Artsbeat November 2018

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artsbeatblog.com

November 2018

Angelic Attitude Phill Jupitus stars in ‘two man’ show Author’s thrilling debut Winter’s wartime legacy

Exhibitions, Stage, Music, Cinema, Books and much more

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Gallery – Café 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 – Metal Manipulation 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 11-4pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.

Please check website for individual opening times.

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contents 21

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13 In conversation

Music

9 Screenprinter Kate Brooks can’t resist the patterns in nature 13 Phill Jupitus brings back Porky the Poet for his Juplicity tour 35 Textile artist Michelle Holmes creates a life for Betty in stitches

51-55 Lesley Garrett will perform at Buxton to mark Armistice anniversary

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Stage 58-62 Theatre, dance, comedy and storytelling on a stage near you artsbeat November 2018

editor’s letter

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48 Gallery 48 COVER STORY: Artist Rebecca Mercer joins The Angel Project

Photography 21 Jerry Daniel enjoys the quiet solitude of a photographer’s life artsbeat November 2018

As you will all know the nation is celebrating 70 years of the NHS in 2018 and there have been many events the length and breadth of the country.

Derbyshire has been no exception and at the county’s largest hospital, the Royal Derby, Air Arts has been marking the occasion with a series of creative events.

The charity promotes health and wellbeing through the arts and arts participation by creating a calm and welcoming environment for patients, staff and visitors.

The latest event to be staged is Seventy, an exhibition of work by regional artists, which will be at both the Royal and the London Road Hospitals through the winter.

Amanda Penman Air Arts is an incredible organisation and quite rightly winning NHS accolades for the important work it does in the community. You can read about an embroidered banner commissioned from the Derebyshire Embroiderers’ Guild on page 15.

Even if you have no hospital visits planned it is worth trying to get along to see the exhibition.

Please note the editorial and advertising booking deadline for December/January is November 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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NOV-JAN HIGHLIGHTS

Sat 8 Dec - Sat 5 Jan Derby Arena

Fri 7 - Sun 30 Dec Guildhall Theatre

Sat 1 - Sun 2 & Sat 8 - Sun 9 Dec Markeaton Park

Fri 30 Nov Sun 6 Jan Market Place

 00  8 5 5 2 | 01332 k u . o c . ive derbyl

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LAYERS OF COLOUR

Screenprinter Kate Brooks’ work is bright, colourful, experimental – and still developing – as artsbeat’s Amanda Penman discovers

I

have a sneaking suspicion that screenprinter Kate Brooks is on the verge of returning to her roots in surface design as she just can’t seem to resist creating patterns.

It is her facebook page posts that give her away, as they frequently feature beautiful, brightly coloured floral designs – honeysuckle, snowdrops, evening primrose, buddleia and even elderberry – which her friends declare would be perfect for fabrics in their homes.

Their enthusiasm for her patterns must be encouraging artsbeat November 2018

Kate Brooks

her to consider extending her artistic life to embrace the subject she studied at university and it is clear she has every chance of being successful.

“I am totally inspired by nature and the landscape around me especially the flora and fauna and I just love experimenting with berries and flowers. I often start out working on a greetings card and then end up with a pattern.

“I don’t think I actually know how my work will develop at the moment. All I know is that I am really enjoying rekindling my love for creating patterns.”

Kate, who lives at Nether Heage and has a view of the windmill, graduated in 1996 with a surface decoration degree, but then opted for a career working in the

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ST JOHN STREET GALLERY Contemporary Fine Art

in the shade of leaf by mark langley november 10th-24th Meet the Artist on November 10th from 11am-3pm

new work with a focus on shadows, light and our native trees 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

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I hand draw my designs in ink and only use a small number of colours communications department for the NHS. It was only four years ago that she decided to change direction and embark on a career as an artist.

Having given up her job she took herself off to a screen printing workshop at the Sheffield Print Club.

“I loved it so much I went back the next weekend. The first print I ever did was of the windmill and when it was exhibited at my local pub, The Spanker Inn, it sold within a day.

“As you can imagine that encouraged me to carry on

Clockwise from top: Blue Chestnut, Autumn Hydrangea and Silver Birch Previous page: Dandelion Windmill

artsbeat November 2018

and my work has developed from there. I use only a small number of colours and layers and hand draw my designs in ink. I use my iMac to create most of the print layers before I head to Little Canyon in Wirksworth which is the studio where I print.” artsbeat November 2018

From the start Kate worked hard promoting her prints at as many fairs and festivals as possible, including Belper, Wirksworth, Melbourne and New Mills art trails.

This year she was rightly proud to have secured a free place at the Country Living Fair in London’s Alexandra Palace.

She has a solo exhibition at No. 28 in the Market Place, Belper, from November 9-December 10 which will include a special festive fair with other artists over the weekend of November 30 to December 1 (see gallery listings).

She will also be at the Haddon Hall festive market from

November 15-18. Her work can also be seen at Time And Again in King Street, Belper.

Obviously there are plenty of opportunities to see her work but if you can’t make any of them then you can see the prints online at folksy.com – just search Kate Brooks Prints – and she makes regular posts on facebook.

“There is a lot of work to be done leading up to the fairs but I do enjoy meeting people and talking to them about my work. It is really great to get feedback on social media and I am thrilled when people love what I do.”

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RICHARD WHITTLESTONE wildlife gallery

WINTER EXHIBITION Sat 17th November – Sun 9th December Featuring over 25 exquisite new original paintings, plus new limited edition prints, cards and calendar

Broomes Barns, Pilsley, Derbyshire DE45 1PF Tel: 01246 582720

richardwhittlestone.co.uk

PORKY’S COMEBACK

Multi-talented poet, comic and musician Phill Jupitus talks to Brian Donaldson

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s there anything Phill Jupitus hasn’t done?

DJ on BBC 6 Music; team captain on Never Mind The Buzzcocks; poet who supported Billy Bragg in the 1980s; TV and film actor; improv player, and musical star of Hairspray and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

This year he’s returned to the live arena with a new stand-up tour in which he gets to be two people.

“I have a lot of material to choose from for this tour,” says Phill about his pun-loving stand-up, poetry and music show, Juplicity.

“The thing that really works for me is that I support myself as Porky The Poet, so he goes out and does 40 minutes to start the evening.

“Because of Buzzcocks and other jobs, I let Porky and the poetry slide but after about a decade I came back to it and wrote new poems, often just chucking stuff out on Facebook for mates to read.”

Phill’s also got a proven track record of live music behind him from his time with the all-star Idiot Bastard Band with Neil Innes and Ade Edmondson.

“For the autumn tour I’ll do two hours a night: 40 minutes poetry, quarter of an hour of songs, and the rest is stand-up.”

In terms of the stand-up artsbeat November 2018

element, Juplicity will draw on his own life, one that Phill describes merrily as both ‘chaotic’ and ‘flaky’.

“What happens on the tour becomes added to the tour,” Phill says. “It snowballs as it rolls down the hill of the dates.”

One of the trials for a comedian on the road is that endless turnaround of doing a gig, eating late, heading for the hotel, travelling the following day to the next town and repeating the process – potentially for months. Phill has worked out a new routine which works better for him.

“I’ve changed the tour pattern in that I now eat before the shows. The other thing I try to do, depending on the actual geography, is travel to the next

town after a gig, so I’ll wake up where I’m playing that night.

“And wherever I am, I look for art galleries and museums, I’ve got a thing about record shops, bookshops, and second-hand tat shops where I might be able to find old badges. Everywhere I go, I try to find those five things.”

Watch in delight and/or horror as Phil drags laughs out of the chaos of his own life and the uncertain world that surrounds it at Bakewell Town Hall on November 30.

And if you are out and about in Bakewell during the day you might well spot Phil hunting out one of his favourite five. n For tickets telephone 01629 810152 or go to bakewelltownhall.co.uk

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Scarthin Books May 25th-27th 2019

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’

Applications open on October 30th for Derbyshire Open Arts

Closing Date January 16th 2019

The Promenade, Scarthin, Cromford, DE4 3QF Tel: 01629 823272 email: nickscarthin@gmail.com

www.scarthinbooks.com

Follow us on

and watch our film on

For full details please go to

www.derbyshireopenarts.co.uk

Professional framer for 21 years offering expert advice.

Artists’ range of moulding available.

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

Tel: 01629 824994

wirksworthframing.co.uk 14

artsbeat November 2018

arena

All the latest news from the Derbyshire arts community

Embroidery panel created to mark 70 years of NHS

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wo new hand made embroidered panels have been unveiled at the Royal Derby Hospital as part of Air Arts’ new autumn and winter exhibition.

The show celebrates the 70th anniversary of the NHS as well as the creativity of many of the region’s artists including the talented members of the Derbyshire Embroiderers’ Guild.

Air Arts, which is the arts charity for Derby Teaching Hospitals commissioned members to create work which represented Derbyshire’s rich industrial heritage. artsbeat November 2018

The team of stitchers, which meets monthly at Darley Lane in Derby, broke down the project into 33 parts, including representations of, among others, the Silk Mill, Butterley brickworks, railway stations and narrow boats, which were then sewn onto a background designed by Elsie Probert.

A second smaller panel celebrates the thimble designs of Royal Crown Derby and more individual pieces.

Air Arts, which promotes health and wellbeing through the arts and arts participation, launched the Seventy Exhibition on October 17 and it will be on display until next year.

There is an arts trail at the hospital with a guide and maps.

You can find the embroidery outside the Multi-Faith Centre.

The whole banner is pictured at the top and above is Dianne Bannerman’ Derby Silk Mill with the poppy installtion

At Derby’s London Road Hospital there is an exhibition of work by artists from Fleet Arts in Belper.

For details go to airarts.uk

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n arena Extra long fringe BUXTON Festival Fringe, which is getting ready to celebrate its 40th year, has announced that the 2019 event will be longer than usual with the dates running from Wednesday July 3 to Wednesday July 24 – a full three weeks.

The Fringe will be open for entries on December 1.

Anyone wanting to become involved either as a performer or behind the scenes can find more information on www.buxtonfringe.org.uk or meet the team at the opento-all AGM on Wednesday November 14, at 7pm in the Green Man Gallery, Buxton.

There is also a competition to produce artwork for the Fringe40 programme cover with a £100 prize on offer. Go to buxtonfringe.org.uk for full details.

Warm welcome BUXTON Opera House has been voted the Most Welcoming Theatre in the East Midlands 2018 in a competition which saw more than 56,000 votes cast by members of the public.

Buxton Opera House previously held the title for 2015 and 2016.

Paul Kerryson, chief executive said: “Buxton Opera House has always prided itself in providing the very best customer service experience, and this nomination is a tribute to our outstanding staff and volunteers who make every visit to our stunning Opera House a memorable occasion for our audiences and visiting artists.

“We also want to thank all our customers who took the time to vote for us and help make the theatre such a great venue”

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THE Arkwright Society’s Volunteer Tour Guide Team has won the 2017 East Midlands Marsh Award for volunteers in Museum Learning. Now you have a chance to join them as they are looking for new recruits.

Some of the tour guides, together with Arkwright Society staff from Cromford Mills went to the ceremony at the British Museum to accept the prestigious award on behalf of the whole tour guide team.

The award was won by

Tina celebration

Team success the team of 13 dedicated volunteer tour guides at Cromford Mills who have been part of the Arkwright Society for many years.

The team deliver guided tours every day of the year, come rain or shine, and their knowledge and enthusiasm have been critical to the Arkwright Society’s success in engaging visitors, providing a context to what they see at Cromford Mills and whetting their appetite for the history.

TINA Turner fans can prepare to be blown away when the brand new show celebrating her music – What’s Love Got To Do With It? – arrives in the county next year.

Tina’s greatest hits will be performed by the amazing vocal talent of Elesha Paul Moses (Whitney - Queen Of The Night, The Voice, X Factor) supported by a full, ten-piece live band.

You will be able to see the show at Buxton Opera House on on February 23 and at Derby Arena on October 17.

Tickets are already on sale. artsbeat November 2018

n arena Makers’ event WELBECK Winter Weekend will be offering its biggest ever selection of art, food and gifts at its annual celebration of all things handmade.

More than 100 artisan makers will be showcasing their wares at event running from November 23-25, from 10am-5pm (4pm on Sunday).

You can also visit 15 artists’ studios based on the estate and not normally open.

For more details go to welbeck.co.uk Pictured right is work by Michaela McMillan.

Film premiere THE International Reel Rock Film Tour will be at the Grand Pavilion in Matlock Bath on November 17.

The Tour will premier four new films starring climbing icons as they attempt to achieve their lifelong ambitions in far-flung locations, from icy Antarctica to the Bedouin canyonlands of the Middle East. And with climbing announced as a new sport for the 2020 Olympics, the film Up to Speed delves into the exhilarating discipline of speed climbing. For more details go to reelrock.co.uk

Captive Queen DAVID Templeman, an Elizabethan historian, and local expert on Mary Queen of Scots and her 19 years of captivity in the region, is giving a talk at Buxton on November 14.

He has researched her imprisonment and written a book, Mary Queen of Scots – The Captive Queen in England, 1568–87, in which he traces her life at Buxton, artsbeat November 2018

(she used to stay at the Old Hall Hotel), Wingfield Manor, and Chatsworth, Worksop Manor and Sheffield Castle.

His talk at the Devonshire Dome is part of a lecture series at the dome organised by the Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust.

Tickets for the event which starts at 6pm can be booked via buxtonoperahouse.org.uk.

