3 1 0 2 C E D T C O
www.disscornhall.co.uk
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It’s going to be fun, laughter and entertainment with a capital E at the Corn Hall this autumn. We are thrilled to be presenting our first ever Christmas show The Wind in the Willows, produced jointly with The Keeper’s Daughter. Based on the classic tale by Kenneth Grahame and written by the peerless Alan Bennett, the adventures of Ratty, Mole, Mr Toad and the rest will be a glorious treat for all the family. And there’s lots more fun on offer. For those who like a laugh, we have Shappi Khorsandi, ‘Britain’s best young female comic’ (Guardian), the Seagull Rep’s hilarious stage version of Blackadder II and regular favourite, The Corn Hall Comedy Club. There are some rocking nights out with blues legends, The Blues Band, folk dance band trail-blazers Blowzabella, Ira Bernstein & Riley Baugus’ Appalachian Roots, the supreme big band evening with Jonathan Wyatt and the Moonglow Sisters, plus three great tribute bands – The Bohemians, Whole Lotta Led and The Doors Experience. This amazing musical line-up is rounded off by that ultimate festive concert, The Searchers Christmas Show. We have an impressive programme for drama-lovers. In October we are proud to welcome Transport Theatre’s production of As You Like It, and the following month Eastern Angles perform their highly-praised evocation of the poet John Clare. Finally, three very different but equally extraordinary nights out. As part of Black History Month, the Osiligi Maasai Warriors entertain us with a fascinating insight into their unique culture. The one and only Griff Rhys Jones talks of rivers, boats and his life. And the Merry Opera Company, who mesmerised us with their version of The Messiah, is back to delight us with The Magic Flute. Huge thanks as always to our wonderful volunteers, friends and to you, our audience. It’s been another great year – and the best is yet to come!
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 1-19 Oct Wed 2 Oct Sat 5 Oct Sun 6 Oct Wed 9 Oct Thurs 10 Oct Fri 11 & Sat 12 Oct Wed 16 Oct Thurs 17 Oct Fri 18 Oct Sat 19 Oct Sat 19 Oct 22-25 Oct Wed 23 Oct Fri 25 Oct Sat 26 Oct Wed 30 Oct Thurs 31 Oct 1-30 Nov Fri 1 Nov Sun 3 Nov Wed 6 Nov Thurs 7 Nov Fri 8 Nov Wed 13 Nov Thurs 14 Nov Fri 15 Nov Sat 16 Nov Wed 20 Nov Thurs 21 Nov Sat 23 Nov Wed 27 Nov Fri 29 Nov 2-21 Dec Tues 3 Dec Wed 4 Dec Fri 6 Dec Sun 8 Dec Wed 11 Dec Fri 13 Dec Sat 14 Dec Sun 15 Dec Wed 18 Dec Fri 20-Sun 22 Dec
Exhibition Film Music Music Film World Culture Festival Film Theatre Word Family Word Exhibition Film Comedy Music Film Theatre Exhibition Music Music Film Theatre Community Film Music Theatre Family Film Theatre Music Film Comedy Exhibition Music Film Music Music Film Music Music Music Film Christmas Show
EVENT
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David Tipling photographs – Birds & People Mud (12A) A Night of Queen – The Bohemians SNYSB – Songs from the Shows I’m So Excited! (15) Osiligi Maasai Warriors 5th Corn Hall Beer Festival with Grain Brewery Side Effects (15) Bram Stoker’s Dracula! Luke Wright’s Stand-up Poetry Club Saturday Club – Creepy Crawly Story House Griff Rhys Jones – One Man in Three Boats Fenners Artists Summer in February (15) Shappi Khorsandi – Live! Whole Lotta Led Behind the Candelabra (15) As You Like It – Transport Theatre Company Corn Hall Memories Blowzabella The Magic Flute – The Merry Opera Company Everything Must Go (15) Blackadder II – The Seagull Rep Festival of Remembrance – Royal British Legion Much Ado About Nothing (12A) The Blues Band Long Life and Great Good Fortune of John Clare Saturday Club – The White Reindeer Before Midnight (15) The Government Inspector – RoughCast Appalachian Roots – Ira Bernstein & Riley Baugus Stories We Tell (12A) Corn Hall Comedy Club DesignerMakers@21 and Friends Diss Town Carol Concert A new British comedy The Searchers Christmas Show Jonathan Wyatt Big Band The Great Gatsby (12A) The Doors Experience The Burgate Singers SNYSB – Christmas Concert Populaire (12A) The Wind in the Willows – Diss Corn Hall with The Keeper’s Daughter
Box office hours 8pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 8pm 7pm 5-11pm & noon-11pm 8pm 7.30pm 8pm 2pm 8pm Box office hours 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 7.30pm Box office hours 7.30pm 6pm 8pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 8pm 8pm 7.30pm 2pm 8pm 7.30pm 8pm 8pm 8pm Box office hours 7pm 8pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 8pm 8pm 7.30pm 7pm 8pm Fri-Sun 7.30pm Sat & Sun 2pm
