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artsbeatblog.com
July & August 2018
Pollyanna Pickering – A TRIBUTE
Buxton Festival’s Fringe benefits Peak Artisans getting crafty Celebrating the arts in Derbyshire and the Peak District
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HOUSE GARDEN FARMYARD SHOP & EAT STAY
d u o L t Art Ou
Linder Sterling
Lubaina Himid
Talks by artists, curators and writers
21 – 23 September 2018
Alice Rawsthorn
This year Art Out Loud features over 30 speakers including 2017 Turner Prize-winner Lubaina Himid, Chatsworth artist-in-residence Linder Sterling and award-winning design critic Alice Rawsthorn. For more information and to book tickets, please visit chatsworth.org/aol
Great Dome Art and Design Fair 13th July - 15th July 2018 Fri 6.30pm - 8.30pm Sat-Sun 10am - 5pm Devonshire Dome, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6RY Over 50 Artisan Stalls Handmade Products Original Artwork Unique Gifts Artists’ Postcard Raffle
Why not attend an illustrated talk or demo? Free
Saturday 14th July RITA CHANG BRETT PAYNE NATASHA BRAITHWAITE SUE PRINCE JANET MAYLED LIZ WELLBY
Free
Sunday 15th July TEMIMA CRAFTS SARAH MORLEY IAN DAISLEY ROB WILSON GILES DAVIES JOANNA ALLEN
See website for times and details:
peakdistrictartisans.co.uk
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THE BUXTON SPA PRIZE 2018
Art Exhibition 1st to 31st July Daily 10:30 to 5:30
The Green Man Gallery Hardwick Hall, Buxton Spa SK17 6PY. 01298 937 375
Exhibition & Prize Sponsors
BuxtonSpaPrize.co.uk
Trevor Osborne Charitable Trust
The Bingham Trust
Bill & Sheila Barratt
The Riley Educational Foundation
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No. The Square
Tearooms & Accommodation
Art w o rk : K ie r a n In g r a m - L ig h twood, D ar k Water High l y Co mmen de d & T h e B u x to n Sp a P r iz e P eople’s C hoice 2017
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In conversation
Music
9 Painter and gallery-owner Martin Sloman gets an artsbeat High Five 32 COVER STORY: Daughter’s tribute to artist Pollyanna Pickering 40 Ray Sylvester’s intricate wooden boxes are sure to amaze you
51-54 The best of the region’s classical, folk, jazz, pop and rock
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Stage 47-50 Theatre, dance, comedy and storytelling on a stage near you artsbeat July & August 2018
editor’s letter
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59 Festivals 13 Patchings marks quarter-century with 250-strong line-up of artists 21 Packed programme of talent at this year’s Buxton Festival Fringe 45 Fantasy, horror and sci-fi event 59 Melbourne recalls salad days artsbeat July & August 2018
Many of us work hard during our lives aiming to leave behind something worthwhile that will benefit others. Few of us will achieve anything close on the remarkable legacy left by Derbyshire wildlife artist Pollyanna Pickering. Sadly Pollyanna died at the end of March after a short illness, depriving Derbyshire of one of its best-loved artists whose work is known across the globe. It would have been her 76th birthday in July, so this month her daughter and business partner Anna-Louise has paid tribute to her mother and the marvellous work she Amanda Penman did for the conservation and welfare of the natural world via the Pollyanna Pickering Foundation. Anna-Louise is determined to carry on the work of the foundation so that her mother’s legacy lives on for years to come. It’s a huge task but one she will be able to do admirably, thanks to everything she learnt from her mother. Please note the editorial and advertising booking deadline for September is August 10. email: advertising: advertising@arts-beat.co.uk editorial: editor@arts-beat.co.uk telephone: 07872 066719 post: 19 Nottingham Road, Belper DE56 1JG website: artsbeatblog.com While every effort is made to ensure 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. artsbeat2
@artsbeat
Putting Derbyshire first: artsbeat is published by Penman Publishing, 19 Nottingham Road, Belper and printed by Buxton Press
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EYE-SPY!
Cromford Gallery’s Martin Sloman celebrates five successful years
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n his drive home from a day demonstrating watercolour painting at Cromford Mill artist Martin Sloman spied out of the corner of his eye a To Let sign. Part of the old bakery on Cromford’s Market Place was artsbeat July & August 2018
looking for a new tenant and Martin immediately started dreaming of having his own studio and gallery. The more he thought about it the more he knew he couldn’t resist the challenge. He had been involved in organising pop-up galleries and selling
his work at craft fairs and several Derbyshire galleries so he figured he would know the basics and with a bit of hard graft he would be able to make a success of it. That was five years ago on August 31 and since then he has certainly established the
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ST JOHN STREET GALLERY Contemporary Fine Art
A different way
ofby Zoepainting Marsh and Valerie Dalling
Pictured above:
August 6th-18th
PAinterly abstracts from the natural world by photographer VAlerie Dalling and the mixed-media Tiles inspired by the landscape of ceramicist Zoe Marsh y paintings y prints y glass y sculpture y ceramics
50 St John Street, Ashbourne, DE6 1GH 01335 347425 Monday to Saturday 9.30am-5pm enquiries@stjohngalleryandcafé.co.uk www.stjohngalleryandcafé.co.uk
Sponsors of the Ashbourne Festival Art Prizes
Martin is the latest artist to feature in artsbeat’s High Five series to mark the fifth anniversary of the magazine’s launch in 2013. Martin has always been a loyal supporter of artsbeat as an advertiser. For more details about his work and courses go to www. cromfordstudio andgallery. weebly.com
gallery as one of the best for local artists in the Derbyshire Dales. “When I saw the shop was empty I knew it would be perfect for what I wanted to do. I love its quirkiness and the fact that it has such a lot of history attached to it as part of the village’s old bakery,” said Martin. “When people come here they enjoy talking about it while they are looking at the work we are exhibiting. “I count myself very lucky to be able to work here surrounded by such a diverse range of work and meeting the lovely people who come in.” The gallery has two floors packed with paintings, ceramics and jewellery by more than 80 artists and makers. artsbeat July & August 2018
Venice by Night 3. Left, from top: The Cromford Canal; Scotland’s The Three Sisters and Eilean Donan Castle
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I’m very lucky to be surrounded by such a diverse range of work On the top floor Martin also has his studio and holds regular workshops and classes in watercolour painting. Martin, 68, who in a previous life was a manufacturing optician, has always been good at painting and says, with a modest grin, that at school he was normally top of the class at art. He was born and brought up in Derby and at the time he left school it was expected that he find himself an apprenticeship. Announcing that you were considering art was not an artsbeat July & August 2018
option, so he instead took a job with an optician and over the years worked his way up into the manufacturing side of the business. “I carried on painting as a hobby but it wasn’t until much later that I decided to take some classes in watercolour painting at Murray Park School in Mickleover. “I went through beginners’ and improvers’ classes and then my tutor said I had reached the stage where I was good enough to be teaching others. “He offered me the chance to run some classes and I have been there for about the last ten years now,” explained Martin, who also has classes at Boylestone Village Hall. Had he not been made redundant from his last job
in optics he may never have opened his gallery – but faced with having to look for a new job or take a different path he decided to make his passion his business. “I knew it would be tough as 2013 was not exactly the best time to be launching a gallery but I knew a lot of artists who wanted somewhere to exhibit their work and I had the classes to fall back on so I just thought it was now or never really. “I have not regretted it at all though, and am thrilled at how much so many people get out of what I do here.” Martin, whose own work is predominantly inspired by the landscapes of Derbyshire, Devon, Cornwall and Scotland, is a professional associate of the Society of All Artists.
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LIVE PANTOMIME PIRATE TALES TREASURE HUNT! COME
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Sun 29th July 11am-4pm www.peakshoppingvillage.co.uk Follow us:
Charles Evans Jean Haynes and David Bellamy who will be demonstrating their work in the 300-seater marquee
JOIN THE DEMO!
International flavour for arts festival celebrating its 25th anniversary
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atchings Arts Centre is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its annual festival this year with a diverse display of artists and an innovative programme of special events. Set in 60 acres of picturesque countryside and showcasing more than 250 of the finest artists, craft makers, designers and photographers, Patchings Festival 2018 offers a global range of talent and creativity. The four-day event from July 12-15 gives art enthusiasts, local people and families the opportunity to admire stunning works of wonderful diversity as well as shopping in a marquee packed with a huge range of art and craft materials. The festival is renowned for its combination of professional art from across the globe and will artsbeat July & August 2018
include talents such as glass blowing, stone work, pottery, ceramics, textiles and more. There will be more than 40 demonstrations and workshops taking place each day. In the guest marquee you will be able to see John Sprakes, David Curtis, Roger Dellar, Bruce Mulcahy, David Howell, Carne Griffiths and Soraya French; and in the 300-seater demonstration marquee you will be Anne Blockley, Hazel Soan, David Bellamy, Charles Evans and Jean Haines at different times over the three days. (There is an extra charge for these shows). Chas Wood, who owns the centre with his sister Liz, said: “This festival has an international feel as we have a lot of representation from various overseas companies in the art materials sector – many
having individual marquees with demonstrations and workshops. “The Mall Galleries, London, have approached us and are joining us for the first time. They are bringing a different artist with them each day. “Last year we introduced a section on printmaking and this year we have a printmaking marquee with a number of exhibitors including the wellknown Laura Boswell. “The majority of the demonstrations are free with the entrance ticket. This makes the Patchings Festival the largest practical outdoor art event in the country.” n The festival is open from 10am-5pm at Oxton Road, Calverton. Tickets cost from £9. For more details go to patchingsfestival.co.uk
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SCRIVENER’s SECONDHAND & ANTIQUARIAN BOOKS & BOOKBINDING 42 HIGH ST, BUXTON, SK17 6HB Tel: 01298 73100
Professional framer for 21 years offering expert advice. Artists’ range of moulding available.
Monday–Saturday 9.30am to 5pm Sundays 12pm to 4pm scrivbooks@hotmail.co.uk www.scrivenersbooks.co.uk
n Fine art prints & cards n Fine art photography n National Railway Museum posters Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm, closed Wednesday 22 Market Place, Wirksworth, DE4 4ET One of The Guardian’s 10 Best Bookshops
Tel: 01629 824994
wirksworthframing.co.uk
EXHIBITION BY TOP DERBYSHIRE LANDSCAPE ARTISTS
JAMES PRESTON, COLIN HALLIDAY AND PHIL DYKE Open: Thursday to Saturday 10.30am-5pm, Sunday 11am-3pm 3-5 Town Street, Duffield, Derbyshire telephone 01332 840845 mobile 07432 524 083 email jill.underwood59@gmail.com
www.duffieldartgallery.co.uk
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artsbeat July & August 2018
arena
All the latest news from the Derbyshire arts community Unusual twist to Hannah’s degree show design
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Derbyshire student has wowed guests at the opening night of her degree show with an unusual design for the set of opera La Boheme. Hannah Postlethwaite from Chesterfield is a final year student on the BA (Hons) Production Design for Stage and Screen degree at Cleveland College of Art and Design in Hartlepool. For her final major project Hannah, 21, was given an exclusive ‘live’ assignment by Opera North to design a theatre set for La Bohème. Hannah’s talent secured a week of work experience at Opera North with the prop making department during the second year of her degree in 2016. At the end of the week they so were so impressed by her they offered her a week’s paid work and then another three a few months later. Hannah said: “I learned a great deal while there; including just how fast you have to work. At college you might have the luxury of spending a couple of days or even a week making a prop, but in the real world you’ve got a couple of hours. “What I enjoy the most, aside from working with a great team, is the feeling I get artsbeat July & August 2018
The set designed for Opera North by Hannah, pictured below
knowing a piece of work I have made is being used on stage. I get a great buzz from that. “So I approached Opera North about my final major project, as I knew I wanted to do a theatre design. I had gained a good relationship with the people there so they were more than happy to get involved. They gave me an option of three operas to choose from and I chose La Bohème.” In a surprise twist, Hannah took the setting of the original romantic opera from 18th Century Paris to Havana in
1962 during the Cuban missile crisis as she felt it was a visually romantic city with dramatic architecture, music and art, which matches the passion of the original play set in France. Following the final model presentation, Opera North is now considering costing the whole show to see if it is within budget. Hannah said: “After focusing on my final presentation at the Opera North, which did require many 12 hour days at college and a lot of late nights, I then prepared for the degree show. It has been great to show my family and friends what I’ve been up to and celebrate with my course mates. It is very exciting.” After graduation, Hannah is planning to move back home to Chesterfield and begin her career as a freelance prop maker.
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n arena Publishing advice PENGUIN Random House will be coming to Nottingham on September 29 to host a free workshop for 50 writers and illustrators about how to get their book published. There will be advice and insights from industry experts. The event will give each attendee the unique opportunity to receive one-toone feedback from a Penguin Random House editor or designer on their manuscript or illustration. The application period is open until midnight on Monday, July 9, for writers, and midnight on Monday July 23, for illustrators. For further information about how to apply go to www.write-now. live The event is in partnership with Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature and Writing East Midlands.
