WOW Kent Sept 2016 by Wow magazine

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WHAT'SON ONWHERE WHERE THE BEST OF WHATS

AUGUST 2016 SEPT 2016

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CONTENTS 4 WELCOME 5 5 REALLY GOOD THINGS 6 NEWS 9 HERITAGE OPEN DAYS 10 23 SUBMARINES 12 OCCUPATION: STEVE MACE 14 BEN CAMERON 15 PAINT THE TOWN – PULLOUT BOOKLET 19 REVELATION 20 FILM 21 THREE SEPTEMBER SCREENINGS 22 MUSIC 24 THEATRE & COMEDY 26 ART MARKET 28 VISUAL ART 30 THE ARTIST’S SPACE

EDITORIAL: editor@wowkent.co.uk 0845 388 2243 (Calls cost 5p per minute plus your network’s access charge) ADVERTISING: advertising@wowkent.co.uk New advertiser & excellent series booking discounts available. All ads also appear in the online edition. FREE LISTINGS (magazine) listings@wowkent.co.uk FREE/PREMIUM LISTINGS (website) Submit your content at wowkent.co.uk

Your guide to the best of What’s On Where Medway, Maidstone and the accessible beyond

DESIGN: A Stones Throw astonesthrowdesign.co.uk PRINTING: Complete Print Group (CPG) 9-10 Orchard Business Centre Sanderson Way Tonbridge Kent TN9 1QG 01732 366666 cpg-net.co.uk PUBLISHER: Emma Dewhurst WEBSITE: wowkent.co.uk Distribution: Medway Towns, Maidstone, Gravesend, Canterbury and Whitstable COPY DEADLINE for October issue: Wednesday 21 September 2016 ©WOW Kent magazine All rights reserved. While every effort has been made to ensure that details in this publication are correct, we cannot accept responsibility for such. Readers are advised to check information listed, to avoid disappointment. Views expressed by contributors and advertisers do not necessarily reflect those of the editor and publisher.

FREE FREE

WHAT'SON ONWHERE WHERE THE BEST OF WHATS

WELCOME TO WOW!

First off, a hearty ‘hello’ to brand new festival, Paint the Town, with whom we’re partnering to bring you a lovely pullout booklet of events. We’re also delighted to be sponsoring the second edition of Making Art Work’s Art Market after last year’s sparkling success – see p26. Elsewhere, we have an interview with artist Steve Mace; a rundown of the new season at Ashford’s Revelation; a selection of Heritage Open Days highlights and a very funny doodle by Resident Doodler, Ben Cameron… Enjoy. Emma Dewhurst editor@wowkent.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS Emma Dewhurst (Founder and editor) is a mother and actress with a long and varied career in theatre, TV and film, in which she can still occasionally be seen. You can spot her in the recent release of ‘Our Kind of Traitor’, adapted for the screen by Hossein Amini from a novel by John le Carré.

AUGUST 2016 SEPT 2016

Dan Fairhurst is Marketing Coordinator at Revelation in Ashford. Having started as a volunteer in 2014, Dan has since joined the organisation and also works as a freelance musician.

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The Noise Next Door, part of Paint the Town Festival. See pullout booklet.

PHOTOGRAPH OF THE EDITOR BY RIKARD ÖSTERLUND

BE A WOW AMBASSADOR! If you use any of our advertisers’ services, or attend an event because you saw it in WOW, please mention it – it really helps. Thank you

Find us on Facebook facebook.com/WOWMedway @EmmaDewhurst7

Tracey Falcon is an arts professional whose career as an artist also extends to gallery and museum education, arts project management, arts criticism and research. She is currently taking a PhD at University of Kent. Contact: taf25@kent.ac.uk. Robert Flood is a life-long Medway resident. He runs a Rochester based events company called Feet on the Ground which provides technical support for live events. He is a passionate music fan with a love of the Medway scene and a local history buff and active member of the City of Rochester Society. Nick Walker is the director of Rochester Kino, screening contemporary world cinema and classic films at various venues around Medway and in London. Nick previously wrote for The Guardian, was director of National Schools Film Week and is a freelance writer, teacher and film cinema/ festival programmer. He currently works for London’s famous Phoenix Cinema. rochesterkino.co.uk

REALLY GOOD THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH!

THE MUDLARKS A glimpsed preview has convinced me this show at Chatham’s Sun Pier House between 6 and 30 September is well worth a visit. Mudlarking finds collected along the banks of the Rivers Thames and Medway are the inspiration for Nicola White's Tideline Art and Xtina Lamb's wonderful large scale prints. Grab a cuppa afterwards and enjoy Ellen Cooper’s lovely watercolours in the Tearoom.

& Fins Festival. Founded by local DJ and boombox collector, Matt Smith, The Boombox Experiment is something he has been quietly evolving since 1992, when his passion for cassette players began. His vision is the world’s first ever sound system built of a wall of identical GF-555 boomboxes… He’s lined up some special DJs and it all sounds – well, you’ll have to hear it for yourself.

there in Spring 2017. Limited space, so booking is worth it.

THE DEEP BLUE SEA Few plays capture the essence of an era more than Terrence Rattigan’s heartbreaking masterpiece. Being a theatre-lover, I’d highly recommend the live event screenings of the National Theatre’s new production by Carrie Cracknell. Helen McCrory stars, and has been acclaimed from the rooftops for her performance. Curzon Canterbury and Woodville Gravesend both have screenings. See Film for details.

DREAMLANDSCAPES

THE BOOMBOX EXPERIMENT Over the weekend of 10 and 11 September, this crazy mad thing takes over Joss Bay Beach in Broadstairs, as part of the Wheels

In 1963, while teaching at Canterbury School of Art, artist Barry Kirk took himself on an impulse to Margate’s Dreamland, and began to document the sights and sounds he saw there. His colourful pieces capture both his own creative methods but also a particular moment of Dreamland’s history. At 2pm on 10 September Kirk participates in a free Q & A at Dreamland, ahead of Dreamlandscapes, an exhibition of his works which will be displayed

ART MARKET WOW is sponsoring Making Art Work’s Art Market in its second edition held in the historic agricultural hall on 17 September. And what’s more – we’ll be there! Right next to the lovely Emma Baker’s gorgeous works. Come and say hello. 5

GOODBYE MEDWAY Hello Gravesend

HopFestFringe FRI 2 – SUN 4 SEPT A brand new performing arts festival comes to Faversham this year, running alongside the Faversham Hop Festival. HopFestFringe brings theatre, comedy and other performance arts to the market town.

20 shows are being held over three days, with something for just about everyone: • Clowns • Storytelling • Dance • Poetry • Theatre and Comedy

Historic floating arts venue, lightship LV21, is preparing to leave her berth at Gillingham Pier on the River Medway and sail over to St Andrews Quay in Gravesend for Estuary 2016, a new, biennial arts festival curated in response to the spectacular Thames Estuary. In an ambitious 16 day programme of contemporary visual art, literature, film and music, the festival shows new and existing work in venues along the Kent and Essex shorelines.

NEW

Comedians include Reading Comedy Festival New Act of the Year 2015, Jake Howie (pictured) and sketch group Red Stars. Shows can be found across two venues, The Arden Theatre in the central car park and The Purifier Building, behind Morrisons supermarket. Full programme and tickets are available on the fringe website and Facebook. Priced at £5 (family and child tickets available for some performances) tickets are also on sale Furlongs Ale House in Preston Street and during the Hop Festival weekend from the Arden Theatre.

Between 17-30 September, LV21 will host new artwork by three artists, Cathy Fitzgerald, Dan Thompson and Anna Lucas, as well as accompanying live events and being a key part of the festival’s education offer for all ages. LV21’s arrival at St. Andrew’s Quay also marks the start of a five-month funded research and development activity to explore the rich cultural landscape of Gravesham, connecting with local residents and building new arts and community partnerships across the region. Medway’s loss is Gravesham’s gain: long may lightship LV21 shine as a cultural beacon of excellence for arts, education and heritage in the area, as she has done for Medway all these years. lv21.co.uk estuaryfestival.com

Sun 11 Sept 2016

Tue 13 Sept 7.30pm

Has Liberation Theology still got a place today?

