The Brook Theatre, Chatham Spring Brochure 2010

The Brook Theatre SPRING 2010

Count Arthur Strong

The Cabaret of Curiosities

The Dragon’s Daughter

Saturday, 13 February

Friday, 19 March

Sunday, 11 April

Box office 01634 338338 www.thebrooktheatre.co.uk

Box office 01634 338338

Welcome to your Brook Theatre -

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2010

a thriving arts centre in the heart of Medway

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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, jazz and folk evenings, dance performances, the irreverent and controversial Medway Comedy Club and Studio Showcase Evenings – intimate performances in our smaller studio theatre, next 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 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.

ian cutler colin reece

The Bully Wee Band 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 jim yardley fergus feely 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 mesmerizing effect.

Tickets: £10, folk mailing list members £9

www.thebrooktheatre.co.uk

Thu, 21 Jan 8pm Folk at The Brook presents

Mon, 1 Feb 8pm – strictly for over 18s presents

Since breaking on to the scene in 2002, with a best newcomer nomination at the Perrier Awards, Cruttenden has floored audiences around the world, from Edinburgh to the Montreal Comedy Festival. His TV resume is bulging at the seams, including The Omid Djalili Show, Brydon’s Annually Retentive and The 11 O’Clock Show and has spent much of 2009 supporting Brydon on his UK tour.

“He takes the personal, the surreal, the ridiculous and the political, and whizzes them into a delicious comedy smoothie that is sweet with a hint of sharpness. And it’s really good for you.” The Scotsman “A circuit God.” Time Out Tickets: £10, Medway Comedy Club members £9

For email updates contact comedy@medway.gov.uk

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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.

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The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2010

Hal Cruttenden plus support

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Box office 01634 338338

Tue, 2 Feb 8pm Jazz at The Brook presents

Geoff Gascoyne’s POP BOP Quartet Featuring Jim Mullen on guitar and Sebastian de Krom on drums.

Gascoyne brings to the stage the delights of his latest album, a collection of his favourite pop songs rearranged for a jazz quartet. The band brings its electrifying jazz talents to bear on classic hits from pop masters including The Supremes, Gladys Knight and Earth, Wind and Fire. As regulars playing with Jamie Cullum, Gascoyne, Krom and Mullen are no strangers to bringing a lick of jazz to pop sensibilities. Leave your jazz files at home and dig out your finest pop fringe.

Tickets: £10, jazz mailing list members £9

Save money on folk and jazz

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2010

Join our free folk or jazz mailing list and save £1 on each folk or jazz ticket at the Brook or Central theatres.

For more details, phone the box office on 01634 338338 or email folk@medway.gov.uk or jazz@medway.gov.uk

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Please note: Seating not guaranteed at busy folk shows at The Central Theatre’s Cellar Bar.

Wed, 3 to Wed, 24 Feb, 10am – 9pm (gallery closed Sunday) Jon Rayfield presents

Study of Thought The Brook Theatre Art Gallery A collaboration of styles and ideas, accumulated over a number of years, intended to inspire thought and invoke the senses of human nature. With bright colours and interesting forms, each piece is a study of the human psyche. The aim is not to shock or disgust but to evoke positive emotions; from an artist influenced by Dali, Monet and Turner.

Free entry

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

e r t a he T k o o r B he T t a

Fantastic theatre for small people with massive imaginations

Sun, 7 Feb 2pm and 4pm Scratch Built Productions presents…

Knight Time What would you do if you were face-to-face with a dragon? Is jousting as painful as it looks? Just what is the best way to shine rusty armour? Join Jack as he finds out the hard way in this beautiful show. Scratch Built Productions combines a unique blend of puppetry, storytelling and song to bring this magical kingdom to life and we’ll even show you how to make your own knight puppet too.

After the show the knight will make balloon swords in the foyer.

“Stunning evidence of what one man in a theatre space can conjure up.”

The Edinburgh list Suitable for children aged three and over Tickets: £4.50 children and £5.50 adults

www.thebrooktheatre.co.uk

s y a d n u S are for Children

A Medway Comedy Club special

Count Arthur Strong – the Man Behind the Smile Following the smash-hit success of his BBC Radio 4 comedy series (Sony GOLD Award Winner - Best Radio Comedy 2009) and recent sell-out tour, Count Arthur Strong, showbiz legend and raconteur, reminds us just what we've been missing since his last TV series was axed in 1960 something.

