WOW October 2011

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UNIVERSITY FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS (UCA)

POP-UP GALLERY

CREATIVE HUB IN THE VERY HEART OF CHATHAM

CREATIVE WORKSHOPS – Sessions at 11am and 2pm Wed 5 Oct: Pyrography workshop with Michael Turley

This exciting new venture has been developed to educate and entertain the public as well as to raise awareness of the University and give its talented art students a platform to exhibit their work.

The Gallery shows artwork by students, graduates and alumni from across the University’s Kent sites. Its current exhibition showcases UCA graduates alongside established Medway Artists.

The gallery is also a great creative space for the public to try a wide variety of creative workshops delivered by UCA graduates and artists, and to find out more about creative careers and available study options.

The shop is managed by UCA Graduates Marta Patlewicz and Sebastian Kaye, both of whom are enormously passionate about the project and provide a friendly welcome to visitors. It can be found upstairs in the Pentagon Centre, Chatham next to D&A’s toyshop and opens every Mon, Wed and Sat 10-6pm.

For more info/bookings: 07551 037695.

Email: uca.popupgallery@gmail.com

Wed 12 Oct: Contact Microphone workshop Wed 19 Oct: Photoshop: Nondestructive workflow tutorial Wed 22 Oct: Architecture and Dance workshop with Jarek Karpik Cost: £10 to cover cost of materials and help sustain the gallery

FREE PUBLIC LECTURES By writer and visual artist Bill Lewis, 5-7pm Sat 8 Oct: The Power of Myth Sat 15 Oct: Kissing the Minotaur

Contributors Sam Froudist is a writer, blogger, and Bunting Enthusiast. Hailing from the Colonies (Australia), she’s a fresh Medway resident and has recently co-launched bunted!, a small bespoke bunting business in Rochester. Sam loves watching great theatre, getting overly passionate about things, and feeling so bourgeois that she has to throw red wine all over herself. Contact Sam at goodbyesamantha@gmail.com

Cover by Paul Baker from photographs by Rikard Ðsterlund. Photograph of the editor by Peter Still

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.

Following this Nick set up the Screen Classics programme at the Central Theatre, Chatham.

He 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.

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) DESIGN: A Stone’s Throw www.astonesthrowdesign.co.uk WEBSITE: Sue Davis Web Design & Consultancy, www.sue-davis.net

The extraordinary illuminations of The Electric Forest, which returns to light up Bedgebury Pinetum and Forest over the autumn half term.

An absolute must-see. For more information see page 15. Photographs by Matthew Andrews

WELCOME to WOW Medway! This month, in the KJV 400 exhibition, it is heartening to find work by Medway’s young people setting a very high bar, under the beady stewardship of professional artist Nick Stewart. Turn to p9 to read more.

Many thanks to the reader who wrote to tell me how many events she attended in September due to WOW Medway. It‘s so encouraging to hear stories about the magazine’s impact: all letters/emails gratefully received.

If you do attend an event or buy a service because you have seen it in WOW Medway, please be sure to mention us – it really helps. Happy Autumn!

Emma Dewhurst

Directory at www.wowmedway. co.uk Copy/listings deadline for November issue: 20 October ©WOW Medway magazine.

All rights reserved. Whilst PUBLISHER: Emma Dewhurst every effort has been made Distributed locally to Medway to ensure that details in this households and public pick-up publication are accurate, we points throughout the Medway cannot accept responsibility for towns. Current print circulation: such. Readers are advised to 5000 copies. check listings information to avoid disappointment. Views Great introductory ad rates expressed by contributors and available to all first time advertisers do not necessarily advertisers. All advertisers reflect those of the editor and also featured in e-edition of publisher. the magazine and in our online PRINTING: PB Group Sittingbourne, 01795 413880, www.pbgroup.co.uk

Please mention WOW Medway if you use our advertisers’ services or attend an event you found in our listings

Find us on Facebook facebook.com/WOWMedway

@EmmaDewhurst7 WOW Medway is printed on 100% recycled paper

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NATURE WRITING WORKSHOP Sat 22 October 10am-1pm Join Carol Donaldson (BBC Wildlife Travel Writer of the Year) on a walk down to the Swale and around Oare Creek for tips on taking inspiration from nature, writing vivid prose and editing your work. There’s a prize for the best piece written resulting from the walk.

TAKE TONIC! One thing that any creative business needs is regular access to high-quality, lowcost training that keeps up with the latest developments in business and creativity.

The Tonic Creative Business Project, set up in 2008 as a partnership between Kent universities, led by University for the Creative Arts in Rochester, offers just that.

