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Havana Car - Colour by Robert Back, a photographer born and bred in Medway who specialises in Landscape & Travel photography. For further information including contact details and news of current exhibitions please visit robertmbackphotography.com
CONTRIBUTORS Ian Barratt is the Founder and Director of Mind Strengths Ltd, a qualified stress management coach and NLP Business Practitioner. Ian’s expertise is teaching positive stress management techniques, working with groups or on a 1-1 coaching basis. The recently launched Wellbeing Academy gives the opportunity to become a licenced stress management coach and more details can be found at mindstrengths.co.uk/wellbeingacademy. Emma Dewhurst (Editor) is an actress, community arts practitioner, writer and mother. She has just finished shooting a small role in ‘The Iron Lady’ starring Meryl Streep. When not acting she leads drama workshops in primary schools the length and breadth of Medway for Bigfoot Arts Education. She has developed an unexpected passion for magazine editing and is delighted to have discovered just how much goes on in the Medway towns and the accessible beyond.
Cover photograph of Lizz by Chris Brunt thevitalityproject.weebly.com
Rebecca Rising settled in Medway seven years ago after studying English and working in London and China. Currently a full time mother she enjoys writing in her spare time. She volunteers at a variety of community events and loves Medway’s everincreasing cultural life. Nick Walker is an events director, film critic and filmmaker. His flagship Medway project, The Other Cinema, is a weekly event held every Thursday at the Chatham Odeon. He went on to set up the Screen Classics programme at the Central Theatre, Chatham. Nick also writes, directs and produces short films and is the editor of Film Essay, for cinéastes wanting to write about film culture. Nick has worked for The Guardian and the London Film Festival. Currently he is Events Director at Film Education and Director of National Schools Film Week. Find us on Facebook facebook.com/WOWMedway
WELCOME TO ISSUE 5! At last the weather is brightening and the arts are turning festive. This issue looks ahead to two very different local festivals: FUSE Medway and Maidstone’s StARTle 11 Art and Film Festival. Local writer Rebecca Rising profiles Alana Jones of Dizzy O’Dare, and Medway poet Philip Kane is featured in The Artist’s Space. There are month-long listings in Film, Music, Theatre and Visual Art and Nick Walker’s column zooms in on classic film noir ‘The Big Sleep’. If you are a fan, please help to spread the word about the magazine by telling your friends about us and liking us on Facebook. If you can’t find a print copy our stockists are listed on the website, or you can read the e-edition online. Don’t forget, Thames barge Edith May is still offering £5 off a unique sailing trip with a copy of the magazine: there are three sailing routes to choose from, but I’d go for the lovely Lower Halstow trip myself. Whenever you use our advertisers please mention WOW Medway – it really helps! Enjoy the magazine!
Contents News
4
Giveaway
5
Film
6
Nick Walker
7
Theatre
8
Profile
9
Festivals
10
Music
12
Tuner Contemporary
14
Lifestyle
15
Visual Art
16
The Artist’s Space
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News
SPRING WORKSHOPS! KIDS… Following the success of their Circus Day earlier this year, Dizzy O’Dare (see Profile) are running a four day CIRCUS WEEK for children aged 8-14 years between 31 May-3 June. A dazzling array of skills are on offer: tightwire walking, juggling, diablo, and devil sticks, as well as the chance to hang upside down from an aerial rig! There will be a showcase for family and friends at the week’s end. The Brook Theatre, Old Town Hall, Chatham ME4 4SE. Fee: £25. Call 01634 338319
FAMILIES… Wiggle and Shake BELLY DANCING for families with 7-11 yr olds Saturday 14 May, 11am-12:30pm, £14 per famiy (concs £12.20) Rochester Community Hub, Eastgate, Rochester ME1 1EW. To book call 01634 338400
ADULTS… JOURNEYS: Free workshop: Sat 21 May 1-3.30pm Work with artist Ruth Franklin to create mixed media artworks inspired by the current exhibition, Vessel: Still Points/Turning Worlds. Rochester Art Gallery and Craft Case, Medway Visitor Information Centre, ME1 1LX. Booking essential: 01634 338319
If you thinking of starting a business from home and would like to know more, visit THE HOME-BASED BUSINESS EXTRAVAGANZA on Sunday 15th May. There will be around 30 exhibitors at the event, showcasing genuine home-working opportunities with flexible, family-friendly working hours as well as life coaches offering advice and support. 12.30-4.30pm Beechen Hall, Wildfell Close, Walderslade, Chatham ME5 9RU. Email: hbbe_kent@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 07789 601663
IN BRIEF ART NOUVEAU & METAL WARE – a talk by Medway Antiques & Collectors Club. Tue 10 May, St George Hotel, New Road Avenue, Chatham ME4 6BB. 7.30 for 8pm. M’ship £20 per year, visitors £2.50 per visit. Contact E Boyes 01474 823606 RECOLLECT MUSIC FAIRS – all types of records, CDs, DVDs, memorabilia and bargains. Rochester Corn Exchange on May 8 (10am-4pm) and Rainham Mark Social Club on May 15 (9.30am-3.30pm). Free admission The Sunlight Development Trust’s Health and Lifestyle Team are recruiting Medway residents to a Community Evaluation Panel to examine the work of the Team and weigh up what works and what could be done better. You will be trained by evaluation professionals. Induction session 10 May. Expenses reimbursed. Contact Julie Collins on 01634 888624
THE MAY BANK HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY! Win a family ticket to see Fantastic Mr Fox at the Festival Theatre at Hever Castle WOW Medway has a truly brilliant May Giveaway. We are offering readers the chance to win a family ticket for four to Illyria Theatre Company’s production of Roald Dahl’s classic tale, Fantastic Mr Fox, which is being performed at the Festival Theatre at Hever Castle over the May Bank Holiday weekend (28-30 May). Illyria was the first UK open-air touring company to be granted permission to perform the work of Roald Dahl. The company comes to Hever following its highly-acclaimed sell-out production of James and the Giant Peach. Fantastic Mr Fox promises to be an even bigger production, accessible to all, and suitable for younger children. “Another excellent adaptation of Roald Dahl’s children’s classic by David Wood … designed to capture fertile imaginations within its appealing storyline and simple language, no wonder it is a hit.” The Stage Few settings could be more idyllic than that of the open-air Festival Theatre of an early summer’s eve. To be in with a chance of winning, simply email your name and address to the Editor at editor@wowmedway.co.uk, together with the performance you would like to attend, by 21 May. Performance starts at 6 pm on Sat 28 May. On Sun 29 and Mon 30 performances start at 7.30pm Find more details about the Summer Festival at www.heverfestival.co.uk
DISABILITY ARTS In what promises to be a fascinating evening’s theatre, for one night only MIND THE GAP theatre company is bringing its award-winning adaptation of John Steinbeck’s classic novel ‘Of Mice and Men’ to Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells. The three-handed version by playwright Mike Kenny stars an actor with learning disabilities in the role of Lennie, continuing Mind the Gap’s history of casting learning disabled actors in traditionally non-disabled roles.