“Forever the nearly man of show business and an expert mangler of words, Count Arthur is nothing less than wonderful…One of the greatest comic creations of this century, Count Arthur is compulsory viewing.” The Mirror “Malapropisms, spoonerisms, tall stories and archive footage meticulously stitched together…It is an immaculate performance.” The Mail on Sunday Tickets: £13, Medway Comedy Club members £12

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2010

Sat, 13 Feb 8pm – strictly for over 18s

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Box office 01634 338338

Thu, 18 – Sat, 20 Feb 7pm, matinees on 19 – 20 Feb 2pm GDS Productions presents

Honk!

Community hire

Based on Hans Christian Anderson’s The Ugly Duckling, Honk! Is the Olivier-Award-winning musical by Stiles and Drewe. GDS productions’ adaptation is faithful to the original, as Ugly is lured away from his mother by a devious cat. On his quest to return to the duck yard the duckling meets an array of comical characters but can he make it back?

Tickets £9.50, parties of 12 plus, £7.50 per ticket Thu, 25 Feb 8pm Folk at The Brook presents

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2010

The Singing Loins

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The world’s finest purveyors of Medway-deltafolk showcase their fantastic new album.

Unravelling England explores the country’s shadowy crevices with songs of: Underdogs, suicides and circus freaks; the bereaved, frustrated and heart-broken and the washed up and mentally ill. With wit and skill The Singing Loins lay bare the jealousies, violence, hypocrisy and religion of humanity. They’ve got some pretty good tunes too.

“Unravelling England is a storming album and, once again, the Loins deliver a sharp knee to the nuts of all purveyors of the polite and half hearted.” Rock n Reel Tickets: £10, folk mailing list members £9 Sat, 27 Feb 7pm J/C Academy presents

Community hire

Calendar Girls and Boys Starring talented young dancers as they use their skills to bring to life the months of the year.

Tickets £7.50, concessions available

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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

www.thebrooktheatre.co.uk

Mon, 1 Mar 8pm – strictly for over 18s presents

Andrew Maxwell plus support Maxwell spent the first part of his career following in some very funny footsteps. He made his debut as an 18-year-old at Ardal O’Hanlon’s comedy club before becoming the warm-up act for Jonathan Ross, Johnny Vaughan and They Think It’s All Over. Having recently been voted King of Comedy on Channel 4 and appeared on Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Andrew Maxwell is now busy making massive comedy footprints of his own.

“One of the most significant comedians working in the country today.” The Independent Tickets: £11, Medway Comedy Club members £10 Tue, 2 Mar 8pm Jazz at The Brook presents Karen Lane, a favourite singer of Michael Parkinson, showcases her album Can’t Help It. The album is a collaboration with guitarist Paul Malsom, who joins Australian-born Lane and saxophonist Jo Fooks for this night of Brazilian-influenced classics and originals.

Fooks’ impeccable pedigree extends to touring with Humphrey Lyttleton for the last few years of his life.

Tickets: £9, jazz mailing list members £8 Fri, 5 – Sat, 6 Mar 7pm and Sun, 7 Mar 3pm Bluebell School of Dance presents

Community hire

Movie Magic Whisked away by the Tinkerbell Fairy, three young Bluebells are stranded in Movie Land. The only way back is to help the Great Director recover his lost movie magic…but can they do it in time? This home-grown show is an all-singing, all-dancing musical event.

Tickets £10, concessions available

Now you're sitting comfortably...

In the spring The Brook Theatre will have fantastic new seating in the main auditorium. So you will be able to lap up your favourite shows in even more comfort.

Music to everyone's ears...and bottoms.

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2010

Karen Lane with Paul Malsom and Jo Fooks

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Box office 01634 338338

Wed, 10 – Sat, 13 Mar 7.30pm, Sat matinee at 2.30pm Three Towns Theatre Company presents

Community hire

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Disney’s classic tale of a beautiful young girl and a prince trapped in the body of a beast has long been a family favourite. Established for over 30 years, Three Towns Theatre Company brings it to life on stage. Can the prince love and be loved or will he remain caged for ever by the evil spell.

