WOW Medway Jan/Feb by Wow magazine

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Towards Eastwell, near Ashford, Kent by Stephen Moriarty. Stephen grew up in Canterbury and now lives in Rochester. You can see more of his local scenes at www.stephenjamesmoriarty.com

Contributors Emma Dewhurst (Editor) is an actress, community arts practitioner, writer and mother. She has had a long and varied theatrical career, playing throughout the UK and Ireland, at the National Theatre, London’s West End and most recently the Almeida Theatre in Patrick Hamilton’s ‘Rope’. She has also appeared on TV and ﬁlm and is about to work on a ﬁlm starring Meryl Streep. She has a passion for all things community and leads drama workshops for primary school children the length and breadth of Medway. She is delighted by the response to the launch of WOW Medway and hopes that the magazine will become an integral part of the local community. Sarah March D’Angelo has been teaching Hatha and Kundalini yoga and stress management with Yogaworks in Medway for 10 years. She has appeared on BBC News South East, BBC Radio Kent, and has held yoga seminars for Paul Clark MP. In 2011 she will be holding retreats at Whitstable Castle, and leads yoga sessions every Saturday, 10.30-11.30am, at The Boardroom, Visitor Information Centre, Rochester High Street. £6 per session, all levels welcome, bring your own mat and blanket. Join her Facebook group, Yoga in Rochester, Kent.

Cover photo of Haley Rocks by the artist

Nick Walker is an events director, film critic and filmmaker who programmes, produces and presents events, giving contextualised introductions and post-screening discussions to the films on offer. 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 is also an independent filmmaker, writing, directing and producing short films and is the editor of Film Essay, for cinéastes wanting to write about film culture. Currently Events Director at Film Education and Director of National Schools Film Week, Nick studied Film at Westminster University and has previously worked for The Guardian and the London Film Festival.

WELCOME TO ISSUE 2 OF WOW Medway,

the new, monthly addition to Medway’s cultural scene. I have been incredibly heartened by the overwhelmingly positive response to Issue 1 - thank you to everyone who got in touch. Feedback and suggestions are most welcome: you can use the Contact Form on the website - send your free listings this way too. You’ll also ﬁnd a link to our survey do take it! It is an exciting cultural year we have ahead, with countless festivals and events throughout Medway and beyond– ﬁnd your free pull-out guide to the best in the centre pages. Also in this issue, vintage expert Hayley Rocks (cover) is giving away a Scrabble necklace in our Valentine’s Day Giveaway and local writer Paul Doust tells us why he loves playwrighting. Lastly, please be sure to mention WOW Medway if you use any of our brilliant advertisers. Happy reading and Happy New Year!

Contents News

Creative writing / Wow websites

Proﬁle

Film

Nick Walker

Festivals and Events 2011 pull-out guide

Music

Life Style

Theatre

Dance

Disability Arts

Visual Art

Giveaway

Artist’s Space

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News OPENINGS

Two immensely important new buildings for the arts open in Kent this year. Both projects are longawaited and hard-won and there are strong hopes that the new venues will bring great social and economic benefits to the county. Margate’s TURNER CONTEMPORARY gallery is predicted to bring a massive influx of visitors to East Kent, as the art-going public flock to the seafront site where Turner used to stay when visiting the town. Designed by Stirling Prize Winner David Chipperfield Architects, it will be the largest exhibition space in the South East outside London, and is the flagship project in the extensive regeneration of one of Britain’s oldest resorts. The opening date is set for Saturday 16 April, and there will be a series of celebratory activities and events over the opening weekend. The opening exhibition, Revealed: Turner Contemporary Opens will run to September and fittingly explores the themes of imagination, discovery, wonder and the creative spirit. turnercontemporary.org

ART IN THE DOCKYARD Kent artists are waiting to discover if their artworks have been chosen for exhibition in this year’s Art in the Dockyard Exhibition, as part of a competition to ﬁnd outstanding and inspirational artists who capture the spirit and extraordinary character of The Historic Dockyard site. Selected artists’ work will be exhibited at The Historic Dockyard in No. 1 Smithery: The Gallery – Chatham’s very own, state-of-the-art contemporary exhibition space featured in Issue 1 of WOW Medway. The Gallery was designed to attract national and international touring exhibitions, so it will be high kudos indeed for those exhibited to win a prize in any of the seven categories of the competition: landscape; ﬁgurative; abstract; photographic; sculptural/ceramic; mixed media and 2D artworks of the Commissioner’s House. The winners will be announced on the evening of 15 February and the Exhibition runs from 14 Feb to 31 March.

The ever-innovative

ROCHESTER COFFEE CO. In Canterbury, the New Marlowe Theatre, on its extended riverside location, promises a world-class theatre. The main auditorium has increased seating capacity and an improved orchestra pit, which will allow the theatre to receive national and international touring productions on a grand scale. The Second Space, billed as ‘the creative heart of the new theatre, with the local community at its centre’ is a more intimate performing space with retractable seating which can turn the 150-seater into a ﬂat-ﬂoor space suitable for music gigs and workshops. It is the smaller auditorium which most cheers this Editor: it will be a happy bonus not to have to take the train to London to see the major events, but a theatre that is not also a producing house is a theatre which is not wholly alive. The New Marlowe Theatre is scheduled to open in September. newmarlowetheatre.org.uk

Is starting up two new evenings for 2011: A test run of Departure (billed as ‘the perfect way to depart your week into the weekend’) proved extremely popular, so is now set for the last Friday of every month (next night 28 Jan). Resident singer Dee Dee and DJ Nathan Martin will be providing just the right mix of classics and funky house and there are some great drink offers, with a bottle of house champagne at just £30, or if you want to go for RCC’s exclusive Champagne Moutard for that special occasion, it’s at just £45 a bottle. Free entry with Guestlist or £5 on the door. To book the Guestlist call 01634 540031 or request Guestlist on Facebook. On the ﬁrst Friday of the month an Acoustic evening will have a very different feel: for details see Music listings.

