Spring Brochure 2014

SPRING 2014

Music Theatre Comedy Literature & Spoken Word Young People Dance Film Visual Arts Workshop THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE www.the-drum.org.uk 0121 333 2444

THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE

Welcome The Drum is the UK’s premier intercultural arts centre dedicated to the development, presentation and celebration of arts and cultural activities of Birmingham’s diverse communities for the benefit of all.

As we head into 2014, we reflect on what has been an extraordinary year for everyone here at The Drum. In a climate of austerity and cuts to arts funding across the country, we have managed to remain a vital, versatile and vibrant all-purpose arts venue, recognised as a fundamental part of the arts ecology not only within Birmingham, but the whole UK. Our sensational Simmer Down Festival in Handsworth Park attracted over 12,000 people, and we played a pivotal role in Birmingham’s amazing 4 Squares Weekender, turning Chamberlin Square into a carnival of music, dance, and celebration. We had a surprise visit when Prime Minister David Cameron and Minister for Faith and Communities Baroness Warsi dropped in for the day. We then headed to London ourselves, with a posse of performers who visited the Houses of Parliament as part of Birmingham Day! Aside from numerous sell-out Comedy, Theatre and Music shows, we’ve hosted some very special events. Our Black History Month Launch Event celebrated 50 years since Martin Luther King’s historic “I Have A Dream” speech with a night of specially combined art-form commission; and we united communities from across the Midlands with our Nelson Mandela Tribute, bringing together dozens of artists to celebrate the great man’s life and legacy. We’ve also continued to nurture a new generation of talent with our Young Gifted Brum (YGB) workshops, teaching dancing, music and drama to over 600 8-18 year olds!

It’s been a great year, and 2014 is shaping up to be even better! We celebrate The Drum’s 20th Anniversary with a specially programmed series of events, welcoming such great artists as Ghazal Maestro Pankaj Udhas, Hip-Hop Soul sensations SWV, Mary Wilson of The Supremes, and more than a dozen A-list Lovers Rock artists for the sensational Legends of Legends 2014. All this, plus the very best in Music, Theatre, Comedy, Dance, Literature & Spoken Word, Film, Visual Arts and community events, too!

To ensure we continue building memories and leaving a legacy, 2014 also sees the launch of Raising the Roof – our £4.8 million plan to redesign our venue, upgrade our facilities, and drive forward as a premier focal point for community-led arts. It’s going to be amazing, and we need your help to make it happen!

Our New Year’s Resolution is to continue to be at the “beating” heart of Birmingham’s art scene, to continue enriching the daily lives of our audiences by connecting communities to the arts, and to continue welcoming international artists whilst at the same time discovering and nurturing the talent of Birmingham’s young people. Together we can realise our Dream. In the words of Nelson Mandela - “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

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Mukhtar Dar Director of Arts and Marketing

Location Music Theatre Comedy Literature & Spoken Word Diary Young People Dance Film Visual Arts Workshop News Arts Development Drum Spaces Partners Raising the Roof

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www.the-drum.org.uk

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The Drum is located on the A34, just ten minutes outside Birmingham city centre on the site of former Aston Hippodrome, next to the Bartons Arms. Please contact Box Office if you need further directions.

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By bus From the City Centre take the number 33 or 51 bus from Lower Bull Street (next to Poundland), or the number 7, which leaves from Livery Street. Alight at Newtown Swimming Baths / Bartons Arms.

By train The Drum is a short distance from local Birmingham stations including New Street, Moor Street and Snow Hill.

By car From the M6: Leave at Junction 6, onto the A38(M) a short way along the A38(M), take the exit sign posted Aston / Waterlinks. The roundabout at the top exit is Park Circus. Take the second exit onto Victoria Road. Turn left onto Upper Sutton Street and then right at the bottom onto Park Lane. Before you approach the crossroads / next set of lights there is a slip road to turn left. This is Potters Lane.

The Drum’s car park is on your left directly as you turn left.

Location

Drum

From Birmingham City Centre: Take the A38 towards Aston (under the tunnels/underpass towards the M6). Go over the Aston Expressway and merge left, off the A38 and onto the ring road towards Dartmouth Circus roundabout. Keep in the left-hand lane and go straight over the roundabout.

As you exit off the roundabout the overhead sign is marked Thomas Street – go straight up Thomas Street and turn left at the top of the road on to Park Lane (you will see East End Foods on your right). Just before the traffic lights, take the slip road on the left, this is Potters Lane. The Drum’s car park is on your left directly as you turn left.

Free parking outside, Disabled spaces are also available.

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THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE

Music The Drum with Punch Records presents

Eric Roberson Sun 9 Feb, 7pm Tickets: £12 (£10), MOTD

“ Thrilling harmonies...seriously infectious dance floor grooves... goose bump-inducing vocals.”

- The Guardian

Acclaimed singer songwriter Eric Roberson returns to The Drum with full live band to present a musical journey into the 21st century sounds of Nu Soul.

On the night Eric will be supported by the bubbling British Neo Soul singer songwriter Hayley Cassidy and music supplied

by E Double D. More info www.punch-records.co.uk

“ He is a brilliant singer with a voice like red velvet cake.”

- Jill Scott (Grammy-winning American singer songwriter, actress and poet)

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Cornell Campbell meets The Soothsayers Fri 21 Feb, 9pm Tickets: £13 (£10), £15 OTD Cornell Campbell is considered one of the finest voices to have emerged from reggae’s golden years in the 1970s, and the album collaboration with the Soothsayers has garnered global acclaim.

This great collaboration has produced the Nothing Can Stop Us album, a conscious and roots-based set with Cornell’s sweet iconic vocals underpinned by deep, dubby rhythm sections and some fresh, intricate arrangements.

They make their Drum debut alongside Birmingham’s finest DJ’s; Tony Roots and Little Richie. This amazing line-up promises to deliver an unforgettable night of sweet reggae music.

Note Benders Sat 8 Mar, 7pm Tickets: £7 (£5) Inspired by the legendary Jazz musician Andy Hamilton, The Note Benders bring you the best in Big Band Jazz.

