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www.disscornhall.co.uk
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At the time of going to press, our local fundraising for the Heritage Triangle project is over halfway towards reaching our target of £100,000. It’s been an incredible response but please do keep your donations and pledges coming in – every penny is vital (see the inside back cover for details). You have told us how much you have enjoyed our National Theatre and Glyndebourne screenings since they started, and we agree! We are now hoping to add the Royal Opera House autumn season of opera and ballet to our programme. If we do, these and some lateprogrammed National Theatre screenings will have been too late to include in this brochure. To avoid missing them, please check the Screen Arts section on our website, read our email newsletters, look out for posters around the venue, or ask our friendly box office staff.
We have another packed programme of great entertainment this autumn. Whether you’re a fan of classical music, folk or jazz, the music of the 60s, 70s or 80s, art, comedy, poetry or something for the whole family, you’ll find it at the Corn Hall. It’s too difficult to pick out highlights, but after our hit last year with our first Christmas show The Wind in the Willows, I’d urge you to come along and enjoy our talented local actors, young and old, in The Perils of Pinocchio, directed by our excellent resident theatre company The Keeper’s Daughter. Companies and performers love coming to the Corn Hall. Do you know why? Because you are such warm, responsive audiences. They really appreciate our friendly and helpful volunteers too. So, as we approach the end of our fourth successful year, here’s another big thank-you for the essential part you play in making the Corn Hall what it is. Now we wait to find out if we will be awarded our Heritage Lottery Funding. Our project has been widely acknowledged by funders as exceptional but the competition in the current climate is unbelievably tough. Whether we get the funding or not, we’re going to need your support more than ever. I know we can count on you!
Angela Sykes, Diss Corn Hall Manager
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BOX OFFICE 01379 652241
Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm Sat 10am-2pm www.disscornhall.co.uk The Old Stables, beside the Corn Hall, St Nicholas Street, Diss IP22 4LB DATE 1-31 October Wed 1 Oct Thurs 2 Oct Fri 3 Oct Sun 5 Oct Wed 8 Oct Thurs 9 Oct Fri 10 & Sat 11 Oct Wed 15 Oct Thur 16 Oct Fri 17 Oct Sat 18 Oct Wed 22 Oct Thurs 23 Oct Sat 25 Oct Sat 25 Oct Wed 29 Oct Thurs 30 Oct Sat 1 Nov 5-29 Nov Wed 5 Nov Fri 7 Nov Sat 8 Nov Wed 12 Nov Thurs 13 Nov Fri 14 Nov Sat 15 Nov Wed 19 Nov Thurs 20 Nov Fri 21 Nov Sat 22 Nov Wed 26 Nov Fri 28 Nov Sat 29 Nov Tues 2 Dec 3-20 Dec Wed 3 Dec Fri 5 Dec Sat 6 Dec Sun 7 Dec Wed 10 Dec Fri 19-Sun 21 Dec
Art Film Theatre Music Music Screen Arts Word Festival Film Word Music Theatre Film Comedy Family Music Film Screen Arts Music Art Film Music Music Film Comedy Theatre Family Film Theatre Word Music Film Comedy Music Community Art Film Music Music Music Film Christmas Show
EVENT
TIME
Bob Billington – Superficial Meditations Two Faces of January (12A) Call Mr Robeson Spiro Jazz at the Movies A Streetcar Named Desire – NT Live encore Poetry in Performance Corn Hall Beer Festival Frank (15) Mark Cocker – the wildlife of a Norfolk village RAT PACK – Vegas Spectacular Show Mindgame A Night at the Cinema in 1914 (U) Marcus Brigstocke The Saturday Club – Sid’s Deep Sea Discovery Spikedrivers Jimmy’s Hall (12A) Frankenstein – NT Live encore Desperado – Heart of the Eagles Maggi Hambling – North Sea Waves Belle (PG) The Supersonic 70s Show Churchfitters Bicycle Thieves (U) Blackadder Goes Forth (& Over the Top) Separate Tables The Saturday Club – The Little Match Girl Boyhood (15) Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar Luke Wright’s Stand-up Poetry Club Dave Thomas Band’s Blues & Rhythm Shakedown Next Goal Wins (15) Corn Hall Comedy Club Louis de Bernières’ Mr Handel – with The Brook Street Band Diss Town Mayor’s Charity Carol Concert Mike Webb – Cartoons & Watercolours 2014 Of Horses and Men (15) The Searchers Christmas Show The Burgate Singers Jonathan Wyatt Big Band – Swing into Christmas Begin Again (15) The Perils of Pinocchio
Box office hours 8pm 7.30pm 8pm 7.30pm 7pm 8pm 5-11pm & Noon-11pm 8pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 8pm 8pm 2pm 8pm 8pm 7.30pm 8pm Box office hours 8pm 7.30pm 8pm 8pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2pm 8pm 7.30pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 7pm Box office hours 8pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 8pm Fri 7.30pm Sat & Sun 11am & 4pm
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October “A stunning piece of musical theatre.”