Library changes SPONDON Library has become a Community Managed Library as Derby City Council hands the keys over to Direct Help and Advice (DHA). Councillor Alan Grimadell, cabinet member for leisure culture and tourism, said: “DHA, the local charity that will run it, will be working closely with the local community to tailor the services to suit the area.” Spondon is one of ten libraries the council will pass over to DHA. The others are: Allenton, Allestree, Bleagreaves, The Philip Whitehead Memorial Library at Chaddesden Park, Chellaston, Derwent, Mackworth and Springwood. More information on library services can be found on the In Derby website inderby. org.uk
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ART Out Loud at Chatsworth the only UK weekend festival of public talks about art, returns this September with a fascinating line-up of artists,curators, collectors and writers. As Chatsworth celebrates the completion of its biggest restoration and conservation project in 200 years, architecture and design feature in many of this year’s talks. Headline speakers include collage artist, punk icon and Chatsworth’s first artist-inresidence, Linder Sterling and
Art Out Loud
2017 Turner Prize-winner, Lubaina Himid, (pictured) who will be joined by art historian Dan Cruickshank and architect John Pawson as well as, among others, Idris Khan, Amanda Levete and RIBA 2017 Stirling Prize winner Alex de Rijke Tickets for the event from September 21-23, are available now at chatsworth. org/aol. Visitors can either purchase tickets to individual talks or opt for day tickets.
Ceramic wall LUMSDALE ceramicist Ann Bates has collaborated with an Italian arts organisation to produce a piece of work for a special installation. The cultural association Arte per Voi, along with Avigliana in north-west Italy, invited ceramicists to create a weatherproof tile to be included as part of a Wall installation located in the centre of the beautiful medieval town. “I was excited to hear of this
opportunity and wanted my work to be a part of the wall. I have made a 20x20cms glazed stoneware tile impressed with the shape of oak leaves,” she said. artsbeat July & August 2018
n arena Dream come true BUXTON International Festival’s leading role in creating the theatre professionals of the future will be centre stage in July when the British premiere of an opera is directed by local man Mark Burns – who began his career as a 12-year-old in the event’s youth programme. Taking part in a children’s opera led Mark to a career in musical theatre, working extensively as a director and assistant with The Royal Opera, Glyndebourne, English Touring Opera, Opera North, Royal Academy Opera, Silent
New poetry press NEW Mills poet, Isabelle Kenyon ihas launched Fly on the Wall Poetry Press, an independent literary press for charitable anthologies. Her own first anthology was awarded runner-up for Best Anthology at the Saboteur Awards in May. Please Hear What I’m Not Saying consisted of the diverse voices of 116 international poets all on the subject of mental health. All profits from the book go to UK mental health charities. Now Isabelle has launched her own poetry press to
Opera, Bury Court Opera and Opera Danube. Now 30, Mark is coming home to direct the British premiere of Tisbe, a rarely-performed but highly regarded-opera by Brescianello which will be performed by baroque music specialists La Serenissima as part of the Festival which runs from July 6 to 22. “This is the first time I’ve directed at the Festival,” said Mark. “It’s a dream come true. Buxton is where it all started for me. I was very lucky to grow up in a town where we had so much, when so many other towns in the North don’t.”
continue this charity work. Isabelle said: “Fly on the Wall Poetry Press has been created under the conviction that our words really do have power, and that as writers we can raise awareness of issues, and sway public opinion. “Currently I am looking for poems which respond to the theme of Outsiders. “If you feel passionate about something in society which makes you, or others, ‘outsiders’, I want you to write about it.” The submission call can be found at www. flyonthewallpoetry.co.uk
Military tattoo THE Devonshire Dome hosts the Buxton Military Tattoo on July 7, at 2pm and 7pm. The show features the bands of The Welsh Guards and The Mercian Regiment and will raise funds for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. The Waterloo Pipes and Drums will provide the skirl of the bagpipes. artsbeat July & August 2018
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gallerytop
Summer Exhibition
7 July – 5 August Paintings by Andrew Macara, Rex Preston, and more‌
www.gallerytop.co.uk
Gallerytop Chatsworth Road Rowsley Derbyshire DE4 2EH 01629735580 info@gallerytop.co.uk The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday 10..00 until 5.00 and on Sundays from 11.00 until 4.00
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artsbeat July & August 2018
n arena Debut arts trail SWADLINCOTE is staging its first ever arts trail in July. Organisers said the aim of the event is to strengthen the artistic community and find “interesting and creative solutions” to the lack of space for artists to exhibit in the town. They have been amazed at the positive response to their call out for artists and will be including live entertainment at the event on July 21 and 22.
Sharpe’s Pottery Museum the town hall and other venues along the high street will be hosting the artists who include printermaker Duncan Pass, painters Sue Gardner, Lor Bird, Paula Hallam and John Rattigan; ceramicist Terry Nason; Blasted Oak Art Pyrography and at lesat one of the organisers – textile artist Ami James. For more information on the various artists involved go to the organisation’s facebook page.
Circus traditions DERBY Festé has been extended to three days for the first time this year and has been inspired by the nationwide 250 years of Circus celebration. The festival from September 27-29 will see three performances of exciting and exhilarating circus by French company, Circa Tsuica, which is billed as a reinvention of circus traditions for the 21st century. For more information go to derbyfeste.com
Curlew crisis? AUTHOR Mary Colwell will re-live her 500-mile trek in search of clues to the growing threats facing one of the Peak District’s best-loved wild birds when she appears in Buxton International Festival’s book series on July 22. The writer stopped working at the BBC Natural History Unit to track down the truth behind catastrophic population figures which point to the extinction of the curlew from the UK. Her book Curlew Moon artsbeatJuly & August 2018
charts her fascination with the species which started during her childhood in the Staffordshire Moorlands – as well as the kindness of strangers who put her up during the walk from the boglands of Northern Ireland to the east coast of England. “I did this walk without any organisation behind me at all. What was powerful for me was that it’s not just the big guys who can get things done – we all can,” said Mary, Curlew Moon with Mary Colwell is on July 22, 11amnoon, Pavilion Arts Centre, Buxton.
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Great Dome Art and Design Fair
Over 50 Artisan Stalls Handmade Products Original Artwork
13th July - 15th July 2018 Fri 6.30pm - 8.30pm Sat-Sun 10am - 5pm
Unique Gifts Free Talks and Demos Artists’ Postcard Raffle
Devonshire Dome, Buxton Derbyshire SK17 6RY
peakdistrictartisans.co.uk
Art CafĂŠ, Pavilion Gardens, Buxton
Exhibition and sale of paintings, ceramics, textiles, glass, printmaking, wood, jewellery & photography inspired by patterns in nature.
4th July - 2nd Sept 10.30am - 4pm
High Peak Artists 20
Pavilion Gardens, Buxton, High Peak, Derbyshire SK17 6BE www.galleryinthegardens.co.uk Tel: 07849 673058
artsbeat July & August 2018
THINK FRINGE
Guy: A New Musical is staged at Underground at the Arts Centre Studio on July 12
B
uxton Festival Fringe is preparing for another bumper event with 181 entrants, as performers now see it as part of the BrightonBuxton-Edinburgh circuit. The comedy section is the biggest ever and is packed with originality. Look out for Australian stand-up Adam Vincent, award-winning spinster agony aunt Ms Samantha Mann, The Big Fat Running Show, punster Darren Walsh. Also performing are artsbeat July & August 2018
Hancock impressionist James Hurn, Covent Garden’s Mike Raffone, Nathan and Ida from The Dead Secrets, Fringe favourite Nathan Cassidy, Owen Roberts of The Beasts, award-winning Harriet Braine and Upstart Crow’s Rob Rouse. The Kagools, are back with their family-friendly, nonverbal comedy, a hoot from start to finish, and one half of The Kagools, Claire Ford will be doing some clowning of her own in her new show, Unboxed.
The other Kagool, Nicola Wilkinson, will also be stepping out as a solo act, her show, Happy, offering stand-up, party games and, intriguingly, pies. Comedy does not have to be frivolous, which is proven by Steve Day: Adventures in Dementia, a bittersweet exploration of his father’s Alzheimer’s and Mandy Toothill’s Twin Peaks, which finds the comic laughing in the face of breast cancer. Theatre treats include new
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Careena Fenton as Silvia Sceptre presents Phantasmagorical, performances are on July 9, 5.30pm, July 10,4.15pm, July 11,10pm and July 19,10pm at Underground at the Old Clubhouse
JILL CROSSLAND(PIANO) www.jillcrossland.com
“magnetic, delightful” Penguin Guide to CDs
Bach Beethoven Schubert Chopin
Sunday 8 July, 4 pm
Buxton URC
£6 concs-£5 U16-free 22
NoLogo Productions present A Beginner’s Guide to Populism at Underground at the Arts Centre on July 10 at 9.45pm and July 11, 18 and 20 at 9pm
artsbeat July & August 2018
Fring Spec e ial
Experience the thrill of Victorian era spritualism writing from award-winning James Beagon in Antigone Na H’Eireann; X Factor finalist Seann Miley Moore in Guy: A New Musical from the award-winning Marriage of Kim K team Leoe&Hyde; and NoLogo Productions present A Beginner’s Guide to Populism – a dark comedy following the fortunes of the political opportunists, zealots and spin doctors who jump on the bandwagon when the village of Little Middleton fights plans to become part of a garden city. The merrily-macabre Sylvia Sceptre presents Phantasmagorical, a show of spooky mind-reading and Victorian Spirit Theatre. This is as close as you will get to experiencing the thrills of the Golden Age of Spiritualism. You will witness a supernatural spectacle of stories and magic, swirling with dark whimsy. Sylvia Sceptre, is a character devised by Careena Fenton. She blends storytelling, drama and magic, ensuring this powerful piece of theatre resonates in the minds of the audience long after the performance is over. There will also be two plays from award-winning Sudden Impulse; comic monologues from Radio 4 writer Kate Perry, and Trapped – physical theatre inspired by the trapped Chilean miners – performed in Poole’s Cavern with moments of complete darkness. The Green Man Gallery – Buxton’s artist-run hub for all things cultural – has become an important player in the Theatre category at the Fringe with an eclectic collection of six plays artsbeat July & August 2018
X-Factor finalist Seann Miley Moore stars in Guy: A New Musical
this year. PB Theatricals return with Pint-Sized Pinafore, an abridged performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta which is on at the Rotunda as well as the Green Man Gallery, so there are plenty of opportunities to catch it. Music remains a major category with diverse attractions including jazz singer Annette Gregory, early music specialists Partita, acclaimed pianist Eden Walker, character musician Egriega, City of Manchester Opera,
Mr Simpson’s Little Consort, French countertenor Adrien Mastrosimone, Vision, a candlelit show of medieval music starring Blake 7’s actor Jan Chappell as Hildegard of Bingen and international pianist Jill Crossland, who will be making her Buxton debut with a recital on the United Reformed Church’s newly restored 19th century Broadwood piano. In smaller categories, the true variety of the Fringe becomes clear, with everything from
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Line
ic Michael Quine om last year’s Michael Sheath monologues to ng and thought he hidden story ee very different mfortable world ealing with the behaviour and omprehend what el guilty, but there .
A husband, a computer, on-line pornography and its effect on three different women
Crossing The Line by Michael Sheath
members wish performance the uestions.
‘A real winner’ – critic Michael Quine (The Wife’s Tale @ Buxton Fringe 2017)
Actress Joanna Lavelle explores the pain v July 12, 13 &14: The Palace Hotel, Buxton SK17 6AG v Tickets: Buxton Opera House Box Office www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk 01298 72190 or 07736 704664 www.pbtheatricals.co.uk
PB Theatricals Presents
19th July - 8:00pm
27th July - 7:30pm
28th July - 7:30pm
Green Man Gallery, Buxton
Medway Centre, Bakewell
Chapel Playhouse
20th July - 2:00pm & 8:00pm
29th July - 7:15pm
The Rotunda, Buxton
New Mills Arts Theatre
4th August - 7:15pm New Mills Arts Theatre
For tickets and more information email: pbtyouththeatre@gmail.com
Artsbeats Ad.indd 1
07/06/2018 16:41:35
PRESENTS
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artsbeat July & August 2018
Festival venues all across Buxton ... and beyond grumpy-old-man spoken word from The Glummer Twins; circus and street performance via Fit Up’s Fringe on the Market; Autopoiesis: an extraordinary art installation in the basement of a bungalow; major exhibitions such as the Derbyshire Open and the Great Dome Art Fair; an invitation to be entertained inside the historic Pump Room on Friday 13th, and some “disgusting” children’s songs courtesy of Radio 4 performer Jay Foreman. There are three managed venues this year – Underground Venues, The Rotunda and The Green Man Gallery, plus a great many events taking place around the town, in Poole’s Cavern and in the Pavilion Gardens as well as in outlying venues and occasionally in villages outside Buxton. Fringe chair Keith Savage said: “I saw my first Fringe event in 1990 but 28 years on the excitement of going through the programme picking out shows to go and see is as real as ever. For 2018 there are opportunities to see new faces to Buxton, catch up with those missed on previous visits as well as the pleasure of welcoming back friends from past festivals. “We are grateful for the continuing sponsorship of the University of Derby, and would like to thank the Trevor Osborne Charitable Trust and High Peak Borough Council for financial and practical support.” n A full list of events can be found on the Fringe website www.buxtonfringe.org.uk artsbeat July & August 2018
Mandy Toothill’s Twin Peaks laughs in the face of breast cancer
l Author Michael Sheath has now added two more monologues to The Wife’s Story from last year’s Fringe to create Crossing The Line, a powerful, moving and thought–provoking drama telling the hidden story of the effect of abuse on three very different women: the wife; the detective and the mother. All are played by actor Joanna Lavelle at The Palace Hotel on July 12, 13 and 14. l Presented by awardwinning company Certain Curtain Theatre, Woman on Fire recounts the turbulent life and times of Mrs Edith Rigby – mild-mannered doctor’s wife, with a secret identity – that of arsonist, bomber and jujitsu-trained militant suffragette, Burgage Institute, July 7 and 8. l Eglantyne is an inspiring new solo play about Eglantyne Jebb, the visionary, courageous, passionate, social reformer, human rights
LUC K DIP Y
pioneer and founder of Save the Children, The Old Clubhouse July 5, 11, 12 and 18. l Strife In A Northern Town is a fast-paced, funny play that tells the tale of the inhabitants of a random northern town, and how their lives begin to unravel due to the decisions of the local council. It stars Manchester based actors Jennifer Banks and Tracy Gabbitas. The Old Clubhouse, July 10, 11, 19 and 22. l Mrs Simpson’s Little Consort return with Purcell’s Sweet Torment – three afternoon recitals of songs and music by Henry Purcell, Monteverdi and Caccini. The “torment of love” is the theme. St Peter’s Church, July 20; St John’s Church July 21 and Eyam Parish Church, July, 22.