Photo: Tim Smith
No doubt it will enhance the tragedy of Lennie’s plight, and bring even greater poignancy to the story’s end. Sat 7 May, 8pm. trinitytheatre.net
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FILM
l OSCAR WINNERS 2011 The Central Theatre, 170 High Street, Chatham ME4 4AS 01634 338 301 Enjoy three of this year’s winning films in these special screenings. THE FIGHTER (15) Wed 4 May, 7.30pm BLACK SWAN (15) Thu 5 May, 7.30pm
HOWL (15) 2010 HANNA (12A) Thu 19 May, 7.45pm Saoirse Ronan (Atonement) and Dir: Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman Cate Blanchett star. Rel 6 May Cast: James Franco, Mary-Louise Parker, John Hamm, Jeff Daniels, David Strathairn
BLITZ (18) Brit tough cop drama. Rel 6 May
Set in San Francisco in 1957: fascinating account of Alan Ginsberg’s obscenity trial. 120 mins
SOMETHING BORROWED (Cert tbc) Kate Hudson falls for best friend’s fiancée. Rel 6 May ATTACK THE BLOCK (Cert tbc) Aliens invade London housing estate. Rel 13 May
THE KING’S SPEECH (15) Fri 6 & Sat 7 May, 7.30pm Adults £6, concs £4.50 whatsonmedway.co.uk l THE OTHER CINEMA Chatham Odeon Cinema, Maritime ME4 4LL 0871 22 44 007 A weekly showcase of quality films from around the world, with a post-show discussion led by Nick Walker over a free glass of wine. £8.25/£6.25. theothercinema.info NEVER LET ME GO (15) 2010 Thu 5 May, 7.45pm Dir: Mark Romanek Cast: Keira Knightley, Carey Mulligan, Sally Hawkins, Andrea Riseborough, Charlotte Rampling Strong British cast in Alex Garland’s adaption of Kazou Ishiguro’s Booker nominated novel. 103 mins
WEST IS WEST (15) 2010 Thu 26 May, 7.45pm Director: Andy DeEmmony Cast: Aqib Khan, Om Puri, Linda Bassett, Jimi Mistry Sequel to East is East set in 1970s Manchester, following the now much diminished Khan family in its struggle for survival. 120 mins
Classic remake about a young girl’s mission to find her father’s killer, enlisting the toughest US marshal she can find, one “Rooster” Cogburn. 120 mins
WIN WIN (15) Comedy starring Paul Giamatti. Rel 20 May Showing at the following:
l SCREEN CLASSICS, The Central Theatre, 170 High Street, Chatham ME4 4AS 01634 338 301 A big-screen celebration of cinema classics introduced by programmer Nick Walker. £6/£5 (booked online). Students £3.50. See four Screen Classics and get a fifth free. medway.gov.uk/ theatrebookings
TRUE GRIT (15) 2010 Thu 12 May, 7.45pm Dir: Coen Brothers Cast: Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Jeff Bridges
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 4: ON STRANGER TIDES (Cert tbc) Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush do their stuff (again). 2D & 3D. Rel 18 May
THE BIG SLEEP (PG) 1946 Tue 10 May, 7.30pm Dir: Howard Hawks Stars Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. See Nick Walker’s article (opposite). BEST OF MAY RELEASES WATER FOR ELEPHANTS (PG) Circus acts, elephants and forbidden love. Rel 4 May
ODEON CHATHAM, Dickens World, Leviathan Way, Chatham Maritime, Chatham ME4 4LL. 0871 22 44 007. odeon.co.uk ODEON MAIDSTONE, Lockmeadow, Barker Road, Maidstone, ME16 8RG. 0871 22 44 007. odeon.co.uk ROCHESTER CINEWORLD MULTIPLEX Medway Valley Leisure Park, Chariot Way, Strood,ME2 2SS. 0871 200 2000. cineworld.co.uk THE ROYAL CINEMA, Faversham, Kent, ME13 7AG. 24hr info line: 01795 591211, Box Office: 01795 591211. From £4.50-£5. royalcinema.co.uk SHOWCASE BLUEWATER, Water Circus, Bluewater, Greenhithe, Kent, DA9 9SG. 0871 220 1000. showcasecinemas.co.uk/ bluewater
NICK WALKER INVESTIGATES THE BIG SLEEP Howard Hawks’ 1946 classic Film Noir is an outstanding adaptation of Raymond Chandler’s novel of the same name. The film stars Humphrey Bogart as Philip Marlowe and Lauren Bacall as his love interest, Vivian Rutledge. It is this duo’s dynamic that gives the film its central thrust. From sizing each other up at the beginning of the film, to unwilling accomplices and possible lovers by film’s end, it’s the snappy banter and smouldering tension between the two that put the sizzle into this edgy noir thriller. Bacall’s on-screen father, the dying and brilliantly named General Sternwood, summons Marlowe to investigate a disappearance and as the mystery unfolds fantastic layers of intrigue leave the viewer gripped in suspense. Much has been made of the complexity of the ‘The Big Sleep’, and deservedly so. The number of situations and characters is seemingly endless and sometimes hard to follow as our hero goes down blind alleys; but in true Hollywood fashion the arena full of murder, blackmail and sex is just there to get us to the main protagonist’s ultimate success at the film’s denouement. More characters are introduced to spin off the original plot to the point where clarity would need to be given if it weren’t for the skill of Hawks as a director, who was someone who knew how to take his audience to dark, intricate places and bring them out the other side intact and wanting more.