Tonic mixes creativity and business in a range of innovative courses, including Creative IT and Web Design, Film and Video making, Entrepreneurship and Photography, among others. It also runs one day workshops led by industry professionals on issues like business planning for creatives, as well as networking events.

The Tonic:the Club membership scheme was launched in January 2011, and has proved extremely popular. You don’t have to belong to an organisation to join: creative sole traders are equally welcome. The new term begins in November.

For more information on courses and membership contact John Brazier: jbrazier@ucreative.ac.uk

Meet at: The Castle Inn at Oare, near Faversham ME13 0PY To book: Tel 01634 338891, or e-mail msep@kent.gov.uk

SHE WRITES 17Percent is launching a night of new live writing by women at Whitstable’s Horsebridge Centre on 12 October and returning on 7 December. 17Percent was set up by Medway-based writer Sam Hall to address the fact that only 17 per cent of performed UK plays are written by women.

She Writes, Chives Café, Horsebridge Centre, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1AF. Tickets: £5, £4 concs Show starts 7.30pm. Female playwrights wishing to submit to She Writes should visit http://shewrites. blogspot.com for more information. Open mic poets also sought.

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Next late-night shopping on Rochester High Street is Wed 26 October

IN BRIEF THE FRIENDS OF THE VINES are hosting a talk on ‘The History of The Vines’ by Odette Buchanan in The Vines United Reform Church, off The Terrace,Rochester on 27 October, 7:30-9:30pm.

Tickets £4 incl refreshments. To book tickets email smgriffin1@hotmail.com RECOLLECT MUSIC FAIRS (Records, CDs, DVDs and memorabilia) at Rainham Mark Social Club on Sun 16 Oct (9.30am-3.30pm) admission £1 and at Rochester Corn Exchange on Sun 23 Oct (10-4pm) admission free

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Masquerade Ball Tickets Wed/Thurs ÂŁ30.00 Fri/Sat ÂŁ40.00 per person (min Tables of 10) Includes 3 Course Meal and Disco 31ST DECEMBER 7-1am

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FILM MAIDSTONE FILM SOCIETY Hazlitt Theatre, Earl Street, Maidstone ME14 1PL 01622 753922

A diverse range of world cinema from classics to contemporary greats. Licensed bar. Special fixed rate parking in Fremlin Walk Shopping Centre after 7pm.

Subscription rates for year: Adult £24; Couples Membership £42; Senior/Student £19; Guest per film £3.50. Concs available maidstone-film-society.org.uk PARTIR (15) 2009 Mon 10 Oct, 8pm Dir: Catherine Corsini Cast: Kristin Scott Thomas, Sergi Lopez A story of disintegrating respectability with Scott Thomas as an Englishwoman living in France. 85 mins WINTER’S BONE (PG) 2010 Dir: Debra Granik Cast: Jennifer Lawrence ‘A backwoods classic’ according to The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw.

TRUST (15) 2011 Thu 13 Oct 7.45pm Dir: David Schwimmer Cast: Clive Owen, Catharine Keener A teenage girl is targeted by an online sexual predator. 106 mins BEGINNERS (15) 2010 Thu 20 Oct 7.45pm Dir: Mike Mills Cast: Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer A young man is rocked by two announcements from his elderly father: that he has terminal cancer, and that he has a young male lover. 105 mins SUPER 8 (12A) 2011 Thu 27 Oct 7.45pm Dir: J.J. Abrams Cast: Jessica Tuck, Elle Fanning Abrams’ homage to Spielberg, who produces. After witnessing a mysterious train crash, a group of friends begin noticing strange happenings in their small town and begin to investigate. 112 mins

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

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 A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (12A) 1951

THE TREE OF LIFE (12A) 2011 Thu 6 Oct 7.45pm Dir: Terrence Malick Cast: Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, Fiona Shaw From the director of ‘The Thin Red Line’, this won the Palme d’Or at Cannes. 139 mins

Mon 10 Oct, 7.30pm Dir: Elia Kazan Cast: Marlon Brando, Vivien Leigh Film adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ 1947 romantic drama.

See Nick Walker’s article.

BEST OF GENERAL RELEASES MIDNIGHT IN PARIS (12A) Woody Allen’s latest with Owen Wilson. Rel 7 Oct JOHNNY ENGLISH REBORN (PG) Rowan Atkinson as unlikely super-spy. Rel 7 Oct 3D – THE LION KING (U) Disney’s Oscar-winning animated classic. Rel 7 Oct ALBATROSS (15) Sparky coming-of-age comedy.

