ARTS Exhibitions, Music & Movies

By Julie LockeARTS ARTS

VISUAL ART

Until Saturday 28 August from 9.30am to 5.00pm at The Jerram Gallery, Sherborne, there is a summer exhibition showing a variety of new work from several of the gallery’s regular artists, plus a few who are new to the Gallery: Christie Bird, Michael Clark and Daniel Shadbolt. Gallery open: Tuesday to Saturday. For more information, visit www. jerramgallery.com or phone 01935 815261.

Jerram Gallery Summer Exhibition

Until Saturday 28 August from 11.00am to 5.00pm at Kings Bruton Memorial Hall, Bruton, is Bruton Art Society’s 68th annual exhibition. Affordable art from regional artists – some of the best amateurs and professionals in Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset and beyond! Free entry. www. brutonartsociety.co.uk. Until Saturday 4 September from 10.00am to 5.00pm at ACEarts, Somerton, there is a community art exhibition entitled ‘Putting on a Show’. An exciting and vibrant exhibition of works made during intergenerational community workshops led by artist Edwina Bridgeman. Expect narrativebased work and a whole host of imaginative pieces made by the pupils at King Ina School. Exhibition open: Tuesday to Saturday. For more information, phone 01458 273008 or visit www.acearts.co.uk.

Until Sunday 5 September at the Market House, Castle Cary, there is a fascinating display ‘Cary21: Castle Cary through Time in 21 Objects’. Explore the story of the town from the Stone Age through the Roman and Norman invasions, the Civil War and right up to date through a selection of intriguing objects and accompanying video presentation. Illuminated by a 4000-year-old axe head, a Roman house-god, the story and model of the castle, a hoard of hidden coins, the horsehair factory and more – see how the town has developed through the ages. A joint venture by the Cary History Society, Castle Cary Town Council, Castle Cary and District Museum, and The Newt in Somerset. Opening times: Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm and Sunday 3.00pm to 5.00pm.

Cary 21 Exhibition

Until Saturday 11 September from 9.30am at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is an exhibition ‘From Forest to Foreshore’ featuring artists Jackie Cox and Chris Sinden from the Forest of Dean. This beautiful exhibition will be like taking a walk through nature! Opening times: Tuesday to Friday 9.30am to 4.00pm and Saturday 9.30am to 3.00pm (on the final day of the exhibition the gallery will close at 1.00pm). For more information, phone 01460 54973 or visit www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Until Thursday 30 September at Bishop’s Palace, Wells, there is an exhibition of nature-inspired paintings entitled ‘Light in the Dark’ by the artist Jackie Henderson. Country lanes, The Levels and Moors, birds, flowers and even home-grown vegetables are all celebrated in vibrant watercolour. A year-long

Templecombe Art Exhibition

Village Hall 2 -3 October Free Entry 10am – 5pm project commenced when the world had turned into a dark place, but the light was there, if only one chose to see it. The exhibition will be held in the Exhibition Room of the Palace. Entrance is included with any valid admission ticket to the Palace and Gardens. For more information, visit www. bishopspalace.org.uk or phone 01749 988111.

Until Friday 1 October at Bishop’s Palace, Wells, there is an exhibition of garden sculpture, curated by African Masters of Stone, featuring works by Zimbabwean artists of the Shona Sculpture movement. African Masters of Stone provides a platform for artists to present their work to a wider audience, so that they can continue a sustainable living and receive the artistic credit they deserve. The organisation also donates 10% of its profits to charities fighting poverty, malaria and HIV in developing countries. The sculptures will appear in the formal gardens, in flower beds, by the well pools and in the outer gardens – all available to purchase. The exhibition is included in standard admission to the Palace and Gardens. For more information, visit www. bishopspalace.org.uk or phone 01749 988111.

On Friday 3 and Sunday 5 September from 10.00am to 3.00pm at the Castle Cary Market House, South West Heritage Trust team will be bringing the Cary Hoard and other items from Castle Cary to the Shambles (ground floor). The hoard of 152 silver coins, discovered under floorboards in a building in Paddock Drain in 2006, is believed to have been hidden during the English Civil War – with the most recent

SOMERSET OPEN STUDIOS 2021

18 September to 3 October 2021

In one of the largest Open Studios events to date, Somerset Open Studios 2021 presents work from more than 300 Somerset Art Works Members in over 200 studios and spaces across the county in September. Visitors have the opportunity to go behind the scenes and meet the artist, find out what inspires them and experience the working process – engaging with creativity at the source. Studios occur in a variety of unique situations and the event is the perfect opportunity to discover hidden locations and workspaces – in person and also online.

