Artsbeat February 2016 by amanda penman

Celebrating the arts in Derbyshire and the Peak District

February 2016

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Comedian Isy Suttieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Derbyshire memories Claywirks potters throw down challenge Author wins book deal in literary X-Factor Music, theatre, gallery, film and workshop listings

Amanda Penman editor Every year more and more people are following their hearts and deciding to take the plunge and try and earn a crust from art and crafts. It is not easy and times are still tough but I have been impressed by the initiatives being employed by many of you to spread the burden of costs between them. The Peak District Artisans are celebrating 25 years of togetherness this year but others like Claywirks (featured on page 21) are just starting out. Their co-operative means that all of them get to share a top-class studio and their individual experiences. Another group of artists are moving into the refurbished Haarlem Mill in Wirksworth this spring and are looking for others to join them. And two women, both artists themselves, have just launched a mentoring business â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Purple Grey which aims to pass on knowledge to new artists. Hats off to all of you for your determination and get up and go. If anyone else out there is just about to embark on a new venture then let me know as artsbeat is here to help and to spread the word throughout the county. email: editor@arts-beat.co.uk Telephone: 07872 066719

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Putting Derbyshire first: artsbeat is published by Penman Publishing, 19 Nottingham Road, Belper and is printed by Buxton Press

contents

performance

31 Love triangle ignites passions in Rattigan’s wartime drama Flare Path 34 Ellie Ward is playwright’s chosen one for starring role of Anne Boleyn 43 Singer songwriter Jamie Beau’s debut album is a musical journey

artists & exhibitions

9 Painter Gary Sampson goes back to his home town with retrospective 21 Co-operation is paying off for group of like-minded ceramicists 46 Lacemaker Louise West has designs on traditional craft

film & photography

32 Ewan Mathers gets up close with Derby Cathedral’s hidden treasures 28 Enthusiasts celebrate decade of film at popular village cinema

literature

12 COVER STORY: Comedian Isy Suttie returns to Matlock roots 26 Writer Joanna Cannon is debut author at Derby Book Festvial 52 County librarian selects books for BBC Radio 2’s reading panel

have a go

39-42 Find a new pastime with our Have a Go workshops guide

regulars

24-25 Pick of the shows in Gallery 43-45 Music dates in Gig Guide 53-61 What’s on listings in agenda 7

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Brush with past

t is rather fitting that in his 80th year artist Gary Sampson will be exhibiting a retrospective of his paintings at the Lally Gallery in Ilkeston’s Erewash Museum. It was John Lally, himself an artist and a teacher at Gladstone Boy’s School in the town, who inspired the Peak District Artisan as an art student. Gary and his mentor were both born and brought up in Ilkeston albeit a generation apart. The charismatic ‘Pop’ Lally,

as he was known, was a prominent member of the community and chairman of the town’s thriving art club. He was also a founder member of the Friends of the Erewash Museum – hence the gallery named in his honour. Gary, a pupil at Hallcroft Boy’s School went on to study Fine Art followed by Ceramics at Derby College of Art and met Lally via the town’s art club. “John was always a strong supporter of my work and he helped me a great deal. “He got me interested in the art club’s annual exhibition and I

remember being thrilled when I won a premier prize with my work,” explained Gary. “From then he became a good friend. When I started teaching he also helped enormously with advice. “That’s one of the reasons I am so delighted that I have the opportunity to return to the town now with this exhibition in his gallery, in the museum he loved. I hope that some people who knew me back then will be able to see the work.” When he graduated Gary had ambitions to live off his art but, like so many others in his shoes, he needed a more

Veteran returns for retrospective at gallery named after his mentor

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Left: Examples of Gary’s work revealing the variety in his style from representational to semi-abstract and abstract Previous page: Gary Sampson in his studio with a work in progress

reliable income and he became a teacher – a job he was to continue for 33 years until he took early retirement in 1991. It was only then that Gary fulfilled his ambition of becoming an independent painter and potter. Back in the 50s Gary was a member of what he described as a progressive artists’ collective The Midland Group of Artists which exhibited in Nottingham and the north of England. “I have always been grateful for the traditional training I received at Derby, and being a part of the Midlands group meant there was always an impetus to do good work, so I continued to develop my style even though I had a full time job.” Gary has never been afraid of change and over the years has gone full circle from representational, to semiabstract, abstract and back to representational again. The one constant in his work is that he always paints dynamic landscapes inspired by his immediate environment whether it is Ilkeston, Derby or the stunning countryside surrounding the home he shares with his wife Valda – also an artist – at Elton in the Derbyshire Dales. The beautiful cottage hidden away up a tiny lane needed total renovation when the couple discovered it in 1973. Undaunted by the task facing them, the couple lived in a

caravan while they turned it into the perfect retreat complete with two studios one for painting and another for Gary’s ceramics. The pottery is in a former cowshed and Gary says that he tends to work in there creating his hugely popular functional stoneware pots during the summer when it is warmer and then spends the winter months painting in his cosier studio. This winter he has been

working on a new painting to add to the exhibition at the Lally Gallery which will include a carefully chosen retrospective of his work from the past 50 years. Encouraged by Valda, who is a staunch supporter of her husband’s work, Gary staged a one-man show Fifty Years – A Personal View at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery last year and received many plaudits for the paintings.

“It was while I was exhibiting there that I thought I would really like to do the same thing in my home town of Ilkeston – if they would let me,” said the artist modestly. They said yes, of course, so from February 11 to March 9 Gary will be returning to his roots and will be honouring the man who helped him on his way to becoming one of Derbyshire’s most respected artists.

Straight from the

atlock Bath’s Grand Pavilion looms large in the formative years of comedian and actress Isy Suttie.

It was on the stage there that she remembers first performing to a crowd with her childhood dance school and the infamous Pav nightclub was the place to hang out at weekends for most teenagers in the 1990s. There should be no surprise then that given half a chance Isy is happy to head back to Derbyshire to perform at the venue and do her bit to help restore it to its former glory. The last night of her The Actual Book Tour on February 19 will be at the Grand Pavilion and she is promising plenty of Matlock anecdotes to entertain her hometown crowd. “It is a monumental building and a big part of my life. When I found out I could fit it into the tour I was so happy,” said the 37-year-old former Highfields School pupil. “I am so impressed by all the hard work that is going into keeping it open and I am thrilled to have the chance to help out with this show. It is great for a community to have such an amazing live entertainment venue. “When I was growing up in Matlock I went to the Elizabeth Chamberlain School of Dance and I remember performing in the Wizard of Oz at the Grand Pavilion. It was the first time I had been on stage.

Matlock comic Isy Suttie is back with The Actual

Book Tour “I always wanted to be an actress and never doubted I would be back then. I was quite shy but did lark around a lot I was always writing songs and little sketches “It was good fun growing up in Matlock but as there was not that much going on a lot of us developed our creative side,” she said boasting that one of the lead singers in the Indie band Gomez, Ben Ottewell, was also at Highfields, albeit a couple of years above her. Isy started out as a composer and standup after graduating from the Guildford School of Acting and is probably best known for her TV role as the geeky girlfriend Dobby in Peep Show and for her BBC Radio 4 Series Isy Suttie’s Love Letter. She has an uncanny knack of being able to pen hilarious scenes and songs from real-life observations of her own and other people’s love lives. “For some reason I just find I naturally write about love – unrequited love, bittersweet love and happy relationships,” explained Isy who now lives in south London with her boyfriend Elis James and one year old daughter Beti. Isy’s 2016 tour coincides with the publication of her first book The Actual One which is a 12

brilliantly funny memoir about the moment in your late 20s when you suddenly realise that all your mates are growing up without you. Suddenly everyone around her is into mortgages, farmers’ markets and nappies rather than skinny-dipping and Sambuca sessions on rope swings. The book is an ode to the confusing wilderness of youth, alongside a romantic quest for a man who doesn’t use moisturiser. Her adventures in love include making a giant papier-maché penguin for her boyfriend and finding herself stranded on a dual carriageway in nothing but a fur coat and trainers. “I am not going to give away too many of the punchlines,” she says pointing out tonguein-cheek that she has changed names to protect the innocent, “but I have to admit eventually I had to give in on the no moisturiser ideal.” Isy is now working on the follow-up to The Actual One and pondering whether or not it will be about motherhood and life with Elis and Beti. “There is obvious comedy in being single and it is much better to write about when you are unhappy. When you are in a happy relationship you have to look a bit more deeply into the stuff that happens every day – but I think it will be the natural step to write about being a mum.” n For tickets to The Actual Book Tour at The Grand Pavilion, Matlock Bath on February 19 go to isysuttie.com

heart

TV and radio funny girl Isy Suttie has fond memories of The Grand Pavilion where she made her first public appearance as a child. PHOTO: Idil Sukan

arena

Look no further if you fancy African music, Japanese film, a Michelangelo masterpiece, punk poetry or comic capers Buxton Spa Prize

builds town’s art reputation

THE Buxton Spa Prize will again attract and encourage artists of all ages and abilities to paint the town in the open air (en plein air) during May and June 2016. The prize, which was successfully launched in 2014, aims to raise the profile of artists and their work and further enhance Buxton’s national reputation as a centre for arts and culture. More than 100 artists entered the prize last year, double the number from the first year of the competition. Inspired by similar competitions in Bath and Bristol, The Buxton Spa Prize has an open category with a first prize of £5,000 from the Trevor Osborne Charitable Trust and second and third

The team running the Buxton Spa Prize are from left Neil Scowcroft, Liz Mackenzie, Trevor Osborne, Emma Potter and Daniel Winter Below is Rob Wilson’s winning painting from the 2015 competition

cash prizes. The Sketchbook Prize which has generated great interest in the past two years, will be repeated this year with a cash prize of £2,000. There is also a Children’s Prize and the Buxton Spa Teen Prize for 11-17-yearolds.

The prize judges include renowned Salford artist Harold Riley, leading UK ‘en plein air’ artists Ken Howard, and Pete ‘The Street’ Brown and chairman of Visit England, Penelope, Viscountess Cobham as well as artsbeat’s publishing editor Amanda Penman. Artists can register to enter online from April 1 until May 15. They then need to visit Buxton from May 6-15 to draw one of 40 Buxton locations by ballot and have their board or canvas stamped. The deadline for submissions is 24 June. A selection of entries will be showcased in an exhibition at The Green Man Gallery in Buxton from July 1 until August 14. For further details on The Buxton Spa Prize or how support the competition and exhibition please visit buxtonspaprize.co.uk or email info@buxtonspaprize.co.uk

arena Advice for artists A NEW company has been set up by two artists with the aim of helping other emerging artists and makers with their professional development. Purple and Grey, set up by Karina Goodman and Ruth Gray, will be staging free networking events plus ticketed talks and seminars from an array of professional speakers. Subjects include getting print ready, writing press releases, approaching galleries, open studios, social media and setting up a website. “Our aim is to meet the needs of new artists and makers by helping to support their talents with tried and tested methods of getting online ready, gallery ready and marketing ready,” explained Karina. If you would like more information about the sessions contact Purple and Grey at 01773 822710 or email at purplandgreyinfo@gmail.com Turn to page 14 for details.

Bragg at Bearded PROTEST singer Billy Bragg will be one of the headline acts at the 2016 Bearded Theory Festival. Organisers claim the festival taking place from May 26-29 at South Derbyshire’s Catton Hall, has the strongest line-up in its nine-year history, and is already set to be a vintage year. Friday night’s headliners are the Levellers and there will also be performances by Killing Joke and Jack Savoretti, Reverend & The Makers, Dub Pistols and legendary Dr Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson. For more details about this year’s event go to beardedtheory. co.uk

IF EVER there was a show to escape a miserable spell of English winter weather, and to celebrate Valentine’s Day, then this is it. Senegalese multiinstrumentalist, singer and songwriter Amadou Diagne and his UK based band Group Yakar have been developing a style that is uniquely their own. It is music that is hard to define, from Afro-beat to blues, jazz funk to Mbalax, traditional West African praise singing to rock. This six-piece band presents a colourful and energetic

Birds of a feather

Hear world music show featuring a mix of selfpenned songs and traditional music from Senegal. Amadou sings soulful, bluesy numbers with an honest intensity that reflects on the joys and hardships of life. This is a great opportunity to hear and experience one of the UK’s top world music bands. They are playing at the Glebe Field Centre in Crich on February 14 as part of the Live and Local season. For tickets telephone 01773 853260. TWO friends are celebrating with bubbly after joining forces to open a new gallery in Castle Donington. Melonie Anderson, pictured right, who was running Buzz Gallery upstairs at the Apiary has teamed up with Helen Rhodes, of HWR Designs, to create The Two Birds Gallery which is just across Borough Street from the old premises and opens on February 4. “The good news is it is on the ground floor and there’s room for workshops so we are really excited about the venture,” said Melonie.

arena Sirens of Swing THE Rockabellas are today’s answer to The Andrews Sisters with their killer heels, killer curves and killer harmonies. The three women combine stunning close harmony vocals with bespoke big band arrangements, cute choreography and top-to-toe pin-up couture to serve up a nostalgic repertoire featuring tunes from wartime songbirds and swing sensations. They are performing at the Guildhall Theatre in Derby at 7.30pm on February 13.