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October “A Huckleberry Finnish coming of age drama…”
Photography
Music
An exhibition in the Corn Hall Gallery Until 19 October Box Office hours Free
David Tipling
Saturday 5 October 7.30pm Tickets £16.50
– Birds & People
Top wildlife photographer, David Tipling, travelled to 39 countries on all seven continents to capture these stunning images exploring the relationship between birds and humankind. They were commissioned for the highly-acclaimed new book, Birds & People, by the writer and naturalist Mark Cocker. www.davidtipling.com
Film Wednesday 2 October 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Mud
(12A)
Directed by Jeff Nichols, 2013, US, 130 minutes With Matthew McConaughey, Tye Sheridan, Sam Shepard, Reese Witherspoon A Huckleberry Finnish coming of age drama which competed for the Palme d’Or at Cannes. Two 14-year-old boys befriend Mud, a fugitive from justice on the Mississippi. The feel is romantic and mythical and yet there are wholly unexpected and sometimes arresting developments, seen through the boys’ eyes – a winning device. The boys, one of them in his first role, are great and McConaughey is back to his best form. 4
A Night of Queen – The Bohemians The most dynamic and exciting Queen tribute band currently touring the UK and the world, The Bohemians have headlined the International Queen Fan Club Convention and supported Brian May and The Cross at the Queen Fan Club Freddie Mercury Birthday Party. This incredible two hour concert recreates Queen’s glory days and features all the hits – We Are the Champions, Bohemian Rhapsody, I Want It All and We Will Rock You, as well as 39 and the unforgettable, Love of My Life. www.thebohemians.com Running time 2hrs plus interval.
Music
World Culture
Sunday 6 October 7.30pm Tickets Tiered £9 / Level £7
South Norfolk Youth Symphonic Band
The Osiligi Troupe of Maasai Warriors
– Songs from the Shows A mixture of popular music from the West End shows, performed by the SNYSB and special guest vocalist, Jayne May-Sysum.
Featuring the traditional music, song and the extraordinary ‘jumping’ of the Maasai, as well as fascinating information about their life, culture and villages, a performance by the Maasai Warriors is a stunning and unmissable experience.
Running time 2hrs 30mins including interval.
www.snysb.org.uk
Film Wednesday 9 October 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
I’m So Excited!
Thursday 10 October 7pm Tickets £9 / Children £6 / Family £25
(15)
Directed by Pedro Almodóvar, 2013, Spain, 90 minutes With Antonio de la Torre, Hugo Silva, Miguel Angel Silvestre, Javier Camara Almodovar revisits his early-career comic roots with a cheeky farce about camp air stewards and the passengers in their care. In theory there’s a crisis on board but nobody, including us audience, take it very seriously as the stewards drunkenly prepare their song and dance Pointer Sisters setpiece. There are satirical references to Spain’s financial crisis, but it’s mainly beautifully colourful, hugely enjoyable nonsense. 5
The Troupe from Kenya, visit the UK in an effort to raise funds for their families and for improvement of their village of Kisamis, near Nairobi. Keep an eye out for other events to mark Black History Month around the country. Running time 2hrs including interval.
October “…thunders along at lightning pace…”
Festival Friday 11 October 5-11pm & Saturday 12 Oct Noon-11pm Entry free
Corn Hall Beer Festival – with the awardwinning Grain Brewery Headlined by the current winners of Champion Beer of Norfolk, Grain Brewery, you’ll also find a great mix of styles including blondes, IPAs, foreign-influenced and some hopped to high heaven, as well as classic bitters and stouts, all hand-picked from East Anglian breweries. All this, plus a full bar serving soft drinks, lager, cider, wine and spirits, cracking live music, delicious hot and cold fare and free Beerfest Quizzes with prizes each day.
Film Wednesday 16 October 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Side Effects
(15)
Directed by Steven Soderbergh, 2013, US, 106 minutes With Rooney Mara, Jude Law, Catherine Zeta Jones Soderbergh (Sex, Lies and Videotape and Erin Brockovich) signaled his retirement with what may be his masterpiece. This brilliant psychological thriller is an assault on the pharmaceutical industry and the medical profession that colludes with it. Jude Law is bang on form as a fashionable Manhattan psychiatrist treating Rooney Mara: beautiful, suicidal, a prey to dubious medication. Mara turns out to be scary as well as scared, and the film takes an unexpected turn.