GOING TO MARKET! Rochester Country Market Adult Education Centre, Eastgate, Rochester ME1. 01634 721527 Every Thurs 11am-12.15pm Rochester Farmers Market, Corporation Street Car Park, ME1 1NN. 01634 843666 Every 3rd Sunday of the month, 9am-1pm. Next market 20 February

SOUTH EAST OPEN STUDIOS 2011 The deadline is fast approaching for Kent-based artists and craftspeople wishing to register for this year’s SEOS Event, to be held between 3rd and 19th June. It is a fantastic opportunity for artists to share their working space with the public, offer demonstrations and talk about their work. The Event generates more than 20,000 studio visits across the South East, and gives all registered artists exposure via the SEOS Guide as well as the chance to exhibit their work in a cost-effective way. Registration deadline: 31 January. www.seos-art.org

IN BRIEF

LEARN! A wide range of courses in art, pottery, jewellery and photography (day and evening) are still available at your local adult education centres in Rochester and Gillingham. For more information call Gary Bassett on 01634 338406. A LADIES NETWORKING AND SOCIAL EVENT meets on the ﬁrst Wednesday of every month from 7.30-10pm at the Rochester Coffee Co. High Street, Rochester, ME1 1ER. No membership required, just go along. Next meeting 2 Feb.

NEW RESOURCE FOR MEDWAY ARTISTS In these straitened times it is heartening to hear of new resources being invested into the creative community. Kent’s ﬁrst Artists’ Resource facility, developed by Medway Council’s Art Development team with support from Medway Council and the University for the Creative Arts, in partnership with artist Emilia Telese, is just that. Visitors to Rochester Art Gallery’s recent Get Real exhibition will remember Telese’s fascinating works contemplating the cult of celebrity. In her role as Artists’ Networks Coordinator for a-n The Artists Information Company and her work with UK and international arts organisations, Telese is an experienced freelance specialist in professional development advice for artists. The Artists’ Resource offers artists, creatives and graduates free and supported access to professional development advice, practical resources, artist books, wiﬁ and creative tools including Creative Suite and video editing software on iMac computers. Situated in a quiet room next to the Rochester Art Gallery, the facility has been designed to be a growing resource which artists and creatives living and working in Kent will feed into and use for their own development. For more information or to book the facility contact the Arts Development Team on 01634 338319 or email arts@medway.gov.uk

A fantastic chance for children (8-12 yrs) to work with professional circus artists Dizzy O’Dare – tightwire walking, juggling, Diablo devil sticks and acrobatics will be on offer and participants show off their new talents performing alongside Dizzy O’Dare in their show Kids Cabaret of Curiosities on Sun 27 Feb, 3pm at The Brook Theatre. Circus day: 22 Feb, 10am4pm, The Brook Theatre, Old Town Hall, Chatham ME4 4SE. Fee: £7. Call 01634 338338 for a booking form.

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Creative writing ! HAZLITT THEATRE WRITERS GROUP, Hazlitt Theatre, Earl Street, Maidstone ME14 1PL. The group is led by local published poet Lyn White. Group meets every second Monday of the month from 7.309.30pm. £5 per session payable in advance. Next session 14 February. Book through the box ofﬁce on 01622 758 611. For more information contact georgiegrassom@ maidstone.gov.uk

! ME4 WRITERS are a writers’ group in Medway. Founder member Sam Hall writes: ‘We host literary events, and singly and collaboratively write pieces. We are currently working on The City Project. We are practising writers, and as such do not run tutorials. Have a look at our website and see if you would like to be involved: http://me4writers.wordpress. com. If you would like to join please email ME4writers@gmail.com ! ROCHESTER ADULT EDUCATION CENTRE PLAYWRIGHTING COURSE Eastgate, Rochester ME1 1EW. This ten week course starting Mon 28 February is led by published playwright and TV scriptwriter, Paul Doust. See this month’s Proﬁle. Weekly, 7-9pm. Full fee: £69. To book a place phone 01634 338400

OPPORTUNITY! Forty Fourth Publishing are looking for approximately 100 freelance writers for the launch of their new national arts and entertainment review website. Whether you’re already an established professional writer or just starting out in the industry, your application is welcome. Writers of various styles, voices and ages are sought capable of delivering articulate, medium brow reviews, which means specialist subject knowledge and expertise won’t be necessary for many reviews. Writers, regardless of their age and experience, will regularly have the opportunity to switch subject matter and review a wide range of ﬁlm, TV, theatre, documentaries and drama. Rates of pay are as follows: 800 word reviews pay £200 and 500 word reviews pay £100. Closes Monday 31 January 2011. To ﬁnd out how to apply visit: artsjobs.org.uk/arts-job/post/ freelance-review-writers/

Wow websites

CREATABOT creatabot.co.uk New, not-for-proﬁt social media site for creative individuals set up by Natasha Sexton, who used to run the Kent hub of online magazine Creative Boom (creativeboom.co.uk). An attractive, easy-to-use site already gathering momentum within the creative community. Contact Natasha if you or your organization would like to be featured. THE GATHERING gathering.me.uk Website for ‘a creative, inclusive and questioning group of diverse people listening to each other as we hope to grow into an intentional community’. Try their monthly gathering in the Crypt at Rochester Cathedral on the second Sunday of each month, 4.15-6pm; or Pub Theology, for those who enjoy a beer and a discussion on a variety of topics (if you don’t drink try the Sacred Coffee meetings instead). THE MEDWAY BROADSIDE themedwaybroadside.com The new, quarterly newspaper for the Medway towns launched in November, in print and online. Produced entirely by local volunteers, The Medway Broadside covers local news, politics, culture and sport and represents the ﬁrst truly independent, community newspaper the area has seen for some time. The Broadside welcomes contributions, and will edit only politically partisan or grammatically offensive work. See website for list of stockists.

