AUTUMN A UTUMN
2013
ARTS | ENTERTAINMENT | CULTURE B OX OFF ICE: 0 12 35 515 144 | W W W. CO RNERS T O N E - A RT S . O R G
WHAT’S ON AT A GLANCE... SEPTEMBER. Wed 4
Didcot Film Club: Babette’s Feast
Film
8pm
Fri 13
5th Birthday Show
Surprise!
8pm 10am – midnight
Sat 14
5th Birthday Celebration Day
Surprise!
Fri 20
Rodney Branigan
Bar Gig: Free
8pm
Sat 21
Alex Horne: Lies
Comedy
8pm
Wed 25
Didcot Film Club
Film
Fri 27
Strindberg’s Miss Julie
Theatre
8pm 7.30pm
Sat 28
Sam Carter
Music
8pm
Sun 29
Georgie Fame in Concert
Music
7.30pm
OCTOBER. Fri 4
Tom Stade: Totally Rocks!
Comedy
8pm
Sat 5
Reduced Shakespeare Company
Theatre
7pm
Wed 9
How do Artists work with Scientists?
Talk: Free
7pm
Fri 11
Clare Teal
Music
8pm
Sat 12
Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi
Theatre
8pm
Sun 13
Little Howard’s Big Show
Family
2pm
Fri 18
Sean Hughes: Life Becomes Noises
Comedy
Sat 19
The Didcot Business and Community Awards
Hiring
Sun 20
Pinocchio by Michael Rosen
Family
Thu 24
Texan Night Supper Theatre
Café Bar
7.30pm
Fri 25
Shakespeare’s As You Like It
Theatre
8pm
Sat 26
Gabby Young and Other Animals
Music
8pm
Sun 27
The War of the Buttons
Family
2pm
Wed 30
Didcot Film Club
Film
8pm
Folk
8pm
8pm 7.30pm 2pm
NOVEMBER. Fri 1
Jim Causley
Sat 2
Mappa Mundi: The Compleat Female Stage Beauty
Theatre
8pm
Sun 3
Arthur’s Dream Boat
Family
2pm
Fri 8
Mark Thomas: 100 Acts of Minor Dissent
Comedy
8pm
Sat 9
Anita Harris Jazz Trio
Matinée
2pm
Sun 10
Tiffin Concert: Duo Diez
Matinée
2pm
Fri 15
Go On Do It Jump
Bar Gig: Free
Sat 16
St Giles Orchestra: Totally Tchaikovsky
Music
7.30pm
Fri 22
Jacqui Dankworth
Music
8pm
Sat 23
Gyles Brandreth
Talk
8pm
Sun 24
The Grumpiest Boy in the World
Family
2pm
Wed 27
Didcot Film Club
Film
8pm
Fri 29
Jeremy Hardy
Comedy
Sat 30
Pinter’s Betrayal
Theatre
8pm
8pm 7.30pm
CORNERSTONE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL
WHAT’S ON AT A GLANCE... DECEMBER. Sun 1
Christmas Cushion Concert
Family
2pm
Thu 5
Crafty Christmas Shopping & Music
Event: Free
7pm
Sat 7
Nativity in Creakbottom
Theatre
7.30pm
Sun 8
Cornerstone Showcase
Variety
2pm and 5pm
Fri 13
Christmas Time
Theatre
Sat 14
The Night Before Christmas
Family
Sat 14
CK Gospel Choir
Music
8pm
Sun 15
The Night Before Christmas
Family
11am and 2pm
Thu 19
4 Girls 4 Harps by Candlelight
Music
7.30pm
Fri 20
Norma Waterson and Eliza Carthy
Music
8pm
Sat 21
The Night Before Christmas
Family
11am, 2pm and 4pm
Sun 22
The Night Before Christmas
Family
11am and 2pm
Sun 22
Chris Newman and Máire Ní Chathasaigh
Music
7pm
Mon 23
The Night Before Christmas
Family
11am, 2pm and 4pm
Tue 24
The Night Before Christmas
Family
11am, 2pm and 4pm
8pm 11am, 2pm and 4pm
BE AT THE HEART OF THE ARTS WITH
CORNERSTONE MEMBERSHIP. This season, we are thrilled to be relaunching our popular membership scheme with fantastic new member benefits and brand new member categories. Being a Cornerstone member allows you to:
BEAT THE CROWDS BANK YOUR SAVINGS BOOST THE ARTS LOCALLY We greatly value our loyal members and want to show our appreciation for your support by making sure membership delivers excellent benefits for you. We have listened to feedback from many of our members and, we hope, members-to-be, and have updated our membership scheme to meet your needs for simplicity, easy and priority booking, a family option and quite a bit more! You can read about the fantastic benefits in full in the membership leaflet but to whet your appetite, here is a little taster...
20% off
An enormous absolutely everything at Cornerstone. That means not just selected shows but ALL shows, not just shows but ALSO classes, workshops, arts and craft and not forgetting the delicious food and drink in the cafe bar! NEW Family Focus membership now enables families to reap all the benefits of membership.
Join or renew before 2014 and receive a whole extra month's membership completely FREE. See the Support Us section of www.cornerstone-arts.org for full terms and conditions.
