhilarating three years, made possible by the talented performers who have appeared, the dedication of our brilliant volunteers and above all, the growing audiences who support us. The future’s looking even brighter.
Angela Sykes, Diss Corn Hall Manager
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 2-20 Oct Wed 3 Oct Sat 6 Oct Wed 10 Oct Fri 12 & Sat 13 Oct Wed 17 Oct Sat 20 Oct Wed 24 Oct Thurs 25 Oct Sat 27 Oct Sat 27 Oct Wed 31 Oct Fri 2 Nov Sat 3 Nov Sat 3 Nov 6 Nov-1 Dec Fri 9 Nov Sat 10 Nov Wed 14 Nov Fri 16 Nov Sat 17 Nov Wed 21 Nov Sat 24 Nov Wed 28 Nov Thurs 29 Nov
Art Film Music Film Festival Film Music Film Word & Art Family Comedy Film Comedy Workshop Music Art Word Music & Dance Film Theatre Family Film Music Film Theatre
Fri 30 Nov Sun 2 Dec Wed 5 Dec 6-21 Dec Thurs 6 Dec Sat 8 Dec Sun 9 Dec
Comedy Dance Film Art Music Music Music
Tues 11 Dec Wed 12 Dec Fri 14 Dec Sat 15 Dec
Music Film Music Family
Wed 19 Dec Fri 21 Dec Sun 23 Dec
Film Theatre Music
EVENT
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Stuart Atkinson – Landscapes Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (12A) Elkie Brooks Exit Through the Gift Shop (15) 4th Annual Corn Hall Beer Festival Once Upon a Time in Anatolia (15) – subtitled A Night at the Opera – The Merry Opera Company Wuthering Heights (15) Acorn Businesses Talk & Exhibition Saturday Club – Korky Paul Craig Brown and Neil Innes Woody Allen: A Documentary (15) Lee Hurst – Too Scared to Leave the House Tour Woody Allen – Comedian, Actor, Writer, Director Who’s Next – Quadrophenia & Greatest Hits Tour 2012 Bruce Gernand – Animal House Luke Wright’s Stand-up Poetry Club Cut a Shine Hoedown with Kidnap Alice The Angels’ Share (15) Dr Faustus by Marlowe – Scene Productions Saturday Club – Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists Monsieur Lahzar (12A) – subtitled Wymondham Symphony Orchestra – An Invitation to the Dance Moonrise Kingdom (12A) From Russia with Love – short plays by Anton Chekhov & Brian Friel – Open Space Red Card Comedy Club – On the Road Winter Tango Workshop & Tea Dance Rear Window (PG) Mike Webb – New Paintings The Searchers Christmas Show Handel’s Messiah – The Burgate Singers Swing into Christmas – Jonathan Wyatt Big Band and the Moonglow Sisters Diss Town Carol Concert Coriolanus (15) The Clapton Xperience Rhythm & Blues Show Saturday Club – Rapunzel and the Tower of Doom – Theatre of Widdershins Marley (15) T’was the Night Before Christmas – The Keeper’s Daughter SNYSB Christmas Concert
Box office hours 8pm 8pm 8pm 5-11pm & noon-11pm 8pm 7.30pm 8pm 6pm 2pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 10am-3.30pm 7.30pm Box office hours 8pm 8pm 8pm 7.30pm 2pm 8pm 7.30pm 8pm 7.30pm
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8.15pm 2.30-4pm & 5-10pm 8pm Box office hours 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm
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7pm 8pm 8pm 2pm
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8pm 7pm 7pm
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October “A charming movie with strong central performances.”
Art
Film
An exhibition in the Diss Corn Hall Gallery 2-20 October Box office hours Free
Stuart Atkinson
Wednesday 3 October 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
– Landscapes
When capturing the atmosphere and light of East Anglia, I also endeavour to convey the love I have for this unique part of the country. I am drawn to so many aspects of this special area – the high wide sky, the land, estuaries, sea, sand dunes, heathland and meadows. They are ever-changing and I try to capture the moment. My paintings are not formulaic. They come spontaneously, driven by heat, shadow, cloud, feeling. I paint them because they ask to be painted. www.atkinsonpaintings.co.uk Evening viewing with the artist Wednesday 3 October 6-7.45pm Come and meet Stuart and share his enthusiasm. Join us afterwards for our screening of Salmon Fishing in the Yemen.