In truth the actors didn’t always know where the plot was going but one suspects that this didn’t matter one iota, as Hawks cleverly blends a seriously puzzling narrative for us. It is this, perhaps, which has created its enduring popularity, as it’s all about the process and not the result. We get a glimpse of Bogart’s range as an actor during the famous bookstore scene, when he is transformed into a slightly comic version of the bookworm. The double entendres and innuendos run thick and fast in this film and not just with Bacall, whom he found his match, but in Dorothy Malone too: the film is so easy with its sexuality and sensuality that everyone seems capable of seducing anyone else at any given moment. It would seem that writer Chandler’s ability on the page is to find a tone of voice that keeps its distance, and yet is wry and humorous and cares. Hawks knew a thing or to about storytelling (from ‘Bringing Up Baby’ to ‘Red River’) and adds to this blend to deliver a film that massively deserves repeat viewings due to its joyous, desperate tension on the screen. Nick Walker introduces The Big Sleep as part of the Screen Classics programme at The Central Theatre on Tue 10 May at 7.30pm. Tickets £6, or £5 if you book online. Students £3.50. See four Screen Classics and get a fifth free
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THEATRE l THE CENTRAL THEATRE 170 High Street, Chatham, ME4 4AS. 01634 338338
COPPELIA Sun 1 May, 6pm Colourful version of this family favourite directed by Stanislav Tchassov, principal dancer with The Bolshoi Ballet. £18, £16, children £9, concs available
KIDS’CABARET OF CURIOSITIES Sun 29 May, 3pm Following its successful debut in February, this cracking show returns: magicians, circus artists and more. £6, concs available. 5s and over
l MEDWAY LITTLE THEATRE
256 High Street Rochester ME1 1HY. 01634 400322
MICKY FLANAGAN Thu, 12 May, 7.30pm East End stand-up. “Gut-wrenchingly hilarious” – The Mirror. Over 16s only. £17.50 Box office (Central & Brook Theatres): 01634 338338 Medway.gov.uk/theatrebookings l THE BROOK THEATRE
Old Town Hall, Chatham ME4 4SE 01634 338338
CABARET OF CURIOSITIES Fri 20 May, 8pm Dizzy O’Dare Presents this burlesque special, starring Grace Dazzle, Khandie Kisses, Craig the Incredible Hula Boy and special guests. £10, concs available. Over 16s only
PRIVATE LIVES Directed by Andy Taylor. 26 May – 4 June, 7.30pm Glorious Noël Coward classic comedy. £7, concs available. Monday all seats £4.50 mlt.org.uk l THE ORCHARD
Home Gardens, Dartford DA1 1ED 01322 220000
HORRIBLE HISTORIES 10-14 May Birmingham Stage Company’s two separate stage shows featuring 3D Bogglevision special effects. AWFUL EGYPTIANS Tue 7pm, Wed 10.30am, Thu 1.30pm, Fri 10.30am, Sat 7pm RUTHLESS ROMANS Wed 1.30pm, Thu 10.30am, Fri 7pm, Sat 2.30pm Adults £15, children £12, family ticket £48 (two adults, two children). Book for both and get 20% off THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA 17-18 May Stage version of the timeless classic picture book by Judith Kerr, adapted by David Wood. For children 3+. Tue 1pm and 3pm; Wed 10.30am & 1.30pm. Tickets £11
FLHIP FLHOP Sat 21 May, 7.45pm Hilarious, classic comedy routines with a modern twist. £12, concs £11, Under 21s £9.50 FIVE BLUE HAIRED LADIES SITTING ON A BENCH by John Penzotti. 23-28 May, 7.45pm Moving comedy with a star cast including Lorraine Chase, Shirley Anne Field, Anita Harris and Tom Owen. Wed & Sat matinée 2.30pm. Tickets MonWed £16, Thu-Sat £11.50-20.50 orchardtheatre.co.uk l TRINITY THEATRE,
Church Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1JP 01892 678 678
STIG OF THE DUMP Mon 30 May 7.30pm Family theatre with this musical production of Clive King’s famous story. Some children are rehearsed into the production during the first act and the audience is taught the song choruses. £5. Over 5s trinitytheatre.net CREATIVE WRITING Hazlitt Arts Centre WRITERS’ GROUP meets every second Monday of the month from 7.30-9.30pm. This relaxed, intimate group is led by poet Lyn White. £5. Refreshments are available. Booking required: 01622 758 611. For more information contact Georgie Grassom: georgiegrassom@ maidstone.gov.uk