Bard of Salford RISING to prominence in the 70s with his unique brand of punk poetry Dr John Cooper Clarke, affectionately known as the Bard of Salford, has left a lasting impact on the arts scene and continues to inspire a new generation of fans. He is now at the very top of his game and he has just released an anthology of poetry – Anthologia. His latest tour follows that

Japanese film tour NINE new films from Japan will be screening in QUAD Cinema, Derby, in February as part of the Japan Foundation UK’s annual Touring Film Programme. Yuki Tanada, director of the film The Cowards Who Look To The Sky (pictured right), will be attending the screening of her film on February 12 and taking part in a Q&A. For more details about the films showing in the festival go to the agenda pages or derbyquad.co.uk

release and the show combines some of his classic verse with new material with hilarious ponderings on modern life as well as plenty of riffing. There will be special guests appearing alongside him who are yet to be confirmed. He is at Buxton Opera House on February 6 but if you miss him there he is at Manchester and Birmingham in June. Go to johncooperclarke.com for details.

arena Chance for actors THE Brian Weaver Fellowship is once again being offered by Derby Theatre to an aspiring actor from the county in 2016. Set up due to a generous donation from former Buxton resident Doreen Weaver in memory of her late husband, Brian, the Fellowship will provide a local young actor with roles in two professional theatre productions, plus a whole host of other exciting opportunities. The successful Fellowship recipient for 2016 will gain at least 14 weeks professional acting experience and the opportunity to appear in two Derby Theatre productions. Plus they will also benefit in many other ways from the Theatre and the links it has to the wider UK theatre industry. The deadline for applications from actors is March 14. If you are interested and want more details you should go to derbytheatre.co.uk and click on artist development.

Supper shows CHATSWORTH Players are planning a new venture this year – rehearsed readings. The idea is to perform rehearsed readings of plays over supper in Biddy’s tea rooms at Cromford. “The tea rooms are a delightful, intimate space where we can share supper together and you can sit back and enjoy the performance. We are hoping to present several readings this year,” said Sylvia Jackson, the founder, chairman and director of the players who stage their main productions each year in the intimate theatre at Chatsworth House. More details will be released soon she says.

A CHARITY single called Love Is has been released in aid of the Derbyshire based charity Aquabox by a collaboration of Belper musicians. The Sunflower Thieves – Amy Illingworth and Lily SturtBolshaw – have worked alongside contemporary composer James Oldrini and writer George Gunby, who is the organiser of the Belper Arts Festival, to produce the single which can be downloaded online. The words to Love Is were adapted from Biblica’s Corinthians by George, set to music by James and recorded

Showcase gallery

Charity single by Amy and Lily last year for the Belper Arts Festival Easter production The Resurrection. “I thought it would be a shame to write something so meaningful and for it to sit on the shelf after the one performance,” said James. They unanimously agreed that they wanted to record it for charity and chose Aquabox to highlight the great work by the Wirksworth-based charity. The single Love Is is available to download fromsunflowerthieves.co.uk please leave a donation to Aquabox. THE new Harley Gallery at Welbeck, which opens on March 20, will house changing displays of the historic Portland Collection. The inaugural displays will include miniature portraits selected by Sir Peter Blake. It will also showcase such masterpieces as Michelangelo’s rarely seen Madonna del Silenzio (c.1538) – on show for the first time in 50 years (pictured left). The new 800 square metre building includes a glazed entrance pavilion and two spacious galleries.

arena New folk club THE launch of a new monthly folk club at Melbourne Assembly Rooms sees the Travelling People return to their roots to play with Risky Business (pictured right). The club is being launched on February 26 and the evening being hosted by Andy Martin. The club will be a mixture of headline nights and club nights. Go to melbourneassemblyrooms. co.uk for more details.

Comic on tour ONE of Britain’s most celebrated comic-entertainers, Brian Conley will be in Buxton as part of his UK tour with his brand-new variety show Alive and Dangerous on February 7. He will perform brand-new comedy, sketches and songs, alongside some of his bestknown and loved retrospective material from the screen and onstage.

Cabaret capers SET in a smoky cabaret club during the Second World War, Miss Nightingale – The Musical follows the struggles of feisty northern singer Maggie and her songwriter fiancé George. Packed with hilarious tonguein-cheek cabaret numbers and tender ballads from composer Matthew Butt the show brings war-torn London to life in a feel-good show about love, loss and hope. It is on at Buxton Opera House from February 1720. For ticket details go to buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

His 40-year TV career has seen him win multiple awards and among many other things present the Royal Variety Performance an incredible five times; star in the popular TV sitcoms Time After Time and The Grimleys and last summer present BBC One’s TV That Made Me, which has had a second series commissioned. For ticket information for the show go to buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

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Potters’ glazed expressionism! Claywirks is an enthusiastic group of talented ceramicists who work together to develop their individual skills. Amanda Penman visits their studio

o-operatives have been around for centuries but in today’s economic climate the ideology of sharing resources for the mutual benefit of a group is becoming ever-more popular. Claywirks is one of the latest to be formed in Derbyshire and consists of an enthusiastic group of 11 potters who are pooling their resources at a studio in Wirksworth. The like-minded ceramicists have been together for a year and now they have settled in to their new way of working they are looking for more artists to join them in the venture that

Graeme McKenna gets creative with clay

is housed in a business unit on Ravenstor Road. “Our aims are simple really. We just want to be able to share a safe, well-equipped space where we can experiment and make things,” explained Louise Dunning who is one of the newest to pottery in the group and creates abstract designs inspired by paths and tracks in the landscape.

“We all have some experience of the craft but our levels of skill vary, which means we can also learn from each other. “The great thing is that we can all come and go as we please to fit in with our own schedules as some of us have jobs and other commitments,” she added. Showing me around the studio with Louise were Amanda Graham, Rosie Rennie and

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Tracey Holt Walkden, whose own work is inspired by Delftware. The place was a hive of activity as they chattered about the kiln rota; inspected the successes and failures of glazes in the last batch and admired the delicate porcelain jewellery designed by Amanda. “I really love those, they are gorgeous,” said Tracey and the others nodded in agreement. They all also agreed that one glaze that had officially ‘gone a bit wrong’ was in fact actually rather appealing. However they were all happy to stop for a cuppa and biscuits to extol the benefits of their co-op. “None of us would have been able to afford to kit out a studio with these facilities on our

own and despite the fact there are ten of us at the moment it is never crowded because we are all here at different times,” said Rosie, a recently-retired architect who has returned to pottery after a 45 year break. “And it keeps you focused and makes you get on with it, which some of us might not do if we were working on our own from home or in a garage,” added Louise. “The best part about it though is being able to get inspiration from watching what others are doing and learning new techniques.” Claywirks has been set up with a proper constitution and a set of house rules so everyone knows where they stand and the costs are split evenly between them all.

They have elected Graeme McKenna, who makes small cups, mugs and bowls as chairman, their secretary is Inga Heppleston, who focuses on domestic ware inspired by the original Cranks recipe book and abstract painter. Heather Duncan, who is new to ceramics, is the treasurer. The other four potters in Claywirks at the moment are Andrea Leigh who creates sculptural pieces inspired by wildlife, Matt Cook, who has just returned to his passion for pots after a two year break travelling and Susie Botting, who works with porcelain to make expressive vessels and Eileen Coult. n If you are a ceramicist and would like to join them go to claywirks.co.uk for details.

gallery

artsbeat previews go-to exhibitions coming up soon – turn to agenda for more details and other galleries New Gallery, Chatsworth House

ever a Bore is a collection of rarely seen and intimate photographs of the late Dowager Duchess, Deborah Devonshire, and her glittering social circle, taken by her friend and well-known portrait photographer Cecil Beaton. The exhibition takes its inspiration from one of Beaton’s most famous remarks: “Perhaps the world’s secondworst crime is boredom; the first is being a bore.” It presents around 65 photographs from The Cecil Beaton Studio Archive, on loan from Sotheby’s, along with other rarely seen items

from the Chatsworth archive, including this one, above, of them together. Combined with Cecil Beaton’s insightful and witty commentary on many of his subjects, Never a Bore will recreate the essence of the

Duchess’s world and dazzling social set. It is on display in the New Gallery from March 19 until September, and is included in the normal house admission. Go to chatsworth.org for more details.

Banks Mill Studios, Bridge Street, Derby Now and Then is a solo exhibition by Derby artist and printmaker Lesley Warrington. The exhibition reflects on the nature of time and will include art works in techniques including collagraph, screenprint and collage. Lesley said: “For me the print process is an on-going joyous exploration and while I use collagraph, carborundum, dry point and screen print individually, I sometimes also combine and layer these

methods with collage and photo transfer. “Within this often lies the recurring theme of time. Drawing inspiration from old letters and post cards, books and photographs, many of which find their way into my artwork, I hope to capture the transience of time and bring old life into new.” Viewing is by appointment only during the week, from February 1-26. Telephone 01332 594170.

Tarpey Gallery, Castle Donington This new collection of paintings represents a change in direction from previous work by Wirksworth artist Tim Ball. A Closer Look brings together a more abstract view of landscape as seen in hedgerows, woodlands and other wild places. These interpretations are often derived from ideas and observations while he is out walking and are captured using sketches, photographs and memories to be worked on later back in his studio. As the seasons change our visual landscape changes, in

this new collection of work Tim hopes to capture some of those fleeting glimpses. Natural forms such as branches, shrubs and foliage begin to create their own unique shapes as rich colours created by light pass between their structures. The paintings are built up using thin washes to establish form and space and then worked over with oils, varnish and in some cases pastels to add to the sense of depth. The exhibition is on at Tarpey Gallery from January 30-March 20.

Cromford Studio and Gallery The featured artist in February is Belperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Andy Mayers with a series of architectural and landscape images. They feature Derbyshire views and landmarks put together in a unique way from hand-drawn elements, textures and photographs in a digital format. Working in this manner offers a range of techniques not possible with more traditional methods. In addition, he produces portraits using more traditional drawing and painting techniques, which can be seen at andymayers.peakartist.co.uk The featured maker at Cromford this month is ceramicist Sue Gorman.

Ferrers Gallery, Staunton Harold

Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t See The Wood For the Trees is a new exhibition of woodwork, furniture and tree-inspired craftmanship at Ferrers Gallery from January 29-March 20. Among the artists exhibiting will be pyrographer Bob Neill from Aston on Trent, whose work can be seen, left. Bob produces work of an abstract nature on a variety of turned work including pots, bowls and plates. He accentuates the grain of the wood to produce natural subtle designs. With the addition of colour the results are often dramatic.

Jo’s story is a remarkable tale

hile working as a doctor in psychiatry author Joanna Cannon met a lot people who ‘unbelong’. People who she says live on the periphery of life, pushed by society to the edge of the dance floor trying to copy what everyone else is doing but never quite getting it right. It was the lives of these people that inspired Jo to write her debut novel The Trouble with Goats and Sheep. “There is a silent herd of unbelongers out there, not just on mental health wards but stitched through the landscape of everyone’s day, walking around supermarkets and standing in bus queues. These are the ‘goats’,” explains Jo earnestly. “The people who don’t fit in who ‘aren’t quite like us’. It’s only when something goes wrong and society needs someone to blame, that the sheep turn to the goats and say ‘we knew they were strange all along, and of course they just be guilty because they just look the type, don’t they?” The 47-year-old doctor and author, who lives in Ashbourne, says she decided to write her book because she believed there was a little unbelonging in all of us and

that it was just some of us were better at hiding it than others. In the story everyone on The Avenue where it is set has something to conceal and a reason for not fitting in. Through the eyes of amateur detective ten-year-old Grace and her friend Tilly we discover that if the surface is scratched most sheep may very well be a goat. As the cul-desac starts giving up its secrets the girls find out much more than they imagined. Jo is the only child of an only child and says that when she was young many of her friends lived within the pages of a book. “I was always reading as a child and I have always been fascinated by words, stories and characters but I never aspired to being a published

author. It has all happened rather organically.” The writer left school at 15 with just one O-level and worked her way through a variety of jobs from bar work to delivering pizzas, which, with hindsight, she realises gave her an understanding of many different people. It wasn’t until she was in her 30s that Jo decided to go back to college and take her A-levels and then to study medicine at the University of Leicester. Before specialising in psychiatry Jo worked in many departments including A&E and palliative care and it was at that time that she began writing a blog. “I did it to make sense of how I felt about the things I was witnessing. All the suffering, death, illness and misery,” she said by way of explanation. The blog led to an idea for a novel and she started attending workshops and classes and took part in a Womentoring Programme for aspiring female authors. In September 2014 Jo was encouraged to go to the York Festival of Writing where she won the Friday Night Live competition with her story about two little girls in the summer of ’76, which was later to become Goats and Sheep. “It was a sort of literary X-Factor but within 48 hours

of leaving I had received offers from eight literary agents. It was really quite unreal,” said Jo, who it seems hasn’t yet climbed down from Cloud Nine. The novel was eventually acquired by Borough Press, an imprint of Harper Collins, and after a frantic year of writing, editing and then promoting her book Jo saw it finally published on January 28. As well as appearing in several articles in the national press in recent weeks the author

was the special guest at the launch of the 2016 Derby Book Festival where she will be reading from her book in June. The organisers are keen to start a tradition of including a debut author at the festival and they are convinced that Jo’s book, which has already received many outstanding reviews, is going to be a big hit this year.

Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy will be opening the festival on June 3 and the nine-day event will also celebrate the 200th anniversary of Charlotte Brontë’s birth with best-selling author, Tracy Chevalier, and literary biographer, Claire Harman, discussing her life. Tickets are already on sale for these events at derbybookfestival.co.uk More events will be announced in the coming months. n To read more about Jo go to her website joannacannon.com

Villagers’ cinema

en years ago Tideswell Film Club was just starting out as a new venture in the village’s school hall.

Now renamed Tideswell Cinema, the thriving community arts venue is one of the most popular in the county. It runs an annual season of films from September to May as well as world class live arts broadcasts from the National Theatre, the Royal Ballet, Opera House and Shakespeare Company as well as the Kenneth Branagh Theatre and other venues. Its success is all down to the hard work of the volunteers who live in the village and have a passion for film, theatre and dance and, of course, the 420-strong mailing list of supporters as well as Andrew Rowe, the landlord of the George Inn, where they are now based. Barbara Crossley, who is one of the current volunteers helping out with front of house tasks and the administration, says everyone’s contribution is vital to keep the organisation going. Now they have the live broadcasts they particularly rely on the technical know-how of Paul Harrison who leads a team of three technicians and IT experts. “The original idea came from resident Fiona Rogers, who is involved with Tideswell Community Players, back in 2005 and she was helped by other film enthusiasts to get it going. We still work in

10th anniversary

celebration for community with a passion for film partnership with the players,” explained Barbara. “What we could offer people really improved when we moved from the school to the George in 2009 as now people can have a pre-show meal and order interval drinks if they wish. “When one of our members was on holiday in the south west he saw a live show from the National Theatre linked by satellite to the small community and he instantly thought it would work here. “We had a fundraising campaign to buy the necessary equipment and we began screenings in September 2012. We actually think we were the first community cinema to do so and are really quite proud of what we have achieved.” Jacqueline Teeney who runs the box office says that last year 1,782 people watched one of the live events and that they regularly sell out as they have just 60 seats. “The figures are amazing – it seems people like the cinema being in the pub. I get e-mails from people every day for bookings. If they are new to us they ask about the seats and I always say that although it is not the Ritz, the seats are better than pews and school chairs,” she said with a laugh, adding

that most regulars now bring a cushion. One of those regulars is Fil Radford who started going along when the club moved to the George. She said: “I never thought I would be able to watch films let alone the ballet and theatre so close to home. I can’t praise them enough – the facilities are so lovely.” There are currently 55 members who pay an annual fee for free entry to the films and seven days’ advance notice to book the live events. The live events are open to everyone and the group charge the minimum they are allowed under the broadcasting rules which is generally £10 for theatre and £15 for the opera and ballet. “This means that our largely rural audience can see world class productions close to home at a fraction of the cost of going to London or Stratford,” said Barbara. On February 4 they will be linking up to the Royal Opera House for La Traviata and on February 25 you can see As You Like It from the National Theatre. This month’s film on February 18, is Le Havre, a Finnish film made in French, which is a topical comedy about a young African boy who arrives in the French port hidden in a shipping container. On Oscar Night February 29 the club will be showing one of the nominated films. n You can follow them on Twitter and facebook or go to tideswellcinema.com

is the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;reel dealâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Tideswell Cinema volunteers celebrate their ten years in operation with bubbly. From left, Jean Hopkin, Jacqueline Teeney, Barbara Crossley, Paul Harrison, Margaret Filer and Judith Annett

Cromford Studio and Gallery

LEABROOKS GALLERY

Featured artist in February

Andy Mayers Architectural and landscape paintings

Featured maker in February

ceramicist Sue Gorman

Open: 10am-5pm Wednesday to Sunday Market Place, Cromford, DE4 3QE 01629 826434

Derwent Gallery Fine Art and Picture Framing

January 30th – March 4th

New Impressionism A collection of New Artists

Approaching Shower, Stanage End – Kristan Baggaley

Open: Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm Wednesday by appointment Sunday 11am-4.30pm Leabrooks House, Leabrooks Road, Somercotes 01773 602961

www.leabrooksgallery.co.uk

Original landscape paintings of the Peak District Main Road, Grindleford, S32 2JN www.derwentgallery.com

Prints

Originals

Framing

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celebrating the arts in Derbyshire

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Tel: 07872 066719 email: editor@arts-beat.co.uk

Patricia is caught between two lovers in a tale of passion

Scrambled love

erence Rattiganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s evocative portrait of life during The Second World War comes to Derbyshire this year as part of a major national tour. Flare Path paints a portrait of life in wartime Britain for RAF bomber crews and their wives and sweethearts, who were left awaiting their return. Set in 1942, against a backdrop of heartache and quiet bravery, writer Rattigan drew inspiration from his own experiences as an RAF tail gunner. It tells the story of former actress Patricia and her husband, pilot Teddy, who are celebrating a reunion at a Lincolnshire hotel. Their marriage is tested to the limits by the unexpected arrival of Patriciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s former lover and Hollywood move idol Peter Kyle.

Rattigan revival comes to Buxton

Opera House and

Derby Theatre An unexpected and dangerous mission over Germany puts Patricia at the centre of an emotional conflict as unpredictable as the war in the skies. The play combines highly charged drama with a truly authentic taste of the fear, camaraderie and passion experienced by the men and women who fought to save their country, their families and each other. With heart-tugging, human emotion, Flare Path opens a window into a pivotal moment in British history. Flare Path originally opened at the Apollo Theatre in 1942,

quickly becoming a huge hit. During its 18-month run it entertained everyone including the Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Following its run on the West End, the play opened in Broadway with Sir Alec Guinness playing the role of Teddy. This major revival over 70 years later will be directed by rising star Justin Audibert with Lynden Edwards as Peter, Hedydd Dylan as Patricia and Daniel Fraser as Teddy. It is produced by The Original Theatre Company which brought the highly acclaimed Birdsong to the county in 2015. n Flare Path will be at Buxton Opera House from February 10-13 at 7.30pm with matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm. To buy tickets visit buxtonoperahouse.org.uk. It will be at Derby Theatre from April 19-23. For tickets visit derbytheatre.co.uk

Cathedral reveals Photographer

Ewan Mathers focuses on the

glorious detail

t is his attention to detail and his ability to see what the rest of us miss that makes the work of Ewan Mathers stand out. The Ilkeston photographer is not interested in the bigger picture he wants to home in on intricate and interesting and give us an intriguing view of the world around us. If you are a regular reader of artsbeat you will have seen some of the fascinating pictures he has taken in artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; studios around the county. And if you frequent the Sir Richard Morris Lounge at the Cathedral Centre in Derby then you may have seen one of his previous exhibitions there. These pictures are from his third exhibition at the gallery The Secret Cathedral: Derby Cathedral in a New Light and they have been taken to celebrate its recent refurbishment. Ewan, who once lived in the shadow of the Abbey on the tiny Scottish island Iona, studied commercial photography at Derby University and now runs his business from Shed2Studios in Ilkeston. He can turn his hand to most photography work but he is happiest working with creative businesses where he can

secrets

show off the process of what they are doing in their own environment. He likes the nitty gritty of people at work with their crafts. “I like detail. I like to break down and isolate what I can see into the essence of what it is without any distraction,” he explained. “Most of my work is commercial but on occasion I do like a project where I can To find out more be let loose – and this one for about Ewan’s the Cathedral was a challenge commercial work I found fascinating. There is so go to ewanmathers much that often will be missed photographer.com by visitors and I hope these for his contact pictures will encourage them to details look closer.” The Secret Cathedral: Derby Cathedral in a New Light by Ewan Mathers can be seen at the Sir Richard Morris Lounge at the Cathedral Centre in Derby from February 1-29 from 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday.

Ellie wins title role, by George!

young drama student who wowed audiences at Belper’s 2013 festival with her performance in Educating Rita is returning this year in another challenging role – Anne Boleyn.

Playwright George Gunby, who is also the festival’s organiser, has pretty much written the part for Ellie Ward having been impressed by her acting for several years. The 20-year-old from Chesterfield was involved with the Pomegranate Youth Theatre when she first answered a call out for actors to take part in the Belper Short Play Festival. “I didn’t know anything about it, but I knew that I wanted to act and whenever there was a part offered up I just went for it,” said Ellie. “George is so creative in the way he works and we got on really well and I played several parts in the various plays including Rita in Educating Rita which was quite a challenge – but one I really enjoyed.” Since then Ellie, a pupil at Brookfield in Chesterfield has completed a foundation course at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts in Wigan and earned herself a coveted place

Aspiring actor

is playwright’s choice for role of

Anne Boleyn at the Central School of Speech and Drama where she is still studying Drama, Applied Theatre and Education. “Because I have been away I haven’t been involved in the festival for the last couple of years, but when George asked if I would be interested in playing Anne Boleyn I jumped at the chance as I know that you can always rely on George to write something good. “I have seen the first drafts of the script and it really is quite interesting. It is based on the final days of her life. “I am currently researching the character very carefully because I want to get it just right. I have even been to the Tower of London. “This is going to be the most complex part I have ever played and I feel privileged to have been asked to do it.” George explained that when they chose Anne Boleyn as their subject they were looking for a character, that inspired, and she fitted the bill. “She was intelligent, feisty,

opinionated and politically savvy. Henry VIII was besotted by her and yet, just three years after they married, he had her executed,” he said. “The motives behind Henry’s actions fascinated me. His need for a son and heir became an obsession and his disappointment with Anne’s ability to provide one grew. “There are unanswered questions. Did Henry plot Anne’s downfall? Did Cromwell hatch a plot – a scenario so wild and bizarre – because Anne had become an incumberance to his ambition? Or was it all true; was Anne promiscuous and disloyal to Henry? “Really, the play is as much about human behaviour, motivation and power. It’s about the lengths that people will go to maintain their position and influence.” Ellie will be joined in the cast by another student from the Central School of Speech and Drama, Katy McCabe and Terry Stephenson (Cromwell) and Mik Horvath (George Boleyn) who are hugely talented local actors. Boleyn will be performed on May 30 at St. Peter’s Church, Belper at 7:30pm. Tickets are £10 and include a ‘Tudor Buffet’. Go to belperartsfestival.org for details.

Sarah has found her voice in art

Scarthin Books A homely refuge and social hub

New, secondhand and antiquarian bookshop with almost 100,000 titles We buy books and music by appointment

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Bookshop 9-6pm Monday-Saturday, 10-6pm Sunday Cafe 10-5.15pm Monday - Saturday, 10-6pm Sunday

Listed by the Guardian online as one of the ten ‘best bookshops in the world’ The Promenade, Scarthin, Cromford, DE4 3QF Tel: 01629 823272 email: nickscarthin@gmail.com

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and watch our film on

Borderline Arts founder talks to Amanda Penman about her creative mission

Open seven days a week 34 Union Road, New Mills, SK22 3ES Go to thepulsecafe.co.uk for more information Sarah Eley suffers from borderline personality disorder but she hasn’t let that stop her embarking on a crusade to raise awareness of the condition in the Midlands

Award-winning traditional Peak District pub serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Telephone 01298 83288 Mobile 07866778847

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arah Eley is a woman with a mission and nothing – not even her own debilitating mental health issues are going to stop her. She wants to raise awareness of borderline personality disorder (BPD), break down the stigma attached

table talk

to it and educate carers and professionals to improve the quality of care people like herself receive. Last year was one she can look back on with pride having, among many other things, staged an exhibition at Derby QUAD, started making a film through her Raving Mad Theatre Group, and held a silent charity auction. Her charity Borderline Arts, which was first launched in 2013 was the result of an art exhibition she had at Artcore in Derby. While she was at the Charnwood Street venue the TV celebrity Kerry Katona, who has bipolar, joined an art group while filming a documentary about her life and her condition. “It was fantastic to meet her and we got talking about how art helped me,” said Sarah. “After that I got thinking and I realised I wanted to encourage more people with BPD to enjoy art and I wanted others to see what we were doing to help them understand our condition. “Talking about mental health is the only way to break down the stigma attached to it. We have to be honest about what it is.

“Through my artwork I have found a voice and I want to use it.” The 31-year-old, who lives at Littleover, was diagnosed with anorexia in her teens and BPD at 27. Her life has not been easy and she has faced periods of hospitalisation but at the moment her medication helps her keep her life on an even keel. We went for lunch at The Apple Tree at Ockbrook and chatted in the car on the way. We were a little late because of my lack of attention to the directions but everyone at the tearooms was lovely and we had a very tasty light meal

surrounded by some very tempting gifts in the shop. Sarah was at pains to explain that Borderline Arts is not just a one-woman crusade and that she has a great team of volunteers who joined in to help from the start. “I couldn’t do all this alone and it has been great working with these people. We have come a long way but we still have a lot to offer.” The charity is not a support service for those with BPD it is an awareness raising charity which empowers individuals with the condition to express their experience in creative ways and increase their selfesteem and confidence. “I am really looking forward to the projects we have lined-up for 2016. There is so much going on.” To find out more about the charity go to borderlinearts.org Sarah chose a chicken, mozzarella cheese and pesto panini which was £5.95 and I had a bacon and chicken salad at £6.50. I couldn’t resist also trying the super juice detox drink which contained apples, carrot, ginger and beetroot and was amazing. I would definitely have that again.