Friends of Medway Archives: LONDON LABYRINTH

Public Lecture by Revd Dr Mandy Young St William's Church, Walderslade Village, ME5 9LR. Doors open from 6pm for a 6.30pm start, finishing at 8pm. Admission is FREE but a pay what you want scheme is in place.

by Kathy Chater Find your way through London’s many Local and National Records Frindsbury Parish Hall, ME2 4HE. Tel: 01634 718231. Open to all. Talks, Members £3 Nonmembers £5. foma-Isc.org

BARRY KIRK

Dreamlandscapes Q&A Sat 10 Sept, 2pm FREE ENTRY Dreamland Margate welcomes former Canterbury School of Art tutor and artist, Barry Kirk, for a special Q&A session and preview as part of Heritage Open Days ahead of Kirk’s forthcoming exhibition, Dreamlandscapes, in Spring 2017. Capturing the vibrancy, colour and ambience of Dreamland in its heyday, Barry Kirk’s artwork provides a snap shot of the amusement park’s past and people. Free event – book your place at dreamland.co.uk. For more about Heritage Open Days, see p9.

PREVIEW! WHAT’S ON AT SPH Louise Micklewright The parents of our friend and colleague, Louise Micklewright, have asked us to let readers know that a staggering total of £2,583.50 has been raised to date following Lou’s untimely death in April. The monies are to be split between HDU and ICU at Medway Maritime Hospital, where she was so brilliantly cared for in her last days, and the Roofs for the Roofless in South India (Lou's favourite charity, which she visited on three occasions). If you would like to make a donation, please make your cheque payable to Brian Micklewright, Lou’s father, and send c/o WOW magazine to Units 18 & 19, Featherstone House, 375 High Street, Rochester ME1 1DA. Suzy and Brian send heartfelt thanks to all who have donated thus far.

SPEED DATING EVENT (ages 35 – 55)

Saturday 24 Sept 8:30pm – 11pm £15 per person For more info and to book email laura@singlescenedating.com, phone 07918 653679 or visit singlescenedatingcom.

MEDWAY BOOK CLUB Monday 26 Sept 7pm – 9pm

New members welcome.

#WorldVegetarianDay Sat 1st Oct 10am – 4pm

Visit the tearoom for a range of dishes to celebrate World Vegetarian Day!

Sun Pier House, Medway Street, Chatham ME4 4HF. sunpierhouse.co.uk

Rochester LitFest 2016 Written Worlds, Inspiring Voices 1 - 9 October Amidst the usual creative writing workshops, Café Crawl and author talks this year, the RLF has a wonderful day of craft activities planned for families. 'The Turtle Moves', inspired by Terry Pratchett's Discworld series, sees a Juvenile Crafters' Guild appear, as if by magic, in Rochester's Community Hub, where you can design your own Luggage, bring to life a Golem or make a Swamp Dragon, among other activities. Out and about in the High Street you'll bump into numerous characters - and even see a reenactment of the Battle of Koom Valley! And shhhhh - it's rumoured that the Librarian will be appearing in Lspace (Baggins!) Full details available at the events page at rochesterlitfest.com.

ROCHESTER LITERATURE FESTIVAL 7

DOCUMENTARY FILM SCREENING BEGINNERS CROCHET 17th Sept 10am – 1.30pm Learn to crochet with tutor Judi Arnold. Goodie bag included.

BOOKBINDING

HE NAMED ME MALALA FRIDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER 7PM FREE ENTRY

The incredible true story of Malala Yousafzai, a young human rights activist in Pakistan who survived an assassination attempt in 2012 and continues her activism regardless

WITH A POST-FILM DISCUSSION BY A REPRESENTATIVE FROM MEDWAY ETHNIC MINORITY FORUM The Underground Cinema 13 Military Road, Chatham ME4 4JG To book call 01634 812108 or go to: www.nucleusarts.com

22nd Oct 10am – 4pm Local craftsman Mike Fitzgerald guides you to make a case-bound book. Lunch included.

MAKE A RAG RUG 19th Nov 10am – 4pm Make your own rag rug with tutor Debbie Siniska. Lunch included.

95 High St, Rochester ME1 1LX 01634 789347 huguenotmuseum.org

ROCHESTER’S FIRST MICROPUB Real ales and ciders Home-cooked locally sourced menu 14 Sept-16 Oct: Paintings by Louise Nevett 2nd & 4th Tue each month: UNPLUGGED ACOUSTIC NIGHT 2nd & 4th Thu each month: CHESS & CHEESES NIGHT Tel: 07889 214000 Open Tue, Wed & Thu 12 - 3pm and 5 - 9pm; Fri & Sat 12.30pm - 11pm; Sun 12.30pm - 7pm.

Occupation Works by Steve Mace 26 Aug > 12 Nov 2016 Free admission Rochester Art Gallery and Craft Case, Medway Visitor Information Centre, High Steet, Rochester, ME1 1LX www.enjoymedway.co.uk

THU 8 – SUN 11 SEPTEMBER A fantastic opportunity to visit buildings and heritage sites not normally open to the public

YOUR CHANCE TO EXPLORE: 17 buildings in Medway 7 buildings in Maidstone 2 buildings in Gravesend ROB FLOOD TAKES A LOOK AT SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS There are loads of great places to visit, including historic churches and museum collections: PAST MASTERS: Delving Deeper into Medway’s history at Medway Archives & Local Studies Centre, Clock Tower Building, Strood ME2 4AU. A rare opportunity to see some of the treasures held in the Medway Archive with experts on hand to talk you through them. Sat 10 Sept from 11am-2pm. ST WERBURGH CHURCH HOO is a Grade I listed, medieval building which has recently undergone major refurbishment with the aid of Heritage Lottery Fund grants. The churchyard contains the grave of Thomas Aveling, of Aveling and Porter fame. Open Friday and Sat 10am-4pm and Sunday 2-4pm. Tours of the FRENCH HOSPITAL ALMSHOUSES & Huguenot Garden at La Providence in Rochester High Street are available. Sat from 10am-4pm.

The original ROCHESTER ROMAN ROAD can also be viewed at number 48 Rochester High Street. A fantastic, one-off chance to take a look in the basement of the newly refurbished building in Rochester’s historic High Street. NO.1 SMITHERY at the Historic Dockyard Chatham houses ship models from the National Maritime and Imperial War Museum and this is a chance to go behind the scenes and view parts of the collection not normally on show. Open on Saturday at 11.30am and 2.30pm, booking required on 01634 823815. THE OLD BROOK PUMPING STATION, Solomons Road, Chatham is holding a classic car, scooter and motorbike show. Sat from 11am-3pm. FORT PITT GRAMMAR SCHOOL is joining HOD’s for the first time, with tours of the site of the former Fort and Hospital. Sat 10am-1pm and Sun 2pm-4pm. A maximum of 30 people per tour,

email fortpittheritageopendays@ gmail.com to book. ST MARY MAGDALENE, Gillingham is an ancient Parish Church recorded in the Domesday Book, although the original foundation is earlier. There’s a very rare Norman font in the church. Open Fri 9am-4pm and Sat 10-4pm. THE ARCHBISHOP'S PALACE in Maidstone is a magnificent medieval Ragstone palace in a riverside setting that was originally built as a resting place for the Archbishop of Canterbury on his way to London. This is a rare opportunity to look around this landmark building. Open Thursday 10am-4pm. Email fiona.ingarfield@kent.gov.uk to book. THE CARRIAGE MUSEUM is also in Maidstone. You can enjoy free entry to Tyrwhitt-Drake’s unique collection of horse-drawn vehicles and transport curiosities. At the Archbishops' Stables in Mill Street. Open Thur to Sun 12pm-4pm.