PROFILE Rebecca Rising meets tightwire performer Alana Jones On the periphery of my cultural awareness in recent years I’ve had a vague sense of the nationwide renaissance of all things cabaret, burlesque and circus but had never taken the time to explore it. So I had no idea what to expect when I arrived at the Brook Theatre for Dizzy O’Dare presents… Cabaret of Curiosities. At the last minute however, the performance was cancelled due to a power cut. Curiosity piqued, I met up with Alana Jones to find out more. Currently Alana is the only female tightwire performer in the world. In 2009 she and actor and film-maker partner Michael Imerson founded Dizzy O’Dare Presents… , a contemporary circus theatre company, following a commission from the Fuse Medway festival. Alana originally trained in contemporary dance, physical theatre and ballet but once she tried out circus skills she was hooked. She went on to study at The Circus Space in London, ultimately specialising in tightwire. She and Michael approached the Brook Theatre with the idea to showcase alternative cabaret acts and the Cabaret of Curiosities was born. Unsure how audiences would react, Alana says “I did try to move away from burlesque as I personally felt I’d seen enough. But audience feedback showed they wanted more of it. So the next one in May is a burlesque special!” Alana rarely takes part in the evening herself, as directing the show leaves little energy to focus on performing. Of their own repertoire, The Tiny Travelling Tightwire Show! is an inventive show for under 5s transported on a tricycle. The low wire stretches between two sets of wheels and Alana performs tightwire whilst simultaneously operating Poppet the Puppet. I’m most intrigued by From The Inky Deep. It’s a much darker and elaborate piece involving mythical creatures, actors on stilts and a breathtaking high wire performance.
“There are loads of people living on all kinds of boats in the marina,” she patiently explains. “Ours is an old Thames lighter which used to take grain up to London. We needed somewhere to live but it had to have space for a studio big enough to rehearse in and eventually hold workshops in. And the marina’s a great place to live. It’s lovely in the summer with everyone having barbecues and in the winter we all go round to each others’ for roast dinners.” Alana and Michael are working on two new acts which you can catch at Medway’s summer festivals. In Cabinet of Curiosities Dickensian characters Floggit ‘n Skarper invite audience participation via the objects in their cabinet, while Reduced Dickens Story is a tongue-in-cheek beginner’s guide to Dickens using puppets and street theatre. It is heartening to know that companies like Dizzy O’Dare Presents… and performers of Alana’s calibre have chosen Medway as their base and are being encouraged to develop their work here. Long may they continue to walk the Medway tightwire. Next Cabaret of Curiosities, 20 May, Brook Theatre, 8pm. £10 Kids’ Cabaret of Curiosities, 29 May, Brook Theatre, 3pm £6 Dizzy O’Dare are performing at Kent village fêtes and festivals via the Applause Rural Touring Project. applause.org.uk, dizzyodare.com
I ask what drew her to Medway. “Well, we’d found a boat we wanted to buy and needed somewhere to moor it. As soon as we saw Hoo Marina we knew that was where we wanted to live.” I’m more astonished that she lives on a boat on the Medway than I am at the fact that she is the only female tightwire act.
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“We want the art just to be out there, so that people can just trip over it!” FUSE General Manager, Dawn Archer
The festival season is nigh – plan ahead with our guide to two very different local festivals In June 2011 the streets of Medway and Maidstone will be positively brimming over with creative talent. FUSE Medway has concentrated itself into one dynamic weekend of street art, and the Hazlitt StARTle 11 Art and Film Festival brings visual art, music and film to every corner of Maidstone. This year FUSE organisers have wisely decided to heighten its impact by programming it all into one weekend over three clearly defined locations: Chatham and Gillingham town centres and the fantastically adaptable Castle Gardens in Rochester. FUSE fans will be happy to learn this is not a result of reduced funding: the festival’s Arts Council funds have miraculously remained intact, which meant new work could be commissioned for the weekend. Best of all, FUSE is free!
From 13 June: ‘Lighting the Fuse’ A week-long warm-up to the Festival weekend with a range of outreach activities. Frid 17 June, late afternoon: FUSE Medway opens with an Illumination Parade along Gillingham High Street, accompanied by scores of Medway schoolchildren and puppets Sparky and Magma, specially lit for the celebrations. Sat 18 June From 12-5pm, Chatham High Street: Street art performances, theatre and dance, including Medway’s very own Dizzy O’ Dare perform alongside British/Israeli company PanGottic Circus-Theatre, slapstick Bread and Butter Theatre Co, the inimitable Wet Picnic and larger-than-life showman Goronwy Thom. Circus-themed Family Fun sessions run throughout Sun 19 June , Rochester Castle Gardens are the setting for an even-bigger-thanbefore Big Tea Party. Street artists, urban village fete stalls, tea and cake from the WI and have-a-go workshops for all London’s Central School of Speech and Drama perform their specially devised production of Alice in Wonderland. This magical, open-air show will be performed at selected venues throughout the festival (places/times tbc).
