Met Brochure May - August 2018

themet.org.uk 0161 761 2216 Music Theatre Comedy Family shows Workshops Food & drink

What’s on at The Met May - August 2018

Venue information

Welcome to The Met

Address The Met, Market Street, Bury BL9 0BW

Website themet.org.uk

Phone Ticket office: 0161 761 2216 Administration: 0161 761 7107 Restaurant: 0161 763 9399

Social metbury themet metbury

Email hello@themet.org.uk

Share your experiences #themetbury

From Canada, Denmark, Mongolia and the world to Bury and Ramsbottom Now into our groove with the refurbished venue, this season offers a great mix of touring theatre, music and comedy. The venue has never looked or sounded better, and we’re thrilled to be able to bring new artists and shows to Bury for our growing audiences.

Core programme and major capital funders

Principal sponsor

Core programme and major capital funders

Capital project supporters

HE MANCHESTER GUARDIAN SOCIETY CHARITABLE TRUST

Learning programme supporters

Learning programme partners

Sport England WO Street Charitable Foundation

ALFA Education Bury Blind Society Greater Manchester Youth Network Twinkleboost Unity House

Thanks to our patrons John Banbury Noreen Kershaw Mark Potter Tony Walsh Ian Warburton

2

The Hobson Charity The John S Cohen Foundation With thanks to Walker Morris LLP

The Met is a trading name of Bury Metropolitan Arts Association, a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England and Wales No: 2370868. Registered office: The Met, Market Street, Bury BL9 0BW. Registered charity No: 701879.

As an organisation committed to our community, we present a series of workshops and projects, alongside the main programme, to attract and develop new audiences who will benefit from experiencing high quality, diverse and inspiring music and arts.

This season we are thrilled to welcome a truly global programme which we hope will excite and delight. In June we welcome artists from Mongolia, Denmark and Canada.

Anda Union from Mongolia promise a truly sensational performance, not to mention the unique opportunity to partake in a throat singing workshop. In a nod to the forthcoming festival season, Danish band Habedekuk visit the venue as part of their UK tour, with a huge show which will grace major festivals through June and July. From Canada we are excited to welcome back Juno awardwinning band The East Pointers with their combination of traditional tunes and youthful energy.

Not neglecting closer to home, Big Whistle features the very best in traditional and contemporary folk from throughout the British Isles, representing Northumbria, Scotland and Ireland. We pack concerts, sessions and workshops into a not-to-be missed mini festival in May. Will Pound’s new Morris project looks set to breathe new life into one of England’s most enduring dance traditions, while Moishe’s Bagel and The Baghdaddies offer up distinctive shows reflecting a global musical influence.

For the very first time, we’re delighted to be working with wider Manchester initiatives, Manchester Histories Festival and Refugee Week and we’re looking forward to welcoming new faces to The Met. Our annual festival – Head for the Hills in September – promises a rich weekend of music and arts in Ramsbottom. We hope to see you there, in what will be our eighth year. Join us for this, or for one of our amazing, intimate and thrilling evenings of music and theatre here at The Met. David Agnew, Artistic Director

3

Venue information

Welcome to The Met

Address The Met, Market Street, Bury BL9 0BW

Website themet.org.uk

Phone Ticket office: 0161 761 2216 Administration: 0161 761 7107 Restaurant: 0161 763 9399

Social metbury themet metbury

Email hello@themet.org.uk

Share your experiences #themetbury

From Canada, Denmark, Mongolia and the world to Bury and Ramsbottom Now into our groove with the refurbished venue, this season offers a great mix of touring theatre, music and comedy. The venue has never looked or sounded better, and we’re thrilled to be able to bring new artists and shows to Bury for our growing audiences.

Core programme and major capital funders

Principal sponsor

Core programme and major capital funders

Capital project supporters

HE MANCHESTER GUARDIAN SOCIETY CHARITABLE TRUST

Learning programme supporters

Learning programme partners

Sport England WO Street Charitable Foundation

ALFA Education Bury Blind Society Greater Manchester Youth Network Twinkleboost Unity House

Thanks to our patrons John Banbury Noreen Kershaw Mark Potter Tony Walsh Ian Warburton

2

The Hobson Charity The John S Cohen Foundation With thanks to Walker Morris LLP

The Met is a trading name of Bury Metropolitan Arts Association, a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England and Wales No: 2370868. Registered office: The Met, Market Street, Bury BL9 0BW. Registered charity No: 701879.

As an organisation committed to our community, we present a series of workshops and projects, alongside the main programme, to attract and develop new audiences who will benefit from experiencing high quality, diverse and inspiring music and arts.

