The Brook Theatre, Chatham - Spring 2011 by Medway Council

The Brook Theatre Spring 2011

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Sunday, 27 Feb

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Box office 01634 338338 www.thebrooktheatre.co.uk

Welcome to your Brook Theatre -

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2011

a thriving arts centre in the heart of Medway

Formerly Chatham Town Hall, The Brook Theatre is a hive of entertainment, activity and learning. Stunning Victorian architecture provides an unforgettable backdrop for professional theatre and community productions. There are jazz and folk evenings, dance performances, the irreverent and controversial Medway Comedy Club, the tantalising Cabaret of Curiosities and Studio Showcase Evenings – intimate performances in our smaller studio theatre, adjacent to the main auditorium. We also offer: • an exciting range of dance and drama classes for all ages; • fun workshops for under 18s throughout the holidays; • many rooms for hire. You can book tickets for this season’s events by phoning the box office on 01634 338338 or visiting www.thebrooktheatre.co.uk We are also home to a small number of professional performing arts companiesemerging orgainisations hand-picked to benefit from having a permanent base. Medway audiences then get to be the first to experience exciting new work, before it’s toured regionally and nationally.

The Sandwich Cellar at our sister venue The Central Theatre

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Dramatically good food The Sandwich Cellar is fully accessible for customers with disabilities.

The Sandwich Cellar is open to all. Alongside our selection of freshly made-to-order sandwiches, baguettes and jacket potatoes we have added an extended range of coffees, freshly baked treats and pasta salads. Teas and cold drinks are also available and there is a fully licensed bar. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 11am - 2.30pm Take away available - please phone 01634 338301 to place your order. Pre-show orders can be placed in advance. For evening performances please phone by 2pm.

A hip-hop comedy improv duo from Ireland. Sound improbable? Well drop your guard, give in to Abandoman and get ready for an evening of outrageous musical fun. Rob Broderick and James Hancox use audience suggestions to fuel their ideas and within a flash will launch into an improvised track, with James on guitar and Rob riffing the rap fantastic, taking off Eminem, Jay Z and many more along the way. It’s been a great 2010 for Abandoman, winning the Hackney Empire New Act Of The Year award, flooring festival audiences and supporting Micky Flanagan at The Brook Theatre in November. “Flight of the Conchords meets 8 Mile…nothing short of genius.” Chortle Tickets: £10, Medway Comedy Club members £9

Tue, 11 Jan 8pm Jazz at The Brook presents

Gwyneth Herbert and Al Cherry An intimate and powerful evening featuring Gwyneth on vocals, piano and ukulele and Al on guitar. Hailed by The Independent as a “super talent”, Gwyneth is a singer-songwriter, inspired as much by Janis Ian and Joni Mitchell as by Billie Holliday or Nina Simone. She appears here tonight in support of her new single Perfect Fit and her latest album All The Ghosts after a stunning 2010, including a sell-out show at New York’s Rochester Jazz Festival. Tickets: £11, jazz mailing list members £10

Box office 01634 338338

Abandoman

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2011

Box office 01634 338338

Mon, 10 Jan 8pm – strictly for over 18s

Sat, 5 to Sat, 26 Feb 10am – 9pm (Mon - Sat) Phil Dillon and Daisy Parris Present

Bully Wee Band

Two Sides of the Same Coin

Some of the country’s finest exponents of acoustic folk/rock return to The Brook Theatre. Throughout the seventies the band plied their fine-stringed trade across Britain, Europe and America with increasing success. After splitting in 1983, founder and former members got together 20 years later, for an impromptu jam. Thankfully everyone had so much fun that the jam turned into a tour that takes place every year. Featuring local favourite Ian Cutler, the band blend acoustic guitars, mandolin, fiddle and keyboards with mesmerising effect. Tickets: £10, folk mailing list members £9

The Brook Theatre Art Gallery A Medway Eyes exhibition from two of the area’s outstanding artists. Featuring Phil’s photography and Daisy’s paintings; all focusing on portraits of Medway people and exploring the towns. Medway Eyes is a grass-roots collective of local artists. Find out more…www.medwayeyes.co.uk Free entry

