Bedfringe 2008

FUTURE LEGEND PRESENTS

BEDFRINGE IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY BEDFORD RIVER FESTIVAL

10 - 13 July • River Festival Stages 14 - 19 July • The Harpur Suite

Bedfordshire’s BIGGEST Comedy, Theatre & Music FESTIVAL

OFFICIAL PROGRAMME

2008

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www.bedfringe.com

Bedfringe 2008 is sponsored by

LG Digital Print & Design of Bedfringe 2008 Brochure.

Design and print, complete solutions, short and long run.

Large format, outdoor and indoor displays.

Call for more details. www.lgdigital.co.uk 01234 843900

SDG Electrical & Mechanical Engineering LTD Financial support.

■ Plumbing ■ Heating ■ Electrical ■ Air Conditioning ■ Installation and servicing "Contact with confidence for all of your mechanical and electrical requirements"

23 Sergeants Way Bedford MK41 0EH admin@sdgservices.co.uk 01234 328209 Impact Production Services Installation of Bedfringe Harpur Suite Theatre.

Impact Production Services based in Milton Keynes offers a total solution to all your dry hire, staging hire and technical production needs. Creative and innovative solutions are designed and implemented by our team of technicians. We also have a large inventory of industry standard hire equipment available at very competitive prices. www.impactproductions.co.uk 0870 873 1130

K&H Sound & Lighting Suppliers of the Bedfringe Harpur Suite Theatre Sound System.

PA, AV and Lighting Hire for Conferences, Concerts, Church and indoor and outdoor community events. www.khsound.co.uk 01234 294690

Hyspec Embroidery Bedfringe Staff T-shirts.

Quality Embroidered Logos Business, Team, School, Clubs.

Extensive Catalogue Range.

Fast Turnaround.

Polos, Fleeces, Sweats, Caps, T-shirts.

Call now for a competitive quote! www.hyspec.co.uk 01234 217972

Blue Chip Customer Engineering Ltd Financial support.

IT infrastructure support services nationally for IBM i & pSeries systems.

Maintenance, IT disaster recovery including intel systems. Managed Services and off site tape storage.

Franklin Court, Priory Business Park, Bedford MK44 3JZ sales@bluechip.co.uk 01234 224400

Welcome

BEDFRINGE

2008

EVENTS

From the Directors

Enjoy...

Richard Mann

James Pharaoh

Introducing Bedfringe2008, Bedford’s answer to Edfringe (Edinburgh Festival)… Brighton, Bath, Cambridge and even Norwich have one… so now Bedford is well and truly on the Fringe map.

Do you like comedy, theatre, live music and/or having a drink? Well if you do, then you will enjoy what we have in store for you. From the 10th to the 19th of July over 50 acts will be performing in our town. To put that into perspective for you, the Corn Exchange usually deliver around 42 acts in 4 months - so we really have packed a lot in! There are a whole range of shows for you to choose, including local school groups to professional touring theatre, bands and stand-up comedians. Some of these are Edinburgh Festival previews, so you will see them here first!

Bedfringe is currently a privately run project directed and funded by Future Legend and our sponsors on the page opposite. We are pleased to be associated with the 30th Anniversary River Festival this year and hope to carry on this valuable partnership into the future years.

We hope that you see value and a future in this fantastic festival, so come and see what all the fuss is about… Or simply prop up the bar!

James Pharaoh & Richard Mann | Directors www.futurelegend.co.uk

Bedfringe is proud to be working in partnership with the Eagle Gallery; which is a unique venue run by a group of local artists from Bedfordshire.

From the 21st June for a month the Eagle Gallery will be exhibiting a Bedfringe related display.

ABOUT THE EAGLE GALLERY… 101 Castle Road Bedford MK40 3QP 01234 346995

OPEN Monday to Saturday 10am – 5.30pm free entry

■ Exhibited work includes painting, ceramics, sculpture etc.

■ Workshops, demonstrations, trips and other events

■ Informal friendly atmosphere, visitors always welcome

■ Wheelchair access available

www.eaglegalleryartists.co.uk • info@ eaglegalleryartists.co.uk

Thursday 10 July

ACOUSTIC S T A G E

BEDFRINGE

2008

EVENTS

Future Legend & Bedford Acoustic Stage presents, ACOUSTIC STAGE PERMORMANCES – 7.30pm Soulfully Intimate STEVE GIFFORD An experienced and confident performer combining a unique raw driven edgy acoustic guitar style with soulful ballads and intimate lyrics.

