summer 2018
What’s on
a coffee lounge for food lovers
PrioriTise a haPPy body and mind aT all Times Start your Sunday right by joining us for Loaf & Soul Sundays. Fresh bakes, overnight oats*, artisan roast coffee from Ue Coffee Roasters, all to a sweet soul soundtrack.
Nourish yourself from the inside out. Our simple menu of light lunches is just delicious and it happens to be good for you too. Lots of our items are plant based so whether you are vegetarian, vegan, gluten free or just plain hungry, we have lovely fresh seasonable food for you.
Make the most of the evenings getting longer and lighter. Gather friends and enjoy a sundowner on our heated terrace with nibbles and a glass of wine from The Oxford Wine Company.
… eat, drink & nourish …
don’t miss our show night meal and drink deals. look out for in the brochure and see website for full details.
Tuesday - saturday 10am–9pm · sunday 11am-4pm Enjoy 15% off drinks from 6pm to 7pm Tuesday to Saturday. Open until later on show nights, serving artisan gins, local ales and the best wine
*Plain overnight oats FREE with any drinks purchase on Sundays
Welcome to Summer! Cornerstone is proud to present our busiest and most exciting summer season to date, with truly something for everyone. Dive into these pages and discover a feast of performance, classes, workshops, exhibitions and so much more. Be inspired.
Nourish café bar 2 What’s on 4–31 Beer & Music Festival 32 Early on sale date comedians 33 Courses and workshops 34 Become a member 35 Exhibitions 36–37 10th birthday 38 Booking information 39
20% 50%
Fantastic for families
Perfect for schools
Special mention must go to our open auditions for young people aged 8–16yrs to join the young company for our Christmas show – The Pied Piper. Auditions are on 9 and 10 June and registration is open now. Also, watch out for further announcements around our 10th anniversary celebrations this Autumn. We have some very special treats in store! Darren Walter Arts Centre Director
% member discount Meal deal available Fantastic for families Perfect for schools
Featured events May
Lee Hurst
June
6
The Time Machine
16
July
July
Sirens 27
Ed Gamble + Flo & Joan
30
Box Office 01235 515144 . 3
2016 Olivier Award Winners – Best Entertainment and Family Show. Spontaneous musical comedy at its absolute finest – direct from the West End and now heading to Cornerstone! With ten years as an Edinburgh Fringe must-see phenomenon, a BBC Radio 4 series, a critically acclaimed West End run and an Olivier Award to their name, The Showstoppers have delighted audiences across the globe with their ingenious blend of comedy, musical theatre and spontaneity. A brand new musical comedy is created from scratch at each 4 . cornerstone-arts.org
performance of this award-winning show as audience suggestions are transformed on the spot into allsinging, all-dancing productions with hilarious results. These incredible performers are guaranteed to impress as they create shows packed with drama, dazzling dance routines and catchy melodies – it’s just all made up on the spot. So whether you fancy some Rodgers and Hammerstein set on a ferris wheel or a little Sondheim on Mount Everest – you suggest it and the Showstoppers will sing it!
★★★★★ ‘Had me weeping with laughter... you absolutely have to go.’ Mail on Sunday
www.theshowstoppers.org Age guidance: 14yrs+ date
Fri 4 May
Time
7.30pm
Price
£20, Concs £18
20%
Open Mic Join us for your monthly fix of musical talent at Cornerstone’s fabulous open mic night. We have a great array of talent coming here covering many musical genres, from gorgeous folk and sea shanties to small indie bands, old school jazz and beautiful singers. We aim to give performers a supportive atmosphere to play in, an opportunity to meet other performers and maybe even form new musical partnerships.
We’ve had some beautiful moments and seen some lovely partnerships form, so come along and be part of it. For more info contact: cornerstoneopenmic@ southoxon.gov.uk date
Tue 8 May, Tue 12 June, Tue 10 July
time
7.30pm in Nourish café
price
FREE
Little Angel Theatre presents
Handa’s Surprise
Travel to Kenya and follow in Handa’s footsteps as she journeys to see her best friend Akeyo, in the next village. Handa is taking seven delicious fruits as a surprise – but seven different animals have seven very different ideas… could you resist the sweet-smelling guava? A blend of physical performance, puppetry, live music and song combine to create an intimate, magical production with audience participation. Come and
share in the magical tangerine surprise! Based on the book by Eileen Browne, published by Walker Books Ltd. ‘A short, sunshiny little show with a delicious citrus finish’ Time Out
Age guidance: 2–6yrs date
Sun 6 May
time
11.30am 1.30pm, 3.30pm
price
£8, Concs £6, Family £24 Kids Lunch Box (see website)
Fantastic for families
Box Office 01235 515144 . 5
It’s Not Us presents
Time Please Time Please is a new work by writers/ performers John Knowles and Kate Tym.
share his sorry situation with the world. Chockfull of wild conspiracy theories, he has a hatched a plan to get his story heard and so begins a lock-in like no other.