For more details about the trust go to buxtoncrescenttrust.org

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Church Farm Art Gallery CHURCH STREET, BASLOW, NR BAKEWELL

HADDON HALL Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1LA.

A tiny gallery packed with work featuring flora, fauna, landscapes and seascapes We also offer a framing service with a wide choice of mounts and mouldings OPEN THURSDAY-SATURDAY 10.30AM-5PM WHEN CLOSED RING THE BELL TEL: 01246 582334

Winter Artisan Market at Haddon Hall November 15th-18th. 10am-5pm, last entry 4pm. Entry £5.50, children go free.

VIP evening November 14th, tickets £10.

Visit www.haddonhall.co.uk for more details info@haddonhall.co.uk | 01629812855

www.churchfarmgallery.co.uk Artsbeat Turners Advert 2015_Artsbeat Turners Advert 13/01/2015 11:47 Page 1

Proud to support local and British made products including pads, paint and portfolios Stockists of Daler-Rowney | Winsor & Newton Derwent | Koh-I-Noor | Royal Langnickel Reeves | Lyra | Wabbo | Montana and many more all at internet prices!

Young to Old, Amateur to Artist For all your art needs at discounts up to 50%

www.turnersart.co.uk

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Turners Ltd, Old Station Yard, Old Station Road, Rowsley, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 2EL Tel: 01629 735 785

artsbeat November 2018

n arena Arts programme DERWENT Valley Mills World Heritage Site has appointed arts organisation Beam for a series of artistic activities over the next two years.

There will be three major commissions, one of which will be undertaken by award winning artist Jo Fairfax, pictured.

There will also be an artist-inresidence series and a ‘Pop Up’ art series. There is a call out for artists interested in taking part with a closing date of November 5. For details go to beam.uk.net

Love lock solution A FATHER and daughter from Derbyshire have invented a novel alternative to the growing worldwide phenomenon of hanging ‘love lock’ padlocks on bridges and railings after hearing about the problem they were causing on the Weir Bridge in Bakewell.

Retired engineer Ken Massingham from Church Broughton and his daughter Caroline who is a graphic designer from Littleover have spent the past year designing the five metre high Love Lock Tree. For more details go to lovelocktrees.com

Buxton books FROM postman to politician to award-winning author, Alan Johnson’s life has been to the soundtrack of his beloved popular music.

In his latest memoir, In My Life, Alan vividly transports us to a world that is no longer with us – a world of Dansettes and jukeboxes, of heartfelt love songs and heart-broken ballads, of smoky coffee shops and dingy dance halls. artsbeat November 2018

He will be talking about the book as one of the guest speakers at the Buxton International Festival’s Book Weekend, from November 23 to 24. There is a review of the book on page 65.

Other speakers include Nick Hewer, who advises Sir Alan Sugar on The Apprentice and Kate Hubbard, who has written a book about Bess of Hardwick. For more details, go to buxtonfestival.co.uk or to book, ring 01298 72190.

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DERWENT GALLERY Work by Kristan Baggaley

From The Edge

Open Wednesday-Saturday 11am-4pm, Sunday 1pm-4pm

Main Road, Grindleford, S32 2JN Tel 01433 630458 www.derwentgallery.com

Cromford Studio and Gallery

Featured artist for November

Jenny Aitken

Seascapes in acrylics and oils Open: 10am-5pm Wednesday to Sunday Market Place, Cromford, DE4 3QE 01629 826434

West Studios Christmas Family Workshops Saturday 1st December 2018

Workshops running 10am - 1pm

5 Artists running craft workshops!

Create unique cards, gifts & decorations For more info/book your space: 01246 500799 / hello@weststudios.co.uk

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artsbeat November 2018

LINE OF SIGHT

Textural photographer Jerry Daniel chats with Amanda Penman

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erry Daniel is a rather self deprecating sort of chap – he describes himself as a miserable, old, deaf git who enjoys being on his own capturing pictures in the countryside.

It is true that he has reached his 70th year; he is 50 per cent deaf and yes, he does spend most of his time outside with a camera.

But when I met him he was anything but miserable and he certainly seems to be enjoying his retirement.

It was his increasing deafness which forced him to retire early from his career as a junior school teacher and he also artsbeat November 2018

attributes the condition to his love for photography.

“My son has said that it is the perfect hobby for me and he is right. It is a pursuit most people do on their own and feel as if the photography I create now grew out of my deafness.

“Most of my pictures are taken in quiet, rural locations where I can relax without having to try to hear what is going on around me.

“All I have to concentrate on is looking around me and observing the landscape,” he explained.

Jerry studied graphic design at art school in London and

Jerry Daniel and, top, B&Q Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield

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‘

I like to find lines and patterns and I love taking pictures of water

Autumn Delights Lawrie Williamson Peter Rix | Caroline Craven Peter D Watson Helen Parsley

Clockwise from top right: Beech Nut Puddle, Chester Street Gas Tank, Hardwick Bales and Spring Flow

says that he has always been interested in composition and layout.

He followed his studies with a few years lecturing at art college, but then moved out of London to Sheffield with his wife Helen and started teaching younger children.

They have now made their home at Wingerworth near Chesterfield.

“My life is very different now, but I am happy that I am doing something creative with my time.

“I like my photographs to stand on their own. I aim to make them work without textural support. Each image has to work without explanation.

“A hundred different people will see 100 different things in the landscape. My pictures are personal in that no-one else will see quite what I have seen.

Ingleby Gallery 28th October - 4th November Preview Sunday 4th noon - 4pm

Ingleby, Nr Melbourne, Derbyshire DE73 7HW Telephone Gill Watson 01332 865995 e-mail gillwatson@ingleby-gallery.co.uk website www.ingleby-gallery.co.uk Open Wednesday to Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday and Sunday noon - 5pm

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artsbeat November 2018

“My pictures are usually of minor landscapes or features and some have an element of perceptual ambiguity.

“I look for landscape features which become compositional devices that influence our reading of depth in the 2D picture plane.

“I like lines and patterns and I definitely love taking pictures artsbeat November 2018

of water. It is my favourite subject.”

Jerry’s photographs of reflections in water are certainly eye-catching and he undoubtably has a eye for spotting interesting shapes.

He seems to have a knack of making something beautiful from even the most ugly of subjects, such as the plastic

sheeting caught on the barbed wire at the B&Q store in Chesterfield. n Jerry has work exhibited at the West Studios, which are part of Chesterfield College, in Chesterfield and exhibits at various festivals across the county during the year. Go to jerry-daniel.pixels.com to see more of his work.

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ROOT & BRANCH

Showing until November 25th

How trees grow in the imagination

Jane Bevan, Michael Cook, Elizabeth Forrest, Rebecca Mercer, Sue Olumide, Duncan Pass, John Rattigan, Sarah Sharpe & Anna Thomas The Manger Gallery Kings Newton, Derbyshire To view the work telephone Michael Cook on 01332 862365 or go to www.mangergallery.co.uk

The

Manger Gallery

Wildlife Sculpture Exhibition

by Eddie Hallam A breathtaking range of life-size sculptures in bronze, from mighty gannets to tiny wrens November 17th to December 2nd 10.30am-5pm

Daily talks and demonstrations

Riber Art Gallery, Greenways Farm, Riber, Matlock, DE4 5JU 01629 583108 / 07714 418174 www.wildlifesculptures.co.uk 24

artsbeat November 2018

gallery

artsbeat previews this month’s stand-out exhibitions St John Street Gallery, Ashbourne

M

ark Langley’s first solo exhibition at the Ashbourne gallery, In the Shade of Leaf, is a new collection of landscape paintings that take his work forward in an exciting new direction.

The collection demonstrates a variety of experimental styles of working in paint.

The exhibition focuses on depicting native trees in local settings, and the artist experiments with lighting, from soft summer evening sun to the contrast of sunshine and shadow.

Mark, who lives in Belper, has never been far from the inspiring landscape of the Peak District. Rural settings

Exhibitions and galleries

Anvil Gallery, 11 Old Blacksmith’s Yard, Derby This gallery owned by artist April Young has recently reopened in a new venue in Blacksmith’s Yard just off Sadler Gate – a few yards from its previous home.

Go to anvilgallery.co.uk for more details.

Art Café and Gallery in the Gardens, Pavilion Gardens, Buxton n The downstairs gallery showcases the work of more than artsbeat November 2018

Shadow of a Calke Park Tree by Mark Langley

are a tonic to him and they are reflected in his work.

He has a detailed approach to his work for quite a while

and it takes much patience to produce one of his paintings.

The exhibition will run from November 10-24.

40 artists and craftspeople from the High Peak Artists group. n In the café from November 5-December 22 the group will have its annual sale of work by gallery members. Every item has been reduced in price. Paintings, prints, ceramics, jewellery, textiles and more. Open daily. Normal Pavilion Gardens opening hours apply. Go to galleryinthegardens.co.uk for details.

Artcore, 3 Charnwood Street, Derby On Being an Artist: reflections on an arts practice exhibition in partnership with CVAN East Midlands. The artists involved are Andrew Bracey, Jessica Harby, Kajal Nisha Patel,

Tim Shore, Tracey Kershaw and Geoff Litherland. From November 16-December 6, 9.30am-4.30pm.

There is a launch evening on November 15. For more details go to artcoreuk.com The Art Room, Barlow Festive Finds and Gorgeous Gifts, November 10-18, 10.30am–3.30pm.

A lovely place to browse for unusual creative gifts, cards and prints to ease you gently into the festive season. Free parking and entry.

Baslow Pottery, Ivy House, Nether End, Baslow The ceramics gallery displays original work from more than 20 local

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Showcasing the best in local Art & Design

19 Borough Street Castle Donington Open: Tues - Fri 9:00 - 5:00 Derby Sat - 10:00 - 4:00 DE74 2LA Tel: 01332 987350 email: info@thetwobirdsgallery.com

John Connolly A selection of more than 300 original paintings to choose from in a working studio

Affordable original artwork starting from as little as £20 – most are framed and ready to hang

Open Studio and Winter Sale Throughout December and January

Call or text 07967-316622 to make an appointment or email me at: john@connollyart.com

www.connollyart.com

Ormscliffe Gallery and Studio 16 Langwith Road, Bolsover S44 6HQ 26

artsbeat November 2018

n gallery Cromford Studio and Gallery DERBYSHIRE artist Jenny Aitken will be exhibiting her work at Cromford during November.

Her deep love of the coast, and especially Alderney in the Channel Islands is strongly reflected in her work and whenever she gets the chance she heads there for inspiration.

That’s not to say that Jenny doesn’t also cherish her adopted Derbyshire. Her work includes scenes from its beautiful rivers, hills and moors and it was here that she gained the confidence to work en plein air.

“I love being outside where artists. Wednesday to Saturday, 10.30am-5.30pm and 11am-5pm on Sundays and bank holidays. More details at baslowpottery.co.uk.

Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery, Chesterfield A Walk Down Chatsworth Road. This exhibition focuses on the community history of Brampton until December 8. The Museum is open Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10am to 4pm.

Church Farm Art Gallery, 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 Thursday-Saturday 10.30am5pm. Go to churchfarmgallery.co.uk for details.

Diana Syder, and Kath Williamson, Chapel House, Main Street., Taddington Painter Diana, who works with oils artsbeat November 2018

ever I am and I love the hills and moors of the Peak District but most of all I have always loved the effects of light on water and each of my paintings is born from strong visual and emotional memories,” she says. and acrylics with landscape, still life, flowers and foliage as her subjects and photographer Kath, who creates haunting and nuanced pictures are staging a joint Open Studio at Diana’s home. November 24 and 25, 11am-4pm. For more information go to dianasyder.com Cromford Gallery and Studio, Market Place, Cromford The featured artist for November is Jenny Aitken. See more details above. The gallery is open Wednesday-Sunday 10am-5pm. Go to cromfordstudioandgallery.weebly. com for detals.

Cromford Mill, Rachel Emmerson Studio An exhibition of fine jewellery by Rachel and Lucy Palmer, November 17 and 18, 10.30am-4pm.

The Derwent Gallery, Grindleford From the Edge – Exhibition of paintings that celebrate the iconic view of the Dark Peak. The four miles of the northernmost gritstone escarpment of Stanage Edge

Jenny works in acrylics and oils, both in the studio and direct from the landscape, “I want movement, light and atmosphere. That’s what inspires me in a painting: the portrayal of the experience of a place.” and extending to Burbage Rocks, Froggatt Edge, Curbar Edge, Baslow Edge and Birchen Edge.

With paintings by Kristan Baggaley, Tim Hulley and gallery artists. Open 11am-4pm Wednesday-Saturday and 1pm-4pm on Sundays, telephone 01433 630458.

Déda, Chapel Street, Derby Join Dèda’s 20th anniversary celebrations and look back at the history of dance in the city since the 1950s. From Northern Soul to Hip Hop, explore the dance scenes that have taken hold of Derby through the decades. Until December 22. More details at deda.uk.com Derby Museum and Art Gallery Derby From War to Peace, In partnership with the 9th/12th Royal Lancers Museum, until January 20.

This exhibition explores the contribution Derby made to the First World War during its closing months and the impact on the town in the immediate years after the Armistice on 11 November 1918. For more details go to derbymuseums.org

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n gallery Duffield Gallery, Town Street, Duffield 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 Ferrers Gallery, Ferrers Centre for Arts and Crafts, Staunton Harold The Art of Giving, until December 24. A Christmas exhibition which will see all three floors of the gallery shimmer and sparkle with British craftsmanship. For more details go to ferrersgallery.co.uk Foxlowe Gallery, Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek The Staffordshire Contemporary Artist and Designer Fair 2018, December 1-2, 10am-4pm.