Heritage Open Days is dependent on visitor numbers so do make an effort to support your local heritage. Every building open can be found detailed on the website. There’s a great search tool and you’ll find all the opening times and details of what to expect when you visit. heritageopendays.org.uk

Icon Theatre’s 23 SUBMARINES AN INTRIGUING COMMUNITY PROJECT HAS SPANNED THE YEAR, AND CULMINATES IN A VERY SPECIAL, LARGE-SCALE OUTDOOR COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE ON 24 SEPTEMBER Dear Emily, I’m finding this letter hard to write. I don’t think it will reach you. But I want you to know I will always love you…

Imagine if this was your final letter home, written by candlelight, encased in 70 square feet of metal deep beneath the surface of a Norwegian Fjord. The radio has stopped transmitting… the generator has stopped working… the engine is dead. There is nothing but silence, the flickering candlelight finally giving way to darkness, and the certainty of death. After heavy storms in 2013, a forgotten World War One submarine, buried in Medway mud for over ninety years, emerged. Identified as UB 122, this U-Boat was launched in February 1918 at Bremen. It was captained by Oberleutenant zur See, Alexander Magnus, 26 years old and with 34 men under his command. UB 122 undertook just two patrols before the end of the war and failed to sink any British or Allied ships.

Following the Armistice, it was surrendered to the Allies, and consigned to scrap, being sold in 1921 to local cement manufacturer, Mr Batchelor, along with possibly 25 other submarines. Once the engines and generators had been removed the submarines were towed downstream for the breakers, and here history begins to falter. What happened next? Nobody seems to know, but of the 26 U-Boats that originally sank in the area, only three have ever again seen the light of day (UB 76, UB 93, and UB 122, which came to rest in Humble Bee Creek). The rest have disappeared without a trace… The extract from the letter above was written by a dying submariner who, like most submariners, was in his early twenties. Only 1 in 3 submariners ever set foot on dry land again. This is one among many of the extraordinary lives and stories connected to the WW1 submarines that lie in the mud of the Medway river that have helped to inspire 23 Submarines, a 12-month long programme of artist commissions, cultural activities and events. The project culminates in a large-scale outdoor performance created by award-winning theatre company, Icon Theatre. Meet Albert ‘Spot’ Batchelor, the local entrepreneur who made a fortune out of selling 26 surrendered German submarines to a scrap dealer in Hoo – only 2 weeks before the price of steel fell through the floor; or Frau Magnus, a recruiter of young submariners, driven mad when all 31 of her recruits went down in UB39, the oldest only 23 years old. The performance of ‘23 Submarines’, will take place on Saturday 24 September at 7pm on Chatham Waterfront. It is a unique event for all the family, featuring a cast of professional and community actors age 7 to 65+; original new music sung by the 23 Submarines Choir led by Musical Director Tania Holland-Williams; puppets and an amazing illuminated lantern processional. Wrap up and experience an unforgettable exploration of this incredible true story as the sun sets on Chatham Waterfront… Sarah May

Image credits: Ambidextrous Angel Fish & Submarine Siren by Alison Boyce and Alison Swan. Photography: Rick Haylor

EXTRA, EXTRA! HERE ARE SOME OF THE OTHER WAYS YOU CAN EXPERIENCE THE PROJECT: 23 SUBMARINES OPEN MIC NIGHT Chatham Library, Thu 15 September, 7.30-9.30pm Poetry and spoken word with the 23 Submarines poets, community poets, and a mystery guest poet! A free event, but booking at your local library is advised. Refreshments will be available. 23 SUBMARINES TOURING ‘CABINET OF CURIOSITIES’ EXHIBITION Strood Library until 23 September, then Chatham Library A curated installation featuring River Medway themed donated ‘artefacts’ and new artwork by local artists and workshop participants.

Image: Malcolm Attryde

23 SUBMARINES POETRY TRAIL! There are 25 A1 Boards featuring extracts of poetry from both commissioned and community poets in undisclosed locations across all five Medway towns. If you find all of them, you could win a prize. Forms and more details from Medway Libraries. 23 Submarines was produced by Medway Libraries and Icon Theatre, in partnership with Medway Council Arts Development Team. It is supported by Arts Council England, with additional support from Medway Council’s Arts Development Team.

1st Sunday of the month

HAZELNUT PRESS

Workshops and short courses available

ARTS CAFE SUN 4 SEPTEMBER MAGICIAN IAN VALLANCE

Ellen Cooper Art Glowing watercolours and prints 31 Aug to 24 Sept Sun Pier House Tearoom ME4 4HF

1 Ridley Road Rochester T: 07702 269972 E: Heatherhtt@Mac.com Hazelnut-Press.com

ellencooperart.com

Ian has performed for the Inner Magic Circle and is one of the sharpest, most amusing TEACHINGTeaching LANGUAGES entertainers around. languages TO to adults ADULTS Admission is FREE and open to all One to one or class tuition available in French, Spanish, Russian, One to one or class tuition Doors 6pm for 6.30pm start Italian and English as a Foreign Language. Newlanguages French and Spanish classes Teaching to adults St William’s Church www.medwaylanguages.org.uk starting this month One to one or class tuition available in French, Spanish, Russian, Walderslade Village Centre ME5 9LR medwaylanguages.org.uk Italian and English as a Foreign Language. southchatham.org

Watercolour • Mixed Media • Charcoal & Graphite

Art classes for adults (Taster Sessions available) For further information please contact:

www.medwaylanguages.org.uk

PET PORTRAITS Stephen Harries

Clas ses AvaiNow labl e

Stained Glass design and restoration

www.emmabaker.me.uk

E: stephenharries.glass@gmail.com T: 0779 608 0338 Facebook: Stephen Harries Stained Glass strangepaul.com Rochester & Goldfinch Galleries Whitstable

BREAD, STEEL, CEMENT: STEVE MACE, BRINGS AN INTRIGUING NEW SHOW TO ROCHESTER ART GALLERY TRACEY FALCON TALKS TO THE ONE TIME FACTORY OWNER ABOUT HIS WORK As an artist, you have a particular local interest in Medway and North Kent. I grew up with a cement factory at the bottom of my garden in Greenhithe. There’s this odd thing, people couldn’t sleep when the factory was on shut down because they were used to the racket that came from the local works. So it was a whole environment, people lived and worked… and strangely I live and work in my studio. …they were in the shadow of the factory and it formed the backdrop and soundscape of their lives? Yes and there was a comfort in that. They might have complained about it, might have had a gripe but there was a comfort. There is a projection in the exhibition which looks at 24 hour production and this constant

murmur. People lived and worked in the proximity of the factories, they walked to work or cycled or whatever. The factory was the provider, that’s where they did their breadwinning. I’ve made a work called ‘Provider’ out of steel and bread. It’s the first time I’ve worked with bread and bread is crazy stuff, it doesn’t do what you expect it to do. That’s been challenging. That is probably the most challenging piece. Actually the word breadwinner is both historic and contemporary, I’ve been reading and listening to people and the word breadwinner still comes up. One of the rewarding things was sitting outside a café in Hoo and talking to passers-by about their past and present occupations. And people coming to your exhibition will get some experience of the clocking in process? Yes, there’s a clock machine in the gallery and people are invited to clock in and clock out if they want to. If we don’t maintain, how can I put it, production, if we don’t give our younger generation something to look forward to…

So is this a bit of a call to arms, a wake up, a pointing out of something that in your eyes isn’t working and isn’t sustainable? Yes, a person can pull a lever in a factory, it might be a mundane job but it can’t be looked down upon because it provides a living and the reward for that job has got to be a proper wage. All this nonsense about zero hour contract business has got to stop. A person should be able to do a job and support themselves and their family; have some security for the future. You have made the big jump from being a factory owner to being an artist, how did that happen? My past occupations have involved heavy industry, timber: I owned a factory, employed quite a few people and it’s evolved into an artistic career one way or another. I studied fine art printmaking, a degree, late in life. But my past stayed with me. I did a project at Northfleet Blue Circle cement works as it was running down prior to closing and demolition. That took about four years. I had access to the cement works when it was running and

WHAT’S NEXT ON THE JOURNEY? I think there’ll be more work done with bread and maybe I should collaborate with somebody at some point. Oddly I retire, literally: the show opens two days after I become 65! [Laughs…]. ‘Occupation’ runs at Rochester Art Gallery, Medway Visitor Information Centre, 95 High Street, ME1 1LX until 12 November 2016. Special preview: Thu 15 Sept 6.308.30pm, all welcome. stevemaceproductions.co.uk access to the workforce and their thoughts about what was going to happen in the future and access when it was being closed and then knocked down. What is shocking is that when you go into this space when it’s closed, people have just walked out. They’ve left their cups, they’ve left their calendars on the wall, they’ve left things in the office, they’ve left photographs, they’ve left things on the walls which say congratulations to Billy, Baby Boy! … there’s overalls and tools: you know the workforce has gone but by all observations they were going to come back and clock in tomorrow. They work together as a team and without that team, you know, if a guy’s off sick, there’s a problem. Because he’s part of a big team, but also, in the

tearoom and offices, there’s this personal touch as well. I used the cement I saw there. I printed with cement, I cast cement, no aggregate just pure cement. I did strange alchemy with it where I transferred images into its surface. A bit like the traces of people left behind. I try to take a not necessarily nostalgic look. I don’t want to get upset by the past, because it’s happened. You go back to potteries and bottle kilns and there’s development and things have to change, I accept that. You can’t make museums of every shut down factory, but I have documented it and looked at it with a different view. Maybe some of the prints are like a bit of vellum, they’ll stay there. In fact the paper in ‘Occupation’, those prints are on cement bag paper.