For 2021, visitors will be able to experience and explore artists’ workspaces in new and different ways. A fold-out venue map and listings, available in cultural venues, helps visitors plan their journeys and navigate the sixteen days of Open Studios. Also new for this year is an Open Studios app, providing full venue details including art forms, accessibility information and opening times.

The app works offline and links to Google Maps to take you straight to the studio door! In another new initiative for 2021, venue details are listed on the Visit Somerset website, enabling visitors from further afield to make the most of their stay in Somerset.

This year, there is an increased focus on improving access for visitors – information is available in a range of formats, in print and online, and artists are doing their best to ask if they can help to make access easier to venues. QR codes will help visitors locate information easily – just scan the codes where you see them to take you to the app.

The Open Studios page on the SAW website contains all venue details, as well as information on the event programme with workshops, talks, films and have-a-go activities listed. Every weekend is Family Friendly Weekend with a range of activities suitable for families of all shapes and sizes! Work by artists taking part in the recent Somerset Reacquainted project will show in ‘Community’ at Taunton Brewhouse and there is also a special exhibition, ‘Thread Bearing Witness’, with work by Alice Kettle at Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury. New headline sponsors Acorn will be presenting two special virtual tours by artists Sally Muir and Angela Charles, filmed at their show home properties at The Old Print Works in Frome and Cubis Bruton.

Artists have made preparations to ensure that venues are Covid-safe including waiting areas and some venues may be open by appointment only. Please follow the latest guidance when entering artists’ studios, including wearing a mask if required, hand sanitising, social distancing and complying with Covid safety information at each venue.

Please also check venue details before making a special journey or phone ahead. Many venues will be happy for you to make an appointment. After a difficult few months, artists will be pleased to welcome you and show you what they’ve been working on.

For more details, please see somersetartworks.org. uk/what-we-do/art-weeks/ sos2021/or contact Paul Newman at Somerset Art Works on 07715 528441 or paul.newman@ somersetartworks.org.uk. Images: Jackie Curtis Bottom), Paul Larner (top)

SOMERSET OPEN STUDIOS 18 Sept - 3 Oct 2021

Over 200 artists’ studios and spaces across Somerset open their doors this autumn

coin dated to 1644. On Sunday, the Finds Liaison Officer for Somerset will be running a finds surgery where members of the public can bring in archaeological objects for identification. For more information, contact Colleen Bower at markethouse. bookings@castle-cary.co.uk or on 01963 351763.

Jackie Philip Exhibition – David Simon Contemporary

John Maddison Exhibition – Jerram Gallery Sarah Ayling & Julie Jenkins Exhibition – Open Studios

From Friday 3 to Saturday 25 September from 10.00am to 5.30pm at David Simon Contemporary Art Gallery, Castle Cary, there is an exhibition ‘Jackie Philip: A Colourist in the Caribbean’. Last year, when Jackie’s short trip to Barbados turned into seven months of being stranded on the island, due partly to lockdown and partly to fallout from volcanic eruptions, she set up a temporary studio to make good use of time. Her latest paintings, informed by a variety of cultures and traditions, are more expansive and filled with luminosity and colour. Open: Monday to Saturday (closed on Wednesday and Sunday). For more information, phone 01963 359102 or visit www.davidsimoncontemporary.com.

From Saturday 11 September to Saturday 23 October from 10.00am to 5.00pm at ACEarts, Somerton, there is an exhibition ‘Thriving and Declining on the Somerset Levels’ by Angela Knapp. In Angela’s lifetime many of the birds that were once common in the UK are now under threat. Without the reserves on the Somerset Levels the situation would be far worse. This exhibition of stitched work celebrates some of the successes, and aims to increase awareness of the plight of others. Exhibition open: Tuesday to Saturday. For more information, phone 01458 273008 or visit www.acearts.co.uk.

From Saturday 18 to Wednesday 29 September at The Jerram Gallery, Sherborne, there is an exhibition of John Maddison’s stunning still life, interior and landscape works in a unique solo show. A sensitive painter who ‘celebrates the sweetness of an ordinary moment’, John’s work signifies his profound perception of the beauty in everyday life. John has been described as a painter ‘capable of investing the ordinary table-top stilllife with magic and mystery.’ Gallery open: Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am to 5.00pm. For more information, visit www. jerramgallery.com or phone 01935 815261.