Now in its seventh year this event showcases high quality contemporary art, craft and design work.

The gallery is open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-4pm and the first Sunday of the month 11am-4pm.

Gallerytop, Rowsley A solo exhibition by Kristan Baggaley, until November 4. The gallery is open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm.

More details at gallerytop.co.uk Gallery 23, Union Road, New Mills The gallery, open 10am-5pm, Monday to Saturday, will be showing travel photography by Peter Aitchison in the front gallery and mixed media artist Christine Ormsby will have an exhibition/studio space in another room. The hope is to continue using the gallery as a multispace venue and run workshops. For more information about workshops and exhibitions go to gallery23.co.uk Gallery In a Shed, behind High Peak Bookstore and Cafe, Ashbourne Road, Buxton Original oil and watercolour paintings

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Eddie Hallam Gallery, Riber EDDIE Hallam has always been totally absorbed and fascinated by all forms of wildlife.

He likes nothing better than sketching them in some wild and remote location.

From the sketches he then works them into life-size sculptures before they are cast in bronze, using a method that was discovered 5,500 years ago. A method still used for many products today.

Eddie has travelled widely to study and sketch wildlife but British species are still his favourite subjects. He

by Carole Knight, and photographs

by Phil James. Go to galleryinashed. wixsite.com for details.

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 Seeds of Peace, until November 18, a joint exhibition by the gallery’s ten resident artists to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War. n The Winter Emporium – original and affordable art and craft inspired by the season, all created locally.

The launch night is the gallery’s sixth birthday party on November 23 from 6.30-9pm. The exhibition runs until December 24. For further information contact hello@thegreenmangallery. com or 01298 937375 Green Door Printmaking Studio, Banks Mill Studios, Derby Creating Silence. An exhibition of

now has over 70 bronze sculptures in his portfolio ranging from mighty gannets to tiny wrens.

His annual exhibition will be held from November17December 2, at Greenways Farm, Riber, near Matlock.

There will be talks and demonstrations throughout the event.

Go to wildlifesculptures.co.uk for more details screen prints and photopolymer etchings by Sarah Roach, until November 5.

Hall of Frames, King Street, Belper Original and limited edition artwork from a variety of artists. More details at hallofframes.co.uk Hallam Art Group Exhibition, Hallam Community Centre, Hallam Grange Crescent, Sheffield Free exhibition November 3 and 4, 10am-5pm.

For more details go to hallamartgroup.wordpress.com.

The Harley Gallery, Welbeck Winner of the Royal Academy of Arts’ Sculpture Award at the 2018 Summer Exhibition, Kate MccGwire will cap a memorable year with the opening of her first career retrospective.

The show will display more than 40 works by the renowned British sculptor with pieces dating back to her degree show. Feathers, quills, lead, fabric and drawings all feature in the collection.More details at harleygallery.co.uk artsbeat November 2018

n gallery Whittlestone Gallery, Pilsley WILDLIFE artist Richard Whittlestone was raised on a Yorkshire farm and much of his free time was spent observing the birds, butterflies and animals to be found around him. His love of wildlife stems from this early age and has developed and grown with time.

Now he works from his studio and gallery, Broomes Barns, Pilsley, on the Chatsworth Estate where he will be staging his Winter Exhibition, featuring more than 25 new paintings, from November 17-December 9. For more details go to richardwhittlestone.co.uk Ingleby Gallery, Ingleby Autumn Delights, work by Lawrie Williamson, Peter Rix, Caroline Craven, Peter D Watson and Helen Parley.The gallery is open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 10am-5pm and weekends from noon-5pm. Go to ingleby-gallery. co.uk for details.

Isla Fine Art Cards and Gifts, 4b The Colonnade, Buxton There will be an exhibition of oils and watercolours by Carole Knight from November 18-December 24. As well as fine art cards and gifts there is a gallery space at the shop in the heart of Buxton and regular exhibitions during the year. Go to Isla–Fine Art on facebook for more details.

Jarva Gallery, Market Street, Whaley Bridge Jarva Gallery Christmas Exhibition featuring ten artists and designers exhibiting original art works and sculpture. The artists are Jenny Aitken, Zoe Stainton, Sue Page, Hollie Crossley, Pam Smart, Paul Talbot, Sandra Orme, David artsbeat November 2018

Paintings by Diana Syder will be exhibited at an Open Studio event at her home in Taddington on November 24 and 25

Coulter, Harry Frost and Bredan Hesmondhalgh. Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9.30am-5pm, Wednesdays 9,30am-3pm, and Saturdays, 9.30am-4pm. For more details go to jarvagallery.com.

John Connolly’s Ormscliffe Gallery, Bolsover More than 300 original paintings are on show at his personal gallery in Bolsover.

Throughout December and January he will be staging an open studio sale of his work. Go to connollyart. com for more details.

Leabrooks Arts Complex, Somercotes n From Peaks to Coast by Arwyn Quick, until November 2. n Susan Tracey, November 3-30. work in oil inspired by the landscape, and by water in particular.

The gallery is open MondaySaturday, 10am-5pm and 11am3.30pm on Sundays. Wednesdays by appointment only. Details at leabrooksartscomplex.com The Manger Gallery, Kings Newton, Melbourne The autumn exhibition – Root & Branch – gathers together work in various media by some of the region’s most interesting artists.

They will be exploring how trees grow in the imagination, their spiritual, symbolic and metaphorical power. It is on until November 25.

Go to mangergallery.co.uk for details.

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n gallery The Makers, 47 Church Street, Ashbourne Art and gifts made by UK artists, designers and makers. Currently exhibiting work by Long Eaton clothing label artist Joy Pitts.

No. 28, Market Place, Belper n An exhibition of screenprints by Kate Brooks, November 9-December 10. See more details on page 9. n Shine in Belper – Christmas Artisan Market featuring jewellery from Richard Bett, Gwin Kerry and John Hattersley; art from Kate Brooks, Claire Duberry and Nancy Ferrett-Paine; textiles from Lisa Green and ceramics from Gavin Norris, November 30, 5.30pm-8pm and December 1, 10am-5pm.

The Old Lock Up Gallery, Swift’s Hollow, Cromford n Salon 10, until November 3. n Remote: an exhibition of paintings

by Steve Gresham and sculpture by Jane Cairns.

The gallery is open 11am-5pm, Friday through to Sunday. Go to The Old Lock Up Gallery on Facebook for details.

Peak District Artisans, Whitworth Centre, Darley Dale Winter Artisan Fair, November 3 and 4, 10am-4pm. More details at peakdistrictartisans.co.uk Pots and Pix, Bankfield, Chase Road, Ambergate This annual pre-Christmas At

QUAD, Market Place, Derby NEW and existing work

by Rebecca Allen, worldrenowned US-based digital art pioneer is being exhibited at QUAD in Derby from November 10-February 3.

The exhibition, Sync (Emerge (Consciousness)), Home Open Studio features Liz Tatam’s stoneware ceramics and Friends of Cromford Canal Archivist Hugh Potter’s display of historic photographs and slide shows.

November 24 and 25, 11am-5pm.

Further details and directions at canalsidepotters.co.uk.

The Richard Whittlestone Wildlife Gallery, Pilsley, near Chatsworth

Susan Tracey is exhibiting her work at Leabrooks Gallery, Somercotes

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includes the premier of a new virtual reality commission for QUAD, Life Without Matter and also features the recent VR immersive artworks The Tangle of Mind and Matter (2017) and INSIDE (2016) as well as a selection of works drawn from Rebecca’s career, including the interactive large screen installation Bush Soul (#3) and the video Musique Non Stop.

November 17-December 9, Winter Exhibition. See more details on page 29. The gallery is open 10am-5pm Tuesday to Saturday. More details at richardwhittlestone.co.uk Rob Wilson Art, Lockside Mill, St. Martins Road, Marple Winter Show, November 3 and 4, 10am-4pm. Otherwise the gallery is open to visitors every Friday, 10am4pm. Go to robwilsonart.co.uk for more details.

Smallprint Company, Friary Street, Derby A series of screenprints by recent graduate Beatrice Tailby-Hardstaff, until November 17. More details at smallprintcompany.com St John Street Gallery, Ashbourne Mark Langley, November 10-24. See more details on page 25. The gallery is open 9.30am-5pm, MondaySaturday.

For more information go to stjohngalleryandcafe.co.uk artsbeat November 2018

n gallery Level arts centre, Rowsley ABSTRACT Playground is a interactive sound installation created by artist Will Hurt for the contemporary arts centre Level, at Rowsley.

It takes the form of a screen based programme triggered by a series of coloured buttons. When activated they animate geometric shapes, moving them around the screen while playing a sound.

This allows people to create a unique ‘real time’ audiovisual composition.

Will is interested in the nature and concept of Digital Space.

This work plays with this notion in an intuitive, easy to understand visual language.

The shapes on the screen represent brutalist architecture, which disintegrates and explodes when activated.

The screen can be rotated at any time and the colours change abstractly, both of which provide a constant variety to the relationship of shape and digital space.

Abstract Playground is part of the Inter-ACT + Re-ACT programme at Level and is a co-commission with D-Lab. It can be seen at the centre, in Old Station Close from November 9 when there is as public opening from 6.30-9pm For more details go to levelcentre.com

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 craft workshops for all ability levels.

Open Monday-Friday, 9.30am-5pm and 9.30am-4pm on Saturday.

U Choose Smoothie Art Gallery, Ilkeston Original work by local artists and crafters. Work by more than 20 local artists can always be seen at the gallery. For more details go to uchoosesmoothie.co.uk 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. artsbeat November 2018

Work by Steve Gresham is at the Old Lock Up Gallery Cromford

Wirksworth Pop Up Gallery, Dale End, Wirksworth For details of who is exhibiting at this new space check out the facebook page @wirksworthpopupgallery.

West Studios, Chesterfield Various work by local artists and students at Chesterfield College. Go to chesterfield.ac.uk or email hello@ weststudios.co.uk for more details.

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CREATIVE SPACES

You are invited to visit a hot house of talent in university’s studios

B

anks Mill is an old Victorian rope factory which was purchased by the University of Derby in 1998 and converted into studios.

Today it’s a hub of activity offering space to people wishing to start a creative business.

You can visit the mill and the studios of more than 50 artists designers and makers at the annual open weekend which is on from November 23-25.

Banks Mill co-ordinator Karen Holland said: “During our open studios you can see firsthand how our artists create their unique designs.

“The event gives the public the opportunity to buy original work directly from the artists themselves, something that can’t be experienced on the high street.

“You can also meet one of our creative service providers to discuss how they can work with you; from branding and website design to digital and video promotion or photography services for your own business.”

Kate Dawson, who has recently moved into Banks Mill Studios, formerly worked at a jeweller’s in Birmingham

Kate Dawson’s exquisite jewellery

artsbeat November 2018

Pet portraitist Sarah Perkins, and, below, upholsterer Sarah Skinner

designing and making jewellery but decided that she wanted to do this for herself. Kate specialises in engagement rings, wedding bands and unique custom pieces using platinum, gold and many precious stones including diamonds.

Sarah Perkins is another artist new to the studios having just launched her business painting portraits of much-loved pets as well as all kinds of animals.

Sarah spent many years in the police force and after retiring has decided to focus on what she loves most – painting.

Such is the diversity within the Mill, you can also meet Sarah Skinner who reupholsters small furniture pieces using traditional techniques and natural, sustainable materials.

During the open weekend, which is from 10am-5pm on the Saturday and Sunday and from 5pm-8pm on the Friday,

there will be an on-site popup café and a trail to engage younger visitors. n To find out more about the event, who is exhibiting and to enter a free prize draw visit www.banksmill.co.uk/os2018

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SCRIVENER’s SECONDHAND & ANTIQUARIAN BOOKS & BOOKBINDING 42 HIGH ST, BUXTON, SK17 6HB Tel: 01298 73100 Monday–Saturday 9.30am to 5pm Sundays 12pm to 4pm scrivbooks@hotmail.co.uk www.scrivenersbooks.co.uk

Award-winning traditional Peak District Pub SERVING CHRISTMAS LUNCH AND DINNER THROUGHOUT DECEMBER One of The Guardian’s 10 Best Bookshops

Telephone 01298 83288 see www.peakvenues.co.uk for details

In our

Art Café gallery

WINTER SALE 5TH NOVEMBER - 22ND DECEMBER

Unique gifts for the perfect present! from over 40 local artists & craftspeople

High Peak Artists Pavilion Gardens, Buxton. T: 07849 673058 Opening hours: Nov 10.30am-4pm, Dec 11am – 4pm galleryinthegardens.co.uk

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artsbeat November 2018

BOOK OF REVELATION

Novel led to work featured at the Royal Academy Summer Show

A

quick glance around Archangel Studio at the Ferrers Centre for Arts and Crafts – the workplace of textile artist Michelle Holmes – and it’s easy to see from where she gets her inspiration.

Carefully laid out, wherever there is a bit of space, she has an amazing collection of miscellany including lichen and seed pods, postcards and photos – even fragments of a butterfly’s wing. On her shelves there is a rainbow of haberdashery and her beloved sketchbooks which date back years as well as a collection of art and vintage books.

One book I didn’t spot though artsbeat November 2018

‘

I am inspired by spiritual and religious figures and iconography was a novel which Michelle says inspired the name of her studio, Miss Garnet’s Angel by Salley Vickers.