A darkly-comic play, set in a run-down pub in a deprived neighbourhood. The over-riding grimness is offset by the misplaced optimism of barman Steve and the epic sarcasm of his wife, Cath. Enter Keith Goodman, shambolic and drunk and with a planetsized chip on his shoulder. Off his head on booze and pills, he’s determined to
date
Wed 9 May
time
7.30pm
price
£12.50, Concs £10.50, Under 26s £5
50%
Lee Hurst Lee Hurst, star of BBC1’s They Think Its All Over is back on the road in 2018 with his brand new show Mucking About. In his new show Lee will be exploring the relationship between... No he won’t, he’ll be leaving that old twaddle to comedians at the Edinburgh Festival. There’s no journey or message. If you want to go on a journey, buy an airplane ticket. If you want a deep message, run your voicemail through a sub-base woofer. If you want plenty of laughs this is for you. 6 . cornerstone-arts.org
Lee will be turning up, lobbing gags and funny stuff at you from all angles. A hilarious night is about to hit town. date
Thu 10 May
time
7.30pm
price
£17.50
Jamaican Curry (see website)
Noctium Theatre presents
The Country Doctor Fleeing the shame of his failure at medical school in Moscow, a young man escapes to the cold isolation of the Russian countryside. Here, he happens upon a lonely medical surgery. A peculiar cohort of nurses and surgeons take him in to be their new head doctor; a position he freely embraces despite his lack of qualifications. How long will he survive in the country before his failure in the city catches up with him? Inspired by Mikhail Bulgakov, Noctium use their heightened performance style to take you into a world of gruesome operations set deep in the frozen wastes of the Russian countryside. Please note: Use of strong language and scenes of a sexual nature. Age guidance: 14yrs+ date
Fri 11 May
time
7.30pm
price
£12, Concs £10, Under 26s £5
50%
Box Office 01235 515144 . 7
Implexa Dance presents
The Vanquished Implexa Dance Company presents The Vanquished, a double-bill performance featuring Venom and Ash. With both works originating from the dark corners of the 19th century; Implexa Dance Company will bring history back to life through contemporary dance using a series of fusions and illusions. Watch as these two tales of twisted treachery unfold; they glimpse at the fantasy worlds and ghastly characters which were once created. Venom – Watch as Havisham seeks the ultimate thrill in vengeance. Audiences will see the true horror unfold before their eyes. Ash – Based on an infamous gothic tale, watch as a house of insanity and fear crumbles down to rubble. date
Sat 12 May
time
7.30pm
price
£12, Concs £10, Under 26s £5
50%
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Tutti Frutti presents
Keepy Uppy By Evan Placey Joey absolutely loves football. Playing it, watching it, talking about it. He gets it from his mum – a footy fanatic!
Keepy Uppy is a play for the 2018 World Cup year. This is a visual treat that will ignite children’s imagination from kick-off to the final whistle.
Joey can turn anywhere into a makebelieve pitch, from scoring goals in his breakfast cereal to imaginary match commentating on his way to school. His enthusiasm is shared equally by his Mum - the best teammate he could ever have.
‘Those looking for a magical and thought-provoking early experience of the wonder and power of theatre should treat themselves to tutti frutti’
Life is busy for Joey and mum, but today nothing can get in their way as the big day has arrived; the high point of the season, the cup final and a chance for Joey to score a winning goal. They set off for the game, ready for anything.
British Theatre Guide
Age guidance: 3yrs+ date
Sun 13 May
time
11.30am & 2.30pm
price
£8, Concs £6, Family £24
20%
Kids Lunch Box (see website)
Fantastic for families
Café Scientifique Café Scientifique is a relaxed forum for debating scientific issues. As one of the most important areas in the UK for scientific research, there is a wealth of talent that can be drawn on to bring you the latest in scientific thinking. Meetings take place in our Nourish café bar and start with a short talk, followed by a break to replenish your drinks at the bar and then a discussion with audience members.
Run by Didcot First, this engaging evening is always extremely popular and full of lively debate. Keep up-to-date with the latest news and topics taking place: www.didcotfirst.org.uk/ news-cafe_scientifique.html date
Tue 15 May, Tue 19 June, Tue 17 July
time
7.30pm in Nourish, our café bar
price
FREE
Box Office 01235 515144 . 9
The Outbound Project presents
12 Million Volts We would like you to close your eyes, now imagine a man… Award-winning theatre company The Outbound Project brings you the story of Nikola Tesla – the world’s smartest man (at least according to Einstein) and greatest inventor (according to us). But there are always at least three sides to every story, one person’s side, the other person’s side… and the truth. Expect holograms… sort of, pigeons with lasers coming out of their eyes… pretty much and more lighting tricks than we ever thought we would get into one show. The Outbound Project promises to not only tell you the story of one of the world’s most exploited … genius… geniussessess? Genii? … geniuses! But also to show you the many reasons why we think Tesla is a humanitarian legend, Edison is an overrated thief and why the American Dream had the potential to be so much more. date
Thu 17 May
time
7.30pm
price
£12.50, Concs £10.50, Under 26s £5
20%
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Access All Areas A celebratory day for people with learning disabilities, their friends and families. Come along for music and dance, performance, art, food, games and more! Cornerstone is always thrilled about the buzz on our Access all Areas day, when the building hosts a diverse range of workshops and activities for people with learning disabilities. Most activities are suitable for people
with mild to moderate learning disabilities and their families or carers and we aim to include those with more complex needs during the day as well. Run in partnership with Style Acre with support from HFT, My Life My Choice, Mates N Dates and other learning disability organisations. date
Friday 18 May
TIME
10.30am–3pm
PRICE
FREE
Theatrical Niche Ltd presents
A Dolls House A new adaptation by Theatrical Niche Ltd based on Henrik Ibsen’s classic tale. The Helmers are an iconic power couple. They excel at work, staying on top, they excel at excelling. But as his autobiography rolls out, it seems there are a few things that Mr. Helmer did not mention. Working with leading Mental Health charities, Theatrical Niche uses verbatim and emotive choreography to rocket Ibsen’s classic tale into a modern re-telling.