The Note Benders are regulars on Birmingham’s Jazz scene making appearances at the Symphony Hall, Aston Pride Carnival and Birmingham Town Hall. If it’s a swinging back beat and big, bad brass you’re after, these have it by the bucket load.

www.the-drum.org.uk

The Drum and Gatecrash Promotions presents

Sat 26 Apr, 9pm Tickets: £7 (£5)

Legends of Legends 2014 Sat 15 Mar, 10pm Tickets: Advance £20**, MOTD

The long awaited Annual UK Legends of Legends returns with another spectacular line up of Live P.A’s from 14 iconic UK Lovers Rock artists. The line-up features the legendary Administrators alongside Mike Anthony, Dennis Bovell, Sandra Cross, Ossie Gad, Vivian Jones, Kofi, Donna Marie, Winston Reedy, Peter Spence and a special guest appearance from the first lady of Lovers Rock: Ginger Williams, plus support from Adele Harley and Robbie Levi.

DJ’s on the night: Mr Romantic, Gatecrash, GT, G6T9, Mikey Bups all playing on the Fatal Attraction Sound System.

After a hugely successful Simmer Down Festival 2013, with over 12,000 people attending the festival in Handsworth Park, The Drum is keen to support Birmingham’s and the West Midlands’ vibrant and burgeoning live music scene by platforming local artists and musicians at a new quarterly event which will become a showcase for artists wanting to perform at Simmer Down 2014!

Music

Simmer Down Lounge

0121 333 2444

The Launch of the Simmer Down Lounge promises to be very special occasion, with an impressive line-up of artists, musicians and DJ’s not to be missed. Pass the word and bring you friends to the Simmer Down Lounge, the only place to be for live music and sweet sounds.

Date for the diary: Simmer Down 2014 Sun 13 Jul, 12pm Free Admission

Last year sold out in advance, come dressed to impress and get your tickets in advance - so nah regret!

** Booking fees apply excluding tickets purchased from The Drum

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THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE

Music SWV Sat 5 Apr, 9pm Tickets: £20 Earlybird*, £22.50 Advance **, MOTD The Drum is delighted to host Sisters With Voices (aka SWV), one of the biggest Hip-Hop Soul groups of the nineties, as part of our 20th anniversary celebration.

The all-female trio from New York City formed in 1990 and had hit after hit, including Weak, I’m So Into You, Anything and the Michael Jackson sampling, Right Here.

Don’t miss this chance to see Hip-Hop Soul at its best. Get your SWV tickets in advance to make sure you’re part of our birthday party celebration.

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* Earlybird offer will only be available until Fri 31 Jan ** Booking fees apply excluding tickets purchased from The Drum

www.the-drum.org.uk

0121 333 2444

The Ghazal Maestro Live in Concert: Pankaj Udhas The New Bingley Hall, Birmingham Sun 6 Apr, 7pm Tickets: £25 Earlybird*, £30 Advance **, MOTD

US Embassy London and The Drum present

As part of The Drum’s 20th anniversary celebration we are honoured to host the Ghazal Maestro and India’s living legend that is Padmashree Pankaj Udhas.

Pankaj started his career at the age of eleven, released his first album Aahat in 1980, and has since released over fifty albums, the latest being Shaayar.

Up Close with Mary Wilson of the Supremes Tue 25 Feb, 7pm Tickets: £12 (£10~) As part of The Drum’s 20th anniversary celebration we are delighted to host the sensational Mary Wilson.

This will be an opportunity not only to hear Mary perform, but to learn more about the life, influences and experiences of a great artist whose career clashed with an era of great political and social transformation.

Ms. Wilson and The Supremes broke colour barriers in the 1960s as one of the era’s most successful singing groups, charting an amazing twelve Number 1’s between 1964 – 69, spreading the sound of Motown across America and opening the door for future African American R&B and Soul musicians to find mainstream success.

Still performing with the same passion, Mary is now using her fame and flair to promote humanitarian efforts around the world as a best-selling author, motivational speaker, and former U.S. Cultural Ambassador. Join us for an evening of unforgettable music and fascinating discussion with a true musical legend. ~ There will be a limited number of free tickets for young people to attend this event – these will be issued on first come first served basis.

Music

The Drum, Perfect Harmony and Rock On Music present

His popularity rose in Bollywood with Chitte Aaye Hai from the film Naam, lending his voice to numerous hits like Sharab Cheez Hi Aisi, Ek Taraf Uska Ghar, Chandi Jaisa Rang Hai Tera and Ghungroo Toot Gaye.

The name Pankaj Udhas has become synonymous with quality Ghazal and Soulful melody. In 2006 he was awarded the fourth highest civilian award of Padmashree, for his contribution to Ghazal singing and social services.

* Earlybird offer will only be available until Sat 1 Mar ** Booking fees apply excluding tickets purchased from The Drum

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THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE

Music

Singing Nina Fri 9 May, 7pm Tickets: £14 (£12.50), £15 OTD

Punch present

The life and music of Nina Simone is celebrated in the acclaimed new show Singing Nina, performed by her sister, Chicago Soul Queen Karen Underwood, and backed by a live band.

Angie Stone Sun 20 Apr, 7pm Tickets: £20 Earlybird*, £25 advance**, MOTD

The show charts the engrossing life story of Nina Simone through narration and song, from her struggle against racism and exile from her homeland to her flamboyant, troubled relationships and poignant later years.

Punch presents an intimate evening with Angie Stone and her full USA band expect a night of classic and soulful vibes. Grammy award winning Soul Diva Angie Stone makes a special appearance during her first ever national UK tour. Performing classic hits like Brother, No More Rain and Wish I Didn’t Miss you. * Earlybird offer will only be available until Fri 28 Feb ** Booking fees apply excluding tickets purchased

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GL360 presents

Karen brings Nina to life as she performs all her classic songs such as Mississippi Goddamn, Sinnerman, My Baby and I Need a Little Sugar, and will take you on a heart-warming journey you will never forget as she traces the evolution of this musical legend.