From Saturday 18 September to Saturday 2 October from 10.00am to 5.00pm at ACEarts, Somerton, there is an exhibition ‘The Shape of Trees’ by Joanna Briar. Landscape ink drawings, paper sculptures and printmaking focus on Somerset trees and plants, with original drawings alongside lino, wood cut and Mokulito (wood lithography) prints. Handmade cards, postcards and books will also be for sale. Exhibition open: Tuesday to Saturday. For more information, phone 01458 273008 or visit www.acearts.co.uk.

From Saturday 18 September to Sunday 3 October is the Somerset Art Works Open Studios 2021 event. See page 25 for details. 5.00pm at 5 Flingers Lane, Wincanton, Sarah Ayling and Julie Jenkins combine forces to show their colourful paintings and prints as part of Somerset Art Works Open Studios event. Sarah completed a degree in Art for Community in London and specialised in stained glass before relocating to Somerset. She also works in textiles and leather. Julie trained and worked as a graphic designer in London. She paints, in mixed media, vibrant portrait and landscape subjects, inspired by her extensive travel to remote locations. Escape on an exciting artistic journey around the world with Sarah and Julie - a unique opportunity to visit these two practising artists, to see and buy their work.

www.yeovil.razzamataz.co.uk

As well as performing arts lessons for ages 2-18, we’re a great place to make friends, boost confidence and have fun! Contact Claire at Razzamataz Yeovil to book a place or for more information 07856 273166 yeovil@razzamataz.co.uk

The 3rd Somerton Oktoberfest

The Ultimate Bavarian Party Night

Enjoy traditional German food, beers and music

7pm Saturday 9th October Edgar Hall, Somerton Tickets £16 (inc food) #Oktoberfest

Details and tickets: somertonartsfestival.co.uk

MUSIC

On Friday 27 August at 8.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a tribute to the First Ladies of Jazz with Annika Skoogh. Annika has a widespread reputation for her adventurous approach to her various styles – jazz, gospel and soul music, and has performed several times at the Arts Centre. Accompanied by guitarist Nigel Price, tenor sax player Martin Dale and the Craig Milverton Trio, she will sing songs made famous by well-known vocalists, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Blossom Dearie, Billie Holiday, Anita O’Day, Peggy Lee, and so many others. Tickets £20. To book, email musicbookingsIAC@gmail.com or phone 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.

On Saturday 28, Sunday 29 and Tuesday 31 August at 2.30pm and 7.00pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, there Is a screening of ‘Andre Rieu: Together Again’. The King of the Waltz has handpicked his all-time favourite show tunes, operatic arias and dance numbers from stages around the world - from São Paulo, Mainau, Bucharest, Mexico City, Amsterdam, Melbourne and Istanbul - featuring many performances never seen before on the big screen. André brings together performers from all over the world in one global spectacular. Smile, sing and dance with Andre! Book soon – don’t miss this one! Tickets £8.50 to £14. Box office 01935 422884. www. westlandsyeovil.co.uk.

On Friday 3 September at 8.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, Concerts in the West presents the Linos Piano Trio. Prach Boondiskulchok (piano), Konrad Elias Trostmann (violin) and Vladimir Waltham (cello) will play works by Debussy, Ravel, CPE Bach and Schönberg – for the full programme visit www. concertsinthewest.org. Founded in 2007 and winners of the 2015 Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition, the trio has developed a colourful and distinctive musical voice. Tickets £15. To book, please email musicbookingsIAC@ gmail.com or phone 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse. org.uk.

Linos Piano Trio

On Saturday 4 September at 7.30pm at The Dance House, Crewkerne, Concerts in the West presents the Linos Piano Trio. Prach Boondiskulchok (piano), Konrad Elias Trostmann (violin) and Vladimir Waltham (cello) will play works by Debussy, Ravel, CPE Bach and Schönberg – for the full programme visit www.concertsinthewest. org. Founded in 2007 and winners of the 2015 Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition, the trio has developed a colourful and distinctive musical voice. Tickets £15, students £5, under 12s (with a paying adult) free. Tickets available from Town Hall Information Centre (email lic@crewkerne-tc.gov. uk or phone 01460 75928) or Concert in the West (email concertsinthewest@gmail.com or phone 01823 252658).