Exploring stigmas around gender and mental health, this artful adaptation focuses on the impossible idolisation of one ‘perfect’ woman, by a man who walks with weights around his ankles. Age guidance: 12yrs+ date
Wed 23 May
time
7.30pm
price
£12.50, Concs £10.50, Under 26s £5
20% Box Office 01235 515144 . 11
Tom Stade: I Swear Get ready for another epic blast of Tom Stade! Following last year’s smash hit run at the Edinburgh Festival, and sell-out dates across the UK, the Canadian tourde-force is back on the road with extra dates due to overwhelming demand. Renowned for his carefree attitude and broad-minded vision, nothing is taboo to this enlightened and captivating comedy legend. Combining off-the-scale charm, razor-sharp wit and a no-holds-barred attitude; Tom pledges to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. As seen on BBC 1’s Live at the Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, The John Bishop Show and Chanel 4’s Comedy Gala. Kick back and enter the awesome and mischievous world of Tom Stade as he provides an inspiring and incisive antidote to these dark and uncertain times. Simply sublime comedy… I Swear. date
Thu 24 May
time
7.30pm
price
£17.50 Pre-Show Chilli Takeover (see website)
12 . cornerstone-arts.org
Orphan Colours Former members of Ahab, Noah and the Whale and Danny and the Champs have joined forces to become one of the hottest UK Americana groups on the music scene. The band are currently putting the finishing touches to their debut album following their debut EP High Hopes creating a massive buzz with the catchy, Tom Petty-esque lead single Won’t Let You Down in February 2016. With an already established fan base, huge critical acclaim and solid underground credibility
so firmly ensconced in their DNA, Orphan Colours have rapidly established themselves as the hottest band to emerge from the London country/roots circuit. Highly, highly recommended. ‘Breezy, carefree and unpretentious songwriting…’ CLASH date
Fri 25 May
time
8pm
price
£14, Concs £12.50
20%
Entertainers presents
Buddy Holly: A Legend Reborn Relive the Rockin’ 50s music scene. Through 1957–59 one man changed the face of music and revolutionised the meaning of rock ‘n’ roll. That man was Buddy Holly. Clutching a Fender Stratocaster, sporting a pair of heavy-rimmed glasses and sounding exactly like Buddy in his heyday, a legend is reborn. This all new production celebrates an artist who shot straight into the limelight as soon as That’ll Be The Day hit the radio. Though his career was short, this one-man powerhouse gave the world a stack of hits that will never be forgotten.
Join Buddy Holly – A Legend Reborn to relive the Rockin’ 50s music scene with hits such as Peggy Sue, Oh Boy, Heartbeat, It Doesn’t Matter Anymore, Words of Love, It’s So Easy, Rave On and many more. date
Sat 26 May
time
7.30pm
price
£21, Concs £19 Pre-show Chilli Takeover
Pre-show Prosecco
Jug of Pimms
see website for details
Box Office 01235 515144 . 13
Let’s All Dance presents
Alice in Wonderland A new ballet for the whole family Let’s All Dance returns with this fabulous family favourite. Stunning dancing, much loved characters and super costumes bring this famous tale to life in a magical ballet production. Don’t be late for this very important date. Come and join Alice as she enters the curiouser and curiouser world of the White Rabbit, Queen of Hearts and Mad Hatter.
Families can enjoy a photo opportunity with dancers after every show. Age guidance: 2–11yrs including children with special needs. date
Sun 27 May
time
1pm & 3pm
price
£8, Concs £6, Family £24
20%
Kids Lunch Box (see website)
Fantastic for families
National Youth Folk Ensemble
Youth Folk Sampler Day Aged 14–18yrs on 1 Sept 2018?
Take part in a day of creative folk music workshops and if you want to, audition for the 2018–19 National Youth Folk Ensemble.
To book your place, go to www.efdss.org/youthfolk date
Tue 29 May
Sign up for a free place at this Sampler Day with the National Youth Folk Ensemble.
The tutors will include Sam Sweeney, Artistic Director of the Ensemble and BBC Radio 2 Folk Musician of the Year 2015.
time
10.30am–4pm
price
FREE
Explore English folk music, learn from inspiring tutors and play with other young musicians from the area.
Promoted by the English Folk Dance and Song Society with funding from Arts Council England.
Play an instrument confidently? Want to take part in an inspiring day of music making?
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Didcot Film Club Didcot Film Club shows the sort of films you won’t see in mainstream cinemas, including Hollywood classics, foreign language and British Independent films. The film club meet one Wednesday evening a month in the theatre here. You can join the Didcot Film Club easily at didcotfilmclub.weebly.com for just £5 a year
to benefit from reduced price tickets. Non-members are more than welcome to attend too. date
Wed 30 May Wed 27 June Wed 25 July
time
8pm
price
£6, Non-members £8
Creative Cluster A space for writers, actors and directors to meet. It’s a monthly opportunity for writers, actors and directors to meet likeminded people with a view to helping each other; whether you’re a script writer who needs to hear a group of people read your script, an actor struggling with a monologue or generally artistically minded.
There’s no fee, just a place you can drop in and be as involved as you like. date
Tue 29 May Tue 26 June Tue 31 July
time
7.30pm in our Nourish café bar
price
FREE
Box Office 01235 515144 . 15
Dyad Productions presents
The Time Machine From the creators of Jane Eyre: An Autobiography, Dalloway, I, Elizabeth, Christmas Gothic, The Unremarkable Death of Marilyn Monroe and Austen’s Women. 2018: In this age of uncertainty, where the shadows of tyranny, intolerance and war darken the path into tomorrow, how much time do we have left? If civilisation falls today, what will become of us? Rebecca Vaughan presents Elton Townend Jones’s radical new interpretation of the HG Wells classic, in which a Victorian time traveller transcends across the ages from 1900 to our own far future – from the fall of man to the end of the world. Can we change the future? Or has the end already begun?
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★★★★★ ‘Outstanding… Amazing… Magic’ Edinburgh Southside Advertiser
★★★★ ‘Terrific… grips the imagination… ideas spit off the narrative like sparks from a welder’s torch’ Quentin Letts, Daily Mail date
Fri 8 June
time
7.30pm
price
£12.50, Concs £10.50, Under 26s £5
20%
Fantastic for families
Perfect for schools
AUDITIONS Cornerstone in association with Goblin Theatre presents
If you are aged 8–16yrs, live in Didcot or the surrounding areas and would enjoy the experience of performing in a professional production this Christmas, then come and audition to be in our ensemble junior cast.