‘Occupation’ is supported with funding from Medway Council Arts Development Team. FREE DISCUSSIONS Sat 8 Oct, 10.30am -12.30pm & 1.30pm - 3.30pm Informal discussion with the artist. Adults and young people welcome, particularly those who work or have worked in North Kent in heavy industry. FREE DROP-IN RELIEF PRINT WORKSHOP Sat 15 October, 10.30am 12.30pm & 1.30 - 3.30pm Capture a garment’s history using the workwear supplied or your own. Suitable for all ages. Booking not necessary for these events.

strangepaul.com

This booklet is sponsored by Lyrici Arts and WOW Magazine

20 - 27

SEPTEMBER

2016 IN LOCAL VENUES AND HIDDEN SPACES

ACROSS MEDWAY

A new, exciting theatre and arts festival taking place twice a year in the Medway towns, produced by Lyrici Arts in partnership with Battersea Arts Centre For this, our first season, we have fresh new performances to entertain, challenge and inspire you; including verbatim theatre, beatboxing storytelling, comedy, workshops and much more.

@PTT_Festival /PaintTheTownFestival paintthetownfestival@gmail.com Tickets are available from www.paintthetownfestival.co.uk

TUES 20 SEPT

PAINT THE TOWN FESTIVAL LAUNCH Rochester Train Station, ME1 1MH at 5pm

POP UP PERFORMANCE

Paint The Town is a new festival – a call to action for the community to take over their town and use the arts to paint it in a fun and inspiring light. This launch ‘performance’ takes place twice. Expect surprising moments and comedic exploits in this pop-up for all ages.

CHALK IT UP

Marvellous Murals will create a spellbinding 3D chalk design to celebrate the launch of the festival. Using just chalk, this amazing optical illusion needs to be seen to be believed! Duration: 60mins Free family event – no booking required! Choose the Chalk it Up Design! On the 1st September 2016 an online voting poll opens so Medway residents can choose the theme of this year’s artwork. WED 21 SEPT

PAINT IN THE COMMUNITY HeART, Pentagon Centre Chatham, ME4 4HY 2 – 5pm Create a giant community painting with local artist and curator Matt Bray using imagery from comic books, TV and movies. All ages and skill levels welcome, materials provided.

Duration: 180mins Tickets: Free family event – Pre-booking essential. THU 22 & SUN 24 SEPT

THE INTERNATIONAL ARCHIVE OF THINGS LEFT UNSAID By Rhiannon Armstrong Café Nucleus, Chatham ME4 4BP (11-4pm)

An evolving collection of anonymous testimonies donated by members of the public. The web version was commissioned by Battersea Arts Centre and The Space. Each testimony is performed verbatim, and includes binaural beat technology to induce calming brainwaves in the listener. Settle in a comfy chair, browse the public index, choose a testimony to listen to and if you like contribute your own.

Workshop 2: Sun 25 Sept 11am - 2pm Offers a chance to get feedback on your personal written accounts, and discuss the next steps in turning a true story into a full creative performance Suitability: 18+ Tickets: £10 for both session book online THUR 22 & FRI 23 SEPT

THE 56

By LUNG Priestfield Conference and Banqueting, Priestfield Stadium, Gillingham ME7 4DD 7.30pm ‘Nobody dies in football matches in fires. It doesn’t happen’.

A text-only version is available for those who do not use headphones, and anonymity is guaranteed. “Creates a different kind of approach to most online confessional material, emphasising empathy rather than sensationalism.” Lyn Gardner, The Guardian Suitability: 14+ Free installation THU 22 & SUN 25 SEPT

AN INTRODUCTION TO VERBATIM Performance

By Lung and Wordsmithery Nucleus Arts Centre, Chatham ME4 4BP Join Wordsmithery and Paint The Town on a two-day introductory workshop led by Lung Theatre Company, creatives of the verbatim theatre show ‘The 56’. Workshop 1: Thu 22 Sept 10am- 1pm Introduces you to documentary theatre, examining how to find and collate stories and the legal aspects of these stories in verbatim works.

At 3.40pm on May 11th 1985, a small fire broke out in the main stand at Valley Parade football ground during the last game of the season. Within four minutes, the wooden structure was ablaze. Adapted from over 60 real-life testimonies, this bold and pertinent piece of documentary theatre pays homage to the supporters who lost their lives in one of the darkest days in British footballing history. On the 31st anniversary of the disaster, ‘The 56’ examines the solidarity, strength and community in the face of overwhelming tragedy. Duration: 75 mins Post-show talk: 22 September Suitability: 13+ Tickets: £10 - book online

@PTT_Festival /PaintTheTownFestival paintthetownfestival@gmail.com Tickets are available from www.paintthetownfestival.co.uk

FRI 23 SEPT

BABY BEATBOX with Conrad Murray

Gillingham Library, Community Hub ME7 1BG 10.45-11.15am Using basic beatbox techniques, playful clapping, and rhythm, performer and creative genius Conrad Murray leads a gentle workshop for babies, toddlers and their carers to create music together. Duration: 30mins Suitability: 0-3years Tickets: Free family event: Pre booking essential via Medway Libraries on 01634 337799. SAT 24 SEPT

CAN I HELP YOU?

By Rhiannon Armstrong Rochester High Street, 10am – 2pm Help is at hand! I am available to all for FREE help. I come well equipped with sewing kits, philosophical advice, handcream. I am the multitool of helping hands! The performance art version of Handy Andy… Regards, Rhiannon Armstrong Duration: 240mins Free family event – no booking required SAT 24 SEPT

AT RIVERSIDE ONE STUDIOS:

Conrad Murray’s (performer) workshop for beatboxers, singers and MCs. No experience necessary! Be taken through the basics of how to beatbox, play with foundation sounds, rhythms and a loop station, then in small groups write lyrics and perfect your performance technique. Duration: 60mins Suitability: 14+ Tickets: £5 SAT 24 SEPT

MAKE A CROWN DROP-IN ACTIVITY Walderslade Hook Meadow Library ME5 0TZ 11.15am- 12pm Free crown-making workshop to support the ballet performance of ‘The Princess and The Frog’. Visit the library before the show and come to the performance as your very own princess or prince. Duration: 45mins Suitability: 2-9years Tickets: Free family event: Pre booking essential via Medway Libraries on 01634 337799 or email: waldersladeh. library@medway.gov.uk. SAT 24 SEPT

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG BALLET Hook Meadow Community Hall 12.15 - 1.15pm and 2 - 3pm

Workshop 1: 10.45 – 11.45am Intro To Beatbox with Conrad Murray Beginner’s workshops for beatboxers, singers and MCs. No experience necessary and all skill levels welcome! Learn to beatbox and jam with other young musicians and make your own music. Suitability: All ages welcome Tickets: £5

This beautiful original ballet by Let’s All Dance combines all the ingredients to charm audiences young and old. An original score, gorgeous costumes and crystal clear story-telling draw you into the magical world of classical ballet, and make it accessible to all. A lovely production and a heartwarming tale with the theme of friendship at its core.