Steve’s critically acclaimed album “Boy On A Beach” was launched in September 2007.

Since this album’s release, Steve has seen a meteoric rise in his popularity and wider public recognition, receiving airplay and positive feedback. The album clearly appealing to a growing acoustic audience who enjoy self-styled individual songwriters. Steve was also recently invited to play on David Munyon’s album which has just been released and there are plans to do some joint headlining dates in 2008.

“Inspired songwriting enhanced by a simple, but honest vocal approach” MAVERICK MAGAZINE

Tickets: FREE

www.stevegifford.moonfruit.com

JOSEPH SWIDENBANK Joseph Swidenbank released his first album ROADS on the Matchbox Recordings label in 2005. Tracks from the album were played extensively on radio stations throughout the UK and the rest of Europe. HARSH WORDS, taken from the album, was released as part of the compilation in the US. The only cover song that the band play is Joe Jackson’s “It’s Different For Girls”.

Currently being played on over 30 UK radio stations, the band’s version has been described as a twenty first century update to an 80’s classic.

Tickets: FREE

www.josephswidenbank.co.uk

“IT’S YER BLUES BONES…YER BLUES” Downright dirty stonking Rhythm and Blues!

This year the Bones celebrate 10 years of touring; so come and join them and have a dance and a laugh by the river. Plus special guests…

“If you want a fun way to end the evening – this one’s a blast!”

THE DAILY MAIL

Tickets: FREE

www.bedfringe.com

www.21stcenturystones.co.uk

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Saturday 12 July

MAIN S T A G E BEDFORD RIVER FESTIVAL

Future Legend in association with the Bedford River Festival, MINIMAL DAMAGE – 11.00am Taking influence from various genres most notably: punk, dub, ska and 2tone, while continuing to develop their own style of ‘Punked Up Ska’! www.myspace.com/minimaldamage

LUTON COMMUNITY GOSPEL CHOIR – 12noon Est. in 2002 with the aim of giving local people the chance to sing inspirational music and experience the thrill of performing with a large number of people. www.lutongospel.com

STANLEY CARROLL SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCING – 1.00pm Declan Carroll TCRG takes the Bedford classes which are held at the CIVIC THEATRE, in the centre of town, every Monday and Wednesday. www.stanley-carroll.com

STELLA MANN COLLEGE – 2.00pm

Photo: Blackline photography

Full time 3 year performing arts college for students of 16 and over, offering the National Diploma in either professional dance or musical theatre. www.stellamanncollege.co.uk

MAX MILLIGAN BAND – 3.00pm Cherry Lee Mewis is the real deal. She’s added her own fresh perspective to blues ‘n’ roots music and teams up with multi-faceted guitarist Max Milligan. www.cherryleemewis.com

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info@bedfringe.com

Saturday 12 July

MAIN S T A G E

BEDFORD RIVER FESTIVAL

Future Legend in association with the Bedford River Festival, JAZMINE AVA – 4pm Her music is a unique and powerful fusion of what she terms as ‘Enchanted’ Blues/Rock/Soul/Folk, with a pop edge. “a truly talented performer” JUICE FM. www.jazmineava.co.uk

THE LONDON PHILHARMONIC SKIFFLE ORCHESTRA – 5pm Virtuoso musical madness played in that inimitable LPSO style! Numerous instruments, bizarre costumes, comic props and audience participation. www.lpso.co.uk

Photo: Danny O’Herd

BLUES BROTHERS BANNED – 6.20pm Eleven piece high energy band features hits from the Blues Brothers and Commitments movies plus R&B, soul, swing and ska favourites! www.bluesbrothersbanned.co.uk

21ST CENTURY STONES – 7.40pm The premier Rolling Stones Tribute Band Est.1998.

“Quite simply the best tribute band on Planet Rock“ THE SUN www.21stcenturystones.co.uk

THE LONDON SWINGFONIA ORCHESTRA – 9pm Swirling saxes, punchy brass and driving rhythm laying down the right feel for H.Martin’s mellifluous vocals, it conjures up the world of Sinatra, Basie &Ellington. www.londonswingfonia.co.uk

www.bedfringe.com

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Sunday 13 July

MAIN S T A G E BEDFORD RIVER FESTIVAL

Future Legend in association with the Bedford River Festival, HARPUR TALENT WINNER – 11.00am The winner of the Harpur talent competition kicks off the Sunday proceedings. www.harpurtalent.co.uk