CAFÉ BAR. CAFÉ SCIENTIFIQUE 3RD TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH 7PM FOR 7.30PM
WE LOVE YOU, YES WE DO, YES WE DO… ...and to prove it we’d like to share three great show deals from the Café Bar. FREE tea or filter coffee at the Anita Harris Jazz Trio and Tiffin Concert matinée performances. Just take your ticket along to the café and exchange it for a delicious hot drink SPECIAL £3.50 offer on all fun, tasty and healthy children’s meals when you come to see War of the Buttons or Arthur’s Dream family shows MAHOOSIVE 25% off all post-show drinks in the bar after autumn comedy giants Tom Stade, Mark Thomas and Jeremy Hardy
BAR GIGS, CAFÉ EVENTS AND SUPPER THEATRE
RODNEY BRANIGAN Friday 20 September 8.30pm FREE Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rodney Branigan has had his vocals compared to Jeff Buckley and his playing compared to Rodrigo Y Gabriela. A multi-talented musician with a voice that delivers honest, self-penned lyrics, it’s fair to say that Rodney’s future is as bright as the musical landscape he is shaping in 2013. www.rodneybranigan.com
GO ON DO IT JUMP Friday 15 November 8.30pm FREE Go on Do it Jump distil their combined influences in a transatlantic alternative/indie rock melting pot, where a driving rhythm section blends with intertwining guitars and soaring vocals unafraid of catchy melodies and pop sensibilities. www.facebook.com/goondoitjump
TEXAN SUPPER THEATRE NIGHT: THE MANY APOLOGIES OF PECOS BILL Thursday 24 October £22, £20 (concs) Mosey on down for a ‘taste of Texas’ themed menu and captivating live theatre all included in the price. It's a story about two Texans – Pecos Bill, who grew up to be the greatest cowboy of all time, and Greg, who passed out from exhaustion during a three mile hike.
CRAFTY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING & MUSIC EVENING Thursday 5 December 6pm FREE With Christmas on the way we’ve invited ten of our favourite local craft artists to join us to provide a unique opportunity to buy a wide range of original pieces. To add to this fun-filled festive evening, pianist extraordinaire Louisa Revolta will also be playing.
Supported by BAC, The Yard, The Basement and Arts Council England.
GALLERY AND VISUAL ARTS. ENTRY TO THE VISUAL ARTS GALLERY IS ABSOLUTELY FREE SO YOU CAN DROP IN ANY TIME DURING OPENING HOURS. We also have a selection of beautiful crafts made by local artists for sale in our craft boxes. Don’t forget to peruse the jewellery, fashion and other unique designs when you’re here as we have regular new exhibitors. We also display a range of work in our window wall on the west side of our building. See the website for information about applying to exhibit or sell your work.
ANDREA BRAILSFORD: TEXTURES, MARKS AND SCRIBBLES 3 – 29 September
Textures, Marks and Scribbles is a collection of work produced over a number of years, using a combination of largely recycled materials: wax candles, string, boxes, paper, and fabric, with glue, charcoal, crayon and acrylic paint. Farm, factory, canal buildings, wooden fences, gates and paths are chosen for their textural qualities and simple contrasts, hard/soft, rough/smooth. Rather than having any narrative or philosophical content, these works have been produced for ‘a love of the materials’.
TIM WIDDOWSON: PAINTINGS AND PRINTS 3 October – 10 November
British artist and designer Tim Widdowson has lived in and worked from his studio in Long Wittenham for over thirty years. This exhibition presents a collection of his paintings and prints depicting a range of landscapes and abstract subject matter. It will include some of Tim’s paintings of the Didcot Power Station, alongside other paintings inspired by well-known and lesser-known areas of beauty and interest in and around Oxfordshire.
FREE TALK: HOW DO ARTISTS WORK WITH SCIENTISTS? Wednesday 9 October 7pm
Dr Hugh Mortimer, RAL Space and Alice Sharp, Curator and Director of Invisible Dust, discuss Turner Prize winner Elizabeth Price’s artist residency at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell and other art science projects. This talk is presented as part of World Space Week in collaboration with RAL Space and the Science and Technology Facilities Council. See www.invisibledust.com
CLAIR CHINNERY: UNRULY OBJECTS 14 November – 22 December
Oxford-based artist and academic Clair Chinnery has a background in sculpture, but works regularly across and between traditional media boundaries. Her interests stem from a curiosity about objects, institutions and individual/collective memory. Unruly Objects presents a range of two and three-dimensional artworks, evoking historic, institutional and domestic environments. This exhibition will include works commissioned for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad as well as works from the project Cuculus Prospectus in which the parasitic habits of the Cuckoo are used as a metaphor for human colonialism, migration and shifting ecologies.
SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER CORNERSTONE’S FIFTH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS BIRTHDAY SHOW Come to Cornerstone for some cake, some fizz, some little surprises and a stormer of a show. Details will be announced nearer the time – keep your eyes peeled! Fri 13 Sep 8pm BIRTHDAY PARTY: FREE MINI FESTIVAL! Surprise! It’s our birthday so we’re having a party throughout the venue as a big thank you to all the lovely people who have made Cornerstone the place it is over the last five years – YOU – and to say a happy hello to all of you who might not have discovered us yet. Cornerstone is throwing the doors wide open for a whole day of totally free celebratory events. There’ll be plays, dancing, art, music and FUN for all the family going on in every single room, backstage and in the town square, throughout the day. Into the evening the bar becomes our night time venue with music and cabaret. Come and join the fun and see what Cornerstone is all about! Sat 14 Sep 10am – 12 midnight FREE
ALEX HORNE: LIES COMEDY: STAND-UP Star of We Need Answers and The Horne Section, Alex Horne returns to Didcot. No powerpoint, quiz questions or music – but stand-up. With seven sold out shows and three Perrier awards, come and see the original host of Blockbusters, former Mr Universe and a panda live on the Cornerstone stage. N.B. One of those may be a lie! You’ll feel cheered and tickled. NOT TOO RUDE. ‘ ... the most inventive show I’ve seen this year’ The Observer Sat 21 Sep 8pm £14.50, £13 (concs)
MISS JULIE by August Strindberg THEATRE: CLASSIC 2012 was the centennial of Strindberg’s death and saw a proliferation of excellent versions of this stunning play. This is a new translation, directed by Denis Noonan. Midsummer’s Eve 1888. Aristocratic Miss Julie is drawn to the socially ambitious Jean, her father’s valet. We witness a ferocious power struggle as they attempt a love affair in a world that depended on people knowing their places. You’ll be gripped. Presented by UK Touring Theatre Fri 27 Sep 7.30pm £14.50, £13 (concs) Ages 14+
SAM CARTER MUSIC: CONTEMPORARY FOLK Sam Carter has been compared with Nic Jones, Richard Thompson and John Martyn. Winner of best newcomer at the BBC Folk Awards 2010, he recently appeared on Later... With Jools Holland and Live at the Union Chapel. Sam’s style mixes American spirituals, gospel, and shapenote hymn singing with glorious songwriting. Appearing with a rhythm section of double bass, drums and strings, this will delight you. ‘I have a feeling, and I’m not alone, that Sam Carter is going to be huge.’ Irish World Sat 28 Sep 8pm £14.50, £13 (concs)
01235 515144
GEORGIE FAME IN CONCERT MUSIC: LEGEND! With over twenty albums, fourteen hit singles, and collaborations with Muddy Waters, Gene Vincent, Bill Wyman, Eric Clapton and Van Morrison, Georgie Fame is a genuine star. Still fresh, still oozing cool, Georgie appears at Cornerstone with his two sons, Tristan Powell on guitar and James Powell on drums, and both on backing vocals. A night of hits, banter and eye-opening anecdotes from Georgie’s career. ‘Sends us home happy to have been in the presence of genuine cool’ The Guardian Sun 29 Sep 7.30pm £20, £18 (concs)
TOM STADE TOTALLY ROCKS! COMEDY: STAND UP Following last year’s sell-out debut UK tour, and his explosive performance at Cornerstone, Tom Stade returns to the venue to satisfy each and every one of us. The material is close to the bone, definitely adult and not for the faint-hearted but Tom is very mischievous and charming with it. Catch comedy’s coolest stand-up before he explodes into a household name. VERY ADULT THEMES AND LANGUAGE. ‘Gloriously funny.’ HHHHH The Scotsman Fri 4 Oct 8pm £14.50, £13 (concs)
REDUCED SHAKESPEARE COMPANY: THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE COMEDY: THEATRE The West End comes to Didcot. The original and best, and the longest running comedy in London’s West End. This revised version for 2013 is an irreverent, fastpaced romp that’s fun for all the family. These madcap men in tights present a semblance of all 37 plays in 97 minutes. You’ll laugh your socks off. ‘Stupendous, anchorless joy!’ The Times ‘Pithier than Python. Irrestistible’ New York Times Sat 5 Oct 7pm £16, £14.50 (concs), £55 (family ticket) Ages 12+
CLARE TEAL MUSIC: JAZZ Our Queen of Swing celebrates the music of Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Judy Garland, Doris Day, and more shimmering stars with diamond voices. Clare is a national star. She’s a multi award winning singer and BBC Radio 2 broadcaster. And lovely. With wit and warmth Clare tells of the extraordinary lives of her heroines and points to the future of Diva-dom with some modern day covers. You’ll leave feeling all warm and tingly.
Fri 11 Oct 8pm £14.50, £13 (concs)
THE DUCHESS OF MALFI BY JOHN WEBSTER THEATRE: CLASSIC Led by Cheek By Jowl associate, Owen Horsley, Eyestrings Theatre Company cuts to the heart of this stupendous Jacobean masterpiece with a thrilling new adaptation. A woman dares to disregard her social status and a powerful family is destroyed. Seven actors present a piece of theatre about mortality, class and sex, as relevant today as it was in the seventeenth century. Will be very memorable. ‘This sort of daring, intelligent work is what fringe theatre should be all about’ The Stage Sat 12 Oct 8pm £14.50, £13 (concs) Ages 14+
SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER
OCTOBER – NOVEMBER
www.cornerstone-arts.org
LITTLE HOWARD’S BIG SHOW CHILDREN’S: COMEDY Fresh from smash-hit BBC One children’s show Little Howard’s Big Question, the nation’s favourite human-cartoon double act come to Cornerstone. Our heroes find themselves in trouble with the Queen following their performance on The Royal Variety Performance. They must now perform the show of their lives to save Big Howard from jail! Songs, sketches, magic, a cheeky pigeon from Barnsley and the Royal Monkey Philharmonic Orchestra. ‘Genius’ The Radio Times Sun 13 Oct 2pm £8, £6 (concs) Ages 4+ and adults
SEAN HUGHES: LIFE BECOMES NOISES COMEDY STAND-UP We love Sean Hughes. You remember ‘Seany’s’ show on Channel 4? He’s written two novels, appeared in countless TV shows and films (including the lead in Spike Milligan’s Puckoon). This show is an hilarious and poignant tale which chronicles Sean dealing with his father’s death, which actually brings us one of the most feelgood and uplifting shows of the year. SOME SWEARING AND ADULT IMAGERY.