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Reincarnated rubbish Endangered and extinct
An exhibition of creative recycling by Val Hunt Saturday 16 June to Saturday 29 September 10am to 4pm The museum is open Monday and Thursday to Saturday. Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery St Mary’s Gate, Chesterfield. S41 7TD www.chesterfield.gov.uk/museum
Reincarnated rubbish A4.indd 1
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Free entry
17/05/2018 12:11:11
artsbeat July & August 2018
gallery
artsbeat previews this month’s stand-out exhibitions Summer show at Gallerytop, Rowsley
T
he gallery’s Summer Exhibition will include the work of two Derbyshire artists who each have international reputations and whose work is highly sought after. Rex Preston and Andrew Macara have established themselves as prominent artists over long careers. While complaining about the weather is a national pastime, Rex always makes the most of it, weaving his magic among the mists in locations such as Lathkill Dale and Millers Dale. Andrew’s recent paintings are all about light and colour, with his classic beach scenes and the joy of the sun (pictured right). Also exhibiting is John Paul Cooke, whose atmospheric paintings continue to be successful with many people who admire his calm, subdued
Exhibitions and galleries
Art Café and Gallery in the Gardens, Pavilion Gardens, Buxton The downstairs gallery showcases the work of more than 40 artists and craftspeople from the High Peak Artists group. In the cafe the group will have a Buxton Festival Fringe exhibition from July 4-September 2. Nature’s Patterns is an exhibition of paintings, printmaking, ceramics, jewellery, artsbeat July & August 2018
palette. Paul Stone is a regular exhibitor and his astounding still life paintings are immediately recognisable. The show includes artists from further afield. Becky Reed is based in East Anglia, where she produces lyrical and mysterious woodland paintings, with expressive washes.
Charlie O’Sullivan is hugely popular in her native Devon. Her narrative style and symbolism always intrigues viewers – so much so that Charlie provides a small drawing with her paintings to explain her inspiration. The exhibition opens on July 7 and runs until early August. For more details go to gallerytop.co.uk
glass, wood, and textiles. Go to galleryinthegardens.co.uk for details. The Art Room, Wilkin Hill, Barlow Looking Back – a solo exhibition featuring the work of textile artist Diane Gilder with textile art, paintings, iPad art prints and books. For details contact 0114 2890380. Banks Mill Studios, Derby n M.A.M Mothers. Artists. Mothers. July 2-27. n Derbyshire Abstracts, July 30-August 24. For more details go to banksmill.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. Burbage Art Group Exhibition, Burbage Institute Buxton The exhibition which is part of the Buxton Festival Fringe is on Saturday July 21, 11am-4pm. There’s something for everyone
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DERWENT GALLERY Fine Art and Picture Framing
ALL CREATURES Showing throughout July
paintings & drawings by Michael Cook ceramics by Mary Johnson stained glass by Juliet Forrest sculpture by Paul Smith & three owl pictures by John Rattigan
Manger Gallery The
A Walk in the Peaks An exhibition of landscape paintings by gallery artists Main Road, Grindleford, S32 2JN
Kings Newton, Derbyshire To view the work telephone Michael Cook on 01332 862365 or go to www.mangergallery.co.uk
LEABROOKS GALLERY
Opening times: Thursday to Saturday11am-4pm and Sundays 1pm-4pm
www.derwentgallery.com
John Connolly Art Commissions, workshops and one-to-one tuition
Poets and Punks Carol Barton-Jones July 7th-August 3rd
Work that looks at the power of geometric forms inspired by a passion for poetry Open: Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm Wednesday by appointment Sunday 11am-3.30pm Leabrooks House, Leabrooks Road, Somercotes 01773 602961
www.leabrooksartscomplex.com
Prints
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Originals
Framing
Ormscliffe Gallery and Studio
open by appointment 16 Langwith Road, Bolsover S44 6HQ 07967-316622 email: john@connollyart.com
www.connollyart.com artsbeat July & August 2018
n gallery The Old Lock-Up Gallery Cromford CONSTRUCTED Depth: Fragments and Contraditions by photographer Aly Jackson, until August 11. This exhibition is a culmination of Aly’s long standing work around separation and belonging. The works include multilayered images created from single photographs, which have been gathered from as far north as Northern Iceland. Each piece, she says, represents a story, finished or unfinished. There are hidden layers within each image and some only slightly visible. There is an introduction to with animal portraits, landscapes, multimedia abstracts, watercolours intricate fabric collages, sculptures, award-winning miniature oil paintings and more. Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery, Chesterfield Reincarnated Rubbish – Endangered and Extinct. Creative recycling artist Val Hunt presents a subtle message about recycling and preservation, raising awareness of why the creatures on show are endangered or extinct. Find out why species are disappearing from this planet at an alarming rate. The exhibition is on until September 30. Church Farm Art Gallery, Church Street, Baslow The gallery is a showcase for both professional and talented amateur artists. Owner Norman Tomlinson, exhibits his own work, and others such as Caroline Appleyard, David Alderman, Mike Connley and Judy Tomlinson. Open Thursdayartsbeat July & August 2018
colour, albeit minimal, which is a departure from Aly’s previous black and white works. Sitting alongside these multi-layered pieces, are pure, single photographs, Saturday 10.30am-5pm. Go to churchfarmgallery.co.uk for details. Cromford Gallery and Studio, Market Place, Cromford n The featured artist in July is Katie Jobling who believes art can have a tremendous effect on emotional wellbeing, and she is passionate about using art to uplift and inspire. n In August there will be a His and Hers Exhibition by Maggie and Brian Robinson. As a former musician, Maggie tries to relate the musical elements of rhythm, melody and harmony to the same qualities found in our countryside and records each painting with a musical title and an Opus number. Brian’s work is about atmosphere, whether it be the poignancy of a rusty old vehicle that once served a purpose in life, or the quietness of a lonely spot in the countryside. The gallery is open Wednesday-Sunday 10am-5pm. Go to cromfordstudioandgallery.weebly. com for details.
often ones which are incorporated into the layered works, where the camera has been used as a brush to create movement and individual abstract images. The Derwent Gallery, Grindleford A Walk in the Peaks, throughout the summer. Paintings by the gallery’s artists including work by Hazel Lale, Janet Bassindale, Ken Burton, Kristan Baggaley and Tim Hulley. Open 11am-4pm ThursdaySaturday and 1pm-4pm on Sundays, telephone 01433 630458. Derwent Wye Gallery, Rowsley Abstract Reflection, showcasing a major collection of work by an eclectic group of British artists – continues into July. Déda, Chapel Street, Derby n Ashbourne artist MD Hyde. Expressive acrylic paintings about life as a person living with depression, Until July 28. n To celebrate its 40 years as a city, members of Derby City Photographic are staging a show of work until July 28. More details at deda.uk.com Duffield Gallery, Town Street, Duffield Special exhibition by three of
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n gallery Leabrooks Arts Complex CAROL Barton-Jones’ latest work is exhibited in the Main Exhibition Room of the Gallery from Saturday, July 7 until Friday, August 3. This collection of paintings, entitled Poets and Punks, is an exposition of her interest in the uncompromising power of geometric forms and is inspired by her passion for poetry. It is refreshingly contemporary and powerful. Derbyshire’s top landscape artists. The gallery has work by artists including James Preston, Phil Dyke, Steve Slimm, Lynn Smith, Colin Halliday, Kim Sharratt and Paul Raymond Gregory. Open Thursday-Saturday, 10.30am-5pm and Sundays, 11am-3pm. For more details go to duffield artgallery.co.uk Gallerytop, Rowsley n Summer Exhibition see more details on page 27. n In August there will be an exhibition of work by landscape artist Richard Barrett. The gallery is open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm. More details at gallerytop.co.uk The Gallery, High Street, New Mills The gallery is run collectively by 30 artists and showcases a variety of work including paintings, jewellery, silk scarves, ceramics and feltwork. Open 10am-4pm. Closed Wednesday and Sunday. The Green Man Gallery, Buxton n The Summer Collection – Green Man artist members and guest designer makers, July 1-August 31. n Something Like The Colour Purple – an ambitious and eclectic group exhibition by the gallery’s resident artists, July 1-August 31.
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Hazel Lale’s work can be seen at Derwent Gallery, Grindleford
n The Buxton Spa Prize 2018, June 28-July 31. Extensive exhibition of the entries to this national competition, now in its fifth year. Includes entries to the Harold Riley Sketchbook Prize and art work by children and teenagers. See more details about the winners of this competition at artsbeatblog.com as it was judged after the magazine went press. The gallery is open every day during July for this exhibition from 10.30am-5.30pm. n Lesley Platt – Embroidery. A miniexhibition of framed embroidery and crewel work, August 3-29. n The Art of San Quentin. Original art and poetry by prisoners on death row at San Quentin, California. This is the exhibition’s first showing in
the UK and has been brought to the gallery by penfriends of the prisoners Viv Doyle and Nicola White, August 31-September 26. Hall of Frames, King Street, Belper Original and limited edition artwork from a variety of artists. More details at hallofframes.co.uk John Connolly’s Ormscliffe Gallery, Bolsover More than 300 original paintings are on show at his personal gallery in Bolsover. Go to connollyart.com for more details. Leabrooks Arts Complex, Somercotes n Carol Barton-Jones’ latest work is exhibited from July 7-August 3. See more above. n Capturing the Moment – a celebration of the work of a small group of women artists, and friends, whose work varies in style and theme but achieves harmony in its skill and integrity, August 4-31. The gallery is open Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm and 11am-3.30pm on Sundays. Wednesdays by appointment only. Details at leabrooksartscomplex.com Matlock Artists’ Society Summer Exhibition at the Gothic Warehouse Gallery, Cromford Mill. artsbeat July & August 2018
n gallery Original paintings and printed cards will be on sale from July 30- August 5, 10am - 5pm. It will be closing at 2pm on the last day. The Manger Gallery, Kings Newton, Melbourne All Creatures, featuring the work of Michael Cook, Juliet Forrest, ceramicist Mary Johnson and sculptures by Paul Smith. There will also be three paintings by John Rattigan. Go to mangergallery.co.uk for details. Melbourne Assembly Rooms Artists Summer Studio Sale Exhibition. Artists from the region will be selling original work at greatly reduced prices for one weekend only, July 27-29, 7.30pm-9.30pm on the Friday and 10am-3pm at the weekend. Artists include painters Michael Cook and John Rattigan, ceramicist Richard Pearson, printmaker Duncan Pass and, lettering artist Elizabeth Forrest. The weekend will also be introducing the work of Claire Simpson. The Old Lock Up Gallery, Swift’s Hollow, Cromford n Constructed Depth: Fragments and Contraditions by photographer Aly Jackson, until August 11. See more on page 29.The gallery is open 11am-5pm Friday and Saturday and 11am-4.30pm on Sundays. Go to The Old Lock Up Gallery on Facebook for details. The Pump Room, Buxton Artists at Work – July 9-10,10am2pm. Members of High Peak Artists will be demonstrating their work in the restored historic Pump Room building. Fourteen members are taking part including Jill Kerr, Louise Jannetta, Pauline Townsend, Howard Levitt, Ingrid Karlsson and Kathy MacMillan. QUAD Derby n Joey Holder - Adcredo: The Deep Belief Network, July 13-October 21. n QUAD Young Advocates Open Call Exhibition, July 14-August 12. Go to derbyquad.co.uk for details. artsbeat July & August 2018
Ferrers Gallery Staunton Harold PICTURE Postcard is the summer exhibition at the gallery, which is at the Ferrers Arts Centre. It features pieces depicting coast and country in a variety of mediums from ceramics and glass to painting, prints, jewellery and textiles. The show will evoke memories of summer days out, holidays by the sea and walks in the country. It will continue until August 26. Go to ferrersgallery.co.uk for more details. The Richard Whittlestone Wildlife Gallery, Pilsley, near Chatsworth The gallery is open 10am-5pm Tuesday to Saturday. More details at richardwhittlestone.co.uk Rob Wilson Art, Lockside Mill, St. Martins Road, Marple The gallery is open to visitors every Friday, 10am-4pm. Go to robwilsonart.co.uk for more details. Smallprint Company, Friary Street, Derby n Daniel Dytrych, portrait photography, until July 21. n Once Upon A Time by Pandora Johnson, August 11-September 8. Details at smallprintcompany.com St John Street Gallery, St John Street, Ashbourne A Different Way of Painting, August 6-18, work by photographer Valerie Dalling and ceramicist Zoë Marsh. Valerie has a passion for the natural environment and the effects of light on colour, shape and texture. She is inspired by painterly abstracts and more representational photography. Zoë’s work is textile in spirit. She decorates the surface of her handmade tiles with a combination of her own drawings, textile samples, found papers and glazes, often adding wire, fabric or
thread. The gallery is open 9.30am5pm, Monday-Saturday. For details go to stjohngalleryandcafe.co.uk Two Birds Gallery, Borough Street, Castle Donington Art, photography, jewellery and design from a wide range of local and UK based artists. They also offer a selection of craft workshops for all ability levels. Open Monday-Friday, 9.30am-5pm and 9.30am-4pm on Saturday. U Choose Smoothie Art Gallery, Ilkeston Work by more than 20 local artists can always be seen at the gallery. For more details go to uchoosesmoothie.co.uk West Studios, Chesterfield Go to chesterfield.ac.uk or email hello@weststudios.co.uk for more details. Wirksworth Framing Company, 22 Market Place, Wirksworth A family-run framing business that exhibits work by a mixture of local artists and prints by nationally renowned artists. Work by Iain Mackay, Richard Pett, Ian Daisley, Sam Toft, Alex Clarke and Thomas Joseph. Go to wirksworthframing.co.uk for details.