Box office 01634 338338

Thu, 20 Jan 8pm Folk at The Brook presents

Mon, 7 Feb 8pm – strictly for over 18s

An Evening with Shappi Khorsandi

Roll up roll up! Part the mysterious, red velvet drapes of your mind and enter the teasing, tantalising and amazing world of Cabaret of Curiosities. Spanning enthralling indoor circus, dancing, cheeky burlesque, music and much more these events are packed with colour and the unexpected. Already confirmed for the first performance of 2011 is Craig the Incredible Hula Boy; a spectacular blend of hula hoop extravagance, dance and gymnastics. More fantastic performers to be announced. Save money by joining our mailing list. Phone 01634 338338 or email boxoffice@medway.gov.uk Tickets: £10, cabaret mailing list members £9 Warning – adult content. Not suitable for under 16s.

The star of Live At The Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, and Have I Got News for You is back with a new show. Shappi Khorsandi is one of the hottest comedy prospects in the country. She’s feisty, flirty and effortlessly funny, handling every subject with a razor-sharp wit, softened only by her deliciously dizzy delivery and endless charm. “Britain’s best young female comic by any yardstick.” The Guardian Tickets: £13, Medway Comedy Club members £12

Heads South – featuring Steve Waterman ger name

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Every month we offer comedians who are on the cusp of going interstellar and setting the comedic standard for the next decade – comedy acts who, when they next visit the area, will be A-list goliaths selling out our sister venue, The Central Theatre. This could be your last chance to see these rising stars in intimate surroundings with support and MC. For email updates contact boxoffice@medway.gov.uk

Tue, 8 Feb 8pm Jazz at The Brook presents

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This dynamic five-piece is led by pianist/composer Steve Harriman and features top jazz trumpeter Steve Waterman. The band’s fast growing reputation on the Latin jazz and salsa scenes is fuelled by their melodic intent, exhilarating percussion and breezy demeanor. “Their musicianship is impeccable. But more importantly they play with a real feel and spirit for the music.” Nigel Williamson (Mercury Awards judge) Tickets: £10, Medway Comedy Club members £9

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2011

Cabaret of Curiosities

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The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2011

Fri, 21 Jan 8pm The Brook Theatre and Dizzy O’Dare Presents

The magical story of King Lir’s children who are turned into swans. Can King Lir find his loved ones and break the spell before it’s too late? Tickets: £8.50, concessions available

Sun, 27 Feb 3pm The Brook Theatre and Dizzy O’Dare Presents

Kids’ Cabaret of Curiosities

Thu, 17 Feb 8pm Folk at The Brook presents

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2011

Martin Simpson Trio

Witness a coming together of three of the finest musicians and singers in the UK today. Martin is recognised as one of the best acoustic guitar players in the world, having twice won a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Musician of the Year. His unique mixture of British and American influences are taken to a new level with this trio, also featuring Andy Cutting on melodeon and Andy Seward on double bass. Tickets: £15, folk mailing list members £14

For over a year now Cabaret of Curiosities at The Brook Theatre has astounded and astonished adults throughout the land. Now it’s the turn of the children, as an array of dazzling cabaret acts, from magnificent magicians to cracking circus artists, take to the stage to leave young faces eyes-wide with wonder. Fire your child’s imagination further with our circus day workshop at The Brook Theatre on 22 February. They will learn the skills, get free and reduced tickets for Sunday’s performance and even get the chance to put on a display of their own. Tickets: £6, concessions available Suitable for children five-years-old and over

Children who attend the circus day workshop on 22 February get one free ticket, plus a voucher for four extra tickets at just £3 each. For more details about the Circus Day workshop for 8 to 12-year-olds, please contact the Arts Team on 01634 338319. Sun, 6 Mar 11am and 2pm Blunderbus Theatre Company Presents

Thu, 24 to Sat, 26 Feb Thu – 2pm, Fri - 7pm, Sat - 2pm and 7pm Gillingham Dramatic Society presents

Community hire

Sleeping Beauty This enchanting, traditional story is presented by a society with over 30 years experience of performing in Medway. Experience the wonder of a traditional pantomime during the spring term break. Tickets: £6

Receive regular updates by email Don’t be left in the dark – sign up to our email newsletter to be among the first to find out news, events, special offers and show information. Just ask box office or email your contact details to boxoffice@medway.gov.uk