Fri 18 Oct 8pm £14.50, £13 (concs)
THE DIDCOT BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY AWARDS HIRING The BACAs celebrate excellence amongst Didcot’s businesses and community groups. Award categories in the fifth year are: customer service, community involvement, delivering added value, entrepreneurship, science and youth. Why not nominate a company or organisation you think deserves it and spread the word? Closing date for nominations is 6 September. For details and nominations see www.didcotfirst.org.uk. Tickets by invitation from the organisers. Sat 19 Oct 7.30pm
PINOCCHIO by Michael Rosen CHILDREN’S: THEATRE Follow Pinocchio and his grasshopper friend as they set out on an adventure – to find some FUN! Now, if only his nose would just stay still... hiccup theatre joins forces with acclaimed children’s writer Michael Rosen to bring to life a sparkling new version of this classic tale. Expect live music, puppetry, physical storytelling and long noses. Presented by hiccup theatre ‘…the Pixar of theatre’ (adult audience member) Sun 20 Oct 2pm £8, £6 (concs) Ages 4+
AS YOU LIKE IT by William Shakespeare THEATRE: CLASSIC Rosalind is banished from her homeland into the Forest of Arden to find her exiled father, where she also finds love. Containing the beautiful ‘all the world’s a stage’ speech, this is one of Shakespeare’s best-loved plays. Cornerstone is proud to be one of the venues to commission this production. If you like Shakespeare, you’ll love this. house presents a Transport production co-produced with Les Theatres de la Ville de Luxembourg and New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich Fri 25 Oct 8pm £14.50, £13 (concs), £50 (family ticket) Ages 12+
GABBY YOUNG AND OTHER ANIMALS MUSIC: SWING ‘The World’s Finest Purveyors of Circus Swing’ HHHH from The Guardian, The Daily Mirror, The Financial Times, The Sun Counting Graham Norton as one of her biggest fans, English songwriter Gabby Young fronts her riotous seven piece band. Trumpet, trombone, piano and accordion combine swing, Balkan brass, jazz and folk. This is a big wall of joyous sound. Fun! ‘Howling mad and completely irresistible’ Tom Robinson BBC 6 Music Sat 26 Oct 8pm £14.50, £13 (concs)
THE WAR OF THE BUTTONS CHILDREN’S: THEATRE George grows grapes, Bessie cabbages. One loves the sun, the other rain. And so grows... the war of the buttons! A journey of imagination, into a world drawn by a child, where a button can be a kiss, a wish, a present, or a trophy. Music, puppetry, clowning, movement and sign language create a show accessible to deaf, hearing and international audiences. Ask about the workshop before the show! Sun 27 Oct 2pm £8, £6 (concs) Ages 3+
JIM CAUSLEY MUSIC: FOLK Jim Causley is five times BBC Radio 2 Folk award nominee and a distant relative of Charles Causley, who wrote countless beautiful children’s poems. It was hearing ‘Timothy Winters’ set to music in a folk club which made Jim want to set more to original scores. Jim appears with singer Julie Murphy and multi-instrumentalist Ceri Owen-Jones, playing the new songs and telling us all about Charles and the poems. Adults and families will be charmed.
Fri 1 Nov 8pm £14.50, £13 (concs), £50 (family ticket) Ages 10+
THE COMPLEAT FEMALE STAGE BEAUTY presented by Mappa Mundi THEATRE: CLASSIC Big cast, big set, big costumes, full on raucous fun, based on a true tale. London 1661, in the reign of King Charles II. Crowds flock to see the sensation of the age – an ‘actress’ of exquisite beauty and charm – Edward Kynaston. When, for the sake of his mistress ‘pretty witty Nell’, Charles II changes the law to allow women to act, Ned’s world is turned upside down. You’ll be moved by this. Sat 2 Nov 8pm £16, £14.50 (concs)
ARTHUR’S DREAM BOAT CHILDREN’S: THEATRE One night Arthur has an amazing dream about a beautiful pink and green boat with a stripy mast. And then the vessel starts growing out of his head and Arthur is bouncing along the waves in his own dream boat. Beautiful puppetry, original music by Tom Gray of Gomez, presented by the company who delighted us with Shoe Baby and Penguin. Why not do the workshop before the show? Presented by Long Nose Puppets based on the book by Polly Dunbar Sun 3 Nov 2pm £8, £6 (concs) Ages 5 + and adults
OCTOBER – NOVEMBER
01235 515144
NOVEMBER – DECEMBER
@CORNERSTONEfun
MARK THOMAS: 100 ACTS OF MINOR DISSENT COMEDY: STAND-UP Mark Thomas is well versed in the art of creative mayhem, and over the years his trouble-making has changed laws, cost companies millions and got under the skin of those whose skin most needs it. After the sublime Bravo Figaro, Mark goes back to mischief making – his quest to commit 100 acts of minor dissent in the space of one year. Does he manage it? We’re sure you’ll agree he does. POLITICAL VIEWS, SOME SWEARING.