Rel 14 Oct RESTLESS (Cert tbc) Powerful drama: love, life and death. Rel 21 Oct WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN (15) Tilda Swinton stars in adaptation of Lionel Shriver’s acclaimed novel. Rel 21 Oct THE IDES OF MARCH (15) George Clooney directs and stars in US politics drama. Rel 28 Oct Showing at the following: 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

A STREETCAR NAMED

Nick Walker tells the story behind this play-to-screen classic

DESIRE

This is the classic story of poor disturbed Blanche DuBois, who moves in with her sister in the Big Easy, New Orleans and is tormented by her brutish brother-in-law Stanley, a greasy, poker-playing fella who knows a thing or two about reality, while her reality crumbles around her. There is something in Blanche of the character Norma Desmond in Sunset Blvd. (1950) as both characters succumb to their alter egos, and descend into their own worlds of fantasy and half-truths.

It’s really the clash between Blanche’s stately delusions and Stanley’s gritty realism that soups up the drama in this Tennessee Williams play, converted to film classic by director Elia Kazan.

However this nearly didn’t happen, as Kazan was originally sceptical about directing the film because he felt he had achieved everything he wanted with the stage version, but undertook the project after pressure from writer Tennessee Williams.

The play’s themes were controversial, causing the screenplay to be watered down to comply with the Hollywood Production Code. In the original play, Blanche’s deceased husband, Allan Grey, had committed suicide after he was discovered having a homosexual affair. This material was removed for the film!

Jessica Tandy, who had played Blanche DuBois on Broadway, was bypassed in favour of Vivien Leigh, star of the London production, at the insistence of the producers. This was because her fame from films such as ‘Gone with the Wind’ provided the star power which they felt the film needed: Brando had not yet achieved the fame necessary to draw audiences. Vivien Leigh’s Blanche is a sexually hungry woman posing as a sad, wilting flower; the earlier version covered up some of the hunger.

Excellent black and white lighting and jazzy background music amplify the seedy, sleazy atmosphere, which adds depth and texture to the story and the acting. And, of course, the claustrophobic, steamy French Quarter makes a perfect setting. Most of the filming was on studio sets in Hollywood, but a few exteriors were filmed in New Orleans, most notably the opening scenes of Blanche’s arrival. The streetcar visible in the film is Perley Thomas #922, still in service in New Orleans.

The film was a huge hit at the 24th Oscars ceremony with twelve nominations in total, including actor Marlon Brando and director Kazan as well as several nominations for the technical side of the film: Cinematography, Costume Design, Sound Recording, Screenplay and Music. Oscar statuettes were awarded to Karl Malden, Vivien Leigh, Kim Hunter and to Richard Day and George James Hopkins for Art Direction. Incidentally, Kim Hunter couldn’t make the Oscar ceremony that night, so Bette Davis collected the award on her behalf.

You could make a good case that no performance had more influence on modern film acting styles than Brando’s work as Stanley Kowalski, Tennessee Williams’ rough, smelly, sexually charged hero. His iconic tight T-shirt had to be made specially, as one could not buy fitted T-shirts at the time; a regular T-shirt was bought, it was washed several times and its back was sewn in order to tighten it for Brando. Despite the overwhelming power of Brando’s performance, however, ‘Streetcar’ is one of the great ensemble pieces of the movies.

A Streetcar Named Desire is being screened as part of the Screen Classics programme at Central Theatre, Chatham on Mon 10 October at 7.30pm.

Nick Walker will introduce the film.

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More widely known as MVAN, this apparently disparate group of people share one thing in common: their love of the visual arts

MAIDSTONE VISUAL ARTISTS NETWORK IS

GROWING! Members of Maidstone Visual Artists Network gather regularly on the first Saturday morning of each month. Professionally trained, practising artists happily rub shoulders with less experienced, self-taught creatives returning to their hobby through retirement, perhaps, or some other life change; or you might find a young arts graduate sharing ideas and inspiration with a more experienced arts lover who has no inclination to lift a brush or wield a palette knife, but who enjoys finding out what’s on in the local area. What is apparent from MVAN group meetings is the abundant knowledge, passion and enthusiasm of its members.

MVAN is also gaining a reputation for being able to stage exhibitions at very short notice, having twice stepped in at Maidstone Library Gallery following last minute cancellations.

‘Diversity’ II and III were well received collections, showing an exciting and diverse variety of work by artists belonging to the group.

Since formalising the group two years ago, MVAN’s membership has swelled impressively to more than 200 art lovers. Word has been spreading via the growing number of exhibitions staged by the group throughout the year. The highlight of MVAN’s calendar is the Art Trail, where the artists collaborate with independent shops in Maidstone town centre, creating a piece of art for participating shop windows in an exhibition which is ‘free to all passers-by’. The project delights shop owners and public alike, giving local visual arts a high public profile and, in many cases, bringing new customers to the local businesses involved.