Art
Theatre
An exhibition in the Corn Hall Gallery 1-31 October Box Office Hours Free
Thursday 2 October 7.30pm Tickets £11 / Concessions £9
Bob Billington
Call Mr Robeson
– Superficial Meditations – Paintings
– a life, with songs
Meditative rather than calculated, Superficial – of the surface. Paintings worked on both sides or with holes cut out. Paintings where front and back become one surface. Paintings that are transparent or whose shadow is seen before the thing itself appears. Bob has played over a long period at work which explores notions of what a painted surface is, working in ways akin to natural processes to find a quiet and unlikely beauty.
Written & performed by Tayo Aluko with live piano accompaniment
Evening viewing Wednesday 1 Oct 6.30-7.45pm Come and meet Bob in person.
Film Wednesday 1 October 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Two Faces of January
(12A)
Directed by Hossein Amini, 2014, USA, 96 mins With Kirsten Dunst, Viggo Mortensen, Oscar Isaac Patricia Highsmith’s psychological thrillers have been the rich source of over 20 films over 60 years – from Strangers on a Train to Ripley. Here Isaac (Llewyn Davis in the recent Coen Brothers film) is a young con man whose encounter with another (Mortensen) is complicated by their threatening backstories and the older man’s wife (Dunst). The setting is Mediterranean, the plot meaty and the mix of suspicion, murder and sexual jealousy delivers a classy delight. 4
A rollercoaster journey through the life of the African-American actor and singer, Paul Robeson highlighting how his activism as a civil rights campaigner led to his downfall. A powerful and compelling tour-deforce featuring fiery oratory – including Robeson’s defiant testimony to the House Un-American Activities Committee – and songs for which he became synonymous like Ol’ Man River, this multi-award winning production revives one of the 20th century’s most impressive but overlooked figures. ‘A stunning piece of musical theatre’ Fringe Review Programmed as part of Black History Month.
Music
Music
Friday 3 October 8pm Tickets £12
Sunday 5 October 7.30pm Tickets £14
Spiro
Jazz at the Movies
Although they have a conventional folk line-up of violin, acoustic guitar, mandolin and accordion, Spiro use familiar folk tunes as the raw materials to build their extraordinary ‘mesh’ sound around. The result is the sense that each member of the band isn’t just playing one instrument, they’re playing the whole thing. Their approach to their music is unique, breathtaking and seems impossible, even as you watch. It has taken festival audiences like WOMAD, Cambridge and Moseley Folk Festival by storm.
Fronted by acclaimed singer Joanna Eden – ‘the UK’s answer to Norah Jones and Diana Krall’ Time Out – and featuring the outstanding Chris Ingham Quartet, Jazz at the Movies features evocative songs and soundtrack themes from classic films including The Aristocats, From Russia With Love, The Pink Panther and The Ipcress File. With material ranging from Bond to Bacharach, Dankworth to Disney, Porter to Pinter, Jazz at the Movies is an enchanting, entertaining show rich with anecdote, sophistication and swing.
‘This is soulful music, passionate music and I love it.’ Peter Gabriel ‘One of the most imaginative acoustic groups around… incredible.’ Mark Radcliffe, The Folk Show, BBC Radio 2
‘Movie songs like these provide good material for the best jazz singers. Joanne Eden and her first class band had a ball with them... and so did the audience!’ Jazz Journal International
www.spiromusic.com
www.jazzatthemovies.co.uk
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October “The performances are superb…”
Screen Arts
Word
Wednesday 8 October 7pm Tickets £12 / Under 18s £10
Thursday 9 October 8pm Tickets £8 / students £6 Waveney & Blyth Arts present
Encore
Poetry in Performance
A Streetcar Named Desire – Gillian Anderson
– Morgan, Parkin, Guthrie & Howard
as Blanche DuBois
A glorious evening of fine – and funny – word wizardry by leading poets with whom Waveney & Blyth Arts has worked over the last three years.
By Tennessee Williams The fastest-selling production in the Young Vic’s history, this acclaimed adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ timeless masterpiece, with Gillian Anderson as Blanche DuBois, Ben Foster as Stanley and Vanessa Kirby as Stella, will be recorded live from its London home.