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A tribute to wildlife artist Pollyanna Pickering
T
he natural world lost one of its most passionate ambassadors when wildlife artist Pollyanna Pickering died on March 30 this year. In the course of her life the intrepid artist undertook many expeditions on every continent in her quest to paint wildlife she had observed in its natural habitat. Nothing ever fazed her, whether it was being charged by elephants and tigers, finding scorpions in her camp bed or facing the challenge of subzero temperatures in the Arctic. Together with her daughter and business partner Anna-Louise she saw such magnificent creatures as polar bears, giant pandas, wolves and gorillas. Her beautiful paintings have been enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people across the world including the Queen, the conservationist Virginia McKenna, the late actor John Hurt and even David Bowie. Her images are instantly recognisable and extend to greetings cards, notebooks, tea towels, craft kits and even tote bags. However what was really inspiring about Pollyanna was that she used the fame
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and influence that she gained through the international success of her work to fight the environmental cause through The Pollyanna Pickering Foundation as well as being patron of more than 30 nature charities. There have been so many remarkable achievements made via her work that it is hard to pick just one for special mention but Anna-Louise says that her mother was particularly proud of rescuing a moon bear from an illegal bile farm in Vietnam. July 31 would have been Pollyanna’s 76th birthday so Anna-Louise felt it would be especially fitting to pay tribute to her mother this month and at the same time look to the future and the legacy she has left behind. “Pollyanna was always looking forward and planning for the future. She wanted the work of her foundation to continue and she would have wanted her work to be seen by as many people as possible. She would not have wanted the paintings to remain in a darkened room,” said Anna-Louise with obvious emotion. “We cancelled the Spirit of the Jaguar exhibition planned for June but it will be staged next year and there will be more exhibitions to follow. artsbeat July & August 2018
‘
She was always looking forward and planning for the future Pollyanna always planned three exhibitions ahead so there is a lot of her work still to be seen. “I also plan to sort out her fabulous archive of sketchbooks which I would love to put on display in an exhibition and I am discussing a commemorative range of cards with our publisher.” Anna Louise explained that her mother suffered a very short illness of just three weeks before she died and had been painting up until she was taken to hospital. She said that just a few weeks before the indefatigable duo had been on an expedition to Arizona trekking through the desert. “She had so many plans and could never sit still – there was always something she wanted to be doing. “I miss her so much but I really am taking comfort in the fact that her work will live on. The one thing she told me in those last few days was that she had no regrets. “And that is so true she had a wonderful life doing what she loved doing the most. In essence that doesn’t happen very often and she knew she was incredibly fortunate to have been able to earn a living from painting wildlife and at the same time influence changes which have made a difference to animal welfare and conservation.” n For details about the foundation and its work including the rescue of the moon bear and planned events and exhibitions go to pollyannapickering.co.uk
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Cromford Studio and Gallery Featured artist for July
Katie Jobling
01332 281 411 www.central-osteopaths.co.uk
You can meet the artist on July 8th Open: 10am-5pm Wednesday to Sunday Market Place, Cromford, DE4 3QE 01629 826434
Tree Surgery Landscaping Fencing Hedging Lawn Care & General Garden Maintenance
Henry O. Wilkins
Award-winning traditional Peak District pub serving breakfast, lunch and dinner
Qualified for aerial tree work l All work fully insured l Competitive rates l Free quotations
l
mobile: 07734 923583 email: henrywilkins96@gmail.com
Telephone 01298 83288 Mobile 07866778847
see www.peakpub.co.uk for details
art afloat
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
Vegetarian & Vegan Cafe with cosy outdoor seating area
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
www.scarthinbooks.com
Follow us on
and watch our film on
Expert-led hands-on workshops aboard narrowboat Birdswood Mon 16th July
MAKING YOUR MARK Ruth Gray explores mark making techniques with a wide range of materials.
Tues 4th Sept
CUTTING ADRIFT: Linocut Printing Join Liz Wellby as she shows how to develop a composition and translate it into a single colour linocut print.
Tues 11th Sept
INTAGLIO DRY POINT ETCHING Lucy Gell explores the subtle art of dry point, focusing on texture and colour.
£65 inc canal cruise, materials, drinks, lunch. 10 am - 4 pm. Maximum 8 people per session.
Details/bookings: call 07552 055 455 or email sales@birdswood.org 34
artsbeat July & August 2018
have a go
Brush up on your skills – or try something entirely new Break into travel writing with Helen’s help
I
f you have ever fancied having a go at travel writing the perfect course for you is being staged at Chesterfield Library on July7. How to Succeed as a Travel Writer with Helen Moat is a fun and interactive one day workshop from 10am-3.30pm that will help to provide you with the tools and skills required to break into travel writing. The day will end with a Q&A session.
Workshops and Courses
Art Afloat, Birdswood narrowboat, Cromford Canal n Making Your Mark with Ruth Gray, July 16. n Cutting Adrift, Linocut printing with Liz Wellby, September 4. n Intaglio Dry Point Etching, with printmaker Lucy Gell, September 11. To book email sales@birdswood.org or telephone 07552 055455. Anna Massey, Weekly Painting and Drawing Classes n Various venues in and around the Peaks. Several 12 week courses, starting September 17, in New Mills, Stockport and Sheffield, including Painting and Drawing Classes, Wednesdays 9.30-11.30am, New Mills; and Wednesdays 1.153.45pm, Hazel Grove. Watercolours, acrylics, drawing and mixed media techniques taught by an experienced tutor. Friendly classes with weekly demonstrations and guidance. artsbeat July & August 2018
Helen Moat is an awardwinning travel writer, winning the Daily Telegraph’s Just Back weekly competition on no fewer than three separate occasions and twice claiming runner-up in the British Guild of Travel Writers’ New Writers competition. Soon afterwards, she was commissioned by Bradt to write Slow Travel: The Peak District and has gone on to win commissions for online and print publications such as Wanderlust and BBC Countryfile. To book visit eventbrite.co.uk/o/derbyshirearts-service-15254148784 or telephone 01629 533400. Beginners and Improvers welcome. For more information go to annamasseyartist.com or call 07947380078 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 textile groups on Monday, 2-4pm and Wednesday 10am12.30pm, to try tapestry, weaving, collage, mixed media, printing, design and much more. A small friendly group with an emphasis on enjoyment while creating. For details call 07817745705, email annealldread@yahoo.co.uk or visit annealldread.com Chesterfield Branch Embroiderers’ Guild n First Thursday of each month except August, 7-9pm The Saints Parish Rooms. St Mary’s Gate, Chesterfield S41 7TH. Go to
embroiderers guild.com for more details. The Clayrooms, Derby Road, Ashbourne n Various courses, workshops and drop ins. Children’s Summer Club (age 8-16), July 23-27. Go to theclayrooms.co.uk for more details . Cromford Studio and Gallery, Market Place, Cromford n Watercolour tuition is available for small groups or on a one-to-one basis, all abilities welcome. Call 01629 826434 for more details. Glossop Branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild, Glossop Cricket Club, SK13 7AS n Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of the month, 1-3pm. July 25: Members’ Show and Tell. Go to glostitchedup.blogspot.co.uk for details. Green Man Gallery, Hardwick Hall, Buxton n Life drawing, a weekly session for artists at any stage with a
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Anne Alldread
textile artist and felt maker
n Felt making workshops n Weekly textile group n Fashion accessories n Textile art works n Interior accessories n Commissions To book contact annealldread@yahoo.co.uk For more information go to www.annealldread.com
BOBBIN LACE MAKING
one-day workshops and weekly evening classes 6 Friar Gate Studios, Ford Street, Derby Telephone 01332 742533 or visit the website for more details
www.louisewestlacedesign.co.uk
Printers of Artisan Stationery
Workshops, Events & Gallery www.smallprintcompany.com The Smallprint Company, 2-3 Friary Street, Derby DE1 1JF hello@smallprintcompany.co.uk
The Old House
Studio
Art Courses in the Peak District
2018 Dates Now Available Robert Dutton, Richard Holland, Joe Francis Dowden, Tim Fisher, Paul Talbot-Greaves, Carol Hill, Paul Dene Marlor, Judith Selcuk, and many more p Top UK Artists and a variety of media p Enjoyable interactive workshops for all abilities p Small classes maximum ten students p Two-course lunch provided p B&B accommodation available For information on all workshops please visit the website, telephone 01457 857527 or email: info@pennine-art.uk
www.pennine-art.uk 36
Learn to Throw Evening, Weekend and Taster courses in spacious, well-equipped pottery studio near Alfreton, Derbyshire. www.parkwoodthrowingcourses.co.uk
artsbeat July & August 2018
n have a go professional life model, Tuesdays, 7-9pm. Contact Curtis Bollington 07880 535615. Over 16s only. n Young Yoga with Kerry Allsop for age 8 to 11, every Monday, 4-4.45pm. Booking: kerryallsop@ icloud.com n Arabic Dance, every Tuesday, 1.30-2.30pm. n Adult Dance Classes: For information or to book, call Catherine Farrimond, on 01298 70984. n Every Tuesday in term time – Changing Faces with Funny Wonders. A weekly creative session for young people (11 to 18). More information at funnywonders.org.uk. For further information and booking for other courses contact hello@ thegreenmangallery.com or 01298 937375 unless otherwise stated. Haddon Hall, near Bakewell n Learn the art of archery on various dates until August in the Chapel Fields at Haddon with advice
from the historic home’s master bowman. All abilities welcome. Go to haddonhall.co.uk for more details. High Peak Stitchers, Glossop Cricket and Bowling Club, North Road, Glossop n Meetings first Wednesday of the month, except January, from 2-4pm, visitors entrance is £4. The July 4 meeting is a talk by Elizabeth Wall, Textile Artist. Kirstie Adamson, magazine collage, Banks Mill, Derby n Seascape workshop, July 14, 10am-3pm. n Starry Night Workshop, August 18. Dragonfly Workshop, September 15. Rainy Day Workshop, October 20. Go to kirstieadamson.co.uk for more details. Leabrooks Artists Forum, Somercotes n Artists sharing information, ideas and enterprise. The meetings
take place on the first Saturday of every month from 10.30am-1pm. Beverages and cake cost £3.50, if required; everything else is free. Painters, sculptors and potters who have experience of exhibiting are invited to join the group. Go to leabrooksartscomplex.com for more details. Louise West Lace Design 6 Friar Gate Studios, Derby n Evening classes in bobbin lace making, Tuesdays 6-8pm. n One-day workshops for a maximum of six students, £30. Next ones are July 18, August 4 and 15, September 19 and 22. n Louise is also holding a Bedfordshire Lace weekend course from August 25-26. Go to louisewestlacedesign.co.uk for booking details. Matlock Artists Society, All Saints Church Hall, Smedley Street n The club’s Portrait Group meets
pitchblue Wirksworth
creative workshops, weekly courses, celebrations, holidays and events.