Sheilagh Dyson

For the past year, MVAN has been curating ‘Through the Looking Glass’, a public window exhibition space in Rose Yard, Maidstone, at the request of the Hazlitt Arts Centre. Small groups of artists have worked together to produce monthly changing displays.

The ‘Art Box’ is MVAN’s latest venture, for which members have produced pieces of art around, in, or about, a box. The exhibition will be on display throughout November at Allington Library, Castle Road, Maidstone ME16 0PR Tel: 01622 683435.

JOIN MVAN: Full Membership is open to anyone who lives or works within a 10 mile radius of Maidstone. Currently £15 per year. Members may exhibit with the group, are featured on the MVAN website and benefit from the many opportunities that come MVAN’s way.

Associate Membership is free and open to all.

Members are kept up to date with MVAN’s activities and other local art events via an excellent monthly newsletter.

For more information contact Sue Pritchard (Secretary): suepritchard@tesco.net.

Please quote WOW Medway. www.mvan.info

Medway artist and calligrapher Nick Stewart is leading a unique project to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible

The King James Bible is four hundred years old. Events to celebrate the anniversary of the world’s best-selling book are being staged all over the country. Here in Medway, Rochester Cathedral is hosting a KJV 400 project led by locally-based designer and calligrapher Nick Stewart, which culminates in a major exhibition in the Cathedral’s Crypt.

Using hand drawn contemporary lettering, the idea of the project is to re-present extracts from the King James Bible in an original and thought-provoking manner in order to engage audiences across the board - with a particular eye to bringing people into the Cathedral who would not normally cross its threshold.

THE BENEFITS OF SERENDIPITY

KJV 400:

The show will feature work by Nick himself, a team of nine formidably talented sixth form students from schools across North Kent and that of Sue Saville, the students’ Cathedral mentor, a woman with some previous art experience who was delighted to take on the challenge. The students had to be personally recommended by their art tutors and complete a short workshop before being offered a place on the project. It was important to find the right students for the task, as all participants have had to commit to six intensive all-day workshops, in addition to their school work.

The brief is a challenging one, which Nick has met with vigour. One of the original Medway artists, Nick is an expressive calligrapher par excellence who runs a design group, Stewart 2 Limited, with his wife Cherry. KJV 400 is his second community-based public art show. He is passionate about the need for practicing, established artists to give back to the community in which they are based by passing on their expertise to the next generation. This is a practical consideration as much as an artistic imperative, Nick explains: “The UK based student talent that should be feeding through into the creative industries isn’t necessarily getting the professional input that it needs… illustrated by the fact that much of the talent feeding through is from abroad.”

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All of the artwork is hand-generated, not computergenerated, working with raw materials to make exciting, large-scale effects punctuated by painstakingly handdrawn lettering. The limited palette is the visual continuity which connects the artworks together. On a recent visit to the second Saturday workshop, it is immediately apparent to me that the effects of Nick’s technique lend themselves to the subject matter: there is an ethereal feel to the work, as if the heavens have just been created, or an almighty storm is brewing – the perfect background against which to place extracts from the Book of Psalms.

“I originally wanted to use extracts from the Book of Revelation but this raised concerns due to its ‘dark’ content, “ says Nick. “The Book of Psalms has a broader cross section of emotional appeal from joy and sorrow to anger, violence and forgiveness.”

THE BENEFITS OF SERENDIPITY

At the project’s visual heart is a fascinating technique.

It employs only black writing ink, ordinary household bleach and water. The effects achieved are startling.

Nick particularly loves the unpredictable nature of the technique: he believes that it is artistically liberating for artists to have to live with the chance outcomes which only happen when doing something by hand. “I am into the benefits of serendipity,” he says. “I am encouraging students to get frustrated. They have to leave their comfort zones, make mistakes and learn from them.”

The Artists: Stephanie Cave Cecelia Johnson Samantha Love Julian McManus Pamela Oloche William Rye Sue Saville Nick Stewart Freddie Topps Skye Vass Rachel Weston

Nick hopes that the resulting work will provoke and inspire its audience to view both the King James Bible and the art of calligraphy differently: in a more alternative, less predictable context. To that aim, the students are being encouraged to give an urban, contemporary feel to their artwork. When I visited, surf culture lettering styles were being explored and the results gave more than a nod to graffiti. Placed against the more ‘classical’ effect of the ink, bleach and water technique, the impact is arresting.

