19 - 28 September 2014 www.roystonartsfestival.org
Heroes & Villains Pick up your copy of the 20-page printed programme at Royston Library, the Town Hall, Curwens, the Stationery Cupboard, Melbourn Hub or Bury Lane Farm Shop!
the listing Royston Arts Festival Feature
the roySton frInGe
The Royston Fringe at the Methodist Church in Queens Road (venue 8) is offering several events again this year. We kick off with a Duke Ellington style jazz concert by Harmony in Harlem on Friday 19th, tickets £10. Under 18s are invited to enter the art competition, on the subject of “Heroes & Villains”. There are three age groups: under 8, 8-11 and 12-17, all entries will be displayed and prizes will be presented on Sunday 28th at 4pm. Art and craft of all sorts from adults are welcome for the exhibition which will be open on Saturday 27th, 10am-5pm, and Sunday 28th, 12noon-5pm, and entry if free. Professor Anthony Slinn, a distinguished and entertaining expert on Art History, will be giving a talk (his last before he retires, so do come) on Picasso’s famous painting “Guernica” on Friday 26th, tickets are £5 each. A dancing show from the very talented GSTARS will be staged twice on Saturday 27th at 11am and 2.30pm. Finally come and have afternoon tea with local author Sarah Harrison – “You couldn’t make it up!” – tickets £5.
All tickets can be obtained from Brian Norwood on 07895 095 455. Entry forms for the exhibition and competition are available at www.royston-methodist.org.uk The Royston Fringe is held in association with RoystonArtsFestival.org
LocaL artIStS on ShoW
One of the biggest art exhibitions in Royston is nearly here. The Royston Arts Society’s annual Autumn Exhibition at Royston Town Hall is always a date for your diary – this year those dates are September 27th to 28th 2014. The Society’s contribution to the Royston Arts Festival is back this year with an astounding variety of art. Your options are endless: framed and unframed original art, prints, greeting cards, portraits, landscapes, abstracts, mixed media, watercolours, acrylics, oils, pen and ink, pastels, line drawings and much more will be on sale at very affordable prices. Even better it’s all by local artists. You will be absolutely spoiled for choice! The Royston Arts Society was established in 1978 and over the years it has developed a reputation for high quality art in North Hertfordshire. Its key purpose is to provide a creative community experience, so you’d be in the right place whether you’re there to buy or just to look. Maybe we’ll see you there...
The Royston Arts Society’s Autumn Exhibition. 27th September 10am – 5pm & 28th September 11am -4pm at Royston Town Hall, Melbourn St, Royston, SG8 7DA. Visit www.roystonartsoc.org.uk or email enquiries@roystonartsoc.org.uk for more info.
“AERIAL VIEW” PRINT BY RAS MEMBER ANNA PYE
an offaL-y Good ShoW!
It’s not often that a drama group publicises its next show by announcing that “It’s a load of tripe!” but that’s just how Corvus Amateur Drama Society (CADS) is promoting its latest offering. Those with long memories, a droll sense of humour, and possibly left-wing leanings may remember the much loved cartoon strip The Fosdyke Saga written and drawn by the great Bill Tidy which appeared in the Daily Mirror in the 1970s and ‘80s. Described as “a classic tale of struggle, power, personalities and tripe”, the strip was a parody of John Galsworthy’s classic novel series The Forsyte Saga, and centred around the fortunes of the eponymous family whose rise to fortune in the Lancashire tripe trade were constantly being thwarted by the evil Roger, son of the late tripe king, Ben Ditchley, who disinherited him after he seduced the woman his father intended to wed. The cartoon strip was axed in 1985 when Robert Maxwell took over the Mirror (according to Bill “because he didn’t like it”!), but not before Alan Plater had adapted it as a stage show and it is this show that CADS is presenting this September as part of the 2014 Royston Arts Festival. Best described as half musical, half pantomime and half slapstick farce, the story sees the Fosdyke family rise from humble beginnings at the turn of the 20th century to fame and fortune as Lancashire’s foremost tripe manufacturers and takes in coal strikes, the Suffrage movement, and pretty much the whole of World War One. The group achieved a significant coup when faced with the need to produce some artwork for publicity purposes: they decided to approached Bill Tidy himself and the cartoonist was reportedly so delighted that the show was being given an airing that he generously agreed to donate two completely original cartoons in exchange for frontrow tickets! One of these is reproduced here. The Fosdyke Saga, 7.30 pm, Thursday 25th, Friday 26th and Saturday 27th September at Meridian School. Tickets £10 each (or £5 for children and students) from www.cadsroyston.org.uk or by ringing the CADS box office on 07925 674967.
defInIteLy not for KIdS! Two stand up comics with their roots in kids’ TV promise to give a very alternative performance at this year’s Royston Arts Festival on 20 September at the Picture Palace.