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Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (12A) Directed by Lasse Hallström, 2012 UK, 107 mins With Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt, Kristin Scott Thomas Simon Beaufy (Slumdog Millionaire) has adapted Paul Torday’s book club hit into a quirky romantic drama. The implausible plot has British fishery expert and Asperger’s sufferer (McGregor) being asked to fulfill a sheik’s vision of bringing fly fishing to the desert. Emily Blunt works for the sheik; Kristin Scott Thomas is our Prime Minister’s over-zealous press secretary. A well crafted, charming movie with strong central performances.
Music Saturday 6 October 8pm Tickets £24
Elkie Brooks Quite simply one of the most successful and popular singers the UK has ever produced. Now in the 5th decade of her career, Elkie Brooks is still one of the most powerful and versatile vocal talents of our generation. Performing some of her classic hits, blues, jazz and songs from her new album Powerless, an electric evening with Elkie is guaranteed to leave you begging for more. Don’t miss the chance to see a truly great artist in action. As we go to press we only have a few tickets left. Elkie will be releasing her much anticipated autobiography Finding My Voice in 2012. ‘Still one of the great British voices’ The Guardian www.elkiebrooks.com
Film Wednesday 10 October 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Exit Through the Gift Shop (15) Directed by Banksy, 2010 , UK, 86 mins With Banksy, Mr Brainwash, Space Invader Documentary or mockumentary? How an eccentric French shopkeeper attempted to locate, film and befriend graffiti artist turned celeb Banksy, only to have the artist turn the camera back on its owner. Or is it? The film contains footage of Banksy, Shephard Fairey, Invader and many of the world’s most infamous graffiti artists at work. Whether this is about Banksy, or by him, is for the viewer to decide.
Festival Friday 12 October 5-11pm Saturday 13 October Noon-11pm Entry £2.50 (includes a free half pint) In association with Buffy’s Brewery
Diss Corn Hall Beer Festival Now in its fourth year, Diss Corn Hall Beer Festival is firmly in the calendar for lovers of good food, great music and fine ales. Featuring over 30 eminently quaffable, cask-conditioned real ales and ciders from traditional breweries near and far, delicious hot and cold fare, excellent live music and a Beerfest Quiz with prizes each day. Free soft drinks will be available for designated drivers. www.buffys.co.uk 5
October “A great night out at the opera – without the boring bits.”
Film Wednesday 17 October 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Music Saturday 20 October 7.30pm Tickets £10 The Merry Opera Company presents
Once Upon a Time in Anatolia (15) – subtitled Written and directed by Nuri Bilge Ceylan, 2011 Turkey, 155 mins With Muhammet Uzuner, Yilmaz Erdogan, Taner Birsel In the dead of night, a police commissioner, a prosecutor, a doctor and a murder suspect drive through the countryside. They are searching for the victim of a brutal murder. As the night draws on, details about the crime emerge, as do the investigators’ own secrets and hypocrisy. Director Ceylan picked up the Grand Jury prize at Cannes and 5 stars (‘exhilarating masterpiece’) from The Guardian.
A Night at the Opera A great night out at the opera – without the boring bits. Fresh from their highly-acclaimed tour of Verdi’s La Traviata (“…class; and very much worth catching.” Michael White, Daily Telegraph), four singers and their accompanist from Merry Opera present their favourite characters from the musical world of the stage – a mischievous cascade of tunes from opera, operetta, musical theatre and more… www.merryopera.co.uk
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Film Wednesday 24 October 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Wuthering Heights (15) Directed by Andrea Arnold, 2011 UK, 129 minutes With James Howson, Kaya Scodelario, Nicola Burley Andrea Arnold’s adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic strips away period-drama cliché to create a passionate, elemental drama. Newcomers Solomon Glave and James Howson take on the iconic role of Heathcliff, adopted by the well-to-do Earnshaws. His relationship with their daughter Cathy (Scodelario) drives the story. Set in a Yorkshire that is almost primeval, Arnold’s interpretation of the familiar provides the shock of the new.
Word Thursday 25 October 6pm Free
The Acorns of Diss and the Future of Work – A talk and discussion by Charles Handy Who are the Acorns and Why do they Matter? Charles Handy will describe how the patterns of work are changing throughout society, with important implications for our working lives, our families and homes, our schools and our towns. Jobs will be in short supply but there will always be work that is needed, and customers if you can find them. The Acorn enterprises of Diss show how it is done. We will need more like them in every part of society. The exhibition which accompanies the Talk will be open before, from 5pm, and after the talk, in addition to the usual gallery opening hours. Running time 1hr 15mins.