PARADISE NON-GRATIS – 12noon Frantic drumming and powerful melodies collide as these two girls bring you an energetic raw mix of pop-rock… with a funky feminine twist. www.myspace.com/paradisenongratis

THE GOLDEN APPLE – 1.00pm Two guitars a big drum and some tight powerful harmonies. The material ranges from haunting ballads to bawdy drinking songs. www.fotthewuk.co.uk/goldenapple

JOSEPH SWIDENBANK – 2.00pm Local singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Joseph has recently completed work on his stunning debut album “Roads”. www.josephswidenbank.co.uk

MAXWELL, HAMMER AND SMITH – 3.00pm Amazing harmonies covering some of the most legendary rock music of all time from E.L.O to Bon Jovi and songs that other bands wouldn’t dare to attempt. www.myspace.com/maxwellhammerandsmith

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info@bedfringe.com

Sunday 13 July

MAIN S T A G E

BEDFORD RIVER FESTIVAL

Future Legend in association with the Bedford River Festival, THE BEACHED BOYS – 4.00pm Founded in 1999, with their neatly trimmed harmonies, the Beached Boys magically capture the original sixties surfing sound of the Beach Boys. www.beachedboys.com

THE PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA – 7.30pm The River Festival favourites return for an evening full of the classics; so bring a picnic and enjoy! www.philharmonia.co.uk

Tony Phillips COMPERE This year Future Legend is excited to be introducing a compere on the Main stage at the river festival – Mr. Tony Phillips, of whom the phrase ‘all round entertainer’ truly applies!

Conversations with Sinatra, hosting for her Majesty the Queen, a guided tour around the Whitehouse.

Who did all those things?

An entertainer of over four decades whose been there seen it and done it all. www.myspace.com/tonylphillips

Richard Compton DJ Ricardo Gazzini aka Richard Compton is the UK’s only known jazz lounge swing DJ with credits that include Cambridge Polo, Cambridge Law Society, Showman’s show and the Isle of Wight Jazz Festival 2006 and 2007. He has also performed at the biggest UK swing Glenn Miller festival at Twin Woods historical airfield in Clapham.

Ricardo wishes to ensure people have a good time by creating a relaxed environment, chilling out to music from lounge jazz to a big band swing experience. www.gazzini.com

www.bedfringe.com

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Monday 14 July

HARPUR S U I T E BEDFRINGE

2008

EVENTS

Bedfringe presents, BEDFRINGE2008 OPENING PARTY WITH JOHN HELGEY, TIM FIZTHIGHAM & THE GOLDEN APPLE – 7.30pm JOHN HEGLEY Singer, poet & stand-up John Hegley is an Edinburgh Festival regular who has also appeared in Australia, Canada, Colombia, Zanzibar and Luton - the small town of his upbringing. He has nine books to his name, two albums and one mug. He has performed on the radio in five series of his own devising. There have also been sporadic one-off’s on television with Wogan, Clive Anderson and Blue Peter. ”hugely entertaining” THE SCOTSMAN “a Beat poet’s style and a philosopher’s grace … more Elvis Costello than Alan Bennett” THE INDEPENDANT “Fabulously funny” TIME OUT “don’t turn up late” THE TIMES “John Hegley is to potatoes what Wordsworth has been to daffodils” THE OBSERVER “a treasury of wordsounds” DAILY TELEGRAPH

TIM FITZHIGHAM – Compere / Stand-Up Tim is a multi award winning comic writer and performer who has been known to act and attempt some very stupid plans.

“Inspired lunacy… superb!” THE LIST Spirit Of The Fringe Award Winner – Kama Sutra Editor Award Winner, Edinburgh – In The Bath: Unplugged Winner of Spirit of The Fringe Award Nominated Perier Best Newcomer Nomination – Award for Innovation in Comedy by Chortle Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society Freeman of the City Of London

THE GOLDEN APPLE The Golden Apple are a Manchester based acoustic duo. Two Guitars, tight powerful harmonies and a big drum! The material ranges from haunting ballads to bawdy drinking songs. The writing is articulate and the performance is energetic, humorous, engaging, sometimes confusing but always entertaining. They will leave you wanting more………….drink.