Auditions will be held Sat 9 – Sun 10 June and registration is essential. See the website for full details. Can you hear that strange music in the wind? The Piper’s calling. This enchanting new musical about playing to your own tune, is the perfect Christmas treat. Fri 7 Dec – Sun 30 Dec Full price tickets from £13.50 and family tickets just £50
From the creative team that brought you The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
Images Ballet Company For a unique and exciting take on classical dance, join Images Ballet Company this summer. Showcasing theatrical, bright and energetic dance, these young ballet professionals take centre stage accompanied by live music and stunning costume. A night to remember for ballet lovers and those new to dance. With choreographers from Ballet Ireland, the Royal Ballet and formerly with Rambert, Images presents an eclectic evening of dance brimming with new ideas. date
Wed 13 June
time
7.30pm
price
£12.50, Concs £10.50, Family £42
20%
Kids Lunch Box (see website)
Fantastic for families
18 . cornerstone-arts.org
Theatre Re presents
The Nature of Forgetting Following a sell-out run at the 2017 London International Mime Festival, Latitude and the Edinburgh Fringe, Theatre Re presents a powerful, explosive and joyous piece about what is left when memory is gone. Tom is 55, today. As he dresses for his party, tangled threads of disappearing memories spark him into life, unravelling as a tale of friendship, love and guilt. Established in 2009, Theatre Re is a London-based international ensemble creating thoughtprovoking, tangible and poignant work that examines fragile human conditions and spans the boundaries of mime and theatre. ‘Profoundly moving... An action-packed celebration of life’ Front Row – BBC Radio 4, John Wilson date
Fri 15 June
time
7.30pm
price
£14, Concs £12, Under 26s £5
20%
Box Office 01235 515144 . 19
Genesis Connected Genesis Connected is a UK tribute show celebrating the music of Genesis and the biggest selling acts connected: Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins and Mike & the Mechanics. This show has an incredible mix of material, from atmospheric anthems to chart toppers that will get the crowd dancing in the aisles. Hits spanning from the late 70s onwards including: Turn It On Again, Slegdehammer, In The Air Tonight, Over My Shoulder, Against All Odds, That’s All, Solsbury Hill, You Can’t Hurry Love, The Living Years and many more. . .
The frontman, Pete Bultitude, is not only an incredibly versatile vocalist, he is also a truly gifted drummer just like Phil Collins, so expect the show to include the iconic ‘double drums’ element as featured on every Genesis and Phil Collins tour. date
Sat 16 June
time
7.30pm
price
£21, Concs £19
20%
Egg Box Theatre presents
The Moon & Me Roux has made a rocket in his garden to take him to the moon and is looking for some new friends to go with him. What do you think it will be like? Do you think anyone lives there? And is it really made of cheese? Please say you’ll come!
The Moon & Me is an interactive, intimate theatre experience about friendship and sharing for 2–5 year-olds 20 . cornerstone-arts.org
and their families that takes place inside a special dome, with sights, sounds, tastes, smells, touch and lots of play. Age guidance: 2–5yrs date
Sun 17 June
time
11am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm
price
£8, Concs £6, Family £24
20%
Kids Lunch Box (see website)
Fantastic for families
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School presents
The Mill on the Floss By George Eliot Adapted by Helen Edmundson Directed by Paul Clarkson
‘They had entered the thorny wilderness, and the golden gates of their childhood had forever closed behind them.’ In this fluid and visceral re-imagining, Helen Edmundson (Queen Anne, Coram Boy, The Heresy of Love) turns George Eliot’s unforgettable story of first love, sibling rivalry and regret into a wonderfully theatrical examination of the psyche of one of classic literature’s most charismatic heroines. Brought up at Dorlcote Mill, Maggie Tulliver worships her brother Tom and is desperate to win the approval of her parents but her passionate, wayward nature and her fierce intelligence bring her into constant conflict with her family. As she reaches adulthood, the clash between their expectations and her desires is painfully played out as she finds herself torn between her relationships with three very different
men: her proud and stubborn brother Tom; hunchbacked Phillip Wakem, the son of her family’s worst enemy; and the charismatic yet dangerous Stephen Guest. With its poignant portrayal of sibling relationships, The Mill on the Floss is considered George Eliot’s most autobiographical novel and here Edmundson loses none of its breadth, whilst beautifully examining the complex nature of relationships and love. ‘…not only re-invents the novel, but pushes the boat out theatrically way beyond its usual moorings… The Guardian date
Tue 19 June
time
7.30pm
price
£14, Concs £12, Under 26s £5
20%
Box Office 01235 515144 . 21
Jump Jive and Wail featuring The Jive Aces Renowned worldwide for their highenergy spectacular showmanship, their viral video Bring Me Sunshine and for being the first live band to reach the final rounds of Britain’s Got Talent, The Jive Aces have firmly established themselves as the UK’s No.1 Jive & Swing band.
and performed for HM the Queen. They headlined and sold-out the Royal Albert Hall and thousands of festivals, theatres, dance halls etc, in 35 countries, including Buckingham Palace for the Coronation Festival, Trafalgar Square for the Olympics and major theatre tours in the USA.
The live show includes classics like When You’re Smiling, Mack The Knife and Sing, Sing, Sing, plus originals such as La Dolce Vita taken from their various albums.
Joining The Jive Aces for the tour is guest singer Miss Amy Baker, a sensational young singer from Portsmouth, whose warm, jazzy vocals invoke such legends as Keely Smith, Ella Fitzgerald and Peggy Lee whose debut album has been getting airplay on BBC Radio 2.