Profile

!-5*%-)*#1&#-5*#/(&-# 5,/%2#(.#-5*#%)-&4 WOW Medway’s Editor Emma Dewhurst meets actor-turned-playwright PAUL DOUST as he prepares to run a new course in Playwrighting When Medway-based writer Paul Doust found himself as a young actor on tour in a strange town disenchanted with both his craft and his company of fellow actors, he asked himself what he could do to pass the days that would be creative and cheap. Writing came to mind.

‘Motormouth’, a children’s television series which used to be broadcast live from Maidstone Studios on Saturday mornings. More recently, he has been working as a regular scriptwriter on TV’s ‘Eastenders’ (“Though I had nothing to do with this baby storyline” he says).

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On moving back to Medway two years ago Doust, a qualiﬁed adult trainer and workshop facilitator with more than a decade’s teaching experience, set up his own company ‘Darling, You Were Marvellous!’ to provide acting and playwrighting workshops for all levels of experience.

His decision was prescient: within a short space of time he had given up acting (“It gave me up, really”) and made writing the focus of his life. To date his work has been produced internationally and all over the UK and several of his plays are published. Most memorably for Doust, his play ‘Lady Bracknell’s Conﬁnement’ was directed by Maria Aitken in a successful production offBroadway and at the Sydney Festival. He also wrote a popular stage adaptation of Stella Gibbons’ classic novel ‘Cold Comfort Farm’, and was responsible for the drama element of

At the end of February he has been invited to lead a new, tenweek course at Rochester’s Adult Education Centre, Eastgate. For those new to the art, or writers wanting to develop existing skills, the course will examine the nuts and bolts of writing a play: !:5*#)*%;;0#'(--(/#;12*#&-,..3# ;1<*#&-),7-,)*3#75%)%7-*)3# 7(2=17-#%2+#&,&6*2&*#-5%-# 6*(6;*#+(2>-#)*%;1?*#-5*# 1/6()-%27*#(.43 says Doust.

The course will be practical and participants will be expected to write in class. !"#/%<*#6*(6;*#$)1-*@4##A(,&-# 12&1&-&9##!"#&%03#.()#-$(#/12,-*&# 0(,#%)*#8(128#-(#+(#-51&3#%2+# (.-*2#1->&#B*)0#;1'*)%-128#.()# 6*(6;*#%2+#/*%2&#-5*0#%)*# %7-,%;;0#8(128#%$%0#$1-5#'1-&# (.#6%6*)#12#-5*1)#5%2+#C#%2+# &(/*-1/*&#1->&#')1;;1%2-@4 So what is it, I ask him, that makes playwrighting so special. He pauses. “My only real interest in life is other people,” he says, “and theatre is the most human of the arts. Writing plays is one of the few ways you can have life under your control. The world is so full of chaos, and what playwrighting does is make order out of chaos. I like that.” Playwrighting, a 10 week course, commences on Mon 28 Feb, 7-9pm, at the Rochester Adult Education Centre, Eastgate ME1 1EW . Full fee: £69. To book a place phone 01634 338400. For more information about Paul Doust’s private workshops, or his one-to-one business coaching sessions, email: darlingyou@blueyonder.co.uk

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Film ! THE OTHER CINEMA Chatham Odeon Cinema, Maritime ME4 4LL. 0871 22 44 007. A weekly showcase for quality ﬁlms from around the world, with a post-show discussion led by Nick Walker over a free glass of wine. £7.70/£5.50. theothercinema.info. THE AMERICAN (15) 2010 20 Jan, 7.45pm. Dir: Anton Corbijn George Clooney plays an assassin hiding out in Italy for one last assignment in this stylish and intelligent thriller adapted from a novel by Martin Booth. 105 mins

THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT (15) 2010 27 Jan, 7.45pm. Dir: Lisa Cholodenko Cast: Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo. Classy comedy drama. Two children conceived by IVF bring their birth father to their already unconventional home. 106 mins MIRAL (12A) 2010 3 Feb, 7.45pm. Dir: Julian Schnabel Cast: Willem Defoe, Frieda Pinto, Vanessa Redgrave. Tense drama about an orphaned Palestinian girl growing up in the wake of the ﬁrst Arab-Israeli war. 113 mins ON TOUR (15) 2010 10 Feb, 7.45pm. Dir: Mathieu Amalric Cast: Mathieu Amalric, Dirty Martini, Miranda Colclasure. Moving and hilarious misadventures of a troop of ﬁve ageing American burlesque dancers as they tour France with their risqué show. 111 mins

ANOTHER YEAR (12A) 2010 17 Feb, 7.45pm. Dir: Mike Leigh Cast: Jim Broadbent, Lesley Manville, Ruth Sheen, Imelda Staunton. The latest, acutely observed offering from writer-director Leigh follows a happily-married couple and their unhappier friends over the course of a year. 130 mins

BEST OF JAN/FEB RELEASES THE DILEMMA (12A) Comedy from director Ron Howard. Rel. 21 Jan MORNING GLORY (12A) Notting Hill director Roger Michell’s latest. Rel 21 Jan TANGLED (PG) Walt Disney’s latest. Rel 28 Jan HEREAFTER (12A) Stars Matt Damon. Rel. 28 Jan HOW DO YOU KNOW (12A) Rom-com with Reese Witherspoon and Owen Wilson. Rel 28 Jan

127 HOURS (15) 2010 24 Feb, 7.45pm. Dir: Danny Boyle

BRIGHTON ROCK (15) From Graham Greene’s novel with Helen Mirren. Rel 4 Feb

Cast: James Franco. Latest drama from the director of Slumdog Millionaire had them fainting in the aisles at the previews. 94 mins