“This is about empowering and developing young talent,” says Nick. “I have ten brilliant students who are going to create seminal pieces of work for themselves.”

All of the students hope to go on to use their art in their careers. They are clearly delighted to have been chosen. “I feel quite honoured,” says William. Another, Pamela, says “Being part of this project gives me a distinctive edge in terms of experience in this area of art.” Rachel tells me that she has already had a go at transferring the technique Nick has taught them to her work with textiles. The concentration and sense of purpose in the room is palpable.

Nick keeps an experienced eye on proceedings. His passion for the project is evident. “What people sometimes forget is that the KJV bible has influenced almost every aspect of not only our culture but that of other societies too. It is the bedrock of our moral and judicial codes,” he says. “It has also been a tremendous influence upon countless artists in all areas of creativity for the last 400 years and this is our way of carrying that inspiration forwards for the next 400.”

The KJV 400 exhibition will be shown in the crypt of Rochester Cathedral from 22 October to 4 November. Free to all. You can follow the workshops on their Facebook page KJV400.

For more information contact Debra McGee on 01634 810064.

Email: debra.mcgee@rochestercathedral.org

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MEDWAY TICKETS LIVE: New booking website now live medwayticketslive.co.uk THE BROOK THEATRE Old Town Hall, 5 The Brook, Chatham ME4 4SE 01634 338338

JAZZ AT THE BROOK: SUE RIVERS QUINTET with Jo Fooks on sax and Ted Beament on piano Tue 4 Oct 8pm £11 JULIAN LLOYD WEBBER: TRAVELS WITH MY CELLO – a 60th birthday celebration Sat 8 Oct 7.30pm A journey in words, live performance and video through his musical career featuring classics by Bach, FaurÊ and Debussy. £22, concs available FOLK AT THE BROOK: KEITH JAMES IN CONCERT – The Songs of Leonard Cohen Thu 20 Oct 8pm £12. keith-james.com

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEDWAY

170 High Street, Chatham, ME4 4AS 01634 338338

Two very special Medway mainstays celebrate their birthdays this month:

ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: Great Classical Favourites Wed 12 Oct 7.30pm With So-Ock Kim on violin ÂŁ19.50-ÂŁ25, concs available PETE MOLINARI Sat 15 Oct 8pm Great opportunity to see local lad made good. ÂŁ14.50-ÂŁ17.50

THE MEDWAY BROADSIDE presents HORRORSHOW, The Barge pub, 63 LeyďŹ eld Road, Gillingham ME7 2QY. Sat 29 Oct 8pm. A night of live literature and music with Philip Kane and ME4 Writers reading original and classic ghost and horror stories, with live music including Didi Bergman and Los Salvadores. Print issue 3 of the Broadside to be launched on the night.

Free. themedwaybroadside.com MEDWAY EYES is also one year old. To celebrate, the indefatigable charity has put together ME3, its third downloadable compilation of Medway music , much of it exclusive, from the likes of Lupen Crook, The Singing Loins, Stuart Turner and the Flat Earth Society, UpCDownC, Didi Bergman and many more. All monies received will go to Oxjam (oxfam.org/oxjam).

ME3 LAUNCH GIG is at the Nag’s Head, Rochester ME1 1HS on Fri 7 Oct and the album will be available from midnight on the same day. medwayeyes.co.uk

DICKENS WORLD BRITANNIA THEATRE Leviathan Way, Chatham Maritime, ME4 4LL

RAINHAM LADIES CHOIR with Rainham Police Band supporting Macmillan Nurses Sat 22 Oct, 7.30pm Tel: 01634 365806 or email secretary@rainhamladieschoir.org.uk. ÂŁ10 EDITH MAY THAMES BARGE Lower Halstow Dock, 01634 365343 or 07814950442

ACOUSTIC ARCHITECTS Fri 28 Oct, 7.30pm. A special evening aboard the lovely Edith May. ÂŁ10 edithmaybargecharter.co.uk

October 2011 Tuesday 4th Ukulele Jam Wednesday 5th Los Salvadores Thursday 6th Glenn Barnes & Question 17 Sunday 9th Rosie Eade & Davey Mallone Wednesday 12th Keith James Thursday 13th Ash Mandrake Sunday 16th Kent Duchaine Wednesday 19th The Strangers Thursday 20th Migden & Gibson Thursday 27th Stuart Turner & the Flat Earth Society

The Man of Kent Ale-House 6-8 John Street. Rochester. ME1 1YN www.themanofkent.com 07772 214315

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THEATRE PICK OF THE MONTH: THE GIRL WITH NO HEART ART A Studio Theatre Showcase by Sparkle and Dark Brook Theatre, Wed 5 Oct 7.45pm £5 The Brook Theatre has a new addition to its list of resident creative companies. Sparkle and Dark’s Travelling Players will join Icon Theatre, Loop Dance Company and Play on Words, once again reinforcing the theatre’s commitment to nurturing talent and creating opportunities.