Tickets: £8 (£5 concessions) BOX OFFICE: 01234 269519

7.30pm Tim Fitzhigham Introduces Bedfringe 7.40pm John Hegley 8.30pm Interval

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8.40pm Tim Fitzhigham 9.30pm The Golden Apple 11pm End

info@bedfringe.com

Tuesday 15 July

HARPUR S U I T E

BEDFRINGE

2008

EVENTS

Bedfringe & Forbidden Theatre Company presents, MRS WOBBLE THE WAITRESS AND FRIENDS – 12noon ADAPTED FROM THE BOOKS BY ALLAN AHLBERG – WRITTEN BY PILAR ORTI AND ALEXANDER PERKINS

MRS WOBBLE: THE WAITRESS. The story of a waitress who begins one day to wobble. As a result, she begins to drop food on the customers and eventually, she gets fired. However, she is determined to continue being a waitress, as it is her dream job. With the help of her family, she opens her own café, turning her new problem, wobbling, into a customer attraction…

MR BIFF: THE BOXER

Illustrations by Janet Ahlberg and Joe Wright

Mr Bop takes us back to his boxing days: having not done any sport for a while, Mr Biff needs to train once more to get in shape before fighting Mr Bop. His wife and daughter actively support him during his new training regime, happily joining in.

MRS PLUG: THE PLUMBER The most visual of all three plays, ‘Mrs Plug the Plumber’ tells the story of good old Mrs Plug, renowned for her plumbing abilities. After saving a rich man from a robber, Mrs Plug is given tickets for a world cruise. However, during her holidays, the ship begins to sink – luckily, Mrs Plug is on board and she can fix it!

“Gloriously inventive” TIME OUT’S CRITIC’S CHOICE “A gem” THREE WEEKS

Tickets: £5 (£4 concessions)

www.forbidden.org.uk

Bedfringe & St Thomas More RC School present, INDIAN DANCERS – 2.30pm We are a group of girls who love to dance!

St Thomas More is the lead school in the Bedford Federation of Catholic Schools, St Francis Deanery. We provide exciting learning opportunities, in an outstanding environment, expertly crafted by highly committed teachers and support staff.

Our continued academic success is achieved through the dedicated partnership between students, parents and school. At St Thomas More the students are at the centre of everything we do. Their happiness, fulfillment and care are the fundamental focus of all activity.

Tickets: £5 (£4 concessions)

www.bedfringe.com

www.st-thomasmore.org.uk

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BOX OFFICE: 01234 269519

Tuesday 15 July

HARPUR S U I T E

BEDFRINGE

2008

EVENTS

Bedfringe present, BEST SERVED COLD – 5.30pm A local rock band with a highly entertaining live edge.

With a musical style spanning The Killers and Snow Patrol to The Zutons and KT Tunstall this exciting young band offer both Electric and Acoustic sets that will engage both young and old.

With a strong mix of covers and personal compositions, their first album is due for a early summer release.

Tickets: £5 (£4 concessions)

Up-Stage Theatre present, THE FIFTH WALL – 7.30pm

!

Some strong WRITTEN BY SCOTT CURTIS language and adult themes The Fifth Wall, a new play by Scott Curtis, tells the story of the biggest Novelty Folk Rock Duo ever to have come out of Wiltshire.

It charts the tale of their rise to fame in the 1970’s to their decline into Punk Rock and Workout videos and their ultimate reunion.

An adult black comedy from Bedfordshire’s new theatre Company “Up-Stage”. You will laugh, cry and sing along to all their hit songs!"

Tickets: £6 (£4 concessions)

Bedfringe and Vivienne Smith Management present, PATRICK MONAHAN – 9pm A regular TV & studio warm up – on shows such as ‘Friday Night Jonathan Ross’, ‘The IT Crowd’, ‘The Lenny Henry Show’, ‘Davina’, ‘Open House with Gloria Hunerford’, as well as a regular MC at selected venues on the comedy circuit.

An original writer and clever improviser skilled in audience interaction, Patrick’s versatility, likeability and engaging stage presence has popular appeal, be it, stand-up, comedy character, host or presenter!

“High energy & conviction, his material is great; he's going to go far” THE SUNDAY TIMES “Hearts will be broken, socks will be laughed off.” THE SCOTTISH HERALD

Tickets: £6 (£4 concessions)

BOX OFFICE: 01234 269519

www.patrickmonahan.co.uk

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info@bedfringe.com

Wednesday 16 July

HARPUR S U I T E

BEDFRINGE

2008

EVENTS

Bedfringe & Forbidden Theatre Company present, (as Tuesday 15 July show) MRS WOBBLE THE WAITRESS AND FRIENDS – 12noon Bedfringe and Bedford High School present, 肥豬 – FEI CHU (FAT PIG) – 3.00pm A Post-Modern theatrical piece critiquing the role of women in society.