The in-demand sextet average 300 shows a year and have worked with Van Morrison, Keely Smith
22 . cornerstone-arts.org
‘Absolutely brilliant! That really put me in a good mood’ Simon Cowell
‘True showmanship!’ Daily Telegraph
‘Brilliant musicianship combined with a madcap sense of fun on stage. Simply sensational!’ The Stage date
Fri 22 June
time
7.30pm
price
£16.50, Concs £14.50
20%
Flamenco Celebration The bi-annual show by Camino del Flamenco dance students is always popular. This year’s show is head Camino del Flamenco teacher Rosa Maria Reed’s swansong, as she retires from teaching this year. Flamenco Celebration celebrates Rosi’s life in Flamenco and 30 years of teaching. She has taught hundreds of students and some will be joining the
current Camino students of all ages in this show. In beautiful Flamenco costumes, the dancers are accompanied by Camino del Flamenco teachers and musicians, together with professional guest artistes from Spain. date
Sat 23 June
time
7.30pm
price
£14.50, Concs £12.50
Circus Trick Tease presents
Children are Stinky Fresh from Edinburgh Fringe with five stars and The Children’s Choice award, Children are Stinky is an exciting new comedy that will delight adults and children alike. High-calibre circus, a rocking soundtrack and genuine belly laughs have propelled these stinkers onto sold out shows every single season. April Dawson and Kyle Raftery deliver a powerhouse of circus talent. Expect dare devil stunts, incredible acrobatics, lightening fast hula hoops, and loads of laughs. Sleek stagecraft combined with mischievous fun leave audiences wondering “how is that even possible?” (Daniel, age 7yrs)
Children are Stinky is hands down the most spectacular reverse psychology experiment you have ever seen. The duo’s attempts to prove that kids are stinky are met with messy, ridiculous, hysterical twists. They only succeed in proving that children are awesome… and they know it! Age guidance: 3–12yrs date
Sun 24 June
time
2pm
price
£9, Concs £7, Family £28
20%
Kids Lunch Box (see website)
Fantastic for families
Box Office 01235 515144 . 23
Barrel Organ presents
Anyone’s Guess How We Got Here ‘He didn’t respond, he held his breath, moved the sofa away from the wall, lay down in the gap made between, and hid.’ She’s standing in what used to be her bedroom. She’s come back to reclaim what she buried. On debt, eviction, childhood, the thing under the floorboards and what remains, long after you’ve paid it off. After multi award-winning Nothing and Some People Talk About Violence, Barrel Organ returns with its third show. Anyone’s Guess How We Got Here is a road-trip. A hauntedhouse. A bedtime story. A photoalbum. An 80s fantasy film. A demolition project.
★★★★ ‘Unsettling and intriguingly disruptive’ The Stage
★★★★ ‘Gripping… An inventive and unnerving hour that counts the cost of debt’ What’s On Stage
‘This young company are the future’ The Guardian
Commissioned by and developed at Camden People’s Theatre, with support from Manchester Royal Exchange and Arts Council England. date
Thu 28 June
time
7.30pm
price
£12.50, Concs £10.50, Under 26s £5
50%
24 . cornerstone-arts.org
Perfect for schools
Gary Stewart’s Graceland Let the singing, dancing and nostalgia take hold and pretend you’re basking under the hot summer Zimbabwe sun. Led by the legendary Leeds-based troubadour Gary Stewart (Gary Stewart Band/Hope and Social) and backed by his incredible 6-piece band, this spectacular group of musicians come together to recreate Paul Simon’s landmark Graceland album in all its glory. Expect to hear those magical songs, with their captivating stories, distinctive harmonies and South African rhythms brought to life in front of you with no detail spared; from the layers of guitars and percussion, right down to the legendary bass solos and maybe even some token dance moves – if you’re lucky. ‘… masterfully recreated not just the sound of Paul Simon’s Graceland album but also the energy and soul that makes the original recording such a huge joy to listen to. An ambitious and wonderful feat to achieve in a live performance.’ Joe Rusby, Underneath the Stars Festival date
Fri 29 June
time
8pm
price
£17.50, Concs £15.50
20%
Box Office 01235 515144 . 25
Morgan & West: Time-Travelling Magicians Great Scott! Timetravelling magicians Morgan & West bring a magical extravaganza to a millennium near you. Not content with their lot as the nineteenth century’s greatest magic duo, this prestidigitatory pair present a conjuring spectacular to the audiences of the modern day. No future is left unseen and no timeline left unaltered as these temporal tricksters
Morgan & West: More Magic for Kids! Bigger, bolder and more brilliant than before! Time-travelling magicians Morgan & West return to the stage with a marvellous magic show full of crazy capers for the young, old and everyone in-between. Expect the unexpected, believe the unbelievable but do not dare miss the unmissable Morgan & West. Might Mr Morgan manage a whole trick without his partner complaining? Will Mr West ever accept children as real people too? 26 . cornerstone-arts.org
20%
Can everyone’s favourite duo of deception finally find fame, fortune, and a box of fondant fancies? Find out all of this and more in Morgan & West: More Magic For Kids! ‘Hilarious and good for all ages’ Primary Times
Age guidance: 5yrs+ date
Sat 30 June
time
2pm
price
£10, Concs £9
20%
Kids Lunch Box (see website)
Fantastic for families
Pre-show Prosecco
Strawberries and Cream
burst into the twentyfirst century with a show brimming over with baffling magic, unparalleled precognitive powers, and a totally genuine ability to travel through time. An unforgettable evening of magic, mystery, and the unexplainable. ★★★★ ‘Hugely talented’ Daily Mirror date
Sat 30 June
time
7.30pm
price
£15, Concs £13.50
Jug of Pimms
see website for details
Edinburgh Fringe Preview
Zoo Co. presents
Sirens
Three ancient Grecian sirens are exiled from the shores of Greece by the ‘almighty’ Zeus, only to find themselves washed up on Hastings beach a few thousand years later in 2018. A sirens call, or voice, is said to have led men to their allegedly unavoidable deaths, just by hearing it. But what if you met somebody who couldn’t hear it? Or if your dangerous voice could earn you a profit? Or if it didn’t affect you at all? This sharp, witty and candid show takes a stern