Treat yourself to some creative me time
www.straightcurves.co.uk 01246 807575 07976 845 662 artsbeat July & August 2018
www.pitchbluecreative.com pitchblue
pitchblue@outlook.com
Caroline 07736 423352 Roz 07742 440165
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n have a go the first Wednesday of every month from 9.30am-noon. Everyone welcome, £5 to include light refreshments. For details contact Doreen Andrews 01629 824640. n At the same venue, on the second Thursday and fourth Friday of every month, the society invites all keen to paint/draw in a happy, relaxed group to go along. This is a self-help group with no tutor, 9.30am-noon. For details 01629 584708. The Old Lock Up Gallery, Swifts Hollow, Cromford n Sketchbooks, Rachael Pinks, July 25. For more details go to theoldlockupgallery.wordpress.com The Old House Studio, Woodhead Road, Torside, Glossop n Art courses in the Peak District. Top UK Artists including Carol Hill, and Tim Fisher, and a variety of media. Workshops, which are enjoyable and interactive, for all abilities. Small classes, maximum ten students. Two-course lunch provided. B&B accommodation available. On August 1 and 2 you can learn how to paint wild animals with Angela Gaughan. For more details visit pennine-art. uk Tel: 01457 857527, email: info@ pennine-art.uk Pam Smart, Art Workshops in the Studio with a View, Buxton n Jewel Bugs, July 12. n Exploring Drawing, August 4. Both full day workshop from 10am-4pm with materials and refreshments. For details go to pamsmart.co.uk Purple and Grey – courses for emerging artists n Go to purpleandgrey.co.uk for details. Pitchblue Creative, Coldwell Street, Wirksworth n Full day workshops from 10am3.30pm with lunch, a half day is until 1pm. You can choose one day or two. There are also regular weekly courses: Textiles and Felt-making on Tuesdays, Big Brush Painting on Wednesdays, Textiles, Afternoon
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Crafts and evening Sip and Paint on Thursdays. Go to pitchbluecreative. com for details. Pauline Townsend Silk Painter n Workshops for beginners and improvers in Buxton. Workshop schedule available on the website: silkpainter.co.uk Richard Holland, Landscape Artist n Commissions taken and available for workshops and demonstrations. n Two day oil workshops at Caudwell Mill, Rowsley, in August. n Regular one-day workshops held at The Venue, Ashbourne and Tansley Community Hall near Matlock. n Weekly oil and watercolour classes in the Mansfield, Matlock and Selston areas. Contact Richard on 01629 583359, email richardo2244@yahoo.co.uk or visit richardhollandlandscapeartist.co.uk Small Print Company, 2-3 Friary Street, Derby n Beginners’ Bookbinding, August 25 and October 13. n Create a Letterpress Print, July 21, August 18, September 22, October 27 and November 24. Details of various other courses at smallprintcompany.co.uk StraightCurves, 104 Saltergate, Chesterfield n A range of arts and crafts workshops and courses for all ages and abilities from accessible studios in Chesterfield. There are also regular events see details below. Book online at straightcurves.co.uk 01246 807575. n Woolly Wednesdays – every Wednesday, 10am-12.30pm and 6.30-9pm. All arts and crafts are welcome at this session. n Little Creatives – every Friday and Monday 9.45-11am. Little Creatives is a workshop designed especially for pre-school children and their parents. n Book Club – 7-8pm on the third Thursday of the month, refreshments included.
St John Street, Gallery, Ashbourne n Lewis Noble, Sketching and painting the Derbyshire landscape, July 2-4 and 23-25. n John Connolly Colour, Light and Texture in the Landscape, July 10. n Liz Wellby, Lino Cutting, July 16. n Wendy Darker Old Spot Pig, August 14. n Valerie Dalling Painting with Photography, August 15. To book, phone 01335 347425 or email enquiries@ stjohngalleryandcafe.co.uk. More details can be found on the gallery website: stjohngalleryandcafe.co.uk
Sumacdesigns, Banks Mill Studios, Bridge Street, Derby n Clay workshops. Three separate workshops – flowers, bowls and tile panels. Every day between 12.45pm and 7.30pm. Each session is an hour and a half. For more details email Sue on sumac_53@msn.com or go to sumacdesigns.co.uk Parkwood Throwing Courses, Parkwood Centre, Alfreton Park, Alfreton n Eight week throwing courses Thursday evenings from 7-9pm; three hour taster sessions from 6-9pm and weekend throwing courses, Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm. Go to parkwoodthrowingcourses.co.uk for details. West Studios, Sheffield Road, Chesterfield n Tutored Life Drawing Class by Wallspace Visual Arts, held the first Tuesday of the month. Contact John King on john@wallspacevisualarts. co.uk or phone 07795 804793. For more information go to www. weststudios.co.uk For more information call west studios on 01246 500 799 or email hello@weststudios.co.uk or go to weststudios.co.uk for details. artsbeat July & August 2018
VAULTED VENUE Arts group returns to the impressive Devonshire Dome for its annual fair
P
art of the Buxton Festival Fringe, The Peak District Artisans’ Great Dome Art and Design Fair will see than 40 members of the group exhibiting their work featuring original art, handmade products and unique gifts. Speaking about the event, which is on July 14 and 15, PDA chair and member, Sue Prince said: “The Great Dome Art Fair is the flagship event in our calendar of shows and exhibitions. We’re delighted to once again be showcasing the stunning range of talent within the group. “Over the last twelve months we have welcomed many new members, so we’re inviting people to come along, browse and buy from some of the most talented artists in the region.” One of the members to recently join the group is Alison Wake a freehand embroidery artist based in Derbyshire. Talking about her work, pictured above, she said: “I am inspired by the landscapes surrounding me. Using locally sourced materials, where artsbeat July & August 2018
Alison Wake’s textile art captures the fluid energy of a waterfall
possible, I paint with thread and yarn. The textile art I create illustrates the natural beauty of the Peak District National Park as well as the industrial and agricultural influences which have shaped this landscape.” Throughout the weekend, 12 members will deliver a range of free, insightful talks and demonstrations covering a range of disciplines including ceramics, photography, mixedmedia and fine art. One of these members is fine artist, Janet Mayled, who will be observing a still life and demonstrating her approach to acrylic colour-mixing using
a limited palette to create a breadth of colour. Another talk entitled From The Other Side of the Table will be by Ray and Kathy Sylvester from Ilkeston-based Temima Crafts who you can read about on the following pages. The exhibition at the Devonshire Dome in Buxton runs from 10am-4.30pm each day. There will be a preview evening on July 13, from 6.308.30pm. Admission is free. The demonstrations and talks run throughout the weekend, for the full listing visit peakdistrictartisans.co.uk
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‘Imperfections’ in the surface of the wood are opportunities for Ray to create something eyecatching with the ceramic creatures of artist Lynn Hazel
BOXING CLEVER
Craftsman Ray Sylvester creates ‘impossible’ wooden treasures
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ay Sylvester declares with a chuckle that he is the man who has to think inside the box because of the limitations of the band saw he uses to turn simple blocks of wood into his intricate range of boxes. When he and his wife Kathy took early retirement from their teaching jobs at Kirk Hallam in 1995 they fully intended to relax and enjoy their pastimes. Kathy was already a successful textile artist selling her work in local galleries and Ray a keen but very amateur woodturner. They had no idea that the hobbies would turn into practically a full time business – Temima Crafts – that now sees them touring the country to 15-odd fairs a year – including of course those held by the Peak District Artisans of which they are proud members. “We were lucky enough to be able to retire at 51 and jumped at the chance. We were thinking about what we could
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Ray and Kathy Sylvester, the team behind the ‘Bloomin’ Clever Boxes’ – find out more about them at temima.co.uk
do when Kathy had the idea of selling our work at craft fairs. I was determined to find myself a niche product and at first turned wooden hanging pomanders,” explained Ray.
“But then potpourri became unfashionable so he had to think of something else,” chipped in Kathy with a grin. It was around that time that Ray says he had his “Epiphany artsbeat July & August 2018
Vanishing Castles – a kind of rustic medieval Transformer – are Ray and Kathy’s latest creations
Now you don’t see – now you do – a ‘solid’ block of wood reveals its inner secrets
on Seventh Avenue” moment while on holiday in the USA to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. “The shop on New York’s Seventh Avenue was called The Great American Woodworker and I couldn’t resist going in. I saw these beautiful boxes and couldn’t get them out of my head,” said Ray. Kathy urged him to go back and buy one or he would always regret it. “I knew he wouldn’t enjoy the rest of the holiday unless he found out how they were made,” she said laughing at the memory. Back home in Ilkeston, where he now has a purpose artsbeat July & August 2018
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The whole thing about what I do is that it is actually very simple built workshop, he set to working out how to make the intricate boxes. Eventually he found the band saw which would allow him to realise his dream to make boxes using a complicated jig saw construction technique. “I needed a band saw that could make tight turns and cut at a certain depth. “The whole thing about what I do is that it is actually very simple but at the beginning it took me a lot of wasted
wood and perseverance to get it right.” As his skills have developed over the years the boxes always beautiful on the outside have become more intriguingly complicated on the inside. Ray’s favourite story is revealing how the boxes gained their name: “We were looking for a name for them a few years ago when a customer who was taking one of them apart muttered to himself ‘these are bloomin’ clever boxes’ – it was perfect and the name has just stuck. n To see how Ray makes the boxes scan this QR code.
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2018
Art Trail
15-16 September Concerts
September & October
ART
ARCHITEC
TURE
S IEC MU ATR
THE
DY E CE ROAM TURE
LIT
Family friendly with 150 artists in 70 venues melbournefestival.co.uk Call: 07765 819428 Melbourne - South Derbyshire - DE73 8EJ
SEVEN DRAMATIC DECADES Steve Orme digs into the history of Derby’s Marlowe Players
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xciting times are ahead for one of the oldest amateur drama groups in Derbyshire which is celebrating sell-out performances in its 70th anniversary year. The Marlowe Players have had a dramatic history and there were lean years when the group did not have enough members to put on plays. But a move almost 13 years ago to a permanent home at Darley Abbey Village Hall led to a resurgence in the Marlowes’ fortunes which has continued ever since. The Marlowe Players were founded on January 15, 1948. A small group of people met around a fireside in Chaddesden to discuss the formation of an independent drama society. The first play was Robert’s Wife by St John Ervine, presented at the Railway Institute, Derby, in September of the same year. Since then the group has staged more than 150 major productions. In the early days budding actors applied to join and were artsbeat July & August 2018
A recent performance of The Weekend by Michael Palin and, below, rehearsals for A Murder is Arranged in 1953 and patron Gwen Taylor, a former Marlowe Player herself
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Rehearsals and performances take place in Darley Abbey Village Hall vetted by a committee. If a member was unable to turn up for a rehearsal, he or she had to post a letter to the secretary as few people had telephones at the time. The group’s constitution stipulated that people were not able to join other groups at the same time as they were members of the Marlowes. The only exception was that they could take a role with Derby Shakespeare Society which at the time produced only plays by the Bard. Since then the Marlowes have performed at a number of different venues including Rykneld School and Derby Playhouse Studio. When the Playhouse went into administration the Marlowes were forced to look for a new home. Darley Abbey was the ideal choice because it means rehearsals as well as artsbeat July & August 2018
performances can take place on the village hall stage. Professional actors who started their careers with the Marlowes include Gwen Taylor who is the group’s patron, James Bolam and Rachel Dale, who recently performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company and at the National Theatre as well as appearing in two television dramas written by Kay Mellor. Marlowes’ chairman Martin Illston said: “We do a variety of plays across different genres, plays that are performed by few other amateur groups. “Our last production, The Weekend by Michael Palin, has been produced only a couple of times since its premiere in the West End in 1994. But our audiences loved it and four of
the five nights were sold out. We were having to turn people away. “Our varied programme will continue in November when we present A Woman of No Importance by Oscar Wilde.” The Marlowes perform three plays each year and are happy to meet anyone who would like to get involved. Martin said: “We’re always keen to welcome new members who want to act or take a backstage role and we have a thriving social calendar too.” However, the Marlowes have little time to celebrate their 70th; they are busily rehearsing Arthur Miller’s All My Sons which will be presented at Darley Abbey from July 24-28. n For more details go to marlowe-players.co.uk.
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n bookshelf
n Last Night of the Proms: An Official Miscellany Foreword by Katie Derham (Ebury Publishing, £9.99) Ever since Sir Henry Wood’s Proms were first broadcast in 1927, Last Night has become an annual appointment for classical music lovers and is enjoyed by millions around the world. This first and official miscellany explores the history and traditions that have developed on the last night of the world’s biggest and longest-running classical music festival. From flag waving and ‘Rule, Britannia’ to the most memorable conductors’ speeches, and the story of how the Proms survived the Blitz, Last Night of the Proms: An Official Miscellany, is the perfect tribute to a uniquely British institution.
n So Much Life Left Over By Louis de Bernières (Vintage Publishing, £16.99) Rosie and Daniel have moved to Ceylon with their young
daughter to start a new life at the dawn of the 1920s, attempting to put the trauma of the First World War behind them, and to rekindle a marriage that gets colder every day. However, even in the lush plantation hills it is hard for them to escape the ties of home and the yearning for fulfilment that threatens their marriage. Around them the world is changing, and when Daniel finds himself in Germany he witnesses events taking a dark and forbidding turn. By turns humorous and tragic, gripping and touching, So Much Life Left Over follows a cast of unique and captivating characters as they navigate the extraordinary inter-war years both in England and abroad.
n Calypso By David Sedaris (Little Brown Book Group, £16.99)
If you’ve ever laughed your way through David Sedaris’s cheerfully misanthropic stories, you might think you know what you’re getting with Calypso. You’d be wrong. When he buys a beach house on the Carolina coast, Sedaris envisages long, relaxing vacations spent playing board games and lounging in the sun with those he loves most. Life at the Sea Section, as
he names the holiday home, is exactly as idyllic as he imagined, except for one tiny, vexing realization: it’s impossible to take a vacation from yourself. With Calypso, Sedaris sets his formidable powers of observation toward middle age and mortality. Make no mistake: these stories are very, very funny – it’s a book that can make you laugh till you snort, the way only family can.
n Megalith: Studies in Stone (Wooden Books, £16.99)
This book published on the summer solstice, June 21, features eight leading authors in the field and is the first global study to fully reveal the remarkable complexity of stone circles and Neolithic art. John Martineau, founder of Wooden Books and publisher of Megalith, said: “Illustrated with the finest collection of antiquarian engravings and plates of megalithic sites ever assembled in in a single volume, Megalith reveals the astonishing complexity of the megalithic culture by focusing on what our ancestors left behind, raised and carved in stone. Instead of rough rock circles, we repeatedly find evidence of sophisticated geometry, astronomy, surveying and art.”