Best known for his work presenting on CBBC, Iain Stirling also has an alternative career delivering adult-orientated jokes at stand-up clubs all around the country. He has just finished a run of stand-up shows at the Edinburgh Fringe HOWARD READ and is a has been dubbed one of Scotland’s ‘Hottest Newcomers’ by The Scotsman. He’s also appeared on Russell Howard’s ‘Good News’ and been described by Time Out as a ‘Hugely talented rising star’. Howard Read (known to parents everywhere as ‘Big Howard’) hails from Letchworth and for the festival he’s been let out on his own (away from his animated TV sidekick).
IAIN STIRLING
Expect adult humour and swearing in what promises to be a highly entertaining night. Book a babysitter, grab your mates, and join us!
Stand Up Comedy Night, Royston Town Hall, Saturday 20th September, 7.30pm Tickets £12 www.CreativeRoyston.org
Learn to face-paint (painters aged 14 + models 10+)
Welcome to Royston Arts Festival Over the next four pages you’ll find a summary of all the events and activities taking place during our ‘Heroes & Villains’ festival. There is something for everyone, from family activities at Tannery Drift First School to a stand-up comedy night at Royston Picture Palace. More information (and T&Cs) can be found at RoystonArtsFestival.org or you can pick up a full 20-page programme at Bury Lane Fruit Farm or Royston Library. Premier partner: Johnson Matthey plc
Friday 19 September Bookstart Bear @ Toddler Tales
Hertfordshire Libraries Even the youngest children love a story! Venue 4: Library (SG8 9JN) 2pm. FREE
Mrs Brown’s Boys D’Movie (15)
Royston Picture Palace Venue 15: Town Hall / Picture Palace (SG8 7DA) 7.30pm. Normal ticket prices. Tickets from www.roystonpicturepalace.org.uk
Harmony in Harlem
Royston Fringe / Rotary Club of Royston Experience that big band sound! Venue 8: Methodist Church (SG8 7AU) 7.45pm. Tickets £10 from 07895 095 455 / 01763 241217
Saturday 20 September Cupcake decorating workshop (Age 18+)
Afternoon tea for Two / Creative Royston This workshop will demonstrate some simple but effective techniques in cupcake decoration and attendees can take away their own creations. Venue 9: Greneway School (SG8 7JF) 10-11am. £5. Book online at www.CreativeRoyston.org (pre-booking recommended).
Heather Sharp / Creative Royston Bring a partner to be your model and learn basic brush strokes and sponging from multiple award-winning facepainter Heather Sharp. Venue 9: Greneway School (SG8 7JF) 10-11.30am (repeated at 11.50am-1.20pm). £5. Book online at www.CreativeRoyston.org (pre-booking recommended). Only painters have to pay!
Draw manga (Age 7+)
Irina Richards / Creative Royston Manga is a cartoon art form that originated in Japan. Venue 9: Greneway School (SG8 7JF) 10am-12.30pm. £5. Book online at www.CreativeRoyston.org (pre-booking recommended).
Writing for magazines (Age 18+)
Maureen Moody / Creative Royston A two-hour session introducing writing for magazines and journals. Venue 9: Greneway School (SG8 7JF) 10.30am-12.30pm. £5. Book online at www. CreativeRoyston.org (pre-booking recommended).
The Big Make
Royston & District Museum & Art Gallery Join the museum’s Youth Members and Young Curators to create a giant hero and villain to be displayed in the main gallery Venue 12: Royston & District Museum & Art Gallery (SG8 5AL) 11am - 1pm, FREE
Capes, clues and creativity!