Art An exhibition in the Diss Corn Hall Gallery 25 Oct – 3 Nov Box office hours Free
Elizabeth Handy – The Acorns of Diss A photographic study – accompanying Charles Handy’s talk – of the people who own and run some of the small businesses of Diss. It is people like them who may be the seeds of all our futures. www.lizhandy.net
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October-November “two of Britain’s greatest parodists”
The Saturday Club Saturday 27 October 2pm Tickets £5 / Children £3
Comedy Saturday 27 October 8pm Tickets £14 / Concessions £12
Korky Paul’s Wonderful World of Winnie the Witch
Craig Brown and Neil Innes
The energetic, interactive, award-winning illustrator Korky Paul welcomes you to the wonderful world of Winnie the Witch. Magical things always happen when Korky puts his pens and paints to paper and in this fast-paced, colourful, fun-filled reading aloud workshop, he will show fledging artists that every smudge and every line can be transformed into something weird and wonderful. Korky manages to bring home the point that writing, reading, and drawing are things that are inherently meant to be fun and he may even have time to draw ‘Perfect Dinosaur Portraits’ for you to take home… www.korkypaul.com
A string of prize satirical selections, both musical and comic, from renowned reality butchers Craig Brown (Private Eye, Daily Mail, etc) and Neil Innes (Bonzo Dogs, Monty Python, The Rutles etc), this rare and unmissable event brings together the songs and prose of two of Britain’s greatest parodists.
– Award-winning Sausages
With Neil’s music from Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Craig’s revamping of Fifty Shades of Grey, what can possibly go wrong? Running time 1hr 50mins.
www.innesbookofrecords.com
Neil Innes
Craig Brown
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Film Wednesday 31 October 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Comedy Friday 2 November 8pm Tickets £14
Woody Allen: Lee Hurst A Documentary – Too Scared to Leave the House (15) Directed by Robert B Weide, 2012 US, 113 mins With Woody Allen, Penelope Cruz, Larry David 2012 has been Woody year at the Corn Hall: Midnight in Paris and Hannah and her Sisters – and a Woody Allen day on 3 November (see right). This documentary follows Allen around New York as he and many colleagues review his life and work. It’s candid, funny and full of archive interviews and clips. His recent work may be patchy, but this gem underlines a great comic legacy.
Acid Rain, Global Warming, Bird Flu, Mad Cow Disease. Just a few of the things Lee Hurst ponders as he takes to the road with his latest stand up comedy tour. He takes us through the ‘disasters’ that have been predicted to destroy us along with the dangers facing us from everyday life. Ultimately you choose your own fate. You can stay indoors, hoarding cans of beans and clutching a Ray Mears book, or you can go out and laugh in the face of doom. www.LeeHurst.com
Film Workshop Saturday 3 November 10am-3.30pm Cost £30
Woody Allen – Comedian, Actor, Writer, Director A one-day seminar on the life and works of a prolific film maker and funny man. Using clips from well-known earlier successes such as Annie Hall, Bananas, Sleeper and Manhattan through to more recent favourites such as Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Midnight in Paris, Nigel Herwin discusses Allen’s persona; his comedic and cinematic influences and inspirations; his use of satire and parody; the romances and relationships; and the darker side of the man. A seminar in the Waveney Room, there are 12 places available for this event. 9
November “A must for any Who fan!”
Music Saturday 3 November 7.30pm Tickets £14
Art An exhibition in Diss Corn Hall Gallery 6 November – 1 December Box office hours Free
Who’s Next
Bruce Gernand
– Quadrophenia & Greatest Hits Tour 2012
– Animal House
Widely regarded as the UK’s premier tribute to The Who, this year Who’s Next is performing the classic rock opera Quadrophenia in its entirety, plus a set of all Pete Townshend’s classic pop songs. A multimedia experience delivered with passion and attention to detail, the show incorporates film and music and features the ultimate rock ballad Love Reign O’er Me, adrenaline-fuelled Mod classics such as I Can’t Explain and Substitute, the psychedelic Pinball Wizard and a show-stopping version of Won’t Get Fooled Again. A must for any Who fan!
Bruce Gernand’s exhibition ‘Animal House’ finds a fitting home at Diss Corn Hall Gallery (formerly The Stables). Foregrounding sculptural process, plaster moulds become finished objects – houses of absent animal form. There is a play between the interior and the outer surface, between the animate and the static. The fluidity of animal forms is contained by an architectural sensibility, which also resonates with fossil sedimentations and sarcophagi. Harking back to ancient roots while using contemporary computer techniques, these sculptures explore animal representations as repositories of our own imaginative projections. www.brucegernand.com Evening viewing Wednesday 14 November 6-7.45pm Come and meet Bruce Gernand in person. Join us afterwards for our screening of The Angels’ Share (see p.12).