Look back in awe at Osborne

he 60th anniversary of John Osborne’s seminal play, is being celebrated by Derby Theatre with a revival directed by artistic director, Sarah Brigham. Look Back in Anger changed the face of British theatre in the mid-1950s, and Derby Theatre is looking forward to presenting this iconic play to the audiences of today in the city from whence it was born. The play is a strongly autobiographical piece which suggests it is based on Osborne’s unhappy marriage to actress Pamela Lane, and their life in Derby. Osborne was an actor and stage manager at Derby Playhouse (now Derby Theatre) during the 1950s. He pitched the play to the Playhouse before he offered it to the Royal Court, but the theatre’s board turned it down as they thought it may not show his ex-wife, a leading actress in the rep company at that time, in a good light. It’s 1956 and in a cramped flat in Derby, Jimmy Porter is

angry. His upper-class wife Alison is the target for his anger while his flatmate Cliff is the perfect sounding board. An unwanted pregnancy and the arrival of a glamorous actress take the couple into a love triangle which questions the very foundations of how they live.

‘Angry young man’ classic returns to its roots in Derby The play gave birth to the term ‘angry young men’ and some of the issues the character Jimmy Porter was railing against are still relevant today. As the perfect companion piece to Look Back in Anger, Derby Theatre will also present a new play, Jinny written by Jane Wainwright, an exciting new voice in theatre who is from Derbyshire. Jinny will look at the play afresh and offer a contemporary response through the theatre’s RETOLD series, which aims

to crack open classics from the perspective of female characters. Built on research and development with women living in Derby today, this is a story of a young woman trying to cope with the world in which she finds herself, told with humour and warmth. Jinny is at Derby Theatre on selected days from March 7-23. Sarah Brigham said: “Look Back In Anger changed the face of British Theatre back in the 50s by putting working class voices centre stage and I am keen to get my teeth into this iconic and influential work to discover what impact our version may offer our audiences today. “We have assembled a truly magnificent cast, all exciting, young actors in their own right, and I am confident that their combined performances will result in a compelling night of searing drama in our theatres.” n Look Back In Anger will run at Derby Theatre from March 4-26 and then transfer to the Octagon Theatre Bolton, which is a partner in staging the production.

have a go

Why not treat yourself or someone you love to one of these workshops and learn something new this year? Anne Alldread Textiles n Regular felt making workshops in Belper covering a variety of felting techniques, from the basics to creating a beautiful scarf, cushion or wall hanging. Or you can join in at the weekly Wednesday Textile group to try tapestry, weaving, collage, mixed media, printing, design and much more. A small friendly group with an emphasis on enjoyment while creating. For further information contact: Anne Alldread on 07817745705, or email annealldread@yahoo.co.uk. For more details go to annealldread.com Betty’s Sewing Box, Cokayne Avenue, Ashbourne n Crochet Clinic first Wednesday of the month 6-9pm. n Quilt Club third Wednesday of the month 6-9pm. Other courses vary each month and usually take place on a Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. n Personalised Purses with Sarah Culleton, February 27,10am-1pm, £25. Using your own pictures or photos you will create a unique zipped purse. This would be a wonderful personalised gift to give on mothers’ day, or just to keep for yourself. n Mothers’ Day Flower Arrangement in a basket – Saturday 27th February 2pm-4pm, £25. Come along and join Linda to create a beautiful flower arrangement in a basket. Price will include all materials and refreshments. More details from bettys-sewing-box.co.uk Cromford Studio and Gallery, Market Place, Cromford n Watercolour tuition is available

Learn more

about acrylics Matlock Artists Society is offering you the chance to gain valuable advice in the use of acrylics with a demonstration by Derbyshire artist John Connolly on Saturday February 20, at 10.30am. The cost is £5 including refreshments.The demonstration for small groups or on a one-to-one basis, all abilities welcome. Contact the gallery on 10629 826434 for more details. Cromford Mill, Cromford n Arkwright Spinsters demonstrating spinning and other crafts, February 21, 11-4pm. n Knit and Natter, February 10, 10am-noon. Arkwright's Cafe. More details at cromfordmills.org.uk

will be informative and entertaining, John does not work in silence! Details from Marilyn Micallef 01629 584708 or Marian Cousins 01629 583242. If you want to find out more about John’s work go to connollyart. com. He is also holding workshops at St John Street Gallery in Ashbourne in May, July and October. Crafts Cornucopia, King Street, Belper and St John’s Street, Wirksworth n Various courses including sewing with a machine, crochet, patchwork, applique and following knitting patterns. Go to craftscornucopia. co.uk. David Griffin, Stained Glass Artist n Dave Griffin runs two courses a year in April and September and

Anne Alldread

textile artist and felt maker

In The Flow

n Felt making workshops n Weekly textile group n Handmade accessories

n stationery n arts n crafts n creativity centre

n Textile artwork

5 Crown Square, Matlock, DE4 3AT Telephone: 01629 55095

n To book contact annealldread@yahoo.co.uk n For more information go to www.annealldread.com

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Sewing and craft workshops with professional tutors www.lovehector.co.uk Market Place Crich DE4 5DD Tel: 07437961236

Tell them you saw it in artsbeat

www.artsbeatblog.com artsbeat2 @artsbeat Tel: 07872 066719 email: editor@arts-beat.co.uk

have a go there are five places on each. It is a three-day introductory course focusing on the practical aspects of design, glass cutting and soldering. The long weekend is designed for people with little or no previous experience of the craft. The dates for next year are April 15– 17 and September 23 – 25. The workshops are held at the Friends Meeting House, in Bakewell. For more details please contact Dave on 07742 481930 or visit www. dave-griffin.co.uk Designate @ the Gate, Smedley Street, Matlock n For children, Tuesdays to Saturdays 9am-5pm – Drink & Draw: have fun drawing family portraits; Maisy Makes: try making a flower from recycled plastic bags; Lego Ghetto: create an imaginary world in Lego; Beach: sand sculptures is the game.Go to designateatthegate. co.uk or telephone 01629 760033 for more details. Derbyshire County Council’s Adult Community Education Service n Various courses including painting and drawing; sugarcraft; pottery; flower arranging and making clothes. Go to derbyshire.gov.uk/ adulteducation for more details. Esther Tyson, Screen Print workshops at Via Gellia Mill, Bonsall n Regular screenprint workshops using hand-cut stencils, water-based inks, producing a limited edition print. Small groups in a working studio environment. Contact Esther at esther.tyson@ network.rca.ac.uk for more details. Etienne Gallery art classes, In The Flow, Matlock n Etienne Gallery offers year-round studio art classes and workshops taught by experienced artist and teacher, Jason Etienne. Go to jasonetienne.com for details Green Man Gallery, Hardwick Hall, Buxton n Every day 6x4: Inspired by

Landscape. Drop-in at any time and join this record-breaking attempt and fundraiser. Entries can also be sent by post. Email hello@ thegreenmangallery.com for details and rules. Cost: £1 per entry. n Life Drawing, Tuesdays, a weekly session for artists at any stage who want to develop their drawing practice with a professional life model. Session 7pm to 9pm. Cost £8 per session. Booking essential as space is limited. Contact Curtis Bollington 07880 535615. Over 16s only. n Every Tuesday, Funny Wonders Puppet Club. An hour of creative fun using all sorts of materials to make puppets of every shape and size. Weekly after school session for all ages. 4pm to 5pm. Cost £5 per session or £25 for 6 sessions. Email hello@funnywonders.org.uk for further details and to book. n Saturdays: Mess Allowed! – Art and craft club for children aged 6+, 11am to 12.30pm. Cost £5. Accompanying adults must remain on the premises. For further information and booking contact hello@thegreenmangallery. com or 01298 937375 unless otherwise stated. Open every day except Thursday. 10.30am to 5.30pm. Helen Moyes, Textile and mixed media artist, Sheffield n Stitch Don’t Ditch: Learn to alter and embellish clothes and accessories you no longer wear. Bring your own garments or accessories to work on with friendly experienced help. Friday, February 12, 12-3pm, at Because We Say Sew, 358 South Road, Walkley, Sheffield S6 3TE, cost £22. Booking: Telephone: 0114 3273170 email: info@becausewesaysew.co.uk n Running With Scissors Saturday, February 27, 10 am – 4pm, at Hagglers Corner, 586 Queens Road, Sheffield, S2 4DU, cost £55. Booking: telephone: 07903046544 email: info@rwssheffield.co.uk

Love Hector’s Emporium, Market Place, Crich n Garment making lessons for adult sewers (sorry, no under 16s). Private sewing lessons are also available and can be booked by the hour for any day except Sunday. All workshops are from 10am4pm unless otherwise stated and course notes will be provided where appropriate. Check out the website for full details and booking information lovehector.co.uk

Matlock Artists Society - All Saints Church Hall, Smedley Street n Gain valuable advice in the use of acrylics with a demonstration by artist John Connolly on Saturday February 20, 10.30am, £5 including refreshments. The group meets on the third Saturday of every month and further demonstrations by professional artists are planned. Details from Marilyn Micallef 01629 584708 or Marian Cousins 01629 583242. n The club’s Portrait Group meets the first Wednesday of every month from 9.30am-12noon and all are welcome, £5 with refreshments. Please contact Doreen Andrews 01629 824640 or Colin Daffern 01629 733261. Made @ No 18, Church Street, Alfreton n Book Club, first Monday of the month n Writing workshops, Mondays 6.30-8pm – develop you writing skills in poetry, short stories, plays and film scripts n Tuesdays, 1pm-4pm Crafts and Textiles. n Tuesdays, 5pm-7pm Studio 18. Sessions for all ages exploring acting, dance, drama and music. n Wednesdays, Knit and Stitch, 7-9pm. n Wednesdays Theatre Workshop, 5.30-7.30pm. n Wednesdays Film and Photography, 7-9pm. n Thursdays, 6.45pm-9.15pm

have a go Life Drawing. Peer-mentoring sessions starting 7pm. Bring your own materials. All welcome from beginners to experienced artists. Starting in January, Drawing and Painting, 6.30pm-8.30pm. n Fridays, 6.30pm onwards Music Group. A place to meet other musicians, play and write music and develop regular music nights. n Saturdays 9.30am-11.30am Studio 18 Youth – a creative arts company and develop skills in acting, dance, film making, theatre, set design, sound and light engineering. Theatre workshop, 10-11.30pm. n Sundays, Arts Talks 3-4pm. Email madeatno18@gmail.com for more details or call 01773 279112. Old Station Gallery Rowsley Go to theoldstationgallery.wordpress. com for any new workshops. QUAD, Derby n In February a one-day course on portrait photography is aimed at people who already take photographs but want to learn further techniques useful in portrait photography such as using available light, colour balance, focal lengths and tricks for putting people at their ease. February 20, 10.45am4.45pm, the cost: £55, or £45 concessions. n Blister Cinema with Genetic Moo a Digital Performance Workshop for all ages. A chance to explore an immersive interactive installation using Kinect technology. You will be able to create silhouette performances using any type of movement, dance, acrobatics or balancing, then record and mix action loops together into a pulsating multi-person animation. February 27, 1:30pm-4:30pm. The event is free but advance booking is recommended. More details at derbyquad.co.uk StraightCurves, 104 Saltergate, Chesterfield n High quality courses and workshops in all things arty and

Temporary natural sculptures with Viveka Bowry

crafty for children and adults. All are aimed at skill building in a relaxed environment with small class sizes. Subjects are as diverse as creative writing and crochet to felt work and first aid. Go to straightcurves.co.uk for more details. St John Street, Gallery, Ashbourne n Sue Lewis-Blake will run the first of her drawing workshops on February 4 n Popular artist Wendy Darker will be back with a workshop on February 16 – Painting a hairy highland cow with magnificent horns. To book, phone 01335 347425 or email enquiries@ stjohngalleryandcafe.co.uk. More details at stjohngalleryandcafe.co.uk The Studios, Union Road, New Mills n Fiction Writing with Beth Underdown, Tuesdays 7pm-8.30pm. n Drink and Draw – Non-tutored alternative life drawing soirées with Andrea Joseph. First Friday of every month, 7pm - 9.15pm, £10 per person. All drawing materials supplied excluding paper. For prices, more details and how to book go to thestudios.co Viveka Bowry Land Artist n Here’s a chance to make your own pieces of temporary sculpture from natural objects around you

(petals, leaves, branches , twigs stones, etc, see example pictured left). Workshops begin at Derbyshire Eco Centre,or in the artist’s Matlock studio. Students then go out to areas of magical ancient woodland and streams, 10am-3.15 pm. April 2, Eco Centre; April 10, Eco Centre; April, 16, Matlock; April 30, Eco Centre; May 7 Matlock; May 27, Eco Centre; May 28, Matlock; July 10, Matlock; July 16, Matlock. Cost: £45 (some concessionary places available) To book and get more details go to vivekabowry.co.uk/workshops.html West Studios, Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, part of Chesterfield College Group n Illustration Group – This fortnightly group allows for a welcoming environment to share ideas and develop personal projects, whilst learning and developing new skills within this creative discipline run by established artist Edie OwczarekPalfreyman. n Drink and Draw with Andrea Joseph The first Thursday of the month, starting March 3, 6pm9:15pm. £15. BYO. All skill levels welcome. n Product photography, photograph your products for publicity material, £50, March 17 and 24. n Social Media Forum, last Friday of the month, free opportunity to keep up to speed with social media. Contact hello@weststudios.co.uk to book your place. To keep up with topics covered within the sessions visit West Studios’ Facebook Page for updates or give them a call on 01246 500799. WEA Writing Workshop, 1 Stand Road, Chesterfield n Course started January 19 for seven weeks, 10am-12pm, at the WEA centre. Practised writers and beginners welcome.Tutor: Liz Cashdan. Enrol through WEA: chesterfieldoffice@wea.org.uk or phone:01246 622249.

gig guide

artsbeat’s guide to the best live acts in rock, pop, folk and jazz performing in the region during the next month

Haunting debut

amie Beau picked up his first guitar at seven years old simply because he wanted to spend more time with his dad. “He had started lessons so I joined him,” explained the musician who has just released his debut full-length album. “He didn’t take it as seriously as me though so eventually he just handed me the guitar and I got on with it without him.” The 35-year-old graphic designer, who now lives at Sandiacre, has been on a long and varied musical journey since then and recalls being influenced by others as diverse as John Williams and Nirvana. It is only in recent years that he has concentrated on acoustic guitar. In fact, before he turned to altfolk and world music, Jamie was the front man for a thrash metal band. When he left that band he resigned himself to giving up music for a while but then he had what he describes as his ‘epiphany moment’ when he heard the legendary Thomas Leeb play. “From that moment on I learnt

Jamie Beau who has recently released his debut album

all I could about acoustic guitar and I decided to develop my own sound,” he said. “This album is really quite personal and reflective and is based on my life’s journey in the last few years – the good, the bad and the sad.