Workshop 2: 12 – 1pm Music and Beatbox Composition with Conrad Murray

The show will be performed twice with supporting activity, face-painting and photo opportunities.

Duration: 2x 60 mins (includes 30 minute show, 10 minute showcase and 20 minute movement workshop) Suitability: All ages, especially 2-9 year olds and their families Tickets: £4 children, £5 adults, any 4 tickets for £16 SAT 24 SEPT

LUNG: OPEN REHEARSAL Huguenot Museum, Rochester ME1 1LX (2 – 4pm) Watch LUNG (makers of The 56 – see above) in action during a development rehearsal where they will explore and begin to create a new show around the subject of young carers. Suitability: All ages Tickets: Free drop-in family event- no booking required SAT 24 SEPT

DENMARKED

By Conrad Murray The Galvanising Workshop, Kent Hospitality, University of Kent at Medway at 8pm

An autobiographical performance told through storytelling, singing, rapping and a loop station. Tales from

the council estate of dodgy best friends, that rite of passage; your first arrest, dinner with your social worker and the Christmas dad went prison. Created by Conrad Murray and developed with Battersea Arts Centre, DenMarked explores the extent by which we are marked by events. “Raw, punchy R’n’B-infused work that adds a significant voice” The Stage Duration: 60 mins no interval Suitability: 16+ Tickets: £10 Warnings: This show contains content that references sexual violence/assault and could be upsetting to some audiences. It also contains strong language. DenMarked will be followed by a DJ afterparty in the venue. SUN 25 SEPT

THE NOISE NEXT DOOR’S REALLY, REALLY GOOD AFTERNOON SHOW

CK Productions Brook Theatre ME4 4SE (3 – 4pm) Sell-out comedy sensation: an epic hour of outlandish characters, perfect punchlines and awesome songs. A perfect family treat!

Duration: 60 mins no interval Suitability: 8+ Tickets: Children under 16: £5.50, Adults: £7, Family Ticket (4 tickets, with up to two adults): £22.00. Book via The Brook Theatre Box Office: 01634 338338 or email: boxoffice@medway.gov.uk. Website: http://tickets.medway.gov. uk/thebrooktheatre.aspx

SUN 25 SEPT

THE NOISE NEXT DOOR: NOISE IN THE HOOD

CK Productions Brook Theatre ME4 4SE, 7.30pm A night of mind-blowing songs, jawdropping characters and side-splitting punchlines from the undisputed masters of off-the-cuff comedy. After appearances at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, BBC One, ITV2, BBC Three and BBC Radio One, this show is set to be one to remember. ‘Comedy gold’ Guardian Duration: 120 mins, including an interval. Suitability: 18+ Tickets: Adults: £12. Buy 9 tickets and bring a friend for FREE! Book via The Brook Theatre Box Office: 01634 338338 or email boxoffice@medway.gov.uk. Website: http://tickets.medway.gov. uk/thebrooktheatre.aspx MON 26 SEPT

THE INVISIBLE MAN

Inspired by Ralph Ellison by Lyrici Arts Brook Theatre ME4 4SE 8pm “I am an invisible man… because people simply refuse to see me...” A new work-in-progress theatre performance by Lyrici Arts, commissioned by Black Theatre Live. Featuring actor Wil Johnson (BBC’s Waking the Dead, ITV’s Emmerdale), Director Olusola Oyeleye, and Composer Ayanna Witter-Johnson. Duration: 90 mins, including an interval and post show industry discussion entitled ‘Black Theatre Matters.’ Suitability: 16+ Tickets: Donations welcome. Pre booking essential. Warnings: This show contains strong language and some content that references violence/assault and could be upsetting to some audiences.

TUES 27 SEPT

PAINT THE TOWN FESTIVAL FINALE: SOUNDSCAPE George Vaults, Rochester ME1 1LN, 7 – 10pm A night celebrating community, music and the beauty of improvisation. Sing, hum, whisper, beatbox or even just stay silent and enjoy a completely improvised soundscape by you, the audience. Two professional dancers will create a dance piece dictated completely by the sounds and silences created. Open equally to the musically gifted and the tone-deaf; join us in a live experiment to create a performance out of thin air. Location: George Vaults Suitability: 18+ Tickets: Free event: Pre booking essential. Paint The Town is funded by: Arts Council England, Battersea Arts Centre, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, and Unlimited. It is supported by multiple Medway based organisations and artists including: Marvellous Murals Rochester train station MidKent College Matt Bray Nucleus Arts Café Nucleus Wordsmithery Priestfield Conference and Banqueting, Priestfield Stadium Medway Libraries The Brook Theatre Medway Council Arts Development Team (A special thank you to Robyn Goldsmith and Deb Pinder) Medway Council Sports Development Team Riverside One Studios Huguenot Museum Kent Hospitality, University of Kent at Medway Black Theatre Live Theatre Royal Margate Creek Creative Wow Magazine Medway Messenger

@PTT_Festival /PaintTheTownFestival paintthetownfestival@gmail.com Tickets are available from www.paintthetownfestival.co.uk

DAN FAIRHURST talks us through the fantastically varied new season at this unique venue in the heart of Ashford This year we celebrate our 5th birthday and true to form Revelation brings big hitters to Ashford with shows by folk legend Jon Boden (of ‘Bellowhead’ fame) on his first solo tour, the inimitable Seth Lakeman, and Chris Wood, at Revelation for the first time since he opened the venue in 2011. Building on a reputation for great music, our programme is expanding into theatre, multimedia performances, film screenings and off-beat talk events. We continue to support the best home-grown talent with our Made in Kent initiative, and you can often catch these artists at Ashford Bandstand on Saturdays, or supporting our headline acts. My top picks for this autumn include The Curiosity Club, featuring quirky talks from BBC 3’s Dr David Bramwell, and guest speaker, Kevin Barry, who started as a volunteer for Revelation last year and can now be seen on the other side of the mic. Join us for lively debate and entertaining talks on Postal Prank Mischief and The Influence of Natural Cycles on our daily lives… In October Gerald Dickens takes the stage with his unique one-man show, performing his great-greatgrandfather’s most dramatic readings in ‘Sikes & Nancy’ and ‘The Signalman’. And what better place to perform these gothic masterpieces than at our 11th-century church? Embrace the Dickensian spirit by coming in Victorian dress and get a free interval drink.

What’s On this Autumn: 16 Sept 21 Sept 24 Sept 28 Sept 19 Oct 22 Oct 26 Oct 27 Oct 11 Nov 12 Nov 19 Nov 23 Nov 26 Nov 2 Dec 10 Dec 16 Dec

Legends of Soul in Concert The Curiosity Club John Coghlan's Quo The Wheels on Debussy Gerald Dickens - One Man Show Made in Kent Workshop Sessions - FREE The Wheels on Debussy Frozen Sing-Along Black Dog – The Dreams of Paul Nash Jon Boden + Blair Dunlop G4 Guitar School Ashford The Wheels on Debussy Tenterden Folk Festival - A Day's Work Chris Wood Seth Lakeman The Wheels on Debussy

Visit revelationstmarys.co.uk for full programme details or call 01233 633201

Family fun is big on the agenda with interactive classical concerts for kids by The Wheels on Debussy, and Revelation’s premiere screening of Frozen SingAlong: expect a church packed with kids singing their hearts out to Disney classics. November brings two new and original shows as part of the Great War Centenary commemorations. Black Dog: The Dreams of Paul Nash is a graphic novel and multimedia performance by illustrator, comic artist, filmmaker and musician, Dave McKean, exploring the work of Paul Nash, the ground-breaking British surrealist painter and WW1 artist whose experiences led him to create powerful and lasting images. Tenterden Folk Festival: A Day’s Work, combines folk music with drama and storytelling as a group of lifelong friends gather to discuss the impending conflict on the eve of the Great War. Acclaimed on the folk scene since its debut performance in 1995, it is now revived with newly-composed songs. This page is part sponsored by Revelation St Mary’s.