PanGottic: Physical comedy at its finest: Bristol Evening Post
Sparky and Magma Carnival arts company Kinetika created the puppets as part of the nationwide ‘Imagination our Nation’ project in the run-up to the 2012 Olympic Games
While over in Maidstone…
The Hazlitt StARTle 11 Art & Film Festival takes place between 4 -12 June, with events continuing throughout June
Programme available from the beginning of May fusefestival.org.uk
SEE ART 4 June - 2 July: Maidstone Visual Artists’ Network (MVAN) Art Trail MVAN is an energetic, thriving group of artists who are a positive driving force behind the revival of visual arts in the county town. The Art Trail, first trialled last year, is a happy partnership between MVAN and local, independent shops who give over a portion of their window space to a new piece of art by an MVAN artist. There are roughly 32 artists, both professional and amateur, young and old, showing in 42 shops. A brilliant, practical example of art making itself accessible in the service of the community. Free
“We want to open people’s eyes to more art, and not just people who go to exhibitions.” Sheilagh Dyson, MVAN artist
Sat 11 – Wed 29 June: Maidstone Art Society’s Exhibition More local artists. Maidstone Library, Faith Street ME14 1LH Mon-Fri 9am-6pm; Thu 9am–7pm; Sat 9am–5pm 7 – 12 June: The Vitality Project Cover photographer Chris Brunt showcases his photographs of local women over 40 involved in the arts. The setting of each shot is determined by what has influenced each of the sitters in their art. Chequers Shopping Mall Free Sat 4 June: StARTle Festival Launch Party Highlights include veteran artist Graham Clarke’s ‘Youth’ Band (average age 69); StARTle Art Prize Award ceremony; comedian Rob Callaghan, and music from classical to jazz. Exchange Studio, Hazlitt Arts Centre, from 6.30pm
MAKE ART Sat 11,18 & 25 June: FREE Family Art Workshops led by MVAN at the Maidstone Museum Bookbinding, casualty art (wounds!) and textile collage. 10.30-12.30pm. Drop in Sun 5 June Big Draw Portrait Club Try your hand at portraiture. All abilities. First Sunday of the month. Style and Winch pub, Union Street. Ring 01622 752351 for info. 7 – 9pm Enter the StARTle Art Prize 2011 there’s still time! Email a good photo of your work and a short explanation of it, your skills and approach to mandyhare@maidstone.gov.uk by Frid 13 May. Winner receives an exhibition in the Graham Clarke gallery for the month of June. museum.maidstone.gov.uk FILM Mon 6 June: This year’s festival film is 1940s classic Casablanca, Hazlitt Theatre, 7.30pm, £5 Tues 7 June: Three Wise Men: Contemporary film night directed by UCA student Michael Intziegianni. Explores art and religion through the eyes of three artists. Hazlitt Theatre, 7.30pm, £3 MUSIC Sat 11 June, Maidstone Singers – choral works at their best. Methodist Church, Union Street, 7.30pm, £8. The Maidstone Singers are also appearing in the Opening Concert of the 19th International Maidstone Music and Dance Festival, Sun 12 June, 6.30pm at Mote Hall For more information about StARTle: hazlittartscentre.co.uk Box Office: 01622 758611 Download a copy of the Art Trail from mvan.info
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MUSIC
l CLASSICAL THE CENTRAL THEATRE 170 High Street, Chatham, ME4 4AS 01634 338338
CITY OF ROCHESTER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Sat 21 May, 7.30pm Last night of the proms style concert: Mozart, Puccini, Strauss & Elgar + special guest soprano Joo Cho. £14, £11, £9 (concs available) medway.gov.uk/ theatrebookings
WHATMAN MILLENIUM PARK RIVERSTAGE, Maidstone Proms in the Park Sat 28 May Picnics from 4pm, Concert 7.30pm, Fireworks 9pm Popular programme ranges from classics to pop. Book through Hazlitt Arts Centre: 01622 758611
BEST OF THE MUSIC ROOM, PIZZA EXPRESS MAIDSTONE, 32 Earl Street, ME14 1PF 01622 683548 CLARE TEAL Sat 14 May, doors 7pm, show 8pm Twice voted Jazz Singer of the Year, Teal sings from her latest album The Great British Songbook. £30 pizzaexpresslive. co.uk
MAIDSTONE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Mote Hall, Maidstone Leisure Centre, Maidstone ME15 7RN. 01622 736392
Sat 14 May, 7.30pm Schumann and Mahler conducted by Brian Wright. £22, £18, £14. Preconcert talk 6.45pm mso.org.uk ROCHESTER CATHEDRAL, ME1 1SX. 01634 810061
GRAVESHAM CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT Sat 7 May, 7.30pm Verdi Requiem with orchestra. £15, Students £5. Tel: 01474 816684 graveshamcs.co.uk ORGAN CONCERTS: Mon 2 and 30 May, 1.00pm & Sun 22 May 4.30pm rochestercathedral.org SOUNDS NEW CONTEMPORARY MUSIC FESTIVAL, BALTIC + Canterbury Box office: 01227 787787 20-29 May, various venues. A platform for new and established musicians and composers: classical, choral, jazz. This year features music from the Baltic region with special guest Estonian composer Arvo Pärt. soundsnew.org.uk