It takes us on a journey through the women’s interior world, away from reality to create its own self conscious atmosphere where existing ways of seeing the world are subverted and questioned.

In this female urban wasteland all forms of communication, such as mobile phones, television and the internet only serve to further isolate us from each other and nature. This creates an absurd and pointless world without hope.

Tickets: £5 (£4 concessions)

www.bedfordhigh.co.uk

Bedfringe and Riverside Theatre Company present, THE ENCHANTED LABYRINTH – 6.00pm After straying off the path and stumbling upon an old ruined well, Nyssa is transported into a world of magic, mystery and the enchanted labyrinth…

Riverside Theatre Company in association with Future Legend Theatre (fringe favourites and national tours of ‘Squatting’ and ‘Spooked’), returns to Bedford with a fairy story suitable for children and adults alike.

Tickets: £5 (£4 concessions)

www.riversidetheatrecompany.co.uk

Bedfringe and Richard Jordan Productions LTD present, STAN LAUREL, PLEASE STAND UP! – 7.30pm WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY BOB KINGDOM With special assistance by Lois Laurel-Hawes In Association with Guilford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and Warehouse Theatre “I immediately knew they were my friends…..I knew I'd met a genius.

Stan Laurel was one they should have arranged to live forever.” JERRY LEWIS In this remarkable new play, Bob Kingdom catches the spirit of Laurel – both sides on screen and off – the man known to millions and the private gentleman, the real story up there on the silver screen, and down here behind it.

The story of the on-screen Stan – the simple one, and off-screen Stan, the comedy genius.

Tickets: £7 (£5 concessions)

www.bedfringe.com

80 minutes show plus 15 minute interval

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BOX OFFICE: 01234 269519

Wednesday 16 July

HARPUR S U I T E

BEDFRINGE

2008

EVENTS

Bedfringe Late ‘n’ Live Comedy and Teatro-Saurus present, TO WHO IT MAY CONCERN – 9.30pm WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY WILLIAM TOMBS An evening of songs and stories, comic and strange, performed by William Tombs and his ukulele. It follows up his recent show, “What the Lobster Shouted as it Boiled” which took the Camden Fringe Festival, and the Leicester Comedy Festival by storm.

Tickets: £4

Wednesday 16 July

CORN E X H A N G E BEDFRINGE

2008

EVENTS

Bedfringe and Jeremy Meadow LTD present, HOW TO GET ALMOST ANYONE TO WANT TO SLEEP WITH YOU – 7.30pm PERFORMED BY DEBORAH FRANCES-WHITE Comedienne Deborah Frances-White (BBC Five Live) brings you a life-changing show revealing everything you always needed to know about the secrets of being sexy!

A brilliant combination of comedy and self-help, her show will have you killing yourself with laughter whilst you get the inside scoop on – amongst other things – what the other sex is thinking, how a hat can help and, ultimately, how any man can be turned into James Bond!

“Hilarious, instructive and brilliant” ARTHUR SMITH “Guaranteed to make you laugh... endlessly quick-witted... irresistibly compelling” THE STAGE “A funny informative show that will have you falling out of your seat with laughter” ****HAIRLINE "A masterclass..." CHORTLE

Tickets: £10 (concessions £8) 90 minutes stage show plus 20 minute interval

BOX OFFICE: 01234 269519

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info@bedfringe.com

Thursday 17 July

HARPUR S U I T E BEDFRINGE

2008

EVENTS

Bedfringe and Triplash Theatre present, WOOING, WEDDING & BEDDING – 12noon WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY PAM RYDER The life and times of Shakespeare as told by his wife.

Very little is known about Anne Hathaway... except that she was married to William Shakespeare... oh, and had three children. But what was it like being married to Shakespeare in the Golden Age? This was an age of new discoveries, Queen Elizabeth l on the throne, Will in London and Anne in Stratford.

“An outstanding tour de force, bringing this aspect of Shakespeare to life.”

“Superbly entertaining and instructive.”

Tickets: £5 (£4 concessions)

www.triplash.co.uk

Bedfringe and Mark Rutherford Upper School & Community College present, BURN – 2.30pm WRITTEN BY DEBORAH GEARING A loner in foster-care asks a girl out on an ill-fated date in a stolen car. One day, on the riverbank, the friends, he never had, narrate the story of his dramatic last day.