Fri 8 Nov 8pm £14.50, £13 (concs)
AN AFTERNOON WITH THE ANITA HARRIS JAZZ TRIO MUSIC: MATINEE Anita Harris’s fifty year career started when she was spotted at 15 on a London ice rink and whisked to Las Vegas. She’s never stopped performing, including with Harry Secombe, Morecambe and Wise and Tommy Cooper. Now, in a wonderful cocktail of song, glitz, chat and humour, Anita comes to tell us the story of her life, interspersed with songs of the ages, and accompanied by her jazz trio. A gentle afternoon which will brighten your November.
Sat 9 Nov 2pm All tickets £10 plus free hot drink
TIFFIN CONCERT: DUO DIEZ HIRING: CLASSICAL MUSIC The easy way to enjoy classical music and top classical musicians. One hour straight through. Just £10. Duo Diez are Violeta Barrena (violin) and Dimitris Dekavallas (guitar). They formed in 2012 after meeting at the Royal Academy of Music where they discovered a shared passion for Spanish and Latin American music. A joy to listen to, the programme will include music by Bach, Piazzolla, Paganini, Lorca and Sarasate. Sun 10 Nov 2pm All tickets £10 plus a free hot drink
ST GILES ORCHESTRA: TOTALLY TCHAIKOVSKY MUSIC: CLASSICAL St Giles Orchestra returns to Cornerstone for a not-to-be-missed concert devoted to the world’s favourite composer. Featuring the Marche Slave and Capriccio Italien, and well known movements from his opera Eugene Onegin, plus unforgettable highlights from The Nutcracker. This is a really accessible show for all the family, whether you are new to classical music or an afficionado. Sat 16 Nov 7.30pm £11, £9 (concs), £35 (family ticket)
JACQUI DANKWORTH MUSIC: JAZZ Jacqui Dankworth is one of the classiest singers in modern jazz. Her style incorporates elements of folk, blues and pop all sung with her inimitable phrasing on a par with that of Streisand. Jacqui is performing classics and songs from her forthcoming album, and comes with her band of bass, drums and Charlie Wood on piano. You’ll love the sound and atmosphere. ‘ ... one of our finest singers, regardless of category’ The Sunday Times Fri 22 Nov 8pm £14.50, £13 (concs)
GYLES BRANDRETH: LOOKING FOR HAPPINESS TALK Gyles Brandreth is a poppet! He set out to find the secret of ‘How to be Happy’ and ended up in the psychiatrist’s chair with Dr Anthony Clare. This, added to some useful lessons picked up from Freud, Frankie Howerd and the Queen, make up for an incredibly funny, wildly indiscreet one-man show that should pep us right up. ADULT CONTENT. ‘Urbane, witty, prince among charmers. Joy. Deep joy.’ HHHHH The Scotsman Sat 23 Nov 8pm £17, £15.50 (concs)
THE GRUMPIEST BOY IN THE WORLD CHILDREN’S: THEATRE Zachary Briddling is awfully middling. Or so he thinks, until his mum reminds him of places where there are giants, miniatures, hairy things and flying things, where Zachary would not be middling at all. So our fearless hero sets out to find the place where he stands out. A lovely show with three in the cast and live music. Contains great jokes for both young and old! Presented by Paper Balloon Theatre Company Sun 24 Nov 2pm £8, £6 (concs) Ages 4+
JEREMY HARDY COMEDY: STAND-UP Jeremy Hardy has been a stand-up comedian since 1984 and will be one until he dies. Or wins the lottery. Radio 4 favourite, from The News Quiz, I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue, and Jeremy Hardy Speaks to the Nation. He’s practically stand-up royalty. So come and see him reign. ‘In an ideal world Jeremy Hardy would be extremely famous, but an ideal world would leave him without his best material’ The Guardian Fri 29 Nov 8pm £14.50, £13 (concs)
BETRAYAL by Harold Pinter THEATRE: CLASSIC Emma is married to Robert, a publisher. But for seven years, she has been having an affair with Jerry, a literary agent, Robert’s best friend. The play begins after the end of the affair and pursues an intricate, gripping journey back to its very beginning, with time turned upside down as the play charts events in reverse. ‘Pinter’s masterpiece’ The Daily Telegraph Presented by London Classic Theatre who brought us The Importance of Being Earnest Sat 30 Nov 7.30pm £14.50, £13 (concs)
CHRISTMAS CUSHION CONCERT CHILDREN’S: MUSIC Kick off December you tuneful, boogeying little ones and come to our classical Christmas cushion concert. It’s the festive way to introduce your children to a classical instrument, and a good excuse – as if you needed one – to have a dance yourself. As with all the best Christmasses there will be a few surprises thrown in! If you haven’t tried these before, this is the one to start with.