“Sometimes I’m just going on a thought journey, sometimes I’m referring to a time and place in my life.” Tales of The Earth, Tales of The Sea... which Jamie co-produced and on which he played just about all the instruments – save the drums and cello – is available at jamiebeau.bandcamp.com. You can watch the video and listen to the single Catherine, John and Michael (all late) by scanning the QR code here.

gig guide Rock and Pop

Buxton Opera House, Buxton n Cilla and the Shades of the 60s, February 2, 7.30pm. n Jack Sings Frank, Jack Jones, February 9, 7.30pm. n An Evening with Gretchen Peters, February 13, 7.30pm. n Gilbert O’Sullivan in Concert, February 16, 7.30pm. n Turin Brakes, February 22, 7.30pm. n The Elvis Years, February 26, 7.30pm. See buxtonoperahouse.org.uk The Guildhall Theatre, Derby n Richard Digance,February 12, 7.30pm. n The Rockabellas, Sirens of Swing, February 13, 7.30pm. n Rock of Ages, February 24-27. The Old Poets’ Corner, Ashover n Every Tuesday open acoustic night. First and third Sundays Shaun Byrne and guests. More details at oldpoets.co.uk The George and Dragon, Bridge Street, Belper Friday Night Music Nights offer some of the best festival acts from all over the UK. All the gigs are free and will run most Friday nights 9 -11pm. Designate@TheGate, Smedley Street, Matlock Young Musicians open mic night – an opportunity for seven-17-yearolds to showcase their talent, last Friday of every month, 7-8.30pm followed by Adult Open Mic night – 9pm-late. Phone 01629 760033 for enquiries or bookings. Bookcafe, Derby Acoustic Nights Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm. The Flowerpot, Derby Details of gigs and acoustic nights are at rawpromo.co.uk The Old Clubhouse, Buxton Live band every Friday. Go to oldclub-house.co.uk for more details.

Phil Beer is playing at the Guildhall Theatre, Derby

Folk and Jazz

Guildhall Theatre, Derby n Phil Beer, February 5, 8pm. An audience with Phil has been described as a glimpse into his world where folk, blue, hymns, the sea, the West Country and a life spent in music combine. n The Blues Brothers Experience, February 6, 8pm. n The Simon Garfunkel Story, February 18, 7.30pm. n Jamie Smith’s Mabon, the Space Between Tour, February 19, 8pm. More details at derbylive.co.uk PR Promotions gigs various locations Box Office 01332 255800, derbylive. co.uk and PR Ticket Hotline 01773 853428. Chesterfield Jazz Club, Club Chesterfield, Chester Street Sarah Smith, violin, February 18, doors open at 8pm, show at 8.30pm. More details at wendykirkland.com Derby Jazz n Steve Waterman Trio, Steve Waterman, trumpet/flugel; Anthony Kerr, vibraphone and Alec Dankworth, bass. A celebration of jazz trumpet by an unusual line-up featuring tunes associated not only

with the New Orleans pioneer Buddy Bolden but also Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke Dizzy Gillespie and more, February 5, 8pm. The Cube, Deda, Derby. n MJQ Celebration with Dave O’Higgins, The Robert Ludlam Theatre, Derby, February 12 8pm. n Saxophonist Ed Jones, Mark Sanders and Mark Lewandowski, February 28, 2-4pm, Voicebox, Forman Street, Derby. More details at derby-jazz.co.uk The Green Man Gallery, Buxton n A Night of Music #14, February 20, a regular showcase gig for young musicians. Acoustic sets including covers and original material by talented performers aged 14 to 21. 7.30pm. (Doors open at 7pm) Tickets £3/£2 under-16s. Booking essential. n The Sunday BuskStop, an informal lunchtime gig by local musicians. Drop in any time February 14, between 12pm and 2pm. Free event but please throw a few coins in the musicians’ hat. Soup, coffee and cake £3.50. No booking required. Queen’s Head, Chesterfield Road Belper n February 5, Sally Barker + support. n February 6, Esther Swift (Scottish harpist) +support. £7. n February 13, Pete Morton £7. n February 19, (Friday) Robb Johnson £7. For more details go to queensheadbelper.weebly.com Belper Folk Club, The Old King’s Head, Days Lane, Belper Every Tuesday at 8.30pm. For more details check out their facebook page or go to belperfolkclub.co.uk The Old Hall Hotel, Hope n Folk Blues and Beyond events February 10 – Singers and Musicians in the bar 8pm. n February 14 – Zetor in the KailYard

gig guide Belper musician

releases new album in March BELPER-BASED musician Richard J. Birkin is releasing a beautiful new 11-track album Vigils on March 11. Entirely self-written and arranged by Birkin, Vigils features Iskra Strings who have played on recordings by influential artists including The XX, Radiohead and Johann Johannsson. Vigils is as contemporary n February 21 – Nigel Parsons n February 24 – Singers & Musicians, in the bar 8pm. Go to folkandblues.club for more details or call 07913331078. Buxton Opera House n Vieux Farka Toure plus support from Alan Burke, February 2, 7.30pm, Pavilion Arts Centre. n Fay Hield and the Hurricane Party, February 4, 7.30pm, PAC. n AnDa Union, a group of young musicians from Northern China, February 10, 7.30pm, PAC. n Coffee Concert, Feburary 12, 1pm, PAC, Scaw Duo, Sarah Watts and Antony Clare explore the colourful side of classical music with inspiration taken from both jazz and folk. n The Original Panama Jazz Band, Jazz at the Arts Centre, February 14, 1pm, PAC. n McGoldrick, McCusker and Doyle, February 19, 7.30pm, PAC. n Bla Bla Bla, Buxton Local Artists, February 26, 8pm, PAC. More details at buxtonoperahouse. org.uk Live and Local n The After Hours Quintet, a superb night of goodtime music

as it is steeped in classic minimalism. Birkin says: “This record is about the wonder of the human body, the way we break down communication evoking the speakeasy sounds of the roaring 20s, Kirk Langley Village Hall, February 4, 7.30pm, tickets 01332 824403; Breadsall Memorial Hall, February 7, 7.30pm, tickets 01332 831577; Pinxton Village Hall, February 3, 7.30pm, tickets 01773 580046. n Truth and Tall Tales presented by Kel Elliott and Her Three Man Orchestra, February 6, 7.30pm, tickets 07748 545287. n The Oxford Concert Party, Parwich Memorial Hall, February 11, 7.30pm, tickets 07846 906848. n Peter Knight’s Gigspanner, Steeleye Span’s legendary fiddler leads a virtuoso trio, Calver Village Hall, February 26, 7.30pm, tickets 01433 630760; Florence Nightingale Memorial Hall, Holloway, February 28, 7.30pm, tickets 01773 856545. n Amadou Diagne Band in Concert, Crich Glebe Field Centre, February 14, 7.30pm, tickets 01773 853260. n Heads South in Concert, Whitwell Community Centre, January 30, 7.30pm, tickets 01909 723490. Go to liveandlocal.org.uk for more information. The Fishpond, Matlock Bath Slade Uk, February 27. More details

to electrical impulses so that we can (seemingly) truly connect, scary physics, beautiful physics, sensations beyond physical sensations, ascension, looking for the singularity in the past, lying in a burned out basement with the full moon in your eyes, lost worlds and small miracles.” Birkin has signed with Reveal Records to release the album which will be available in CD, LP and digital download formats. Go to rjbirking.co.uk to find out more about the musician and his work. at thefishpondmatlockbath.co.uk The ‘Defiance Sessions’ Glossop Labour Club, Chapel Street, Glossop n January 30 No Redemption Songs by Ribbon Road plus poet and former miner Jethro Platts. The gigs take place every two months and are hosted by singersongwriter Quiet Loner. Go to defiancesessions.co.uk for details. The Globe, High Street West, Glossop January 30, Kirk McElhinney with John Ellis. Tickets £7 from The Globe or wegottickets.com. Support: Lesley Anne Davies Trio. The Peak Concerts, Whitworth Centre, Darley Dale The Spikedrivers, February 27,8pm The lead singer Ben Tyzack was born in London but raised in the deep south of the United States, Ben’s musical style reflects these experiences. His guitar gives out an intoxicating raw delta blues and he combines this with a soulful voice and commanding stage presence. Ben formed the Spikedrivers in 1992. Ticketline 01246 860022 or online at peakconcerts.co.uk

You need to get up close to see the detail in Louise West’s stunning hand-made creations in cotton

Louise creates intricate details in her handmade lace PICTURES: Ewan Mathers

T making.

here can be few crafts as time consuming or as intricate as bobbin lace

It’s a fascinating art and when Derby’s Louise West is demonstrating she invariably has quite a crowd watching in awe as she deftly moves the bobbins around her pillow with her nimble fingers.

Louise who works out of Friar Gate Studios is something of an expert on the craft having first tried it out 24 years ago and studied it for her Art and Design MA at the University of Derby. Her knowledge and skills are so sought after – and for that matter rare – that she has been given some unique commissions and has been invited to stage lace-making

Detailed patterns are used to create each individual design

workshops in both France and Denmark. “When I started this journey I never expected to be part of an exhibition at Buckingham Palace or to help in the design of the facade of the Nottingham Contemporary,” said Louise. But that is exactly what she has done. While 55-year-old Louise was studying for her degree at Derby in 2006 the designers of the planned Nottingham gallery said they needed someone to recreate a piece of 1847 machine lace found in a time capsule during excavations in the city. The plan was to use the lace to cast a rubber mould to cast the concrete panels which now grace the front of the building. At Buckingham Palace an exhibition on Tudor and Stuart

A lace through the looking glass! studio My

Beautiful lace panels are created by deft and painstaking manipulation of the bobbins of cotton

fashion included an audio and visual guide with an explanation by Louise of how bobbin lace is made. Although Louise is never going to turn away big commissions (she is working on a prestigious one at the moment which has to be kept under wraps for a bit longer) the main focus of her business is to stage workshops and pass on her knowledge to others.

She moved to her new studio on Ford Street last year and is clearly very pleased to be able to report that it is warm, modern and fully accessible for people with disabilities. “In my previous studio I was turning a lot of people away because there was no wheelchair access so achieving this has been one of my aims and I am so pleased to be here,” she said.

Louise says that she’s always been “crafty” and “could knit before she could read”. Her roots for lacemaking go back to her great great great grandmother who was a lacemaker in Northamptonshire and it is from that historical influence that much of her contemporary design has emerged. “I went on a course in 1992 just to try it out and was completely hooked. Unless you try it for yourself and have a go you won’t understand, but it is a weird sensation. I now get so much pleasure from watching as someone on one of my courses suddenly experiences the same thing.” The only prerequisite for one of Louise’s courses is a desire to learn bobbin lacemaking as the class experience ranges from complete beginners. n If you want to know more go to louisewestlacedesign.co.uk

bookshelf

n Villager Jim’s Peak District By Villager Jim (Vertebrate Publishing £25)

Villager Jim’s Peak District brings together the stunning photography of the elusive Derbyshire wildlife photographer. Sneaking about at dawn and dusk, capturing images that surprise and delight, Jim’s images entertain and enchant his growing audience. Close your eyes and imagine the dawn birdsong in the images of deserted country lanes, meet the wonderful wildlife on his doorstep, and let him introduce you to the garden birds he calls his friends – Deidre the blue tit, Jenny the wren and more. The book is a collection of over 180 beautiful photographs.

characters of Charters and Caldicott are among film history’s most famous and popular comedy duos. This book covers the period in their screen life between 1938 and 1943 encompassing their first four film appearances. This book brings together, for the first time, all the scenes that they appeared in – telling the story of what they saw, said and understood to be happening. It tells the humorous way that they saw the world and the funny and exciting adventures that happened to them during this turbulent period in world history. The author Peter Storey lives and works in Darley Dale, and is the founder of the website, www.chartersandcaldicott. co.uk. This is the first in a planned series.

n JR: Can Art Change the World? By JR, Nato Thompson, Joseph Remnant and Marc Azoulay (Phaidon, £39.95) n Charters and Caldicott – As War Begins By Peter Storey (£8.99 from the website below) First appearing on British cinema screens in 1938, the

The first major, in-depth retrospective monograph on JR, the enigmatic and anonymous Parisian photographer, artist and activist behind some of the world’s most provocative large-scale public photography projects.