Led by Louisa Ashton and Shelley Knowles-Dixon, Sparkle and Dark focuses on highly-creative visual performances mainly using puppetry, other types of animation and live music.

United by a love of storytelling, the company produces original shows to tour small scale venues and festivals, holds workshops for puppet building and movement, and takes puppet commissions.

Awards for their work have come flooding in, with their last show, The Clock Master, winning Best Family Show at the Buxton Fringe Festival 2011.

The Girl with No Heart is Sparkle and Dark’s first showcase performance: they hope to develop it with feedback from the audience and take it to the Edinburgh Fringe next year. It centres on a world destroyed by war, where the children rebuild what they can, one paper brick at a time. The showcase features puppetry, live music and traditional storytelling and there will be an audience Q&A after the performance.

THE BROOK THEATRE

THE MARLOWE THEATRE,

Old Town Hall, Chatham ME4 4SE 01634 338338

The Friars, Canterbury CT1 2AS 01227 787787

MACBETH by William Shakespeare Sat 15 Oct 8pm Platform 4’s production promises ‘a taut psychodrama’ with a strong visual approach. £12, students £8, senior citizens £10

LAUNCH SEASON: THE MADNESS OF GEORGE III Mon 17-Sat 22 Oct, 7.30pm, Thu & Sat Mat 2.30pm Theatre Royal Bath production of Alan Bennett’s classic royal drama starring David Haig. £15-£29, concs available

STRANGEFACE MASK THEATRE COMPANY presents A RAKE’S PROGRESS Wed 19 Oct 7.30pm Rousing songs, eccentric masks and rumbustious puppets tell the tale of William Hogarth’s satirical etchings. 11 years and over. £12, children and students £8, inc backstage tour CRUNCH! Sun 30 Oct 2pm Apples through the ages! The show mixes songs, juggling, masks and traditional storytelling. £6 adults, children £5 THE CENTRAL THEATRE 170 High Street, Chatham, ME4 4AS 01634 338338

THE MARLOWE STUDIO: POCKET COMEDY Tue 18-Sat 22 Oct, various times If you are wanting to introduce your child to Shakespeare, start here. An hour-long version of Propeller’s acclaimed production of The Comedy of Errors. £12, concs £1 off marlowetheatre.com TEMPLE MANOR Strood, ME2 2LT

LIGHT AND SHADOW BY LOOP DANCE COMPANY, 22-23 Oct and 29-30 Oct, times tbc. Free The finale of the Encounter project: a promenade performance in Strood’s most magical venue, in collaboration with Icon Theatre and Play on Words theatre companies. encounter-northkent.co.uk

FRANKIE AND TOMMY Mon 17Wed 19 Oct 7.30pm Play by Garry Lyons about his father’s abortive double act with Tommy Cooper in 1940s Egypt. £15, £17 New online booking website: medwayticketslive.co.uk EXCHANGE STUDIO, HAZLITT THEATRE Earl Street, Maidstone ME14 1PL 01622 758611

WHAT WOULD HELEN MIRREN DO? Fri 7 Oct 8pm The life of an Oldham supermarket checkout operator changes dramatically when she asks herself the question… £12, concs £10 hazlittartscentre.co.uk

KIDS DRAMA: MEDWAY & MAIDSTONE KIDS SPOTLITES meet at Spotlites @ Kings Theatre, 338 High Street, Chatham on Wednesdays, 5.25-6.25pm, or Fridays from 5-6pm. Also in Maidstone every Tuesday at Brunswick House School, Leafy Lane, from 5.30-6.30pm. Tel: 01634 829468. Sessions cost just £4.50 per week as Spotlites is non profit making and strives to be affordable to all.

THE ELECTRIC FOREST

I have been waiting for this event all year, following the ecstatic reports of a good friend who visited last year’s trail. The Electric Forest returns with another spectacular, illuminated night-time trail deep into the heart of the Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest.

Designed by Culture Creative in partnership with the Forestry Commission, a brand new 1.5km route through the woodland has been designed to appeal to adults and children alike, featuring art installations and storytelling amid the extraordinary woodland illuminations.

Culture Creative’s director Zoe Bottrell says: We’re aiming to create a real visual impact and a sense of spectacle whilst remaining sympathetic to the landscape and environment of the forest at night.”

If there is one event for which it’s worth making a special trip this half term, The Electric Forest is it.