This season we are thrilled to welcome a truly global programme which we hope will excite and delight. In June we welcome artists from Mongolia, Denmark and Canada.

Anda Union from Mongolia promise a truly sensational performance, not to mention the unique opportunity to partake in a throat singing workshop. In a nod to the forthcoming festival season, Danish band Habedekuk visit the venue as part of their UK tour, with a huge show which will grace major festivals through June and July. From Canada we are excited to welcome back Juno awardwinning band The East Pointers with their combination of traditional tunes and youthful energy.

Not neglecting closer to home, Big Whistle features the very best in traditional and contemporary folk from throughout the British Isles, representing Northumbria, Scotland and Ireland. We pack concerts, sessions and workshops into a not-to-be missed mini festival in May. Will Pound’s new Morris project looks set to breathe new life into one of England’s most enduring dance traditions, while Moishe’s Bagel and The Baghdaddies offer up distinctive shows reflecting a global musical influence.

For the very first time, we’re delighted to be working with wider Manchester initiatives, Manchester Histories Festival and Refugee Week and we’re looking forward to welcoming new faces to The Met. Our annual festival – Head for the Hills in September – promises a rich weekend of music and arts in Ramsbottom. We hope to see you there, in what will be our eighth year. Join us for this, or for one of our amazing, intimate and thrilling evenings of music and theatre here at The Met. David Agnew, Artistic Director

3

Individual giving Support us and together we can develop audiences and creativity.

Comedy First Thursday Comedy Club An evening of top quality comedy on the first Thursday of every month.

This season we present three nights of Edinburgh Fringe Festival previews; catch these shows in Bury and save yourself the inconvenience of the long trip to Scotland.

Thu 3 May 8.30pm £10 advance / £12 door

We welcome back Vikki Stone. Trained in classical music at Rose Bruford College.

Fellowship at Wells Cathedral School. Postgraduate and Associate at the Royal Academy of Music… and then she found comedy.

Supporting The Met

Support

We want to nurture creativity through the opportunities we provide. Whether it’s showcasing artists on our stages, or giving them access to our workshops and recording studios, we believe in allowing community wide access to the arts.

£5 per month/£60 per year

As a charity, we rely on your support and involvement to keep The Met moving forward. If you’re a taxpayer your donation is worth 25% more using the gift aid scheme too.

• Invite to the Artistic Director’s Spring Social

£10 advance / £12 door

• Seasonal newsletter

Eleanor Conway performs Walk of Shame, a stand-up show about sex, sobriety and Sambuca. “I’m confused and scared, in a good way” - Cream of the Fringe.

Individual givers receive a host of benefits, including discounts at our restaurant Automatic, advanced notifications and priority tickets and events.

• Priority booking • Advance notification of events

• No booking, refund or exchange fees

Showcase

Eleanor Conway

• All of the above plus...

How could your donation help?

• Access to Artist Receptions

£10 advance / £12 door

He’s had a BAFTA winning ITV show, appeared in three Royal Variety shows, and performed in the Harry Potter films. Now Jim Tavaré brings his unique musical comedy to The Met.

• Your name on our website

• If you give £10 per month for a year this will pay for one band to realise their dream and use the recording studio.

Headline

• If 3 people give £10 per month for a year we can invite a theatre company to perform at The Met.

• All of the above plus...

Jim Tavaré

£20 per month/£240 per year

£1,000 per year

Thu 17 May 8pm - £20

Radio Active

Original stars Angus Deayton, Helen Atkinson Wood, Michael Fenton Stevens and Philip Pope reunite to perform classic scripts from the 1980s BBC Radio 4 comedy hit, which affectionately satirised the blathering DJs, inane jingles and vapid voxpops of local radio.

Lancashire Hotpots - SOLD OUT

• All of the above plus...

Sing-a-longa Knees Up Jamboree Sat 30 June 8pm - £16 adv / £14 adv concession / £18 door

• Your name as patron with thanks on our supporters’ wall in The Stanley Bar, in the brochure and on the website.

The Lancashire Hotpots

4

Plus local favourite Dan Nightingale. “Incredibly well-timed” - Arts Award.

Radio Active

• Your name on our exclusive artwork on our supporters’ wall in The Stanley Bar

Star

Plus Masai Graham, winner of Best Joke of the Fringe 2016.

Thu 5 July 8.30pm

£10 per month/£120 per year • One event chosen by the Artistic Director for you and a guest

Plus Alfie Moore presents It’s a Fair Cop: half stand-up, half whodunnit.

Thu 7 June 8.30pm

• 10% discount in Automatic

To begin a regular donation and supporting The Met, please visit themet.org.uk or phone 0161 761 2216.