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Word Friday 9 November 8pm Tickets £8 / Students £6
Music & Dance Saturday 10 November 8pm Tickets £9 / Concessions £8
The Stand-up Poetry Club
Cut A Shine Hoedown Collective
– featuring Tim Turnbull
– with Kidnap Alice
The Stand-Up Poetry Club returns with a rare East Anglian performance from Tim Turnbull. Tim won the inaugural Arts Award for performance poetry in 2005. A year later he was shortlisted for the coveted Forward Prize. He easily straddles the worlds of page and stage with his satirical, formal verse. A real treat, not to be missed. Indeed, he is a big influence on our babyfaced irreverent host Luke Wright, Radio 4 favourite and the man behind the Latitude Poetry Arena.
A night of stonking tunes and raucous dancing! Cut A Shine are a London-based troupe of traditional musicians, dynamic dancers and crazy callers determined to spread the word that the Hoe Down is a’happening. Whilst the banjo and the fiddle set the tone, the callers instruct the audience through do-sido’s and strip the willows, until everyone is involved. Whether at sell out dances in London or the top summer festivals, this “Anarchic Hillbilly Barn Dancing Squad” create a rip-roaring, thigh-slapping, pavement-stomping, exhilarating, heart thumping, blood pumping barn dance event. Kidnap Alice With soulful vocals and tight arrangements from a classic acoustic string band line up, Kidnap Alice bridge the gap between vintage Rhythm and Blues and Appalachian mountain music, with an added modern twist. www.cutashine.co.uk
www.timturnbull.co.uk www.lukewright.co.uk
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November “stunning puppetry, live illusion and trickery”
Film Wednesday 14 Nov 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Theatre Friday 16 November 7.30pm Tickets £9 / Concessions £8 Scene Productions present
The Angels’ Share (15)
Dr Faustus
Directed by Ken Loach, 2012 UK, 100 mins With Paul Brannigan, John Henshaw, Jasmin Riggins
Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and unlimited power, Dr Faustus makes a pact with the devil and in turn relinquishes his soul. Using stunning puppetry, live illusion and trickery, this classic story of damnation is presented as a deliciously dark and terrifically twisted fairytale. Avenging angels and dastardly demons are brought to life as the performers conjure a fantastical world of magic, mischief and the macabre. What would you sell your soul for? A cautionary tale for ages 6 to 666! ‘...physically daring and full of theatrical exuberance and energy’ BBC
Loach deftly mixes politics and comedy, as he did in Looking for Eric, in this unlikely tale of delinquency and redemption. Four apparent no-hopers on community sentences seize a chance to succeed via some inside knowledge of the finer points of the whisky business. Paul Brannigan brings his own troubled past to the main role; the other three are also new to acting. The film took the Jury prize at Cannes.
By Christopher Marlowe
Running time approx 1hr.
The Saturday Club Saturday 17 November 2pm Tickets £4 / Children £2
The Pirates! – In an Adventure with Scientists (U) Directed by Peter Lord & Jeff Newitt, 2012, UK, 88 minutes With the voices of Hugh Grant, Martin Freeman, David Tennant Aardman Animations (Wallace & Gromit, Chicken Run) return with a riotous new comedy based on the Pirates! books by Gideon Defoe. The world’s most ineffectual pirate captain (Hugh Grant), has designs on the Caribbean’s coveted Pirate Of The Year Award, handed out annually by the Pirate King (Brian Blessed at his most bombastic). 12
Film Wednesday 21 Nov 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Monsieur Lahzar (12A) – subtitled Directed by Philippe Falardeau, 2012 Canada, 94 mins With Mohamed Fellag, Sophie Nelisse, Vincent Millard Bachir Lazhar, an Algerian immigrant in Montreal, is hired to replace a school teacher who has died. While the class goes through its healing process, it remains unaware of Bachir’s former life, and the risk that he may be deported. This charming comedy drama follows a humble man who is ready to transcend his own loss in order to accompany children beyond the silence and taboo of death.