Tickets £12, concessions available Family of four £40 (max two adults) Tue, 16 – Wed, 17 Mar 7.30pm The Brook Youth Theatre presents

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2010

Shakespeare in Shorts

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Enter a world of enchantment and mystery on this magical journey through Shakespeare’s well-loved tales A Midsummer’s Night Dream and The Tempest. Free your mind on a fantastical flight with The Brook Youth Theatre’s jongleurs, as the drama unfolds and they awake your senses to the delights of fantasy and fantastical characters. The youth theatre is nurtured with wit and love by the award-winning Play on Words Theatre Company.

Tickets £5, concessions available

Searching for young actors Play on Words needs 13-18-year-olds for a scintillating free eight-week drama, acting and film-making project called Stirring Spirits. Auditions take place at The Brook Theatre, Chatham on Sunday, 28 March.

Phone 01634 338319 for more details.

Thu, 18 Mar 8pm Folk at The Brook presents

St Patrick Night’s 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 awardwinning 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 16’s £6

Cabaret of Curiosities Roll up, roll up for another exciting line-up of cabaret extravaganzas featuring circus, dancing, cheeky burlesque, music and much more. Cabaret of Curiosities is a fun and colourful night of alternative entertainment. For those of you who experienced the joys last season, you can expect a very welcome return from some our headliners and we have many more fabulous new acts in store.

It’s tantilising. It’s teasing. It’s amazing and astonishing.

Welcome, to Cabaret of Curiosities.

Tickets: £10

www.thebrooktheatre.co.uk

Fri, 19 Mar 8pm The Brook Theatre and Dizzy O’Dare Presents

£9 for mailing list members Warning – adult content.

Not suitable for under 16s.

Sun, 21 Mar 8pm Roots Roundabout and Explore the World presents Mamer is one of China’s most original and influential young artists and the father of Chinagrass - simple, honest, direct music with one foot in the past and another in the future. A cult figure of Beijing’s underground music scene, he grew up on horseback, steeped in the strong musical tradition of Kazakh nomadic culture. His live performances combine these traditional elements with western folk, rock and virtuosic performances on guitar, dombra and other Chinese instruments. A rare opportunity to experience a lyrical folk troubadour who is touched with the renegade spirit of everyone from Woody Guthrie to the Velvet Underground and Nick Cave.

“Never heard anything like it. Wonderful.” Stephen Fry Tickets: £10, concessions available

Explore the World Music from all corners of the globe As the popularity of music from around the world grows, The Brook Theatre will offer you, from time to time, a choice of the best and most interesting sounds from the five continents. We invite you on a journey to explore music that reflects the culture and history of lands and peoples, some you may already know and some you may never have realised existed.

Supported by Arts Council England South East.

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2010

Mamer

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Box office 01634 338338

Mon, 22 Mar 7.30pm L. A. D Promotions presents

Keith Charles – a psychic evening of clairvoyance Including special guest Ivan Lee Keith is a down-to-earth, no-nonsense medium who brings the icy, analytical skills of a seasoned detective to the mystery that baffles us all…is there life after death? Join Keith and his special guest Ivan Lee, as they attempt to unravel the mystery with dignity, sincerity and a touch of humour. Keith Charles works with homicide detectives worldwide and starred in Channel 4’s The Ultimate Psychic Challenge.

Please note: There are no guaranteed or certain results and the show is for the purposes of amusement/entertainment.

Tickets £11.50 (groups of 10 or more £10.50) Wed, 24 Mar from 4pm to 9pm, pop in any time Creative and media diploma students present

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2010

My Town

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Professional hire

Community hire

Be inspired by the talents of Medway students For one free night only, The Brook Theatre plays host to a unique and eclectic exhibition that draws upon Medway as its inspiration. Using a variety of creative media, students from schools across the area and MidKent College will present their own particular take on life in the region. A great chance to be inspired by the talents of Medway students and to explore the enchanting nooks and crannies of the theatre.

Free entry.