FILM MEDWAY VISIONS: NIGHTPIECE FILM FESTIVAL Festival of short films curated from over 2000 entries Fri 2 Sep 7.15pm: Huguenot Museum Sat 3 Sep 7.15pm: Huguenot Museum Thu 8 Sep 7.15pm: Sun Pier House Fri 9 Sep 7.15pm: Avenue Theatre, Sittingbourne Sat 10 Sep 7.15pm: Sun Pier House £8.50 entry, to book in advance go to: wegottickets.com/ nightpiecefilmfestival AFTERNOON FILM TREAT Central Theatre, 170 High St Chatham ME4 4AS Tickets £4.50 in adv, £5 on door inc. hot drink and teacake. £12 when you book three Treats. CHARADE (PG) 1963 Tue 20 Sep 2.30pm Dir: Stanley Donen Cast: Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn. Delightful romantic comedy thriller set in Paris. See opposite. 113 mins. medwayticketslive.co.uk CANTERBURY CURZON Westgate Hall Road Canterbury CT1 2BT Telephone: 0330 500 1331. Ticket Price varies: check website for details. NT Live: THE DEEP BLUE SEA 12a Thu 1 Sep 6.45pm Dir: Carrie Cracknell Cast: Helen McCrory, Tom Burke. Critically acclaimed production of Terence Rattigan’s devastating masterpiece. 180 mins. NT Live: THREE PENNY OPERA (Advised 15) Thu 22 Sep 6.45pm Dir: Rufus Norris Cast: Rory Kinnear, Rosalie Craig, Haydon Gwynne A darkly comic new take on Brecht and Weill’s raucous musical. 80 mins ROH Live: BELLINI’S NORMA (15)

Mon 26 Sep 7.15pm Dir: Joseph Calleja. Cast: Sonia Ganassi. New production distinguished by a superlative cast. 180mins RSC Live: CYMBELINE (TBC) Wed 28 Sep 6.45 Dir: Melly Still. Shakespeare’s classic. 201 mins curzoncinemas.com/ canterbury LUNA CINEMA @ ROCHESTER CASTLE Tickets: Adult £13.50, Children (3-15) £9. Premium £26. Group tickets discounts. Outdoor screenings. Refreshments available. Doors open 6pm for 7.30pm. Thu 22 Sep 7.30pm THE GOONIES (PG) 1985 Dir: Richard Donner Cast: Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen. Massively enjoyable American adventure comedy movie. 113 mins ROMEO + JULIET (12a) 1996 Fri 23 Sep 7.30pm Dir: Baz Luhrmann. Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Claire Danes. Updated to the hip modern suburb of Verona. 115 mins MONTY PYTHON’S LIFE OF BRIAN (15) 1979 Sat 24 Sep 7.30pm Dir: Terry Jones. Cast: The Monty Python team. Brian is born at Christmas, in the stable next door… 90 mins thelunacinema.com/ rochester-castle UNDERGROUND CINEMA Nucleus Arts Creative Riverside Hub 13 Military Road, Chatham ME4 4JG Please note: no disabled access. HE NAMED ME MALALA (PG) 2015 Sat 23 Sep 7pm. Dir: David Guggenheim. An intimate portrait of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai with post-film talk about the challenges facing women in Muslim countries in receiving education. 88 mins

ROCHESTER KINO @ BROOK THEATRE Old Town Hall, The Brook Chatham ME4 4SE Fortnightly on Wednesday Evenings at 7.30pm. Screening the best of classic and cult films preceded by a performance and intro to the film. £5, Students £3. (£1 off ticket for anyone dressed in costume form the film shown!). rochesterkino.co.uk TRAINSPOTTING (18) 1996 Wed 7 Sep 7.30pm Dir: Danny Boyle Cast: Ewan McGregor, Ewan Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Robert Carlisle British black comedy classic based on Irvine Welsh’s novel. 89 mins. BLUE VELVET (18) 1986 Wed 28 Sep 7.30pm Dir: David Lynch. Cast: Kyle MacLachian, Isabella Rossellini, Dennis Hopper. See Nick Walker, opposite. 117 mins. ROCHESTER PICTURE PALACE @ THE HUGUENOT MUSEUM The Huguenot Museum (above Medway Visitors Centre) 95 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX £6, £3.50 concs. Pre-film introduction and post-film chat. MUSTANG (15) (FRA/TUR) Tue 6 Sep. Dir: Deniz Gamze Ergüven. Cast: Günes Sensoy, Doga Zeynep Doguslu Five sisters are embroiled in scandal one summer in their small, conservative village in northern Turkey. Nominated for Best Foreign Picture at this year’s Academy Awards. See opposite. 97 mins HIGH RISE (15) (UK) Tue 13 Sep. Dir: Ben Wheatley. Cast: Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Irons, Sienna Miller. Blackly comic adaptation of JG Ballard’s dystopian novel set in a luxury tower block amidst a society riven by wealth crumbling around it and a civilisation on the brink of collapse. 114 mins

MILES AHEAD (15) (USA) Tue 4 Oct 7.30pm. Dir: Don Cheadle. Cast: Don Cheadle, Ewan McGregor, Emayatzy Corinealdi. Acclaimed biopic of the seminal jazz trumpeter. 100 mins PAUL GREENGRASS CINEMA @THE WOODVILLE Woodville Place, Gravesend DA12 1DD See website for info & ticket prices. NT Live: THE DEEP BLUE SEA (12a) Wed 7 Sep 7pm. Dir: Carrie Cracknell Cast: Helen McCrory, Tom Burke. See Curzon Canterbury. 180 mins NT Live: THREE PENNY OPERA (Advised 15) Thu 22 Sep 7pm Dir: Rufus Norris. Cast: Rory Kinnear, Rosalie Craig, Haydon Gwynne. See Curzon Canterbury. 80 mins RSC Live: CYMBELINE (TBC) Wed 28 Sep 7pm Dir: Melly Still. Shakespeare’s classic. 201 mins woodville.co.uk SCREEN@THE AVENUE Avenue Theatre, Central Ave, Sittingbourne, ME10 4DN. FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS (PG) 2016 Fri 2 Sep 7.45pm. Dir: Stephen Frears Cast: Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant, Simon Helberg. New York heiress wants to be an opera singer. 110mins. Tickets £4 Nightpiece Film Festival: MEDWAY VISIONS Fri 9 Sep 7.45pm See box. JOY (12A) 2015 Wed 14 Sep 2pm. Dir: David O Russell. Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Isabella Rossellini 124mins. £4. THE WORLD’S FASTEST INDIAN (12A) 2005 Fri 16 Sep 7.45pm Dir: Roger Donaldson Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Diane Ladd, Iain Rey 127 mins. £4. avenuetheatre.co.uk

NICK WALKER previews

SEPTEMBER SCREENINGS

ROCHESTER FILM SOCIETY @ ROCHESTER PICTURE PALACE

ROCHESTER KINO @ THE BROOK THEATRE

AFTERNOON FILM TREAT @ THE CENTRAL THEATRE

MUSTANG (2015)

BLUE VELVET (1986) *

CHARADE (1963)

TUESDAY 6 SEPT 7.30PM

WEDNESDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 7.30PM

Director Deniz Gamze Ergüven’s Academy Award nominated feature debut (based on a real life incident) has many resonances with Sofia Coppola’s 1999 film, ‘The Virgin Suicides’ in its thoughtful, tense and tender examination of budding femininity. Five orphaned sisters live in a small Turkish village, repressed by gender roles incited by their culture; they are involved in an innocent playful incident deemed sexual, which causes authoritarian consequences. Mustang is a wonderfully shot and beautifully acted film (by mostly non-actors) that shouts in the face of oppressive forces.

David Lynch’s widely acclaimed film about the loss of innocence in a seemingly idyllic small suburban town stars Kyle MacLachlan, Isabella Rossellini, and Laura Dern who form a bizarre love triangle. The now-immortal missing ear sequence and Dennis Hopper’s gas-sucking eccentric are only a couple of the surreal touches that distinctively mark the film. The deep symbolism of the film, the minimalist palette and icons from 1950s Americana aplenty create a powerful cult movie that will linger for a very long time in the dark recesses of your mind. *£1 off ticket for anyone dressed as Dorothy, Jeffrey or Frank!