Sun 1 Dec 2pm £8, £6 (concs) Ages 2+
NOVEMBER – DECEMBER
www.cornerstone-arts.org
DECEMBER
CornerstoneDidcot
NATIVITY IN CREAKBOTTOM THEATRE: COMEDY Somewhere in deepest Suffolk lies Creakbottom, home to the All-Male Amateur Dramatics Society. When theatrical scouts from ‘that London’ come to the village, the AMADS have an unprecedented platform for their undiscovered genius and their new production ‘The Birth of Jesus’! Featuring a cast of five, jam-packed with physical comedy, specially composed music and witty banter and directed by West End veteran Andrew C Wadsworth (RSC, National Theatre). Sat 7 Dec 7pm £14.50, £13 (concs), £50 (family ticket) Ages 10+
CORNERSTONE SHOWCASE Join us for this one-day event bursting at the seams with talent, as we celebrate Cornerstone’s dancers, actors, and artists. We present to you our annual dance showcase with some added extras – including an all-day art exhibition. Different performers will feature in each show so please check our website for more information. Guests of performers will be given priority booking with all remaining tickets going on sale on Tuesday 19 November. Sun 8 Dec 2pm and 7pm £7, £5 (concs)
CHRISTMAS TIME THEATRE: COMEDY Charlie and Toby are feeling low, and why wouldn’t they? It’s Christmas Day and they’re serving time at Her Majesty’s Pleasure. To cheer themselves up they create their own Christmas fun in this comic play – enacting for each other and us all the Christmas favourites including Dickens, pantomime, musicals, Christmas dinner and Christmas films. A musical comedy for all the family that’s fun and festive. Fri 13 Dec 8pm £14.50, £13 (concs), £50 (family ticket) Ages 10+
CK GOSPEL CHOIR: CHRISTMAS MUSIC: FESTIVE GOSPEL Gospel singing is great for the festive period – rich, warm and rousing. This 12 piece group including band, from London, has headlined at venues such as London’s Jazz Café, and Barcelona Gospel Festival and supported acts such as Beverley Knight, Leona Lewis and Alfie Boe. They sing festive tunes and classic favourites and one of their sopranos, Ruth Brown, was a finalist on THE VOICE UK on BBC1! Have a go in the workshop before the show. Sat 14 Dec 8pm £14.50, £13 (concs)
4 GIRLS 4 HARPS BY CANDLELIGHT MUSIC: FESTIVE CLASSICAL The instrument which, in many ways, epitomises Christmas is multiplied by four and played by these superb musicians in the soft glow of candlelight in our auditorium. The show consists of many traditional carols specially arranged for harp, with audience sing-a-long encouraged, and some traditional harp tunes. The performers introduce the pieces, and delve into their history which makes it a warm, wonderful Christmassy treat. Thu 19 Dec 7.30pm £14.50, £13 (concs), £50 (family ticket)
NORMA WATERSON AND ELIZA CARTHY WITH THE GIFT BAND MUSIC: FESTIVE FOLK Norma Waterson and Eliza Carthy are two of the country’s finest exponents of traditional song – as well as mother and daughter. They celebrate the release of their first ever duo CD with this short series of festive concerts and we’re delighted they’re coming here. A six-piece band including Martin Carthy plays traditional classics and some unexpected gems in this festive treat. Fri 20 Dec 8pm £16, £14.50 (concs)
CHRIS NEWMAN AND MÁIRE NÍ CHATHASAIGH MUSIC: FESTIVE FOLK This new Christmas show features a breathtaking blend of traditional Irish music, swing jazz and bluegrass, plus festive favourites given a fresh voice. With Chris on guitar and Máire on harp, they produce a special kind of magic. It’s the perfect spellbinding treat for midwinter and we hope an oasis of delightful calm on the last Sunday of our year, so you can sit back, relax and unwind. ‘Both are in the virtuoso class’ The Guardian Sun 22 Dec 7pm £14.50, £13 (concs)
THEATRE: CORNERSTONE FAMILY CHRISTMAS SHOW Cornerstone’s fabulous Christmas theatre production. Beautiful set, amazing puppetry, actors, super costumes, exciting effects, joyful music, and FULL of FESTIVE DELIGHT! It’s the night before Christmas and Emily is staring out of the window, hugging her teddy and wishing excitedly for Christmas morning to come. A little mouse called Eddie sets off in search of Father Christmas to ask why only humans get presents. Along the way he dodges the family cat, gets directions from a cowardly robot and is given some unexpected advice from the magical fairy on top of the tree. Presented by Big Wooden Horse theatre company who you loved with Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! and The Way Back Home
Sat 14 Dec and Sat 21 Dec 11am, 2pm and 4pm Sun 15 Dec and Sun 22 Dec 11am and 2pm Mon 23 Dec and Tue 24 Dec 11am, 2pm and 4pm £12, £9 (concs), family ticket £35 Ages 3+ and all the family SCHOOLS’ PERFORMANCES Tue 10 to Fri 13 (inclusive), Mon 16 and Tue 17 Dec 10.30am and 1.30pm Wed 18 and Thu 19 Dec 10.30am £6.50 per child, teachers go free, Earlybird offers available Call 01235 515144 or see website for full details
DECEMBER
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CLASSES & WORKSHOPS FOR ALL AGES. OUR GUIDE TO BOOKING CLASSES: n