Manifest

If you like Nina’s music, you will love this …

Also look out for the Film on Nina’s Life!

Fri 25 Apr, 7:30pm Ticket: £7.50 (£5) After the success of #Affinity2, GL360 has decided to strip back the veil of big beats, loud music and hype crowds to bring you the sound of some of the best gospel/inspirational music the Midlands has to offer in its rawest, exposed and unplugged form.

Come and experience music and lyrics in their purest forms from authentic vocals to Spoken Word and Poetry performed by Alima Rico-Emmanuel, Ni Sheng, Natty Joshia and more.

www.the-drum.org.uk

Punjabiwood Comedy Play Triple Treat Tickets: £10 (£8)

Season Ticket

All three shows for £25 (£20)* All three plays are packed with family entertainment, fun, comedy, music and dance with a star-studded cast, including writing-directing-acting duo Jeet and Kaki, who’ve been making audiences laugh with their hilarious productions for years, and best know from their appearance in Channel 4’s fantastic reality show The Family.

Desi Peo Sat 22 Feb, 7:30pm Traditional and modern family life clash together in Desi Peo,a high voltage Punjabi comedy play set in London, where father and husband Joginder Singh lives with his wife and son.

Joginder is enjoying his retirement, after working hard all his life. He has strong traditional belief in Punjabi culture and values, which he would like his family to follow.

However, his wife Lucy Kaur and their British born son Gaz don’t quite agree. With both torn between their traditional and modern ways of life, it’s not long before tempers start to flare.

Come along for roller coaster ride of desi fun and laughter.

Naukar Woti Da Sat 22 Mar, 7:30pm Fatte Chak Singh lives with his wife Manjeet Kaur (Hunter Wali) in London.

Manjeet believes that marriage is nothing but just give and take. Give her happiness and she’ll give you pain!

In short he is a perfect Naukar Woti Da, but one fine day Manjeet Kaur’s younger sister Kuljeet (Jugni) comes to their house to spend her summer holidays, and then ... there is love in the air. A triangular love story unravels as a nonstop race of fun and laughter starts!

Paiseyan Di Hera Pheri Sat 31 May, 7:30pm Paiseyan Di Hera Pheri revolves around a dead father’s Will, rather than morning his passing, his family are more interested in how much money is coming to them!

Theatre

Matribhoomi Theatre and The Drum presents

0121 333 2444

The father’s sprit walks around the house, and after seeing how greed and bitterness has taken over his children, he decides to change his Will … from beyond the grave! A comic portrayal of the darker side of humanity, this hauntingly funny production is not to be missed.

Written by Gurdip Kaur Chaudhary (Kaki) Directed by Jitender Singh (Jeet) All these plays will be performed in Punjabi

9 * Season Ticket offer only will be available until Sat 22 Feb

THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE

Theatre

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Gazebo Theatre presents

The Sistren Fri 21 Mar, 7:30pm Tickets: £8.50 (£6.50) Three extraordinary women are drawn together to help another lady in her hour of need in this compelling, funny and moving new play from the company that brought you Rivers to Cross, Jamaica 50 and last season’s hit Sorry! No Coloureds, No Irish, No Dogs.

Harmony Production in association with The Drum present

Real Housewives of Brixton Sat 1 & Sun 2 Mar, 7:30pm Tickets: £18 (£16.50), £22 OTD Jazz, Barbie, Ohsoo and Claudine - four housemates living in a luxurious apartment above a shop in Brixton, acting like jealous housewives as they compete with each other to be the most successful, unique and fabulous individual they can be.

Don’t miss Lavern Archer’s energetic new play, with an eclectic mix of explosive characters which makes for an hilarious comedy cocktail! Also Charles Tomlin, Olive Miller, Wayne Rollins and Lovena Brown.

The Sistren features three extraordinary players in the fight for women’s rights - Mary Wollstonecraft, a founder of modern feminism; Claudia Jones, founder of the first Black British weekly newspaper, and the mother of the Nottinghill Carnival; and Emma Lloyd Sproson, suffragette, suffragist and Wolverhampton’s first female councillor.

Starring Tonia Daley-Campbell playing alongside Therese Collins and Pamela Cole-Hudson. Told in Gazebo’s inimitable style of powerful drama combined with humour and honesty, this exciting new play is not to be missed!

Open Minds Theatre Company present

Faultlines - A Tale of Coriander and the Dog Tue 1 Apr, 7:30pm Tickets: £10 (£8) Faultlines - A Tale of Coriander and the Dog is the final play in the ground-breaking Faultlines Trilogy which tells a story of the Kashmiri/Pakistani diaspora. Set in the present day, it places a portrayal of family life amongst the big shifts in society in the 21st Century. Three weddings, a funeral and next door’s dog peeing on the family’s coriander, this is Asian family life as it really is; honest, moving and funny.

“A performance that looks you in the eye and doesn’t shy away from saying it how it is.”

The performance does contain some bad language.

Written and Directed by Steve Rogers and Taiba Yasseen

www.the-drum.org.uk

Shall I Kill Mama Sat 12 Apr, 7:30pm Tickets: Advance sales only £30* VIP Event – Red Carpet, Sparkling Reception and Canapés, Meet, Greet and Photos with the Stars! The proceeds from this show will go to the Raise the Roof Campaign. This exclusive Birmingham premier will be filmed in front of the live audience!

Shall I Kill Mama is a comic drama, the story of a difficult relationship between a mother and her son. Mama is from Jamaica: she is clever, funny, manipulative, and full of angst. Her son Bunter is British: he is highly educated, conservative, and somewhat dithering.

Terminally ill and in great pain, Mama wants to die, so summons her son to aid her passing.

Bunter does not want to do this … but Mama is used to having her way!

This is the mother of all battles, and Bunter will have to pull some punches if he wants to win this final round.

Written by Trevor Thomas * Tickets are only available until Fri 11 Apr, price includes: Red Carpet, Sparkling Reception and Canapés, Meet, Greet and Photos with the Stars!