Created in close collaboration with JR, this book includes all bodies of his work, his collaborations with other artists and institutions and previously unpublished behind-the-scenes documentation of his studios in Paris and New York. Introducing JR’s story is a specially commissioned graphic novel by comic artist Joseph Remnant, which charts his phenomenal rise from his street artist roots.

n Buxtonians – A Hardy Breed By Yvonne Eyre Chalker (£10.99)

Since this book was published just before Christmas it has been selling like hotcakes in Buxton. The first 200 copies went almost straight away and the author is being inundated with orders. She says it is a compilation of tales about various Buxtonian people and their family lives. The yesteryear tales are intermingled with pictures and snippets from the town including the famous Buxton Gennels (alleyways). It is available at Scriveners Books, the High Street Post Office, Brierlow Bar Bookstore and Goddards Music Shop.

Bookshelf is sponsored by Scarthin Books, of Cromford 48

attitude

Comment and opinion from reviewers and readers on the topics being talked about in Derbyshire’s arts community Cracking panto ticked all the

right boxes I’ve watched quite a few pantomimes in my time and I have learned two things, firstly the more intimate the venue the greater the fun it is and, secondly, laughter is definitely infectious. Chellaston Players had me and the rest of the audience in stitches with what was the funniest slapstick scene I have seen in a long time. The marathon sing-song was endearingly silly and packed with risqué gags. No-one there will be able to forget the ‘flashing’ of Ugly Sister Halitosis in her guise as a lighthouse keeper. I might have gone alone to see Cinderella at St Peter’s Church

Finale had them dancing in aisle Derby Concert Orchestra, Derby Cathedral Unlike in previous years, there was no theme to Derby Concert Orchestra’s Christmas concert, just a selection of orchestral showpieces, seasonal and otherwise, and some carols for the audience to join in with.

Hall – and unlike everyone else I knew no-one in the cast – but that didn’t matter a jot as I was swept up in the enjoyment along with them all. When it’s your local The overture to Glinka’s Ruslan and Lyudmila was taken at a steady tempo but without loss of excitement, and there were vivid accounts of Grieg’s In the Hall of the Mountain King and Mussorgsky’s Night on Bare Mountain. The first half was a bit too long and unvaried in tone, where something quieter would have helped balance things up. And there was more of

pantomime being staged by your neighbours and friends it doesn’t matter if there are a few first night nerves, forgotten lines and technical hitches – that’s all part of the amusement and the Chellaston Players made the most of their faux pas much to everyone’s delight. They even took advantage of one excited little girl, whose mum was on the stage, ‘prompting’ from the auditorium. Writer and director Michael Gaunt, the 14-strong cast and the backstage team should be congratulated for presenting a cracking panto which ticked all the right boxes. AP The full text of this review was originally published on artsbeatblog.com. You can read it there, together with reviews from other pantos staged around the county during the festive season. the same after the interval, although Shostakovich’s Festival Overture was played with relish, as was John Williams’ main theme to Star Wars. The advertised programme ended with the Can-Can from Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld, spiritedly played and, thanks to an invitation to the audience, danced, with the centre aisle eventually heaving. Mike Wheeler

attitude Off-the-beaten track repertoire

from ensemble Julian Bliss, Katherine Jenkinson and Alison Farr, Derby Chamber Music, Derby University Derby Chamber Music’s patron, Katherine Jenkinson, has appeared here as a member of various ensembles over the years. On this occasion she and her regular piano partner Alison Farr were joined by clarinettist Julian Bliss for a satisfying exploration of some slightly off-the-beaten track repertoire. In Beethoven’s slight but enjoyable early Clarinet Trio, Op 11, the players had fun bouncing ideas off each other, and projecting the second movement’s long, thoughtful, singing lines. Their alert handling of the abrupt mood swings, not least Beethoven’s amusing last-minute change of plan over how to end the finale, was a delight. Fauré’s Cello Sonata No 2 is one of those wonderful masterpieces – broadly lyrical and compact at the same time – of the composer’s late years. Though the last degree of fleetfooted, airy propulsion in the outer movements occasionally proved elusive, and though the finale got off to a slightly insecure start, Jenkinson and Farr responded with great sensitivity to the music’s seamless, long-breathed phrasing. The slow second movement, originating in a wind-band piece commissioned to mark the centenary of Napoleon’s death, was movingly dignified in their

hands. After the interval it was Bliss’s turn to join Farr, in Schumann’s Fantasiestücke, Op 73. Together they effectively channelled their lively response to Schumann’s flights of fancy to create a winning sense of contained impetuosity. Bliss’s command of the second piece’s dynamic range was particularly impressive. Like late Fauré, late Brahms can be an object lesson in saying a lot with a few notes. That’s certainly true of the Clarinet Trio, which at times verges on the cryptic. The three players mostly judged its expressive ambiguity to perfection. Only in the third movement, taken just a shade on the quick side, did they miss something of the music’s inscrutability, though there was a glimpse of this in the coda. The moments in the finale when the clarinet and cello together explored their lowest registers were particularly earcatching, and the apparently sudden but in fact perfectly proportioned ending was dropped into place with that kind of apparently off-hand aplomb that actually speaks volumes. Derby Choral Union, Derby Cathedral Derby Choral Union’s already impressive track-record

in Handel’s Messiah was well maintained in its latest performance, in many respects the best yet. Conductor Richard Dacey kept a benignly firm hand on the proceedings, and apart from a slight wobble at the start of Blessing and Honour the choir sang as well as I think I’ve heard. They were on crisp, disciplined form in And The Glory of the Lord; And He Shall Purify and the choral contribution to O Thou That Tellest were engagingly buoyant. The demanding choral numbers in Part 2 were equally impressive. Sitwell Singers, St John’s Church, Derby When a choir has the nerve to adopt the so-called scrambled position the tone gains in immediacy. The Sitwells sang much of their Christmas concert in this format, and the extra vibrancy to the sound was a real joy to hear. The evening’s stand-out item was undoubtedly Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo’s breathtakingly simple arrangement of Away in a Manger. Very slow and very quiet, it left a profound impression. Mike Wheeler full versions of these reviews are on artsbeatb.og.com

attitude Matlock history is well-written

and engaging This book aims to look at the history of the Matlocks from the perspective of a visitor in three different decades – the 1880s, 1890s and 1930s. Matlock was described as the gem of the Peak in 1863 and Matlock Bath was known as a spa. The arrival of the railway in 1849 allowed middle classes to travel to the Matlocks where, by the 1880s, hydropathic establishments were wellestablished. The author provides extensive information on the various establishments and the amenities available to visitors. By the 1890s the number of visitors had increased, not only in the summer season but throughout the year and there had been serious upgrading of the hydros, the introduction of new electrical machines,

Heart-rending war-time story The Prologue of this book had me hooked before I had even got to the first chapter. It is 1933 and in those first few paragraphs Hedda Brandt and other members of Kurt Jooss’s dance company are fleeing Nazi Germany for Holland. She is forced to leave her family behind and is fearful of the unknown journey ahead. As the book progresses Hedda encounters Katje, a girl who

Reviewed by Guy Cooper, new books manager, Scarthin Books, Cromford

electric baths (!) and even demonstrations of the new X-ray machines. There were also large numbers of visitors whose primary desires were not hydropathic treatment but a holiday and entertainment. Already Matlock Bath was attracting some scorn for the number and quality of the visitors (“let loose in the

summertime, among its sylvan beauties, a horde of rowdies” as one writer complained ). By the 1930s the Hydros were in some decline, but the ability of ordinary people to travel and have proper holidays attracted large numbers of people. Although there were complaints about the unsightliness of the area due to quarries, gas works, advertisement hoardings and the like, there was a concerted effort to attract visitors to the Matlocks, describing them as “A unique centre for the motorist, cyclist, hiker, artist and geologist”. One day in 1928 a thousand people paid to play clock golf in Hall Leys Park, Matlock. The author has marshalled an enormous amount of research into a very well-written and engaging narrative, profusely illustrated. Anyone interested in local history will find this a treasure trove of information. The Gem of England by Rosemary Thacker (Country Books. Pb. £15)

Polio and her brother Kai, with whom Hedda falls in love. As Nazi Occupation changes all their lives Hedda is drawn towards resistance, putting her life more and more at risk. These carefully crafted characters tell a poignant, heart-rending story, and certainly draw the reader into the harrowing life faced by those caught up in the Second World War Two. It wants to learn to dance and her has been superbly written by brother Werner who is being Wirksworth author, dancer and drawn into Nazi sympathies by teacher Tricia Durdey and is his piano teacher Erik Weiss. available from cinnamonpress. We also meet Elise a victim of com at £9.99 AP

library life

Derbyshire’s libraries play a vital role – not only as a source of information – but also as cultural hubs for the community Librarian joins BBC Radio 2’s Book Club panel

ave you have ever wondered who gets to choose the titles which are featured on to Simon Mayo’s Book Club on BBC Radio 2? If so, the answer is library staff from across the country alongside others from the Reading Agency. Chris Bertenshaw, pictured right, the assistant in charge at Bakewell Library, has recently joined the panel and he is delighted that at least two of his personal choices have made it on to the programme. He explained that publishers submit titles to The Reading Agency which are then shared among the members of the panel. “We get a couple of months to read our books (we usuallly get six to eight) and then have to submit our top three,” he said. “We don’t get a say in what we read, so nearly everything I’ve read so far have been titles that I wouldn’t normally choose. “Obviously I’ve not enjoyed all of them, but some have been wonderful surprises that I wouldn’t have read otherwise.” The Reading Agency then draw up the top choices and the panel have a meeting in

London where they narrow the list down to 12 titles. “This is the really fun bit as you get to argue why your books should make it ahead of others (although it’s never become too heated yet!). We make sure that there’s a wide range of genres and they have to fit the profile of a Radio 2 listener but that still gives a lot of choice,” said Chris. Those 12 books go off to the Radio 2 team, which then narrow it down to the final six. These are talked about, one every two weeks, in the following season. “The whole process up until the books are announced on Radio 2 is confidential, so I can’t tell you what’s coming up but Landfalls by Naomi J Williams was the final choice

on November 30 and that’s one that I read and successfully put through. “It’s a stunning fictionalised re-telling of the failed French 1785 Lapérouse voyage of scientific and geographical discovery, and I was delighted that it made it through. “It’s wonderful to be involved in a process like this. Getting to read fantastic books before they’re released and seeing your choices make it on to the radio is incredibly satisfying, and it’s great to know that you’re helping influence what people read, which is the best part of working in a library. “There’s going to be some fantastic titles talked about over the next few months, another of which was one of my personal choices.”

agenda

Catch the best of the action across Derbyshire and the Peak District with artsbeat’s unbeatable what’s on listings Exhibitions and galleries

Gallery in the Gardens, Pavilion Gardens, Buxton The gallery showcases the work of more than 40 artists and craftspeople from the High Peak Artists group. Open daily, 9.30am-5.pm. Details at galleryinthegardens.co.uk Art Cafe, Pavilion Gardens Endangered Wildlife – a solo exhibition of oil paintings and prints by world renowned wildlife artist and conservationist Eric Wilson, until March 8. Artist in Residence: February 13 and 20, 12-2pm. The gallery is up the spiral staircase in the cafe and is open daily from 9.30am-4.30pm. Call 01298 23114 for details. Leabrooks Gallery, Somercotes The gallery is presenting its first exhibition of New Impressionist

Eric Wilson has an exhibition at the Art Cafe in Buxton’s Pavilion Gardens

paintings, featuring the work of David Alderman, David Barnes, Ron Coleman, Judith Donaghy, Martin Llewellyn and Annabel Thornton, throughout February. This is the first of the year’s

exhibitions with a national rather than a local focus. The Gallery is open from Monday to Saturday, 10am-5pm and 11am4.30pm on Sundays. Wednesdays by appointment only. More details at leabrooksgallery.co.uk St John Street Gallery, St John Street, Ashbourne There will be special Valentine’s prices on limited edition prints by Barbara Rae CBE RA, Donald Hamilton-Fraser, Storm Thorgerson, Peter Blake and Patrick Hughes for the month of February. The gallery is open 9.30am-5pm, Monday to Saturday. For more information go to stjohngalleryandcafe.co.uk

David Barnes’ work will be part of the New Impressionism exhibition at Leabrooks Gallery, Somercotes

Déda, Chapel Street, Derby n The Print Project Group – an exhibition by a group of independent photographers dedicated to creating and printing monochrome images. n Wanda Brookes – Wanda was awarded a John Wright prize for her exhibit in the 2011 Derby City Open

agenda with her watercolour Autumn Gold. In her work she draws on memories from her childhood, when she played and enjoyed the freedom of the wide open spaces in Derbyshire. Both exhibitions are on from February 4-April 30. For more details go to deda.uk.com Studio 61 – Karina Goodman Gallery, Leashaw, Holloway This year the gallery will stage an exhibition in aid of a charity each month (see page 62 for full details for the year) February’s Fundraising Exhibition is aid of the Alzheimer’s Society and is celebrating the beauty of the Peak District. There will be work by Karina Goodman, John Connolly, Ruth Gray, Natasha Braithwaite, Sandy Hillyer, Valerie Dalling, Jenny Oldknow, Martin Davis, Frances Daunt, Martin Sloman, Sharon Lysinger, Dianna Lee and Caroline Appleyard The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday 10-5 and on Wednesdays by appointment only . For more information about the gallery go to karinagoodman.com Ingleby Gallery, Ingleby, Nr Melbourne The gallery is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 10am-5pm and weekends from noon-5pm.Go