Bookshelf is sponsored by Scarthin Books, of Cromford 44
artsbeat July & August 2018
Clockwise from above: acclaimed authors Frances Hardinge, CF Iggulden, Paul Tremblay and Adrian Walker
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ON THE EDGE
ne of the UK’s most popular fantasy, horror and science-fiction events – Edge-Lit – is back in Derby this month for a day of panels, readings and interviews as well as an expanded programme of workshops and a new and improved book dealers room. Whether you’re a reader looking to hear from and meet some of the best genre talent around, a fan wanting to explore key areas of speculative fiction more deeply, or a writer looking to gain great practical advice and guidance from an array of established names in the field, Edge-Lit is a mustattend event. This year’s event will also feature the tenth anniversary of the Gemmell Awards for Fantasy Fiction, the Gemmell Auction, and the Edge-Lit raffle. artsbeat July & August 2018
The guests of honour are Frances Hardinge, Costa Book Award-winning author of The Lie Tree and Cuckoo Song; CF Iggulden, author of Darien; Paul Tremblay, author of A Head Full of Ghosts and Disappearance at Devil’s Rock and Adrian J Walker, best selling author of The End of the World Running Club and The Last Dog on Earth. There will be talks and workshops during the day from an impressive list of speakers and panellists including: Age of Assassins author RJ Barker; literary agent and editorial consultant Julie Crisp; Philip K Dick Award-nominated author Rod Duncan; Costa Short Story Award winner Zoe Gilbert; Derbyshire author Jo Jakeman, whose thriller Sticks and Stones is out this month; New York Times bestselling fantasy and science-fiction
author Gav Thorpe; and Roz Watkins, one of Derbyshire’s acclaimed crime writers and author of The Devil’s Dice. Topics up for discussion include Modern Ghosts: Is the Ghost Story a Nostalgic Act; Promo 101: What Really Works to Market Your Book? and Shivers: Creating Suspense and Fear in Your Fiction. Workshops will include help in writing the first page; how to use networks to promote your book and social media for writers and preparing your agent submission package. Doors at QUAD in Derby, open at 9am with the first activities at 10am. The raffle will be at 6pm and the awards from 8pm. n For more details of times and a full schedule go to derbyquad.co.uk and look under events.
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Woodland Festival 2018
Elvaston Castle Country Park
Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 September 2018 10am - 5pm Come and enjoy Derbyshire County Council’s Woodland Festival, celebrating traditional and contemporary woodland crafts. Watch experts at work or have a go yourself. Quality arts and crafts, bespoke gifts and delicious food. Cost: Special event parking charges apply all weekend: £10 per car/£5 per motorcycle all day. £15 weekend ticket. See voucher below for £1 parking discount. Contact: Elvaston Castle Country Park 01629 533870, DE72 3EP.
www.derbyshire.gov.uk/woodlandfestival
Present this voucher at the 2018 Woodland Festival and you will get £1 off your daily parking charge. Email (Optional).................................................................................................................................................... Sign up to receive news about our countryside events and seasonal offers. I consent to Derbyshire County Council holding the email address for this purpose. This information will only be held for the promotion and will be kept until you unsubscribe from the newsletter. If you would like more information about how Derbyshire County Council holds your personal data, visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/privacynotices
Only valid for the weekend 22 and 23 September 2018.
stage
Catch the best shows and performances in the county Drama highlights ‘honour’ abuse and human rights
A
powerful new play called Beyond Shame is being staged at Derby Theatre in partnership with Karma Nirvana, an awardwinning human rights charity that supports the victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage. Beyond Shame is inspired by the experiences of real survivors who have contacted Karma Nirvana for support over many years. This vital new piece of theatre, with a mission to raise the public’s awareness of the effect that honour crimes can have on its victims, marks the charity’s 25th anniversary. The play has been informed by interviews with both
Theatre
Buxton Opera House, Buxton and Pavilion Arts Centre n Buxton International Festival and Festival Fringe – a host of great drama from July 4-22. Go to buxtonfestival.co.uk and buxtonfringe.org.uk for full programme details. n Little Women by Chapterhouse Theatre Company, August 7. n High Society by Present Company, August 23-25. n The Loveliest Night of the Year by Present Company, August 25. For more details go to buxtonoperahouse.org.uk artsbeat July & August 2018
professionals and survivors and will will highlight the challenges faced by victims that experience honour systems within their families. Karma Nirvana was founded in Derby in 1993 by the survivor, campaigner and author Jasvinder Sanghera CBE. As part of its legacy, Beyond Shame will embark on a regional schools’ tour to raise
awareness among teenagers who remain the most affected group. The play will explore how young people are impacted and enable them to feel more empowered, knowing that there is support and that they are not alone. You can see the play from September 6-8. For tickets go to derbytheatre.co.uk
Derby Theatre, Derby n Oliver! by Creatio Arts, July 3-6. n The Eagle Awards, July 15. n Departure Lounge is the theatre’s summer festival of fresh and exciting new theatre produced by In Good Company. From July 19-22 there will be performances of severay shows including: A Self Help Guide to Being In Love With Jeremy Corbyn from Jess Green and the Mischief Thieves; Vulva La Revolution by Major Labia; Represent – A Women of Colour Showcase; The Eulogy of Toby Peach and We Are Ian from In Bed With My Brothers. n Holiday – The perfect summer show for families, July 25-August 5.
n Derby Youth Theatre, Double Bill, July 27-28. n High Society by Present Company, August 31-September 2. Go to derbytheatre.co.uk for tickets. Glebe Field Centre, Crich n Sharing Joy by Vamos Theatre Company, July 11, 10.30am. Sharing Joy is a theatre show especially created for those living with Dementia, professional carers, home carers, and families. n Wild Walk: The Golden Thief by Babbling Vagabonds, August 18, 11am and 2pm. An outdoor children’s theatre adventure for all ages. Tickets at crichglebefieldcentre.org
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n stage Youth theatre reprise two popular classics FOUNDED in 2009 with the aim to produce quality Gilbert & Sullivan operettas in a concentrated rehearsal period, PB Theatricals Youth Theatre will be celebrating its tenth season with a reprise of its first ever shows – The Mikado and The Pirates of Penzance. The shows are split between younger performers (aged eight to 18) and older performers (aged 16 to 30). The shows are always cast, rehearsed and performed within the space of a week.
This year they will perform Pint-Sized Pinafore three times at the Buxton Fringe: at The Rotunda on July 20 at 2pm and 8pm and The Green Man Gallery on July 19 at 7.30pm. They will then perform the Mikado at Bakewell Medway Centre on July 27, Chapel
Playhouse on July 28 and The Mikado, July 29, and The Pirates of Penzance, August 4, at New Mills Art Theatre. Go to pbtheatricals.co.uk for more details. For tickets to the Fringe events go to buxtonfringe.org.uk
HADDON HALL Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1LA.
The Peacock at Rowsley Summer Artisan Market July 27th, 28th and 29th
Explore stalls from over 80 artisans exhibiting exquisite creations, from fine art to textiles, ceramics to jewellery, and food and drink. Entry: ÂŁ5.50 per person Visit www.haddonhall.co.uk for more details info@haddonhall.co.uk | 01629812855
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The Peacock at Rowsley is a luxury boutique hotel and restaurant, located right at the heart of the Peak District. The restaurant is now serving its summer bar menu, a la carte menu and tasting menu, using the finest seasonal ingredients.
Call 01629 733518 or email reception@thepeacockatrowsley.com
artsbeat July & August 2018
n stage Guildhall Theatre, Derby Big Adventures Theatre Company present Whodunnit?!, The interactive murder mystery musical, July 4-7. Tickets from derbylive.co.uk The Tinderbox Summer School Darley Dale Musical Theatre School – July 25-27. Three days of singing, dancing and acting rehearsals lead to a final performance of Only in Oz – a short musical of songs from over the rainbow. Rehearsals will be lead by professional West End actor Carys Gray and The Tinderbox artistic director, Andrea Turner. Students must be able to attend all three days to perform on the last day. Drama School- August 29-31. More details from thetinderboxperformingarts.co.uk
Wild Wood: The Golden Thief by Babbling Vagabonds can be seen at various venues this summer: Poole’s Cavern, Buxton, July 2123; Markeaton Park, Derby, July 27-31; The National Stone Centre, Wirksworth, August 1-2; Crich Glebe Field Centre, August 18; Thornbridge Hall, August 21 and the Longshaw Estate, August 22-24. For tickets go to babblingvagabonds.co.uk
Spoken word
Buxton Opera House, and Pavilion Arts Centre, Buxton Buxton International Festival and Festival Fringe – a host of talks by a stellar line up of guests from July 4-22. Go to buxtonfestival.co.uk and buxtonfringe.org.uk for full programme details. For tickets go to buxtonfestival.co.uk
Drama in the great outdoors THE Outdoor Theatre and Cinema season will return to Markeaton Park this summer with thrilling shows from Oddsocks Productions, Babbling Vagabonds and Squashbox Theatre, as well as showings of classic films. It will see outdoor theatre favourites Oddsocks Productions returning with last year’s favourite Romeo and Juliet from July 24-26. For more details and tickets go to derbylive.co.uk artsbeat July & August 2018
The Pump Room, The Crescent, Buxton Chatsworth: Raw Materials to Works of Art. Kate Brindley, Director of Collections and Exhibitions for Chatsworth and Linder Sterling, Chatsworth inaugural Artist in residence discuss Linder’s residency and the exhibition Chatsworth Renewed: The House, Past, Present
& Future currently on display. The talk is presented in partnership with Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust, July 18, 6pm. Tickets from buxtonoperahouse.org.uk Derby Poetry Society July 13, AGM with strawberries and cream. Please bring a strawberry poem to read. Monthly meetings on the second Friday of the month. Room 3, Friends’ Meeting House, Derby, 7.30pm. Contact Gina Clarke on 01773 825215 for details. Matlock Storytelling Cafe, Imperial Rooms, Matlock July 6 sees the final Matlock Storytelling Cafe of the Season and they have laid on a special treat to keep their audience going until the dark days of September. You’re not going to find a more charismatic storyteller than the delightful Cat Weatherill, who will be telling a playfully sexy Italian folktale. A man so beautiful he has to wear seven veils to cover his face... Midlife, milk and golden balls tumble together. Prepared to be wowed. The storytellingcafe is always on the first Friday of the month. Doors open at 6.30pm with
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n stage All-day laughter at comedy event FUNHOUSE Comedy brings an outstanding day of comedy to the beer garden stage at Bar One, in Derby on July 8 with its Edinburgh Festival Preview All-Dayer. Multi-award-winning comedian and Fringe favourite, Pat Monahan is first up at 2pm, with a brand new stand-up show – Goals. At 3.25pm it’s Laura Lexx with Trying. Laura spent 2017 trying to get through therapy, trying the patience of everyone and trying unsuccessfully for a baby. She’s done trying now; it’s time to laugh. Jayde Adams – The Divine Ms Jayde – was the Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominee 2016, and she can be seen at Derby at 4.50pm.
Comedian Tom Houghton will be in Derby on July 8
She is going full diva to Edinburgh, with glorious gowns, acerbic charm and show-stopping music. At 6.15pm it’s Adam Rowe with Undeniable. The Liverpool Comedian of the Year winner and English Comedian of the Year nominee presents his hilarious new stand-up show about his working-class roots and the determination,
Cabaret Boom Boom, Medway Centre, Bakewell Live fun returns to Bakewell, September 28. Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets at medwaycentre. co.uk Funhouse Comedy Club, The Old Bell, Sadler Gate Derby n Ignacio Lopez, Tom Houghton and Radu Isaac with Compere Barry Dodds, July 27. Book tickets for all shows at funhousecomedyclub.co.uk
stories at 7.30pm. More details at matlockstorytellingcafe.co.uk Scrivener’s Bookshop, Buxton n Book Club, first Wednesday of every month 7-8pm. Everyone welcome. Call 01298 73100. n Storytelling Sundays: these free meetings are held on the second Sunday of the month, from 2-3.30pm, at Scrivener’s Books, 42 High Street, Buxton.Telephone 0129871622.
Comedy
Buxton Opera House and Pavilion Arts Centre, Buxton n Buxton Festival Fringe – a host of great comedy from July 4-22 in various venues in the town. Go to buxtonfringe.org.uk for full programme details. n Buzz Comedy Club, September 7.