Komola Collective present

0121 333 2444

Theatre

Bickles Kitchen Theatre ... where your actors serve you presents

Birangona: Women of War Sun 11 May, 6pm Tickets: £8 (£6) Suitable for 14+

Birangora: Women of War © Caitlin Abbot

The Kalboishakhi Storm is coming. It is 1971 and the war of independence tears through Bangladesh. In a small village, Moryom and her family await its arrival. Every day, they hide from soldiers, while across the country women are disappearing from streets and homes. When the storm finally hits, it will tear away everything.

During this war over 200,000 women and girls were systematically raped and tortured as part of the Pakistani Army’s war strategy.

Birangona: Women of War, uses innovative physical performance, dance, and animation interwoven with films of the women’s accounts to tell the untold story of the Birangona women.

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THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE

Comedy

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Axel

Glenda Jaxson

Rudi Lickwood

Upfront Comedy presents A brand new comedy season hosted by John Simmit Tickets: £13.50 (£10), £16 OTD Food will be available on the night Suitable for audiences 18+

Season Ticket 3 Shows for £35

Advance Tickets

Group Offer s, t 9 ticke

Buy ee get 1 fr

£13.50 (£10)

Comedy Kickstarter Fri 7 Feb, 7pm Kick-off the year with a heavyweight comedy line up, featuring veteran comedy bad boy Rudi Lickwood, whose many TV credits range from The Real McCoy to ITV’s Show Me The Funny. Also kicking up a laugh storm is award winning comedienne Glenda Jaxson hitting the stage with her skewered take on modern life, with hot young gun Axel adding even more humorous testosterone to the evening.

Photos ©Tom Flathers

0121 333 2444

Annette Fagon

Slim

Glazz Cambell

Slim and Friends Fri 4 Apr, 7pm Nina Benjamin

Kane Brown

Junior Simpson

MTV Base star Slim continues to build his growing reputation as ‘the people’s choice’! The former Brixton bus driver mixes it up with local force of nature Annette Fagon and very silly, very funny boxer turned comedian Glazz Campbell. It’s going to be a knock out night of comedy!

Comedy

www.the-drum.org.uk Photos ©Jamil Arshad - JA Digital Media

The Good, the Bad and the Funny Fri 7 Mar, 7pm What a show! Outrageous 3 Non Blondes star Ninia Benjamin, ‘the comedy assassin’, is joined by one of the UK’s best comedians Junior Simpson (Never Mind The Buzzcocks and They Think It’s All Over) making his Upfront return after too many years. Plus, man of the moment Kane Brown will be here for even more laughs. This one’s going to hurt the stomach.

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THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE

Literature & Spoken Word

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Book Launch

Asian Britain A Photographic History Underword Screening and Spoken Word Showcase Fri 11 Apr, 7pm Tickets: £3 From South London to Philadelphia, Birmingham to Toronto, UK Performance Poets and Spoken Word artists have shared this phenomenal art-form with millions of people across the world.

With the art-form’s foundation at risk of being forgotten, AmeN NoiR of Best Kept Secret set about documenting the history and bringing the underground, over-ground. Enter Underword, a snapshot of London’s Spoken Word legacy.

The screening of this full length documentary features The Floacist, Malika Booker, David J, El-Crisis, Jonzi-D, 3+1, shortMAN, Zena Edwards, TY, Kat Francois, Best Kept Secret and Beyonder and many more, and will be followed by live performances by leading Spoken Word artists from London and Birmingham.

Susheila Nasta with Florian Stadtler Thu 24 Apr, 7pm Tickets: £3, (£2) South Asians have lived in Britain for centuries. From the first trade conducted between the two nations along the Silk Route to the adoption of Chicken Tikka Masala as a national dish, the ongoing mutual exchange of cultures continues to flourish today. Asian Britain vividly charts Britain’s process of coming to terms with the historic realities of its culturally diverse past and present.

This extraordinary photographic history draws upon culture, film, music, the military, business, the suffragist movement and the different phases of historic settlement of Asian migrants from the subcontinent, the Caribbean and East Africa. The authors will be in-conversation with Raj Pal from the South Asian alliance.

The Drum and CMS present the Book Launch

Kashmir: Penning the resistance History of Kashmiri Independence Politics and Diaspora Identity Formation Sun 27 Apr, 3pm Tickets: £3 (£2) Kashmir remains today one of the worlds’s most contested and militarized political state. Continually torn between the post-partition claims of Pakistan and India, thousands have died in a conflict which has lasted over fifty years. The UK and Birmingham in particular, is home to one of the largest Kashmiri diaspora populations.

The Drum is proud to bring together three esteemed Kashmiri authors and political activists to discuss their perspectives on the conflict and the diaspora it creates, but also the rich history and culture.

The discussion will be chaired by Javed Iqbal from South Asian Alliance with retired sociology Professor Nazir Haq Naazish, author of Jammu Kashmir: A Divided State with A Fragmented Nation, Shams Rehman writer of History of Kashmiri Independence, Politics and Diaspora Identity Formation and Fahad Shah a journalist, editor and writer of the recently released anthology, Of Occupation and Resistance.

0121 333 2444

Nubian Readers’ Book Club Last Friday of the month, 7:30pm^ Tickets: £2

Book Launch

Black Men, Invisibility and Crime: The Debate Thu 27 Mar, 7pm Tickets: £3 (£2) The Drum welcomes you to join the conversation regarding one of the most important ongoing issues in the UK today, Black Men, Invisibility and Crime. According to the Equality and Human Rights Commission, the number of Black people in prisons in the UK is now greater than in the United States.

Representatives from Criminal Justice Agencies and the community will be engaging in a public discussion about the pertinent issues affecting young Black men, and especially the dis-proportionality within the Criminal Justice System.

The debate coincides with the launch of Criminologist and Creative Practitioner Dr Martin Glynn’s new book Black Men, Invisibility, and Crime, published by Routledge. Also on the panel will be Errol Lawson, author of From Postcode to Globe: How to Overcome Limitations and Realise Your Potential, which tells his story and how he triumphed over the obstacles that many of our young people face today.