look at the male narrator and the need we feel to be beautiful in order to survive. Washed up in a dingy seaside town, the sirens explore how far (or not) we have come in the quest for freedom from gender expectations. Sirens will include creative captioning and a BSL inclusive narrative. date
Wed 4 July
time
7.30pm
price
£10, Concs £8, Under 26s £5
20%
Wantage Band in Concert Arguably the best brass band in Oxfordshire, Wantage Band will take to the stage at Cornerstone to play a variety of repertoire and to engage with a new audience here in Didcot. Having qualified for the National Brass Band Championship Finals at the Royal Albert Hall twice in the last four years and becoming Leicestershire Open Champions this year, the band is keen
to continue growing and improving with their recently appointed professional conductor Paul Holland. The band will feature Finlandia, E.T and Indiana Jones music on their programme. date
Sun 1 July
time
6pm
price
£12, Concs £10
20% Box Office 01235 515144 . 27
Hits from the Blitz The unique ‘feel-good’ 1940s show, as featured at Dame Vera Lynn’s Charity Gala Nights. Famous war-time tunes and sing-along songs are brought to life by the singers and multi-instrumentalists of the Five Star Swing band. Featuring 28 . cornerstone-arts.org
Simone from the latter days of the Ivy Benson Orchestra plus Chris Smith (Jnr) composer and arranger for Glenn Miller’s Brother, Herb and the BBC Radio Big Band. ‘Superb, they swing like crazy!’ Sheila Tracy, BBC
date
Thu 5 July
time
2pm
price
£14, Concs £12
20%
Haste Theatre presents
Where the Hell is Bernard? In a world where no one plays, no one questions and no one ever leaves; four women work in an office high above the city to anonymously return lost items. All runs like clockwork until one day a box mysteriously bounces back...
Mixing puppetry, clown, movement and song, award-winning company Haste Theatre return with their darkly humorous fourth show.
As the women embark on a mission that takes them out of the city and out of their comfort zones, they unwittingly find themselves with the future of humanity in their hands.
date
Thu 12 July
time
7.30pm
price
£10, Concs £8, Under 26s £5
20%
Edinburgh Fringe Preview
Skipinnish Skipinnish are riding an ever-growing wave of popularity and 2017 was the biggest year for the band since they began way back in 1999 when cofounders Andrew Stevenson and Angus MacPhail joined forces. With increased numbers from these early days and with the addition of lead vocals and full back line, the
last few years have seen this band hit the very top of the music scene in Scotland. With hit after hit of self-penned songs and a strong mix of powerful bagpipe, fiddle and accordion led tune sets, they encompass the very best of contemporary Celtic Music.
Their large and growing fan base is such that all Skipinnish gigs in 2017 sold out in advance, so don’t leave it too late to book. date
Fri 13 July
time
8pm
price
£18.50, Concs £16.50
20%
Box Office 01235 515144 . 29
Dance Connection presents
You Can Fly! Award-winning local Dance Training Academy, Dance Connection, presents a cast of over 100 of the local area’s most talented dancers in a fast-paced, energetic and imaginative production. Act One will be based on Dance Connection’s adaptation of the movie Pan, followed by a very diverse Act Two showcasing the students in an array of different dance genres and featuring DC’s national title holding elite team and world champion tap dancers. Avalon presents
Edinburgh Festival Previews:
Ed Gamble and Flo & Joan
Cornerstone welcomes comedian Ed Gamble to Didcot for a first look at his brand-new Edinburgh show. Star of Mock the Week (BBC2), Drunk History (Comedy Central), Conan (TBS), Almost Royal (E4), Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central (Comedy Central), Edinburgh Comedy Fest Live (BBC3), Man Down (C4) as well as countless other things (3 other things)…
30 . cornerstone-arts.org
★★★★ ‘He is on irresistible form’ The Telegraph
★★★★ ‘A master of unlocking the humour in everything’ The List
★★★★ ‘Creative and clever humour that leaves the audience in stitches.’ Edinburgh Festivals Magazine date
Thu 26 July
time
8pm
price
£12, Concs £10
www.danceconnection.co.uk date
Thu 19 July
time
7.30pm
date
Fri 20 July
time
7.30pm
date
Sat 21 July
time
1.30pm & 7.30pm
price
£18.50, Concs £15
Acton Youth Ballet Acton Youth Ballet dance their way through the magical adventures of Peter Pan and friends. This exciting ballet tells the classic story of Peter, Tinkerbell, Wendy, John and Michael as they travel to Neverland meeting many characters along the way.
Why not dress up as a favourite character from Peter Pan and meet the cast for a photo afterwards. Adventure to where dreams are born, and time is never planned. Just think of happy things, and your heart will fly on wings, forever, in Never Never Land.
A Tribute to Sting and The Police
Full of mesmerising dancing and enchanting music, not to mention faith, trust and pixie dust, this ballet is perfect for children and adults who never wanted to grow up.
Message in a Bottle: sending an SOS to the world...
Arts Academy Theatre Schools presents
Entertainers presents
Message in a Bottle
The iconic sound of one of the world’s biggest rock bands. With six Grammys and two Brits, bands don’t come much bigger than this. With a distinctive sound and unforgettable songs, relive Sting and The Police with this unmissable pitch-perfect production. Fans of the legendary band won’t believe their ears as the stunning vocals and brilliant live band bring you all the hits you know and love, including Every Breath You Take,
20%
Tagine
Pre-show Prosecco
Strawberries and Cream
see website for details
Roxanne, Message in a Bottle, Walking on the Moon, So Lonely, Can’t Stand Losing. And, of course, all the worldfamous hits from Sting himself including, Fields of Gold and the beautiful Englishman in New York. This powerful live tribute show buzzes with energy, capturing the soulful honesty of Sting’s career defining songs that will have you singing your heart out. date
Fri 27 July
time
7.30pm
price
£21, Concs £19
Jug of Pimms
Age guidance: 4yrs+ date
Sat 28 July
time
4pm
price
£8, Concs £6
See page 34 to get involved in the show
Fame Jr.