Esther Morgan’s recent collection of poetry, Grace, was short-listed for the 2012 TS Eliot Prize, and Dean Parkin is creative director of The Poetry Trust and was poet-in-residence at the 2012 Beccles Festival. They will be joined here by Joanna Guthrie, whose first collection, Billack’s Bones, was published by RIALTO in 2007, and who in 2012 wrote the libretto for the song cycle Translated by Reeds. Both she and Matthew Howard, who contributed to the Famous Five Birds project, have been chosen by the Poetry Trust for this year’s Aldeburgh Eight: eight poets selected for intensive professional and creative development. Plus winning poems from the Waveney & Blyth Words 2014 Poetry Competition.
‘The performances are superb, with Gillian Anderson giving the performance of her career… there isn’t a moment when the tension slackens or attention lapses. It is an absolute knock-out.’ HHHHH The Telegraph
www.waveneyandblytharts.com
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Festival
Word
Friday 10 Oct 5-11pm & Saturday 11 Oct Noon-11pm Free entry
Thursday 16 October 7.30pm Tickets £8 / Under 18s £6
Corn Hall Beer Festival
Mark Cocker
Headlined by Grain Brewery, winners of Champion Beer of Norfolk for an impressive fourth year running, you'll also find a great mix of styles including blondes, IPAs, foreign-influenced, as well as classic bitters and stouts, all hand-picked from East Anglian breweries, with a few out-of-towners thrown in. All this, plus a full bar for non-beer drinkers, cracking live music throughout the festival, delicious hot and cold fare and free Beerfest Quizzes with prizes each day. Part of the Waveney Valley Food & Drink Festival 3-12 October.
Film Wednesday 15 October 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Frank
(15)
Directed by Lenny Abrahamson, UK, 2014, 95 mins With Michael Fassbender, Domhnall Gleeson, Maggie Gyllenhall Frank is real: Chris Sievey became Frank Sidebottom, a musician and comedian who in the 1980s retreated inside a papier-mâché head to front his band. The keyboard player was Jon Ronson (Gleeson), who wrote it up. But the film becomes a kind of fiction – a weird comic memoir with Maggie Gyllenhall as a crazy theremin player and the great Michael Fassbender (12 Years a Slave) invisible inside Frank’s head. The film works wonderfully as a satirical romance. 7
– the wildlife of a Norfolk village After his globe-trotting, unanimously acclaimed book Birds & People, the author Mark Cocker turns his focus to the wildlife in and around his home village of Claxton east of Norwich. Through fascinating observations of the natural world made over the course of 12 years, he explores his relationship with the East Anglian landscape and to all things living around him. A celebration of the wonder that lies in our everyday experience of nature. This will be one of the first opportunities to hear Mark talk about his new book Claxton – Field Notes from a Small Planet, followed by a Q & A.
October “a sensational show…”
Music
Theatre
Friday 17 October 7.30pm Tickets £20
Saturday 18 October 7.30pm Tickets £9.50 / Concessions £7.50 (Not suitable for under 12s)
RAT PACK – Vegas Spectacular Show
Spinning Wheel Theatre presents
Enjoy timeless style as the ‘Purveyors of Cool’ swing into town with a sensational show with a live orchestra featuring ‘The Greatest Music of the 20th Century’. Wonderful memories of Las Vegas – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior – in a fabulous production that continues to be a big success worldwide. All performed totally live and every song is an absolute classic – Come Fly with Me, Volare, That’s Amore, Under My Skin, Mr Bojangles, Sway, Mack The Knife and many more of your favourites. ‘Superb… Remarkable… Tremendously Entertaining!’ The Stage ‘MAGNIFICENT!’ The BBC www.ratpack.biz
Mindgame
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By Anthony Horowitz A ‘true crime’ author arrives at an experimental hospital for the criminally insane in deepest rural Suffolk with the hope of interviewing a notorious serial killer. However, when he meets the hospital director, it becomes apparent that things are not as they first appear… A puzzle-box of a play and a thriller that actually manages to thrill and a very dark comedy that twists and spirals towards a completely unexpected ending. Following the successful tour of Two, Spinning Wheel brings this intriguing drama by the awardwinning writer of Foyle’s War.
Film
The Saturday Club
Wednesday 22 October 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
A Night at the Cinema in 1914 (U) A new BFI National Archive compilation, UK, 2014, 85 mins With Emmeline Pankhurst, Ernest Shackleton, Charlie Chaplin A hundred years ago an evening in the new, democratic picture houses would be a mix of comedy, drama, news and travelogue – with live musical accompaniment. Relive the experience in the historic Corn Hall with gems like Daisy Doodad’s Dial and The Perils of Pauline. ‘This is more like a séance than anything else: an eerie summoning of ghosts from the early days of cinema and the 20th century.’ Guardian HHHH
Comedy Thursday 23 October 8pm Tickets £15
Marcus Brigstocke: Je M’accuse – I Am Marcus Podium dancer, oil rig worker, food addict, musical theatre enthusiast, posh, ecohypocrite, ex-Goth, muppet fan, award winning comedian and chief beverages operator at the Little Chef – screw politics! Let’s talk about me. ‘If you haven’t seen him live, then you haven’t seen him at his very best.’ HHHHH The Mirror ‘Rare is the stand-up show that makes you laugh, think and then fight back the tears. This is it.’ HHHH The Daily Telegraph 9
Saturday 25 October 2pm Tickets £10 / Children £8 / Family (2 adults, 2 children) £32 (Ages 2yrs +)
Sid’s Deep Sea Discovery Show A fantastic treat for the CBeebies viewer and their family! We venture into a fish tank with Sid and his dog Fuzzy, to discover what a mermaid is doing with his remote control, who has her pearls and whether Sid can make friends with a dangerous shark! This exciting and colourful underwater adventure bubbles over with sea creatures, songs and wave after wave of educational interaction.