If you’re a fan of books written by African, African-Caribbean and African-American authors then join the Nubian Readers’ Book Club. The lively group meets on the last Friday of every month.

Book List: Jan - Faster than Lightning by Usain Bolt Feb - We need new Names by NoViolet Bulawayo

Literature & Spoken Word

www.the-drum.org.uk

After the debate both authors will sign copies of their books.

^ See our diary pages or website for a full list of dates, as these maybe subject to change

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THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE

Diary

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January Photograph Exhibition: Sonia Audhali - Little Yemen Until Thu 30 Jan - Free Admission YGB Workshops Sat 11 Jan~ YGB Workshops Mon 13 Jan~ YGB Workshops Mon 20 & Sat 25 Jan~ YGB Workshops Mon 27 Jan & Sat 1 Feb~ Nubian Readers’ Book Club Fri 31 Jan, 7:30pm - £2

YGB Workshops Mon 10 & Sat 15 Feb~

Note Benders Sat 8 Mar, 7pm - £7 (£5)

Casablanca - Kings Heath Community Cinema Sat 15 Feb, 6pm - £5 (£3) P

YGB Workshops Mon 10 & Sat 15 Mar~

Cornell Campbell meets The Soothsayers Fri 21 Feb, 9pm - £13* (£10) MOTD Desi Peo Sat 22 Feb, 7:30pm - £10 (£8) S £25 P

Exhibition Launch Birmingham, Midland and Disc: Change Thu 13 Mar, 3pm - Free Admission

Up Close with Mary Wilson of the Supremes Tue 25 Feb, 7pm - £12 (£10)

Birmingham Midland and DISC Exhibition: Change Thu 13 Mar - Tue 8 Apr - Free Admission

February

Indian Percussion Classes Tue 25 Feb, Tabla 7pm and Dhal 8pm - £5

YGB Workshops Sat 1 Feb~

Riots Reframed Thu 27 Feb, 7pm - £4 (£2) P

YGB Workshops Mon 3 & Sat 8 Feb~

Nubian Readers’ Book Club Fri 28 Feb, 7:30pm - £2

Exhibition Launch - Alex Robinson-Sutherland: The Story So Far Thu 6 Feb, 6pm - Free Admission

March

Alex Robinson-Sutherland Exhibition: The Story So Far Thu 6 Feb - Sun 9 Mar - Free Admission Comedy Kickstarter Fri 7 Feb, 7pm - £13:50 (£10) MOTD S £35 Eric Roberson Sun 9 Feb, 7pm - £12 (£10), MOTD

Indian Percussion Classes Tue 11 Mar, Tabla 7pm and Dhal 8pm - £5

Real Housewives of Brixton Sat 1 & Sun 2 Mar, 7:30pm - £18 (£16.50) MOTD P

Legends of Legends 2014 Sat 15 Mar, 10pm £20** MOTD

Nubian Readers’ Book Club Fri 28 Mar, 7:30pm - £2 Love&Sex aka Per-Mission Fri 28 Mar, 1pm & 7:30pm - £12 (£8.50) P YGB Workshops Mon 31 Mar & Sat 5 Apr~

April Indian Percussion Classes Tue 1 Apr, Tabla 7pm and Dhal 8pm - £5 Faultlines - A Tale of Coriander and the Dog Tue 1 Apr, 7:30pm - £10 (£8) P

YGB Workshops Mon 17 & Sat 22 Mar~

Slim and Friends Fri 4 Apr, 7pm - £13:50 (£10) MOTD S £35

Indian Percussion Classes Tue 18 Mar, Tabla 7pm and Dhal 8pm - £5

YGB Weekly Workshops Sat 2 Nov**

The Sistren Fri 21 Mar, 7:30pm - £8.50 (£6.50) P

Indian Percussion Classes Tue 4 Mar, Tabla 7pm and Dhal 8pm - £5

Naukar Woti Da Sat 22 Mar, 7:30pm - £10 (£8) S £25 P

The Good, the Bad and the Funny Fri 7 Mar, 7pm - £13:50 (£10) MOTD S £35

YGB Workshops Mon 24 & Sat 29 Mar~

YGB Workshops Sat 8 Mar~

Black Men, Invisibility and Crime: The Debate Thu 27 Mar, 7pm - £3 (£2) P

Indian Percussion Classes Tue 25 Mar, Tabla 7pm and Dhal 8pm - £5

SWV Sat 5 Apr, 9pm - £20* £22.50** MOTD The Ghazal Maestro Live in Concert: Pankaj Udhas Sun 6 Apr, 7pm - £25* £30** MOTD P YGB Workshops Mon 7 Apr & Sat 12~

Exhibition Launch Photographer Dood Lette: Bess Bi Nyouna!

Thu 10 Apr, 6pm - Free Admission Photographer Dood Lette Exhibition: Bess Bi Nyouna!

Thu 10 Apr - Thu 8 May - Free Admission Underword Screening and Spoken Word Showcase Fri 11 Apr, 7pm - £3 P Shall I Kill Mama Sat 12 Apr, 7:30pm Advance sales only £30

YGB Workshops Sat 17 May~ YGB Workshops Sat 24 May~ Paiseyan Di Hera Pheri Sat 31 May, 7:30pm - £10 (£8) S £25 P

Date for the diary Simmer Down 2014 Sun 13 Jul, 12pm Free Admission*

Angie Stone Sun 20 Apr, 7pm - £20* £25** MOTD Asian Britain - A Photographic History Thu 24 Apr, 7pm - £3, (£2)

Key

Music Theatre Comedy Literature & Spoken Word Young People Dance Film Visual Arts Workshops

Manifest Fri 25 Apr, 7:30pm - £7.50 (£5) Nubian Readers’ Book Club Fri 25 Apr, 7:30pm, £2 Simmer Down Lounge Sat 26 Apr, 9pm - £7 (£5) Kashmir: Penning the resistance Sun 27 Apr, 3pm - £3 (£2)

May YGB Workshops Sat 3 May~

P p:ARTicipate scheme S Season Ticket Offer

Singing Nina Fri 9 May, 7pm - £14 (£12.50) MOTD)

*

Catching History on the Wings Sun 11 May, 3pm - £3 P

www.the-drum.org.uk

Birangona: Women of War Sun 11 May, 6pm - £8 (£6) P

** ~

Earlybird Ticket (see event for full details) Advance Booking Price/ Required (see event for full details) See YGB pages 18/19 for more details

Discounts at The Drum We have lots of exciting offers and discounts at The Drum.