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All classes run for a 10-week term of two 5 week blocks, with a break at half-term. For most classes you can pay up front (to guarantee your place in both blocks), or in two 5 week instalments, or enter the class at the mid-way point after half-term and pay for the 5 remaining classes. Prices given are for one five-week block, unless otherwise indicated Please book in advance for each block Please fill in an enrolment form when first booking, and arrive 10 minutes early for the first class Half term break for all classes is 27 October – 3 November Adult classes are 16+ unless otherwise indicated For more information about the classes, including information about clothing, materials or equipment, visit our website www.cornerstone-arts.org
ONE-OFF WORKSHOPS FOR ADULTS SINGING THE CHANGING SEASONS Saturday 12 October n 10.30am-1.30pm n £17, £15 (concs) Another chance to sing with Liz Hodgson of Joined-up Singing. We will learn songs to reflect the changing seasons, singing in different styles from various cultures. All songs taught by ear, no music-reading. All welcome! PRINT-MAKING: MONO-PRINTING Saturday 26 October n 10.30am-12.30pm n £15, £13 (concs) Come and explore this fantastic creative technique. A very immediate printmaking process, you will be able to see impressive evidence of your achievements very quickly! Price includes all materials. WARMING WINTER SONGS Saturday 16 November n 10.30am-1.30pm n £17, £15 (concs) Warm yourself up with singing and good company! Join Janet Stansfeld from Joined-Up Singing to learn seasonal winter-themed songs, including some festive songs from other cultures. All songs taught by ear, no music-reading. All welcome! CLAY SCULPTURE – CERAMICS Saturday 30 November n 10.30am-12.30pm n £15, £13 (concs) Join us to create your own piece of Christmas-inspired ceramics, using modelling clay and bright glazes. Your finished worked will be professionally fired for you to use in the home. Price includes all materials. GOSPEL SINGING Saturday 14 December n 5-7pm n £15, £13 (concs); £10 if booked together with a show ticket A special opportunity to learn from CK Gospel choir who will be performing at 8pm. For new and experienced gospel singers alike, the workshop will cover gospel style, harmony, and teaching two songs for performance.
REGULAR CLASSES TIMETABLE TUESDAY
(START DATES 24 SEP, 5 NOV)
YOUTH THEATRE 6-10 years n 4.30-5.30pm (10 week course)
CREATIVE WRITING Adult n 7.30-9pm n £48, £43 (concs)
YOUTH THEATRE 10-14 years n 5.45-7.15pm (10 week course) STREET DANCE Adult (16+) n 6.15-7.15pm
WEST END DANCE Adult n 7.30-8.30pm n £33, £30 (concs)
£50
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£72
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£33, £30 (concs)
W! NE
LIFE DRAWING Adult n 7-9pm n £63, £57 (concs) All materials included.
WEDNESDAY
(START DATES 25 SEP, 6 NOV) W! NE
MATURE MOVEMENT AND DANCE Adult (50+) n 11.30am-12.30pm n £33, £30 (concs) BABY BOOGIE Parent & tot (9 months-3 years)
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1-1.30pm
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£14
PARENT AND TODDLER BALLET 18 months-3 years n 2.30-3pm n £14
THURSDAY
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YOUNG DIRECTIONS: DANCE 12-16 years n 6-7.15pm n £30 Based in contemporary dance, this new class will explore choreography and performance techniques, with opportunities to perform during the year. Suitable for beginners and more experienced dancers. BALLET – BEGINNERS Adult n 7.30-8.30pm n £33, £30 (concs)
BALLET 3-4 years n 3.15-3.45pm n £14 4-6 years n 4-4.45pm n £19 YOUTH HIP HOP 7-11 years n 5-5.45pm
YOUNG DIRECTIONS: THEATRE 14-18 years n 7.30-9pm n £72 A new theatre group for older young people, working on acting and performance techniques. Especially suitable for those aspiring to take theatre further. (10 week course)
Privately run class: PILATES MATWORK: Beginners/Intermediate 6-7pm n £8 per class payable termly Contact Nicky Dower on 07877 691359 or email nicola_dower@yahoo.co.uk
£19
(START DATES 26 SEP, 7 NOV)
PARENT AND TODDLER BALLET 18 months-3 years n 11.45am-12.15pm
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£14
YOGA Adult n 7-8.15pm
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£41, £36 (concs)
BALLET – NEW STARTERS 3-4 years n 1.15-1.45pm n £14
ENHANCE THROUGH DANCE – FITNESS Adult n 7-8.15pm n £41, £36 (concs)
BALLET 3-4 years n 3.15-3.45pm n £14 4-6 years n 4-4.45pm n £19 6-9 years n 6-6.45pm n £19
Privately run class: CAMINO DEL FLAMENCO Spanish Flamenco dance classes for children and adults n Various from 4pm n Thursdays during term time. Call: 01295 721255 or email: production@caminodelflamenco.co.uk
YOUTH DANCE 4-6 years n 5-5.45pm
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£19
FRIDAY N
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(START DATES 27 SEP, 8 NOV)
ARGENTINE TANGO Adult beginners n 7.30-9.15pm £56, £50 (concs) Time for the Strictly bug to bite! This term we have something a bit different. Come with a partner or on your own and learn the improvisational tango technique, followed by a social dance to practice.