Theatre Thursday 17 Oct 7.30pm Tickets £8 / Children £5 (8+ yrs) The Keeper’s Daughter present
Bram Stoker’s Dracula! A faithful and unique adaptation of this classic tale which thunders along at lightning pace. Told with all the grace of a 1930s Hollywood horror flick, this rapid retelling of strangers binding together in order to defeat a greater evil, mixes comedy with horror amidst startling styles of storytelling. Don’t forget to put your teeth in! ‘There can be few small theatre companies around today able to rival the wit, originality and vigour of The Keeper’s Daughter’ Diss Express Running time approx 85mins.
www.thekeepersdaughter.org.uk 6
Word Friday 18 October 8pm Tickets £8 / Students £6
Stand-up Poetry Club – featuring Luke Kennard Luke Kennard is the author of four volumes of poetry and a novella called Holophin. He was shortlisted for the Forward Prize for best collection in 2007, making him poetry’s youngest has-been. His prose poetry is surreal, satirical and very very funny. It’s testament to his wit, charm and talent that our resident host Luke Wright doesn’t resent him for being called Luke. Join the two Lukes © (and a support TBC, probably not a Luke) for an evening of wit, verse and lovely flat ale from the bar.
The Saturday Club Saturday 19 October 2pm Tickets £5 / £3 (4-8 yrs) Justin Coe presents
Creepy Crawly Story House Party Join Justin in his creepy crawly story house which is being invaded by a gang of infectiously mischievous mini-beasts, insects and fantastical creatures. Meet the army of ants, a beat boxing bat and a most disgusting slug who recites limericks. There’s songs to sing, laughs to join in on and rhymes to guess in this funny, interactive and lively family show. Running time approx 1hr.
Word Saturday 19 October 8pm Tickets £9 / Concessions £8
Griff Rhys Jones Afloat – One Man in Three Boats Griff Rhys Jones talks about his lifetime attachment to boats. He lives in Suffolk simply because his father brought him here by wooden boat 50 years ago. He’ll be talking about his minor explorations of estuaries, rivers, seas and canals with reference to his books To the Baltic and Rivers – his father, his bank account, his sex life and his dog will all probably feature too. Griff will be opening the River Waveney Trust’s new Study Centre in the afternoon. More information: www.riverwaveneytrust.org Proceeds from the evening event will be shared by the Diss Corn Hall & River Waveney Trusts. Running time 1hr.
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October “Britain’s best young female comic by any yardstick”
Art
Comedy
An exhibition in the Corn Hall Gallery 22-25 October Box Office Hours Free
Friday 25 October 8pm Tickets £14
Fenners Artists A group of people who produce their artwork at Fenners Farmhouse, Fersfield. Their reputation is built on the philosophy of self-help, developing new skills and making choices. This is the 27th group exhibition, and individual artists have also competed successfully in mainstream exhibitions. They are the Fenners Artists, and where their artwork is concerned they accept no other label. Evening viewing Wednesday 23 October 6.30-7.45pm Join us afterwards for our screening of Summer in February (see below). www.fennerscarehome.co.uk
Spend a fabulous evening in the company of flirty, feisty and effortlessly funny Shappi Khorsandi, star of ‘Live at the Apollo’ and bestselling author of ‘A Beginners Guide to Acting English’. A TV regular, Shappi also performs live to sell-out audiences around the world, including a seven week run in Los Angeles. ‘Makes live comedy thrilling’ Evening Standard ‘Britain’s best young female comic by any yardstick’ The Guardian
Film Wednesday 23 October 8pm
Shappi Khorsandi – Live!
Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Summer in February
(15)
Directed by Christopher Menaul, 2013, UK, 100 minutes With Dominic Cooper, Emily Browning, Dan Stevens An evocative biopic about the Mendham-born horse painter, Sir Alfred Munnings. He himself was a fierce critic of modernism, famous for a drunken speech late in his career attacking Picasso. So there is an edge to this tale of love, liberty and scandal in the Newlyn school artists’ colony in Cornwall. The young Munnings (Cooper) competes for the affections of a disturbed painter (Browning) with his army friend (Stevens). 8
Music
Theatre
Saturday 26 October 8pm Tickets Advance £13 / Door £14
Whole Lotta Led – Houses of the Holy, 40 Years Gone To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the release of Led Zeppelin’s long-awaited fifth album – Houses of the Holy – Whole Lotta Led will be performing it in its entirety along with other classic Zeppelin songs. Whole Lotta Led is one of the biggest tribute acts in the UK. Full-time professional musicians, they are dedicated to recreating the amazing songs from throughout Led Zeppelin’s illustrious career. Running time 2hrs 35mins including interval.
