WHA T ’S O
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SPRING 2017
LIVE &LOCAL STAFFORDSHIRE
THEATRE
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MUSIC
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DANCE
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FAMILY SHOWS
liveandlocal.org.uk
‘TOP QUALITY ENTERTAINMENT… A GOOD NIGHT OUT… THE BEST EVENTS COMING TO A SPACE NEAR YOU.’ THE GUARDIAN The Live & Local Community Touring Network Staffordshire helps volunteer promoter groups bring rural communities together to enjoy high-quality, entertaining and affordable professional live theatre, music, dance and family shows (and film screenings) at a wide range of community venues, from village halls, to churches, to schools. Tickets are sold locally. For show information, ticket prices and to book, please call the local promoter directly on the telephone number below each show listing. Ticket prices range from £5 - £14. Many of the shows featured are suitable for family audiences and age recommendations are provided for guidance. Disability access. All venues have a commitment to access for disabled people; many have full access and a range of facilities, and others are working towards this goal. For venue and access information, please visit: liveandlocal.org.uk All brochure details are correct at the time of going to print, but please check the website for any changes. Please note that provision of refreshments varies between venues and some may be unable to serve alcohol. Please check when booking tickets.
LIVE & LOCAL E-NEWS: FIND OUT MORE, SIGN-UP TODAY at liveandlocal.org.uk Live & Local Community Touring Network Staffordshire is supported using public funding by Arts Council England and Staffordshire local authorities, and is made possible by the support of local volunteer promoter groups.
Live & Local Ltd., Pageant House, 2 Jury Street, Warwick CV34 4EW 01926 402 173 / marketing@liveandlocal.org.uk
OPERA DUDES MISSION IMPROBABLE No ordinary double act, this wonderful duo rip up the rule book with a classy mix of opera, swing, show tunes and slapstick humour. Bringing formidable voices and a great deal of selfdeprecating charm to a truly eclectic repertoire ranging from Verdi to Elvis, this is a gem of entertainment.
‘Conspicuously skilful performers… exhilarating.’ The Guardian Ages: 7+ Fri 20 Jan 8pm Calton St Mary's Memorial Hall ST10 3JX 01538 308 619 Sat 18 Mar 7.30pm Salt Village Hall ST18 0BW
SPILTMILK DANCE BLAST FROM THE PAST A fast-paced, laugh out loud dance performance / gameshow celebrating seven decades of British pop culture, jam-packed with chart hits to remember, and fads and fashions to forget. Fun-fuelled entertainment; sheer, unserious delight.
‘Has you feeling nostalgic, singing along, laughing out loud… dance but not dance.’ Derby Telegraph
‘Their moves are timed to perfection and it's fun.’ The Stage Ages: 10+
01889 508 284 Sat 21 Jan 8pm Don Amott Memorial Hall, Hilton DE65 5GH 01283 730 300
SCARY LITTLE GIRLS SORRY I HAVEN'T A MINUTE
GARLIC THEATRE SHOE KANGAROO AND THE BIG BAD BOOT A rather lovely and clever children's show by one of England's leading puppet companies, of a magical baby joey's fantastical journey to an island of lost shoes, inhabited, understandably, by a menagerie of strange shoe (and handbag and hoover) creatures. Told with charming puppetwork and terrific clowning, this is a spellbinding show with a quirky Lewis Carroll flavour; you will never look at shoes in the same way again. Ages: 4-9 Shoe Kangaroo is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Wed 25 Jan 5.30pm Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek ST13 6AD 01538 386 112
A fast moving, delightfully bonkers comedy cabaret tribute to local radio, packed with outrageously funny media mockery (and some superb slapstick). With the audience playfully invited to join the action - live sound effects, taste test vox pops and 'on-air' phone-in blather - this smart spoof is a sparkling crowd pleaser.