Emma Dewhurst The Electric Forest runs from 22-30 October, 6.30-9pm. Visitors are advised to dress in warm clothes, waterproofs and sensible, outdoor footwear and bring a torch. Hot home-made food and refreshments are available. Tickets £15.50 per adult, £10 concs, £41.00 family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) inclusive of parking. Booking fees apply. Available online at www.theelectricforest.co.uk or tel: 03000 680400

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VISUAL ART THE DEAF CAT COFFEE BAR & GALLERY 83 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX

Open all week 9.30am-5pm 3-16 Oct DAISY PARRIS & TOM CARTER 17-30 TARMACIANS 31 Oct-13 Nov ANDREA BRISTO Free thedeafcat.com

REFLECTION – Adam Piper, Mark Miller & John Carroll Preview/meet the artists: Fri 21 Oct, 6-8pm. All welcome nucleus-arts.com NUCLEUS MEDWAY 75 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX 01634 780932

Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm. Closed Mondays Kent-made work for sale: eclectic mix of paintings, ceramics, cards and more.

FRANCIS ILES GALLERIES Rutland House, 103 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX 01634 843081

ARTISTS OF RUSSIA From 8 Oct Free COFFEE AND CRAFT MACMILLAN DAY 16 Oct frances-iles.com

ROCHESTER ART GALLERY & CRAFT CASE Medway Visitor

NO.1 SMITHERY: The Gallery

Information Centre, 95 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX 01634 338319

The Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TZ 01634 823800

STREET ART – V & A Touring Exhibition 13 Oct-27 Nov Original street art from around the globe. Adults £15.50, Children £10.50, Conc £13.00, Family £42.50 Ticket gives unlimited returns to No.1 Smithery: The Gallery and all other Historic Dockyard attractions for one year. thedockyard.co.uk NUCLEUS GALLERY 272 High Street, Chatham ME4 4BP 01634 812108

Gallery opening hours 9-5pm, closed Sunday Free 1-13 Oct ART OF RECOVERY In celebration of World Mental Health Day. Paintings, drawings, ceramics, poetry. Various artists Preview/meet the artists: Fri 30 Sept, 6-8pm. All welcome 15-20 Oct LANDFILL (art) – Lorrain Mailer Funny visual statements capturing society’s obsession with the value of things. 22 Oct-3 Nov

Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10.30am-5pm Free SEDIMENTAL To 11 Nov A journey of (re)discovery for artist Stephen Turner which includes an exhibition, workshop and public events inspired by the estuary of the River Medway. The Craft Case will be showcasing an archival display of selected works and objects by the artist.

ROCHESTER CATHEDRAL CRYPT ME1 1SX KJV 400 22 Oct-4 Nov. An exhibition of work based on the King James Bible by artist/ calligrapher Nick Stewart and ten students. See this month’s feature.

ROEBUCK HOUSE 47 St Margaret’s Street, Rochester ME1 1UF 01634 817874

LEDA AND THE SWAN Wynford Vaughan-Thomas 13-21 Oct Daily 12-6pm, weekend 11-4pm.

Exhibition of oils, watercolours & drawings on a legendary theme.

Free

ROSE YARD WINDOW GALLERY Earl Street, Maidstone ME14 1PL

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS Window displaying work by local artists, changing monthly. MVAN artists, this month Chris Brunt and Sheilagh Dyson present 2 Lost Souls. Free TURNER CONTEMPORARY Rendezvous, Margate CT9 1HG 01843 233000

NOTHING IN THE WORLD BUT YOUTH To 8 Jan 2012. Tues-Sun 10am-6pm plus Late Night Live to 10pm one Friday every month.

Closed Mon (except Bank Holidays) TC’s second exhibition focuses on youth with more than two hundred artworks.

Reviewed next month. Free From 4 Oct THE KISS Rodin’s iconic sculpture comes to Turner Contemporary this month. To Sept 2012. turnercontemporary.org UCA POP-UP GALLERY Unit 67, Upstairs at Pentagon Centre, Chatham Mon, Wed and Sat

10am-6pm. Work by recent UCA graduates features alongside established Medway artists. See inside front cover KENT’S COASTAL WEEK 22-30 October Encourages visitors to get creative with almost one hundred creative activities and events from Dartford to Dungeness.

Medway highlights include: Photography workshop with wildlife photographer Robert Canis at Riverside Country Park, Rainham on Wed 26 Oct. For ages 10+.