Sun, 28 Mar 7.45pm Slaughterhouse presents

Professional hire

Feast of Fiddles Featuring some of Britain’s finest folk stars, Feast of Fiddles is back on the road for its annual spring shindig. What started 17 years ago as an informal get together is now one of the most anticipated tours on the folk circuit. Phil Beer, Gary Blakeley, Ian Cutler, Hugh Crabtree and Dave Harding, among others, are back together in 2010. The format of solo performances mixed with stirring ensembles has become so popular that tickets sell out quickly, so get in early. If Nero had fiddled like this, Rome would have been having too much fun to burn.

Tickets £16

www.thebrooktheatre.co.uk

Fri, 9 Apr 7.30pm Kent Music presents

Community hire

Kent Youth Jazz Orchestra Part of the Kent Music in Medway Festival 2010 Kent Youth Jazz Orchestra and special guests present some of the county’s finest young jazz musicians. Taking in most big band styles of the post-war years, the orchestra plays a mixture of swing, fusion and funk with skill, vim and vigour.

Tickets £10, concessions available Students: £5

Sat, 10 to Thu, 29 Apr 10am – 9pm (gallery closed Sunday) Sandra L Martin presents The Brook Theatre Art Gallery A stunning and challenging exhibition that explores how elderly people are treated in today’s society. Having spent more than 10 years as a carer, Sandra has a wealth of firsthand experience and interviewed many of her clients for this exhibition. Their stories and viewpoints are at the heart of Age, which gives voice to a part of society that is often ignored and misunderstood.

Free entry Sun, 11 Apr 2pm and 4pm Blunderbus Theatre Company presents

The Dragon’s Daughter

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Welcome to a magical tale of adventure and friendship that will appeal to the child within everyone. Once upon a time, in a faraway land, a fire-breathing dragon lived at the top of a great mountain. In the village below little Hans dreamed of fantastic adventures with scary monsters and sunken treasure. One starry night, when a real-life baby dragon fell from the sky, Hans’ adventure of a lifetime had begun. With bewitching music and beautiful hand-carved puppets this is a funny and moving story about a brave little boy and a scared little dragon, who grow to become the very best of friends.

Tickets: £4.50 children and £5.50 adults

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The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2010

Age

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Box office 01634 338338

Mon, 12 Apr 8pm – strictly for over 18s presents

Shazia Mirza plus support Since winning the Hackney Empire Best New Act competition in 2001, Shazia has been in constant demand worldwide, as a writer and actor, as well as a stand-up. She has been listed in The Observer’s top 50 funniest acts in Britain, performed on stage alongside Isabella Rossellini, courted controversy with her BBC3 documentary F*** Off, I’m a Hairy Woman and won the PPA Journalism award for Columnist of the Year.

“One of the top new stand-up comics.” The Sun. “Her laconic one-liners represent something quite unique in modern comedy. In these fraught times, she actually manages to make being a Muslim woman seem wonderfully life-enhancingly funny.” The Guardian Tickets: £11, Medway Comedy Club members £10 Tue, 13 Apr 8pm Jazz at the Brook presents

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2010

The Dorian Ford Trio

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The piano trio music of Bill Evans Bill Evans first came to fame as the pianist on Miles Davis' iconic album Kind of Blue and quickly established a formidable reputation as a composer and arranger. Tonight Dorian Ford features his album The Bill Game, which is dedicated to the piano trio music of Bill Evans. As a winner of the Chick Corea Jazz Masters Award at the Berklee College of Music, Dorian is well on his way to building an enviable reputation of his own.

Tickets: £9, jazz mailing list members £8 Wed, 14 Apr 7.45pm A Studio Showcase Evening Alternate Shadows Theatre Group presents

Community Community hire hire

Mixed Nuts – a comedy show of distinction Alternate Shadows return with their own unique brand of organically grown, freshly hand-picked crop of comedy sketches. The bag is bursting with natural characters, with 150 per cent more effort for longer-lasting laughs.

Get the bumper pack that is Mixed Nuts – a mouth-watering comedy sketch revue of distinction. As Elton used to say, it’s a little bit funny.