Film Wednesday 30 October 8pm
Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Behind the Candelabra
(15)
Directed by Steven Soderbergh, 2013, US, 118 minutes With Michael Douglas, Matt Damon, Debbie Reynolds, Dan Ackroyd America wouldn’t take this on as a movie – too delicate a subject – so strictly speaking it’s a tv show. But it has been warmly welcomed in cinemas as a darkly comic take on the love match between Liberace (Douglas) and the young companion (Damon) who he tries to mould. So there’s passion, denial – and enforced plastic surgery. The combination of black comedy, celebrity loneliness and Michael Douglas’ brilliant central performance makes this a compelling film. 9
Thursday 31 October 7.30pm Tickets £12 / Concessions £10 House presents a Transport production
As You Like It by William Shakespeare co-produced with Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg & New Wolsey, Ipswich Critically-acclaimed Transport reinvents this popular favourite among Shakespeare’s comedies. Banished from her homeland, Rosalind journeys into the wild depths of the forest to find her exiled father. A vibrant, touching, and timely story about love, statelessness and the human capacity to endure, presented by the innovative company behind Invisible, 1001 Nights, Elegy and Europe. ‘Essential viewing’ ★★★★ Time Out on Elegy www.transport-theatre.eu Running time 2hrs 15mins including interval.
November “…a fabulous sense of melody, rhythmic expertise and sheer feeling…”
Heritage
Music Friday 1 November 7.30pm Tickets £15 / Bookings of 4+ £13 each / 16 yrs or under with adult £2
An exhibition in the Corn Hall Gallery 1-30 November Box Office Hours Free
Corn Hall Memories
Blowzabella
An exhibition based on the memories of ‘their’ Hall by the people of Diss and round about including photos, documents and oral memories covering the hall’s history. We also want your input. Do you remember the Corn Hall 10, 20 or even 50 years ago? If you do, come along and tell us. At various times during the exhibition we’ll be there to record your memories and look at and copy photos you would be willing to let us see. This will form the start of a living archive of the Hall’s recent heritage. Opening viewing Wed 6 November 6-30-7.45pm Introduction by Professor Alun Howkins at 7pm Dates for recording and pictures will be announced nearer the opening.
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Blowzabella’s inimitable, driving drone-based sound played with a fabulous sense of melody, rhythmic expertise and sheer feeling has long made them favourites with the folk fraternity. Their seven-strong line-up includes instrumentalists who play the hurdy-gurdy, diatonic accordion, bagpipes, violin, saxophone and clarinet and they’ve played everywhere from Glastonbury’s main stage to the outer reaches of Brazil. Come and dance – or just listen – to this legendary band, who are touring to celebrate their 35th anniversary. www.blowzabella.com Running time 3hrs 30mins.
Music
Theatre Thursday 7 Nov 7.30pm Tickets £10 / Concessions £9
Sunday 3 November 6pm Tickets £15 / Concessions £12 / Family £45 The Merry Opera Company present
The Seagull Rep presents
Mozart’s The Magic Flute
Blackadder II
Kit Hesketh-Harvey’s new production recreates The Magic Flute’s sublime music and triumphant opening night in September 1791. Lofty divas and low comedians flourish, while the shadowy forces of Freemasonry watch closely. And the composer – Mozart – fears he is being poisoned… A delight for opera connoisseurs and newcomers alike. Those who were lucky enough to see Merry Opera’s Messiah at Easter will know how extraordinarily good they are. “This is top stuff’’ HHHH Evening Standard (La Traviata) www.merryopera.co.uk
by Richard Curtis & Ben Elton
Running time 2hrs 30mins.
Film Wednesday 6 November 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
The Seagull Rep have taken you to Fawlty Towers and visited the Vicar of Dibley. Now it’s time to drop in on one of the most cunning dynasties of all with the first three episodes from the classic BBC comedy, Blackadder II. Featuring episodes ‘Bells’, ‘Head’ and ‘Potato’, this is a rare chance to join Lord Blackadder and Queenie, Melchy, Nursie and Percy, Flashheart, ‘Bob’ and Baldrick, as they are recreated in meticulous detail, live on stage. Running time 1hr 50mins including interval.
Everything Must Go
(15)
Directed by Dan Rush, 2011, US, 92 minutes With Will Ferrell, Rebecca Hall, Laura Dern SPECIAL FILM EVENT This comedy-drama – with a subtle and powerful performance by Ferrell – is based on a very fine short story (Why don’t you dance?) by a master of the form, Raymond Carver. The film will be introduced by Dr Karina Aveyard from UEA’s School of Film, TV and Media Studies. The distinguished author and lecturer will talk about how Carver’s stories have been used in the cinema. 11
November “…amongst the very finest purveyors of rhythm & blues.”