The Very Noisy Night A heartwarming winter's tale about growing up. Ideal for three to seven-year-olds and their grown-ups. A beautiful new production, in Blunderbus’ inimitable style, adapted from the book by Diana Hendry and Jane Chapman. Little Mouse can't sleep, for there is something huffing and puffing outside, tap-tapping on the window, and drip-dripping nearby. He would feel a lot safer if he could come into Big Mouse's bed but Big Mouse is determined that Little Mouse should sleep alone. So, amidst the hullabaloo outside sits a scared little mouse. Will he stay awake all night, or will Big Mouse finally come to the rescue? Tickets: £4.50 children and £5.50 adults

Box office 01634 338338

The Chidlren of Lir

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2011

Box office 01634 338338

ays Children Sundare for t The Brook Theatre

Community hire

Wed, 16 Feb 7.30pm McManigan Academy of Irish Dance presents

Box office 01634 338338

Sat, 12 Mar 8pm – strictly for over 18s

Terry Alderton plus support Miles Jupp – Fibber in the Heat Miles Jupp’s dry, intelligent and caustic wit has made him a favourite on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Mock the Week and The Thick of It. In this latest show Jupp uses all of his formidable talents to bring to life a sorry tale of how he attempted to become a cricket journalist by the unlikely and dishonest method of pretending to be one. “Tickets: £12, Medway Comedy Club members £11

Terry’s pedigree is impressive. He holds the record for the most encores at the Comedy Store, he’s been nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Awards and followed standout performances on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Comedy Central with sell-out tours of the UK, Australia and New Zealand. He’s back on the road with a side-splitting new show. Terry’s shows are regularly a sell-out, so book early. “He was sensational, a powerhouse who had the whole audience on their feet.” Michael McIntyre Tickets: £12, Medway Comedy Club members £11

Tue, 8 Mar 8pm Jazz at The Brook presents

Sun, 13 Mar 1pm Shishu Kishor Club presents

Geoff Eales - The Standards Trio

10th Anniversary Celebration

Featuring Geoff on piano, Michael Coates on saxophones and Julie Walkington on bass. Geoff has played for many stars, including Henry Mancini and Shirley Bassey and is renowned for his fresh and entertaining arrangements of the Great American Songbook. Tickets: £11, jazz mailing list members £10

Shishu Kishor Club proudly presents its 10th Anniversary Celebration, showcasing a range of talents from Medway’s Bangladeshi community, including singing and dancing. Tickets: See box office for details.

Thu, 10 Mar 6.30pm The City of London Sinfonia presents

Crash, Bang, Wallop! Fascinating Rhythm Join City of London Sinfonia’s brass quintet for a fun, interactive concert exploring music and rhythm through the ages. Come early to make your own shaker to use during the concert and be ready to sing, move and play along with our musicians. Music includes a gallop through Rossini’s William Tell Overture, a journey to turn of the century America with Scott Joplin and George Gershwin’s Fascinating Rhythms. Suitable for five-year-olds and over. Tickets: £4.50 for children and adults. Family of four £15

Wed, 16 Mar 6.30 to 9pm Creative and Media Consortium presents

Community hire

Diverse Medway Local students present creative pieces of work that reflect the places and peoples that are, have been, or even could be an integral element of Medway. This could be an opportunity to experience life in Medway as seen by Creative and Media Diploma students. Free entry Thu, 17 Mar 8pm Folk at The Brook presents

St Patrick’s Night Party With the McManigan Academy of Irish Dancers A fantastic night of Irish dancing from an academy that has been recognised at European and world championships. The choreographed show involves both traditional and contemporary Irish dance from the award-winning group. Twins Kirsty and Nuala McManigan founded the school after dancing professionally in shows around the world. Tickets: £8, folk mailing list members £7, under 16s £6

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2011

Box office 01634 338338 The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2011 8

Mon, 7 Mar 8pm – strictly for over 18s

Cabaret of Curiosities

O’Sullivan Beara – The Last Gaelic Chieftain

Welcome to the teasing, tantalising and amazing world of Cabaret of Curiosities. Spanning enthralling indoor circus, dancing, cheeky burlesque, music and much more these events are packed with colour and the unexpected. The full line up has yet to be announced but with past performers spanning striptease champions, hoola hoop kings and maverick magicians, it promises to be a cracker. Tickets: £10, cabaret mailing list members £9 Warning – adult content. Not suitable for under 16s.