Music Saturday 24 November 7.30pm Tickets £10 / Concessions £9
Wymondham Symphony Orchestra – Invitation to the Dance A veritable cornucopia of music for ballroom and ballet, this programme by the critically acclaimed Wymondham Symphony Orchestra, brings you classics from the world of dance. Come and hear orchestral performances of Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet including the Dance of the Knights; Strauss’s Blue Danube Waltz; and the Sabre Dance by Khachaturian. Running time 2hrs including interval.
www.wymondhamsymphonyorchestra.org.uk
Film Wednesday 28 November 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Moonrise Kingdom
(12A)
Directed by Wes Anderson, 2012, US, 94 mins With Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton, Bruce Willis Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward are the juvenile leads in this charming, ironic tale of young love. They are 12-year-old runaways who use their scouting skills to survive, comically, in the New England countryside. The adults – parents, scout leader (Norton) police (Willis) and social services (Swinton) – are a bunch of eccentrics. Wes Anderson fans will know what to expect: quirky brilliance, a hint of gloom and great music. 13
Nov-Dec “slightly bonkers with a touch of naughtiness”
Theatre Thursday 29 November 7.30pm Tickets £9.50 / Concession £8 Open Space Theatre Company presents
From Russia with Love, Lust and Laughs – an evening of short plays by Anton Chekhov and Brian Friel Featuring short dramas by one of the 19th century’s greatest playwrights, Anton Chekhov, and 21st century dramatist, Brian Friel, author of Dancing at Lughnasa, who has created a new play in which two of Chekhov’s most famous characters meet. Running Time 2hrs plus interval.
www.openspacetheatre.org.uk
Comedy Friday 30 Nov 8.15pm Tickets Advance £9 / Door £10 Min age 18
Red Card Comedy Club – On the Road Dougie Dunlop A wonderfully dour Scotsman with an eye for the absurd, who effortlessly gets audiences laughing and sharing his unique take on life. ‘Terrific comedian’ Frankie Boyle ‘A real entertainer, with an eye for the details of the modern world.’ Guardian Pick of the Week ‘The Ronseal of Stand-up Comedians’ Chortle Lloyd Griffith One of the most natural, bright and original comedians on the circuit, Lloyd Griffith was selected to perform as part of the prestigious Edinburgh Big Value Comedy Showcase last year. ‘Inherently funny…’ Chortle ‘the next big thing’ FHM
Dougie Dunlop
Lloyd Griffith
Jessica Fostekew (compère) Charming, intelligent and slightly bonkers with a touch of naughtiness, Jessica is taking the comedy scene by storm. ‘Intensely Funny… Fireball of Fun’ Timeout Food and full bar from 7.15pm. Line up is subject to change.
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Jessica Fostekew
Music & Dance
Film Wednesday 5 December 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Sunday 2 December 5pm-10pm Tickets £10 / Workshop £12 Evening and workshop booked together £20
Winter Tango Tea Dance – with Tango Malambo The heady atmosphere of a Buenos Aires dance hall is recreated for the annual Winter Tango Tea Dance. Whether you are an experienced dancer or prefer to listen to the live music and soak up the glamour, tenderness and excitement of the evening, Argentine Tango will hypnotise and entrance. Tango Malambo Duo, Tango Malambo is the artistic collaboration between Juanita Euka (vocals) and Tim Sharp (piano). They play soulful and heartfelt renditions of classic tangos which demand to be danced to. Juanita’s raw energy and powerful performances have led her to be described as the ‘Tina Turner of Tango’ and her fire and passion is perfectly complimented by Tim’s inspirational and inventive accompaniment. They are joined by virtuoso Patrick Ellis on harmonica, back by popular demand. DJ, John Connatty. Bar and food.
Introduction to Tango workshop 2.30pm-4pm £12 John Connatty from Cambridge Tango will help you take your first Tango steps. All ages and abilities. Booking essential (please indicate if you are a leader or a follower). More info 01379 642470. 15
Rear Window (PG) Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, 1954 US, 110 mins With James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Raymond Burr, Thelma Ritter One of Hitchcock’s best dramas, and consistently placed in the top 100 movies. James Stewart is a convalescing photographer voyeuristically watching his Greenwich Village neighbours. We too get involved in their lives, while girlfriend (Grace Kelly) isn’t sure about ‘rear window ethics’ but gets drawn into his suspicions about the man across the courtyard. An intriguing, macabre study unfolds.
December “the show that die-hard fans never miss.”