Community
Music
Friday 8 November 7.30pm Tickets £5 / 10-16 yrs £3 / Under 10s Free
Thursday 14 November 8pm Tickets £20
The Royal British Legion Diss & District Branch present
A Festival of Remembrance Local schools and organisations will participate in this evening of music, poetry and singing, created to honour and remember the Fallen and to raise money for those in need from our Armed Forces. Running time approx 3hrs including interval.
Film Wednesday 13 November 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Much Ado about Nothing
(12A)
Directed by Joss Whedon, 2013, US, 109 minutes With Amy Acker, Alexis Denisof, Fran Kranz, Nathan Fillion Shakespeare translated to modern-day California – and in black and white, filmed in just 12 days. It sounds unlikely, but Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Avengers Assemble creator Joss Whedon triumphs with this witty update. There are elements of screwball comedy, but with erotic undertones and the play’s dark, racist elements preserved. The Elizabethan verse emerges clearly, amid the fun and apparent spontaneity. Nathan Fillion’s Dogberry is a comic highlight.
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The Blues Band The individual members of The Blues Band – Paul Jones, Dave Kelly, Tom McGuinness, Rob Townsend and Gary Fletcher – were already held in admiration by generations of rhythm & blues fans when they formed back in 1979. Almost two and a half decades and over 16 albums later they continue to add to their growing army of followers, and it’s not unheard of to find three generations from the same family at a gig. Today they are acknowledged throughout Europe and beyond as being amongst the very finest purveyors of rhythm & blues. www.thebluesband.net Running time approx 2hrs 30mins including interval.
Theatre Friday 15 November 7.30pm Tickets £11 / Concessions £10
The Saturday Club Saturday 16 Nov 2pm Tickets £5 / Children £3 (3-8 yrs) Big Mouth Piano Tales present
Eastern Angles present
The Long Life and Great Good Fortune of John Clare By Tony Ramsay, directed by Ivan Cutting This play about the ‘peasant poet’ John Clare has received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. Clare is often remembered for his life more than his poetry – lime-burner, labourer, walker, depressive – with his experiences increasingly used as a yardstick for our own issues. In Tony Ramsay’s play, a new Clare emerges, set free from the story of his life. ‘…gripping, intelligent, and acted with verve…’ The Guardian
The White Reindeer Big Mouth who brought us The Snowman are back with an exciting new story about a boy called Aldred. He meets a magical White Reindeer and finds himself flying and having a midnight feast! But when he is caught by the Scary Squire, only the audience can help him escape – they must sing, act, dance, and above all, listen to the music wherein lies the key to the mystery of The White Reindeer.. Running time 1hr.
Film Wednesday 20 Nov
8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Before Midnight
(15)
Directed by Richard Linklater, 2013, US, 109 minutes With Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick They met on a train in Vienna in 1995 (Before Sunrise), reprised their affair in Paris in 2004 (Before Sunset); now they’re married and on holiday in Greece. There is romance of course and plenty of talking, as Hawke and Delpy (who share screenwriting credits with auteur Richard Linklater) now find family life a battleground. There is still abundant humour, tinged with melancholy as the couple come to terms with middle age in this intimate, intelligent drama. 13
November “Widely held to be Russia’s greatest comedy…”
Theatre
Music
Thursday 21 November 7.30pm Tickets £9 / Concessions £7
Saturday 23 November 8pm Tickets £12 / Concessions £10
RoughCast present
Ira Bernstein & Riley Baugus
The Government Inspector
– Appalachian Roots
By Nikolai Gogol When news arrives that a Government Inspector is on his way to a small Russian town, the corrupt local officials are thrown into a frenzy. In their panic, they mistake a down-on-his-luck, gormless skiver as the Inspector – with hilarious results. Widely held to be Russia’s greatest comedy (it even inspired an episode of Fawlty Towers), it is as timeless, feisty and funny today as at its first performance. RoughCast’s fast-paced production relishes the play’s every farcical, satirical twist and turn.
Ira and Riley return to perform their hugely popular old-time music and dance show – a dynamic mix of humour and skill, fiddles and feet, banjos and ballads – traditional dance, song and instrumental music from the southern Appalachian region of the US, with a few international twists thrown in. Ira is possibly the best Appalachian step-dancer in the world and Riley is a virtuoso old-time musician, singer and raconteur. Together they provide an unmissable evening’s entertainment. www.tentoepercussion.com/ appalachianroots Running time approx 1hr 40mins including interval.