Stanley Donen’s 1963 classic was always going to work: Audrey Hepburn; Cary Grant; James Coburn and Walter Matthau star, with fantastic scenery and more twists and turns than a Hitchcock thriller. In fact this could well be the best Hitchcock movie Hitchcock never made with Donen (‘Singin’ in the Rain’) handling whiplash changes in tone without a misstep; mysteries will be solved, but not before a wicked amount of ad-libbed flirting and pulse-quickening surprises. Its charming quirks are what make ‘Charade’ both incredibly fun and entertaining.

TUESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2.30PM

See Film (opposite) for full details, prices and times.

MUSIC 8.30pm. Free entry. Tue 13 Sep: KING SIZE SLIM. Tue 27 Sep: GAVIN ALEXANDER. Find Unplugged Tuesdays at the Frog on Facebook.

NEW SINGLE RELEASE!

‘GOT UP AND GONE’

b/w ‘FIND THE MORNING’ On Limited Edition 7” Orange Vinyl! GROOVY UNCLE/SUZI CHUNK Chunk is without doubt a more accomplished singer than many of those decades ago. The coupling of Suzi’s vocals with the songwriting of Glenn Prangnell is a marriage made in heaven. (Malcolm Carter, Pennyblack Music.) Release date: 1 Sep 2016. Label: Trouserphonic/Cat No: TURN 1 - UP suzichunk.com groovyuncle.co.uk ANCHORIANS JAZZ CLUB Darland Avenue, Gillingham 16 Sep 8.30pm: DAVE LEWIS QUARTET. £10. Enquiries: 01634 365353 or 07544 312743. coljazz.webs.com EARLS 30 Earl Street Maidstone ME14 1PS 01622 751286 Doors 9pm unless stated. Free entry. Thu 1 Sep: MAKE SOME NOISE Fri 2 Sep: CHOSEN FEW Sat 3 Sep: KELLYS HEROES Fri 9 Sep: COVER UP Sat 10 Sep: MASTERCLASS Thu 15 Sep: MAKE SOME NOISE Fri 16 Sep: BARBED Sat 17 Sep: SPITROAST Fri 23 Sep: TIMMY MOORE Sat 24 Sep: ALL DAY FALLING Fri 30 Sep: ROCKSTOX earlsmaidstone.co.uk THE FLIPPIN‘ FROG 318 High Street, Rochester Regular intimate unplugged gigs 2nd & 4th Tuesdays. From

THE FLOWERPOT 96 Sandling Road, Maidstone ME14 2RJ 01622 757705 Free entry. Every Tuesday from 8.30pm: OPEN JAM NIGHT: ELECTROACOUSTIC PLUG-IN AND PLAY Full sound system available. Weekends: Regular live music. Doors 9pm. flowerpotpub.com GEORGE VAULTS Rochester ME1 1LN, Tue 27 Sep 7 – 10pm: PAINT THE TOWN FESTIVAL FINALE: SOUNDSCAPE See pullout booklet. 18+. Free event. Pre-booking essential. paintthetownfestival.co.uk GOOD INTENT John St, Rochester ME1 Free entry with raffle. 2 Sep 8.30pm: JAZZ with SIMON SPILLETT tenor sax, JOHN CRITCHENSON piano, TONY TOTTS drums. HASTINGS ARMS FUNCTION ROOM Lower Rainham Road Gillingham ME7 2YD Free parking. Thu 29 Sep 8.30pm: Rochester Swing Preservation Society presents SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY, THE STORY OF DORIS DAY with Claire Harper and the Bob Holloway Duo. 8.00pm start. Admission £7. Raffle. Reservations essential. To book a table tel: 01634 712217 or check website. sukotto5.wix.com/rsps HISTORIC DOCKYARD Chatham ME4 4TE SALUTE TO THE ‘40S 17 & 18 Sep: Vintage music stages include ‘Big band’ THE LONDON SWING ORCHESTRA; JUSTIN AND THE ARGONAUTS; female trio THE FEMMES and a finale sing-song at the end of each day. thedockyard.co.uk

THE PLAYHOUSE 104 High Street Whitstable CT5 1AZ 01227 281174 Sun 25 Sep 7.45pm: HOME SERVICE Groundbreaking rock-folk band featuring John Kirkpatrick. £18.50 playhousewhitstable.co.uk THE LADY LUCK 18 St Peters Street, Canterbury CT1 2BQ Free entry. Over 18s only. Regular live music. See website for details. theladyluck.co.uk/live-music MAN OF KENT ALEHOUSE 6 - 8 John Street, Rochester Tel: 07772 214315 Thu 5 Sep: RACHEL LOWRIE Sun 4 Sep: JAM NIGHT Tue 6 Sep: UKULELE JAM NIGHT Wed 7 Sep: FRANK STATESBORO Thur 8 Sep: HOBO JONES & THE JUNKYARD DOGS Fri 9 Sep: THE SWEETCHUNKS BAND. Sun 11 Sep: JAM NIGHT. Tue 13 Sep: COCKTAIL NIGHT. Wed 14 Sep: THE JONES BOYS. Thur 15 Sep: NIGHTSHIFT. Sun 18 Sep: JAM NIGHT. Tue 20 Sep: QUIZ NIGHT. Wed 21 Sep: FRAN McGILLIVRAY & MIKE BURKE Thur 22 Sep: PASS THE CAT Sun 25 Sep: JAM NIGHT Wed 28 Sep: TY AND AYESHA WATLING . Thurs 29 Sep: GUMBOOTS Find Man of Kent Ale-House on Facebook THE MIDDLE EI8HT 1-2 Town Pier, Gravesend DA11 0BJ 01474 328947 Live artists/musical acts every Friday from 8 or 9pm, indie bands on Saturdays and Sunday jam sessions starting at 2.30pm. Open mic night every Wednesday from 8pm. Full backline supplied. themiddleei8ht.co.uk No.34 High Street, Sittingbourne THE LOCKER CONVERSATIONS Opera activist Tania Holland Williams

curates new music in close quarters. Second in the series is: Thu 29 Sep 8pm: ARCELIA Tickets £5 via Eventbrite. facebook.com/lockernetwork PIZZA EXPRESS MUSIC ROOM 32 Earl Street, Maidstone Fri 2 Sep: FRED CLARK & Friends £8 Sat 3 Sep: ZOE SCHWARZ BLUE COMMOTION £12 Fri 9 Sep: CLAIRE MARTIN & LIANE CARROLL £18 Fri 16 Sep: THE CHILLBILLIES £15. Sat 17 Sep: FOWOKAN £10. Fri 23 Sep: SOULED OUT £16. Fri 30 Sep: JAMES TORME £20 pizzaexpresslive.com REVELATION St Mary the Virgin, Ashford TN23 1QG Fri 16 Sep 7.45pm: LEGENDS OF SOUL IN CONCERT Sat 24 Sep 7.30pm: JOHN COGHLAN’S QUO Wed 28 Sep 10.30am: THE WHEELS ON DEBUSSY Family friendly concert. See feature page 19. For prices and tickets see: revelationstmarys.co.uk THE SHIP Court Lodge Rd Gillingham ME7 2QU 01634 850485 Music starts 9pm, free entry Fri 2 Sep: JIMI WHITEWOLF DUO. Sat 3 Sep: FATE THE JUGGLER. Fri 9 Sep: KING SIZE SLIM. Sat 10 Sep: THE SWEETCHUNKS BAND Fri 16 Sep: DAN PHELPS (USA) + MATTHEW FOX (USA) Sat 17 Sep: ANDY WHITE BAND Wed 28 Sep: ARCELIA Fri 30 Sep: FRAN MCGILLIVRAY BAND Sat 1 Oct: RNLI DAY: Music/ family fun shipgillingham.com THE WHITE HORSE 46 London Road, Maidstone Sat 3 Sep: MYSTERY MACHINE Sat 10 Sep: KELLYS HEROES Sat 17 Sep: RYK MEAD & THE LONDON BLUES MACHINE Sat 24 Sep: MASTERCLASS whitehorsemaidstone.co.uk

design Snake Davis Classic Sax repro Solo with 5 Piece Band litho SOUL FUNK WORLD JAZZ digital Monday 5 Oct: 7 for 7.30pm – 9.30pm storage St Mary Magdalene Church, Cobham Kent,Limited seats fulfilment Tickets in advance only £12.00 Call Anna: 01474 814819 / 07831 756306 distribution A unique chance to see…