Thu, 24 to Sat, 26 Mar 7pm Bluebell School of Dance and Performing Arts presents

Based at The Brook Theatre, this award-winning and widely acclaimed company presents the UK premiere of Aidan Dooley’s new one-man show. It’s 1601 and the last Gael chieftain is left standing against Queen Elizabeth. Using Celtic myths, an original score and brilliant storytelling Aidan brings to life the true tale of how this heroic leader of the Beara people tried valiantly to save his clan, from the might of the Tudor army. Aidan’s previous one-man show, Tom Crean – Antarctic Explorer, has been a stage hit worldwide. Tickets: £10, concessions available.

Mon, 4 Apr 8pm – strictly for over 18s

Community hire

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2011

Swan Lake

An adaptation of the most famous of all ballets; set to Tchaikovsky’s dazzling score. Join us for a take of good and evil, where star-crossed lovers Siegfried and Odette are caught up in an epic battle for the power of the magical lake. Tickets: £10, concessions available

Tue, 29 to Wed, 30 Mar 7.30pm Brook Youth Theatre presents

Our Day Out by Willy Russell Music and lyrics by Bob Eaton, Chris Mellor and Willy Russell When a bunch of teenagers head off on the bus for a day out…watch out! This production of Willy Russell’s classic drama is a fast-paced journey through scenes of carnage and mayhem, as the plot unfolds and lifelong lessons are learnt. Tickets: £5, concessions available

Box office 01634 338338

Thu, 31 Mar to Fri, 1 Apr 7.30pm Play on Words Theatre Company presents

Tom Stade Tom is co-star and co-writer of Frankie Boyle’s Tramadol Nights. Don’t miss this hugely talented Canadian in his eagerly awaited debut nationwide tour. His magnetic stage presence, irrepressible charm and first-class storytelling have established him as one of the most sought after performers on the UK and international circuit. Enter Tom’s inimitable, offbeat world for a truly unforgettable night of comedy from one of the finest stand-ups around. “Sublime…it’s a rich comic experience. Wonderfully imaginative, original and hilarious.” Rhod Gilbert Tickets: £12, Medway Comedy Club members £11

Assisted Access Scheme for the Brook and Central theatres We operate a membership scheme for customers needing assistance in accessing the theatre and its services. Under the scheme, members who need an assistant to help them access the theatre’s facilities will be able to buy an additional ticket at half the standard ticket price. For full details on individual and organisation membership please phone the box office on 01634 338338. For a summary of facilities for customers with disabilities, please see our booking information on page 19. If you would like further information, please ask a member of our box office staff for a copy of the leaflet How to access our services or email boxoffice@medway.gov.uk

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2011

Box office 01634 338338

Fri, 18 Mar 8pm The Brook Theatre and Dizzy O’Dare Presents

King Pleasure & the Biscuit Boys

The Singing Loins

Arguably one of the world’s greatest swing bands, King Pleasure & the Biscuit Boys have been on the road for two decades, while releasing 10 albums and clocking up over 125 TV and radio appearances. A night of high-energy fun and fantastic musicianship. “Behind the fun and rollicking good times lies an outfit skilled enough for the horns to come on with the bite and precision of the Basie Band.” The Guardian Tickets: £12, jazz mailing list members £11 Thu, 7 to Sat, 9 Apr 7.30pm Footsies Dance Centre presents

Sun, 24 Apr 7.45pm Slaughterhouse Productions presents

Community hire

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2011

Professional hire

Feast of Fiddles

Footsies Follies ‘Take Nine’

This fearsome Medway triumvirate are back at the Brook with a new album under their belts and almost two decades of critical acclaim in their ragged back pockets. The band combines the snarling, caustic wit of punk with the acoustic soul of folk to mesmerizing effect. Let go of your inhibitions join this journey to the heart-pounding core of acoustic-folk-punk-blues. “A highly idiosyncratic insight on Englishness, reverberating with warmth and wit. This is bare-knuckle, rag & bone folk & roll with poetry and soul.” Hugh Gulland Vive Le Punk Tickets: £10, folk mailing list members £9