l GIGS JAZZ AT THE BROOK THEATRE Old Town Hall, 5 The Brook, Chatham ME4 4SE 01634 338338
NEON Quartet, Tue 10 May 8pm £11 FOLK AT THE BROOK Acoustic Strawbs, Thu 19 May 8pm £13.50 THE CENTRAL THEATRE 170 High Street, Chatham, ME4 4AS 01634 338338
TRUCKSTOP HONEYMOON + SUPPORT FROM DOUG HUDSON Tue 3 May, 8pm New Orleans folk £8 Tony Christie, Sun 22 May 7.30pm £20.50, £19 KENT MUSIC, Astley House, Hastings Road, Maidstone ME15 7SG. Tickets 01622 602 169 Attab Haddad Quintet Sat 21 May 7.30pm Flamenco, dance and jazz. Adults £8, Child (4-16) free, concs available. equatorfestival.com MAIDSTONE FRINGE MUSIC FESTIVAL 28 April-2 May Ten venues over five days with over 60 live bands. maidstonefringefestival.co.uk
144 CLUB AT THE ROFFEN 41 New Rd Rochester ME1 1DX Box Office 01634 365453 British Sax icon Tommy Whittle and Barbara Jay on vocals with support from Roan KearseyLawson. Wed 11 May, doors 7.15pm, show 8.15pm Bar, Reception Music and Meals (prebook to guarantee availability). Tickets £12 144club.co.uk ROCHESTER SWEEPS FESTIVAL Headline acts, The Marquee, Castle Gardens, Rochester ME1 1SX
ELIZA CARTHY BAND Sat 30 Apr, 7.30pm Mercury award nominee twice over. The legendary Martin Carthy opens the show SHOW OF HANDS Sun 1 May 7.30pm Won Best Duo at last year s Folk Awards. Each concert £18 To download the full Sweeps Festival brochure, which includes all bands and venues, go to whatsonmedway.co.uk
The Man of Kent Ale-House
6-8 John St. ROCHESTER. ME1 1YN. 07772 214315
www.themanofkent.com
THE MAN OF KENT ALE HOUSE 6-8 John St, ROCHESTER ME1 1YN 07772 214315 themanofkent.com The Man of Kent Ale House is a surprising public house. Its unprepossessing exterior and modest location on a corner of Rochester’s John Street give no clue to anything out of the ordinary. Inside you’ll find a different story. This is a well-run, welcoming pub at the heart of its community, with a lively evening atmosphere and lots of well-worn corners in which to enjoy a quiet pint during the day. Publicans Rob Jaeger and Heather Mason have worked hard to build a reputation for running a true Kentish ale house. There is an impressive selection of real ales: currently you’ll find a choice of twelve Kentish ales, countless Kentish wines and ciders; and even, would you believe, a locally-sourced cherry brandy. Those who want a soft drink won’t be disappointed either: there are all manner of delicious juices straight from local orchards. This is also a music pub, with bands booked to play here from far and wide. “The bands we book can be Kent based, from elsewhere in the UK or even international bands,” says Heather. In fact French-based folk-rock punk band Sur Les Docks, a Sweeps Festival favourite, insisted on playing the Man of Kent, having sampled their hospitality once before. That’s not unusual: once a band has played the MOK they tend to return: Rob and Heather inspire an old-fashioned loyalty in performers and punters alike. Like all good ventures honest and true it is this kind of hands-on management which sets the Man of Kent aside from other locals. Visit during Sweeps madness, where you’ll join an energetic crowd of morris dancers and musicians, enjoy the mayhem of the bands and glory in an atmosphere that can’t be manufactured. Or wait a week or so, go when they open just after two, and have a quiet chat with the dog.
Sweeps and May 2011 Wednesday 27th April, 8.30pm: Perfect Strangers Thursday 28th April, 8.30pm: Pass the Cat Friday 29th April, 8.30pm: Stuart Turner & The Flat Earth Society Saturday 30th April, 1.45pm: Pierre Vincent 8.30pm: Sur Les Docks Sunday 1st May, 1.45pm: Galley Beggar 8.30pm: Truckstop Honeymoon Mon 2nd May, 12.15pm: Toby, Soph, Callum + bass (Wheeler St). 8.30pm: Rochester Sweeps Festival – Hobo Jones & The Junkyard Dogs Wednesday 4th May, 8.30pm: Tom Palmer Thursday 5th May, 8.30pm: Jem Turpins’ Nightshift Wednesday 11th May, 8.30pm: Porchswing Blues Thursday 12th May, 8.30pm: Moveable Feast Wednesday 18th May, 8.30pm: Selkie Thursday 19 May, 8.30pm: Kent Duchaine Wednesday 25th May, 8.30pm: Happy Trails Thursday 26th May, 8.30pm: Tener Duende Wow MEDWAY 13
Every so often an iconic structure appears which alters and enhances a familiar landscape, and in no time at all is embraced by the collective imagination. So it was when London’s famous Eye was cantilevered into place over the Thames; and so it is with Turner Contemporary in Margate.