YOGI BEAR (U) In both 2D and 3D. Rel 11 Feb

! SCREEN CLASSICS, The Central Theatre, 170 High Street, Chatham ME4 4AS 01634 338 301 Monthly screening of Hollywood classics introduced by Nick Walker. £6/£5 (booked online). medway.gov.uk/theatrebookings GIGI (PG) 1958 8 Feb, 7.30pm. Dir: Vincente Minnelli Cast: Leslie Caron, Maurice Chevalier, Louis Jourdan. Charming musical set in Parisian high society, as playboy Louis Jourdan’s platonic friendship with Caron’s youthful courtesan-in-training develops into something more. Won 9 Academy Awards. See Nick Walker’s article opposite

NEVER LET ME GO (12A) Kazuo Ishiguro’s tale of loss and hidden truths. Rel 11 Feb

HOWL (Cert tbc) Set in San Francisco in 1957: Allen Ginsbourg’s trial. Rel. 25 Feb To be shown at the following cinemas: ODEON CHATHAM, Dickens World, Chatham ME4 4LL. 0871 22 44 007. odeon.co.uk ODEON MAIDSTONE, Lockmeadow, Maidstone, ME16 8RG. 0871 22 44 007. odeon.co.uk ROCHESTER CINEWORLD MULTIPLEX Medway Valley Leisure Park, 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, Bluewater, Greenhithe, DA9 9SG. 0871 220 1000. showcasecinemas.co.uk/ bluewater

IN THE FIRST OF HIS MONTHLY COLUMNS, NICK WALKER INVESTIGATES THE ENDURING APPEAL OF THE FILM CONSIDERED TO BE MGM’S LAST GREAT MUSICAL

GIGI & PARIS The film everyone was talking about in 1958 is still spoken of with great affection today, as this is perhaps the best known and best loved musical of all time – discuss! Well, no doubt many people will feel that Vincente Minnelli directed more dramatic and charismatic films, such as ‘Brigadoon’ or ‘The Bad and the Beautiful’. Perhaps Alan Jay Lerner’s screenplay doesn’t match the brilliance of ‘An American in Paris’ or ‘My Fair Lady’. Could it be Leslie Caron’s perfect portrayal? Certainly one cannot imagine the original choice, Audrey Hepburn, bettering her performance. Or simply that any film starring the great Maurice Chevalier is worthy of a mention? Possibly so, but The Marx Brothers have somehow made it impossible for me to take his career into serious account after their rendition of ‘If A Nightingale could Sing Like You’ sung to the beleaguered immigration officer in their 1931 hit film ‘Monkey Business’. Is it even possible that the United States Library of Congress chose ‘Gigi’ for preservation as part of the National Film Registry due to its being culturally, historically or aesthetically significant – I seriously doubt it. Nor would it be for Cecil Beaton’s fantastic costumes, although they alone would be treat enough.

The city itself is such a major feature of the film. Ever since the Lumière Brothers staged the first movie show for a paying audience in December 1895 using their Kinematograph, Paris has been a great movie location. Paris has imposed itself upon our minds with filmmakers from Jean Renoir onwards celebrating the city on a regular basis. Some of the best loved French films have been set by the Seine: Marcel Carné’s wonderful film set in the theatrical world of 1830s Paris ‘Les Enfants du Paradis’ [1945], Francois Truffauts ‘400 Blows’ [1959] and Jean-Luc Godard’s ‘A Bout de Souffle’ [1960] - but none of these quite capture the lustre and wonder of the city like ‘Gigi’. One has to ask the question: has Collette ever been so well adapted for the silver screen? The answer is no…this is the definitive adaptation and the victory of love over cynicism is a universal and beautiful theme. Essentially a French variation, by Colette, of the Pygmalion legend, the film exudes a sense of style and passion that is unmatched. The film won nine Academy Awards and all were richly deserved… Nick Walker will be introducing Gigi at its screening as part of the Screen Classics programme at the Central Theatre, Chatham on 8 February at 7.30pm. Tickets £6 (£5 booked online). Students £3.50. !"# MEDWAY ( !

Includes Skabour warm-up event with King Hammond and the Meow-Meows on 11th, Dirty DC on

11-25: THE HOOK: FOLKESTONE MUSIC FESTIVAL at The Quarterhouse

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Followed by The Wonderful China Show at the Central Theatre, Chatham at 2.30pm

13: MEDWAY CHINESE NEW YEAR PARADE, Military Road Chatham, 12 noon start

Street entertainment and a small market selling Chinese New Year foods and gifts

5: CHINESE NEW YEAR – YEAR OF THE RABBIT, Chatham High Street, 11.30am–2pm

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Contemporary classical music festival providing a platform for new and established musicians and composers. This year features music from the Baltic region with a special appearance by magniﬁcent Estonian composer Arvo Pärt

20-29: SOUNDS NEW CONTEMPORARY MUSIC FESTIVAL, Baltic+, Canterbury

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May Day festival traditionally celebrating child sweeps’ one day off in the year. Street music and entertainment and Morris dancing troupes on every corner

30-2nd May: ROCHESTER SWEEPS FESTIVAL, Rochester High Street and Castle Gardens

A CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale)

21-23: KENT BEER FESTIVAL, Merton Farm, Canterbury

Local young people get the chance to perform on the main stage

17: UNDER SEIGE, Rochester Castle

Peter Andre conﬁrmed for 14th, other acts to be conﬁrmed

13-17: ROCHESTER CASTLE CONCERTS, Rochester Castle Gardens

8-9: KENT SALSA FESTIVAL, The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood Salsa, African Drumming, Strictly and the UK’s only male Belly Dancing instructor

Line-up not yet known (Bob Dylan played last year). Early bird tickets now on sale