The book weaves the story of Tobias and the Archangel Raphael into the life of Miss Garnet who has gone to Venice in search of solace after the death of a friend.

“When I read the book I was totally captivated. It is a haunting novel but one that all lovers of Venice should read.

“I am, among many other

things, inspired by spiritual and religious figures and iconography and when I was deciding on a name for the studio Archangel just seemed a natural choice,” explained the 49-year-old artist.

Last year Vickers was one of the speakers at the Derby Book Festival and Michelle couldn’t resist going along.

“I had planned to get her to sign my book,” she said smiling.

“I didn’t manage to get her to do that, but what she did do was reawaken my interest in icons and inspire me to take a new direction in my work.”

The results are so impressive that Material Tenderness (pictured on page 37) won a coveted place at the Royal

35

Academy’s Summer Show this year.

Each tiny piece of material embroidered into the picture are from different sources, many with a significant religious connection and all have been painstakingly stitched together.

The same can be said for the work for which Michelle has become known since she started creating textiles professionally at the turn of the Millennium: her series of moons and of course her figurative work including the famous Betty whose adventures are posted on Facebook once a week.

“I like watching people and

36

I love stories, especially folk stories as well as the illustrations that go with them and with my work I am creating little worlds for people to enjoy.

“I have my sketchbook with me most of the time and I jot down ideas from what is going on around me. Betty is a fun character and she is something I challenge myself with each week.”

Michelle says she tends to begin with a base of heavy weight Calico on to which she adds appliquéd patches which she machines into place and she also free machines embroidered figures. There are also sometimes some beads and handstitching.

“I am so lucky to have the support of people at the Ferrers Centre who haves always encouraged me. “I have always wanted to make and I am lucky that I can do so here in this lovely valley where the lake and the woods and wildlife are a constant inspiration.”

The Archangel Studio is open from 11am-5pm Wednesday to Saturday.

Michelle will be exhibiting as part of the Angel Project at the Manger Gallery, King’s Newton, from December 1 to January 30 (more details on page 48) and will be showing work at an exhibition to celebrate the 900th anniversary of Launde Abbey in Leicestershire next year. artsbeat November 2018

Main picture: Staunton Grass Clockwise from top right: Material Tenderness, Full Moon Over The Sand Dunes, and Michelle’s sketchbook figures which are transferred to textiles in her studio

artsbeat November 2018

37

WINTER’S TALE

Remarkable images from 100 years ago discovered in archive at Derby photographers

A

unique collection of images from inside Prisoner of War camps between 1915-18 has been uncovered in the collection of Derby photographers WW Winter Ltd and will be curated into an exhibition thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The project, called Behind the Barbed Wire – photographing Wolrd War One German Officers at Donington and Sutton Bonington [Kegworth] POW Camps, has been granted £10,000 by the National Lottery as part of the First World War Then and Now programme.

Project co-ordinator Jane Middleton-Smith, said: “The images are intriguing and unique and the fact that their importance has been recognised is wonderful. We cannot wait to get started.

“Volunteers will be working collaboratively on the research with colleagues from the University of Nottingham, who are very keen to discover the story of the Kegworth Camp, now the Sutton Bonington Campus.

“The project will touch on a sensitive and potentially often-overlooked aspect of the Home Front and will enable artsbeat November 2018

Winter’s archive reveals record of life in Great War prisoner camps volunteers and people in the area to see the conflict through a different lens.”

The project, which begins this year and finishes next – 100 years after the prisoners were repatriated – will enable local people to study the photographs of the two camps and the prisoners through a series of four workshops.

The results of the research will be made public through a oneday symposium to be held at the Sutton Bonington campus in October, 2019, which will be accompanied by an exhibition and a small publication.

The WW Winter Heritage artsbeat November 2018

Top: German Prisoners of War playing chess Above: A hockey team from the PoW camp

Trust came about as a result of the initiative to protect and preserve the amazing legacy of WW Winter Ltd and to make it available to the public. It also provides financial and volunteer support for the management of, and care for, the WW Winter Collection.

The Trust is in its infancy and this will be its first project.

To date, volunteers have been

involved in studio Open Days, research, and cataloguing the print/negative collection.

Winter’s can trace its origins back to 1852, making it the oldest commercial photographic business in the East Midlands – if not the UK. It has made the images available to the Heritage Trust for this project.

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Creative Treat Days Specialist practitioners providing exciting opportunities to develop creative skills in your chosen area.

Creative Treat Days are £80 and include materials, Gift refreshments and a delicious lunch.

Vouchers To purchase a Creative Treat Day, available please ring 01629 533090 or email DACES.courses@derbyshire.gov.uk Silver Clay Pendant by Rebecca Green

In this workshop you will create a beautiful solid fine silver pendant and leave the day wearing your new jewellery. Learn how to fashion silver clay into a design of your own and discover the various processes involved in turning the clay into solid silver.

Friday 1 March 2019, 10am to 4pm Alfreton Adult Education Centre, Church St, Alfreton DE55 7BD

Coptic Book-Binding by The Smallprint Company

You will produce a decorative bound, A5, hard backed journal or sketchbook that opens out completely flat using the traditional hand stitched binding technique which dates back over 2000 years.

Saturday 9 March 2019, 10am to 4pm Swadlincote Adult Education Centre, Rink Drive, Swadlincote, DE11 8JL

Willow Hen Sculpture by Emma Parkins

You will create your own unique hen sculpted from willow using a variety of weaving techniques.

Saturday 16 March 2019, 10am to 4pm Erewash Voluntary Action, The Granville Centre, Granville Avenue, Long Eaton, NG10 4HD

Celtic Basket by Maggie Cooper

You will create an unusual rugby ball basket technically called a ‘creelach’ for gathering and storing sheep’s wool. An intriguing beginner’s basket which is both sculptural and functional. The method is a simple hazel frame woven with vibrant fresh willows and pliant stems.

Sunday 31 March 2019, 10am to 4pm Derbyshire Eco Centre, Porter Lane, Middleton-by-Wirksworth, DE4 4LS

CHILLING THRILLER Sophie Draper chats with Amanda Penman about her debut novel

A

uthor Sophie Draper had just moved to a remote farmhouse on the outskirts of Idridgehay near Wirksworth. The rest of her family had either gone to school or work and she was alone, contemplating the rolling mist outside and the unopened packing cases.

“The place wasn’t quite home, it was cold and damp and I felt a bit lonely – a bit spooked out really so I found my computer, lit the stove and started to write a story.

“I have always loved Susan Hill’s Woman In Black and inspired by the day and the house I started writing something Gothic. I just had a feeling that I wanted to write a spooky house story and ended up writing Cuckoo,” she said. artsbeat November 2018

‘

I had a feeling that I wanted to write a spooky house story That was at the autumn of 2016. Five months later Sophie, who many of you may know by her professional storytelling name of Sophie Snell, had a first rough draft which she entered into the Bath Novel Award for debut authors.

“It has all been a bit overwhelming since then as, to my amazement, I won and by last September I had an agent and had also won the York Festival of Writing Friday Night Live Award.”

Sophie is the third Derbyshire woman debut author to win the York award. She follows on from Joanna Cannon, with The Trouble with Goats and Sheep and Jo Jakeman with Sticks and Stones, which is reviewed on page 65.

Cuckoo is a chilling

exploration of the power of stories, family tensions and the secrets we keep from ourselves.

It tells the story of Caro, who returns to her childhood home in Derbyshire when her stepmother dies unexpectedly.

She hadn’t seen Elizabeth in years, but the remote farmhouse offers refuge from a bad relationship, and a chance to start again.

But going through Elizabeth’s belongings unearths memories Caro would rather stayed buried. In particular, the story her stepmother would tell her, about two little girls and the terrible thing they do.

As heavy snow traps Caro in the village, where her neighbours stare and whisper, she is forced to question why Elizabeth hated her so much, and what she was hiding.

The book is being published on November 29 and will be available at Waterstones. n Go to sophiedraper.co.uk for updates.

41

Festive

Open Day

Sunday

Est. 2013

Adult Creative Courses

18 November 12 - 4.30pm Drop in pas Free cup

All sessions bookable online Specialist 1:1 Tuition

Paint Splatter Parties

CLAY g n i p Jum £2+ s e k a mini m

Free woolly Bauble Making

104 Saltergate, S40 1NE www.straightcurves.co.uk 01246 807575

have a go

Brush up on your skills – or try something entirely new Why not gift a Creative Treat Day to a friend?

D

erbyshire Adult Community Education Service are launching a new programme of Creative Treat Days. These workshops offer the opportunity to work with specialist practitioners around Derbyshire.

There are Creative Treat Days happening at Sharpe’s Pottery, Swadlincote, Derbyshire Eco Centre, at Middleton-byWirksworth, Alfreton Adult Education Centre and Erewash CVS, Long Eaton.

The activities include Silver Clay delivered by designermaker Rebecca Green of Rock Paper Silver. In this session you will create your own piece of silver jewellery.

The session at the Eco Centre will be working with expert basket maker, Maggie Cooper, who has done a wide range of activities associated with baskets, art projects and installations.

She enjoys giving people the

Workshops and Courses

Alfreton Life Drawing Classes, Firs House, Firs Gardens, Alfreton n There is no teacher, so you are free to express yourself artistically.

Please bring your own materials artsbeat November 2018

opportunity to learn this skill and continue the heritage of basket making At Sharpe’s Pottery, you can work with Hannah from The Smallprint Company, in Derby, who is offering the opportunity to try the intricate skill of coptic book-binding.

Emma Parkins will be teaching the skills of willow weaving at Erewash CVS in Long Eaton.

During this session you will be able to learn about working with willow and the techniques involved in using it and by the

end of the session, you will be able to take away your own personally designed sculpture of a hen, see pictured above.

All of the Creative Treat Days cost £80 per person, which includes all of the materials, lunch and refreshments.

To book onto one of the Creative Treat Days yourself or if you are interested in buying a gift voucher for someone to select their own, please call 01629 533090 or email DACES.courses@derbyshire. gov.uk

and equipment. Everyone over 18 is welcome, £7 per session, Thursdays, 7pm-9pm.

For further information contact Julie on 07881383282 .

Artcore, Charnwood Street, Derby n Celebration of Youth at Artcore November 2, 11am-1pm. A variety of sports and creative activities for children and young people so get

involved and try something new.. n Every Wednesday – Clay course for beginners, 6-8pm. For details email info@artcoreuk.com or call 01332 384561.

Art Afloat, Birdswood narrowboat, Cromford Canal n To book email sales@birdswood. org or telephone 07552 055455.

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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

Quality framing service including sports memorabilia, medals, posters, prints and photographs Needlework and canvas stretching

Original art l prints l art materials l gifts

www.outframed.co.uk

n Tel: 01773 747251 n Market Place, Ripley, DE5 3FJ

pitchblue Wirksworth

Christmas workshops & weekly courses

pitchblue Christmas

Learn to Throw Evening, Weekend and Taster courses in spacious, well-equipped pottery studio near Alfreton, Derbyshire. www.parkwoodthrowingcourses.co.uk

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Art & Craft Makers Christmas Sale Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th November www.pitchbluecreative.com

pitchblue

pitchblue@outlook.com

Caroline 07736 423 352 Roz 07742 440 165

artsbeat November 2018

n have a go Anna Massey, Weekly Painting and Drawing Classes n Various venues in and around the Peaks. Several courses in New Mills, Stockport and Sheffield, including painting and drawing classes: Wednesdays 9.30-11.30am, New Mills; and Wednesdays 1.15-3.45pm, Hazel Grove.

Watercolours, acrylics, drawing and mixed media techniques taught by an experienced tutor.

Friendly classes with weekly demonstrations and guidance.

Beginners and Improvers welcome.

For more information go to annamasseyartist.com or call 07947380078 Anne Alldread Textiles n Weekly Textile Groups Monday pm and Wednesday am in Belper.

Small friendly groups with an emphasis on having fun while creating.

A variety of techniques to include wet felting, dyeing, tapestry, printing and much more. Full day workshops also available.

Please contact Anne for further information at annealldread@yahoo. co.uk, www.annealldread.com or on 07817745705 Chesterfield Branch Embroiderers’ Guild n First Thursday of each month 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. 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.

Derbyshire Adult Education, derbyshire.gov.uk/coursesearch n Various courses available at artsbeat November 2018

different venues including the Derbyshire Eco Centre, near Wirksworth and Sharp’s Pottery at Swadlincote as well as libraries and other centres.

To book a place call 01629 533290, email swadlincote.ace@derbyshire. gov.uk or go to the website link, keyword ‘masterclass’.

Glossop Branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild, Glossop Cricket Club, SK13 7AS n Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of the month, 1-3pm.

Go to glostitchedup.blogspot.co.uk for details.

Green Door Printmaking Studio, Banks Mill, Derby n For more details and to book online, visit: greendoor-printmaking. co.uk or call 07919 823 097.

Green Man Gallery, Hardwick Hall, Buxton n Life drawing, a weekly session for artists at any stage with a professional life model, Tuesdays, 7-9pm. 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 – Changing Faces with Funny Wonders. A weekly creative session for young people (11 to 18). More information at funnywonders.org.uk. n Journaling into your Creative Self with Buxton based writer and Reiki practitioner, Diane King. Every Wednesday in November,7.30pm to 9pm. n Needle Felting with Louise Brooks. Create a needle felt ‘Robin on a Bobbin’. Beginners welcome.

November 10, 1pm to 4pm.

For further information and booking for other courses contact hello@ thegreenmangallery.com or 01298 937375 unless otherwise stated.