It’s a story about youth, about the transition between being caged and discovering and testing your own freedoms, selfhood and relationships.

“A performing school – a creative community.”

Tickets: £5 (£4 concessions)

www.markrutherford.beds.sch.uk

Bedfringe & Cosenza ‘n’ Rhoades Productions present, SORRY, SORRY – 4.30pm And it was all going so well…

Having found God, John Saunders, a reformed convict undertakes a journey of perdition; apologizing to each of his victims one by one.

The last man on his list is Sebastian Ross, a famed politician who isn’t willing to listen. But the intensity of John’s need for atonement will, at times, throw them both over the edge.

Tickets: £5 (£4 concessions)

www.bedfringe.com

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BOX OFFICE: 01234 269519

Thursday 17 July

HARPUR S U I T E BEDFRINGE

2008

EVENTS

Bedfringe and Mooncalf Curios present, MOONCALF CURIOS: LIVE AT HER MAJESTY’S PLEASURE – 6.00pm WRITTEN BY PAUL KNIGHT One of the UK’s most innovative live literature performance groups.

Mooncalf Curios comprises of writer Paul Knight, animator VJ James Russell, musician Trevor Caffoor and sound artist Jonathan Collinson. The performance will include elements of live animated video projection, live manipulation of soundscape and the live performance of original spoken word material. Expect loud noises, strobing visuals and material of a cruel and sarcastic nature!

“Loud and obnoxious and extremely unfunny. The part about cosmetic surgery 15+ was very offensive indeed“ VANESSA FELTZ Suitable for ages 15years+

Tickets: £5 (£4 concessions)

Bedfringe and Badac Theatre Company present, THE FORGOTTEN – 7.30pm WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY STEVEN LAMBERT By 1945 six million Jewish people had been destroyed by the NAZI policy of extermination.

The Forgotten is the story of one of those people.

An anonymous man, at the moment of his liberation, retells his nightmare journey to his watching saviours.

Beginning with the invasion of his city and ending in his imprisonment within the death camp at Auschwitz, he leads us through each stage of his and his families humiliation, degradation and ultimate destruction at the hands of the NAZI’s.

The Forgotten is an intense study of a process that was used to destroy millions of human beings.

"Badac are one of British theatre's best kept secret" BATTERSEA ARTS CENTRE “Ashes to Ashes is both effective and dynamic, and certainly out of the normal range of British drama.

“The visceral power of the work is extremely rare" STEVEN BERKOFF

Tickets: £7 (£5 concessions)

BOX OFFICE: 01234 269519

www.badactheatre.com

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info@bedfringe.com

Thursday 17 July

HARPUR S U I T E

BEDFRINGE

2008

EVENTS

Bedfringe & Kevin Sutherland present, THE SCOTTISH FALSETTO SOCK PUPPET THEATRE COMPANY – 9pm Making their touring debut, the Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre are the stars of BBC3's Comedy Shuffle, YouTube and the comedy stage with their songs, poems, sketches and adaptations of classic plays including the works of Shakespeare and also Reservoir Dogs. Learn why Scotland is so great, see every work of theatre you'll ever need, done quicker and by socks.

"Hilarious…The Abbott & Costello of the sock world” TIME OUT This is not a children’s Official Edinburgh Fringe Sellout 2007 show concessions) myspace.com/scottishfalsetto

!

Tickets: £7 (£5

Friday 18 July

HARPUR S U I T E BEDFRINGE

2008

EVENTS

Bedfringe and Mark Rutherford Upper School & Community College and Woodside Middle School present, BEASTS AND BEAUTIES – 12noon Adapted by Carol Ann Duffy & dramatized by Melly Still and Tim Supple.

A collection of Europe’s best-known tales. There will be a tale to suit everyone; the thriller, the farce, the fairy tale, the romance, the satire, the folk tale and a tale of magic.

This production aims to ignite the imagination and enthral you with weird creatures and wonderful characters.

Tickets: £5 (£4 concessions)

www.markrutherford.beds.sch.uk

www.woodside.beds.sch.uk

Bedfringe & Time To Book present, DOWN PARADISE ROW – 2.30pm PERFORMED BY FIONA HARRISON After the amazing success of “We’ll Meet Again” during 2007, Fiona Harrison returns to Bedfringe! A Magical hour long show dedicated to Music Hall numbers from the Victorian and Edwardian era. To be performed in full Victorian costume by Bedfordshire’s very own Marie Lloyd.

So “Don’t Dilly Dally on the Way” and settle down to a nostalgic journey of sing along gems!