1-2: HOP FARM MUSIC FESTIVAL, Paddock Wood

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15-29: CANTERBURY FESTIVAL, KENT’S INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL

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17-18: SALUTE TO THE 40s, The Historic Dockyard

4: FAVERSHAM INTERNATIONAL HOP FESTIVAL

Medieval traders and encampments – discover Rochester in the late Middle Ages

3-4: MEDIEVAL MERRIMENT, Rochester Castle Gardens

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20-28: HERNE BAY FESTIVAL Summer celebration for all the family. Live music, street entertainment, workshops

13-14: WHITSTABLE 218TH ANNIVERSARY REGATTA, Tankerton Slopes and Bay

THE ‘WOW MEDWAY’ PULL-OUT GUIDE TO THE BEST

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Classic cars and motorbikes, a Modelzone and an appearance by Titan the Robot

24-25: FESTIVAL OF STEAM AND TRANSPORT, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham

23: ST GEORGE’S DAY & TRADITIONAL ENGLAND FESTIVAL, Riverside Country Park

Founded in 1982 with chamber music at its heart, this festival has expanded to include opera and street music. Also talks, exhibitions and literary events

24-26: DEAL FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AND THE ARTS

Dance, visual art, street theatre & spectacular events showcasing Medway’s ﬁnest

17-19: FUSE MEDWAY FESTIVAL, locations around Medway

Music, dance, drama, street entertainment and Victorian costume parade

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22-23: LANET THANET EASTER BEER FESTIVAL, Winter Gardens Margate

3-5: ROCHESTER DICKENS FESTIVAL, Rochester High Street and Castle Gardens

19th and dub pioneers Dreadzone close the Festival on 25th

Something for everyone in this community-based week which overtakes the town. Workshops for young and old, performances and events

5-12: BROADSTAIRS FOLK WEEK

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28-1 Aug: MODERN PENTATHLON EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS, Medway Park

23-29: WHITSTABLE OYSTER FESTIVAL Features the Oyster Parade, fantastic food fair in the harbour and countless events

festival held in a barn in the heart of Kentish brewing country. Over 100 real ales, draught and bottled beers and a cider bar

Celebrating Dickens: costume parades, street food, Victorian funfair and more

3-4: DICKENSIAN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL, Rochester

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22-23: APPLE FESTIVAL, Brogdale Farm, Faversham National centre for fruit. Local crafts, food stalls and children’s activities

The South East’s largest arts festival spanning all disciplines. An arts-packed two weeks. Sign up for free Festival updates at www.canterburyfestival.co.uk

Music ! CLASSICAL THE CENTRAL THEATRE

Mon 7 Mar Perfect Strangers featuring Ron Trueman-Border

170 High Street, Chatham, ME4 4AS 01634 338338

Mon 14 Feb Eddie Walker Singer-songwriter

Thu 10 Feb, 7.30pm City of London Sinfonia programmer includes Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Haydn and Handel. Pre-show talk 6.45pm. £21, £19, £17 (concs available)

Mon 21 Feb Jinski

ROCHESTER CATHEDRAL ME1 1SX. 01634 810061

Sun 21 Jan, 4.30pm Guildhall School of Music Saxophone ensemble Sat 29 Jan, 3.15pm First Choral Evensong of Candlemas Sun 20 Feb, 4.30pm Organ Concert rochestercathedral.org MAIDSTONE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Mote Hall, Maidstone Leisure Centre, Maidstone ME15 7RN 0845 1552277

Sat 5 Feb Ulf Hoelscher (Violin) plays Holst, Dvorak and Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto mso.org.uk ! GIGS THE BARGE 63 Layﬁeld Road, Gillingham ME7 2QY 01634 850485

Doors open 7pm, music starts from 8.30pm. Most gigs are free. thebargepub.co.uk Mon 17 Jan Rakes Of Rochester Mix of dance music and traditional songs Mon 24 Jan Flying Chaucers Lively mixture of tunes played on ﬁddle, melodeon, whistle, guitar, bouzouki and percussion Wed 26 Jan Arcelia Intimate musical trio Mon 31 Jan No Worries Acoustic duo

THE CENTRAL THEATRE 170 High Street, Chatham, ME4 4AS 01634 338338

Sat 26 Feb Gaffer & Horse Guitar and bass duo

Fri 28 Jan The Three Degrees Featuring the group’s longest running line-up direct from the USA. £21 and £19.50

Mon 28 Feb Hudson & Cutler (Hot Rats) Celtic style World/ European roots & folk rock

Sun 20 Feb Steve Harley Front man behind 70s rock group Cockney Rebel. £22 and £20.50

THE BROOK THEATRE

Old Town Hall, 5 The Brook, Chatham ME4 4SE 01634 338338

Thu 20 Jan, 8pm Bully Wee Band Acoustic folk/rock. £10

Fri 25 Feb Dennis Locorriere Alone Again 2011 Lead vocalist with Dr Hook. £20, £18.50 Sun 27 Feb The Kilkennys Fine Girl, Ye Are! Irish tribute to The Clancy Brothers. £16, £15

Tue 8 Feb, 8pm Heads South - featuring Steve Waterman Five-piece jazz band. £10 Thurs 17 Feb, 8pm. Folk at the Brook presents Martin Simpson Trio Award -winning acoustic guitarist Simpson with Andy Cutting on melodeon and Andy Seward on double bass. £15 BEST OF THE MUSIC ROOM, PIZZA EXPRESS MAIDSTONE 32 Earl Street, ME14 1PF 01622 683548

THE EAGLE

124 High Street Rochester, ME1 1JT 01634 409040

theeagletavern.org.uk No entry fee Live Jazz, Sundays, doors open 12pm. UK and international ﬁnest Jam Night, Wednesdays 9pm Live Music, Thursdays, from rock and roll to indie, soul and more 20 Jan, The Throwbacks 27 Jan, The Hi-Jets Rock, Roll & Vintage Classic DJ night, second Sunday of every month 7-10pm Ska, Reggae & Northern Soul DJs, last Sunday of every month 7-10pm The Little Big Band, ﬁrst Monday of every month 8.30pm

pizzaexpresslive.co.uk Fri 4 Feb, Doors 7.00pm, set starts 8pm Becki Biggins Showtime Grammy-nominated, award-winning singer and saxophonist sings jazz. £15 ROCHESTER COFFEE CO.