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. November 7, hands-on Christmas Activity. There will also be a Christmas lunch at the golf club on November 21.

Kirstie Adamson, magazine collage, Banks Mill, Derby n Narnia Winter Wood workshops, November 17 and December 15,10am-3pm.Go to kirstieadamson. co.uk for more details.

Leabrooks Artists Forum, Somercotes n Artists sharing information, ideas and enterprise. Meetings are 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, November 10 and 21. n Louise also holds Bedfordshire Lace weekend courses.

Go to louisewestlacedesign.co.uk for booking details.

Matlock Artists’ Society, All Saints Church Hall, Smedley Street n The club’s Portrait Group meets on 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.

Monyash Village Hall, Monyash n A needle-felt fox. Saturday November 17, 10.30am-3.30pm.

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Cromford Wharf DE4 3RQ

Seasonal refreshments for everybody Presents from Santa for the children

Weekends in December - 12pm & 2pm 1st & 2nd, 8th & 9th, 15th & 16th, 22nd & 23rd, also Thursday 20th

Early Bird Special: £1 off tickets – first weekend in December only Under 1 year: £5 Under 5 years: £7 Over 5 years & Adults : £10

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Cruise the Cromford Canal with Santa this Christmas

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First Saturday of the month from 10.30am-1pm Leabrooks Arts Complex, Somercotes, DE55 4HB

www.leabrooksartscomplex.com artsbeat November 2018

n have a go Bring your own lunch. Tea and coffee provided. Suitable for beginners and improvers. £30. Contact Julia at thepeakcraftbox.com or phone 07745385178 The Old Lock Up Gallery, Swifts Hollow, Cromford n. 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. No courses now until the spring.For more details visit pennineart.uk Tel: 01457 857527, email: info@pennine-art.uk Pam Smart, Art Workshops in the Studio with a View, Buxton n Full day workshop from 10am-4pm with materials and refreshments.

For details go to pamsmart.co.uk Pitchblue Creative, Coldwell Street, Wirksworth n Machine Embroidery, November 10, 10am-1pm. n Lino print your own Christmas Cards, November 23, 10am-3pm. n Christmas Crafts, December 1, 10am-1pm. n Christmas Natural Wreaths, December 15, 10am-1pm.

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 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 QUAD Derby n Introduction to Creative Writing (four weeks) begins on October 24. artsbeat November 2018

n Writing Compelling Crime Fiction, November 8. n Get Yourself Published (four weeks) from November 14. n Writing Ghost Stories, December 1. n Writing to a Theme, December 6.

For information on any workshops or to book online go to: https://www. derbyquad.co.uk/category/familyworkshops.aspx or call QUAD Box Office on 01332 290606.

Richard Holland, Landscape Artist 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 Japanese Bookbinding for Beginners, December 15, 1pm3.30pm. n Coptic Bookbinding, November 10, 12-4pm. n Create a Letterpress Print, November 24, 12-4pm; November 8 and December 6 at 6-9pm..

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 – a workshop designed especially for pre-school children and their parent, every Friday and Monday 9.45-11am. n Book Club – 7-8pm on the third

Thursday of the month, refreshments included.

St John Street, Gallery, Ashbourne n Sue Lewis-Blake, Mixing Media, November 1, 10am-4pm. n Lewis Noble Painting the Derbyshire Landscape (three-day workshop), November 5-7. n Wendy Darker workshop, Highland Cow in Snow’ (two one-day workshops) November 21 and 22. n Sue Prince, Egg tempera folk art painting workshop (two-day workshop), November 22-23.

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.

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48

A Above, from left: Guardian Angel, by Sarah Sharpe; The Angel of Bath Street,

by Rebecca Mercer; and Angel in Tree, by John Rattigan

rtist John Rattigan observed that although angels have always been leading lights in Biblical stories, references to their physical appearance are rare.

“That job has been left to artists to resolve,” he said.

“Paradoxically, in striving to describe these otherworldly, celestial beings artists have cast them as reflections of human kind, albeit a few steps removed.”

It was his interest in the subject which sparked the idea for The Angel Project for which he invited a group of leading artists from the East Midlands to make a personal response artsbeat November 2018

ANGELS ‘

I couldn’t resist visualising them grappling with being earthbound

to some aspect of the timehonoured visual conventions or narratives associated with angels.

In addition to personal interpretations, and because of the historical pedigree that surrounds angel iconography – encapsulating everything from medieval stained glass and illuminated scripts, to artists as diverse as Giotto and Fra Angelico, William Blake to Marc Chagall – each exhibiting artist also had the option to use artsbeat November 2018

aspects of art history in their work.

Of his own contribution to the exhibition John said: “I couldn’t resist visualising the angels in my work as messengers grappling with the practicalities of being earthbound. Falling angels rather than fallen angels. They sometimes find themselves getting entangled in trees or are seen practising flight manoeuvres (a school for angels). In other versions I envisage them in playful or mischievous moods, dancing or cavorting in their free time or even painting their own halos!”

This project builds on the success of two previous group exhibitions curated by

John – A Derbyshire Passion: Stations of the Cross held at Derby Cathedral in 2015, and The Adam & Eve Project which toured the Midlands in 2017/18.

The other artists involved in The Angel Project are Michael Cook, Elizabeth Forrest, Rebecca Mercer, Duncan Pass, Sue Prince, Sarah Sharpe, Anna Thomas and Michelle Holmes, whose work is featured on page 35.

You may have seen the exhibition at the Melbourne Festival in September but if you missed it or want to see it again it will be at The Manger Gallery, at Kings Newton, near Melbourne from December 1.

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music

artsbeat’s essential guide to Derbyshire’s best live tunes Multi-talented Henry Normal is topping the bill

P

oet, comedian, writer and BAFTA awardwinning television producer Henry Normal will be headlining at a gig in Chesterfield on November 24.

Midlands-born Normal (pictured right), once lived in the town, and is being hosted by the Independent Electric Group. He will be appearing alongside poet Andrew Graves and singer-songwriter Ichabod with Matt McAteer as MC. The trio who co-founded the group, Lippy Kid, aka electronic musician Paul Scott, poet Matt McAteer and singer/ song writer Kieran Smith (Ichabod), from left to right above, have just celebrated the project’s first anniversary.

“Given the continual cuts to local authority art budgets we recognised the need to try to establish something in

Rock and Pop

Buxton Opera House, and Pavilion Arts Centre, Buxton n 10cc, November 12, 7.30pm. n Roy Orbison and the Traveling Wilburys Experience, 30th anniversary tour, November 16, 7.30pm. n Steve Steinman’s Meat Loaf Story, November 17, 7.30pm. n ABBA Forever, November 18, 7.30pm. n Roy Wood Rock and Roll Band at artsbeat November 2018

order to give a platform for those wishing to showcase independent art, and find others to collaborate with,” said Paul.

“Since, we’ve noted a number of highly productive collaborations starting to develop. As a collective we’ve also teamed up ourselves with the independent-minded Radio Free Matlock.

“Most inspiring of all though has been the people who’ve been willing to support us by appearing at our events. Our biggest name to date is Henry who among many other credits co-wrote TV series such as The Christmas, November 20, 7.30pm. n The Chicago Blues Brothers, November 22, 7.30pm. n Live on Mars – A Tribute to David Bowie, November 23, 7.30pm.

Details at buxtonoperahouse.org.uk Melbourne Assembly Rooms Double header tribute to the Kings of Leon and Foo Fighters, November 30.

Go to melbourneassemblyrooms. co.uk for more details.

Queen’s Head, Belper

Royle Family and The Mrs Merton Show.

He’s also a fantastic poet, and, as you can imagine, we’re delighted to have him join us.”

The event is at The Labour Club in Saltergate and entry is £5. Details at independentelectricgroup. wordpress.com. n Brooks Williams, November 9. n Steve Ignorant’s Slice of Life November 10. n Sunjay + support,. November 16.

Skin and Bone.Jazz, November 24. n Andy White. November 30. n SoulDeep.Jazz, December 8.

For more details go to queensheadbelper.weebly.com

Folk and Jazz

Alstonefield Village Hall Dave Pegg & A J Clarke – Fairport Convention’s bass player is joined

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n music by raconteur and singer-songwriter Clarke for a night of great tunes and frivolity.November 23, 8pm (doors 7.30pm) Tickets at WeGotTickets. com or call 01335 310121.

Old King’s Head, Days Lane, Belper n Belper Folk Club, every Tuesday at 8.30pm. For more details check out their facebook page or go to belperfolkclub.co.uk For tickets go to black-dog-radio.com Buxton Opera House and Pavilion Arts Centre n Ralph McTell, November 7, 7.30pm. n Tame Valley Stompers, Jazz at the Arts Centre, November 11, 1pm. n Show of Hands, November 15, 7.30pm. n Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain with Bells On, November 21, 7.30pm. n The Simon and Garfunkel Story, November 25, 7.30pm.

Go to buxtonoperahouse.org.uk for more details.

Chesterfield Library, Chesterfield An evening with John Tams and Barry Coope, November 30, 8pm.

Derbyshire’s most popular duo makes a welcome return to one of their favourite venues. A PR Promotions event. Tickets from Ticket Hotline 01773 853428.

Chesterfield Jazz n Saxaphone workshop with Tommaso Starace, Eyre Chapel, Chesterfield, November 3, 2.30pm5.30pm. n Tommaso Starace in concert plus a jam session, November 3, 7pm-9pm. n Beverley Beirne, Club Chesterfield, Chesterfield, November 15, 8.30pm. For details go to chesterfieldjazz.wordpress.com.

Derby Jazz n Liran Donin’s, Thousand Boats, November 2, The Cube, Deda, Derby. The acclaimed Israeli bass player leading a two-sax quintet. n Paul Dunmall, Dave Kane and

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Young pianist in New Year Gala FOLLOWING in the footsteps of her older brother Sheku, 16-year-old Jeneba Kanneh-Mason will make her debut with Sinfonia Viva at the New Year’s Eve Gala Concert at The Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham.

Jeneba will perform the solo in Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G – 1st Movemen’.

Royal Philharmonic Society Awards 2018 winning guitarist Sean Shibe – described as one of the Hamid Drake, at Baby People, Forman Street, Derby, November 10, 8pm. n Jam Session, The Bless, Chapel Street, Derby, November 14, 8pm. n Phil Robson, New York Quartet, Baby People, Forman Street, Derby, November 17, 8pm. n Play Jazz, a jazz workshop for adults, University of Derby, Pybus Street, Derby, November 28, 8pm. n Byron Wallen’s, Anthem for Woolwich, Baby People, Forman Street, Derby, November 30, 8pm.

foremost guitarists of his generation – will take also the spotlight for Rodrigo’s Guitar Concerto.

The line-up at the gala concert continues with the return of Derbyshire fireman Andy Quinn who shot to public attention on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show on BBC One. There is plenty of time to continue with New Year celebrations after the concert has finished as it starts at 6pm with an 8.15 finish.

Conductor Nicholas Kok, will lead the orchestra.

Tickets are available from the venue at www.trch.co.uk Go to derby-jazz.co.uk for details.

Derby Theatre, Derby The BBC Big Band: A Swinging Christmas, November 18, 7.30pm.

For more details go to derbytheatre. co.uk 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, November 11, noon to 2pm. n The Best Is Yet To Come, artsbeat November 2018

n music War centenary is commemorated PIANIST Eleanor Kornas (right) and mezzo-soprano Louise Collett (far right) will be performing with the Derbyshire Singers and The Derbyshire Sinfonia at Highfields School, Matlock on November 10.

The evening is a commemoration of the centenary of the end of World War One through Karl Jenkins’ remarkable and moving work The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace combined with a memorable November 3, Singer Bill Holmes and pianist Tim Mottershead return with classic songs from the American jazz age through films and musicals to funk and soul, 7.30pm (Doors 7pm). n Winter Wilson – folk with a splash of blues, November 18. Following a UK tour with Fairport Convention, Winter Wilson showcase their latest album Far Off on the Horizon. More details on page 55. Full details at thegreenmangallery.com 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.

Live & Local, various locations n A Parlour Concert with Mister Keith, Chapel-en-le-Frith Town Hall, November 3, 7.30pm. For tickets telelphone 0333 6663366. n Men In General, a cappella quadruplets, Heanor Baptist Church, November 9, 7.30pm. Tickets on 01773 718676. n Bush Gothic in Concert, Taddington Village Institute, November 16, 7.30pm, tickets on 01298 85384 and St Michael’s Church, Church Broughton, artsbeat November 2018

150th anniversary performance of Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor, performed by the highlytalented, Eleanor Kornas, from Derbyshire; and, in the

Lesley Garrett will be joining the Chapel-en-le-Frith Male Voice Choir At Buxton Opera House on the 100th anniversary of the Armistice

November 17, 7.30pm, tickets on 01283 585766. n Kate Dimbleby, Sing Happy, a one-woman a cappella show, Dalbury Lees Memorial Hall, November 17, 7.30pm, tickets on 01332 824007. n Old Hat Jazz Band in concert, Tansley Village Hall, November 23, 7.30pm, tickets on 07748 545287.

For more details go to liveandlocal. org.uk

centenary year of his death, Parry’s Blest Pair of Sirens.

Tickets for the concert which starts at 7.30pm are available now from derbyshiresingers. org.

The Old Hall Hotel, Hope Acoustic sessions with guests second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. n The Hayes Sisters, November 14. n Jack’s Rake, November 28. Go to folkandblues.wixsite.com for details.