Friends of Tannery Drift First School A day of free shows and hand-on sessions for all the family. Refreshments available 11am-5pm. (See individual events for details) Venue 11: Tannery Drift First School (SG8 5DE) 11am-5pm, FREE
Dancing Hands
Dance Matters We will sing silly songs and nursery rhymes, sign them using Makaton, and then dance. 11am, FREE
Puppet and musical instrument creation
Meridian School / Tannery Drift First School Join our pre-show workshops to make puppets and musical instruments before joining in our ‘Heroes & Villains’ show! 1-4pm, FREE
Sherlock@Royston
British Science Association A murder has been committed...come along and help us solve the mystery of whodunnit by applying fun hands-on science. 1-4pm, FREE
Design your own Super Hero medal / jewellery
Make and Create Create your own Super Hero or Villain Medal or make a piece of jewellery. 1-4pm, FREE
Royston’s Heroes & Villains
Meridian School Performing Arts Students Specially commissioned by Creative Royston, this is an exciting storytelling show for children. 2pm (repeated at 4pm), FREE
Play ukulele (Age 6+)
Hertfordshire Music Service / Creative Royston Hertfordshire Music Service invites you to join us for one of our extremely popular Ukulele workshops. 2-2.40pm (repeated at 2.50-3.30pm). £5. Book online at www.CreativeRoyston.org (pre-booking recommended).
Sing
Tannery Drift First School Choir 3pm, FREE
Royston Cave - normal opening
Royston and District Local History Society View the medieval carvings. Venue 14: Royston Cave (SG8 7BZ) 2.30-5pm (last entry 4.30pm). £5 (£4 concessions; accompanied under-16s free). Tickets on the door.
Stand-up Comedy Night
Creative Royston ‘Genius’ Radio Times ‘One of the best joke writers on the circuit’ GQ Creative Royston’s Comedy Night showcases Scotland’s “hottest newcomer” Iain Stirling and locally grown, but nationally acclaimed, Howard Read. Taking place in the comfort of Royston Picture Palace, this promises to be a great evening out. May contain adult humour and very strong language. www.iaindoesjokes.com | www.howardread.com Venue 15: Town Hall/Picture Palace (SG8 7DA) Saturday 20 September, 7.30pm doors, for 8pm start. Bar. Tickets £12 (£10 before 1 September) online at www.CreativeRoyston.org and from the Stationery Cupboard. Reserved seating. This event is supported by Palazzo
Sunday 21 September
Thursday 25 September The Fosdyke Saga
Corvus Amateur Dramatic Society (CADS) The hilarious rags-to-riches story of the Fosdyke family Venue 10: Meridian School (SG8 7JH) 7.30pm (also Friday 26 and Saturday 27 September) £10 (concessions £5) from www.cadsroyston.org.uk or 07925 674967
Friday 26 September Elmer the Elephant @ Toddler Tales
Hertfordshire Libraries Even the youngest children love a story! Venue 4: Library (SG8 9JN) 2pm. FREE
The Fosdyke Saga
Corvus Amateur Dramatic Society (CADS) See Thursday 25 for information.
Picasso’s Guernica (Professor Anthony Slinn)
Royston Fringe Anthony will take you behind the scenes to show you the creation of the painting and follow its journey around the globe. Venue 8: Methodist Church (SG8 7AU) 7.45pm. Tickets £5 from 07895 095 455
Jess Morgan ‘In Concert’ (Support: David Youngs)
Royston Folk Club With influences from British folk as well as country and blues, singer-songwriter Jess Morgan headlines Royston Folk Club’s monthly concert Venue 5: The Old Bull Inn (SG8 9AW) 8pm (doors open 7pm), £9 (£7 in advance, under 25s £2) from 01763 260 556
Saturday 27 September Royston Cave by candlelight
Monday 22 September
Royston and District Local History Society Glimpse into the past as Royston Cave turns out the lights and goes back to the Middle Ages. Venue 14: Royston Cave (SG8 7BZ) 10am-12.30pm. £2 per adult payable at the Cave entrance on the day. No advanced booking, first come first served. Accompanied children enter free.
Spies of the First World War
Busking
Tuesday 23 September
Family ceramic painting
Royston Cave - normal opening
Royston and District Local History Society See Saturday 20 for information.
Hertfordshire Libraries James Morton, author of a number of books about true crime, talks about his book, Spies of the First World War. Venue 4: Library (SG8 9JN) 7pm. £5 (£2.50 concessions) from Royston Library.