On Saturday 4 September at 8.00pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, there is a ‘chance to dance’ event with the five-times BBC Radio 2 Folk Award-winning outfit, Oysterband. This band brings passion, power and poetry to folk and roots music, with some of the finest songs in the modern folk canon to their name: Put Out the Lights, When I’m Up (I Can’t Get Down), Blood Wedding, Everywhere I Go, The Oxford Girl, Granite Years, Native Son, A River Runs – these and many others from their vast back catalogue will feature as they embark on another year of international touring and festivals. Tickets £24. To book, phone 01460 240340 or visit www.thedavidhall.org.uk.

Oysterband

On Sunday 5 September at 7.30pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, there’s another chance to enjoy an evening with Oysterband at this seated concert. Tickets £24. To book, phone 01460 240340 or visit www.thedavidhall.org.uk.

On Sunday 5 September at 7.30pm at the Octagon Auditorium, Yeovil, direct from the USA, is the William Hicks’ American Four Tops Show. Featuring the voice of Mr William Hicks, this show is jam-packed with sweet soul music and Motown magic that continues to leave audiences dancing and chanting for more. High-stepping choreography and superb vocal harmonies hit the stage with all the glitz of Vegas. Visually exciting, musically authentic, enjoy the Four Tops’ hits: Reach Out, Baby I Need Your Loving, I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie), Standing in The Shadow, Bernadette, Walk Away Renee and Loco in Acapulco, as well as the songs of The Temptations, The Drifters, The Miracles, The Platters, The Stylistics, Smokey Robinson, Ben E King and many more. Tickets £25. Box office 01935 422884. www.octagon-theatre. co.uk.

On Monday 6 September at 7.30pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, The Stanchester Quire will be starting afresh. New members are very welcome and the ability to read music is not essential as everything is learned by ear, led by musical director, Eddie Upton. The quire will be learning Christmas carols and songs, collected from or written about the south-west, with a view to performing a series of Christmas Concerts during December. So why not come along and try the first couple of weeks free? Community singing is good for the soul! For more information, email stanchesterquire1@gmail.com or phone Bonnie on 01935 822287.

On Friday 10 September at 8.00pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, there’s an evening with Charlie Dore and Julian Littman. Multiaward winner Charlie brings a genre-defying evening of ‘intriguingly other’ eclectic, contemporary, rootsy, folk music – bursting with earworms and crunchy lyrics. Charlie and her long-time collaborator

and multi-talented musician Julian of Steeleye Span will swap guitars, piano, mandolin, harmonium, ukulele, banjo and stories, as they showcase songs from her new release alongside favourites from the past albums. The night will end with a new acoustic version of her worldwide radio classic, Pilot of the Airwaves. Tickets £16, concessions £15. To book, phone 01460 240340 or visit www.thedavidhall.org.uk.

On Saturday 11 September at 7.30pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, Merrill Osmond, lead singer for The Osmonds, will be performing all their big hits, plus talking about his experiences of growing up within one of the world’s biggest bands. It’s Merrill’s incredible voice that can be heard on such hits as One Bad Apple, Let Me In, Love Me for a Reason, Goin’ Home, The Proud One, I Can’t Stop, Having a Party and Crazy Horses – he sang lead on 27 gold records! Merrill is also an established solo artist and has toured throughout the world performing in major venues. Tickets £26.50, VIP (includes meet & greet) £76.50. Box office 01935 422884. www. westlandsyeovil.co.uk.

Merrill Osmond

On Sunday 12 September from 1.00pm to 3.00pm at The Prince of Wales, Ham Hill, Stoke-sub-Hamdon, there is a free autumn concert by Stoke-sub-Hamdon Band. All welcome.

On Tuesday 14 September at 2.00pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, Neil Sands and his wonderful cast will be ‘Bringing Back the Good Times’. This delightful trip down memory lane celebrates all-time favourite songs from the 40s to the 60s along with best-loved singalongs and ever-popular show tunes. All mixed with stunning costumes, amazing voices and finishing with a signature flag-waving finale singing wartime songs and paying tribute to the veterans of the UK armed forces. Tickets £11 to £13. Book in advance online at www.stur-exchange.co.uk or via the box office (01258 475137).

On Friday 17 September at 7.00pm at The Emporium Café, Yeovil, there is a live session with Tom Toomy and Friends. Come along for an evening of incredible food and music! For more information and to book, phone 01935 411378, visit the Facebook page or via The Emporium Cafe.