Oct-Nov “If you have not seen them, you simply must.”
Screen Arts
Music Saturday 25 October 8pm Tickets £12 / Concessions £10
Spikedrivers
Encore
– bluesroots at its best Described as haunting, gutsy, tribal and even psychedelic, Spikedrivers have been compared to Fleetwood Mac, Ry Cooder, JJ Cale, Led Zeppelin, The Band and even Pink Floyd. Inspired by early blues legends – Robert Johnson, John Lee Hooker and others – they add their own blend of north African and Native American rhythms, gospel harmonies, sixties blues and rock guitar. ‘If you have not seen them, you simply must.’ Blues in Britain ‘This band should grace the stage at every festival’ Blues Matters! UK www.spikedrivers.net
Film Wednesday 29 October 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Jimmy’s Hall
Thursday 30 October 7.30pm Tickets £12 / Under 18s £10
(12A)
Directed by Ken Loach, UK, 2014, 109 mins With Barry Ward, Simone Kirby, Andrew Scott Ken Loach’s 29th (and he says farewell) film in a career that started with Poor Cow in 1967 is almost a sequel to The Wind that Shakes the Barley. It’s Ireland in the 1930s rather than the 20s – but politics is still the driving force. Jimmy Gralton (Barry Ward) is an activist returning from the US and setting up ‘The Hall’ – a space for young people. But its activities, the dancing especially, causes trouble with the church and landowners. An angry, lyrical treat – and not his last we hope. 10
Frankenstein – Benedict Cumberbatch as Creature A sell-out hit at the National Theatre in 2011, NT Live’s thrilling screening of Frankenstein has since become an international sensation. It returns briefly due to unprecedented audience demand. Directed by Academy Award®winner Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire), Frankenstein features Benedict Cumberbatch (12 Years A Slave, Star Trek: Into Darkness) as the Creature and Jonny Lee Miller (Trainspotting) as Victor Frankenstein. Contemporary concerns of scientific responsibility, parental neglect and the nature of good and evil are embedded within this thrilling and disturbing classic gothic tale.
Music Saturday 1 November 8pm Tickets £15 / Concessions £13.50
Desperado: Heart of the Eagles – Hotel California plus tour Hotel California is arguably one of the most iconic albums ever released, and the title track is one of the best-known songs of the rock era. In their new show, Desperado pay homage to this musical phenomenon by faithfully recreating the whole of the album, and many more of your favourite Eagles songs live on stage. With sweet vocal harmonies layered over note perfect guitar breaks, licks, slides, and solos, you could just believe you’re standing on that dark desert highway… www.desperadolive.co.uk
Art An exhibition at the Corn Hall Gallery 5-29 November Box Office Hours Free
Maggi Hambling – North Sea Waves The celebrated East Anglian, Maggi Hambling, CBE, is one of the most distinguished artists of her generation. Since 2002, she has studied the North Sea off her native Suffolk coast; ‘Whether the paintings are tiny or cover the studio wall, I try to translate the energy of the waves into oil paint. People, animals, birds emerge from the subconscious as I work and are there to be discovered’. Her North Sea paintings have been the subject of many major international museum exhibitions, and her ‘Walls of Water’ exhibition will open at the National Gallery, London, on 26 November.
Open viewing Sun 9 November 12am to 2pm Meet Maggi Hambling.
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November “It’s the hottest ticket in town!”
Film
Music
Wednesday 5 Nov 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Belle
(PG)
Directed by Amma Asante, UK, 2014, 104 mins With Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Emily Watson, Tom Wilkinson, Miranda Richardson A film inspired by a painting: Dido Elizabeth Bell was born a slave but was pictured in 1779 alongside the aristocratic family of her father, a Royal Navy Officer. The rest is fiction – finely wrought costume drama, but with teeth. Dido falls for a lawyer, and her new family objects. Her great-uncle, meanwhile, is closely involved in legal battles over the rights of slaves. Gugu Mbatha-Raw gives a fine performance as Dido in this gently subversive, emotionally engaging tale.