SATURDAY
Privately run class: MUSIC & MOVEMENT FOR UNDER 5s 10-11am n Every Friday during term time Call Edna Hemmings 01491 652693 or 07802 181450
(START DATES 28 SEP, 9 NOV)
STREET DANCE 8-10 years n 10-10.45am n £36 11-12 years n 11am-12noon n £47 13-15 years n 12.15-1.15pm n £47 (10 week course)
W! NE
ARTY PARTY: CHILDREN’S ART CLASSES 4-8 years n 10-10.45am n £19 9-12 years n 11am-12noon n £25 Try our new regular art classes to enjoy your creativity. You will explore different techniques in art including drawing, sculpting, mosaics and painting, inspired by the work of famous artists. All materials included.
REGULAR GROUPS CURIOUS ARTS Tuesdays during term time n 10.45-12.45pm n £12 per session ‘Say-so’ drama workshops for adults with learning disabilities. For more information contact Curious Arts, info@curiousarts.co.uk or 0845 371 1313.
WE’VE ADDED EXTRA BENEFITS FOR CORNERSTONE CLASS MEMBERS!
PRIORITY BOOKING LIVE FOR A FIVER TASTER CLASSES
Existing participants can book the same class for the next season 7 days ahead of other bookers Each class participant can buy a £5 ticket for one of the current season’s shows If you’re new to a class, pay for one lesson only without paying for the full five or ten weeks upfront
All offers subject to availability. Terms and Conditions apply, please see our website or call the Box Office for further information.
HALF-TERM HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES. FOR UNDER 16s Make sure to book in advance for these workshops, and bring a packed lunch if it goes on all day! Course prices include all materials.
HALLOWE’EN MASKS
YOUTH DANCE
Tuesday 29 October – Friday 1 November
Thursday 31 October – Friday 1 November
Drop in to Cornerstone to make yourself a scary mask for Hallowe’en. Will you become a bat, a witch, a ghost, a cat, or a wriggly spider?
A fun two-morning course suitable for those new to dance as well as seasoned regular class attendees. Start the mornings with a bounce and a jump and get the most out of your holiday!
All ages (children must be accompanied by an adult) n 10am-4pm n FREE
5-7 years
COMPAGNIE ANIMOTION: WORKSHOP
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10.30am-12noon
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£14
CLAY SCULPTURE Thursday 31 October It’s Hallowe’en – create spooky creatures and ghostly apparitions in clay at our ever-popular course.
Sunday 27 October Join in with company members before the show ‘War of the Buttons’. Watch your feet... and your hands! Join in for games and fun exercises to get you chatting... using your hands and your faces!
5-12 years n 1.30-3.30pm n £14 (adult goes free when accompanied by a child)
AMAZING ANIMATION
The workshop is suitable for children with and without hearing impairments.
Friday 1 November One day to become an amazing animator! Get behind the scenes, get messy with plasticine…
5-10 years n 12noon-1pm £6 or £10 for show and workshop
9-13 years
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10.30am-4pm
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£30
OUTER SPACE FAMILY DAY
LONG-NOSE PUPPETS: WORKSHOP
Tuesday 29 October
Sunday 3 November
A family day for all to explore the exciting world of outer space! Rutherford Appleton Laboratory’s Space Centre will be providing loads of hands-on activities for you to try out, plus special workshops where you could design your own spacecraft! Sign up to the workshops on the day.
Join in with company members before the show ‘Arthur’s Dreamboat’. In this hands-on session you will make your very own dream boat hat to sail away with and take home. 3-8 years n 1-3pm £6 or £10 for show and workshop
All ages (children must be accompanied by an adult) n 10am-4pm n FREE
PRINT MAKING Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 October Back by popular demand after our Easter workshops! Learn different printing techniques, including using a press, and create your own prints inspired by our Outer Space theme. Tuesday 6-9 years
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1pm-3.30pm
Wednesday 9-13 years
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£11
10.30am-4.30pm
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£25
BOOKING. MEMBERS’ BOOKING OPENS: SATURDAY 13 JULY 10AM IN PERSON 11AM BY TELEPHONE AND ONLINE
PUBLIC BOOKING OPENS: SATURDAY 20 JULY 10AM IN PERSON 12 NOON BY TELEPHONE AND ONLINE
EASY TO GET TO. Didcot has great road and rail links. The A34 connects Didcot to Oxford, the M40, Newbury, and the M4. Didcot Parkway is a major regional station and is only a short walk from Cornerstone. SAT NAV To reach the nearest car park (Edinburgh Drive) to Cornerstone, please use this postcode: OX11 7LE. There is also a large car park nearby at Sainsbury’s in the Orchard Centre, use postcode OX11 8RG. ACCESSIBILITY Cornerstone is fully accessible for patrons with wheelchairs. We have a lift to all floors, spaces for wheelchairs in the auditorium and accessible toilets on all floors. Personal carers go free.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS. Tickets are non-refundable and exchanges are discretionary. See website for concessions and special ticket offers; full information on booking, refunds and exchanges; and venue accessibility. PLEASE NOTE: Prices, times and details of the programme are correct at the time of going to press. We reserve the right to make special offers after prices are published.
BOX OFFICE: 01235 515144 | EMAIL: CORNERSTONE@SOUTHOXON.GOV.UK CORNERSTONE, 25 STATION ROAD, DIDCOT, OX11 7NE