On Friday 17 September at 8.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, listen to The Neil Maya Quartet, featuring Matt Carter on piano, in a tribute to Dave Brubeck. Performing such classics as Blue Rondo a la Turk, Raggy Waltz, Unsquare Dance and of course Take Five, the band will take the audience back to the golden years of jazz. Tickets £16. To book, please email musicbookingsIAC@gmail.com or phone 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk. On Saturday 18 September at 7.30pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, Rob Kingsley stars in a ‘A Vision of Elvis’. This show is an emotional rollercoaster through time, engaging audiences with a true Elvis Concert experience featuring Elvis’s greatest hits. Rob is internationally renowned as the best Elvis Presley tribute touring the world today. Tickets £22. Book in advance online at www.stur-exchange.co.uk or via the box office (01258 475137).

On Saturday 18 September at 7.30pm at the Octagon Auditorium, Yeovil, Yeovilton Military Wives Choir return to deliver the concert they had planned for April 2020! The concert will feature songs from patriotic World War favourites, popular West End musicals right up to modern day classics, as well as a special selection of their own songs, including much of the new repertoire that has formed part of the choir’s learning over the past twelve months. This stirring concert promises a few surprises along the way, making it a most wonderful evening of entertainment, so book now! Tickets £16. Box office 01935 422884. www.octagon-theatre. co.uk.

Yeovilton Military Wives Choir

On Saturday 18 September at 8.00pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, there is a remarkable intimate solo performance by Martin Simpson. Since he recorded his first album, Golden Vanity, in 1976, Martin has been known as a guitarist of formidable talent. Equally at home playing English traditional folk, American folk and blues and his own compositions, he is consistently named as one of the very finest fingerstyle guitar players in the world. ‘He never ceases to amaze and every performance is totally different from, and better than, the last. Like a good wine, Martin continues to improve with age.’ Tickets £19, concessions £18. To book, phone 01460 240340 or visit www.thedavidhall.org. uk.

Martin Simpson

On Friday 24 September at 7.30pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, Jemima Farey introduces Jim Reynolds and the folk duo, Fiddleback, for an evening of ‘flying folk’ music. A Jim Reynolds performance is always a delight; songs about his experiences and inspired instrumental pieces are interwoven with classic blues, ragtime and the odd old romantic ballad. Together with Fiddleback (Ollie Back and Sam playing her fiddle), singing a wide mix of traditional-styled music and song, this will be a rare treat of an evening. Jemima and other family members will, as usual, be singing a few songs of their own. Tickets £10. To book, please email musicbookingsIAC@gmail.com or phone 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.

On Friday 24 September at 8.00pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, Seckou Keita, master of the 22-string kora, returns for his third visit. Seckou has arguably become the most influential and inspiring kora player of his generation, an

Events listed are correct as we go to press but we advise checking with organisers before attending any event as the Covid-19 situation may change.

exceptional and charismatic musician and a modern global citizen, living with seven centuries of tradition and heritage expressed through his music. In his solo album, 22 Strings, Seckou shows the kora in its purest guise, a wondrous instrument that can soothe the bloodlust of warriors and take the human spirit to a place of deep meditation, stillness and beauty. Tickets £18. To book, phone 01460 240340 or visit www.thedavidhall.org.uk. From Friday 24 to Sunday 26 September is Sherborne Abbey’s Mini Festival. See page 4 for details. On Saturday 25 September 7.30pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, relive The Ultimate Dire Straits Experience with ‘dS:uK…in Tribute to Dire Straits’. The band began touring in 2016 and is regarded as the quintessential tribute band among Dire Straits fans with their incredible attention to musical and sonic detail. To say that they sound like Dire Straits is an understatement. Their 2020 ‘Brothers in 85’ tour pays tribute to the worldwide Brothers in Arms tour, bringing fans the ultimate 1985 Dire Straits experience and all of those classic songs the audience want to hear. Don’t miss it! Tickets £18. Book in advance online at www.sturexchange.co.uk or via the box office (01258 475137). Dave Smith (drums). Led by sax player Stephen, Equinox delivers straight-ahead, nononsense arrangements of ‘hard bop’ contemporary jazz. These four truly accomplished musicians will be sure to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Tickets £15. To book, please email musicbookingsIAC@gmail.com or phone 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.