146 High Street, Rochester ME1 1ER 01634 540032

New for 2011, ACOUSTIC NIGHT, every ﬁrst Friday of the month. THE TWO BREWERS

113 High Street Rochester, ME1 1JS 01634 812448

twobrewersrochester.com Sun 23 Jan, 4pm Danger Klaus Sun 30 Jan, 4pm Del Mandel & Alan Warner

Lifestyle

THE NEUTRAL MIND by Sarah March D’Angelo The New Year brings a chance to begin again, to wipe the slate clean. Often this can lead us to dwell on the past in a negative way, or conversely, to have unrealistic expectations that everything will come right. In 2011, why not try to adopt a neutral mindset, taking a step back from people and events, making snap judgments or taking sides. Sometimes, the illusion of good and bad can turn out differently than expected. Our neutral mind allows us to hold a larger vision which is not inclined to make judgment; it is a more of a watchful mindset. New for 2011, Yogaworks will be introducing Yoga Retreats at Whitstable Castle, which will give you a chance to spend a few hours with like-minded individuals, practising yoga in tranquil coastal surroundings dating back to the 15th century. The ﬁrst retreat on 23 January will deal in more detail with the Neutral Mind and offer techniques for ensuring a balanced approach to life. After 3 hours of yoga (with a break!), visualization, meditation, and lunch at the Orangery Tea Rooms, there will be an optional walk along Tankerton promenade. Other retreat dates and topics will include: 20 February – Healing Bad Karma 13 March – Healing Relationships 10 April – Healing Bad Habits Cost: £30 exclusive of lunch and travel, £35 inclusive of travel, exclusive of lunch. To book or ﬁnd out more email: sarahyoga@hotmail.co.uk. Tel: 07968 297262

SPEED DATING ROCHESTER THURS 20 JAN, 30+ THURS 17 FEB, 40+ Contact: 07918 653679

www.singlescenedating.com or: e-mail: info@singlescenedating.com

SingleScene Dating holds quality singles events in the South East for people of all ages, including Speed Dating, Country Walks, Dinner Parties, Mix & Mingle evenings and much more! We hold social events for people wanting to make new friends and dating events for people who would like to meet someone special. We also offer online dating as an alternative.

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Theatre JUST FOR KIDS There are some fantastic shows for children coming your way soon. Here’s a round-up.

Another couple of Cbeebies presenters bring their roadshow to Gravesend. Songs, sketches and favourite characters from ‘Show Me Show Me’. All tickets £10

! THE BROOK THEATRE

Old Town Hall, Chatham ME4 4SE 01634 338338

Kids’ Cabaret of Curiosities Sun 27 Feb, 3pm. Children who have attended the Circus Day on Feb 22 (see News pages) perform alongside Dizzy O’Dare and get one free ticket, plus a voucher for four extra tickets at just £3 each. Tickets £6, concs available. 5 years and over ! THE CENTRAL THEATRE 170 High Street, Chatham, ME4 4AS. 01634 338338

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Fri 21 Jan at 1.30pm; 11am and 2.30pm Sat 22 Jan Adapted from the picture book written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. Classic tale brought vividly to life by Sally Cookson. Interactive scenes, catchy songs and a few surprises. 3 years and above. £10, family of four £36. bearhuntlive.com Andy and Mike’s Big Box of Bananas Sat 26 Feb, 2.30pm Much-loved Cbeebies presenter Andy Day and his comedy partner-in-crime Mike James bring mayhem and humour to this slapstick adventure. For 3-11 year olds. £9.50 and £8.50 ! WOODVILLE HALLS THEATRE

Woodville Place, Gravesend DA12 1DD. 01474 337774

Chris and Pui Tues 22 Feb, 11am and 2pm

! HAZLITT THEATRE

Earl Street, Maidstone ME14 1PL. 01622 758611

Yellow Earth theatre company in Why The Lion Danced Wed 2 Feb, 1.30pm. All the sights and sounds of the Chinese New Year in this lovely story. £9, concs £7 Three Billy Goats Gruff And Other Furry Tails Wed 23 Feb, 2.30pm (70 mins). Theatre of Widdershins entertain with gorgeous puppets. £8, concs £5. Potted Panto Fri 25 Feb, 3pm. For 6+ (70 mins). CBBC presenters Dan and Jeff’s whistlestop tour of the great festive tradition. £9, concs £7. pottedpanto.com How The Koala Learnt To Hug Sat 26 Feb, 2.30pm (1 hour 10 mins + interval). This charming tale is specially written for parents to enjoy with their children. £8, conc £5

! THE CENTRAL THEATRE 170 High Street, Chatham, ME4 4AS. 01634 338338

The Kingﬁsher Mon 14-Wed 16 Feb, 7.30pm. After-show TalkBack Mon 14 Feb. A gentle comedy by William Douglas-Home by Rumpus Theatre Company. £17, £15 (£10 if you book all three plays this season) thecentraltheatre.co.uk ! HAZLITT THEATRE

Earl Street, Maidstone ME14 1PL 01622 758611

Ruby Wax: Losing It Sat 5 Feb, 8pm. Ruby Wax charts her journey to the Priory and back with acerbic wit. Accompanied by Judith Owen’s poignant songs. Over 18s only. £20, concs £18 Gyles Brandreth: The One-to-One Show Sun 6 Feb, 8pm. Actor, author, One Show reporter, former MP and government whip turned stand-up. £16 hazlittartscentre.co.uk ! MEDWAY LITTLE THEATRE 256 High Street Rochester ME1 1HY. 01634 400322

! THE BROOK THEATRE

Brimstone and Treacle by Dennis Potter, 10-19 Feb, 7.30pm. Directed by Stephen Oliver. This controversial television drama was initially banned from transmission in 1976 by the then Head of Programmes Alisdair Milne.