Friday 7 November 7.30pm Tickets £15 (Buy 8 get 1 free)
The Supersonic 70s Show – A Celebration of the Golden Age of Pop Featuring a six piece band, amazing vocals and genuine costumes which recreate the colour and glitz of the decade, Supersonic 70s is jam-packed with classic 70s hits. From the towering majesty of Queen and ELO to the ‘pinup’ pop of The Osmonds, David Essex and David Cassidy, and from the foot stompin’ Glam Rock of Sweet, Mud and T Rex, to the classic sounds of The Carpenters, Saturday Night Fever and Grease. It’s the hottest ticket in town! www.supersonic70s.com
Music Saturday 8 November 8pm Tickets £10 / Concession £9
Churchfitters A double bass made out of a saucepan. Heart-wrenching vocals accompanied by a musical saw. Foot-stompingly fast fiddle mixed with infectious funk-rock rhythms. And traditional tunes reinvigorated with mesmerising jazz sax. Churchfitters is a folk band like no other. The three virtuoso musicians strut their stuff on a stage that bristles with instruments – adding flute, banjo, dulcimer, tin whistle, guitar, ukulele, electric hub-cap bassbouzouki and a sackful of percussion to their ensemble. A high energy show that always leaves audiences cheering. ‘totally brilliant and beautiful’. Mike Harding www.churchfitters.com 12
Film Wednesday 12 Nov 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
The Bicycle Thieves (U) Directed by Vittorio De Sica, Italy, 1948, 93 mins With Lamberto Maggiorani, Enzo Staiola, Lianella Carell A classic of Italian neorealism and always rated in the top 50 films of all time. Antonio loses the bike that he needs for his job; he and his son Bruno comb the poor back streets of Rome looking for it. The father finds out that his son is more important than the bike. Philip French: ‘A heartbreaking, endlessly affecting piece of humanist cinema, sharp in its social criticism, yet ultimately life-enhancing in its belief in the decency of ordinary people.’
Comedy Thursday 13 November 7.30pm Tickets £10 / Concessions £9 (Suitable for age 16+) The Seagull Rep presents
Blackadder Goes Forth – & Over the Top The Seagull Rep round off their superb Blackadder shows with the final three episodes of the BBC comedy. Blackadder continues his desperate campaign to get out of the trenches by any means possible – by joining The Twenty Minuters, by becoming a spy hunter and by taking Field Marshall Haig’s advice, “Put your underpants on your head and stick two pencils up your nose.” This show will delight Blackadder fans and coincides with the centenary of WW1.
Theatre Friday 14 Nov 7.30pm Tickets £9.50 / Concessions £8.50 Open Space Theatre Company presents
Separate Tables By Terence Rattigan Affection, love and desire linger on within lives blighted by loneliness and disappointment in this classic drama, set in a small seaside hotel in the 1950s and packed with humour and compassion. www.openspacetheatre.org.uk
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November “…it’s a magical spectacle.”
The Saturday Club Saturday 15 November 2pm Tickets £8 / Children £6 (ages 2-6) Dot & Ethel presents
The Little Match Girl Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s much loved classic, this is the enchanting story of a young child’s hopes and dreams; simple pleasures and losses. Join us for a heart-warming, magical and life affirming tale for all the family. Experience beautifully inventive storytelling, puppetry, song and live music in this spellbinding production. Uplifting, playful and tender, it is pure delight for younger audiences. ‘…it’s a magical spectacle.’ Primary Times facebook dotandethel dotandethel.blogspot.co.uk
Film Wednesday 19 November 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Boyhood
(15)
Directed by Richard Linklater, USA, 2014, 165 mins With Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Lorelei Linklater Filmed over 12 years, Linklater (the Before Sunrise, Sunset and Midnight trilogy) has assembled a unique, ambitious and passionate family drama. Ellar Coltrane is six and in trouble over homework at the start; by the end, aged 18, he’s off to college. In between the boy becomes a man; his parents (Hawke and Arquette) age too. This compelling device is fleshed out with low-key, telling character detail, delivering a huge emotional charge. Once in a lifetime.