PERFORMANCE

On Wednesday 25 August at 7.30pm at Castle Gardens, Sherborne, Illyria Theatre presents an outdoor performance of ‘HMS Pinafore’. Set on board the warship HMS Pinafore, the opera cheerfully mocks such great British institutions as class, patriotism and the Royal Navy. Gilbert & Sullivan’s wonderful comic opera gets the complete Illyria treatment, faithfully performed by a reduced cast on a beautiful nautical set. Gates open 6.30pm. Tickets £15, concessions £12.50, under 16s £5. Tickets on sale from Castle Gardens and online via www. illyria.co.uk. On Thursday 2, Friday 3 and Sunday 5 September at 2.30pm and 7.00pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, there Is a National Theatre screening of the multi-award-winning production ‘Follies’. Thirty years after their final performance at the Weismann Theatre, New York, the girls gather to have a few drinks, sing a few songs and lie about themselves. Tracie Bennett, Janie Dee and Imelda Staunton play the magnificent Follies in this dazzling production. Featuring a cast of 37 and an orchestra of 21, Stephen Sondheim’s legendary musical was directed by Dominic Cooke and filmed live on stage at the National Theatre in 2017. Tickets £11.50 to £17. Box office 01935 422884. www.westlandsyeovil. co.uk. On Friday 3 September at 6.30pm at Bishop’s Palace, Wells, outdoor cinema returns with a screening of the classic 1978 film ‘Grease’ in its singalong version. Get those vocal cords warmed up to join in with well-loved numbers such as ‘Grease Lightning’, ‘Summer Lovin’ and or course ‘You’re the One That I Want’. Bring along a blanket or low-backed seating and an umbrella – the show will go on whatever the weather. Doors Seckou Keita open 6:30pm, show begins 8.00pm. Tickets £20, child £18 to include a Hog Roast provided by Wells Film Centre (or vegetarian/vegan option) and a drink. This event sells out quickly, so book soon. Tickets available from www. wellsfilmcentre.co.uk. www. bishopspalace.org.uk. On Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 September at 7.30pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, Living Spit presents the classic French tale of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. A beautiful young woman is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. She learns to look beyond its hideous exterior and discovers the kind heart that lies within. The enormously popular Living Spit stars Howard Coggins and Stu McLoughlin. Howard is beautiful – there’s no escaping that – but so is Stu! However, one of them will have to portray an ugly, foul-tempered beast. But which one will it be? Suitable 12+. Tickets £14. Book online at www.stur-exchange.

On Thursday 30 September at 8.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there’s an evening of modern jazz in the Blue Note vein with Equinox. This newly formed Bath/Bristol band comprises Steve Mathers (sax), Martin Kolarides (guitar), John-Paul Gard (Organ) and Follies On Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 September at 7.30pm at the Octagon Auditorium, Yeovil, is a comedy adventure with ‘The Three Musketeers’. Armed with only a baguette and his questionable steed, join hot-headed D’Artagnan as he travels to Paris to become a Musketeer. Will things go to plan? It’s unlikely! Featuring hilarious heroics, raucous romances and some bonkers fun with BMX bikes, Le Navet Bete condense Dumas’ seventy-page classic into two hours of non-stop comedy gold. Supported by a top-notch band of brothers including long-time co-conspirator John Nicholson, internationally renowned choreographer Lea Anderson MBE and critically acclaimed set designer Ti Green, this show is the company’s biggest and most riotous to date. Tickets £18.50 to £20. Box office 01935 422884. www.octagon-theatre. co.uk.

On Thursday 9 September at 7.30pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, renowned historian Lucy Worsley presents a ‘Very British Murder’, an illustrated tour through the dark story of people’s fascination with murder. Lucy has covered the history of this very British obsession in a book and BBC TV series. Here she shares its secrets and explores the history of this phenomenon in forensic detail, examining not only the crimes themselves but also how murder became a form of middle-class entertainment through novels, plays, artefacts and the press. Tickets £22. Book in advance online at www. stur-exchange.co.uk or via the box office (01258 475137). To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk 29

On Tuesday 14 September at 8.00pm at the Octagon Auditorium, Yeovil, is Simon Amstell’s brand-new comedy show, ‘Spirit Hole’. This is his first stand-up tour since the release of internationally acclaimed feature film, Benjamin, and Netflix Special, Set Free. ‘Spirit Hole’ is a blissful, spiritual, sensational exploration of love, sex, shame, mushrooms and more. If yearning for a night of unprecedented joy and laughter, then book now and avoid regret. Suitable 15+. Tickets £26 to £36. Box office 01935 422884. www.octagontheatre.co.uk.