Open rehearsal
Royston Choral Society An excellent opportunity for people to come along and see how they get on. Venue 1: Parish Church (SG8 9LG) 8-10pm. FREE
Royston Town Market Lots of acoustic treats. You never know who you’ll see busking in Royston! Venue 6: Market place (SG8 9JT) 10am to 3pm at various times. FREE Glazed Creations Family links: each member of your family member can design and paint a 10cm tile. Once fired these tiles will be strung together with ribbon to create a wonderful piece of artwork. Your creation will take about 1 hour. Venue 13: Glazed Creations (SG8 5AY) 10am - 4pm. £1.50/tile
Creative craftiness!
Royston & District Museum & Art Gallery Make your favourite heroes and villains into Rock’em Sock’em robots or get really creative and design your own. Also: print your own local hero (£1/print). Venue 12: Royston & District Museum & Art Gallery (SG8 5AL) 10am-5pm (also Sunday 28 September, 2-5pm). FREE
Drop-in art sessions
Royston and District Churches Together Try something new! Everyone is welcome at our ‘have a go’ sessions for adults and children. Venue 1: Parish Church (SG8 9LG) 10am - 5pm. FREE
GSTARS presents ‘Heroes and Villians’
Royston Fringe Georgina Wootten’s School of Dance and Performing Arts is back by popular demand with a dance extravaganza! Venue 8: Methodist Church (SG8 7AU) 11am (repeated at 2.30pm) £3 from 07895 095 455. (Free for Children under 3)
Royston Cave - normal opening
Royston and District Local History Society see Saturday 20 for information.
The Fosdyke Saga
Corvus Amateur Dramatic Society (CADS) See Thursday 25 for information.
Who’s Alison Balsom?
Creative Royston Fresh from her second concert at the Hollywood Bowl, Royston’s favourite musical hero returns to the school where it all started. Join multiaward winning trumpeter Alison Balsom in conversation for a one-off event exploring her life and work. From her early days in Royston Town Band to the challenges of being a jet-setting mum... just what does it take to become an internationally acclaimed star? As part of the event you will find out more about her work in education as Alison takes a student from Royston Music School through a brief masterclass. There will also be the opportunity to put your own questions to one of Britain’s best-known musicians. www.alisonbalsom.com This event is supported by Curwens. Talk, followed by Q&A and CD signing. Buy your tickets early, for what promises to be a sell-out event. Venue 9: Greneway School (SG8 7JF) 3pm (doors open 2.30pm). £12 online at www.CreativeRoyston.org or from the Stationery Cupboard (High Street, Royston). Kids-go-free tickets available online. Reserved seating.
Sunday 28 September Open rehearsal
Royston Town Band You know the tunes – running up the steps to Rocky, swashbuckling to Pirates of the Caribbean. Venue 11: Tannery Drift First School (SG8 5DE) 10am - 1pm. FREE
Organ Recital
Royston and District Churches Together Local musicians Adrian Jacobs and Rupert Jordan will demonstrate the full-range of the organ at Royston Parish Church. Venue 1: Parish Church (SG8 9LG) 2pm. FREE
Royston Town Trail
F. John Smith Royston’s history is brought to life in this one and a half mile 90-minute walk around the town centre with local historian F John Smith. Venue 1: Start at Parish Church (SG8 9LG) 2pm. £5 (all proceeds donated to Parish Church cHALLenge Fund) from the Stationery Cupboard.
Creative craftiness!
Royston & District Museum & Art Gallery Make your favourite heroes and villains into Rock’em Sock’em robots or get really creative and design your own. Also: print your own local hero (£1/print). Venue 12: Royston & District Museum & Art Gallery (SG8 5AL) 2-5pm (also Saturday 27 September, 10am-5pm) FREE
Royston Cave - normal opening
Royston and District Local History Society See Saturday 20 for information.
Afternoon tea with Sarah Harrison
Royston Fringe Sarah Harrison is the well-known local author of thirty books, including the bestselling The Flowers of the Field and A Flower That’s Free. Venue 8: Methodist Church (SG8 7AU) 3pm. Tickets £5 from 07895 095 455
Festival Finale Concert
Creative Royston Students from local schools, the Royston Youth Choir and Hertfordshire Music Service’s Senior Wind Band bring a Last night of the Proms atmosphere to the festival’s finale concert. We supply the flags - you supply the enthusiasm. Directed by Susan Pettitt (Head of Royston Music School) Venue1: Parish Church (SG8 9LG) 7pm (doors open 6.45pm). Tickets £8 online at www. CreativeRoyston.org or from the Stationery Cupboard (High Street, Royston). This event sells out. BOOK EARLY.