Theatre Thursday 20 Nov 7.30pm Tickets £9 / £7 Concessions RoughCast theatre company presents
Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar “Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears!” Following their successful and much-praised Richard III, RoughCast returns with Shakespeare’s classic political thriller, bringing his tale of assassination, intrigue and divided loyalties vividly to life with their trademark, fast-paced storytelling and sharply delineated characters. Containing some of Shakespeare’s most famous lines and most dramatic scenes, Julius Caesar remains as relevant in the opening years of the 21st century as it has ever been. 14
Word Friday 21 November 8pm Tickets £8 / Students £6
Luke Wright’s Stand-up Poetry Club Oh good, that verse-spitting, floppyfringed tall chap is back with some more of the country’s top poets and raconteurs. Join “Mr Latitude” Luke Wright as he introduces Katie Bonna and Jemima Foxtrot. Katie’s poetry play Dirty Great Love Story, co-written with Richard Marsh, won a Fringe First Award at the 2012 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she was also nominated for Best Actress by The Stage. Her lyrical monologues and stories are captivating and often very funny. Relative newcomer Jemima Foxtrot combines poetry with an incredible singing voice, she stole the show at this year’s Latitude and is currently up for the Arts Foundation’s Performance Poetry Award.
Music Saturday 22 Nov 8pm Tickets Advance £12 / Door £14
The Dave Thomas Band’s Blues & Rhythm Shakedown – with special guests Put your dancin’ shoes and glad rags on for ‘One of the best outfits on the British scene.’ Blues & Rhythm UK. Dave Thomas’ guitar playing has been compared to BB King and he has worked with Paul Jones as part of The Blues Band. A night to get the party season started – traditional Blues played with flair, style and feeling, award-winning real ale and delicious home cooked food. Shake it on down and paint the town Blue!
Film Wednesday 26 November 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Next Goal Wins
(15)
Directed by Mike Brett, Steve Jamison, UK, 2014, 97 mins With Thomas Rongen, Jaiyah Saelua, Nicky Salapu American Samoa didn’t make it to the recent World Cup finals. But they tried to. Undaunted by a record-breaking 31-0 defeat to Australia in 2001, they hired an underachieving but experienced Dutch coach. This uplifting documentary will have you cheering as the team, featuring a transgender defender, pull themselves up by their football bootstraps. It’s a heartwarming contrast to the cynicism of western football. Stephen Fry: ‘Funny, touching, heroic and utterly marvellous.’ 15
Nov-Dec “Munnery is a must-see.”
Comedy
Music
Friday 28 November 8pm Tickets Advance £9 / Door £10 Min age 18
Saturday 29 November 8pm Tickets £17 / Under 18s £10
Corn Hall Comedy Club Louis de Bernières’ Simon Munnery Mr Handel Serial innovator Simon Munnery is regarded as ‘one of the funniest, most original comedians of the past 20 years’ (The Guardian). He has won countless awards and is one of the stars of Comedy Central’s Alternative Comedy Experience. ‘Munnery is a must-see.’ The Times Matt Richardson At just 23, Matt has already cohosted both The Xtra Factor and Viral Tap on ITV2 and has a 54 date solo UK tour under his belt. ‘This young stand-up is poised to become the next bright sensation on the comedy circuit – expect to hear a lot more of him.’ The Guardian Tony Cowards – Compère A rapidfire gag merchant whose arsenal of one-liners, quick wit and likeable, ‘everyman’ character have made him sought after by clubs around the UK. ‘My favourite joke of the Festival so far was told to me by Tony Cowards.’ Hardeep Singh Kohli, The One Show
– with The Brook Street Band
Renowned author and Handel-lover, Louis de Bernières joins the award-winning leading early music ensemble, The Brook Street Band and soprano Nicky Kennedy, to weave a magical tale through this concert which they first performed at London’s Wigmore Hall in 2012. Louis’ specially-commissioned prose brings Handel to life in a story of music, passion, rivalry, friendship, struggle, and above all, success. Featuring Handel’s sparkling motet Dum coelestis spirat in aura, his Sinfonia (B flat Major) and music by JS Bach plus guest ‘appearances’ by Handel’s mentors, friends and rivals, with Corelli trio sonatas, music from Telemann’s Tafelmusik, and vocal fireworks from Handel’s adversary, Porpora. www.brookstreetband.co.uk
Simon Munnery
Matt Richardson
Tony Cowards
Hot chilli & Rice and bar from 6.30pm. Line-up is subject to change.
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Community Tuesday 2 December 7pm Tickets £3.50 / Children £2 Corn Hall Box Office or Diss Town Council offices from Monday 10 November
Diss Town Mayor’s Charity Carol Concert This annual event is a family favourite. The Waveney Choir together with the Diss Salvation Army lead the singing and the evening also includes performances from local school choirs. Everyone is invited to enjoy mince pies, mulled wine and soft drinks after the concert. Always a sell out, booking is recommended. All proceeds go to the Mayor’s chosen charities – the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Royal Anglian Regiment Benevolent Fund.