Cabaret of Curiosities Fri 7 Jan, 8pm Presented by the Brook Theatre and Dizzy O’Dare. Indoor circus, cheeky burlesque and lots of hula hoops. Adult content – not suitable for under 16s. £10

It remained untransmitted until 1987, having been made into a ﬁlm co-starring Sting in 1982. The production contains nudity and scenes that some may ﬁnd disturbing. Not suitable for those under the age of 16. £7, concs available. mlt.org.uk

Old Town Hall, Chatham ME4 4SE 01634 338338

Dance DANCING FOR YOUR LIFE

! OPEN CLASS

If you have made 2011 your year to dance, the Spring Dance for Life programme of classes is a great place to start. Classes are affordable, accessible and suit all abilities

An open contemporary class for professional dancers.

! 50+ DANCE A fun class for all levels which improves ﬂexibility, mobility and co-ordination. Beginners welcome. Tues: 25 Jan - 12 Apr (no class 22 Feb and 8 Mar) 10 - 11am, Hook Meadow Community Centre, Walderslade. £4 per class

Thur: Every week ! DANCERCISE Great alternative to the gym! Fun and active class suitable for all levels. Thu 27 Jan - 7 Apr (no class 24 Feb) 7.30 - 8.30pm, The Brook Theatre. £36 for 10-week course ! ADULT BALLET

Wed: 26 Jan - 6 Apr (no class 23 Feb) 9.30-10.30am, St Thomas Church Hall, Rainham. £4 per class

This will not only strengthen your physique and tone the muscles, you will also learn a traditional technique. Loose comfortable clothing and either socks or soft soled shoes are all you need to enjoy this invigorating class in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Beginners welcome.

Fri: 28 Jan - 8 Apr (no class 25 Feb) 2 - 3pm, Lordswood Healthy Living Centre. £4 per class

Thur: 27 Jan - 7 Apr (no class 24 Feb) 8.30 - 9.30pm, The Brook Theatre. Cost: £38 for 10-week course

Time: 10am - 12noon. Venue: The Brook Theatre Tutor: Company members Cost: £5.50 per class phone 01634 831531 for more information and the company’s schedule. ! LOOP ED BOYS YOUTH DANCE COMPANY If you’re young, fearless and want to stand out from the crowd, join this class for 11-13 year olds. Every Thursday, 5 - 6.20pm, The Brook Theatre. Led by Loop Dance Company members. £5.50 per class For more information on any of the above, call Luci Napleton of the Arts Team on 01634 338319

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DISABILITY ARTS An amazing opportunity to join a larger than life opera project is being offered to the community by Medway’s CURIOUS PLANET The project, Element – Beyond the Immutable Weight of Gravity comprises ﬁve, professionallyled all day workshops designed to stretch your skills in theatre, stage design and vocal music making between January and March. The workshops will culminate in a big ﬁnale production on April 2 and a related tour to arts and community settings around the Medway area, in which workshop participants will be invited to take part. Although anyone can apply, Curious Planet are particularly interested in working with people with disability on this project. If you are between 10 and 80+, interested in stretching your creative skills in theatre and design and possess a good sense of adventure, Curious Planet would love to hear from you. Workshops commence Sat 29 Jan, then 12 and 26 Feb, 19 and 26 March. 10.30-3.30pm. Cost is just £5 per workshop due to support from Medway Council and Awards for All. Email info@curiousplanet.org to register your interest with your name, age, contact details and any access requirements. curiousplanet.org

DISABILITY ARTS ONLINE (disabilityartsonline.co.uk) is a ‘unique journal for discussion of arts and culture’ and essential reading for anyone wishing to keep informed about an exciting, fastevolving community of disabled artists of all disciplines, who share here their work and thoughts in a number of excellent blogs and disseminate information about developments and opportunities in the disability arts world.

is the MAGIC number Advertise in 3 issues for the price of 2

sales@wowmedway.co.uk

Visual Art !"THE BROOK THEATRE ART GALLERY

! NUCLEUS GALLERY

TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN Sat 5 Feb – 26 Feb, 10am-9pm (Mon-Sat) Free A Medway Eyes exhibition featuring Phil Dillon’s photography and paintings by Daisy Parris: portraits of Medway’s people and towns. medwayeyes.co.uk

TO THE CITY - CHRISTOPHER WHEELER AND JENNY COPPS 8-20 Jan. The artists’ work has 10.30am-5pm. To 25 March been inﬂuenced by the experience of living in, and commuting to, the city of London. Through their art they are trying to understand and portray some of the vitality of the city, exploring the nuances of a place that is continually in a state of ﬂux.