Tickets: £6, concessions available

Come Together – The Show A tribute to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones Watch The Counterfeit Beatles and Not The Rolling Stones turn up, plug in and drop a set of gigantic proportions, dripping with nostalgia and the scent of rock ‘n’ roll. Both bands have electrified audiences with their authentic look and sound. The Counterfeit Beatles can even name Liam Gallagher as a fan and have headlined the Fuji Rock Festival, playing to more than 80,000 people. A magical mystery Professional night of satisfaction guaranteed. hire Tickets £12, concessions available

www.thebrooktheatre.co.uk

Sat, 17 Apr 7.30pm Limelite Live Music presents

Thu, 22 Apr 8pm Folk at The Brook presents Harvey Andrews’ songs have been covered by the likes of Mary Hopkin and Christy Moore. His own recordings have featured artists such as Martin Carthy, Ralph McTell, Richard Thompson, Danny Thompson and Dave Pegg. An acoustic master with the storytelling skills to match.

Tickets £10, folk mailing list members £9 Fri, 23 Apr 7pm Rotary International presents

Community hire

Medway Young Musicians’ Awards Watch the best young musical talent in Medway perform a recital programme under concert conditions, with the winner and runner-up receiving prizes. The Medway Young Musicians Awards evening is produced by local rotary clubs.

Tickets £7, students £3.50 Sat, 24 – Sun, 25 Apr, Sat, 1 – Sun, 2 May and Sat, 8 – Sun, 9 May CAM Productions presents

Community hire

Medway Stage Festival 2010 A celebration of music and dance, performed by talented young people from Medway and the south-east of England. Now in its 20th year.

Times and tickets: See box office for details

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2010

Harvey Andrews

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Box office 01634 338338

Wed, 28 Apr 1.30pm and 7.30pm New Brompton College presents

Community hire

Bugsy Malone New Brompton College brings this classic musical delight to life with energy and a whole lot of class. Welcome to Fat Sam’s Grandslam, the most popular speakeasy in town. However, trouble is brewing as Dandy Dan goes to war with Sam and armed with his new, state-of-the-art splurge guns, Dan is not a man to be messed with.

Tickets: £4.50, concessions available.

THE CENTRAL THEATRE, CHATHAM

MAKE IT YOURS THIS SPRING Jake & Elwood City of London Sinfonia

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2010

The Best Blues Brothers Show In The World - EVER!!!

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Sat, 6 Feb 7.30pm Jake & Elwood invite you to spend an evening in Chicago as they explode on stage for their musical extravaganza.

Paul Carrack Thu, 25 Feb 7.30pm From Roxy Music, Squeeze and Mike and the Mechanics.

Hits include Tempted and The Living Years Norwell Lapley Productions in association with Theater Mogul presents

Defending the Caveman starring Mark Little Sat, 27 – Sun, 28 Mar 7.30pm Written by Rob Becker and directed by Cathy Farr.

Direct from the West End.

An evening of strings with Chloë Hanslip Thu, 11 Feb 7.30pm Pre Concert talk at 6.45pm – free to ticket holders.

The Encore: informal live music in the bar after the concert.

Jethro - Too Late to Grow Up Thu, 4 Mar 7.30pm The world’s funniest Cornish comic returns to The Central Theatre and has finally accepted that it’s too late to grow up.

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

For all your latest events and entertainment in Medway

whatsonmedway.co.uk Sweeps Festival

Dickens Festival

1, 2 and 3 May

4, 5 and 6 June

www.thebrooktheatre.co.uk

What’s on

Young people’s concert

Fuse Festival 12 to 26 June

Will Adams Festival 11 September

Castle Concerts 2010 14, 15, 16 and 17 July A fantastic series of concerts featuring big names from the past and present. Status Quo make a welcome return as our opening act on 14 July. The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will provide our traditional proms evening on the Saturday and two more fantastic acts are soon to be announced.Sign up and be one of the first to find out, email castle.concerts@medway. gov.uk

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2010

18 July

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Box office 01634 338338

DRAMA DANCE 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 Fantastic

Mr Fox – a three-day drama workshop based on the animated film Ajay – learn with one of the dancers from the madcap CBBC show l Take Five – a fantastic free after-school art project, all about fruit and veg l Free craft day – arts and crafts fun at High Halstow l Planet

Don’t miss out on all the fun INFORMATION: 01634 338319 BOOKING FORMS: 01634 338338

Regular Drama and Dance Classes at The Brook Theatre The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2010

from the Arts Development Team. Arts for life.