See RoystonArtsFestival.org for more information
Exhibitions
Art Exhibition & Competition display
Exhibition
Kate and Martin Bailey / Rowland Penfold Photographs by Kate and Martin Bailey, woodturning by Rowland Penfold. Venue 2: Curwen’s Art Gallery (SG8 9AA) Friday 19, Monday 22-Friday 26 September, 9am-5.15pm. FREE
STUDIO FOUR meet the Watsons
The World of Christine Watson Christine Watson is exhibiting at Burloes Farm Studios as part of the Hertfordshire Open Studios during September and Ian Watson will be exhibiting model houses with Christine as part of the Royston Arts Festival. Venue 7: Burloes Farm Studios (off the B1039 Barkway Rd) Saturday 20, Sunday 21, Wednesday 24, Saturday 27, Sunday 28 September, 11am-5pm. FREE
Exhibition
Meridian School A selection of students’ artwork from 2013-14, including GCSE and A level. Venue 10: Meridian School (SG8 7JH) Thursday 25, Friday 26, Saturday 27 September 2014, 7pm-7.30pm (before performances of ‘The Fosdyke Saga’). FREE
Heroes and Villains of the Bible
Royston and District Churches Together An exhibition of artwork depicting famous heroes and villains of the Bible. Cream teas will be for sale on Saturday afternoon from 25pm with proceeds going to cHALLenge (Church hall fund). Venue 1: Parish Church (SG8 9LG) Friday 26 September 1-5pm, Saturday 27 September 10am - 5pm, Sunday 28 September 1-4pm. FREE
‘Pop up’ exhibition of costume design
Royston & District Museum & Art Gallery A chance to see the work of the late Richard Croft, costume designer for BBC drama whose work includes Blackadder. Venue 12: Royston & District Museum & Art Gallery (SG8 5AL) Saturday 20, Wednesday 24, Thursday 25, Saturday 27 September, 10am-5pm; Sunday 28 September, 2pm-5pm. FREE
Middle Schools’ exhibition
Royston & District Museum & Art Gallery Artwork by the wonderfully creative pupils from Roysia and Greneway Schools; taking the Heroes and Villains theme as inspiration Venue 12: Royston & District Museum & Art Gallery (SG8 5AL) 27 September - 8 November (Normal museum opening times: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 10am - 5pm). FREE
family activities
workshops
music
theatre/comedy/ dance/film
exhibitions
talks/history/ tours
The Royston Fringe Works by artists from Royston and the nearby villages and a display of paintings from young people based on the Heroes and Villains theme. The church is a short walk from the town centre and on-street parking is available all weekend in Queens Road. Venue 8: Methodist Church (SG8 7AU) Saturday 27 September, 10am- 5pm, Sunday 28 September 12noon to 5pm. FREE (catalogue 50p)
Annual Exhibition
Royston Arts Society Royston Arts Society is a thriving group of over one hundred local people. The highlight of their year is this premier exhibition. Vote for your favourite picture, sponsored by Johnson Matthey plc. Tea and home-made cakes will be served all day, with all proceeds donated to Macmillan Cancer Support, Biggest Coffee Morning in the world! Venue 15: Town Hall (downstairs) (SG8 7DA) Saturday 27 September, 10am - 5pm; Sunday 28 September, 11am – 4pm (preview on Friday 26 September, 8 - 10pm). FREE (programme £1)
Photographic Exhibition
Royston Photographic Society View diverse photographic works from members of Royston Photographic Society. Venue 15: Town Hall (upstairs) (SG8 7DA) Saturday 27 September, 10.30am-4pm; Sunday 28 September, 10am - 4pm. FREE
Competitions Enter these two independent competitions for your chance to have work displayed at Royston Arts Festival. Full details and rules at www.CreativeRoyston.org
Photographic Competition (age 15+)
Royston Photographic Society Submit a digital photographic image of a hero or villain. It can be anything from a friend in a Batman costume, to a portrait of a fire-fighter. Submit your picture to hvcomp2014@gmail.com. Closing date: 17 September 2014.