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Film Wednesday 27 November 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Stories We Tell (12A) Directed by Sarah Polley, 2012, Canada, 108 minutes With Michael Polley, John Buchan, Susy Buchan, Joanna Polley, Mark Polley This is a uniquely vivid, semidramatised family documentary. Sarah Polley (director of Away from Her and Take this Waltz) shares with us an intimate examination of the relationships between her mother, possible fathers and children. It mixes authentic archive material and pastiche recreation in a moving, challenging, heartfelt examination of memory. ‘If you cannot get rid of the family skeleton, you may as well make it dance’ George Bernard Shaw.
Comedy Friday 29 November 8pm Tickets Advance £9 / Door £10 Min age 18
Corn Hall Comedy Club Alistair Barrie Comedian, actor and writer Alistair Barrie has been performing all over the world for nearly an entire century (this one). He has made numerous radio and television appearances and hosts ‘No Pressure to be Funny’ in London’s West End. ‘Barrie’s… store of snappy gags mark him out… Excellent’ The Independent
Alistair Barrie
Rob Collins Since reaching the final of the ‘So You Think You’re Funny’ competition, Rob Collins has been wowing audiences on the UK comedy circuit and at Festivals such as Glastonbury, V Festival and Reading. ‘Occasionally you find a comedy gem. Tonight I found Rob Collins. Pure comic brilliance’ The Times
Rob Collins
Kieran Boyd (compère) With his inventive, high-energy Stand Up and easy charm, Kieran Boyd is in great demand across the country. ‘Like a young Simon Amstell… Impressively funny… Terrific material’ The Scotsman Food and bar from 6.30pm. Line up is subject to change.
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Kieran Boyd
December “…a guaranteed, home-grown laugh”
Art
Film
An exhibition in the Corn Hall Gallery 2-21 December Open Box Office hours Free
Designermakers@21 and friends
Wednesday 4 Dec 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
A new British comedy
The designermakers@21 has quickly built a reputation as a home for extraordinary crafts-people producing beautiful and unique hand-crafted items. Throughout December the makers, and some of their friends, will be exhibiting and selling their work in the Gallery providing the opportunity to purchase that individual Christmas gift. Designermakers@21 is open on Fridays and Saturdays 10-4 at 21 St Nicholas Street, opposite the Corn Hall when you can meet them in person and even talk about a special commission. Both the Gallery and 21 will be open for late night shopping when the Diss Christmas lights are switched on. www.designermakers21.co.uk facebook: Designermakers21
Music Tuesday 3 December 7pm Tickets £3.50 / Children £2 Corn Hall Box Office or Diss Town Council offices 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. 16
No title yet, as we can’t be sure which it will be – it’s so fresh – but we promise it’ll be good. We will announce the title nearer the time (keep in touch via www.disscornhall.co.uk or facebook.com/diss.cornhall), but stick the date in your diary now if you want a guaranteed, homegrown laugh.
Music Friday 6 December 7.30 pm Tickets £19.50 / £15.50
The Searchers Christmas Show Perhaps because The Searchers have been coming to play at the Corn Hall for an incredible 26 years, the atmosphere and rapport with the audience makes it the show that die-hard fans never miss. Always a sell-out, buy your tickets now for this spellbinding show featuring Sweets For My Sweet, When You Walk In the Room, Sugar and Spice and the million-selling Needles and Pins. 14 top 50 hits in all, plus a nonstop medley of Christmas songs and carols. Running time 2hrs 10mins including interval.
www.the-searchers.co.uk
Music Sunday 8 December 7.30pm Tickets £12.50
Swing into Christmas – Jonathan Wyatt Big Band and The Moonglow Sisters 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. Renditions of festive numbers including Sleigh Ride, Let it Snow! and White Christmas 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’. The perfect evening’s entertainment with friends, family or colleagues. Running time 2hrs 30mins including interval.
www.jwbb.co.uk
Film Wednesday 11 December 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
The Great Gatsby
(12A)
© Rickenbacker
Directed by Baz Luhrmann, 2013, Australia/US, 143 minutes With Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Tobey Maguire, Joel Edgerton F Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 masterpiece has been much celebrated recently, and Luhrmann’s dazzling adaptation has added to the buzz. The all-singing, all-dancing 1920s backdrop is vivid and convincing. DiCaprio as Gatsby and Mulligan as Daisy, the object of his desire, have the right mix of the American dream and vulnerability respectively. It’s not a restrained version, but it’s not a restrained book; you have to see it. 17
December “relive the excitement of an original Doors show…”
Music Friday 13 December 8pm Tickets £12
The Doors Experience Immerse yourself in the magic, mysticism and music of one of rock music’s most influential and legendary bands with The Doors Experience, one of the few bands to capture the true essence of The Doors. With a front man who could actually pass for Jim Morrison, the Lizard King himself, relive the excitement of an original Doors show as The Doors Experience take you through classic hits such as Light My Fire, Backdoor Man, When the Music’s Over, The End and many more. Is everybody in? The ceremony is about to begin… www.thedoorsexperience.co.uk Running time 2hrs including interval.