Feast of Fiddles is a musical extravaganza like no other – six of the UK’s finest fiddle players in a band of 11, which includes Dave Mattacks, the grandfather of folk rock drumming. Peter Knight of Steeleye Span, Chris Leslie of Fairport Convention, Brian McNeill, Ian Cutler, Tom Leary and Garry Blakeley bring their own individual styles together, visiting pretty much every musical genre going. Tickets: £16

The latest show from Footsies Dance Centre, celebrating its pupils’ versatility and skill. Packed with exciting choreography, youthful exuberance, colourful costumes and much more. Tickets: £10.50 and £9.50, concessions available

Sat, 30 Apr to Sun, 1 May, Sat, 7 to Sun, 8 May and Sat, 14 to Sun, 15 May Thu, 14 to Sat, 16 Apr 7.30pm, Saturday matinee at 2.30pm The Three Towns Theatre Company presents

Down at the Old Bull & Brook Three Towns Theatre Company presents a music hall extravaganza. Enjoy an evening filled with music and melodrama, frivolity and fun, with all your old favourite songs from way back when, interspersed with sketches, monologues and melodrama. A good old-fashioned riot of entertainment. The opening night will be a charity gala evening with all profits going to the Foundation for the Study of Infant Death (FSID). Tickets: £10, concessions available

Box office 01634 338338

Thu, 21 Apr 8pm Folk at The Brook presents

Community hire

CAM Productions presents

Medway Stage Festival 2011

Community hire

A celebration of music and dance, performed by talented youngsters from Medway and the south-east of England. Participants perform in front of a professional adjudicator as they hope to become stars of tomorrow. Now in its 21st year. Times and tickets: See box office for details Fri, 6 May 7pm Rotary International presents

Community hire

Medway Young Musicians Awards Produced by the local Rotary clubs, this evening is an opportunity for the best young musical talent in Medway to perform a public recital programme under concert conditions. Tickets: £8, concessions available

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2011

Box office 01634 338338

Tue, 5 Apr 8pm Jazz at The Brook presents

MAKE IT YOURS THIS SPRING

Fri, 21 Jan – 1.30pm and Sat, 22 Jan – 11am and 2.30pm Kenny Wax Ltd and Nick Brooke Ltd present

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury’s award-winning book is brought vividly and noisily to the stage in this fantastic adventure. For children three-years-old and above. Fri, 28 Jan 7.30pm

What’s on For all your latest events and entertainment in Medway

Dickens Festival

The English Festival

Sweeps Festival

23 April, 2011

30 April to 2 May, 2011

Fuse Festival

Will Adams Festival

Dickensian Christmas

17 to 19 June, 2011

10 September, 2011

3 and 4 December, 2011

Box office 01634 338338

THE CENTRAL THEATRE, CHATHAM

3 to 5 June, 2011

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2011

Sat, 26 Feb 2.30pm

Andy and Mike’s Big Box of Bananas Cbeebies presenter Andy Day and his comedy-partner-incrime Mike James bring their much-loved humour to this slapstick, chaotic adventure. Thu, 17 Mar 7.30pm

Andy Parsons Live 2011 - Gruntled The star of BBC’s Mock the Week and Live At The Apollo returns to Chatham. Fri, 18 Mar 7.30pm

10CC One of the most successful groups of the 70s, featuring Rick Fenn, Paul Burgess and founder member Graham Gouldman. Sat, 26 Mar 7.30pm

Chas & Dave Together Again – The Final Tour The Cockney duo have reunited for one, final tour. Hear crowd favourites including Rabbit, The Sideboard Song and Ain’t no Pleasing You.

Box office: 01634 338338 www.thecentraltheatre.co.uk

Castle concerts 2011 In 2011, enjoy some great music at Castle Concerts in Rochester Castle Gardens, from 13 to 16 July. More acts to be announced soon at www.castleconcerts.co.uk If you want to hear some of the best young musicians from Medway perform, come to the young people's concert in Rochester Castle Gardens, on 17 July. Find out more at www.medway.gov.uk

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whatsonmedway.co.uk

Photo: Can Associates Limited The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2011

The Three Degrees The longest-running line-up of this seminal group sweeps into Chatham with timeless, classic hits including When Will I See You Again.