Part of Douglas Gordon’s wall text in response to Turner’s reported last words
the sun is god god is the sun
Look to your right from the station and there it is, sitting in the crook of the harbour arm, its opaque, grey-white panels and sloping roofs uniquely placed to broker a conversation between land and sea.
turner contemporary facing the light It is little wonder that JMW Turner, who first visited Margate as a boy, returned here often in later life, finding board and companionship at Mrs Sophia Booth’s guesthouse, exactly situated where Turner Contemporary now stands. Turner, who treasured privacy, came to be known as Mr Booth, and his landlady was with him in Chelsea when he died. Turner is said to have remarked that ‘the skies over Thanet are the loveliest in all Europe’ and this place is nothing if not defined by its light. Even on the uncertain April morning on which I visit, the expansive northern light infuses the horizon and draws the eye. David Chipperfield Architects has designed a suite of interconnecting galleries which capture this light through high, celestory windows on the first floor and vast walls of glass on the ground. The sea is ever-present: it is re-framed continually and a visit is as much about the spectacular views outside as it is about the art within. The inaugural exhibition is joyous.
Mirrors also feature in Daniel Buren’s window framing stripes, lending a sense of infinity to the frame and the sea beyond. Other works include Californian artist Russell Crotty’s hanging globes and Conrad Shawcross’s ‘Limit of Everything’, reflecting Turner’s fascination with science and philosophy: his extraordinary, suspended machine clicks round like a giant three-legged spider, its light-tipped rods tracing the exact pattern of a geometric sculpture on the floor. There are not many buildings in our overcrowded world which replenish the soul with light and space – but Turner Contemporary is one of them. A conversation between Director Victoria Pomery and artist Douglas Gordon is reprinted in the exhibition catalogue: “I believe that some things inhabit time outside of when they’re supposed to be dead or alive”, he says, “I think there’s a residual influence.” After your visit, take a walk on the sands and look out to the horizon: you’ll find that Mr Booth is not so very far away. Emma Dewhurst
STRESSED
Imagination, then, becomes a major theme, as does discovery, celebration and wonder – all precisely captured by Kent-born international artist Ellen Harvey’s delightful life-size, illuminated letters spelling ‘Arcadia’ propped up against a wooden shack which turns out to be a three quarter size replica of the gallery Turner created for his own works. Inside, there is a 360 degree view of Margate as you’ll find it today, engraved onto a series of back-lit Plexiglass mirrors.
AT WORK?
It is a layered experience: while on one hand it is fantastically accessible to all, on the other there is thinking and theory galore supporting the new artworks commissioned to celebrate Turner’s connection with Margate. There will always be one or more Turner works on display, and until September it is a dramatic depiction of a volcanic eruption which the artist painted from imagination based on a sketch by Hugh Keane.
Ian Barratt, a qualified stress management coach and founder of the Wellbeing Academy, offers some answers The figures speak for themselves. One in six workers suffer with stress and those people will underperform at work by over 30%. In the UK alone, we lose 12.5 million days a year to stress, which is the equivalent of each sufferer taking an average of 30 days sick leave per annum.
Identifying what causes us stress, both at work and on a personal basis, can often be difficult without specialised help. High workload demands, unachievable deadlines, working long hours and organisational change are amongst the major key stressors. Typical symptoms of stress include frequent headaches, anxiety attacks, lack of self-esteem or confidence, mood swings and fatigue. If you want to manage your own stress more proactively, try keeping a Stress Diary to record those difficult times. This will help you to detect any particular patterns that may emerge and in turn, the identification of problems will be easier. Once you have successfully identified the causes, you can begin to implement suitable solutions on a gradual basis. Remember to get expert advice if the problems cannot be solved by you alone. Finally, never allow problems to build up until you cannot cope. Cases of stress related illness are on the increase and if identified early enough, a lot of these would result in less time off sick and more time feeling fitter and healthier.
Ian Barratt MASC (Corp.) is the Director of Mind Strengths Ltd. Tel: 01634 314090. Email: info@mindstrengths.co.uk. mindstrengths.co.uk Wow MEDWAY 15
VISUAL ART l FRANCIS ILES GALLERIES Rutland House, 103 High St, Rochester ME1 1LX 01634 843081 ROWLAND HIDER OBE 7 May to 11 June inc Sun 8 May 11am-4pm Painter of the English landscape, known also for his Whitbread commissioned ‘Shell Posters’. Free frances-iles.com l THE BROOK THEATRE ART GALLERY Chatham ME4 4SE 01634 338338 MEDWAY EYES PRESENTS EYES ALL AROUND 7-28 May, 10am-9pm. Closed Sun. Medway photographers give their unique take of the towns. Worth a look. Free medwayeyes.co.uk l THE DEAF CAT 83 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX Open all week, 9.30am-5pm To 8 May THE CEASELESS FIGHT AGAINST GOOD TASTE AND DECENCY – Ella Guru, Lesley Henkel and Sexton Ming 16 May-6 June MEDWAY PRINTMAKERS Free thedeafcat.com l NUCLEUS GALLERY 272 High Street, Chatham ME4 4BP 01634 812108 Free FRACTAL MEETS NATURE Dee Hudson 30 Apr-12 Textiles and painting bring a new dimension to textile design. Preview/Meet the Artist Thur 28 Apr 6.30-8.30pm THE DEVIL’S IN THE DETAIL Marion Smith 14-26 May Glorious examinations of detail in colour. Preview/Meet the Artist Fri 13 May 6.30-8.30pm