ALE-HOUSE Proudly serving Kent Ales, Lager, Ciders, Wines, Gin, Vodka and locally sourced soft drinks including Rochester Fruit Pressé alongside German and Belgian Beer

9-10 Orchard Business Centre Sanderson Way Tonbridge Kent TN9 1QG e: enquiries@cpg-net.co.uk t: 01732 366666 www.cpg-net.co.uk

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TONBRIDGE KENT e: enquiries@cpg-net.co.uk t: 01732 366666 www.cpg-net.co.uk

Professional tuition in maths & English Qualified teachers Individual tutoring programmes Medway 11+ preparation

172b High Street Rochester ME1 1EX 01634 400240

rochester@kip-mcgrath.com

Live music from singer-songwriters Sunday Jam Nights SEE MUSIC LISTINGS FOR GIGS

BOARD GAMES EVERY MONDAY Hosted by DICING ON THE CAKE

Tues 9th COCKTAIL NIGHT Tues 16th JOEL'S QUIZ NIGHT

6-8 John Street, Rochester ME1 1YN Tel: 07772 214315

THEATRE/COMEDY BROOK THEATRE Old Town Hall, Chatham ME4 4SE Box Office: 01634 338338 Sun 25 Sep 3pm: THE NOISE NEXT DOOR: REALLY GOOD AFTERNOON SHOW from Paint the Town Festival. Family frolics. See pullout booklet. Recommended for ages 8+. Tickets: £7.00, Under 16s: £5.50. Family Four ticket (any combination of adults and children): £22. Sun 25 Sep 7.30pm: THE NOISE NEXT DOOR: NOISE IN THE HOOD. Paint The Town Festival presents this night of off-the-cuff comedy. See pullout booklet. Tickets: £12.00 Suitable for Ages 18+ only. medwayticketslive.co.uk Mon 26 Sep 8pm: THE INVISIBLE MAN by Lyrici Arts. Presented by Paint the Town Festival – see pullout booklet. FREE event of a new work in progress commissioned by Black Theatre Live. With post show industry discussion entitled ‘Black Theatre Matters’. For 16+ (adult themes and language). Donations welcome. Pre-booking essential at paintthetownfestival.co.uk CHATHAM WATERFRONT Sat 24 Sep 7pm: 23 SUBMARINES. Largescale outdoor community performance. See p.10.

John Lennon in his difficult teenage years. Strictly for 16+ (explicit language, mild violence and upsetting scenes). Tickets £5. Wed 28 Sep - Sat 1 Oct 2016: GRAND HOTEL THE MUSICAL Garnering 12 Tony nominations and winning 5, this musical has a great score and an amazing book, and was recently revived at the Southwark playhouse to rave reviews. Runs approximately two hours with no interval; parental guidance recommended. Prices and times vary: see website. thegulbenkian.co.uk HAZLITT THEATRE Earl Street, Maidstone, ME14 1PL 01622 758611 Wed 7 Sep 7.30pm: EVERY BRILLIANT THING by Duncan Macmillan. A new play about depression and the lengths we will go to for those we love. Based on true and untrue stories. Tickets £12.50 and £11.50. parkwoodtheatres. co.uk/Hazlitt-Theatre MARLOWE THEATRE The Friars, Canterbury CT1 2AS 01227 787787 Mon 12 – Sat 17 Sep, 7.30pm + Thu & Sat matinees 2.30pm: THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION. Desperation, injustice, friendship and hope behind bars. Tickets: £18 - £36.

GALVANISING WORKSHOP Kent Hospitality Uni of Kent at Medway Chatham Historic Dockyard Sat 24 Sep 8pm: DENMARKED by Conrad Murray. Part of Paint the Town Festival: see pullout booklet. Storytelling, singing, rapping and a loop station. For 16+ (adult themes and language). £10.

Tue 27 Sep – Sat 1 Oct 7.30pm + Thu & Sat matinees 2.30pm: RELATIVELY SPEAKING By Alan Ayckbourn, starring Robert Powell and Liza Goddard. Tickets: £19.50 - £34.

GULBENKIAN THEATRE University of Kent Canterbury CT2 7NB 01227 769075 Tue 20 Sep 2016, 7:30pm: BEAUTIFUL BOY The story of

THE MARLOWE STUDIO Fri 23 Sep 8pm: THE MISFIT ANALYSIS. An unconventional exploration of the autistic mind. £12.50 Tue 27 Sep 8pm: THE GARDEN. Funny story

about feeling out of step with the world. £12.50 marlowetheatre.com (concs available, booking fees apply) ORCHARD THEATRE Home Gardens, Dartford DA1 1ED 01322 220000 Tue 13 Sep 1pm and 4.30pm: THE STICK MAN. £14, Family of 4: £48. Mon 19 - Sat 24 Sep 7:30pm, Mat 2.30pm on Mon, Wed, Sat: REHEARSAL FOR MURDER. Classic thriller. £15, £30, concs available. orchardtheatre. co.uk (booking fees apply) PRIESTFIELD CONFERENCE AND BANQUETING Priestfield Stadium, Gillingham ME7 4DD Thursday 22 & Friday 23 September 7.30pm: Paint the Town Festival presents THE 56 by LUNG. Powerful performance about a true story adapted from over 60 real-life testimonies. See pullout booklet. Post show talk: 22 Sept. For ages 13+. Tickets £10. Book online at paintthetownfestival.co.uk THE WOODVILLE STUDIO Woodville Place, Gravesend DA12 1DD 08442 439480 boxoffice@gravesham.gov.uk Fri 16 Sep 8pm: LABELS. Funny, moving true story about mixed heritage and multiculturalism drawing on writer and performer Joe Sellman-Leava’s experiences of childhood in 90’s rural England. Tickets £6.50 & £10. woodville.co.uk

BROOK THEATRE Old Town Hall, Chatham Box Office: 01634 338338 Sat 17 Sep 8pm: SHAPPI KHORSANDI (with support). She is back with a brand new show for 2016. Whip-crack jokes and razor-sharp wit. Ages 16+ only. £15.00. CENTRAL THEATRE 170 High Street, Chatham ME4 4AS Box Office: 01634 338338 Fri 23 Sep 8pm SEAN LOCK – Keep it Light. Ages 15+ only. Tickets: £23.00. HAZLITT THEATRE (Comedy Kids Club) Earl Street, Maidstone, ME14 1PL 01622 758611 Thu 15 Sep 7.30pm: CHRISTIAN O’CONNELL – You’ve ruined my morning and other fan mail. £16.50 Fri 23 Sep 7pm: WIFI WARS Live Comedy Game Show where you play along with your smart phone or tablet. Hosted by Steve McNeil. Adult £16.50, Children £11.50. Sat 24 Sep 7.30pm: AHIR SHAH – Machines. £12 parkwoodtheatres.co.uk (booking fees apply)

COMEDY

MARLOWE THEATRE: Thu 8 Sep 7.30pm: SUE PERKINS: Live in Spectacles. £24.50 MARLOWE STUDIO: Wed 28 Sep 8pm: THE ALTERNATIVE COMEDY SHOW. Adult themes and language. £10, concs available. Thu 29 Sep 8pm: LEE HURST: Comedy Show No. 9. £16 marlowetheatre.com (booking fees apply)

ARTS CAFÉ ST WILLIAMS CHURCH Walderslade Village Centre, ME5 9LR Sun 4 Sep 6.30pm: IAN VALLANCE One of the sharpest, most amusing magicians around. Free but please make a donation. southchatham.org

THE WOODVILLE STUDIO Woodville Place, Gravesend DA12 1DD 08442 439480 boxoffice@gravesham.gov.uk Thu 22 Sep 8pm: LAUGHING BOY COMEDY CLUB with Nathan Caton, Ian Smith And Kevin Mccarthy. £10, £14.50 woodville.co.uk

17 & 18 SEPT 2016

ONE OF “BRITAIN’S BEST VINTAGE FESTIVALS” For further details, ticket prices and terms & conditions visit