Music Saturday 14 December 7.30pm Tickets £15 adults / Under 12s £6
The Burgate Singers Magnificat by J S Bach Magnificat by C P E Bach and Missa Brevis by Zonltán Kodály The Burgate Singers are one of Suffolk’s leading amateur choirs. Under the musical directorship of Alain Judd they perform works with professional musicians and soloists. www.burgatesingers.org.uk
Music Sunday 15 December 7pm Tickets Tiered £7 / Level £5
South Norfolk Youth Symphonic Band – Christmas Concert SNYSB’s ever-popular annual Christmas concert includes a mix of seasonal music and show tunes, followed by carols for the audience to sing-a-long with in the second half. Running time 2hrs 30mins including interval.
www.snysb.org.uk
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Film
Christmas Show
Wednesday 18 December 8pm Tickets £5 / Under 18s £2.50
Populaire
(12A)
Directed by Régis Roinsard, 2012, France, 111 minutes With Romain Duris, Déborah François, Bérénice Bejo Boy meets girl meets typewriter; Mad Men with subtitles. This is a witty version of a 1950s US romantic comedy, but set in Lisieux. A pretty, sweet-natured secretary (François) is entered by her boss into the national speed-typing championships. Fame follows but so do the complexities of sexual politics. Bérénice Bejo, star of The Artist, also features in a film that celebrates Technicolour, is lighthearted, but is amusing and generous in spirit.
Friday 20 - Sunday 22 December 7.30pm Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 December 2pm Tickets £9 / Under 16s £7 / Family (2 adults, 2 children) £30 Age 6+ Diss Corn Hall with The Keeper’s Daughter present
Wind in the Willows By Kenneth Grahame, adapted by Alan Bennett The charming tale of Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad comes alive this Christmas as we head downstream to the riverbank and embark on a glorious adventure. In pursuit of his latest obsession – the motor car – the incorrigible Mr Toad turns their tranquil life upside down and lands himself in a whole heap of trouble – “poop poop”! An exciting tale unfolds as the friends try to outwit the weasels of the Wild Wood and fight to reclaim Toad Hall for its rightful owner. With music and merriment, this warm and wonderfully funny adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s classic story of friendship and bravery, will take you on a journey through the seasons and keep you entertained and enthralled, no matter what your age. ‘Alan Bennett’s stage adaptation of The Wind in the Willows has become a classic in its own right.’ The Guardian
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Wilderness Stores ANTIQUES & DECORATIVE HOMEWARE HARLESTON, NORFOLK
1- day Paint Your O wn Furniture W orksho 6 October & ps – 16 Novembe r
Shabby-chic and… French rustic… Bullock Fair Close, Harleston IP20 9AT
Tel 01379 853067 www.wildernessstores.com
…furniture and much, much more Haines Watts Chartered Accountants Norwich ❖ Ipswich Diss ❖ Thetford Colchester ❖ Great Yarmouth
Haines Watts are delighted to support Diss Corn Hall by providing Award winning, experienced and qualified business and financial help and advice.
CORN HALL
Family Friendly Pizza & Pasta Restaurant 01379 644447
“Events nights” Special offer Any main course and a glass of house wine £10
3 Cobbs Yard Diss IP22 4LB Lunches From £5
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
www.ildivorestaurant.co.uk
Tel: 01379 640555 eastanglia@hwca.com www.hwca.com/east-anglia
COMING TO
FAIRS, CLASSES & COMMUNITY Blood Donor Sessions
These forthcoming events are on sale now. Go to www.disscornhall.co.uk for more information and the latest updates. Saturday 18 January 8pm Advance £10 / Door £12
Dave Thomas Blues Band – Dave Thomas plays traditional blues with style, flair and feeling. His guitar playing has been compared with BB King and he is often asked to back visiting blues legends when they visit the UK. ‘Dave Thomas is a real breath of fresh air… one of the best outfits on the British scene.’ Blues & Rhythm
Saturday 8 February 8pm £13 / Concs £11
Gordie MacKeeman & his Rhythm Boys – serving up old-time roots music with an energy level that practically yanks you out of your seat by the collar! A thrilling dance style, great bluegrass vocals, blistering guitar solos, and lively multi-instrumental talents make them the complete entertainment package.
Saturday 22 February 8pm £16 Min age 16+
Lee Hurst – Things That Make You Go Aaarggh! – In his new tour Lee Hurst is travelling throughout Britain to find out what really winds you up. With his razor-sharp ability to ad lib comedy, Lee can pull laughs out of thin air – the rapturous applause to his brilliant show at the Corn Hall last year proved the point.