PR promotions various venues War House songman Bob Fox in concert, Genesis Centre, King Street, Alfreton, with Granny’s Attic, November 4, 6pm.Tickets from Derby LIVE Box Office 01332 255800derbylive.co.uk, or Ticket Hotline 01773 853428

Classical Music

Abbotsholme Arts Society, Abbotsholme School Chapel Elisabeth Leonskaja, November 15, 7.30pm. For decades now, Elisabeth has been among the most celebrated pianists of our time. She will be playing Schubert, Schoenberg and Webern. For details go to abbotsholmeartssociety.co.uk Ashbourne Singers Ashbourne Singers and the Ashbourne Town Band will be

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n music Blancmange to play Derby date BLANCMANGE have released a new album of ten songs composed by Neil Arthur, (pictured right).

Wanderlust is Arthur’s second album in 2018, following his collaboration with electronic solo artist Jez Bernholz on Near Future’s debut album Ideal Home in May. Since Blancmange’s Stephen Luscombe was forced by illness to stop touring or recording after 2011’s Blanc Burn, the band has continued with Arthur at performing a Remembrance Concert at St Oswald’s Church, Ashbourne, at 7.30pm on November 10. For more details go to ashbournesingers. org.uk St Peter’s Church, Belper Margaret Keys – A concert For Christmas, featuring The Fishpond

the helm via Semi Detached in 2015 and their first ever instrumental album Nil By Mouth.

Commuter 23 arrived in 2016, to be followed by Unfurnished Rooms last autumn which also featured John Grant on the closing track, Don’t Get Me Wrong.

Blancmange has been reaching new audiences of late with the 2017 remix of What’s the Time? (for Disco Halal) and a new collaboration between Blancmange and Kincaid, Fat Head.

You can see Blancmange at The Flowerpot in Derby on November 30.

Choir and its musical director Dana de Waal and the Bel Canto Male Chorus directed by Andrew White, December 1 7.30pm. Tickets from belperartsfestival.org Buxton Opera House, Buxton n Coffee Concert, Patrick Relph and Yang Zhou, November 2, 1pm.

Broadway star Jeanna de Waal, has been cast as Diana in a new musical Diana, Princess of Wales which opens in San Francisco in February. Plans are in hand to take the show to Broadway...... but not before Jeanna has opened Belper Arts Festival 2019 on at St Peter’s Church, Belper on May 4. Tickets are on sale now from belperartsfestival.org

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n English Touring Opera – Handel: Radamisto, November 7, 7.30pm. n Triple Bill: Purcell: Dido & Aeneas, Carissimi: Jonas, and Gesualdo: I will Not Speak, November 10, 7.30pm. n Chapel-en-le-Frith Male Voice Choir, A Century of Song with special guest Lesley Garrett.

For 100 years since the end of the First World War the High Peaks have echoed with the sound of men singing in harmony.

On the 100th anniversary of the Armistice internationally renowned Soprano Lesley Garrett joins the choir to celebrate the choir’s centenary, November 11, 7.30pm. n Coffee Concerts, Louis Perera and Fruzsina Szücs, December 7, 1pm.

Details at buxtonoperahouse.org.uk Buxton Musical Society, St John’s Church, Buxton November 25, Handel: Messiah with soloists, Julie Cooper, Soprano; Matthew Venner, Counter Tenor; Andrew Mackenzie Wicks, Tenor and Andrew Slater, Bass.

For tickets go to buxtonoperahouse. org.uk. artsbeat November 2018

n music Limited seats for Winter Wilson FOLLOWING a triumphant UK tour with the legendary Fairport Convention, Winter Wilson are back on the road to showcase their latest album Far Off on the Horizon.

And they will be at the Green Man Gallery in Buxton on November 18.

A Winter Wilson gig is a unique blend of superb, often hard-hitting original songs, stunning harmonies and musicianship with sometimes hilarious tales of life on the road.

Kip (vocals, accordion, guitar, flute) has a voice to Derbyshire Singers, Highfields School, Matlock ​Music to Remember – Parry: Blest Pair of Sirens; Grieg: Piano Concerto, soloist, Eleanor Kornas,Karl Jenkins: The Armed Man, soloist, Louise Collett.

November 10, 7.30pm. See more details on page 53.

Details at derbyshiresingers.org Derby Chamber Music, Multi-Faith Centre, University of Derby Details at derbychambermusic.org Derby Cathedral, Derby n We will Remember Them November 10, 7.30pm. Accompanied by the Central England Camerata, Derby Choral Union present an evening with Hayden – Nelson’s Mass; Vaughan Williams – Donna Nobis Pacem; and Beethoven – Elegischer Gesang.

For more details go to dcu.org.uk. n Vivaldi:The Four Seasons, by Candlelight, November 23, 7.30pm.

Join London Concertante for an evening packed full of classical favourites for all the family. n Derby Bach Choir, Christmas artsbeat November 2018

die for, while Dave (vocals, guitar and banjo) is now rightly recognised as being amongst the top tier of British songwriters, with his songs covered by some of folk’s greats.

You can find out more Oratorio, November 24, 7pm. n G4 Christmas, November 28, 7.30pm. n Derby Concert Orchestra, Countdown to Christmas, December 1, 7pm.

More details from derbycathedral.org The Fishpond Choir Christmas Concert, Crich Glebe Field Centre A fund-raising evening of old and new Christmas songs and carols, December 8, 7:30pm. The choir, sings a wide selection of material, which includes folk music from around the world, light classical pieces, and items specially written or arranged by musical director Dana de Waal and members of the choir.

Music at Duffield, Ecclesbourne School, Duffield Zelkova Quartet, November 23.

The Manchester-based quartet has established a reputation as one of the UK’s up-and-coming string quartets. Haydn: Quartet in B minor Op. 64 No. 2; Bartok:Quartet No. 3 and Beethoven: Quartet in E minor Op. 59 No. 2. Doors open at 7pm.

For more details go to

and listen to their music at winterwilson.com You need to book early as The Green Man is a maximum 60-seat venue.

For tickets contact hello@ thegreenmangallery.com or 01298 937375 musicatduffield.com Peak Music Society, Cavendish Hall, Edensor, Chatsworth Estate O Duo Percussion, November 15.

For details go to peakmusicsociety. btck.co.uk Pleyel Ensemble, Afternoon Tea Concert, Methodist Church, Market Street, Chapel-en-le-Frith Welsh composer William Mathias wrote the wedding anthem for Prince Charles and Lady Diana in 1981, and the ensemble will play his jazzy, energetic piano trio today along with Beethoven’s Ghost trio and one more of Haydn’s trios. Tickets for the event on November 25 are available on the door or from Reading Matters in High Street, Chapel-en-le-Frith.

Sitwell Singers, St Peter’s Church, Chesterfield Road, Belper British Sacred Music from the 20th Century including Britten: Rejoice in the Lamb. Also featuring music

by Jonathan Dove and James MacMillan amongst others. With Tom Corfield on the organ, November 3, 7.30pm. Tickets available from sitwellsingers.org.uk.

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B

LEADING LIGHTS

olsover Lantern Parade, one of the county’s biggest and brightest family traditions, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Amy Smith, from community arts charity Junction Arts, is this year’s parade coordinator and she is especially excited about reaching the landmark anniversary.

“Sustaining this event over 25 years is such a wonderful achievement for the town and for Junction Arts. We get to work with an extraordinary community of lantern makers in Bolsover, whose creativity continues to amaze us.

“Rather proudly, I like to think of the event as a magical beast, living quietly in the grounds of Bolsover Castle, only to take

56

flight once a year – revealing its scales, wings and fire – all thanks to the jaw-dropping talent of its lantern makers,” she added.

The festival started out as the Bright Winter Nights Festival and Lantern Parade in 1994 and has since become a cultural tradition with the original youngsters involved now passing on the fun to their own children.

The event starts with lantern making workshops run

by Junction Arts during November and culminates in a magical procession starting from Bolsover Castle and parading around the town.

The night then ends with a brass band and seasonal carol concert by the Cenotaph in the Market Square.

In recent years, Junction Arts has raised funds for artistic commissions and a lantern competition for the parade.

This year the workshops are taking place on November 10 and 11; 17 and 18; and 24 and 25, all from 10am-4pm at the Assembly Rooms, Hill Top, Bolsover. There is no need to book and complete beginners at lantern making are welcome.

The parade itself is on December 1. n Go to junctionarts.org for more details. Scan the QR code below to watch a short video about the parade and see some of the fantastic lanterns that have been created in the past. artsbeat November 2018

stage

Catch the best shows and performances in the county City’s deliciously inviting festive family production

Y

ou are being invited to follow Derby Theatre’s trail of breadcrumbs into the woods this Christmas for a deliciously festive family treat.

Hansel and Gretel need to get back home in a hurry, but in the enchanted woods there’s a cottage made entirely of sugary sweets and gorgeous gingerbread, not to mention a wicked witch to contend with.

Can Gretel save the day and rescue her brother?

And can Hansel leave the lollipops alone and actually help?

Derby Theatre’s Christmas production team bring another magical and enchanting tale to the stage.

With lashings of original music, heaps of colourful costumes and a talented team

Theatre

Buxton Opera House and Pavilion Arts Centre n David Walliams’ Awful Auntie, November 1-4. n A Christmas Carol, by Chapterhouse Theatre Company, November 21-22, 7.30pm.

Tickets at buxtonoperahouse.org.uk St Peter’s Church, Belper George Gunby and Derwent Valley on Demand present Bloody Mary, The Story of Mary Tudor, Queen of England, November 17, 7.30pm. artsbeat November 2018

of actor-musicians, Hansel and Gretel is a mouth-watering prospect.

You can get a sneak preview of the fabulous set by scanning the QR code on the right.The short video of the designer

Neil Irish’s, miniature model is brilliant. The show starts on November 30 and runs until January 5. For tickets go to derbytheatre. co.uk

Tickets from belperartsfestival.org Déda, Chapel Street, Derby Days of Wine and Rose. Donal and Mona leave Belfast for a new start in 60s London. Strangers in an unfamiliar city, they fall in love with life, each other and the drink. An exciting whirlwind of discovery starts to spiral out of control as alcohol takes its grip.

Owen McCafferty’s version of the stage of JP Miller’s Days of Wine and Roses – famously filmed in 1962 with Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick.

November 8-10, 7.30pm.

Derby Theatre, Derby n Tall Stories presents The Snail and The Whale, November 1-3, family theatre at 2pm on the Thursday and 11am and 2pm on the Friday and Saturday. n Good Companions Stage Society present Guys and Dolls, a romantic musical comedy, November 6-10 at 7.30pm with a matinee at 2.30pm on the Saturday. n Rain Man by Dan Gordon presented by Bill Kenwright and starring Mathew Horne and Ed Speleers, November 12-17,

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n stage Faustus retold for 21st century DERBY Shakespeare Theatre Company are offering you the chance to join them for a pre-show talk about their latest production The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus, by Christopher Marlowe, on November 6.

Ahead of curtains up at The Guildhall Theatre in Derby the team are hosting a You, Me and Faustus session during which you can find out more about the creative process which took the Elizabethan tragedy from the page to the stage.

They say the event will be especially useful for school groups but everyone is welcome.

Faustus is a brilliant, bored, academic. A scholar who believes he has exhausted the confines of human knowledge.

Frustrated with the futility of law and science he is hungry for something new and falls under the spell of the dark arts and sells his soul to the Devil in exchange for more power and knowledge.

The play, written at the end 7.30pm with 2.30pm matinees on Wednesday and Saturday. n OperaUpClose with Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, November 21, 7.30pm.

Derby Theatre Studio n A Super Happy Story (About Feeling Super Sad) by Jon Brittain, November 3, 8pm. n Pop Music, by Anna Jordan, November 10, 8pm. n Darren Harriott: Visceral, November 15, 8pm.

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Chris Scott is Dr Faustus at The Guildhall Theatre, Derby

of the 16th century, explores the battle between good and evil, the merits of Hell over Heaven and ask whether faith alone is enough to save a soul.

In this modern interpretation, with a stripped-down text, Derby Shakespeare Theatre Company invite you to come face to face with the Devil and steal a glimpse into the jaws of Hell. Chris Scott is playing Doctor Faustus and n Art With Heart, Declaration, November 17, 8pm, see more details on page 62. n Student Scratch Night, an opportunity to see work from University of Derby student artists.

For details go to derbytheatre.co.uk Guildhall Theatre, Derby n Good Toes, Naughty Toes, from Big Adventures, a comedy about the world of Dancing Schools, October 31-November 3. n The Tragical History of the Life

James M. Dean is playing Mephistopheles.

It is directed by Niki Caister and has an ensemble cast.

The You, Me and Faustus session starts at 7.30pm with the performance following at 8pm. The play can also be seen from November 7-10 at 8pm.

For tickets go to derbylive. co.uk for news about the production follow Derby Shakespeare Theatre Company on social media. and Death of Doctor Faustus from the Derby Shakespeare Theatre Company, November 6-10. See more details above. n Fourblokes Theatre Company are bringing Thomas Hardy’s Far From the Madding Crowd to the theatre from November 14-17.

Mark Healy’s brilliant stage adaption is both a colourful celebration of English rural life and a thrilling romance – delivering passion, melodrama, earthy humour and artsbeat November 2018

n stage Moving – both body and soul CONFESSIONS of a Cockney Temple Dancer is a humorous, honest and compelling solo show about growing up within the cultural mix of the East End of London.