Art An exhibition in the Corn Hall Gallery 3-20 December Box Office Hours Free
Mike Webb – Cartoons & Watercolours 2014 A fantastic collection of new paintings and original cartoons by local artist Mike Webb, creator of ‘Mere Quacks’ and a regular contributor to the Diss Express. Mike’s paintings are mostly of the fast-disappearing aspects of rural living that he grew up with. His cartoons are an amusing and memorable take on everyday life in Diss. An opportunity to become the proud owner of a Mike Webb! Evening viewing Wednesday 3 December
6.30-7.45pm
Come and meet Mike in person.
Film Wednesday 3 December 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Of Horses and Men
(15)
Directed by Benedikt Erlingsson, Iceland, 2013, 87 mins With Ingvar Sigurðsson, Charlotte Bøving, Helgi Björnsson Solveig and Kolbeinn are in love, but Kolbeinn also loves his mare Grana. Grana loves the stallion Brunn. Jarpur loves his master Vernhadrdur but Venhardur loves vodka. And so it goes: six engrossing, inter-locking Icelandic fables, the whole thing seductively strange. There’s deadpan humour, sex and death and meditations about fate. And horses throughout: the earnest focus on their physicality seems to provide the language that allow the humans to communicate. Wildly beautiful landscape. 17
December “timeless, toe-tapping big band numbers”
Music
Music
Friday 5 December 7.30 pm Tickets £20 / £16.50
The Searchers Christmas Show One of the few British pop groups to maintain their position at the top for well over 45 years, and second only to the Beatles as Liverpool’s finest 60s group, The Searchers’ annual show at the Corn Hall has a very special atmosphere that makes it the concert that die-hard fans never miss. A spellbinding show featuring 50 hits in all, plus a non-stop medley of Christmas songs and carols. Always a sell-out, early booking is recommended. www.the-searchers.co.uk
Music Saturday 6 Dec 7.30pm Tickets £15 adults / under 12s £6
The Burgate Singers – Fantasia on Christmas Carols by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Requiem by Gabriel Fauré, Cantate de Noël by Arthur Honegger The Burgate Singers, one of Suffolk’s leading amateur choirs under the directorship of Alain Judd, present two Christmas works alongside the everpopular Fauré Requiem. Soloists in the Requiem will be Alistair Bamford and his son Francis and the choir will be accompanied by a professional orchestra. 18
Sunday 7 December 7.30pm Tickets £13.50
Swing into Christmas – Jonathan Wyatt Big Band with guest vocalists Experience the excitement of East Anglia’s premier Big Band as they play a selection of classic jazz and swing numbers and Christmas favourites. Enjoy timeless, toe-tapping big band numbers and festive favourites including Sleigh Ride, Let it Snow! and White Christmas as well as numbers made famous by Michael Bublé, Bing Crosby and Harry Connick Jnr, sung by some of East Anglia’s top big band vocalists. The perfect evening’s entertainment with friends, family or colleagues. www.jwbb.co.uk
Film
Christmas Show
Wednesday 10 December 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Begin Again
(15)
Directed by John Carney, USA, 2013, 104 mins With Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, Adam Levine, James Corden Our stars are a singer/songwriter and a struggling record executive. He persuades her to sign to his label. They’ll record the demo album on the streets of New York. Will it work out? It’s a familiar formula, but freshly presented by Irish writer/director John Carney (his Once was also about a musical pairing). Knightley (a brave performance from an actress who will try anything) and Ruffalo (briliantly ruffled as usual) are nicely natural as their idealism fuels an anti-establishment fairytale.
Friday 19 December 7.30pm Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 December 11am & 4pm Tickets £9 / Under 16s £7 / Family £30 (Ages 7+) Diss Corn Hall & The Keeper’s Daughter present
The Perils of Pinocchio By Pat Whymark and Julian Harries Based on Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi The thrilling story of a little wooden puppet who dreams of being a real boy is brought vividly to life in this charming and funny adaptation of the classic tale. Come with Pinocchio as he encounters all manner of characters, including a fairy with blue hair, a talking cricket, and a devious fox-and-cat duo. With each new adventure, Pinocchio learns a little bit more about the sometimes difficult process of growing up – made even trickier for him because his nose grows a little bit longer every time he tells a fib! With music, songs and lots of laughs, it’s perfect Christmas entertainment for the whole family. www.thekeepersdaughter.org.uk
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COMING TO
ARTS
DISS
CORN HALL
These forthcoming events are on sale now. Go to www.disscornhall.co.uk for more information and the latest updates. Thursday 8 January 8pm Tickets £12 / Under 18s £10 (Suitable for 16yrs+)
Thursday 22 January 7pm (live) Saturday 21 February 2pm (encore) Tickets £12 / Under 18s £10 (Suitable for 10+yrs)
Saturday 24 January 8pm Tickets £15
NT Live presents – JOHN (encore screening) – Internationally renowned DV8 Physical Theatre bring their powerful new production to the National Theatre. DV8 have produced 18 highly acclaimed dancetheatre works and films for television, which have garnered over 50 national and international awards. Based on real-life stories and combining movement and spoken word, don’t miss this intense and moving theatrical experience.