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DANCE

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ART AND CRAFT

February break activities for under 18s From Medway Council’s Arts Development Team. Arts for Life. Expect an action packed and fun-filled holiday in Medway this winter with something for everyone including… l

Circus Workshop – juggling, acrobatics, tightwire walking, diablos, devil sticks and much, much more. Plus, appear alongside the professionals in Dizzy O’Dare’s Kids’ Cabaret of Curiosities (see page 7 for more details)

JLS dance workshop – learn a routine to your favourite JLS hits

Harry Potter drama workshop – create your very own show inspired by the latest movie

Free Family Craft workshops in Halling – clay modelling, drawing, painting, stamping and sticking – plus visit the Children’s Mobile Library bus.

Don’t miss out on all the fun…hurry and book your place before it’s too late

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2011

For INFORMATION phone 01634 338319 and for BOOKING FORMS phone 01634 338338

Regular drama and dance classes at The Brook Theatre from the Arts Development Team. Arts for life. Every Wed, 19 Jan – 30 Mar (no class 23 Feb) 7–9pm (13–18 years)

Every Sat, 22 Jan – 2 Apr (no class 26 Feb) 2–3pm (5–8 years), 3–4pm (9–12 years)

Brook Youth Theatre

Young People’s Drama

Tutors: Miriam & Aidan Dooley (Play On Words Theatre Company)

Tutors: Heidi Garwood and Katy Leman

Work with professional actors as we explore plays, improvisation, songs and movement, but most of all have fun. Previous experience welcome but not necessary. Fee £44 for 10-week term

An introduction to theatre and drama for younger people with little or no experience. A great way of building self-confidence, as well as making new friends along the way. Fee £25.50 for 10-week term

Tutors: Heidi Garwood and Katy Leman This group is open to anyone, no matter what their level of skill or confidence. We will be working towards showcase performances. Fee £38.50 for 10-week term

Loop – Boys Youth Dance Company Tutor: Loop Dance Company Stand out from the crowd. For 11 to 13-year-olds. Fee £5.50 per class Every Thu, 27 Jan - 7 Apr (no class 24 Feb) 7.30 – 8.30pm

Box office 01634 338338

CIRCUS

Young People’s Drama – Musical

Every Thu 5–6.20pm

Dancercise Every Mon, 17 Jan – 28 Mar (no class 21 Feb) 6.30–8pm (9–16 years)

Young People’s Drama – Musical Tutors: Heidi Garwood and Katy Leman This group is open to anyone, no matter their level of skill or confidence. We will be working towards showcase performances. Fee £38.50 for 10-week term

Tutor: Karen Dockwray In a relaxed environment, this is a creative and cheap way to keep fit. Different levels of ability welcome. Fee £36 for 10-week course Every Thu, 27 Jan - 7 Apr (no class 24 Feb) 8.30–9.30pm

Adult Ballet Tutor: Linda Wood Strengthen the physique, tone the muscles and learn a traditional technique. A relaxing and friendly class. Beginners welcome. Fee £38 for 10-week course

Loop Dance Company Every Thu, 10am–12noon An open contemporary class for professional dancers. Fee £5.50 per class Phone for more information and the company’s schedule on 01634 831531.

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2011

Box office 01634 338338

Every Sat, 22 Jan – 2 Apr (no class 26 Feb) 4–5.30pm (9–16 years)

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By credit/debit card Phone the box office after 10am and pay for your tickets by credit/debit card. Tickets can be posted to you on the same day for a 75p charge or kept at the box office for collection on the day.

Postal bookings When booking by post, please enclose a stamped addressed envelope so that tickets can be forwarded to you. Cheques should be made payable to Medway Council. Please print your name, address, daytime phone number and cheque card number on the reverse.

Reservations Tickets must be paid for in person, by phone, credit card or by post within three days of reservation or 30 minutes before curtain up, whichever is the sooner. Seats not paid for after this time will be released.

Exchange and resale of tickets Tickets should be considered as non-exchangeable and non-refundable and we advise patrons to check their tickets upon receipt. However when a show has more than one performance, tickets may be exchanged from one performance to another. Unwanted tickets may be left with the box office for resale. However, The Central and Brook theatres cannot guarantee their sale and will only offer them for resale once all of the theatre's own seats have been sold. There is an administration charge of £1 per ticket for each of these services.