‘This easy going show is daft, enjoyable and fun.’ The Scotsman
‘Scary Little Girls …stars of rural touring.’ The Guardian
‘Powerful theatre… compelling.’ Metro Ages: 12+ Fri 27 Jan 7.30pm Parwich Memorial Hall DE6 1QJ 07846 906 848
THE DEAD SECRETS HICKORY DICKORY MURDER Award-winning comedy adventurers gently send up the golden age of detective novels with a delightful improv murder mystery. Brimful with untrustworthy characters, implausible plot twists and unbelievable conclusions - all based on suggestions from the audience - this is a fast, funny and completely unique performance every time.
‘Surrender to the madness.’ The List Ages: 10+ Fri 10 Feb 7.30pm Hill Ridware Village Hall WS15 3RJ 01543 492 052 Sat 11 Feb 8pm Milton Village Hall DE65 6EF 01283 703 075 Sat 04 Mar 7.30pm Acton Trussell Community Centre ST17 0RY 01785 715 628
KIMBER'S MEN STILL SINGING UP A STORM As seen on BBC Four's Shanties and Sea Songs with Gareth Malone. This rousing Yorkshire malevoice shanty group performs a riot of colourful sea songs, nautical ballads and spirited broadsides with full-tilt enthusiasm and praiseworthy gutsiness. An assured, sumptuous, and suitably stirring set celebrating the spirit of the sea. Ages: 7+ Fri 10 Feb 8pm Yoxall Parish Hall DE13 8NF 01543 472 700 Fri 17 Mar 7.30pm
MSFITS THEATRE FUR COAT & MAGIC KNICKERS This genuinely delightful one-actor three-characters comedy-drama brings together a compulsive shopper, a personal shopper and a reluctant shopper to brilliant effect, with the hilarious script - by prizewinning Scottish writer Rona Munro and chameleonesque performance - by awardwinning actor Fiona Knowles each allowing the other to shine. Intimate, moving and very, very funny.
Doveridge Village Hall DE6 5JQ
‘The dialogue is vivid, the storytelling keen.’
01889 567 461
The Guardian Ages: 12+ Sat 11 Feb 8pm Biddulph Moor Village Hall ST8 7HP 01782 523 573
ROVING CROWS IN CONCERT Best Live Act, Spiral Earth Music Awards 2014 The next folk-rock supergroup in waiting, this Anglo-Irish band boasts uncommonly exhilarating music, filled brimful with inspired lyrics and rollicking melodies. Its powerful, high-energy live shows make this an utterly fantastic must-see act. ★★★★ Financial Times
‘Just pure musical energy. Tight rhythms, great on-stage personality, proper up-on-the-tableskicking-over-the-beerglasses fun-time music… genuinely the next big thing on the folk scene.’
NEW PERSPECTIVES THEATRE THE GIANT JAM SANDWICH One of the most loved children's picture books brought to life on stage to enthral a new generation. One hot summer's day, four million noisy, nasty wasps invade the quiet village of Itching Down, stinging all about them. Follow the villagers in their giant sandwich-making plan to defeat the wasps and save the day. Superbly funny and clever this enchanting production is everything children's theatre should be.
‘Absolutely fabulous.’ Mumsnet
‘Top notch.’
BBC Music
The Guardian
Ages: 10+
Ages: 3-6
Thu 23 Feb 8pm Church Eaton Village Institute ST20 0AG 01785 824 788
New Perspectives Theatre is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Fri 03 Mar 5.30pm Foxt Village Hall ST10 2HN 01538 266 668
TAYO ALUKO & FRIENDS CALL MR. ROBESON. A LIFE, WITH SONGS This compelling and awardwinning one-man (and pianist) show pays tribute to the dramatic life and songs of the legendary black American actor, singer and civil rights activist Paul Robeson. A remarkable and moving piece of musical-theatre: high quality drama, first class singing. ★★★★
‘First-rate… an admirable introduction to a great pioneering performer.’