Ruth Gray, among others, will be exhibiting work at Studio 61 in Holloway in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society this month

to ingleby-gallery.co.uk for more information. Buxton Museum and Art Gallery Quarried is a thought provoking exhibition of large scale, colour photographs of the quarries and works around Buxton in the Peak District taken by local photographer Colin Shaw. The Peak District is a popular location for landscape photographers who often show the pristine natural beauty of the area. The usual images are devoid of human activity concentrating

Quarried is an exhibition of large scale photographs of works around Buxton by Colin Shaw at the town’s Museum and Art Gallery

instead on the picturesque. Colin’s photographs show the quarries and works associated with modern day mineral extraction. Industry on this scale has a huge visual impact which many do not like The preview is at 2pm on Saturday February 6. There will a chance to meet the artist on February 27 and March 19 which is the last day of the exhibition. Tarpey Gallery, High Street, Castle Donington A new collection of paintings by Wirksworth artist Tim Ball, until March 20. See more details on page 25.The gallery is open Thursday to Sunday 10am-5pm. More information at tarpeygallery.com Gallerytop, Chatsworth Road, Rowsley The gallery exhibits painting, limited edition prints, sculpture, ceramics, glass and jewellery. They also curate several exhibitions a year, presenting some of the very best artwork available in the UK. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm. More details at gallerytop.co.uk Ferrers Gallery, Staunton Harold Estate, Ashby de la Zouch Can’t See The Wood for the Trees, until March 20, an exhibition of woodwork, furniture and treeinspired craftsmanship. See more details about one of the exhibitors on page 25. Ferrers Gallery is open 11-5pm Tuesday – Sunday (Closed Mondays except bank holidays). For more details go to ferrersgallery. co.uk Chatsworth House n Peak District Artisans’ Chatsworth Extravaganza – An exhibition of work by 35 members of the PDA in the Burlington Room at the Stables, Chatsworth, until March 13. Go to peakdistrictartisans.co.uk for further information. n Never A Bore, a collection of rarely seen and intimate photographs of the late Dowager

agenda detailed paintings of popular native wildlife and exotic big game. Open 10am-5pm Tuesday to Saturday. More details at richardwhittlestone. co.uk Etienne Gallery at In The Flow, Crown Square, Matlock For the latest exhibitions go to jasonetienne.com The Gallery, High Street, New Mills

The photography of Tony Fisher can be seen at the Air Arts exhibition at the Royal Derby Hospital

Duchess, Deborah Devonshire by Cecil Beaton, from March 19. More details on page 24. Royal Derby Hospital, Air Arts, Level 5 Acute Building Impressions, the Air Arts spring exhibition featuring work by local artists is on from January 26. It is quite simply about people and the stories they have to tell. One of the artists exhibiting is photographer Tony Fisher. He says: “My photographs aim to capture the moment of life; many are quirky and humorous, emotional, abstract and intense but all have a relevant and significant meaning. They make the viewer re assess their world around them and perhaps not take everything for granted.” For more details go to airarts.net Cromford Mill, Cromford More details for all events at cromfordmills.org.uk The Mustard Seed Cafe, Market Street, Chapel-en-le-Frith A new gallery displaying art and craftwork from seven local professional artists. There will be a range of original paintings and prints, hand-made

glassware and textiles, organic cosmetics and cards, all at affordable prices and much of it unique. Open mornings Monday to Saturday. Little London Gallery, Church Street, Holloway Gallery open from 10am-5pm Wednesday to Saturday. For more information go to littlelondongallery. co.uk

The gallery is run collectively by 30 artists and showcases a variety of work including paintings, jewellery, silk scarves, ceramics and feltwork. Open 10-4pm. Closed Wednesday and Sunday. Two Birds Gallery, Borough Street, Castle Donington A new gallery being opened by Melonie Anderson, formerly of the Buzz Gallery and HWR Designs on February 4. Open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am-5pm. West Studios, Sheffield Road, Chesterfield n David Robinson Woodcraft, until February 5. Bolsover based David Robinson shares his beautiful work. n Chesterfield artist Arwyn Quick – Off Peak Views, February 12-March

Jarva Gallery, Market Street, Whaley Bridge The gallery is a stockist for Emma Bridgewater ceramics. The gallery is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9.30am-5pm and on Saturdays from 9.30am-4pm. More details at jarvagallery.com. North End Gallery, North End Instititue Building, Wirksworth Contemporary arts and crafts by new and emerging artists plus vintage treasures, posters, paintings, postcards. Email northendnostalgia@yahoo.co.uk for future events. The Richard Whittlestone Wildlife Gallery, Pilsley, near Chatsworth Richard Whittlestone Wildlife Gallery is home to the artist’s stunningly

Chesterfield artist Arwyn Quick has an exhibition at West Studios which is part of Chesterfield College

agenda 11. For more details go to the studios’ facebook page WestS41. The Derwent Gallery, Main Road, Grindleford The gallery is open Thursday to Sunday, 10am-4pm, in the winter. Go to derwentgallery.com for more details. The Old Station Gallery, Peak Shopping Village, Rowsley n Off The Press – An array of printmaking techniques will be on show in the exhibition including drypoint, collagraphs, linoprints and screenprints. Artists included in the show are Laine Tomkinson and Georgia Peskett, until February 3. n Structured In Vision – work by Rachel Carter, Heather Duncan, Steve Gresham, Rachael Pinks and Kerri Pratt, from February 20-March 23. The gallery is open Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday from 11am-4pm. Check for any updates at peakshoppingvillage.com The Green Man Gallery, Buxton n Until February 3 – The Winter Collection by Green Man members. A special exhibition inspired by winter weather by the 12 artists who run the gallery. n February 5-March 2 – River Sett Installation by Catherine Finn. Using natural objects found on walks along the River Sett, Cath’s fascinating installation depicts the journey of the river as a metaphor for her own personal and physical journey in recent years. Launch party: February 5, 7pm to 9pm. All welcome. n There is also an ever-changing exhibition of original work by gallery members and guest designer makers from across Derbyshire. For details see the gallery’s facebook page, greenmangallery.com or contact hello@thegreenmangallery. com or 07977 956707. Smoothie Art Gallery, Ilkeston Over 20 local artists displaying a wide selection of original paintings,

Kerri Pratt is exhibiting in the Structured In Vision show at the Old Station Gallery, Rowsley

prints and photographs for sale at reasonable prices in an open exhibition. For more details go to uchoosesmoothie.co.uk Derby Museum and Art Gallery Shellshock: Headway Derby Responses to World War One, until February 21. An exhibition of paintings by members of Headway Derby, an organisation which supports people with brain injuries. In a project responding to the First World War, the group took inspiration from art, poetry, photographs and letters to create work, which resonates with their own experiences of head injury. More details at derbymuseums.org Sir Richard Morris Lounge, Cathedral Centre, Derby The Secret Cathedral: Derby Cathedral in a New Light by Ewan Mathers can be seen from February 1-29 from 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday. For more details about Ewan’s exhibition and his work turn to page 32. Open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, closed Sundays. Gallery 23, The Colonnade, Buxton The gallery features work by various

artists including Steve Capper, Peter Stanaway, Clare Allan, Richard Clare, Caroline Appleyard, Peter Aitchison and Christine Ormsby. More details at gallery23.co.uk Kunst Gallery, on the A517 at Hulland Ward Exhibiting contemporary work and 1970s screenprinted posters. The gallery is open 10am-4pm Friday to Sunday. Hall of Frames, King Street, Belper Original and limited edition artwork from a variety of artists. More details at hallofframes.co.uk Cromford Gallery and Studio, Market Place, Cromford Belper artist Andy Mayers is exhibiting during February and the featured maker for the month is Sue Gorman. See more details on page 25. The gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday 10am-5pm. Go to cromfordstudioandgallery.weebly. com for details. Foxlowe Arts Centre, Foxlowe, Leek Fragments brings together bold and thought-provoking three-dimensional installations by Tracey Cartlidge and Danusha Komar. Until February 13 at the gallery, upstairs at the Foxlowe Arts Centre. It is open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-4pm. Banks Mill Studios, Bridge Street, Derby n Now and Then – a solo exhibition

Work by Tracey Cartlidge can be seen at Foxlowe Arts Centre

agenda by printmaker Lesley Warrington. See more details on page 24. n Drypoint – a solo exhibition by Alan Jenkins. His artistic origins are as a sculptor and landscapes and seascapes are his major sources of inspiration. Some of the work has also been made for use as visual scores, to inspire musicians to perform as improvised music. He says dry point cutting on copper, steel or zinc plate, using various tools to create line and texture, has a strong connecting link with his sculpture and drawing interests The exhibition is being staged by Green Door Printmaking Studio in the corridor space at Banks Mill and will be on until February 24. Whynot Gallery, Lichfield Street, Burton upon Trent Check out all the latest events, workshops and exhibitions on the gallery’s facebook page whynotgalleryuk Rainbow Gallery, DH Lawrence Centre, Eastwood For details go to dhlawrenceheritage. org or tel: 01773 717353. Opus Gallery, St John Street, Ashbourne There will be an exhibition of work by various artists in February and March. Go to opusgalleryashbourne. com for opening times. QUAD Derby Silent Signal is an ambitious group exhibition that brings six artists working with animation together with six leading biomedical scientists, to create experimental animated artworks exploring new ways of thinking about the human body. It is being staged from Feburary 6-March 6. These six new commissions explore how the immune system functions, how disease is spread and how our genetic code can be manipulated. Each work is the result of an artist having closely collaborated with a scientist for two years to produce an

Drypoint is an exhibition by Alan Jenkins at Banks Mill Studios in Bridge Street, Derby

artistic response to their scientific research. AfterGlow by boredomresearch with Dr Paddy Brock (University of Glasgow) reveals the intimate relationship between disease and its environment. Sleepless by Ellie Land with Professor Peter Oliver (University of Oxford) is an exploration of the links now being discovered between sleep and mental health. Battle of Blister by Genetic Moo with Dr Neil Dufton (Imperial College London) is an immersive film that takes the viewer on a fantastic voyage through the inflammation process. Loop by Samantha Moore with Dr Serge Mostowy (Imperial College London) is about what can be seen and what cannot, how scientists imagine their work and how they describe it. Immunecraft by Eric Schockmel with Dr Megan MacLeod (University of Glasgow) adopts the form of a video game trailer to present a fictional game which gives users agency over a real life cell culture to compete against opponent players, raising questions about bioethics. The Signal and the Noise by

Charlie Tweed with Dr Darren Logan (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute) exposes the parallels between computer coding and genetic coding in humans and animals, and draws upon the latest advances in DNA sequencing technology to question the ethics of fixing genetic code. Go to derbyquad.co.uk for further information. Patchings Art Centre, Oxton Road, Calverton 61st Annual Exhibition by the North and East Midlands Photographic Federation until February 14. More details at patchingsartcentre. co.uk Baslow Pottery, Ivy House, Nether End, Baslow The gallery displays original work from more than 20 local artists. Wednesday to Saturday, 10.30am5.30pm and 11am-5pm on Sundays and bank holidays. More details at baslowpottery.co.uk.

Comedy

Buxton Opera House n Brian Conley, Alive and Dangerous, February 7, 8pm. See more on page 19. n Adam Hills, Clown Heart, February 21, 8pm. n Tom Stade, You’re Welcome (for ages 16 and over only), February 25, 7.30pm. n Stewart Francis, Pun Gent, (for ages 16 and over only), February 27, 8pm. More information from buxtonoperahouse.org.uk Funhouse Comedy Club n Branston Golf & Country Club, Burton Road, Branston, Paul Kerensa, Danny Ward and Mark Nelson, with compere Carl Jones, February 25, doors 7.30pm show 8pm. n The Blessington Carriage, Chapel Street, Derby, Dylan Gott, Caimh McDonnell, Zahra Barri, Alex Oliver with Callum Oakley with compere

agenda Spiky Mike, February 1. Chris Martin, Lucy Frederick, Howard Walker, Richard Quarmby, Harry Stachini, Andrew McBurney and Rich Stokes with compere Spiky Mike, February 15. Both shows’ doors 7.45pm and start 8.15pm. More details funhousecomedy.co.uk Escape Comedy Club, Escape Yoga Studios, Olde English Road, Matlock Check out escapecomedyclub on Facebook for more details.