Art
Music
An exhibition in Diss Corn Hall Gallery 6-21 December Box office hours Free
Thursday 6 December 7.30pm Tickets £18.50 / £15.50 / £12.50
Mike Webb – New Paintings Our exhibition in February 2011, of work by Mike Webb – the creator of the ‘Mere Quacks’ cartoon in the Diss Express – was one of our most popular ever. We are delighted that he is back with a mixture of new paintings and original drawings of his recent and memorable cartoons. Mike’s subjects for his paintings are mostly of the fast disappearing aspects of rural living that he grew up with. They include man-made constructions and machines, but usually not man himself. The viewer becomes the figure in the landscape. He does few portraits, but will include one of the late ‘Sheriff Bunny’ Patterson, a local character he featured in his Mere Quacks cartoons many times. Evening viewing Wednesday 5 December
6-7.45pm
The annual Searchers concert at Diss Corn Hall is a fantastic start to Christmas and the show that diehard fans never miss. This year they celebrate a remarkable 50 years as The Searchers and 25 years playing at Diss Corn Hall. Don’t miss this spellbinding allevening show featuring Sweets For My Sweet, When You Walk In the Room, Sugar and Spice and the million-selling Needles and Pins. Fourteen top 50 hits in all, plus a non-stop medley of Christmas songs and carols. www.the-searchers.co.uk
Photo: Rickenbacker
Come and meet Mike in person. Join us afterwards for our screening of the Hitchcock classic, Rear Window (see p.15).
The Searchers Christmas Show
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Music Saturday 8 December 7.30pm Tickets £12 adults / Under 12s £6 Corn Hall Box Office, Wortham Post Office & Diss Antiques Burgate Singers present
Handel’s Messiah One of Suffolk’s leading amateur choirs, the Burgate Singers – under the musical directorship of Alain Judd – have an outstanding reputation and engage the services of professional musicians and soloists for their concerts. www.burgatesingers.org.uk
Music Sunday 9 December 7.30pm Tickets £12.50
Swing into Christmas – Jonathan Wyatt Big Band and The Moonglow Sisters If you love a bit of nostalgia, or just want to put on the glitz and have a cool classic Christmas evening out, come and experience the excitement of East Anglia’s premier Big Band as they play a selection of timeless jazz and swing numbers, along with Christmas favourites. Including renditions of festive favourites, along with classics made famous by Michael Bublé, Bing Crosby, The Andrews Sisters and Harry Connick Jnr, the evening also features two of East Anglia’s top big band vocalists as well as the ever-popular female vocal trio, ‘The Moonglow Sisters’. Running time 2.5hrs incl interval.
www.jwbb.co.uk
Music Tuesday 11 December 7pm Tickets £3.50 / Children £2 Corn Hall Box Office or Diss Town Council Offices Available from Monday 12 November
Diss Town Carol Concert An annual ‘sell-out’ favourite, Diss Town carol concert is one for all the family with the singing led by the Waveney Choir together with the Diss Salvation Army. The evening also includes performances from the choir of Diss Church Junior School and pupils from Diss High School. Everyone is invited to stay after the concert to enjoy mince pies, mulled wine and soft drinks. Booking recommended. All the proceeds go to the Mayor’s chosen charities for his year in office. 17
December “…a 5 star show filled with unique surprises”
Film
Music
Wednesday 12 Dec 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Coriolanus
Friday 14 December 8pm Tickets £12 / Concession £10
The Clapton Xperience (15)
Directed by Ralph Fiennes, 2011 UK, 113 minutes With Ralph Fiennes, Vanessa Redgrave, Jessica Chastain Ralph Fiennes makes an assured directorial debut, giving one of Shakespeare’s most dramatic plays a contemporary setting, with Balkan overtones. Coriolanus, brilliantly played by Fiennes, is the hero general turned autocratic demagogue, whose unbending belief in his own cause leads to his betrayal of Rome and ultimate downfall. The relationship between him and the fickle mob is played out against the backdrop of fascist insignia and CCTV surveillance.
– Rhythm and Blues Show As close to the real thing as it is possible to get. With years of live shows and constant touring behind them, this band ticks all the boxes for true music fans. From the popular ‘unplugged’ and very authentic old blues section, to the huge hits from Cream, Derek and the Dominoes, right up to the solo Clapton material, everything is played with real passion by musicians who genuinely love what they do. Throw in tight harmonies and the scene is set for a great night’s entertainment! www.claptonexperience.com
The Saturday Club Saturday 15 December 2pm Tickets £5 / Children £3 (4+ yrs) Theatre of Widdershins presents
Rapunzel and the Tower of Doom It’s hard enough having a bad hair day but pity poor Rapunzel spending her life in a tower with a wicked witch using her locks as a step-ladder! Theatre of Widdershins has taken this tale right back to its dark roots, teased out the tangles and styled it into a beautiful hair-piece! An enchanting puppet show that promises plenty of body, volume and loads of highlights. ‘...a 5 star show filled with unique surprises’ The List Running time 50 mins.
www.widdershins.co.uk 18
Film
Theatre
Wednesday 19 Dec 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Friday 21 December 7pm Tickets £6 / Children £3 The Keeper’s Daughter present
Marley
(15)
Directed by Kevin Macdonald, 2012 UK/US, 140 mins With Bob Marley, Rita Marley, Ziggy Marley Bob Marley’s impact on music history and his role as a social and political prophet is both unique and unparalleled. This is the definitive life story of the musician, revolutionary and legend, from his early days to his rise to international superstardom. Made with the support of the Marley family, the film includes rare footage, incredible performances and revelatory interviews with the people that knew him best.