Art Competition (under 18s)
Royston Fringe Paint, draw or model ‘Heroes & Villains’. There are 3 age groups: under 8, 8-11 and 12-17. Entry forms can be found at http://www.royston-methodist.org.uk/. All entries will be displayed, and judging will be by the well-known artist and lecturer, Anthony Slinn. Prizes and certificates in all groups will be presented by Royston Town Mayor on Sunday afternoon. Closing date 24 September 2014.
See RoystonArtsFestival.org for more information
The Listing’s top five recommendations for Royston Arts Festival this September Laugh along with comedians Iain Stirling and Howard Read at the Stand-up Comedy Night Learn how to Draw manga cartoons, the quirky art form that originated in Japan A murder has been committed at Tannery Drift school...Help Sherlock@Royston solve the mystery of whodunnit by applying fun hands-on science Join multi-award winning trumpeter Alison Balsom in conversation for a one-off event exploring her life and work. From her early days in Royston Town Band to the challenges of being a jet-setting mum... just what does it take to become an internationally acclaimed star? Listen to the Buskers performing at Royston Town Market
14th century date for cave
See the cave by candlelight on Saturday 27th September, 10am - 12.30pm Royston Cave was rediscovered in 1742 and since then people have been trying to discover the origin and purpose of the cave. Unfortunately, no historical records prior to 1742 exist to help us interpret what we see there and there is no organic material in the cave that could be used for carbon dating. Additionally, many of the costumes and details are heavily degraded and it is even possible that some have been adjusted. As always with a mystery, various theories have been put forward to explain the cave. These include amongst others the fact that it may have been the town prison, an anchorite cell, an early Masonic Lodge or a meeting place for the Knights Templar. Some also believe that over time the cave may have had multiple uses. There are also a significant number of people who believe that the cave is a sacred place, a source of spiritual and healing energy, because they believe that two ley lines cross inside the cave creating a special and powerful space. However, whilst all the theories are feasible and most are cogently argued none of them currently offer evidence to allow us to be sure who actually carved the figures and why. So, in 2012, we welcomed a visit by Philip Lankester, retired curator of the Royal Armouries, who carried out research into the arms, armour and costume shown in the cave in order to try and establish the period when the figures were carved. He found that some of the costumes showed similarities with images on the tomb of Edward III, as well as tomb effigies of William of Hatfield and William of Windsor and some of the garments and headdresses he observed were apparently fashionable between circa 1360-1390. He also identified a number of THE ROYSTON FRINGE THE ROYSTON FRINGE medieval style shields and swords Methodist Church, Queen’s Road, Royston Methodist Church, Queen’s Road, Royston and identified a diagonal sword, close (Venue 8) (Venue 8) to the horse figure as possibly dating from 1350 or later. Overall, in his opinion, based on the stylistic evidence, the carvings are likely to date to the second half of the 14th century, although, because of the unclear history of the cave, a much by Professor Anthony Slinn later date cannot be entirely ruled out. Whilst, this new evidence doesn’t unlock the mystery of In collaboration with the Rotary Club of Royston. the cave, it does offer valuable Proceeds will be shared between the Garden House Hospice and Royston Methodist Church. food for thought. It creates an 17-piece big band playing the music of Duke Ellington opportunity for research into which – the best of jazz and swing from 1940 to 1945. groups or individuals might have used In celebration of the 450th birth of William Shakespeare, the programme will Anthony will take you behind the scenes to show you the creation include 'Such Sweet Thunder', a suite written by Duke Ellington and of Picasso’s most famous painting and will follow its journey Billy Strayhorn in homage to the bard. the cave from 1350 onwards. around the globe.
Harmony in Harlem
Royston Cave is open from Easter Saturday through to the end of September on Saturdays and Sundays (2.30 to 5.00 – last entry 4.30).
Friday 19th September 2014 – 7.45pm Tickets at £10 – to include light refreshments from Ray Munden on 01763 241217 or Brian Norwood on 07895 095 455 In association with RoystonArtsFestival.org
Picasso’s Guernica
Friday 26th September 2014 – 7.45pm Tickets £5 – Box Office: call Brian on 07895 095 455
In association with RoystonArtsFestival.org