Theatre

Derby Theatre n The Great Gatsby, The glittering decadence of America’s Jazz Age is brought to life in this sizzling new stage adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece. February 9-13, 7.30pm with matinees at 2.30pm on Wednesday and Saturday. n Derby East Scout and Guide Gang Show, Flying High 2016. February 17-20, 7.15pm Wednesday to Friday at on Saturday at 1.30pm and 6pm. n Tadpoles from the M6 Theatre Company, a highly visual show for families, February 28, 12 and 2pm. More details at derbytheatre.co.uk Derby Theatre Studio n Land of Our Fathers, set around six Welsh miners trapped in a coal mine as Margaret Thatcher gets elected on May 3 1979. February 5 and 5 at 8pm. n Locus Amoenus, a new work from the Catalan theatre company Atresbandes and produced by Outer Circle Arts, February 12, 8pm. n A Machine They’re Secretly Building – two people speak up and speak out lifting the veil on the insidious machine of surveillance, February 13, 8pm. n Transports from Pipeline Theatre. It is the 1970s and a spiky 15-year-

This family show is on at the Guildhall Theatre and Buxton Opera House this month

old finds herself shunted into her final foster home with a widowed foster mother who has a foreign accent and a trunk full of secrets from World War Two. February 26, 8pm. n Punching the Sky, written by Lizi Patch, a new play about porn, parenting and pressure, February 27, 8pm. Guildhall Theatre, Derby n The Best Thing – a swinging sixties story of unconditional love from Vamos Theatre, the UK’s leading full mask theatre company, February 3-4. n Red Dragonfly and Grist to the Mill present Diao Chan, The Rise of the Courtesan – a play which has been described as a Chinese Macbeth, February 11, 7.30pm. n The People’s Theatre Company present How The Koala Learnt to Hug – a family musical. Sunday February 14. More information from derbylive.co.uk Live and Local – Drama at various locations across the county n Oliver Twist presented by Red Earth Theatre. See a trailer to the production by scanning the QR code on the right. Belper School Theatre, February 10, 7.30pm tickets 07743

957017; Melbourne Assembly Rooms, February 11, 7.30pm, tickets 01332 863522 and Hilton Village Hall, February 13, 2pm, tickets 01283 730300. n Dracula presented by Rabbit Theatre, Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton, February 25, 7.30pm, tickets 01332 875350. Community Theatre, Belper School Legally Blonde, the musical, February 17-20, from Belper Musical Theatre. Follow the story of Elle Woods and her challenge to win back the affection of her high school boyfriend Warner Huntingdon III. This show is also at the Guildhall Theatre in Derby from March 2-5. The Partington Players Theatre, Henry Street, Glossop n My Brilliant Divorce from the Hyde Festival Theatre Company, February 7, 8pm. A studio production in the clubroom. n Godfrey’s Last Love, (from Bring Me Sunshine) February 19, 7:30 pm. Presented by Talking Stock Productions. More details at partingtonplayers.org.uk Strutts Community Centre, Belper Fish and Chips from the Mardle Hen Theatre Company, February 18-20, 7.30pm with a matinee at 2.30pm on the Saturday. Buxton Opera House, Buxton n Casting the Runes, two ghost stories by M R James, February 5, 7.30pm. n Flare Path by Terence Rattigan, February 10-13. See more details on page 31. n The People’s Theatre Company present How The Koala Learnt to Hug – a family musical, February 17, 11.30am and 2.30pm. n Lysistrata from Actors of Dionysus, a high octane and bang up-to-date take on the Ancient Greek classic,

agenda The Sea and MissImp – a live improvised theatre show with a fuzzy line between audience and performer. February 26, 7.30pm. Live and Local Blast from the Past presented by Spiltmilk Dance, a fast-paced nostalgic laugh-out-loud dance performance game show celebrating seven decades of British pop culture. Heritage High School, Clowne, February 26, 7pm, tickets 01246 575912. Buxton Opera House, Buxton The Tortoise and the Hare from Northern Ballet, a family show on February 15 at 2pm, 4pm and 6pm. Dracula presented by Rabbit Theatre and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Church Wilne for Live and Local can be seen at the Duchess Theatre Long Eaton on February 25

February 24, 7.30pm. Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton n Emus: Hairspray, February 4-6, 7.30pm with a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday. n Arcade Players present Alan Ayckbourn’s How The Other Half Loves, February 10-13, 7.30pm. n Long Eaton Operatic Society’s Youth Group, Wizard of Oz, February 18-20, 7.30pm with a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday. n Derby Gilbert and Sullivan Company: Give My Regards to Broadway, February 26 and 27, 7.30pm. More details at duchess-theatre.com Christ Church Belper The annual pantomime by the Christ Church Player is Aladdin and you can see it from February 4-6, 7.30pm with a matinee on the Saturday at 2.30pm. For tickets contact 01773 824974.

Dance

Déda Derby n 2Faced Dance: Dreaming in Code. Award-winning choreographer

Tamsin Fitzgerald and Eddie Kay for Frantic Assembly present Dreaming in Code, an explosive,visceral, brand-new double bill performed by one of the UK’s most innovative male dance companies, a breathtaking collision of kinetically charged dance and theatre. February 11, 7.30pm. n Shiny, presented by Turned On Its Head is a dazzling new show for children aged from six months to four years and their grown-ups. February 19, 11am and 2pm. n LeDéDa Burlesque Cabaret, presented by Scarlett Daggers and Déda. Produced by racy redhead Scarlett Daggers and compèred by lyrical lothario Stage Door Johnny, the duo host a flirtatious night of fun that will leave you hot under the collar. February 20, 8pm. n Presented by Déda and U.Dance Derbyshire, Interface 16 will showcase the best youth dance talent from schools and community groups across Derby and Derbyshire. February 23 and 24, 7.30pm. n Interrobang 4 The Quest for Peace presented by Furthest From

Classical Music

Buxton Opera House, Buxton n Tarantara Productions present HMS Pinafore and Iolanthe. A cast of some of the country’s finest singers along with a 26-piece orchestra present two very special concert performances from Gilbert and Sullivan. Conductor Martin Handley. HMS Pinafore on February 3 at 7.30pm and February 6 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm and Iolanthe on February 4 and 5 at 7.30pm. n The Russian State Ballet and Opera House presents Madam Butterfly by Puccini, February 8, 7.30pm. n La Voce, the UK’s answer to Il Divo is coming to Buxton for an incredible new show. February 23, 7.30pm.More details at buxtonoperahouse.org.uk Derby Chamber Music Eblana String Trio, with Andrew Dunlop (piano) and Ria Nolan (double bass), Vaughan Williams: Piano Quintet in C Minor; Gideon Klein: String Trio and Schubert: Piano Quintet in A, D667 The Trout. February 5. All concerts at the Multi-Faith Centre, University of Derby, 7.30pm. For more information go to derbychambermusic.org

agenda Music at Duffield n January 30, Bemrose Bursary Recital, Sid Ramchander (piano). All concerts are at the main hall of Ecclesbourne School, Duffield at 7.30pm. n The Thorne Trio, February 20. A versatile wind group of graduates of the Royal College of Music. For more details go to musicatduffield. com Matlock Music Society Live Music in the Dales, Highfields School, Lumsdale The Gagliano Ensemble, February 26. The programme is Bach Sonata in C Minor for Violin and Piano BWV 1017; Mozart Duet for Violin and Viola in B flat Major KV424 Andante Cantabile Movement; Ravel Sonata for Violin and Piano and the Schumann Piano Quartet The Gagliano Ensemble plays regularly throughout the UK as duo, string trio, string quintet, piano trio, piano quartet and piano quintet. More details at matlockmusic.org.uk

Spoken word

Matlock Storytelling Cafe IMatlock Storytelling Cafe takes place on the first Friday of each month at the Imperial Rooms in Matlock. Doors usually open at 6.30pm with stories starting at 7.30pm. There is always cake available at the Cafe along with various hot beverages. It is fine for you to take your own alcohol. More details on 01629 580023. The Tea Chest, George Street, Buxton Spoken Words – original poetry and short stories, open mic 7.45pm10pm, first Tuesday of every month. Contact Julian Cohen 07713246391. Scrivener’s Secondhand Books, Buxton Storytelling Sundays: The free meetings will be held on the second Sunday of the month 2pm to 3.30pm, at Scrivener’s Books, 42 High

Poet and performer Mark Wynne Jones is launching a new evening of spoken word at the Barley Mow pub in Bonsall

Street, Buxton. For details telephone 0129871622. The Barley Mow, Bonsall A new evening of spoken work has been launched this year. Muse – an evening of lyrical delights is being hosted on the third Thursday of the month by poet and performer, Mark Gwynne Jones who says it promises to be an exciting mix of comedy, tragedy and iridescent ideas from voices past and present. He says it will take the form of a Dead Poet’s Jukebox, where writers are invited to share a favourite piece of their own work alongside something they find pertinent, poignant or inspiring from a past writer. The evening is open to everyone, there is no entry fee and those wishing to read or perform just sign up on the night. The floor slots are limited to five minutes per reader, including the reader’s contribution to the Dead Poets Jukebox. Take a poem, a song, a favourite book or just go along to drink, heckle or muse. More details go to markqwynnejones.com

Derby Poetry Society Susan Wilkins reads Alfie. Susan lives in Matlock with eight cats and writes children’s poety. February 12, Room 3, Friends’ Meeting House, Derby, 7.30pm. Meeting fee £2. Members £1. Buxton Opera House, Buxton n Dr John Cooper Clarke, February 6, 7.30pm. More details on page 17. n An evening with Catherine Destivelle – from Bouldering to Mountaineering, presented by Buxton Adventure Festival, February 24, 7.30pm. Guildhall Theatre, Derby Andy Kirkpatrick, Cold Mountain. A unique storyteller and comedian. In this new tour Andy takes up where last finished arriving in Antarctica dreaming of climbing the hardest mountain in the world. February 20, 8pm.

Cinema

Buxton Film, Pavilion Arts Centre, Buxton n Nanook of the North (U), February 3. n Of Horses and Men (15) February 4, in the Old Hall Hotel. n Tangerines (15), February 11. n The Tales of the Princess Kaguya (U), February 18, 2.30pm. All screenings start at 7.30pm unless stated and advanced booking is recommended. n The Buxton Festival of World Cinema is being staged from March 25-April 1. Further information from buxtonfilm.org.uk Bakewell and Ashfield Film Society La Famille Belier, comedy, music drama, February 14. Second Sunday of the month, Medway Centre, Bakewell, 7.30pm. More details at bashfilms.org.uk Tansley Film Community Cinema, Tansley Village Hall Woman in Gold (12A) Seat

agenda reservations essential at book@ tansleyfilm.org.uk. More information at tansleyfilm.co.uk Peak Film Society, Partington Players Theatre Glossop More details peakfilmsociety.org Tideswell Cinema, The George Inn, Tideswell For more details about this group turn to page 28 for a special feature. Live theatre, opera, ballet broadcasts and films. More details tideswellcinema.com Cinema@Spring Bank Arts, New Mills Go to springbankarts.org.uk for details. QUAD, Derby Nine new films from Japan will be

screening in QUAD Cinema, Derby, as part of the Japan Foundation UK’s Touring Film Programme. n The Cowards Who Looked To The Sky (18) February 12 at 7:00pm. n The Elegant Life Of Mr. Everyman (12A) February 13 at 12:30pm. n A Farewell To Jinu (12A) February 13 at 3:00pm n Uzumasa (Limelight) (12A) February 13 at 6:20pm. n The Letters (12A) February 13 at 8:45pm n Cheers From Heaven (PG) February 14 at 2pm n A Japanese Tragedy (15) February 14 at 4:30pm n Sarusuberi: Miss Hokusai (12A) February 14 at 6:45pm n Anthem Of The Heart (PG)

contact us If you would like your event to be included on our agenda pages simply email details to: events@arts-beat.co.uk by the 10th of the month prior to the month of publication. The listings only cover the month(s) on the dateline. The July/ August and December/January editions are combined. If you would like to be certain of Celebrating the arts in Derbyshir e and the Peak District FRE getting a copy of artsbeat magazine E each month you can subscribe and we will send it to you for just the February 2016 cost of post and packaging. To subscribe for ten issues send your name and the address where Comedian you want artsbeat delivered, to: The Isy Suttie’s Editor, artsbeat, Derbyshire memories 19 Nottingham Road, Belper, Derbyshire, DE56 1JG, with a Claywirks cheque for £14 made payable to potters throw A Penman. down challenge artsbeatblog.com

Do you want to get your Author wins message about your business to book deal in literary X-Factor our 21,000-plus readers? Email advertising@arts-beat.co.uk Music, theatre, gallery, film and worksh for details of our advertising op listings rates or phone 07872 066719 to discuss your ideas. More details about the publication can be found at artsbeatblog.com

February 14 at 8:55pm. Go to derbyquad.co.uk for more details.

Miscellaneous

Green Man Gallery, Buxton A Spring Gathering – Exhibition March 4-30. An opportunity for local artists at any stage in their career to showcase some of their work at The Green Man Gallery during March and top make connections with other artists in the area. This is not a competition but a celebration of the variety of visual art currently being created in Buxton and the High Peak. Open to artists in any 2D or 3D medium. Maximum two art works per artist (depending on size). The work should have been created within the last three years. You must be over 18 to enter. Please email hello@ thegreenmangallery.com for full details and an entry form. Submission of forms by February 11. Delivery of work by February 29. There will be a launch and networking party on March 4 at 7pm to 9.30pm Lady Manners School, Bakewell The school is looking for creatives in all media to display their work at the forthcoming Art and Craft Fair to be held on May 14 and 15 at the school. There are over 40 stalls available This is an excellent opportunity for local creators to show their work to the public, talk about their creativity and for the public to buy directly from the artist/craftsperson. The school wants to foster creativity in the community and utilising the school facilities has the bonus of encouraging young people’s appreciation of art and craft. For further information and to register your interest please email: parentsassociationlms@gmail.com Deadline for applications: April 8 and applicants will be notified by April 15.

While every effort is made to ensure agenda listings are accurate and up-to-date readers are advised to check with the venue before travelling, as no responsibility can be accepted for changes to programmes, errors or omissions

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