l ROCHESTER ART GALLERY & CRAFT CASE Medway Visitor Information Centre, 95 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX 01634 338319 VESSEL: STILL POINTS/TURNING WORLDS To 3 June Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10.30am-5pm Acclaimed ceramacists and tutors at London’s City Lit. Robert Cooper’s tea caddies are especially fun. Free l NO.1 SMITHERY: THE GALLERY, The Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TZ 01634 823800 ROBOT A collection of Robots, Cyborgs and Androids. To 17 June Adults £15.50, Children £10.50, Conc £13.00, Family £42.50 Ticket gives unlimited returns to the Historic Dockyard. l TRINITY ARTS CENTRE Church Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1JP 01892 678 678 ON PAPER Dawn Badland & Louise Pettifer 3-22 May Pencil and print [WORD INCARNATE] Karen Gardner & Jess Levine 24 May1 June Mixed media. Includes a piece which employs voice recognition text projection using the captured words of audience as subject. Free
EXHIBITION
PAPER, POETRY & PRAISE Rosheen Browning 28 May-2 June First solo show , inspired by the artist’s encounters with creation and creator. Preview/Meet the Artist Fri 27 May 6.30-8.30pm nucleus-arts.com l NUCLEUS MEDWAY 75 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX 07735 598533 Art, cards and jewellery by local artists. l TURNER CONTEMPORARY RENDEZVOUS Margate CT9 1HG 01843 233000 REVEALED: TURNER CONTEMPORARY OPENS To Sept. TuesSun 10am-7pm, Fri 10am-10pm. Closed Mon (except Bank Holidays 10am-7pm) Inaugural exhibition in magnificent new building. See article p14. Free turnercontemporary.org
THE PILGRIMS WAY ARTISTS
21st - 30th MAY 2011
THE TITHE BARN - LENHAM - KENT - ME17 2QD Open daily 10am - 6pm
closes 4pm Bank Holiday Monday Illustrated catalogue £1
Artists demonstration evening Wed 25th May 6.30 - 9pm Craft in the barn Sat 28th May 11am - 5pm Admission and car park free - follow signs off High Street and Village Square Further information contact 01233-770425 or 01622-863554 Email: yvonnebonham@gmail.com
MAIDSTONE ART TRAIL HAZLITT
4-
MA students (UCA) installation art
& m
12 Ju ne 20 11
June 4th to July 2nd 2011 Follow the map to see a range of diverse, affordable, quality art and discover Maidstone’s hidden shopping gems 42 shops hosting the work of 34 artists
Chris Brunt
‘Eye-Spy’ Competition Maps and further information available at www.mvan.info
Box Office 01622 758611 www.hazlittartscentre.co.uk
Not all independent schools are the same. At Rochester
we have an average class size
an inspiring team of teachers,
of 8,
no uniform, no entrance exams,
a warm & friendly environment, an outstanding
ofsted
rating, 27 years’ experience preparing students for top universities, great food,
an award winning
wildlife garden, minibus
services and we focus on academic achievement while still encouraging independent thought
and creativity.
www.rochester-college.org STAR HILL ROCHESTER ME1 1XF 01634 828115
YEAR 7 TO SIXTH FORM ISC ACCREDITED
Wow MEDWAY 17
The ARTIST’S Space
from
Ways of Looking at the River
by Philip Kane
Award-winning poet and author Philip Kane has lived in Medway all his life. These poems come from his collection Unauthorised Person, which brings together all his Medway poems in one place, due for publication later this year. Philip is also an artist, a storyteller, a founding member of the London Surrealist Group, and founder of Wolfshead and Vixen Morris I The river, grey. The sky, azure. A confederacy of spaces, grinding together, slowly. VI Each wave has its shadow. As though there are two rivers, one light, one dark. I think of glass, made murky by the years, and the shadows behind such glass that cannot quite be seen.
DESIGN: A Stone’s Throw www.astonesthrowdesign.co.uk
Contact us EDITORIAL: editor@wowmedway.co.uk FREE LISTINGS: listings@wowmedway.co.uk ADVERTISING: sales@wowmedway.co.uk 0845 388 2243 (local rate from BT landlines)
WEBSITE: Sue Davis Web Design & Consultancy, www.sue-davis.net PRINTING: PB Group Sittingbourne, 01795 413880, www.pbgroup.co.uk PUBLISHER: Emma Dewhurst Distributed locally to Medway households and public pick-up
VIII It is wearing a cloak of blackbirds slung over its left shoulder. This is how knowledge comes, gathering slowly on the far bank or in implacable loneliness like the mudflats. XIII The tide is turning to winter, now. The clouds are falling. Do not look for comfort in the river. There is only the changing of all things, and their changing beyond the change.
points throughout the Medway towns.Current circulation, 3000 print copies. Great introductory ad rates available to all first time advertisers. All advertisers also featured in e-edition of the magazine and in our online Directory at www.wowmedway. co.uk Copy/listings deadline for June issue: 19 May ©WOW Medway magazine. All rights reserved. Whilst
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EXPECTATIONS Sunday 1st May Green Diesel 12.30-2.30PM Roy Golding 3.00-7.00PM Phoenix 8.45-11.00PM Monday 2nd May Skinners Rats 12.30-2.30PM
Roy Golding 3.00-7.00PM Friday & Saturday nights throughout May Karaoke with Charlie Driver and Michael 8.30 to close
15 HIGH STREET, ROCHESTER ME1 1PY Tel: 01634 848182 Wow MEDWAY 19
dickens ad 2011_Layout 1 13/04/2011 13:36 Page 1
Rochester
Dickens
3, 4 and 5 June, 2011
A spectacular festival of colourful parades, music, dance, drama and street theatre
More information: Phone: 01634 843666 Email: visitor.centre@medway.gov.uk www.whatsonmedway.co.uk