T’was the Night Before Christmas By Clement Clarke Moore The Corn Hall’s resident theatre company is fast gaining a reputation for its exuberant, innovative and fun adaptations of classic stories. This tale of a father telling his two young children about Saint Nicholas for the very first time is given an imaginative and touching narrative featuring eight tiny reindeer, three wise mice and a bowl of dancing sugar-plums! An enchanting family show for everyone aged 3 and over. ‘There can be few small theatre companies around today able to rival the wit, originality and vigour of The Keeper’s Daughter.’ Paul Monkhouse, Diss Express Running time 60 minutes with no interval.
Music Sunday 23 December 7pm Tickets £7 Tiered / Level £5
South Norfolk Youth Symphonic Band – Christmas Concert This annual event is the perfect warm-up to Christmas for the whole family. Come and enjoy the varied programme of favourite show tunes as well as a mixture of traditional Christmas carols and songs, all performed by talented young local musicians under the Directorship of Mike Booty. All funds raised will benefit SNYSB. www.snysb.org.uk 19
VOUC GIFT HERS
Are you already worrying about what to buy family and friends for Christmas?
Diss Corn Hall Gift Vouchers make great Christmas or birthday presents. And, you’ll be helping to support the Corn Hall at the same time!
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. We can also provide gift Friend memberships, see below for more information about costs and benefits. To purchase a Gift Voucher or gift Friend membership, visit the Box Office in the Old Stables Mon-Fri 11am4pm, 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 £ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
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.
Wilderness Stores ANTIQUES & DECORATIVE HOMEWARE HARLESTON, NORFOLK
Shabby-chic and… French rustic… Bullock Fair Close, Harleston IP20 9AT
Tel 01379 853067 www.wildernessstores.com
…furniture and much, much more
CORN HALL
“Film Nights” SPECIAL OFFER 01379 644447 3 Cobbs Yard Diss IP22 4LB
Any main course and a glass of house wine £10. Booking advisable. Credit and debit cards accepted.
www.ildivorestaurant.co.uk
Open 7 days a week | Open from 5.30pm | Book your table, eat early and still get to see the show! | Wi-Fi
Haines Watts
Chartered Accountants Norwich ❖ Ipswich Diss ❖ Thetford Lowestoft ❖ Great Yarmouth
Haines Watts are delighted to support Diss Corn Hall by providing experienced, qualified and expert business and financial help and advice. Tel: 01379 640555 diss@hwca.com www.hwca.com/east-anglia 21
COMING TO
FAIRS, CLASSES & COMMUNITY Blood Donor Sessions 1-3.30pm and 5-7pm Tuesdays, 9 & 30 Oct, 20 Nov, 4 Dec New donors please register in advance at www.blood.co.uk
Here are just some of the great events we already have lined up for next year. All events are on sale now.
Monterey Line Dance Club – Improvers Class
Saturday 26 January 8pm £10 / Concession £9
The Churchfitters – their unique blend of rock, pop and jazz with traditional music, outstanding vocals and energetic performances make every gig a night to remember.
Monday evenings 7.15-9pm
Friday 8 February 8pm £12 / Concessions £10
Eliza Carthy, Bella Hardy, Kate Young & Lucy Farrell –Eliza Carthy is a figurehead of the English folk revival, Bella Hardy entwines her hypnotic voice with her own fiddle accompaniment to stunning effect; Kate Young and Lucy Farrell are delightful new voices of the Newcastle Folk Degree course.
– With The Keeper’s Daughter Theatre Company
Saturday 9 February £10 / Concessions £9
Roger Deakin – in his own words – a celebration of his very personal and distinctive writing, film documentaries and radio programmes, to mark what would have been his 70th birthday.
Sat 9 March 8pm £8 / Concessions £6
The Sweetbeats – this exuberant 8-piece Rocksteady dance band promises to get you onto the dance floor – resistance is futile!