Simon Amstell

On Wednesday 15 September at 7.30pm at the Octagon Auditorium, Yeovil, follow Belgian detective extraordinaire Artemis Arinae in his quest to solve ‘Crimes in Egypt’. Artemis is set to enjoy a holiday cruise along the river Nile when tragedy strikes. All the passengers and staff aboard are suspects, and the murder count is growing; will Arinae’s little grey cells identify the murderer in time? A versatile cast of just four, brings to life lascivious lawyers, crocked captains, fastidious physicians, ardently amorous authors, feuding femme fatales, plodding paramours, friendly first mates and attractive Americans, in this romp inspired by Christie, Coward and Wodehouse. Presented by New Old Friends, directed by James Farrell. Tickets £15 to £16.50. Box office 01935 422884. www.octagon-theatre. co.uk.

On Saturday 25 September from 7.30pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, it is the monthly Acoustic Night. Petherton Arts Trust is encouraging local performers to come to The David Hall and perform on a professional stage. All types of performance welcome – music, comedy, poetry, dance! Everyone has the opportunity to deliver for 10 to 15 minutes with full PA and lighting. To attend as a performer or audience member, please email Chris Watts at folk@chriswatts.org or call 07715 501157. Payment is on the door.

On Tuesday 28 September at 7.30pm at the Octagon Auditorium, Yeovil, is a moving and powerful new work ‘Boy’s Khaya’ by Bawren Tavaziva. From a little house hidden behind the white master’s mansion, a young man struggles to comprehend the world and his place in it. Monarchies, political persecution, slavery and modern colonialism create a rich source of untold truths. In this performance, Bawren’s discoveries are a universal comment on Africa and mankind today. Exploring the use of real-time landscapes and motion-capture technology, ‘Boy’s Khaya’ creates an immersive and unforgettable audience experience. Tickets £10 to £16. Box office 01935 422884. www.octagon-theatre. co.uk.

Boy’s Khaya

On Thursday 30 September at 7.30pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, there’s an evening with John Lydon. He’s a legend, an icon, and a revolutionary: John Lydon, aka Johnny Rotten, changed the face of music and sparked a cultural revolution. The frontman and lyricist of the Sex Pistols and Public Image Ltd caused a political earthquake and transformed music for good. His tour of the UK coincides with the publication of his new book, the brilliant, funny and insightful I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right. John will talk about how he sees life, along with his unique and extraordinary career, and take audience questions. Tickets £30, VIP £45, VIP PLUS (includes meet & greet) £80. Box office 01935 422884. www. westlandsyeovil.co.uk.

John Lydon

Dairy Cows & Dorset Knobs

is a brand-new poem by Liv Torc, commissioned by Artsreach for Dorset Food & Drink, to celebrate Dorset’s wealth of local producers and to thank those who choose to shop locally! Captured on film by Pageant Productions and available to view at www. artsreach.co.uk/projects/poemfor-dorset. Pop the kettle on, play and enjoy! The poem is also available on a postcard, which features illustrations by local artist Delphine Jones, from various food and drink outlets across Dorset or by contacting the Dorset Food & Drink team directly.

Liv Torc

CHILDREN

On Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 August from 10.00am at the Octagon Auditorium, Yeovil, Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends are coming to Yeovil with their fun-filled live show ‘Igglepiggle’s Busy Day!’. Join Igglepiggle as he looks for his friends in the Night Garden by following their funny sounds until he finds them all! See all the favourite characters beautifully brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, enchanting music and the amazing flying Pinky Ponk. Now in its twelfth year, In the Night Garden Live is one of the UK’s favourite family events. See website for various performance times. Tickets £15.50 to £19.50. Box office 01935 422884. www.octagontheatre.co.uk.

On Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 September at the Octagon Auditorium, Yeovil, ‘Stick Man’ is back in town! What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree? This awardwinning production, from the team behind ‘Zog’, ‘Tiddler and other Terrific Tales’ and ‘Tabby McTat’, features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves. Performance times: Saturday, 1.30pm and 4.00pm; Sunday, 10.30am and 1.30pm. Tickets £13.50 to £15.50. Box office 01935 422884. www.octagon-theatre. co.uk.

Liv Torc