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arrogance, selfishness and sacrifices it takes to become undeniable. Alistair Barrie – The InternationAL will be on at 7.35pm. Alistair has twice been nominated for Best Show at the Fringe – and lost both times. This year he is going for the hat-trick... The InternationAL is his eighth solo show, which means five of the others haven’t been up to scratch either! The Honourable is Tom Houghton’s second show, reminiscing on growing up and discovering that true honour often lies where you’d least expect. He will take the stage at 8.55pm. There will also be Edinburgh All Dayers at Bar One on July 22 and 29. On August 9 there will be a Should I Stay or Shoul I Go? Gong Show. All info and bookings at funhousecomedy.co.uk
Cat Weatherill will be telling stories at Matlock on July 6
n Sarah Millican, July 29. n The League of Gentlemen, Live Again, August 20. More information at buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
Dance
Buxton Opera House, and Pavilon Arts Centre, Buxton Rhythm of the Dance from New Birth Touring Productions Ltd, August 10. For more details go to buxtonoperahouse.org.uk artsbeat July & August 2018
music
artsbeat’s essential guide to Derbyshire’s best live tunes Enjoy the best of Stainsby at 50th birthday bash
T
he Stainsby Festival is a well-established, intimate and familyfriendly event in a beautiful rural setting that this year is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Stainsby, from July 20-22, is all about live music and performance: hearing, playing, writing, performing, learning. The festival has everything: great folk and world music in traditional marquees, crafts stalls, children’s entertainment, music workshops of every kind, a singers competition, storytelling, theatre, poetry, film, philosophy and walkabout events throughout the weekend with camping thrown in. And to top it all there’s a real ale bar featuring locally sourced beers from micro-breweries around Derbyshire. As it is the 50th anniversary
Rock and Pop
Buxton Opera House, and Pavilion Arts Centre, Buxton n The James Bond Concert Spectacular, August 12, 7.30pm. n Elkie Brooks, Pearl’s Greatest Hits tour, September 2. Details at buxtonoperahouse.org.uk Dubrek Studios, Becket Street, Derby n Dream Nails and Pet Crow, July 27. n Sweet Deals on Surgery, Lost artsbeat July & August 2018
Dizraeli a rapper, multi-instrumentalist and sometime singer who takes hiphop to new terrains will be headlining at Stainsby on Friday
organisers asked regular festival goers who they would like to see and they have a stella lineup planned. Leading the field on Friday night is Dizraeli pictured above. There’s also the wonderful George Borowski, the tubthumping Seize The Day and the Loscoe State Opera on Saturday. For Sunday, there’s Ground and Pre Birds, August 24. Go to dubrek.co.uk for more details.
Guildhall Theatre, Derby Summer Theatre School, aimed at young people aged eight-16. A series of workshops aimed at improving musical theatre skills, July 30-August 3. For tickets to go derbylive.co.uk The final showcases will be at Deda on April 4. Book tickets withat deda. uk.com Queen’s Head, Belper For more details go to queensheadbelper.weebly.com
the amazing Martha Tilston, the Seeds of Evergreen and The Lost Padres And no best of Stainsby would be complete without their very own House Band. All proceeds go back into the event as it’s a registered charity and a not-for-profit event run entirely by unpaid volunteers. For more details of the event go to stainsbyfestival.co.uk
The Venue, Derby Super Hans, July 20. More details from livemusicderby.co.uk The 3aaa County Ground, Derby Little Mix, the world’s biggest girl band with The Summer Hits Tour, July 19, 4.30pm.
Folk and Jazz
Alstonefield Village Hall n Vikki Clayton July 14. Vikki first came into folk music in the early 1980s with the folk/rock band
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n music Ragged Heroes. With a voice that sounded so much like the late Sandy Denny’s, Vikki was asked to join Fairport Convention; a liaison which lasted for a long period. n Gordon Giltrap, August 18. Tickets online at WeGotTickets. com, or call 01335 310322/email avgconcerts@gmail.com. Belper Folk Club, 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 Buxton Opera House and Pavilion Arts Centre n Buxton International Festival and Festival Fringe – a host of great jazz and folk from July 4-22. Go to buxtonfestival.co.uk and buxtonfringe.org.uk for full programme details. n Natalie Merchant, July 25. n Levellers Acoustic, July 23. Go to buxtonoperahouse.org.uk for more details. Green Man Gallery, Buxton n The Sunday BuskStop, Free monthly gig usually the third Sunday of the month, with soup, bread and cake for lunch. Free entry; donations invited. noon to 2pm. n The Ladies of Jazz with Annette Gregory, July 14. Songs sung by female jazz legends including Sarah Vaughan, Julie London, Nina Simone and Billie Holiday. 7.30pm -9.30pm. Age 13+. n An Evening with Cathy Rimer, July 15 and 21. Original, heartfelt songs about love, friendship and heartbreak, 6pm-7pm. All ages. n Of People and Place, July 20. Singer/songwriter, Carol Fieldhouse and Nigel Corbett, fiddle, present original songs exploring stories of Derbyshire, Scotland, the South West, Northern France, The Faroes and Iraq, 8.30pm-9.30pm. Booking at the gallery, by phone 01298 937375 or online at wegottickets.com
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Mayfield Music hosts guitar duo MAYFIELD Music is presenting The Astraea Guitar Duo Raymond Burley and Valerie Hartzell on July 27. Raymond is one of Britain’s most experienced guitarists having performed solo concerts, concertos, on film scores, radio, and television and in virtually every possible guitar ensemble combination. Valérie Hartzell began her classical guitar studies on a Sir William Hotel, Grindleford Open mic/acoustic music night, 8.30pm, normally last Friday in the month. See Sir William Open Mic Night facebook page for details about the next event. The Old Hall Hotel, Hope n Paul Pearson, July 11. n T’Other Band, July 25. n Lee Bardsley, August 8. n Peter Buxton, August 22. Go to folkandblues.wixsite.com for more details or call 07913331078. Village Folk, Melbourne Assembly Rooms Sound of the Sirens, September 1. Details at villagefolk.org
half-size Ramirez at the age of three. At the age of six, she studied with maestro Alexandre Lagoya at the Académie Internationale d’Eté in Nice, France. She has performed in Europe, Canada and the USA. They will present a programme of Baroque, Romantic, Latin and 20th Century works at St John the Baptist Church in the village at 7.30pm. For tickets telephone 01335 342114. Go to mayfield music.org.uk for programme details.
Classical Music
Ashbourne Festival, Methodist Church, Church Street, Ashbourne Derby A Cappella in concert with Chameleon, July 3, 7.30pm. Further details at: ashbournefestival.org Buxton Opera House, Buxton n Buxton International Festival and Festival Fringe – a host of wonderful classical music from July 4-22. Go to buxtonfestival.co.uk and buxtonfringe.org.uk for full programme details. n National Gilbert and Sullivan Company Festival, July 30-August 5. Read more on facing page. Details at buxtonoperahouse.org.uk artsbeat July & August 2018
n music Celebrating 25 years of G&S IT WAS in July 1994 that the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival was established in the Buxton Opera House. On July 30, 25 years later they will celebrate its Silver Jubilee with a special gala evening in the Pavilion Arts Centre. Following dinner, Festival Director and Founder, Ian Smith has put together a nostalgic programme of memories covering an eventful journey which created the most important Gilbert and Sullivan event anywhere in the world. In the week that follows there will be several performances of eight different shows, The Pirates of Penzance, Buxton United Reformed Church, Buxton International pianist Jill Crossland makes her Buxton debut with a Sunday afternoon recital on the United Reformed Church’s newly restored 19th century Broadwood piano. Jill will play a programme of her trademark Bach, together with Beethoven’s Pathetique sonata and some of Schubert and Chopin’s most popular pieces. Jill has appeared regularly in London at the Wigmore Hall and South Bank among many other venues. Her recordings include the Bach Goldberg Variations on Warner Classics and the complete Bach 48 Preludes and Fugues on Signum Classics. Jill is known for her imaginative and passionate interpretations of the classical repertoire, combining virtuosity, precision and depth. The recital is on July 8 at 4pm. Tickets from buxtonfringe.org.uk artsbeat July & August 2018
Ruddigore, Princess Ida, Utopia Ltd, The Mikado, a Trial by Jury and The Sorcerer double bill, and Haddon Hall. The latter on August 2 will be an undoubted highlight of this year’s festival. It is the dramatisation of a
love tangle involving the ancestors of the Manners family at Haddon Hall back in 1660 and will be the first professional production since its debut in 1892. For tickets an more information ego to buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
Buxton Military Tattoo, Devonshire Dome, Buxton Performing this year are The Band of The Welsh Guards, The Band of The Mercian Regiment, The Band of The Yorkshire Regiment as well The Waterloo Pipes, Drums and Scottish Dancers, July 7, 2pm and 7pm. Tickets from buxtonoperahouse. org.uk Belper Singers Concert at St Peter’s Church, Belper, with Derventio Brass, directed by Olivia Shotton, Saturday, July 14, at 7.30pm. A varied selection of brass music and unaccompanied choral pieces including Rutter Gloria; Vaughan Williams’ Old 100th; Parry Blest Pair of Sirens. Tickets available from 07990 658071; belpersingers@ gmail.com and on the door. Go to belpersingers.webs.com for details. Derby A Cappella, Open Rehearsal Night Chester Green Community Centre, City Road, Derby, 7:30pm on July
31. Further details from. Gordon on 01332 518594, gordonsavage@ yahoo.co.uk orderbyacappella.co.uk Derby Cathedral, Derby Summer Lunchtime Concerts, beautiful music in a beautiful setting all for free, 1pm-1.45pm every Friday. n Luca Luciano, clarinet recital, July 6. n Gareth Stevens, String Quartet, July 13. More details from derbycathedral.org Derby Concert Orchestra, St Mary’s Church, Wirksworth Concert with music by Ravel, Faure and Dvorak, with soloist Beate Toyka, July 7, 7.30pm. For more details go to derbyconceretorchestra.co.uk Derwent Singers Golden Jubilee Celebrations Concert July 7, 7.30pm, Derby Cathedral. A feast of exciting music from the baroque, with period instruments –
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n music New album from Lucy Ward PRETTY Warnings is the captivating fourth studio album from Derbyshire’s Lucy Ward. Rich with tradition and exquisitely-penned original songs, this album weaves its way effortlessly through matters of love, darkness, longing and joy. It confirms what we already knew – that Ward’s unique ability to inhabit the very heart of a song is bewitching, beguiling and beautiful. Ward is a story teller at heart, concerned with expressing truth and the human condition. She can paint a picture with her words and this album is an expressive collection of strings led by Nicolette Moonen, and cornetti-sackbut group The Six. Featuring Handel’s brilliant, fierce and dramatic Dixit Dominus, J S Bach’s joyous virtuoso double-choir motet Singet dem Herrn – and the unknown quantity, music from the Latin-American Baroque. Only recently come to light this vibrant colourful music, rhythmic and dance-like, with instruments and percussion, sounds remarkably modern. The four pieces, by Araujo, Padilla, Salazar and Zespedes, are guaranteed to send you dancing out of the cathedral. Tickets from ticketsource.co.uk/date/483542 The Hannells Darley Park Concert An evening of classic music and fireworks. Themes of peace, hope and reconciliation run throughout this concert which will include the final section of Beethoven’s ninth Symphony which has been used in
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true stories and evocative imagery. As well as innovative arrangements of traditional songs such as the ballad Bill Norrie, Ward has delved into the tradition to come up with beautiful retellings of traditional forms. The Cruel Mother is re-spun in her song Mari Fach (meaning Sweet Mari), the true story of a young Welsh woman pregnant, unmarried and afraid. The archetypal
The Darley Park Concert is on September 2
major events, including a concert to mark the fall of the Berlin Wall. Sinfonia Viva will begin with the first movement from Beethoven’s fifth symphony, which was used for the opening credits of some broadcasts during the Second World War. The theme will continue with Lili Marlene by German composer Norbet
rover becomes Ward’s yearning Silver Morning, a taste of her inimitable nu-folk originality. She has also addressed the recurring theme of the night visitor with the insistent Cold Caller. Pretty Warnings has a sublime quality; an enchanting warmth that runs through it. It feels as though Ward’s song writing has evolved with a richness born from her experience and time away from the studio; songs like Sunshine Child and The Sweetest Flowers being prime examples of her exquisite skill in their quiet and involving beauty. To buy the album go to lucywardsings.com. Lucy will be performing at the Derby Folk Festival in October. Schultze. Along with the classical pieces the programme will feature popular cultural music synonymous with peace including Imagine, All You Need Is Love and I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing. Darley Park, Derby, September 2, gates 2pm, concert 6pm. High Peak Orchestra, St John the Baptist Church, Buxton Tchaikovsky: Polonaise and Waltz from Eugene Onegin; Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No 1 and Sibelius Symphony No 5., July 14, 7.30pm, conductor David Chatwin.The soloist is Matthew McLachlan, a student at Chethams School of Music in Manchester. He has been winning prizes for his piano playing for years now, since passing his grade 8 at age 11. Tickets are £12, concessions £10, accompanied children free, available in advance from Rosemary Rose 07930975807 and on the door. The concert will support Blythe House Hospice. artsbeat July & August 2018
attitude
Comment and opinion from reviewers and readers Buxton Opera House brings big hit to the stage
T
he Kite Runner has become one of the great fiction successes of the century. Khaled Hosseini’s novel, published in 2003, spreads over almost 400 pages; the multi-million dollar film adaptation of 2007 used wideranging landscapes to suggest the scale of the story. A stage production is necessarily going to seem confined, maybe a little claustrophobic, and that may not be a bad thing. There are several stories at work in The Kite Runner and one of them is about the mental anguish felt by Amir (Raj
Cleverly staged version of classic I went along to Derby Theatre unsure. After all Graham Greene’s novel, written 80 years ago, and the film starring Richard Attenborough are iconic. I needn’t have worried. This Brighton Rock is cleverly staged, beautifully lit, has an excellent soundscape and bristles with fine acting. The plot revolves around the death of Fred who is murdered by 18-year-old gang leader Pinkie and his artsbeat July & August 2018
Ghatak) who fails his closest friend in childhood, Hassan ( Jo Ben Ayed). The constraints of the stage setting serve this aspect of the narrative well. Amir is on-stage for almost the entire 140 minutes of this production, and it is critical that we understand and feel the emotional turmoil cohorts. The police believe he died from natural causes but Ida (Gloria Onitrini), who had met Fred briefly, believes there is something suspicious about the death. Jacob James Beswick has a suitable strut and menace as Pinkie. Sarah Middleton is excellent as Rose with Gloria Onitiri’s Ida a glorious creation. Another standout performance comes from Chris Jack as Phil, a man who is never allowed to complete a sentence by the dominating Ida. It’s certainly a production that has its cast working hard as they take on multiple roles.