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Fire exit

The Brook Theatre is available for hire. The studio theatre and the main auditorium are available to hire for performances and conferences. There is also a number of rooms available to hire for meetings, rehearsals, classes, conferences and exhibitions. If you are interested please phone 01634 338300 or email theatres@medway.gov.uk

Discounts Balcony

Balcony

Balcony rail

The Brook Theatre’s box office reserves the right to introduce special offers and discounts in accordance with the hirer’s wishes without notice; these will not apply to tickets already purchased before the announcement. Availability of concessions will also vary according to the hirer’s wishes. Please contact The Brook Theatre box office for details. Information is correct at time of going to press, however this programme is subject to alteration without prior notice.

There is wheelchair access to The Brook Theatre either by the electronic platform on the front steps or via the ramped entrance on Whiffens Avenue. On the ground floor there is wheelchair access to the cinema, box office, café, gallery and toilet for disabled persons. A lift in the ground floor foyer can then provide further access to The Main Theatre, The Studio Theatre and The Theatre Bar on the first floor. Four wheelchair spaces per performance are available in The Main Theatre and one in The Studio Theatre. An infra red loop hearing system is fitted in the main theatre. Patrons wishing to use this system should see box office to collect a hearing device. A loop system is also fitted in The Studio Theatre, conference room and large dance studio. Patrons wishing to use the system in these rooms should switch their hearing aids to T. A minicom system is available at box office on 01634 880969.

Box office 01634 338338

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Facilities for customers with disabilities

Doors open Doors open 30 minutes before curtain up. The licensed bar is open during performances and interval drinks can be ordered before the performance.

Gift vouchers Brook Theatre and Central Theatre vouchers are available in denominations of £1, £5, £10 and £20. Vouchers are valid for 18 months from date of purchase.

Where to find The Brook Theatre

Closed to through traffic except buses, taxis, cycles and emergency vehicles

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2011

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The box office is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm or until 15 minutes after curtain up on performance nights. Please be patient when phoning the box office during busy periods (for example around show times) as calls are answered in strict rotation.

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The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2011

Box office hours

STAGE

Stalls

Booking information

Entrance

Box office 01634 338338

Main theatre seating plan

The Brook Theatre

Spring 2011

At a glance January Mon, 10 Tue, 11 Thu, 20 Fri, 21

Abandoman Heads South – featuring Steve Waterman Bully Wee Band Cabaret of Curiosities

February Sat, 5 to Sat, 26 Mon, 7 Tue, 8 Wed, 16 Thu, 17 Thu, 24 to Sat, 26 Sun, 27

Two Sides of the Same Coin Shappi Khorsandi Gwyneth Herbert and Al Cherry The Children of Lir Martin Simpson Trio Sleeping Beauty Kids’ Cabaret of Curiosities

March Sun, 6 Mon, 7 Tue, 8 Thu, 10 Sat, 12 Sun, 13 Wed, 16 Thu, 17 Fri, 18 Thu, 24 to Sat, 26 Tue, 29 to Wed, 30 Thu, 31 to Fri, 1 Apr

The Very Noisy Night Miles Jupp Geoff Eales – The Standards Trio Crash, Bang, Wallop! Fascinating Rhythms Terry Alderton Shishu Kishor – 10th Anniversary Celebration Diverse Medway St Patrick’s Night Party Cabaret of Curiosities Swan Lake Our Day Out O’Sullivan Beara – The Last Gaelic Chieftain

April Mon, 4 Tue, 5 Thu, 7 to Sat, 9 Thu, 14 to Sat, 16 Thu, 21 Sun, 24 Sat, 30 to Sun, 1 May

Tom Stade King Biscuit & the Pleasure Boys Footsies Follies ‘Take Nine’ Down at the Old Bull & Brook The Singing Loins Feast of Fiddles Medway Stage Festival 2011

May Fri, 6 Sat, 7 to Sun, 8 Sat, 14 to Sun, 15

Medway Young Musicians Awards Medway Stage Festival 2011 Medway Stage Festival 2011

Book online: www.thebrooktheatre.co.uk or phone: Box office 01634 338338 The Brook Theatre, Old Town Hall, Chatham ME4 4SE Email: boxoffice@medway.gov.uk Opening hours: Mon – Sat 10am to 5pm, and up to 15 minutes after performances begin Minicom service (for people with hearing disabilities) 01634 880969 G5842 09 10 Designed by Medway Council’s Communications Team. www.medway.gov.uk/communications