Set during the last years of New York City’s celebrated High School for the Performing Arts in the early 1980s, Fame Jr. is the bittersweet, but ultimately inspiring, story of a diverse group of students who commit to four years of gruelling artistic and academic work. With candour, humour and insight, the show explores the issues that confront many young people today. A cast of over 30 young people perform, working
alongside a professional creative team from Arts Academy Theatre Schools. Conceived and developed by David De Silva Book by Jose Fernandez Lyrics by Jacques Levy Music by Steve Margoshes Title Song, Fame, written by Dean Pitchford and Michael Gore An amateur production presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe). All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI Europe. www.MTIShows.co.uk date
Sat 11 Aug
time
2.30pm & 5.30pm
price
£10, Concs £8
Box Office 01235 515144 . 31
coRNERsToNE’s NiNTh aNNual
beer & music
festival FRi 3 – suN 5 aug
FRTEREY EN
★★ gREaT BaNDs & ENTERTaiNMENT ★★ a VaRiETY oF alEs & ciDERs ★★ TasTY TREaTs & ouTsiDE BBQ
Hal Cruttenden: Chubster
Comedy
Hal’s literally filled our screens recently on Have I Got News For You, The Apprentice: You’re Fired, Bake Off: Extra Slice and Live at the Apollo. His daughters chose the title of his new stand-up show. He’s now on a diet. ★★★★★ ‘On top form’ Edinburgh Evening News
★★★★★ ‘He had the audience in stitches’ Daily Record
★★★★ ‘Hilarious’ Evening Standard
★★★★ ‘ Hugely talented’ The Times
★★★★ ‘Go and see Hal Cruttenden’ Daily Mirror date
Fri 5 Oct
time
7.30pm
price
£18
On Sale Now at Cornerstone
Phil McIntyre Entertainments in association with Corrie McGuire for CMM proudly presents
Pete Firman: Marvels Pete Firman is one of the UK’s most popular magicians and he’s back on the road with his astonishing new show. You’ve seen him on television, now experience his trademark blend of laugh-out-loud comedy and jawdropping magic live on stage.
Gary Delaney: Gagster’s Paradise
One of Britain’s leading one-liner comics returns to the road with another onslaught of lean, expertly crafted gaggery. A Mock The Week regular and recent star of the new Live At The Apollo series, Gary’s shows are renowned in the business for a near unrivalled volume of high-class gags. You should expect no different from this, his brand new tour!
Please note Coolio will not be As seen on ITV 1’s Tonight at the appearing. London Palladium and The Next Great Magician, BBC 1’s The Magicians, ★★★★ ‘A cavalcade of brilliantly inventive puns’ The John Bishop Show and The Sarah The Guardian Millican Television Programme. ‘The man from Middlesbrough sets the pace for comedy-meets-magic in the 21st century’ The Times
‘The new poster-boy for British comedy magic’ The Telegraph
Age guidance: 14yrs+ date
Fri 9 Nov
time
7.30pm
price
£16, Concs £14
★★★★ ‘More quality jokes in one hour than most comics have in their entire careers... Quite brilliant’ The Scotsman date
Fri 1 Feb 2019
time
8pm
price
£17
Box Office 01235 515144 . 33
Get Involved at Cornerstone Courses and Workshops for all ages (from 2–102yrs) Build confidence, learn new skills and meet new people when you take part in any of the wide range of courses and workshops for young people and adults at Cornerstone Summer Term 10 weeks from Mon 16 April – Wed 25 July 2018 Half-term Mon 28 May – Fri 1 June Children and young people 10-week courses
Children and young people school holiday workshops
Youth Theatre (5–7yrs) Tue, 4–5pm, £55
Family & Young People Circus Day (3–18yrs) Thu 31 May, 10am–4pm, various prices
Youth Theatre (8–11yrs) Tue, 5.15-6.15pm, £55 Contemporary Dance (8–11yrs) Wed, 5-6pm, £55 Ballet (5–7yrs) Wed, 4-4.45pm, £45 Ballet (3–4yrs) Thu, 1.15–1.45pm, £45 Ballet (parent and toddler) Thu, 2–2.45pm, £45 Ballet (8–11yrs) Fri, 4–4.45pm, £45 West End Dance (10–18yrs) Fri, 4.45–5.45pm, £55 Street Dance (8–11yrs) Sat, 10–10.45am, £45 Street Dance (12–14yrs) Sat, 11am–12pm, £55 Street Dance (15–18yrs) Sat, 12.15–1.15pm, £55
Auditions Fame Jr. (6–18yrs) Mon 6 – Sat 11 Aug, £145 Audition dates to be announced, see website for more information Performances: Sat 11 Aug, 2.30 & 5.30pm Come and work with a team of professionals to produce a musical in just six days. Over five days of rehearsals Arts Academy Theatre School will put together a full scale musical with all the set, lights, sound and costumes to create two amazing performances on the final day. There are places for dancers, actors and singers. Don’t feel you need to be able to do all three and don’t worry if you’ve never done anything like this before – everyone is welcome. Visit www.artsacademytheatre.co.uk for more information.