Chatham ME4 4SE 01634 338338

! MAIDSTONE LIBRARY GALLERY St Faith’s Street,

272 High Street, Chatham ME4 4BP 01634 812108

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Flowing in Yellow 2008 Marta Marcé

Maidstone ME14 1LH 01622 683435

CONTRADICTION – VARIOUS ARTISTS 26 Feb-10 Mar. Artists DIVERSITY 2 8-28 Jan, Dean Volante, Nicola Phippen, Mon-Frid 9-6pm, to 7pm on Thurs, Elizabeth Welch, Gemma Yeates Sat 9am-5pm. No wheelchair and Claire Scott exhibit a range of access. A wide range of art work exploring energy, form and showcasing works by local artists space. Mixed-media including belonging to the Maidstone Visual works employing paper, glass, Artists Network, includes mixed ceramics and photography. media, sculpture, photography, textiles and painting. Free All exhibitions are free. nucleus-arts.com From 10 Jan MVAN will be showcasing the work of three of ! NUCLEUS MEDWAY 75 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX their members each month in THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS, 07735 598533 a window situated in Rose Yard, Eclectic not-for-proﬁt gallery Maidstone mvan.info shop selling local artists and designers at all stages in their careers. Wed, Thur, Frid, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm

nucleus-arts.com ! NO.1 SMITHERY

The Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TZ 01634 823800

ART IN THE DOCKYARD

14 Feb- 31 Mar. See News p 4. Adults £15.50, Children £10.50, Conc £13.00, Family £43.50

Ticket gives unlimited returns to No.1 Smithery and all the other Historic Dockyard attractions for one year. Paintings to sculptures to mixed media artworks are all represented in this inspiring and diverse art exhibition by Kent artists. thedockyard.co.uk

are inspired by light-hearted memories of childhood and Clare Tindall makes amusing, colourful liquid latex objects from the sap of the hervea-brasiliensis tree. Free. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun

! ROCHESTER ART GALLERY & CRAFT CASE

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

MARTA MARCE – CONDITIONS OF ABSTRACTION Colourful, abstract paintings by this Spanish-born Berlin based artist who is interested in the idea of play as a metaphor for how society operates. Continuing the playful themes of the main exhibition, in the Gallery’s everinteresting CRAFT CASE, Lindsey Mann’s mixed-media pieces of playful jewellery and objects

FREE FAMILY WORKSHOP – Marta Marcé COLOUR AND SHAPE Conditions of Abstraction Sat 19 Feb, 1-3.30pm 14 January > 25 March 2011

Free admission

Join artist Lorri Thomas to create your own colourful mixedmedia artworks inspired by the exhibition. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential: phone 01634 338319 to reserve your place. medway.gov.uk/arts

! STUDIO 3 GALLERY Jarman

Building, the University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7UG 01227 827228

ANA MARIA PACHECO – SHADOWS OF THE WANDERER To 27 May. Mon-Frid 9am-5pm.

Disabled access. Another major exhibition for the University’s new gallery space in the awardwinning School of Arts Jarman building which opened last year. Pacheco is a Brazilian artist who has lived and worked in Britain since 1973. She was an Associate Artist at the National Gallery and has exhibited widely in the UK and abroad, her work being represented in a number of major public collections, including the British Museum. Free. kent.ac.uk !"# MEDWAY $' !

ST VALENTINE’S DAY

GIVEAWAY

SCRABBLE NECKLACE BY MISS HAYLEY ROCKS As luck would have it, I attended the Makers Market and Vintage Fair hosted by The Deaf Cat café one crisp Wednesday evening in December and came across a stall run by Miss Hayley Rocks. Hayley has any number of talents to her fun business name: vintage clothing buyer and seller; jewellery maker; DJ and fashion stylist. Hayley developed a passion for all things vintage in her early teens: Marianne Faithful remains a personal fashion icon. You may remember her bijou Rochester boutique, Up the Junction (after the 60s ﬁlm of the same name), which she ran for several years before taking the decision to switch her business online. Visit her website at www.hayleyrocks.moonfruit.com to view a delicious selection of what she has to offer.

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More recently her necklaces made from genuine Scrabble tiles have been a hit. Famously, Hayley made one for fashion guru Gok Wan - reading simply ‘GOK’ - and managed to give it to him at The Clothes Show Live in 2009 where he was photographed wearing it.

Specially for St Valentine’s Day, WOW Medway is delighted to offer one lucky reader the opportunity to have a Scrabble tile necklace made up exclusively with a word of their choice, to a maximum of 6 letters. Keep it yourself or have it made for your love. Simply email your name and address to editor@wowmedway.co.uk or use the contact form on the WOW Medway website, include the word of your choice and whether you would like a gold or silver tone chain, before 7 February.

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

points throughout the Medway towns. Launch circulation of 2000, rising monthly. 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 March issue: 16 February ©WOW Medway magazine. All rights reserved. Whilst

every effort has been made to ensure that details in this publication are accurate, we cannot accept responsibility for such. Readers are advised to check listings information to avoid disappointment. Views expressed by contributors and advertisers do not necessarily reﬂect those of the editor and publisher.

WOW Medway is printed on 100% recycled paper

The Artist’s Space ‘Vanquished Hero’ Matt Bray is a ﬁgurative artist with studios in Chatham’s Historic Dockyard, studying MA Fine Art and inﬂuenced by Billy Childish, Frank Auerbach, Van Gogh and Munch. He was recently placed in the top 128 artists in an international art competition by Saatchi Gallery, see more at: saatchionline.com/remodernist !"# MEDWAY $( !

Fri, 28 Jan 7.30pm

The Three Degrees

MAKE IT Soulbook

YOURS

Starring 60s originals Valerie Holiday and Helen Scott. Classic hits including When Will I See You Again.

Sun, 6 Feb 7.30pm

Iconic soul superstars !"#$%$&'#( and )*+,$-.$!/#01 live, delivering hits including Rescue Me, In The Midnight Hour and many more.

THIS SPRING

Sun, 20 Feb 7.30pm

Steve Harley

Cockney Rebel main man fronts a three-piece acoustic performance of hits including Mr Soft, Judy Teen and Make Me Smile.

Fri, 25 Feb 7.30pm

Dennis Locorriere

Globally-renowned Dr Hook front man performs their heart-stopping hits and his own acclaimed solo material.

For tickets, more information and this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full line-up

01634 338338