We offer a concessionary rate on most performances which you can find in brackets following our standard ticket price.

Concessionary Rates These tickets are available to senior citizens, students, registered unemployed, registered disabled and under 18s.

Group Bookings Buy 10 tickets for any event and only pay for 9.

Schools Reduced matinee tickets available for most schools’ performances.

p:ARTicipate Under p:ARTicipate scheme, Hall Green and Lady Wood residents can obtain reduced priced tickets on selected events (see dairy for details).

Terms and conditions apply.

0121 333 2444

Please contact our Box Office on 0121 333 2444 for more details.

Please note you may be asked for identification or proof of your circumstance.

Please call our Box Office prior to a performance to check discounts available.

Contact details Box Office 0121 333 2444 Website www.the-drum.org.uk The Drum 144 Potters Lane Aston, Birmingham, B6 4UU

Discounts

Indian Percussion Classes Tue 8 Apr, Tabla 7pm and Dhal 8pm - £5

@The_Drum TheDrumBirmingham +thedrumbirmingham Please note that all tickets purchased via The Drum Box Office will only be sent via Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery. Thus ensuring your tickets will arrive within twenty-four hours and will be covered against loss or damage.

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THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE

Young People

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Young Gifted Brum (YGB) is a programme of low-cost weekly creative workshops for children and young people from 8 to 18 years of age. Workshops delivered by our team of artist and tutors will develop your or your child’s confidence, creative and communication skills, whilst having loads of fun! Participants will showcase their work on Sat 12 Apr.

YGB Weekly Workshops The following workshops will take place on the day’s stated below in-between the following dates: Winter Block 1: Sat 11 Jan – Sat 1 Feb^ Block 2: Sat 8 Feb - Sat 15 Mar^ Spring Block 1: Sat 22 Mar - Sat 12 Apr^ Block 2: Sat 3 May - Sat 24 May^

Drama for 8-10 year olds Saturdays, 1 - 2:30pm Tickets: £10 per month* Children will learn basic drama skills as well as how to develop their onstage presence.

These sessions are design to assist with literacy development.

Drama for 11-13 year olds Saturdays, 1:30 - 3pm Tickets: £10 per month* Participants will learn scripts, monologues and devise a piece for their showcase. These sessions will develop and encourage creative thinking.

Drama for 14-18 year olds Saturdays, 3 - 4:30pm Tickets: £10 per month* Members will learn a full range of theatrical techniques, develop their critical thinking and creative writing skills, all culminating in the production of an issue-based theatre piece.

www.the-drum.org.uk

0121 333 2444

Young People

Street Dance for Beginners Saturdays, 12 - 1pm Tickets: £10 per month* This workshop is ideal for children and older participants who are starting from scratch and want to learn the basics.

Improve Your Street Dance Saturdays, 1 - 2:30pm Tickets: £10 per month* Aimed at the more developed dancer, this workshop will let participants improve their street dance by honing their skills and learning a number of new routines.

Advanced Street Dance Saturdays, 3 - 4:30pm Tickets: £10 per month* The most talented dancers have previously worked with international dancers and choreographers and are developing into a crew to keep an eye on!

Contact Sarah Blackstock, Head of Young People & Creative Learning for further information s.blackstock@the-drum.org.uk * Terms and conditions apply, please see website booking pages for more details. All payments are non-refundable. ^ See our diary pages or website for a full list of dates

Follow YGB on Twitter @GiftedBrum to keep up-to-date!

19 Photos ©Andrew Lindo, Newborn Design

THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE

Dance

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State of Emergency presents

Love&Sex aka Per-Mission Fri 28 Mar, 1pm & 7:30pm Tickets: £12 (£8.50)

State of Emergency presents a brand new hard hitting dance theatre show entitled Love&Sex aka Per-Mission that explores issues of love, sex and consent and examines the emotions, the pressures and the comedy of sexual relationships.

Through dance and music, Per-Mission invites audiences to reflect and question their own behaviour and that of others. This show is ideal for young people aged 13 to 25, highlighting the connection between sexual health and emotional well-being.

With choreography by the internationally renowned Colin Poole and an original soundtrack by State of Emergency’s own Steve Marshall.

Supported by DanceXchange

State of Emergency Productions; Love&Sex aka Per-Mission © Photo Irven Lewis

www.the-drum.org.uk

0121 333 2444

Film

Riots Reframed Thu 27 Feb, 7pm Tickets: £4 (£2) £2 tickets for groups of five+ Cert: 12A Riots Reframed is an independent and feature-length documentary reframing England’s 2011 riots through voices of resistance featuring prominent social commentators such as Paul Gilroy, Akala and Lowkey.

Kings Heath Community Cinema presents a Valentine’s screening of

Casablanca All Saints Church, Kings Heath Sat 15 Feb, 6pm Tickets: £5 (£3) Cert: PG Set in unoccupied Africa during the early days of World War II, an American expatriate meets a former lover, with unforeseen complications. Refreshments will be available; however, we’d recommend that you bring your own cushions and blankets for an extra cosy evening.

The idea was conceived soon after the producer, Fahim Alam, was released from prison on bail, after being arrested for taking part in riots. With virtually no knowledge of filming and editing, he set out to make an independent and complex documentary.

A panel discussion will take place following the screening, featuring individuals who have campaigned for social justice at a local and national level.

A premier film screening featuring Ambalavaner Sivanandan

Catching History on the Wings Sun 11 May, 3pm Tickets: £3 Cert: PG Ambalavaner Sivanandan is a highly influential thinker on race, racism, globalisation and resistance. Since 1972, he has been the director of the Institute of Race Relations (IRR) and the editor of Race & Class, which set the policy agenda on ethnicity and race in the UK and worldwide.