Named after the gunslinger in the classic 1953 western Shane, Shane Shambhu tells the story of his learning to dance – keeping it secret from his mates – and growing up a ‘foreigner’ even though he was born in Britain.

His part moving monologuepart dynamic Indian dance-theatre is performed against a compelling video projection haunted by East Ham landscapes, with a twist of engaging standup comedy and playful audience interaction.

The show can be seen at The Peel Centre in Dronfield as part of the Live and Local autumn season on November 23 at 7.30pm.

For tickets telephone 07814 140034. a gripping plot. It’s the story of Bathsheba Everdene who, after inheriting her uncle’s farm, finds herself a mistress in a man’s world. n Ventoux, the story of Lance Armstrong and Marco Pantani on the fearsome Mont Ventoux in the 2000 Tour de France, November 18, 7.30pm. n JKB Productions, Pump Boys and Dinettes, November 22-24. n Cinderella by the Kaleidoscope Players, November 29-December 2.

For tickets go to derbylive.co.uk Live & Local, various locations n Crossings, presented by New Perspectives/Pentabus Theatre, Wainbroves Community Centre, artsbeat November 2018

November 9, 7.30pm, tickets on 01773 749809 and Biggin Village Hall, November 17, 7.30pm, tickets on 0129884907. n Little Earthquake, I Ain’t Afraid of No Ghost, Brimington Community Centre, November 17, 7pm, tickets on 01246 559126. n Juliet and Romeo, A Guide to Long Life and Happy Marriage, presented by Lost Dog Dance, Crich Glebe Field Centre, Crich, November 17, 7.30pm, tickets on 01773 853260.

Marlowe Players, Darley Abbey Village Hall Oscar Wilde’s audacious drama

of social scandal, A Woman of No Importance, November 20-24, 7.30pm. Go to marlowe-players. co.uk for more details.

Marde Hen Productions, The Strutts Centre, Belper Donor, directed By Richard Platt written by Sén Lee Rees, November 8-10. Mike and Elaine are have difficulty conceiving. However, when Elaine becomes pregnant with donated sperm the strength of their relationship is not as solid as it seemed.

Lesbian couple Bex and Jess take advantage of their friend Liam who wants to be more than just a donor to help them achieve parenthood.

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n stage Twist in the tale of the little pigs A BRAND-NEW version of the classic The Three Little Pigs with a garlicky, French twist, where the titular porcine pals – decked out in Parisian dungarees and berets – are on a mission to see off a big, bad wolf/chef.

He wants make them into soup so they are going to need lots of help from the audience to save their bacon.

Three Little Pig Tails by Garlic Theatre is a gentle introduction to theatre for any youngsters in the family.

The show is full of interactive fun and bristles This play takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions and explores their lives and the lives of the donor.

Tickets are available at ticketsource. co.uk/mardehenproductions Melbourne Assembly Rooms, St Michael’s Players, annual production, November 1-3.

Tribe promise an up-beat show

MUGENKYO Taiko Drummers, Tribe – the UK’s original touring group – bring a brand-new show of skill, stamina and red-hot rhythms to Chesterfield’s Pomemgranate Theatre on November 3 at 7.30pm.

The show is a captivating performance of sharp synchronisation, dramatic choreography and sumptuous soundscapes, in a breath-taking display of high energy and powerful earth-shaking rhythms on huge taiko drums.

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with beautifully carafted puppets and giddyingly delightful live music to make children and parents alike squeal with laughter.

The prodution can be seen thanks to the Live and

Comedy

Buxton Opera House and Pavilion Arts Centre, Buxton n Buxton Buzz Comedy Club, November 2, and December 7,8pm. n Rich Hall’s Hoedown, November 14, 8pm.

Details at buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Local organisation at The Burton Institute, Winster, on December 5 at 6.15pm.

It is aimed at those aged three to eight.

For tickets check out liveandlocal.org.uk Derby Arena, Derby Jason Manford, Muddle Class, November 24, 8pm.

Derby Theatre and Derby Theatre Studio n Ross Noble, El Hablador, October 28, 8pm. n Sara Pascoe: LadsLadsLads, November 3, 8pm.

Funhouse Comedy Club, various locations n The National Brewing Centre, Burton-upon-Trent. November 21,8pm: Bass Charity Vase, Paddy Lennox, Dan Thomas and Jack Gleadow with compere Dave Bryon. n The Blessington Carriage, Chapel Street, Derby.

November 12: Rahul Kohli, Scott Bennett, Kathryn Mather, Sam Russell, Isma Almas and Josh Massen, with compere Spiky Mike.

November 26: James Cook, Esther Manito, Cokey Falkow, Stanley Brooks, Joseph Emslie and Jack Topher, with compere Spiky Mike Book tickets for all Funhouse Comedy shows at funhousecomedyclub.co.uk artsbeat November 2018

n stage Dance

Buxton Opera House, and Pavilon Arts Centre, Buxton The Russian State Ballet and Opera House, Giselle, November 24, 7.30pm. For more details go to buxtonoperahouse.org.uk Déda, Chapel Street, Derby n Heather Walrond Company: The Rising, November 15. See more details right. n Long Shot: PanGottic, November 17, 11am. A catapultastic performance of clowning, contraptions, comedy and courage. n Future Light with a programme of youth dance from the Deda Academy, November 24, 3pm and 7pm. n Gardini Juggling: Sigma. A spectacular new show which explores the line between juggling, geometry and classical Indian Dance, November 29, 7.30pm.

Sensational Salsa, The Old Clubhouse, Buxton Sensational Salsa will be starting its new autumn season with a two-forone offer for newcomers.

The relaxed dance classes are on Tuesdays upstairs at The Old Clubhouse, with beginners from 7.30pm to 8.30pm and improvers from 8.30pm to 9.30pm.

Anyone looking to find out more should contact Sensational Salsa on 07811 100191 or email sensationalsalsa@yahoo.co.uk .

Spoken word

Buxton Opera House, and Pavilion Arts Centre, Buxton n Steve Peat, mountain biking superstar, will be telling the story of his illustrious racing career November 6, 7.30pm. n Ruby Wax, the Monk and the Neuro Scientist, How to be Human, November 13, 7.30pm. n Colin Donnelly – 30 year fell running records, November 13, 7.30pm, PAC. artsbeat November 2018

Performance full of Fijian fizz THE RISING – a dynamic piece of contemporary dance with a live score inspired by Fijian culture –will be at Déda in Chapel Street, Derby, on November 15 at 7.30pm..

The Heather Walrond Company will be presenting an uplifting, visceral double bill of dance and live music, exploring what makes people feel truly alive.

The Rising draws on influences of Fijian culture, ideas of community, vulnerability and feelings of surrender.

It features original music by multi award-winning musicians Will McNicol and Luke Selby, dramaturgy

by Chris Fogg and lighting design by Tim Hardy, This opportunity to experience this dazzling display of raw energy, passion and vigour is not to be missed.

For tickets go to deda. uk.com

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n stage Declaration by Art With Heart INSTINCTIVE, curious, bold and bouncy; Sarah is a mighty proud square peg, which wouldn’t be such a problem if the hole wasn’t so damn round.

Sarah grew up feeling different. Her childhood doctor thought it was sugar.

Her current doctor thinks its ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder).

Sarah still feels different, so what will a label do? Will it change the way you see her and the way she sees herself?

With autobiographical storytelling, comedy, and conversations with the audience, Declaration, presented by Art With Heart, is a vibrant and daring adventure of school day survival tactics, super-hero alter-egos and the stumbling blocks to self-acceptance.

Developed in consultation n An Even Wilder Night Out with Chris Packham and Paul Goldstein, November 19, 7.30pm.

To book tickets and for details go to buxtonfestival.co.uk St Mary’s Church, Crich Lesley Smith, Curator of Tutbury Castle is performing one of her highly acclaimed and very popular historical presentations on Friday November 9, at 7.30pm.

Her subject is Peggy Knight, a very ordinary woman who, after brief training as a Special Operations Executive, was parachuted into Nazi occupied France.

Proceeds are in aid of CHIKs – supporting orphaned children in Kenya. Tickets are available from 01773 853722.

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with medical professionals and mental health support groups, Declaration examines the faces we wear to fit in and what happens when we dare to stand out.

Derby Poetry Society Award-winning, widely published poet Wendy Klein will be in Derby on November 9.

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 November 2, one of Ireland’s greatest legends about the caretaker aunts of Fionn Mac Cumhaill, the Irish champion, who owes them his skills and spirit will be brought vividly to life by the delightful duo: storyteller Maria Whatton and musician Sarah Matthews.

Doors open at 6.30pm with

The show, which is aimed at those aged 14-plus, can be seen at Derby Theatre Studio on November 17 at 8pm.

For tickets go to derbytheatre.co.uk stories at 7.30pm. More details at matlockstorytellingcafe.co.uk Green Man Gallery, Buxton Meet the Author – Buxton based writer Diane King reads from her recent short novel, The Colour in Woman, and talks about her inspiration and journey to publication, November 16, 7.30pm9pm. Free.

Scrivener’s Bookshop, High Street, Buxton n Book Club, first Wednesday of every month 7-8pm. Everyone welcome. Call 01298 73100. n Storytelling Sundays: the second Sunday of the month, from 2-3.30pm, telephone 0129871622. artsbeat November 2018

attitude

Comment and opinion from reviewers and readers Abi will easily stand alone as an absorbing drama

D

erby Theatre’s RETOLD series of one-woman plays is an ingenious idea by its artistic director Sarah Brigham where she commissions new writing to sit alongside a classic play that we know and love. Her aim is to get more female writers actors and creatives on to the stage.

The fourth in the series is a contemporary response to Mike Leigh’s Abigail’s Party, set bang up-to-date in the present day – 40 years on from the 70s satire of suburbia.

Abi is a quick-witted, penetrating production with a central character played by a sharp and savvy Safiyya Ingar.

Writer Atiha Sen Gupta has more than met the challenge set her by Brigham and has created a commanding play that studies the postmillennial world through the life of Abigail’s mixed-race granddaughter Abisheera.

It is not essential that you have seen Abigail’s Party to enjoy Abi as it will easily stand alone as an absorbing drama – especially for teenagers – but it would help, because the back story to Abi’s life is set firmly in Leigh’s state-of-the-nation play.

Sen Gupta and Brigham have jumped a generation and, as in the original, Abigail remains

artsbeat November 2018

Safiyya Ingar as the sharp and savvy Abi

a faceless character in hospital with terminal cancer. Abi, herself now 15 as her ‘Nan’ was back in 1977, is preparing for a teenage party of her own in her grandmother’s home.

As she energetically prepares the music and lighting, fills bowls with peanuts and lines up the alcohol on the 70s drinks cabinet she ponders life in the 21st century – boys, dating apps, swiping right and sex, the casual racism she encounters, her weight and body image pressure from her peers.

The big reveal comes as she sorts through her Nan’s keepsakes and uncovers a secret that links us back to the excruciating party thrown by the indomitable hostess Beverly in 1977.

Even if you have seen Abigail’s Party before it is definitely worth seeing the revival of the play directed by Douglas Rintoul which was being shown alongside this spin-off production.

Melanie Gutteridge was utterly

brilliant as the gin-drinking bully Beverly with her gaudy, backless dress and bright orange wedges.

The production, which was faithful to the first with no annoying adaptations, had a magnificent 70s set – complete with shag-pile carpet, geometric wallpaper, lava lamps and a marvellous coffee table.

It certainly brought back some memories for much of the audience.

All recognisable middle-class life was here and although 40 years had passed sadly it seemed little else has changed.

A fact which, quite frankly, made you squirm in your theatre seat. Social climbing has merely become the social mobility of today and domestic abuse is no less of an issue. But let’s not get too melancholy, cringe-worthy though it is, Abigail’s Party is an absolute scream and a great way to lead you into the new work Abi. Watch it first and then make certain you go and see Safiyya Ingar perform.

AP

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n attitude Classical music reviews by Mike Wheeler Sinfonia Viva, Guildhall Theatre, Derby For Sinfonia Viva’s now annual curtain-raiser to Derby Folk Festival, the string section was on stage at the Guildhall Theatre for another gettogether of the folk music and classical worlds.

Directed by leader Benedict Holland, the players pitched into the dance rhythms of Holst’s St Paul’s Suite with appealing incisiveness and vitality.

Armeninan composer Aleksandr Arutiunian’s Violin Concerto was composed following an earthquake in north-west Armenia in 1988.

It responds, not with raw grief, but a more dignified, sombre lyricism, with room for lifeaffirming native folk music elements. Benedict Holland and his colleagues judged the expressive tone exactly right.

They brought both liveliness and elegance to the baroquestyle dances of Grieg’s Holberg Suite, with the concluding Rigaudon kicking up its heels in a nicely bouncy fashion.

Amid the earthy excitement of Bartok’s Romanian Dances they found an appealingly tender frailty in the two middle dances.

Derby Chamber Music: Aquinas Piano Trio, Multi-Faith Centre, Derby University As in previous years, Derbyborn cellist, and patron of

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Katherine Jenkinson launched Derby Chamber Music’s new season

Derby Chamber Music, Katherine Jenkinson was on hand with one of her many ensembles to launch DCM’s new season. This time, it was as a member of the Aquinas Trio, opening with a delightful surprise for most of the audience, Piano Trio No 2,

by Spanish composer Joaquín Turina. The switches from laid-back elegance to ebullient energy were deftly realised.

Schumann’s Trio No 3 is not that well-known either, but the players were completely at home with its emotional range, pressing forward and easing back as appropriate, and keeping the most intricatelyscored passages clear and transparent.