Adult 10-week courses Life Drawing (intermediate) Tue, 7–9pm, £165, Concs £148.50 Fitsteps – Dance Yourself Fit Tue, 6.30–7.30pm, £70, Concs £65 Printmaking Wed, 7–9pm, £150, Concs £135 Tap Dance (beginners) Wed, 6.30–7.15pm, £70, Concs £65 Tap Dance (Intermediate) Wed, 7.30–8.15pm, £70, Concs £65 Ballet (beginners) Wed, 8.30–9.30pm, £70, Concs £65 Life Drawing (beginners) Thu 7–9pm, £165, Concs £148.50 Pilates Fri, 2.30–3.30pm, £70, Concs £65
Adult silver jewellery workshops Learn to make a sterling silver bracelet (beginners) Tue 15 May, 10am–1pm, £30 Learn how to make a sterling silver owl pendant (beginners) Tue 26 June, 10am–1pm, £30
The Pied Piper Auditions (8–16yrs) Sat 9 – Sun 10 June Registration required – see website
For more information on our full range of workshops and 10-week courses for young people and adults please visit our website cornerstone-arts.org/classes or pick up one of our dedicated flyers 34 . cornerstone-arts.org
Become a Cornerstone Member
Share the excitement and get closer to our programme than ever before with benefits including discounted tickets, guaranteed allocation of member-only seats and exclusive invites to VIP events. A significantly increased member-only seat allocation will help ensure you don’t miss out on sought after tickets. To purchase your membership please speak to our Box Office team.
Annual ‘Silver Membership’ is just £40 (£30 concessions) and affords Members the following benefits • Discounted show tickets for the member plus one guest*
• FREE Cornerstone brochure mailed each season
• 20% members discount on food and drink from Nourish
• FREE tickets to at least one selected show per season for member and a guest
• Advanced booking period** • Guaranteed allocation of up to 100 member-only seats
• Private invitation to VIP events and performance launches
Lifetime Gold Membership is £350 Receive all the benefits of a Silver member for the lifetime of the member. This is a must-have for arts lovers and those who want to help their local Arts Centre thrive for years to come.
*Member discounted tickets are subject to agreement with the visiting theatre companies and can’t be guaranteed. **The advanced booking period is subject to agreement with the visiting theatre companies and can’t be guaranteed. The advanced booking period may also vary in length but timeframes will be clearly communicated to members. Where advanced booking isn’t available, an allocation of member-only seats will be put aside for a set timeframe to ensure members have easy access to tickets. See cornerstone-arts.org/become-member for a full list of terms and conditions.
Box Office 01235 515144 . 35
Exhibitions @ cornerstone
Open Exhibition
Mental Health Thur 10 May - Sun 17 June
Cornerstone is once again offering the opportunity of showing artwork in the Open Exhibition to artists of all ages and abilities. Every year is different, with varying themes to keep artists on their toes. This year is no different, with perhaps the most challenging and thought-provoking theme yet, Mental Health. 36 . cornerstone-arts.org
This year’s theme has been chosen by the public, via an online poll and a vote box located at Box Office. These votes combined produced a favourable swing for the theme of Mental Health. With such a poignant title, this year’s Open exhibition is set to be one of the most memorable yet.
If you would like to enter artwork into the Open Exhibition, then please go to our website and download the application pack where you will find more details. Deadline for entry is Sunday 15 April and artwork of any medium can be entered.
Windsor School of Textile Art
End of Year Show Mon 9 July - Sat 28 July
When the Stitched Textiles courses at East Berkshire College Windsor closed it was decided that the ethos and legacy built by internationally recognised artists Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn must continue and Windsor School of Textile Art was born. Founded by Amarjeet Nandhra and Dawn Thorne, WSTA run a programme of Mentoring Schemes, City & Guilds Courses and The Advanced Textile Workshop. As a centre, WSTA offer courses that merge the traditional and contemporary skills, pushing the boundaries of innovative textile art. The main philosophy is to provide a range of stimulating and exciting courses that stretch and challenge the participants. Ultimately to have an enjoyable experience, regardless of the level of course. An important part of the WSTA curriculum is the opportunity for students to gain experience in producing high-quality work to exhibit in a professional space and expose students to the realities and challenges of exhibiting their artwork. Since September 2011, WSTA has been based at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell. The centre previously provided use of a large gallery that hosted their annual end of year show. This opportunity has now been passed onto Cornerstone, with the culmination of the students hard work and exploration on show.
There will be more exhibitions announced shortly. Please keep an eye on our website to keep up-to-date. Box Office 01235 515144 . 37
Happy 10th Birthday Cornerstone Your local Arts Centre is 10 this September and you are invited to help us celebrate. Look out for a programme packed full of celebratory cheer as we pull out the stops to make it a birthday to remember!
Booking
Box Office opening hours
Members booking opens
Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 6pm
Sat 17 March 10am in person, 12 noon by phone and online
Join our mailing list It’s fast and it’s free For monthly updates about everything going on at Cornerstone, including latest news and special offers, sign up on our website now.
Sundays 11am – 4pm
Public booking opens
Mondays closed
Tue 20 March 10am in person, 12 noon by phone and online
Cornerstone is closed for maintenance from Mon 20 Aug, reopening Tue 4 Sept
cornerstone-arts.org
Easy to get to
Accessibility
Terms and conditions
Didcot has great road and rail links.
Cornerstone is fully accessible for patrons with wheelchairs. We have a lift to all floors, including a Changing Places toilet on the first floor, spaces for wheelchairs in the auditorium and accessible toilets on all floors. Essential carers go free. If you require this brochure in an alternative format please contact us by phone or email to discuss your needs.
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.
Didcot Parkway is a major regional station and is only a short walk from Cornerstone. Parking is available five minutes away at Edinburgh Drive car park. Use the postcode OX11 7HS to navigate there by SatNav. The car park is FREE after 5pm and all day Sunday. Alternative parking can be found at the Orchard Centre and Sainsburys, OX11 7ND.
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.
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Box Office 01235 515144 · cornerstone-arts.org Cornerstone, 25 Station Road, Didcot OX11 7NE @CORNERSTONEfun
/CornerstoneDidcot
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Box Office 01235 515144 . cornerstone-arts.org Cornerstone, 25 Station Road, Didcot OX11 7NE