he experiences between his childhood and adult maturity about 30 years later. A strong cast of twelve, with live on-stage music led by tabla player Hanif Khan, was welldirected by Giles Croft. by Keith Savage A full version of this review is on artsbeatblog.com In addition they become stage hands, shifting props throughout. The staging by Esther Richardson is ingenious. On-stage musicians supply an undercurrent of percussive menace and Sara Perks’ design is a split-level affair that signifies the iron pillars of Brighton Pier. My only criticism was a lack of volume for the spoken word. At times it was difficult to hear the actors but overall it was another fine night in Derby Theatre. by George Gunby A full version of this review is on artsbeatblog.com
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n attitude Classical music reviews by Mike Wheeler Derby Choral Union, Marienkantorei and Orchestra, Osnabrück, Derby Cathedral Derby Choral Union got together with its Osnabrück opposite number, the Marienkantorei, and its Orchestra, for a performance of Mendelssohn’s Lobgesang (Hymn of Praise, aka Symphony No 2). Deciding that the usual performing space in front of the chancel screen was too small for the number of performers, they moved to the east-end retro-choir. It may have been the only practical solution, but acoustically it was a disaster, resulting in a distant aural perspective, and a swimmy sound that did no-one any favours. So the performances’ virtues had to be taken on trust, to some extent. Choral Union musical director Richard Dacey conducted a robust account of Elgar’s Great is the Lord to begin the evening. Then Marienkantorei’s Garsten Zündorf played Rheinberger’s Organ Sonata No 4, getting an attractively reedy tone from the Cathedral’s Compton organ. He also conducted the Mendelssohn after the interval. Singers and orchestra clearly gave the work plenty of vigour and energy, although much of it had evaporated by the time it reached the audience. The soloists were not heard
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Russian pianist Roman Kosyakov who opened the new series of lunchtime concerts at Derby Cathedral
to any advantage, so detailed comment would be unfair. A pity that everyone’s best efforts were so seriously compromised by the Cathedral’s geography. Derby Cathedral lunchtime concerts n Russian pianist Roman Kosyakov, currently studying at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, began the series with a two contrasting sonatas. In Haydn’s Sonata in E minor he left us marvelling anew at the composer’s inexhaustible invention. Few of Tchaikovsky’s mature works have had such a bad press as his Sonata in G, Op 37, and much of it does seem mechanical and repetitive. Kosyakov clearly believes in it, and there is no question that he
is a hugely talented player. n Nottingham-based pianist Richard Hinsley performed a selection of his own pieces. If you’re into the likes of Ludovico Einaudi, you would probably have enjoyed this but, played with no variety in either volume level or use of the sustaining pedal, it didn’t do it for me, I’m afraid. n The third in the series brought the beguiling partnership of soprano Katie Gilbert and mezzo Esther Beard, with Edward Leung seemingly content in the role of self-effacingly reliable pianist. Their programme of wellcharacterised opera arias and duets by Tchaikovsky, Humperdinck and Mozart had the Flower Duet from Délibes’ Lakmé, as a high-point, finishing with the classic diva stand-off that is the Rossini/ Pearsall Cat’s Duet. n Clarinettist Hannah Gobbett and the Cathedral’s director of music Hugh Morris offered an enterprising study in contrasts, from breezy Malcolm Arnold to sinuously exotic Ravel, quasi-Mendelssohnian Burgmüller to impudent Gershwin, soulful Piazzolla, and the folk-music influences of Hungarian composer Leó Weiner. n Derby soprano Curran Doherty begins her studies at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in September from a secure foundation, as her recital with Cathedral assistant director of music Edward Turner showed – introspective in Schubert, playful in Warlock, offering unaffected simplicity in unaccompanied folk songs, and with a nice sense of both swing and poignancy in Sondheim. artsbeat July & August 2018
n attitude Nell Gwynn was a challenge for theatre company Larry Waller admits he likes a challenge and he certainly took one on when he decided to stage Nell Gwynn at the Strutts Community Centre, in Belper, with a relatively new theatre company, Captive Audience. As the director says the drama has a big cast, music and songs so it was never going to be easy but, with a team carefully chosen from some of the best amateur actors and backstage operators in the region, he pulled it off. Jessica Swale’s script is packed with bawdy gags and irreverent humour which would always have us all rolling in the aisles. But it is also a play which I suspect is one very much aimed at those with a deep love of theatre, just like Waller and his team. The play is as much about
Writers given chance to learn Wannabe playwrights are exceedingly lucky to have an enthusiastic amateur theatre group like Marde Hen Productions willing to stage their work. Few other companies would be willing to invest time, effort and money into producing work which may or may not be a hit with the audience, so the writers would never have a chance to learn and improve their craft. As one of the last events artsbeat July & August 2018
life in the theatre in the 17th century as it is anything else, and at times for me this rather got in the way of the rags-toriches tale. As Nell, Megan Gibson was a star, she knew just how to switch from saucy to demure, could sing and dance, was warm and likeable and enjoyed courting laughs from the crowd. The only thing she should have made more of was her solo bow to the audience at the very end. linked to this year’s marvellous Belper Arts Festival the drama group performed Mixed Up! – a collection of short sketches by half a dozen writers. Marde Hen put a call out for submissions of sketches, poems, monologues and the like last August and whittled down the 20 pieces received to eight, (one of which consisted of three parts) and added a finale ‘toast’ linking each of the ten minute plays. The cast of eight were Mark Poole, Catherine Dolan, Gary Peake, Tracy Rollings, Jamie Brooks, Jeannie Jordan,
As her Royal paramour King Charles II, Luke Barrett was unquestionably entertaining. It was a part which could take extravagant acting but maybe he took it a bit too far and at times it was like watching Russell Brand playing a pantomime Baron Hardup. Brilliantly funny though. He and Megan played off each other well. AP A full version of this review is on artsbeatblog.com Andrew Barlow and Jayne Brookes-Clayton, who was the stand-out performer of the night as grieving widow in The Cafe, by Aaron James. The sketch, which sees her returning to the cafe she frequented with her late husband to reminisce and tell his spirit that she is at last moving on, was quite moving and the best of the pieces making up the show. Jayne was also excellent as the relationship therapist in Pete and Anna by Stephen Lee Rees. AP A full version of this review is on artsbeatblog.com
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n attitude
Imagine, though, that it is 1726 and that you, a wealthy merchant or doctor, are at the town bookshop. You want something new and you pick
up Travels Into Several Remote Nations of the World: you don’t recognise the author’s name but the notes say that he was “First a surgeon, and then a captain of several ships” so you start reading, to be immediately gripped. Soon you’re talking about this new book with all your friends – the author’s name is “Lemuel Gulliver”. Now we call it Gulliver’s Travels and give it to children. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is one ofthe compilers’ final choices; on the way we visit Huckleberry Finn and the Diary of Anne Frank. With science, war and poetry side by side, this is a good book for an exploring mind, not to ignore trying to crack the code of Samuel Pepys’diary. Books, I never knew there was so much in them! 100 Books That Changed the World by Scot Christianson and Colin Salter (Batsford, £14.99)
slick timing and at a great pace. With his wife Jacqueline off to visit her mother, Bernard is salivating over a weekend romp with his chic Parisian mistress Suzanne, a model and actress. Also expected for the weekend is old buddy Robert. What Bernard, doesn’t know is, Robert is having an affair with Jacqueline, who instantly cancels on mother when she gets wind of her lover’s arrival. Add Suzette – a chef hired from a catering company – who because of the similar name is mistaken for the
mistress by Robert – and you have a recipe for disaster. The sillier the plot the funnier it became and there was plenty of laughter from the audience at the sell-out show in Quarndon Village Hall. Sonia Hardy and Alex Wrampling were excellent as the rival women both trying to maintain cool composures while fighting a rising fury with their men, but it was Leni Robson, as the wily chef, who won the most laughs. AP A full version of this review is on artsbeatblog.com
This is a good book for an exploring mind This large volume is a delight to browse and, better than that, has wonderful illustrations going back to near the beginning of recorded time. The authors wonder whether they have chosen the only 100 books possible, but if nothing else this is an opportunity to see the clay tablets on which a Sumerian scribe wrote the epic of Gilgamesh 4,000 years ago, or a bamboo scroll on which a Chinese philosopher wrote the words of Confucius. Books as we have them today are a more recent invention, but Christianson and Salter have some great examples: when they introduce Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey they have a photograph of Chapman’s translation of Homer from 1616 – that is the book that
Contretemps had us all in stitches Don’t Dress For Dinner staged by the Quarndon Amateur Dramatic Society was one of the most hilarious couple of hours I have had for a long time. The elaborate contretemps had all the thwarted sexual shenanigans, misunderstandings, seething suspicions and slapstick you would expect from a French farce and the cast of six carried it off brilliantly with
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Review by Les Hurst of Scarthin Books, Cromford
inspired John Keats to write in his sonnet that he felt like the explorer in wonder “silent, upon a peak in Darien”.
artsbeat July & August 2018
GROWING INTEREST
Photographer’s Market Gardens exhibition returns to Melbourne
D
ocumentary photographer Chris Mear was in the right place at the right time when a Melbourne Arts team were discussing pulling together a plan to celebrate the town’s market garden heritage. Delving into the past, present and future of the industry with the idea of putting on an exhibition, For The Love of Lettuce, was just the sort of work he lived for and he jumped at the chance to get involved. The result is a collection of interesting images depicting the work of the three remaining market gardeners in Melbourne (there were 150 of them a century ago). Chris, 27, was brought up in a ex-mining village on the county border. As a boy he used to play in a huge field with tall grass that was once part of the village mine. “One day I fell over a large brick that had 1919 carved into it and I remember finding it super exciting and incorporating it into the game I was playing that day. “I soon forgot all about it but years later after I had graduated from art college and was working on a project for the Snibston Discovery Museum in Coalville I found out what it was. “I was talking to a former miner who worked in my village pit who told me that when the site was being artsbeat July and August 2018
demolished he asked if they would leave the brick behind for him and they did just that, which led to one of my more significant childhood stumbles. “Hearing his story was the catalyst for the way I work today – recording my perspective of the postindustrial landscape. I like to make something poetic and visual out of the mundane. “I was really interested in what the Melbourne Festival team wanted to do and it appealed to me. I worked on a pilot project in 2016 and then spent the
whole of last year shadowing the three market garden businesses.” Chris says he took thousands of images and that the hardest part was reducing them down to just 60 for the exhibition. The show was first staged last year but it was so popular that it can be seen for one last time at the Melbourne Festival this September. n For details about the festival go to melbournefestival.co.uk and to find out more about Chris and his work go to christophermear.co.uk
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A great place to meet up with friends and family
Gallery – Tea Rooms Workshops – Shops full details on our website
Ferrers Gallery – Ferrers Frames – Green Man Ceramics – Janet Gibson Jewellery Kevin Shepherd Artist – B&J Blacksmiths – Crinoline Upholstery – CODE Leather Goods The Victorian Model Workshop – Paint a Pot Craft Studio – Simon Price Furniture Staunton Hardwoods – Country Cottage Crafts – Russell Lister Artist and Craft maker Michelle Holmes Embroidered Textiles – Rituals Retreat – Tip Top Hair Design Breadfirst Deli – Staunton Stables Tea Room Most of the workshops and shops are open 11-5pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays. Please check website for individual opening times. Telephone 01332 864863. Staunton Harold, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire. LE65 1RW
www.ferrerscentre.co.uk
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contemporary fine art and creative hub
Original paintings, drawings, prints, ceramics, photographs, textiles, mixed-media, jewellery and other locally made unique gifts for sale. A varied programme of exhibitions, workshops, art events and live music. Large workshop space for hire. Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs.
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SST TES TTTTTEET O H OO ’S TT H R E ’S E M R E M S U M S M T E U H H T S T O ’S E H H R T E ’S M R E M U M THEE SSUM
TH TTAAEELLSSTT T O H T O ’S H R IV E ’S T M S R IV E E M T F S E U M E C S F M N E E TTH ANC MA FFO HE RM OR P RU PEESR A TTIV ALL S IV E F S E E C F N E A C M N R A O M F R R P PEERFO TTR REEAL EEA AT TTH Y H B R Y E B D R O E T D S IV O N T R S S U IVAL N E T ROR T F R S E E ETRUF C F RE N E A C M N A M R O E F P PER TTR REE EEA H A T Y H B T R Y E B D R O E T D S O N T RNS UR R REETTU EE TTR A R E H A T E Y H B T R Y E B D R O E T D NSS TO RN UR R REETTU
Thursday 19 – Sunday 22 July 2018 01332 593939 derbytheatre.co.uk
A Derby Theatre, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, Wiltshire Creative and Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg production
Wednesday 26 Sep – Saturday 20 Oct A hilarious masterpiece of situation comedy 01332 593939 derbytheatre.co.uk
Derby Theatre is part of
Sep – Sat 29 ct O Sat 20
as y se play respon Abigail’s Part i is h t e h b Se it A r w l fo ets le bil a doub alf price tick th and ge