After the interval we were on more familiar ground with Beethoven’s so-called Archduke’ Trio. The musicians were a match for anything the composer threw at them – sudden switches of mood, rhythmic dislocations, and so on – with a nose for whatever might be below the surface.

From breathtaking stillness to fierce humour, it was all in place.

Derby Concert Orchestra, St Peter’s Church, Littleover, Derby Poulenc’s witty, elegant

Sinfonietta got a rare outing from Derby Concert Orchestra and assistant conductor Andrew Hubbard.

While the performance could, at times, have taken a lighter touch, the scherzo second movement was kept nicely bubbly, and the poignant switch in the first movement from ebullience to a tenderly exquisite melancholy was beautifully realised.

Conductor Jonathan Trout took over for the rest of the programme, beginning with Vaughan Williams’ Oboe Concerto.

Soloist George Strickland’s plangent upper register and fluency in running passages were particularly striking.

The DCO strings were eloquent in support, apart from a shaky moment in the finale, which was quickly put right.

Williams’ mature wisdom made an apt contrast with the Second Symphony by that young tearaway, Beethoven.

In a reading full of vitality, orchestra and conductor switched adroitly from smoothness to turbulence in the second movement, and in the finale resisted the temptation to just go hell-forleather from bar one; it was all the more effective for it. artsbeat November 2018

n attitude

remembers a song from every year until 1982: the first was True Love by Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly and the last Billy Joel’s Allentown. In between he manages to combine social, musical and personal history.

He remembers how we used

to hear songs on programmes such as Two-way Family Favourites re-uniting families with their loved ones through three minutes of music; and then there were the coffee bars with their jukeboxes; while the pubs did not need mechanical players, they still had pianists and weekend entertainers playing their own arrangements of the hits of the day.

Readers will feel the need to go out or go online and enlarge their record library after just a few chapters of the book. In the single chapter called After The Gold Rush, apart from the Neil Young title, he mentions The Incredible String Band and Simon and Garfunkel. And ... the old music hall favourite When Father Papered the Parlour.

This book is a playlist-and-ahalf as well as a good read.

In My Life: A Music Memoir,

by Alan Johnson (£16.99, Bantam Press)

Imogen’s husband is bad, she thinks his ex-wife Ruby and current girlfriend Naomi may think differently but she is sure she knows the truth.

When he demands she leaves the family home or he will fight her for the custody of their son she locks him in the cellar (which actually had already been converted to by him to a man-cave cinema room – so not as scary as it seems.)

However now she is in control and the thriller’s suspense is caused by the involvement of the other two women as they become

tangled in her rather farfetched plans.

The book is billed as a revenge novel but actually I think it is more about the way the women became liberated by the strength of shared experiences that they had thought they were suffering alone because they were unworthy.

Jo has created some strong characters and mixed them with clever dark humour as well as lashings of suspense.

I await her second book with bated breath.

AP Sticks and Stones is available for £12.99

More than just a good read: this is a playlist-and-a-half “I may not have made an impact on the music scene, but it has none the less had an enormous impact on me,” Alan Johnson writes in the introduction to this memoir.

His autobiographical volumes include This Boy, Please Mister Postman and The Long and Winding Road.

You’ll recognise the musical references which serve to lighten some dark passages in his life: living close to poverty, he was raised by an older sister still in her teens.

He married early and started a family, but he had a love of music and was himself a member of a group – they once made a record but failed to “make it” in the music business.

Starting in 1957 Johnson

Debut novel is a true page turner Sticks and Stones is an awesome first novel from Derbyshire’s Jo Jakeman. It is a true page turner and I read it in just a couple of sessions as I couldn’t put it down.

It wasn’t so much that we didn’t know what was going to happen, as the three main characters were at the funeral of their tormentor Phillip Rochester in the opening chapter, but that we were gradually fed the chilling extent of his lies and abuse. artsbeat November 2018

Review by Les Hurst of Scarthin Books, Cromford

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cinema

Find out where movies are being screened near you One of Mulligan’s best films to date

I

n Wildlife, a film adapted from Richard Ford’s novel of the same name, Carey Mulligan delivers one of her finest performances to date as Jeanette, a complex woman whose self-determination and self-involvement disrupts the values and expectations of a 19650s nuclear family.

Fourteen-year-old Joe, played by newcomer Ed Oxenbould, is the only child of Jeanette (Mulligan) and Jerry ( Jake Gyllenhaal) – a housewife and a golf pro – in a small town in 1960s Montana.

An uncontrolled forest fire rages nearby, and when Jerry loses his job – and his sense of purpose – he decides to join the cause of fighting the fire, leaving his wife and son to fend for themselves.

Cinema

Bakewell and Ashfield Film Society The Guernsey Literary Potato Peel Pie Society (12A).

A writer forms an unexpected bond with the residents of Guernsey in the aftermath of World War Two, when she decides to write a book about their experiences during the war.

Medway Centre, Bakewell, November 11, 7.30pm on the second Sunday of the month. More details at bashfilms.org.uk Belper Ritz, King Street, Belper A Star is Born (15), November 1,

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Suddenly forced into the role of an adult, Joe witnesses his mother’s struggle as she tries to keep her head above water.

He, and we, see a gradual change in her – she reverts from the cheerful, respectable wife and mother that he is used to seeing around the house, to the sensual and rebellious

young woman that his father originally fell in love with.

You can see a trailer of the film

by Paul Dano by scanning this QR code.

It can be seen at Buxton on November 27 and 28.

Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut is a new take on a timeless story: an illfated romance between a seasoned musicial fading from fame and the struggling young singer he pushes into the limelight. Starring Bradley and Lady Gaga.

Full monthly programme of top films, silver screen, Ritz Recommends and dementia-friendly screenings. Go to ritz-belper.co.uk for the full details of the month’s films on offer.

Buxton Cinema, Pavilion Arts Centre, Buxton All the latest blockbusters and live screenings are shown throughout the month. Go to buxtonoperahouse. org.uk for the details.

Buxton Film, Pavilion Arts Centre Studio, Buxton n The Guardians (15). Wide-screen images of the French countryside provide the backdrop to this story of the women who were left behind to work the land while their menfolk were away fighting in the First World War, November, 5, 7.30pm. n The Rider (15). Brady is the Rider; he has a natural affinity with horses but his biggest kicks come from the rodeo. A life-threatening injury puts an end to that career while still a young man. What direction will his life take when the choices are so limited? Based on his real-life story Brady Jandreau’s artsbeat November 2018

n cinema performance is gripping and the scenes training young horses are compelling, November 12. n Faces Places (12A). Agnes Varda is now 90 and has been at the heart of European film making since the early 1960s. Her latest film is a documentary made alongside JR – a photographer and muralist 55 years her junior. Together they present episodes in the lives of seemingly ordinary French people, November 19. n Lucky (15). Lucky lives in a small town in New Mexico. His life is uncomplicated and he has routines, habits and addictions.

Yoga, TV, coffee, tobacco and a little conversation are most of what he needs. He knows he has not long to live and he expects no after life but Lucky seems OK with his lot, November 26.

Details at buxtonfilm.org.uk QUAD, Derby This Autumn QUAD joins with Derby Cathedral for a programme of ten cinema screenings in the unique surroundings of the Cathedral nave. n There will be screening of The Greatest Showman (PG), on November 9,at 6.30pm with a Singalong led by Derby Cathedral Choir, .

Go to derbyquad.co.uk for details The Northern Light Cinema, North End, Wirksworth First Man, (12A), This is the riveting story of NASA’s mission to land a man on the moon, focusing on Neil Armstrong and the years 1961-1969. Based on the book by James R. Hansen, the movie will explore the sacrifices and the cost on Armstrong and on the nation of one of the most dangerous missions in history. November 21-25. Go to thenorthernlightcinema.co.uk for the full details of the films on offer.

Parwich Film, Memorial Hall Usually, but not always, on the second Friday of the month. Go to parwich.org for more details. artsbeat November2018

The Lemon Tree is a sensitively understated and thought provoking film that gives some insight into the reality of life in the troubled Middle East.

Salma, a Palestinian widow living in the West Bank’s occupied territory, must defend her lemon tree field when the Israeli Defence Minister moves next to her and threatens to have the grove torn down.

You can see the film at Tideswell on November 22.

Scan the QR code right to watch a trailer.

Peak Film Society, Partington Players Theatre, Glossop Funny Cow (15), following the changing fortunes of a female standup comic finding her feet in, and braving the sexism of, the northern working men’s clubs of the 70s, drawing on her violent and troubled upbringing to develop her act, November 17. Films on a Saturday evening usually twice a month. More details about membership at peakfilmsociety.org Tansley Film Community Cinema, Tansley Village Hall n Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri (15), November 6. n Finding your feet (12A), December 4. See a film synopsis under Tideswell Cinema. First Tuesday of the month, Seat reservations essential at book@ tansleyfilm.org.uk. More information at tansleyfilm.co.uk Tideswell Cinema, George Inn,Tideswell n The Lemon Tree (PG), November

22. See more details above. n The year ends for Tideswell film-goers on December 13, with Finding Your Feet (12A), a highspirited British romantic comedy about embracing life in later years, with a stunning cast including Imelda Staunton, Timothy Spall, Celia Imrie and Joanna Lumley.

A colourful group of defiant and energetic third-agers help snobby Sandra to see retirement is a beginning and after betrayal in marriage, divorce could bring a new lease of life and love.

While full of rib-tickling dialogue, it is also a drama that cuts deep.

Described as a ‘frisky charmer of a movie that will leave you cheering’.

All films at the George Inn at 7.30pm. Go to tideswellcinema.com for membership details.

Youlgrave Cinema, Youlgrave Village Hall, Holywell Lane Monthly, September-May, usually on a Friday at 7.30pm. Go to youlgrave. org.uk for details.

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n bookshelf

n Straybeck Rising

By Michael James Lynch (available at Waterstones £8.99)

The Premier demands loyalty and controls his people through terror and violence.

Thirty-three years ago, Robb Calloway almost died when he stood against the Government.

He was captured, tortured and forced to live out his days a broken man. Now he watches helplessly as his eldest son – Ryan – follows the same path.

Ryan slips deeper into Straybeck’s underworld where revolutionaries and criminals fight against the gunnermen. A place where truth and lies are beyond separation.

Straybeck Rising is the heartbreaking story of one family’s struggle to survive. It shows a boy growing up too fast and a father and brother who can’t keep him safe.

The author, a teacher, lives and works near Buxton.

n Persona Non Grata Edited by Isabelle Kenyon (Fly on the Wall Poetry, £8.99) Inspired by the concept of social exclusion, the poetry

collection, ‘Persona Non Grata’, features exceptional poets from around the globe and explores themes including homelessness, loneliness and mental health.

All profits from the book will be donated to Shelter and Crisis Aid UK. Isabelle, from New Mills, is the editor of Fly on the Wall Poetry and she hopes that with the support of her readers, and the 45 poets involved in the anthology, she will raise an incredible amount for charity, providing support and advice for anyone who finds themselves homeless.

n Together

By The Hubb Community Kitchen (Ebury Publishing, £9.99)

All profits from the sales of this book will help the Hubb Community Kitchen to strengthen lives and communities through cooking.

In the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire, a group of local women gathered together to cook fresh food for their families and neighbours.

Over the chatter and aromas of the kitchen they discovered the power of cooking and eating together to create connections, restore hope and normality.

This was the start of the Hubb Community Kitchen.

Together is a storybook of this West London community,

showcasing more than 50 delicious recipes from the women of the Hubb Community Kitchen and includes a foreword by HRH The Duchess of Sussex.

This stunning charity cookbook is a homage to life, friendship and togetherness.

n The Flame

By Leonard Cohen (Canongate Book, £20)

The Flame is a stunning collection of Leonard Cohen’s last poems and writings, selected and ordered by Cohen in the final months of his life.

The book contains an extensive selection from Cohen’s notebooks, featuring lyrics, prose pieces and illustrations, which he kept in poetic form throughout his life, and offers an unprecedentedly intimate look inside the life and mind of a singular artist and thinker.

An enormously powerful final chapter in Cohen’s storied literary career, The Flame showcases the full range of his lyricism, from the exquisitely transcendent to the darkly funny.

By turns devastatingly sad and winningly strange, these are the works of a poet and lyricist who has plumbed the depths of our darkest questions and come up wanting, yearning for more.

Bookshelf is sponsored by Scarthin Books, of Cromford 68

artsbeat November 2018

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. 10:30 - 16:30 Tues. 10:30 - 16:30 Wed. 10:30 - 16:30 Thurs. CLOSED

Fri. 10:30 - 16:30 Sat. 10:30 - 16:30 Sun. 11:30 - 16:30

Hardwick Hall, Hardwick Square South, Buxton SK17 6PY 01298 937375 07977 956707 thegreenmangallery.com hello@thegreenmangallery.com

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FESTIVE MARKET & STREET FOOD Unique crafts for great seasonal gifts. Delicious street food to savour

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT SAT & SUN FROM 10AM Visit our website www.peakshoppingvillage.com/ events for more information

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON! FESTIVE MARKET! FREE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT! VISIT SANTA IN HIS MAGICAL GROTTO! FREE PARKING AT THE VILLAGE Chatsworth Road, Rowsley DE4 2JE Follow us:

A deliciously festiv

e family show

Friday 30 Nov 2018 – Saturday 5 Jan 2019 Box Office 01332 593939 Book Online derbytheatre.co.uk

Derby Theatre is part of