Tickets: £6 (£4 concessions)

www.bedfringe.com

www.timetobook.freeserve.co.uk

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BOX OFFICE: 01234 269519

Friday 18 July

HARPUR S U I T E BEDFRINGE

2008

EVENTS

Bedfringe & Biddenham Upper School present, MULLET OVER – 4.30pm What makes us tick?

We asked both students and teachers of our school to write down exactly what inspires them, their passions, those things that on a day to day basis we forget about.

We found how varied and interesting the students and teachers are in the school in which we all work and learn, and combined with a rather amusing idea of what Fringe Theatre means.

Tickets: £5 (£4 concessions)

www.biddenham.org

Photo: Paul Taylor

Bedfringe and Prodical Theatre present, THE QUAKE – 6.00pm WRITTEN BY IGNACIO JARQUIN “...San Francisco is gone. Nothing remains of it but memories …" Jack London, 1906 The Italian opera singer, Enrico Caruso was at the height of his fame when he performed Carmen at the San Francisco Opera House in April 1906.

He woke-up the next morning to find his hotel room collapsing on top of him. Quake tells of Caruso's escape through the earthquake, the fires and the army gun powdering the city. Live opera singing combine to reveal the heart behind a legend.

A Prodigal Theatre collaboration with Andrew G Marshall Supported by The National Lottery® through the Arts Council England Developed with the Nightingale Theatre (Patron Steve Berkoff)

Tickets: £6 (£4 concessions)

Bedfringe and Munnery & Friends present, THE DAWKINS DELUSION – 7.30pm WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY SIMON MUNNERY "I've never read 'The God Delusion' by Richard Dwarfkins, and nor do I intend to.

Yet I feel entitled, tempted, perhaps driven to ridicule it mercilessly. This poses a problem.

How does one ridicule a book one has not read? What I like to do is imagine the kind of arguments he makes, present them weakly, and then demolish them one by one. Great fun. Come along.”

Simon was the creator of Alan Parker - Urban Warrior - a self-appointed spokesperson for the dispossessed generation. In 1996, Alan Parker-Urban Warrior starred on ITV's Saturday Live and appeared in his own BBC2 show London Shouting which was written with Father Ted (C4) creator, Graham Lineham.

Tickets: £7 (£5 concessions)

BOX OFFICE: 01234 269519

www.http://Iat.notbbc.co.uk

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info@bedfringe.com

Friday 18 July

HARPUR S U I T E BEDFRINGE

2008

EVENTS

Bedfringe and Gag Reflex Comedy present, DAN NIGHTINGALE: THE GOOD STUFF – 9.00pm One of the circuit’s brightest stars arrives in Bedford with a much awaited debut show.

Hugely funny, often raucous, sometimes poignant, always vivacious stand-up not restricted by laboured themes or scripts just Dan doing what he does best, comedy... and only the good stuff. "..has it in him to be the next Ross Noble or Daniel Kitson" THE METRO

Tickets: £7 (£5 concessions)

www.gagreflex.co.uk

Bedfringe Late ‘n’ Live & Ben Poole present, THE BEN POOLE BAND – 10.30pm The Ben Poole Band are a Blues/Rock band consisting of three extremely talented young individuals.

Over the past year or so the band has, received lots of backing and support from some great musicians, including Damien Keyes and Bruce Dickenson. “a stunningly original and talented guitarist… phenomenal talent” T&C “Their talent, skill and musicianship should now be known to every local music fan...

They really are something special” ESQUIRES

Tickets: £4

www.benpooleband.com

Saturday 19 July

HARPUR S U I T E BEDFRINGE

Bedfringe and IRB present, TALKING PANTS! – 12noon

2008

EVENTS

6+

WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY IAN BILLINGS Stand-up comedy for kids (and their keepers).

“Chucklevision” writer and children’s author, Ian Billings, erupts with a riotous explosion of top-notch, toe-tapping, mind-bending, buttock-clenching kids comedy.

A jam-stuffed giggle-fest with bags of gags and tons of puns. A swirling whirl of bite-size sound-bites of fun! Plus lots of standing-up!

How do dinosaurs scratch their heads? What do punctuation marks sound like? What happens when you lose your belly-button? These questions, and a couple more, may be answered !