PEACOCK ANGELL TRIO IN CONCERT A superb set of wonderfully eclectic music coloured by country, blues, jazz and folk. The beautiful vocals and spirited fiddle of Ruth Angell – best-known as a member of Ashley Hutchings' Rainbow Chasers – are matched all the way by the dextrous guitar of Sid Peacock and Steve Tromans' thrilling piano. ★★★★ Financial Times
‘A storming set… mesmeric.’ BBC Music
The Guardian
‘Moving… perfect… fascinating… intense.’ Yorkshire Post
‘Absolutely amazing… scintillating.’ Maverick Magazine Ages: 12+
Ages: 12+ Thu 09 Mar 7.45pm Sat 04 Mar 7.30pm Tutbury Village Hall DE13 9NA
Swythamley & Heaton Community Centre SK11 0SJ
01283 812 248
01260 227 649
Sun 02 Apr 7.30pm
Sat 11 Mar 7.30pm
Rolleston Club, Rolleston on Dove DE13 9DN 01283 813 833
Abbots Bromley Village Hall WS15 3DB 07972 571 893
MAMBO JAMBO IN CONCERT
GINNY DAVIS LEARNED FRIENDS
Musical sunshine from a multi-talented, multiinstrumental acoustic roots duo: an upbeat, feel-good concert mixing sounds and styles from around the world with wonderful banter and a great stage presence.
A beautifully crafted, atmospheric and truly captivating courtroom drama with echoes of Twelve Angry Men and the BBC's Silk, lifting the shroud of secrecy surrounding the moral quandaries and machinations of a high-stakes criminal trial.
‘An extremely listenable criss-crossing of world music boundaries… nice!’
‘A fascinating insight into criminal proceedings.’
fRoots Magazine
Coventry Telegraph
‘Absolutely tremendous! Really brilliant sound; so uplifting!’
Ages: 16+
BBC Radio Derby Ages: 6+ Sun 12 Mar 8pm Yoxall Parish Hall DE13 8NF 01543 472 700 Fri 21 Apr 7.30pm Hill Ridware Village Hall WS15 3RJ 01543 492 052
Fri 24 Mar 7.30pm Broughton Parish Room, Wetwood ST21 6NW 01630 620 225
• Swythamley & Heato Biddulph Moor• • Biddulph LEEK
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CREWE
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Foxt•
NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME
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• Fulfor Wetwood•
STONE
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Chebsey•
Bramsh
Salt• STAFFORD
Moreton • Church Eaton•
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Abbots
•Acton Trussell • Bednall
•CA Codsall•
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WOLVERHAMPTON •Pattingham
DUDLE
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STOURBRIDGE KINVER
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Cookley•
Live & Local is supported by:
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Alstonefield•
• Parwich
Waterfall • • Calton
•ASHBOURNE Alton •
• Denstone
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• Doveridge UTTOXETER • hall• Church Broughton Marchington• • Hilton
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Tutbury• Draycott-in-the-Clay • Rolleston-on-Dove• • Milton s Bromley Newborough• •Anslow • Repton • BURTONUPON-TRENT •Yoxall RUGELEY •Hill Ridware • Kings Bromley •Alrewas
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ANNOCK
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• Elford
LICHFIELD
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TAMWORTH
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SUTTON COLDFIELD
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STAFFORDSHIRE
THE BUDAPEST CAFE ORCHESTRA IN CONCERT Infectious and impassioned Eastern European gypsy folk, heart-rending ballads and fiery dances delivered by a quartet of Britain's most revered international musicians, as nattily behatted as befits any strolling gypsy band. ★★★★ The Herald ★★★★
‘A high-spirited and joyful performance… musically accomplished and highly entertaining.’ The Scotsman
‘The fiery vivacity and awe-inspiring musicianship leaves you with a grin on your face and rhythm in your feet.’ The Times Ages: 7+ Fri 24 Mar 7.30pm Draycott-in-the-Clay Village Hall DE6 5BY 01283 820 733 Sun 26 Mar 8pm Alrewas Village Hall DE13 7AA 01283 790 799
HOLY MOLY & THE CRACKERS IN CONCERT This wild and carnivalesque seven-piece from the Bohemian Quarter of Newcastle blurs the boundaries of folk, gypsy and rock music with its truly terrific sound. Mixing powerhouse story-songs with foot-stomping rhythms this band has more than a touch of magic to it.