Saturday 23 March £12
Antique Antics with Eric Knowles – BBC Antiques Roadshow’s Eric Knowles will give a fascinating illustrated talk to include treasures brought along by the audience. Meet Eric and bring your own heirlooms for a free valuation.
Saturday 30 March 7.30pm £12
Handel’s Messiah – With just 11 professional singers, an organist and a conductor, the Merry Opera Company presents an original and unforgettable version of this great piece which will be held in St Mary’s Diss church.
Saturday 13 April 8pm £14 / Concessions £12
Spiers & Bowden – “They’ve recorded five rapturously received albums, expanded the basic duo into an all conquering big-band Bellowhead, and generally given the British folk movement its biggest shot of energy and inspiration for years.” mojo magazine
Led by qualified instructor Melissa Hawkes. Further details phone 01379 651773.
Weekly Acting Classes Tuesday evenings term time (18 Sept - 23 Oct; 13 Nov - 18 Dec) Ages 13-16 5.30-7.30pm Ages 17-21 7.30-9.30pm 6 week block (half a term): £85.00 12 week block (full term): £135.00 Learn from National Youth Theatre and LAMDA graduates Further details contact thekeepersdaughter@rocketmail.com OR phone Mark on 07876 184 187 The Keeper’s Daughter is Diss Corn Hall’s resident theatre Company
Record Collectors Fair Sunday 21 October 10am-4pm LPs, 45s, EPs and 78s sold and bought. Covering all music genres from the last 100 years. Further details: fruit.tree.antiques@gmail.com or call 01638 603518 / 07952 230960
Woolovers Christmas Sale Wednesday 21 November 10am-4pm A sale of finest cashmere, cotton and wool knitwear. Find some unique bargains and the perfect Christmas gifts! www.woolovers.com
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Craft and Artisans Fair Friday 30 November 10am-4pm Free A wide range of stalls promoting the work of local craftspeople including pottery, jewellery & preserves. For stallholder info contact Roz Barnett – rozasyoulikeit@googlemail.com. Tables: £8 / £10 electricity
15% Discount
Spice Cottage
on every Take-Away order plus a FREE bottle of EXCLUSIVE INDIAN & NEPALESE CUISINE wine with ONLY NEPALESE CUISINE IN NORFOLK! orders of £30 Market Place, Diss IP22 4JT or more. We are situated next door to Diss Post Office
Come and celebrate Christmas with us. Book now for your parties
7-Course Christmas Day lunch for £35
(COLLECTION ONLY)
Free home delivery available All major credit cards accepted when spending over £20.
Christmas Day Opening times: 12 noon-5pm
Telephone: 01379 640222 or 640777 www.spice-cottage.co.uk Opening times: Lunch 12 noon – 2pm Evening 5.30pm – 11pm (11.30pm Fri & Sat) Open 7 days a week including Bank Holidays.
Lunch menu available. Meals from £5.50.
Enjoy Buffy’s Beers at Home! Our Beers are now available Bottle Conditioned and in 5 litre Mini Cans! Please contact the brewery by phone or email to leave your order.
Also available for national delivery via our website.
Tel: 01379 676523 email: buffysbrewery@gmail.com Website: www.buffys.co.uk Buffy’s Brewery Ltd, Rectory Road, Tivetshall St Mary, Norfolk NR15 2DD 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
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.
Access There are three disabled parking bays on the street directly outside the Corn Hall. The main hall, bar and accessibility toilet are fully accessible to wheelchair users via the side entrance. Please inform the box office when booking.
Bar and door opening times The bar and auditorium will usually open 45 mins before the start of a performance, unless otherwise stated.
Getting involved If you are interested in helping at the Corn Hall as a steward, in the box office, or in any other way, please get in touch by emailing admin@disscornhall.co.uk. We’d love to hear from you.
DI SS
Thanks Our most heartfelt thanks go to: Diss Town Council, South Norfolk Council, Norfolk County Council, Diss Corn Hall Trustees 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, Christopher Grocott, Charles & Liz Handy, Stephanie Harrison, Jo & Gary Hincks, Cathy Hume, Martha Kearney, Jay Leader, Dr A Linder, Glynne Lloyd-Davis, Richard Mabey, Elizabeth Mooney, Sheila Moss-King, Laura Purling, Sue Reeves, Sue Shrager, John Taylor, Richard Vivian and Corporate Friends: Buffy’s Brewery; Haines Watts Chartered Accountants, Il Divo, Mere Players, Spice Cottage and John Taylor Builders.
Patron The Duke of Norfolk.