Friday 28 February 8pm £20
Courtney Pine – House of Legends Tour – Deeply steeped in the traditions of the Caribbean, this very personal project sees Courtney on top form, bringing together musicians from Africa, the Caribbean and Europe. Expect an exhilarating mix of Merengue, Ska, Mento and Calypso. ‘Unquestionably one of the most joyous albums Pine has ever made, it’s just brilliantly effective dance music.’ Jazzwise on House of Legends (Jazzwise Album of the Year 2012)
Thursday 13 March 7.30pm £17.50 / Concs £15.50
The Reduced Shakespeare Company with The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) – The Good Book Just Got Better! Yes, it’s an affectionate, irreverent roller coaster ride from fig leaves to Final Judgment as the RSC tackles the great theological questions. ‘This is a slick, fast, very funny show… skilled performers with immaculate, sassy American timing.’ The Times 21
1-3.30pm and 5-7pm Tuesdays 29 October, 12 November and 10 & 17 December New donors please register in advance at www.blood.co.uk
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
The Big Draw – ‘Flip Book Flap’ Monday 28 October 2-4pm Get inspired and draw together at this step-bystep Flip Book workshop for children and families. Free to families with children ages 4 to 12 yrs. Parents or carers must be present. Materials provided. More information South Norfolk Event Team 01508 533633
Wool Overs Christmas Sale Wednesday 20 November 10am-4pm A sale of finest cashmere, cotton and wool knitwear. Find some unique bargains and the perfect gifts for your Christmas shopping list! www.woolovers.com
Flower Demonstration – ‘Christmas Cocktail’ by National Demonstrator, Tan Strong Tuesday 26 November 7.30pm Tickets £12 to include refreshments. Organised by Diss Flower Club. Tickets from Corn Hall box office: 01379 652241
COMING TO These forthcoming events are on sale now. Go to www.disscornhall.co.uk for more information and the latest updates. Saturday 22 March 8pm £12 / Concs £10
Faustus – An all-star line-up comprising three of the leading lights of their generation: Saul Rose (Waterson;Carthy, Whapweazel), Benji Kirkpatrick (Seth Lakeman Band, Bellowhead) and Paul Sartin (Bellowhead, Belshazzar’s Feast), Faustus bring together a virtuosic display of musicianship and testosterone. ‘… exceptional class.’ Daily Telegraph
Thursday 27 March 7.30pm £11 / Concs £10
Chicken – Eastern Angles are on a roll picking up rave reviews for all their recent productions. This collaboration with the talented playwright Molly Davies – also under commission to the National Theatre – is sure to be another must see production.
Saturday 29 March 8pm £10 / Concs £8
The Roving Crows – The multi-award winning, folk-fusion outfit return with their fiery fiddle playing, trumpet, guitar, drums and vocals and an irresistible blend of Celtic vibe and influences from ska, folk, Klezmer and blues.
Saturday 3 May 7.30pm £12.50
Dire Streets – perfectly capture the authentic sound of one of the biggest guitar bands of all time. They play with an attention to detail and musicianship that marks them as the standout Dire Straits tribute in the UK.
Thursday 22 May 7.30pm £9.50 / Concs £8.50
Woman in Mind By Alan Ayckbourn – Open Space present a dark comedy by one of Britain’s most well-known playwrights.
Saturday 24 May 2pm £5 / Children £3 8pm £10 / Concs £9
Megson: Family folk show & evening gig – A delicious double serving of the awardwinning, three times BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards-nominated, folk duo. Stu and Debbie Hanna give authentic and fun folk concerts for big and little music lovers with their infectious blend of heavenly vocals and lush harmonies. ‘Simply Brilliant’ Sunday Express 22
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.
15%
Spice Cottage EXCLUSIVE INDIAN & NEPALESE CUISINE ONLY NEPALESE CUISINE IN NORFOLK!
Market Place, Diss IP22 4JT
Discount on every Take-Away order ( COLLECTION ONLY )
We are situated next door to Diss Post Office
COME AND CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH US 7-course Christmas meal for £35 with a welcome drink
FREE HOME DELIVERY AVAILABLE All major credit cards accepted when spending over £20.
Telephone: 01379 640222 or 640777 www.spicecottagediss.co.uk Opening times: Lunch 12 noon – 2pm Evening 5.30pm – 11pm (11.30pm Fri & Sat) Open 7 days a week including Bank Holidays.
New menu available.
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, Christopher Grocott, Charles & Liz Handy, Stephanie Harrison, Jo & Gary Hincks, Alun Howkins, 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: Grain Brewery; Haines Watts Chartered Accountants, Il Divo, Mere Players, Spice Cottage, John Taylor Builders and Wilderness Stores.
Patron The Duke of Norfolk.