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Every Wed, 13 Jan – 24 Mar (no class 17 Feb) 7–9pm each week (13–18 years)

Brook Youth Theatre Tutors: Miriam & Aidan Dooley (Play On Words Theatre Company) 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 £43 for 10-week term Every Sat, 16 Jan – 27 Mar (no class 20 Feb) 2–3pm (5–8 years), 3–4pm (9–12 years)

Young People’s Drama Tutors: Heidi Garwood and Jenny Griffin 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

Every Sat, 16 Jan – 27 Mar (no class 20 Feb) 4–5.30pm (9–16 years)

Young People’s Drama – Musical Tutors: Heidi Garwood and Jenny Griffin This group is open to anyone, no matter what their level of skill or confidence. We will be working towards showcase performances.

Fee £38 for 10-week term

Every Thu, 4 Feb – 8 Apr 7.30–8.30pm

Young People’s Drama – Musical

Tutor: Karen Dockwray In a relaxed environment, this is a creative and cheap way to keep fit.

Different levels of ability welcome.

Fee £34 for 10-week course

Every Wed, 3 Feb – 7 Apr 11.15am–12.15pm

Adult Tap Tutor: Skye Mitchell A fun and lively class that will get your heart racing.

Fee £3.90 per class

Every Thur, 4 Feb – 8 Apr 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 £37 for 10-week course

Loop Dance Company Every Thur, 10am–12noon An open contemporary class for professional dancers.

Every Wed, 3 Feb – 7 Apr 5.30–6.45pm

Adult Contemporary Dance Class A pilates and fitness focus.

Perfect for beginners.

Fee is £4 per class Phone 01634 831530 for more information and Loop Dance Company’s schedule.

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2010

Tutors: Heidi Garwood and Jenny Griffin This group is open to anyone, no matter their level of skill or confidence.

We will be working towards showcase performances.

Fee £38 for 10-week term

Dancercise

www.thebrooktheatre.co.uk

Every Mon, 11 Jan – 22 Mar (no class 15 Feb) 6.30–8pm (9–16 years)

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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

Balcony

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, Spring 2010

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Entrance

Box office 01634 338338

Main theatre seating plan

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.

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.

Discounts 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.

Facilities for customers with disabilities 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.

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

Sir John Hawkins Way flyover has now been demolished.

The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2010

Box office hours

www.thebrooktheatre.co.uk

Booking information

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Box office 01634 338338 The Brook Theatre, Chatham, spring 2010 20

The Brook Theatre SPRING 2010

AT A GLANCE

JANUARY Thursday, 21

The Bully Wee Band

FEBRUARY Monday, 1 Tuesday, 2 Wednesday, 3 to Wednesday 24 Sunday, 7 Saturday, 13 Thursday, 18 to Saturday 20 Thursday, 25 Saturday, 27

Hal Cruttenden plus support Geoff Gascoyne’s POP BOP Quartet Study of Thought (gallery exhibition) Knight Time Count Arthur Strong - the Man Behind the Smile Honk!

The Singing Loins Calendar Girls and Boys

MARCH Monday, 1 Tuesday, 2 Friday, 5 to Saturday 6 Wednesday, 10 to Saturday 13 Tuesday, 16 to Wednesday, 17 Thursday, 18 Friday, 19 Sunday, 21 Monday, 22 Wednesday, 24 Sunday, 28

Andrew Maxwell plus support Karen Lane with Paul Malsom and Jo Fooks Movie Magic Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Shakespeare in Shorts St Patrick’s Night Party The Cabaret of Curiosities Mamer Keith Charles with special guest My Town Feast of Fiddles

APRIL Friday, 9 Saturday, 10 to Thursday, 29 Sunday, 11 Monday, 12 Tuesday, 13 Wednesday, 14 Saturday, 17 Thursday, 22 Friday, 23 Saturday, 24 to Sunday 25 Wednesday, 28

Kent Youth Jazz Orchestra Age (gallery exhibition) The Dragon’s Daughter Shazia Mirza plus support The Dorian Ford Trio Mixed Nuts Come Together - The Show Harvey Andrews Medway Young Musicians’ Awards Medway Stage Festival* Bugsy Malone

*Medway Stage Festival carries on in May - see box office for details

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 G5086 01 10 Designed by Medway Council’s Communications Team. www.medway.gov.uk/communications