This premier screening pays tribute to Sivanandan and brings together those that have been inspired and influenced by his work. Colin Prescod, the former Chair of The Drum and the current Chair of the IRR, will contextualise Sivanandan’s work and introduce the screening.

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THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE

Visual Arts

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Photograph Exhibition: Sonia Audhali - Little Yemen Until Thu 30 Jan Free Admission Little Yemen is a sensitive portrait of a West Midlands community in transition. As a British born Yemeni raised in England, Sonia Audhali’s photographs exhibit not only an image of one nation and its culture integrating with another, but also a trace of autobiography.

Audhali’s identity as both British and Yemeni instinctively influences her approach to capturing a dual heritage of which there is little in the way of published and public evidence in the UK. A catalogue of this exhibition can be purchased at The Drum Box Office for only £7.

www.the-drum.org.uk

0121 333 2444

Launch: Thu 6 Feb, 6pm Thu 6 Feb - Sun 9 Mar Free Admission

Visual Arts

Alex Robinson-Sutherland Exhibition: The Story So Far

Using either oil or acrylic paints, Alex Robins-Sutherland creates abstract works of art that are up lifting and inspiring, thought-provoking pieces that automatically engages the viewer and encourages active involvement in art.

Alex’s art is a true reflection of her personal experiences and feelings, expressed through natural forms, mostly floral.

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THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE

Visual Arts

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Birmingham Midland and DISC Exhibition: Change Launch: Thu 13 Mar, 3pm Thu 13 Mar - Tue 8 Apr Free Admission Change is a pioneering collaboration programme of work by Birmingham Mind and DISC with Dementia and Alzheimer’s Service to create a visual exhibition using acrylics on canvass with individual pieces and a mural as the centrepiece.

Birmingham Mind and DISC provides support and care to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Service users and carers. These creative sessions help to develop fine and gross motor skills, and by taking part in this project it helps participants to exercise the memory.

It also promotes community togetherness and support fora mixed cultural group of African, African Caribbean, Asian and European heritage participants all aged 65 and above.

www.the-drum.org.uk

Launch: Thu 10 Apr, 6pm Thu 10 Apr - Thu 8 May Free Admission

Dood Lette has been documenting and recording the people of Gambian origin in the UK for the last fifteen years, capturing community events including naming ceremonies, traditional weddings, cultural and religious events. The exhibition is a portrayal of this stunning body of work exploring Gambian culture at home and further afield.

Visual Arts

Photographer Dood Lette Exhibition: Bess Bi Nyouna!

(The Day Has Come)

0121 333 2444

“ Photography is more than a passion for me. It is my life, my story and my acknowledgement of the stories of Gambians�

- Dood Lette (Photographer / Artist)

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THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE

Workshops/News

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Introducing The Drum’s first Associated Artists Mendi Mohinder Singh

Indian Percussion Classes Starting Tue 25 Feb, Tabla 7pm and Dhal 8pm^ Tickets: £5 Learn Tabla and Dhal in a friendly relaxed environment with our associated artist Mendi Mohinder Singh. Mendi is one of the UKs leading Indian percussionist and an experienced teacher.

Classes cover all aspects of playing for all ages and abilities. If you’re a beginner, an experienced player or a musician looking to try something new these classes will enable you to learn, progress and enjoy the exciting percussion instruments of India. * The First class of the spring season (Starting Tue 25 Feb) is available as a single lesson that can be paid for on arrival. Remaining lessons are booked in 6 week blocks paid in advance ^ See our diary pages or website for a full list of dates

Leading Tabla player, percussionist and composer Mendi Mohinder Singh will be joining The Drum as our first Associated Artist throughout 2014.

Mendi is known as one of the country’s most exciting Tabla players, composers and artistic collaborators, drawing influence from Indian classical music, Jazz, African and Electronica.

Mendi has made unprecedented strides in bringing global audiences to his music through collaboration with artists such as Peter Gabriel, Pandit Shalil Shankar, Darius Brubeck, Anand Shankar, and Akram Khan to name a few.

Throughout 2014 Mendi will deliver weekly lessons in Indian percussion at The Drum, leading workshops and education programmes for schools, colleges and universities, and creating new music and artistic collaborations across the city ... check page 24 for more details.

www.the-drum.org.uk

There have been some great success stories during the past year, including the I Have a Dream Spoken Word project led by Amerah Saleh and Jaden Larker from Seasick Soul.

The project engaged a group of young people aged between fourteen and nineteen from the Concord Youth Centre, Sparkbrook in a series of workshops to develop and record performances based on the theme of ‘freedom’. The artists also delivered workshops for local schools including Hall Green, Reach and Swanhurst.

The Hall Green Arts Festival delivered by WeareB28 was a huge success too! It featured a range of events and activities including an artist talk with Dr Vanley Burke, which was supported by The Drum, a

photography walk along the River Cole, and lantern making workshops, amongst many other events over the ten days.

Let Freedom Ring bell-ringing event took place at 3pm Wed 28 Aug - a half-century to the minute after Dr King delivered his iconic ‘I Have a Dream’ speech that inspired so many. The Drum organised this special service led by the Reverend Canon Pitts at Holy Trinity Church, Birchfield. It was attended by the church’s regular congregation and local leaders from the all faiths. Also in attendance were members from the University of Birmingham, Punch Records, and groups from Hall Green District Arts Champions Scheme.

The Drum’s role as Arts Champion of Hall Green district ends in March 2014. It has been a pleasure working with such a great range of artists, organisations, schools and community groups, and we are incredibly proud of all we have achieved together. To mark the end of our current programme, we will be celebrating local arts activities delivered in partnership with the Hall Green Arts Forums across the district, culminating in a one day event of information sharing and performances.

Development and Outreach

Arts Champions

0121 333 2444

For further information about Arts Development and Outreach please contact Ian Sergeant on 0121 333 2418 or i.sergeant@the-drum.org.uk

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THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE

Drum Spaces & Facilities

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Bring your Event Alive at The Drum Looking for a creative, fresh, exciting venue to hold your event?