• If 4 people give £20 per month for a year we can fund a specialist workshop for a year for children with autism.

Vikki Stone

The Lancashire Hotpots are back with a brand new show and they want you to join in. Raise the roof to Hotpots classics like Chippy Tea, I Fear Ikea and Egg, Sausage Chips and Beans, as well as hilarious new songs from their latest ‘sing-a-longa’ album. A guaranteed good night out.

5

Individual giving Support us and together we can develop audiences and creativity.

Comedy First Thursday Comedy Club An evening of top quality comedy on the first Thursday of every month.

This season we present three nights of Edinburgh Fringe Festival previews; catch these shows in Bury and save yourself the inconvenience of the long trip to Scotland.

Thu 3 May 8.30pm £10 advance / £12 door

We welcome back Vikki Stone. Trained in classical music at Rose Bruford College.

Fellowship at Wells Cathedral School. Postgraduate and Associate at the Royal Academy of Music… and then she found comedy.

Supporting The Met

Support

We want to nurture creativity through the opportunities we provide. Whether it’s showcasing artists on our stages, or giving them access to our workshops and recording studios, we believe in allowing community wide access to the arts.

£5 per month/£60 per year

As a charity, we rely on your support and involvement to keep The Met moving forward. If you’re a taxpayer your donation is worth 25% more using the gift aid scheme too.

• Invite to the Artistic Director’s Spring Social

£10 advance / £12 door

• Seasonal newsletter

Eleanor Conway performs Walk of Shame, a stand-up show about sex, sobriety and Sambuca. “I’m confused and scared, in a good way” - Cream of the Fringe.

Individual givers receive a host of benefits, including discounts at our restaurant Automatic, advanced notifications and priority tickets and events.

• Priority booking • Advance notification of events

• No booking, refund or exchange fees

Showcase

Eleanor Conway

• All of the above plus...

How could your donation help?

• Access to Artist Receptions

£10 advance / £12 door

He’s had a BAFTA winning ITV show, appeared in three Royal Variety shows, and performed in the Harry Potter films. Now Jim Tavaré brings his unique musical comedy to The Met.

• Your name on our website

• If you give £10 per month for a year this will pay for one band to realise their dream and use the recording studio.

Headline

• If 3 people give £10 per month for a year we can invite a theatre company to perform at The Met.

• All of the above plus...

Jim Tavaré

£20 per month/£240 per year

£1,000 per year

Thu 17 May 8pm - £20

Radio Active

Original stars Angus Deayton, Helen Atkinson Wood, Michael Fenton Stevens and Philip Pope reunite to perform classic scripts from the 1980s BBC Radio 4 comedy hit, which affectionately satirised the blathering DJs, inane jingles and vapid voxpops of local radio.

Lancashire Hotpots - SOLD OUT

• All of the above plus...

Sing-a-longa Knees Up Jamboree Sat 30 June 8pm - £16 adv / £14 adv concession / £18 door

• Your name as patron with thanks on our supporters’ wall in The Stanley Bar, in the brochure and on the website.

The Lancashire Hotpots

4

Plus local favourite Dan Nightingale. “Incredibly well-timed” - Arts Award.

Radio Active

• Your name on our exclusive artwork on our supporters’ wall in The Stanley Bar

Star

Plus Masai Graham, winner of Best Joke of the Fringe 2016.

Thu 5 July 8.30pm

£10 per month/£120 per year • One event chosen by the Artistic Director for you and a guest

Plus Alfie Moore presents It’s a Fair Cop: half stand-up, half whodunnit.

Thu 7 June 8.30pm

• 10% discount in Automatic

To begin a regular donation and supporting The Met, please visit themet.org.uk or phone 0161 761 2216.

• If 4 people give £20 per month for a year we can fund a specialist workshop for a year for children with autism.

Vikki Stone

The Lancashire Hotpots are back with a brand new show and they want you to join in. Raise the roof to Hotpots classics like Chippy Tea, I Fear Ikea and Egg, Sausage Chips and Beans, as well as hilarious new songs from their latest ‘sing-a-longa’ album. A guaranteed good night out.

5

Theatre

Family shows

Two

by Jim Cartwright Thu 10 May 8pm - £12 Presented by Reform Theatre Company and Harrogate Theatre in association with Middlesbrough Theatre Two tells the story of a northern pub whose owners’ friendly banter barely disguises their contempt for each other. During the evening assorted customers pass through the bar, triggering a reconciliation between the couple as their secret tragedy comes to a head after drinking-up time.

A gritty yet heart-warming look at northern life from the author of Little Voice and Road, this hugely enjoyable show is a contemporary classic and an absolute must-see for all theatre fans.