‘A rousing and captivating sound… a raucous twenty first century hoe-down.’ Yorkshire Times Ages: 10+ Sat 25 Mar 7.30pm Alstonefield Memorial Hall DE6 2FR 01335 310 322
KEL ELLIOTT & HER THREE MAN ORCHESTRA TRUTH AND TALL TALES As seen at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival BBC Introducing stage, with Jamie Cullum and Jo Whiley. Uplifting, genre-leaping songs from a rousing quartet led by a sassy double-bass playing singer-songwriter with a rich and powerful voice. Quality live music by rising stars championed by Grammy award-winning jazz-pop artist Jamie Cullum. Everyone goes home happy.
‘Brilliant.’ Madeleine Peyroux (BBC Jazz Awards Best International Artist) Ages: 12+ Sat 25 Mar 7.30pm Bramshall Parish Hall ST14 5DE 01889 565 228
BADAPPLE THEATRE EDDIE AND THE GOLD TOPS A masterclass in musical-comedy, this joyous, nostalgic, feelgood tale follows the meteoric rise of a hard-working village milkman to stardom during the 1963 pop revolution. Chronicled with wit and invention, and with enjoyably stylish original songs and music by BBC Folk Awards nominee Jez Lowe, this charming show is sprinkled with irresistibly funny satire and delivered with a knowing wink.
‘Extremely funny.’ The Stage Ages: 10+ Wed 29 Mar 7.30pm Pattingham Village Hall WV6 7BB 01902 700 586 Sat 01 Apr 7.30pm Marchington Village Hall ST14 8LH 01283 820 583
ARLETTY THEATRE QUILTER AND THE GHOST
RABBIT THEATRE THE ODYSSEY
Warm, nostalgic musicaltheatre (with lovely, emotive folk songs and well-crafted storytelling) of a reclusive hoarder and her strange but sweet ghost, who together in their ramshackle home collect real stories of strong and inspiring women lest they be lost to history. A glorious patchwork story-quilt forms the colourful backdrop to the play, each fragment of fabric a remembered life, some truly affecting and powerful. An extraordinary, comic and compelling modern fairytale.
A hugely enjoyable solo show performed by an immensely talented actor (and first class fool). David Mynne (Kneehigh Theatre) delightfully brings Homer's epic poem to life, with great skill, outstanding comic timing, brilliant selfmade sound effects and a handful of home-made props. A superb show; charming, funny, beautifully told.
Ages: 10+
‘A terrific blend of mesmerising acting and delightfully daft drama… faultless.’ Derby Telegraph Ages: 12+
Wed 29 Mar 7.30pm Blythe Bridge Library & Community Centre ST11 9JR 01782 296 400
The Odyssey is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Thu 30 Mar 7.30pm Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek ST13 6AD
Sun 02 Apr 7.30pm
01538 386 112
01283 812 248
Fri 31 Mar 8pm Chebsey Parish Hall ST21 6JU 01785 760 660
Tutbury Village Hall DE13 9NA
SONRISA LATIN FLAVOURS As heard on BBC Radio 6 Music Introducing with Tom Robinson. An exhilarating Latin jazz burn-up segueing easily between sultry música Latina, son Cubano, Spanish flamenco, and Brazilian bossa nova. Warm, vibrant and toe tappingly infectious, this is great dance music (you can listen to); a wall-to-wall musical delight.