Only £1. Also on 26 October Gillingham lightship LV21 is hosting a puppet and stick creature-making workshop for children, 11-5pm. Email msep@kent.gov.uk kentscreativecoast.co.uk

EATING OUT The newly-opened SINGAPORA LOUNGE in Rochester High Street offers oriental tapas and a choice of lounge bars SAM FROUDIST was one of the first through its doors South East Asian food is to Australians what Indian is to the Brits. It’s only a half-exaggeration to say there’s a Malaysian, Thai or Vietnamese takeaway on every corner of the four streets of Perth. It’s probably the thing we miss most about living on the other side of the world (sorry Mum).

So you can imagine my delight when word spread that a friend of mine, the enchanting Kayea Shome was opening the Singapora Lounge, a bar and restaurant offering an array of oriental delights.

I knew the BF was going to love it as soon as he saw his favourite dish, Char Kway Teow on the menu, and even more so when our waiter, the hilarious Alfred, complimented him on his Malaysian pronunciation.

Bugger the food, he’s coming back to have his ego stroked!

We shared crispy duck pancakes to start, followed by the prodigal Char Kway Teow and Malaysian Laksa.

It didn’t disappoint. The laksa was lemon-grassed to perfection, subtly burning the back of my throat in a perfectly delicious way. The BF blissed his way through the kway teow, as was apparent by the lack of conversation. I cannot fault the food.

Atmosphere-wise, the restaurant is still finding its feet. It is, admittedly, small but hopefully this will make for a cosy late-night drinking space: the downstairs bar has an impressive drinks list and they’ve employed the new breed of waiter with real personality. I expect great things from the Singapora. Go and visit while you can still get a table.

The Singapora Lounge, 51 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LN. Mon-Thurs11am-11.30pm; Fri-Sat 11am-1.30pm. Tel: 01634 842178 singaporalounge.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

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EXPECTATIONS Sky Sports and ESPN ALL LIVE MATCHES SHOWING Saturdays, Sundays and Weekdays

The ARTIST’S Space Artist and author of ‘The Found Object in Textile Art’, Cas Holmes trained in fine art and her approach to textiles uses the same conventions and language.

Inspired by the urban and natural environment, local habitat and memories of her travels, her interpretation in fabric and found materials is approachable and familiar. She accepts commissions and has work in public and private collections. She is currently creating new pieces for the Knitting and Stitching Show and Festival Of Quilts 2012, as guest artist.

Website: www.casholmestextiles.co.uk Contact: cas@casholmestextiles.co.uk Information about Knitting and Stitching Show/ Festival of Quilts 2012: www.twistedthread.com

Every Friday and Saturday night: KARAOKE WITH CHARLIE DRIVER & MICHAEL 8.30pm to close 15 HIGH STREET, ROCHESTER ME1 1PY Tel: 01634 848182

Opening Times Mon – Sun 10am – 4.30pm (last admission 3pm)

Dickens World, our exciting indoor visitor complex based around the life, books and times of Charles Dickens. We take you on a fascinating journey to Dickens’ World as you step back into authentically themed Dickensian England.

Annual Passes now available from just ÂŁ10

DICKENS WORLD EVENTS Fidelio Opera Ludwig Van Beethoven

Friday 14th October

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Time for Tea A new ‘Good Old Days’ live show Afternoon cream tea, scones, lashings of laughs and songs of yesteryear to sing along to.

Show only is included in the Dickens World standard admission price. *ÂŁ5 extra for cream tea, scones & cucumber sandwiches

Next Show Wednesday 26th October at 2pm

BRITANNIA THEATRE EVENTS

Jongleurs Comedy Night Friday 4th November

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Se Ou lling Bookt Fast, Now !

From the 1970s TV show, The Comedians and long time host of ITV’s Catchphrase.

One of the UK’s Top Comics.

Saturday 26th November In conjunction with the Vintage Corporation Tickets only ÂŁ14.75

Christmas Events

Christmas Launch Arrival of Father Christmas, Saturday 12th November, Free event Christmas Jongleurs Special Fri 2nd Dec. Best comedians in the land! 5JDLFUT GSPN b 8JMM TFMM PVU #PPL /PX

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Have you tried the new

Medway tickets live

website?

Five easy ways to search for events: $ Click on an image on the home page to be taken straight to event information and booking. $ Use the event timeline to see what's happening on a particular date.

A new online booking website for Medway’s theatres and events is now live.

Visit www.medwayticketslive.co.uk it’s an easy, quick and safe way to book tickets.

$ Use the search bar to search for keywords if you don't know the exact name. $ Use quick tickets. $ Search by tickets by type to see what's on within each genre.

While you are there, why not sign up to the email newsletter.

Be among the first to find out about future shows and events.

www.medwayticketslive.co.uk