Age Guidance: 6years+

Tickets: £5 (£4 concessions)

www.bedfringe.com

www.ianbillings.co.uk

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BOX OFFICE: 01234 269519

Saturday 19 July

HARPUR S U I T E BEDFRINGE

2008

EVENTS

Bedfringe and Theatre Of Widdershins present, THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF & OTHER FURRY TAILS – 2.30pm Our Storyteller is on the run from those three-headed monsters, trying to bring you the most fantastic tales from the Magic Land of Three. Are you really sure what happened to the wolf and those three little pigs? What about Goldilocks? Why was she walking in those woods? And as for the three Billy Goats Gruff, how did they really deal with that troll?

3+ All will be revealed in this beautiful show using puppets and props.

Age Guidance: 3years+

Tickets: £5 (£4 concessions)

www.theatre-of-widdershins.co.uk

Bedfringe and Bang On! present, THE JOY OF JUNK – 4.30pm WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY BANG ON! THEATRE Well-loved street performers Bang On! create insatiable rhythms using anything from plastic bags and watering cans to a huge junk drum kit, combining music with amazing technique and showmanship.

The Show is a mixture of explorations of sounds, objects and colourful visuals, high-energy drumming & intricate rhythms - a complete treat for the eyes and ears!

"Absolutely Bang On!" ****THE HERALD "...both a hoot and enormously clever" THE SCOTSMAN "A real treat" *****THE INDEPENDENT **** THE EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS "The sheer talent involved is extraordinary" THREE WEEKS Fringe Sell Out Show 2007. Fans of Stomp? Don’t miss this show!

Tickets: £5 (£4 concessions)

www.bangon.net

Bedfringe and James Seabright for Potted Productions present, POTTED PIRATES – 6.00pm WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY DAN & JEFF Directed and co-written by Richard Hurst After the hilarious success of Potted Potter, delightful double act Dan and Jeff return with this new compressed caper. In search of talking parrots and mysterious buried treasure, they're swapping wizards for walking the plank and trading Hogwarts for the high seas.

On the way they'll be collecting pieces of eight by recounting everyone's favourite pirate legends, from Long John Silver to Jack Sparrow. Best known for their storytelling appearances on the good pirate ship Blue Peter, Dan and Jeff may argue about who gets to play Johnny Depp, and which of them is lumbered with the supporting role of wooden leg.

“A fabulously funny parody from a classic double act, with serious Jeff taking the Ernie Wise role and silly Dan as a latterday Eric Morecambe.” THE DAILY TELEGRAPH “Inventive, daft fun for all the family.” THE GUARDIAN

Tickets: £7 (£5 concessions) BOX OFFICE: 01234 269519

www.pottedpirates.com

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info@bedfringe.com

Saturday 19 July

HARPUR S U I T E BEDFRINGE

2008

Bedfringe and Full House Theatre present, THE GENERATION GAP – 7.30pm

EVENTS

12+ Suitable for

ages 12years+ WRITTEN BY SARAH NELSON SUPPORTED BY OLDHAM THEATRE WORKSHOP, HAPPEN! AND THE BEDFORD iLAB Reg is a grumpy octogenarian. He’s rude to his carer; he drives his long-suffering grandson potty. But it’s only when he appears on a TV quiz show that we realise what has made him so fiercely independent, and Reg comes to terms with the advancing years.

It’s a heart-warming and totally non-patronising study of old age and loneliness, both touching and comical, made more so because Reg is a near life-size hand puppet, manipulated by the two performers, who play all the other characters.

Fast-paced and funny, it’s Full House ensemble theatre and puppetry for grown-ups of any age!

The Generation Gap, is based on an original idea by Craig Harris and Oldham Theatre Workshop.

Tickets: £7 (£5 concessions)

www.fullhouse.org.uk

Bedfringe and MHS Productions present, QUEEN: A TRIBUTE – 9.30pm BEDFRINGE2008 CLOSING PARTY. Come and bring Bedfringe2008 to a close with the regions outstanding “Maxwell, Hammer & Smith” and their tribute to Britain’s most successful band of the past four decades.

With only three in the group, they create quite possibly one of the most impressive vocal ensembles we have ever heard (their Bohemian Rhapsody is quite simply stunning!). This is all about the music! www.myspace.com/maxwellhammerandsmith

The Harpur Suite (Bedford Central Box office) Harpur Square Bedford MK40 1LE

For group bookings of 10+ please email: director@bedfringe.com All bedfringe acts are subject to change.

www.bedfringe.com

info@bedfringe.com

Designed & produced by LG Digital 01234 843900 www.lgdigital.co.uk

Tickets: £7 (£5 concessions)