The Drum prides itself on being a creative hub that likes to be out of the ordinary.

Whether it’s a small meeting room, a centrally located trade show or a major conference attracting national and international delegates, The Drum can cater for all your needs with its’ vibrant state of the art facilities. With a fully licensed bar and Caribbean infused menu we’ll give your event that extra special edge.

Our dedicated team of Event Management, Technical and Catering staff have the experience to ensure the success of your event. We work with our clients from conception to completion to budget and deliver exactly what you need..

Situated in the heart of the West Midlands, located 10 minutes from Birmingham City Centre and with great public transport links and free onsite parking facilities, The Drum provides a City Centre venue, but without the City Centre prices.

If you have any further questions or would like to come along for a free tour of the facilities, please call 0121 333 2444 or visit our dedicated Events website at www.the-drum-spaces.co.uk

www.the-drum.org.uk

Special thanks also goes to

Partners

We have developed excellent and successful partnerships over the years to deliver a range of eclectic performing and digital arts programmes, and plan to continue and develop this tradition. We are proud to count the following organisations and individuals as our partners:

0121 333 2444

The Drum’s board members: • • • • • • •

Upkar S Pardesi (Chair) Mick Durman (Vice Chair) Khembe Clarke Shaun Cope Leslie Fairclough Joel Graham- Blake Paulette Hamilton

• • • • • • •

Smita Jalaf Harminder Kailey Rita McLean Sharon Palmer MBE Sukhi Saini Cindy Wedderburn Margaret Wellington

Interested in becoming a partner or advertising with The Drum?

Call us now on 0121 333 2444.

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THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE

Raising The Roof The Drum Celebrates 20 Years of Success!

Raising the Roof and Aiming Higher

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In 2014, The Drum will be celebrating its 20th Birthday! For two decades we have built a strong history of innovation, artistic passion and community spirit, developing the best in Music, Theatre, Dance, Comedy, Literature and Visual Arts. We’ve celebrated legends, welcomed celebrities, and helped hundreds of young artists discover their own creativity.

We can’t wait to see what the next 20 years have in store … and with your help, we can make them even greater than the last!

To ensure you have the best performing and digital arts experiences, we have embarked on an ambitious funding project - Raising the Roof, a £4.8 million plan to redesign and upgrade our venue, facilities and equipment, and we need your help ...

Our main projects include …

• Raising the Roof to build a balcony and enlarge our Auditorium, increasing seating from 350 to 478 and standing from 750 to 1000 • Renewing and refurbishing all spaces, mechanical and electrical equipment to improve accessibility and usage • Improving and upgrading our services and facilities for young people working in Digital Arts, Dance, and Drama. … In addition to improved audio visual equipment, hospitality spaces, installing a new lift, and spectacular new live music performance spaces.

Our vision is for The Drum to be a major national arts centre, as well as a focal point for community-led arts for you all to enjoy. As with everything we do at The Drum, we can’t deliver our vision without your help and support. Every audience, supporter and friend of The Drum is key to making this dream a reality - and as someone who shares this vision, we hope you’ll consider making a donation (please see page 31 for more details)!

Not only does each donation help our fundraising target of £500,000, it actually helps our case when we apply for funding from the Arts Council, trusts and foundations! Each donation proves the demand for continued investment in arts and culture for the next 20 years, and we would be proud to have your valuable support.

All our donors will be invited to an exclusive opening event in Summer 2017, and will receive special offers to enjoy our new programme. To donate, simply just complete the form on page 30 and send it back to us for free. To find out more about the project check out our website.

Thank you for your support.

Charles Small CEO The Drum

Photos ©Jamil Arshad JA Digital Media

www.the-drum.org.uk

Here is my regular commitment to make a difference and help unlock additional funding: Standing Order Mandate: I would like to make the following gift(s) every month to The Drum £8 £16 £24 £32 £_____ Starting on (insert date) ___ / ___ / ___ and continuing until I give written notice. (The Drum will write to you after 24 months to ask if you

would like to stop your standing order)

This is in addition to ⃝ or replaces ⃝ any existing standing order in favour of The Drum. (Please tick the appropriate circle box above) Signature _______________________________________________ Date ____________________________________________________ (Please insert your direct debit details below)

I’d like to make a one-off donation. Here is my gift of £_____ to The Drum.

(Please send cheques payable to The Drum)

Please debit £ _____ From my credit/debit card: Visa

Mastercard

Delta

Switch

Card number_____________________________________________ Expiry Date ______________________________________________ CSV number _____________________________________________ Issue number (Switch only) _________________________________ Signature _______________________________________________ Date ___________________________________________________

Raising The Roof

Yes, I want to help the Drum Yes, I want to help The Drum to Raise the Roof!

Raise the Roof!

0121 333 2444

_______________________________________________

Name of account holder ____________________________________ Sort code ________________________________________________ Account No ______________________________________________ To: The Manager __________________________________________ Bank/Building Society ______________________________________ Address _________________________________________________ Postcode ________________________________________________

Gift Aid declaration: Tick here ⃝ to add an extra 25p to every £1 you give. Yes, I am a UK taxpayer and I want The Drum to claim back the tax on my donations. I understand that I must pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax at least equal to the tax that all charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for that tax year. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify.

The Drum: Account Name: The Newtown Cultural Project Ltd Sort Code: 40-11-18 Account Number: 92672731 Ref: RTR

Full name ________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________ Postcode ________________________________________________ Tel / Mobile ______________________________________________ *Email __________________________________________________

(Please insert your direct debit details below)

✃

Return this form to: The Drum, FREEPOST BM7084, Birmingham, B6 4BR

*We will use this address to keep you updated on our progress with Raising the Roof, but will not share your address with anyone else.

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THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE www.the-drum.org.uk 0121 333 2444 The information contained in this brochure is correct at the time of going to press. It maybe subject to change, please contact us to check performance details. The Drum is a non-smoking venue. Design: Gambit Graphics 01562 731313