NT Live presents – Treasure Island – Robert Louis Stevenson’s story of murder, money and mutiny is brought to life in a thrilling new stage adaptation by Bryony Lavery, broadcast live from the National Theatre. It’s a dark, stormy night. The stars are out. Jim, the inn-keeper’s granddaughter, opens the door to a terrifying stranger. At the old sailor’s feet sits a huge sea-chest, full of secrets. Jim invites him in – and her dangerous voyage begins.
Paul Jones & Dave Kelly – Founder members of The Blues Band, Paul Jones and Dave Kelly’s roots go way back into the true undergrowth of the tradition. As well as their own original material, they not only perform the work of the greats, ranging from Howling’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker through to Sonny Boy Williamson – they actually played alongside them, and enjoyed their friendship. A live acoustic set by these spellbinding performers is an occasion you’ll remember. If you’re a true Blues fan, everything you need is here.
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CLASSES & COMMUNITY Imps Halloween Make & Play Session Friday 31 October 10-11am or 11.15am-12.15pm – Diss Corn Hall £3.50 per child (2-8 years old) All children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-booking only. Explore magic potions, feed the baby monsters, play a game of ghostly bowling, produce strange sounds with your monster bassoon, make beautiful spiderweb artwork and lots more with local creative play group, Imps. Dress for mess! Tickets: Corn Hall Box Office 01379 652241 or www.disscornhall.co.uk Imps are donating all profits to the Heritage Triangle fund www.impscreativity.co.uk
Pilates Classes Mondays except Bank Holidays 9.30-10.30am and 10.30-11.30am Wednesdays 12 noon-1pm – Waveney Room, Diss Corn Hall A fantastic form of exercise to improve your health, posture, concentration and coordination. 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 Tuesdays 14 & 28 Oct, 11 Nov and 9 Dec 1-3.30pm and 5-7pm New donors: Please register in advance at www.blood.co.uk
ARTS
DISS
CORN HALL
These forthcoming events are on sale now. Go to www.disscornhall.co.uk for more information and the latest updates. Friday 6 February 8pm Tickets Advance £10 / Door £12
Will Pound Band – Twice nominated for Musician of the Year at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Will Pound has long been in demand as a harmonica wizard. The band also features John Parker (double bass) of the chart-topping duo Nizlopi, Chris Sarjeant (guitar & vocals) and Henry Webster (fiddle). www.willpound.com
Saturday 7 February 7.30pm Tickets £8
A Brief History of Music – Using a bewildering array of instruments, acclaimed musicians Blast from the Past take us through 600 years of musical history in 90 minutes! Beginning in the Middle Ages and ending up in the 20th century, this fun and fast-moving show is a whistle-stop tour of Western musical history.
Thursday 19 February 7.30pm Tickets £10 / Concessions £9
United We Stand – A powerful new play based on one of the most turbulent industrial battles – the 1972 Builders' Strike. Combining Townsend Productions' trademark entertaining theatrical style with popular and political 70s songs, arranged by renowned folk musician John Kirkpatrick, the story behind the dispute is told in a way that is both compelling and thought-provoking.
Saturday Barb Jungr – Hard Rain: the songs of 28 February Bob Dylan & Leonard Cohen Tickets £12.50 Barb has gained worldwide acclaim as a performer of Bob Dylan’s work – “possibly our greatest interpreter of Dylan’s songs” Billy Bragg. In her new show she performs the political and philosophical work of these two great icons through her inspired arrangements.
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HIRE
CORN HALL
DISS
COMING TO
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.
DISS
CORN BECOME A FRIEND HALL OF THE 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................
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To talk to us about how we can support you
contact Anthony Brice on 01359 259999 or anthonybrice@kpsk.co.uk 22
Back the Triangle – Save the Corn Hall
Have you pledged yet?
Picture: Photo Elite
We’ve raised £55,000 of the £100,000 target needed to help secure total funding of £3.2 million to transform the historic heart of Diss. It’s a phenomenal start, but we need to keep up the momentum. If you have thought about donating but haven’t gotten around to it yet, now is your chance to make a real contribution to your community.
To donate, go to:
www.heritagetriangle.co.uk
DissHeritage Triangle
@DissHT
Grain Brewery, Alburgh, IP20 0BS www.grainbrewery.co.uk 01986 788884 23
DISS CORN HALL BOX OFFICE 01379 652241 Mon-Fri 10am-4pm
Sat 10am-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
CORN HALL
DISS
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, Judith Howard-Rees, 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, Dayburst Couriers, Grain Brewery, Mere Players and John Taylor Builders.
Patron The Duke of Norfolk.