‘Beautiful stuff, absolutely brilliant.’ BBC Music
‘Rich rhythms and infectious beats… superb.’ The Telegraph
‘A wall-to-wall musical delight.’ Coventry Telegraph Ages: 8+ Fri 05 May 7.30pm Tutbury Village Hall DE13 9NA 01283 812 248
THE OXFORD CONCERT PARTY IN CONCERT Six lively, entertaining and mould-breaking musicians take 300 years of music from around the world (and from Baroque to tango) and infuse it with offbeat humour, passion and pathos. With its rich and vibrant sounds this is an unforgettable show.
‘A decidedly unstuffy bunch of superb musicians… look out for them whenever your spirits need a lift.’ The Telegraph Ages: 10+ Sun 14 May 8pm Alrewas Village Hall DE13 7AA 01283 790 799
BIG PICTURE SHOW: THE BIG SCREEN CINEMA EXPERIENCE ON YOUR DOORSTEP. Big Picture Show screenings open up a world of experience for communities, transforming local venues into cinemas in which family, friends and neighbours come together to be entertained, to escape, to be inspired. To watch great films in very special locations. Films range from family favourites and Hollywood blockbusters, through timeless classics and new independents, to musicals and sing-alongs. If you haven't been to one of our screenings before please give us a try. Say goodbye to the world for a couple of hours, and hello to something magical and amazing. Visit bigpictureshow.org.uk to find out what's showing in your area. Films are added all the time to our screening list so join our e-news online to keep updated. Interested in hosting a film screening in your community? Please email admin@bigpictureshow.org.uk to get involved and share your ideas and experience.
Member of the BFI Film Audience Network.
BECOME A FRIEND TODAY We have three levels of membership with varying benefits to each level, as outlined below:
Annual Membership Options Silver (£20) Thank-you on our website and in our e-newsletters; 1 x Buy One Get One Free Ticket Voucher; regular Friends' Newsletters.
Gold (£45) Thank-you on our website and in our e-newsletters; 2 x Buy One Get One Free Ticket Vouchers; regular Friends' Newsletters; advance season mailings; invitations to Showcase Events; membership of our 'Go And See' (GAS) talent scouting scheme.
Platinum (£75) Thank-you on our website and in our e-newsletters; 3 x Buy One Get One Free Ticket Vouchers; regular Friends' Newsletters; advance season mailings; invitations to Showcase Events; membership of our 'Go And See' (GAS) talent scouting scheme; a free gift; Curated Programming; other occasional special events, invites and benefits. All prices inclusive of VAT. For more information or to become a Friend: join online at liveandlocal.org.uk or choose a membership option above, complete the form below and return to us with a cheque for the correct amount made payable to Live & Local Ltd. You will then receive a welcome pack in the post.
Name Address
Postcode Telephone Email
Please return to Live & Local Ltd., Pageant House, 2 Jury Street, Warwick CV34 4EW
‘SEEING SHOWS IN MY LOCAL CHURCH HALL HAS BECOME A HUGELY IMPORTANT PART OF MY LIFE. I DONATE TO LIVE & LOCAL AS A SMALL WAY OF SAYING ‘THANK YOU’ FOR THE PLEASURE I’VE RECEIVED OVER MANY YEARS OF SHOWS TOURING TO MY COMMUNITY.’ DAVID HOWE, LIVE & LOCAL FRIEND BECOME A LIVE & LOCAL FRIEND TODAY. A little support makes a big difference. Our supporters are a crucial part of Live & Local Community Touring Networks. They enable us to continue doing what we love; helping local people bring entertaining and original performances to the heart of their communities. They ensure that we can tour outstanding international performers and that shows reach and enthuse the widest possible audiences. Join us and get involved in our work by supporting the seven Live & Local Community Touring Networks: Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. SUPPORT THE ARTS YOU LOVE AND HELP SECURE COMMUNITY AND RURAL TOURING FOR GENERATIONS TO COME. Live & Local Ltd., Pageant House, 2 Jury Street, Warwick CV34 4EW 01926 402 173 / marketing@liveandlocal.org.uk