Two Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday

Tale of the Cockatrice

Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday

The Tale of the Cockatrice

The wonderful world of Sarah and Duck is brought to life in a brand-new stage show, featuring the fantastic characters from the BAFTA award-winning CBeebies show.

Deep in the vaults of an ancient priory a hideous creature awakens. A deadly cockatrice is born! Bold knights flee in terror... Can a humble nun defeat the beast?

Sun 27 May 1pm & 4pm - £9.50 - £13.50 Suitable for ages 3+

Cheaters: A Play About Infidelity

Mumblecrust Theatre Sat 23 June 1pm - £10 Suitable for ages 4+

Join Sarah and Duck and a host of your favourite friends including The Ribbon Sisters, The Shallots, Flamingo & John and Umbrella, as they plan a birthday party for Scarf Lady in their garden.

A dark and winding fable for monster-lovers young and old, featuring two muddle-headed storytellers, an obscure British legend, breath-taking puppetry and spine-tingling live music.

Told through an enchanting blend of puppetry, storytelling and music, Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday will take you and your children on a magical adventure.

Mumblecrust Theatre are winners of Best Newcomer to Brighton Fringe and Best of Brighton Fringe: Children and Families Award 2017.

An MEI Theatrical production in association with Polka Theatre

★★★★★ “a genuine work of art” - The Voice

by Lewis Charlesworth Thu 10, Thu 17 and Thu 24 May 8pm - £8

One sordid evening, non-bachelors Kevin and Dave bring two married ladies back to their house for an evening of pre-meditated adultery. But very quickly things do not go according to plan…

Cheaters: A Play About Infidelity is a fast-paced, and dynamic comedy.

Echoing the classic farces by the likes of Noel Coward, but updated for modern audiences, it’s a frantic, silly and raunchy take on marriage, monogamy, and infidelity.

From the writer and performer of last year’s Book of Northern: The entire history of the North West, told in under one hour.

Cheaters: A Play About Infidelity

“Fresh, funny, and one of the best shows I had seen at the 2016 Greater Manchester Fringe Festival.” - Quay News

Marx in Soho

Robert Weick/Juniper Productions Wed 6 June 7.30 pm - £10 / £8 Concession

Sarah & Duck © Karrot Entertainment. Distributed by BBC Worldwide Ltd

Bob Weick brings the acclaimed production of Marx in Soho by Howard Zinn directly from the Soho Playhouse in New York to the UK. Join Karl Marx as he returns to contemporary Soho, New York and launches a passionate, funny, and moving response to what he sees. Come celebrate the 200th anniversary of Karl Marx’s birth as he returns to the Manchester area, where he and Engels researched their revolutionary ideas together. For one night only in Bury.

Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday

6

Tale of the Cockatrice

Marx in Soho

7

Theatre

Family shows

Two

by Jim Cartwright Thu 10 May 8pm - £12 Presented by Reform Theatre Company and Harrogate Theatre in association with Middlesbrough Theatre Two tells the story of a northern pub whose owners’ friendly banter barely disguises their contempt for each other. During the evening assorted customers pass through the bar, triggering a reconciliation between the couple as their secret tragedy comes to a head after drinking-up time.

A gritty yet heart-warming look at northern life from the author of Little Voice and Road, this hugely enjoyable show is a contemporary classic and an absolute must-see for all theatre fans.

Two Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday

Tale of the Cockatrice

Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday

The Tale of the Cockatrice

The wonderful world of Sarah and Duck is brought to life in a brand-new stage show, featuring the fantastic characters from the BAFTA award-winning CBeebies show.

Deep in the vaults of an ancient priory a hideous creature awakens. A deadly cockatrice is born! Bold knights flee in terror... Can a humble nun defeat the beast?

Sun 27 May 1pm & 4pm - £9.50 - £13.50 Suitable for ages 3+

Cheaters: A Play About Infidelity

Mumblecrust Theatre Sat 23 June 1pm - £10 Suitable for ages 4+

Join Sarah and Duck and a host of your favourite friends including The Ribbon Sisters, The Shallots, Flamingo & John and Umbrella, as they plan a birthday party for Scarf Lady in their garden.

A dark and winding fable for monster-lovers young and old, featuring two muddle-headed storytellers, an obscure British legend, breath-taking puppetry and spine-tingling live music.

Told through an enchanting blend of puppetry, storytelling and music, Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday will take you and your children on a magical adventure.

Mumblecrust Theatre are winners of Best Newcomer to Brighton Fringe and Best of Brighton Fringe: Children and Families Award 2017.

An MEI Theatrical production in association with Polka Theatre

★★★★★ “a genuine work of art” - The Voice

by Lewis Charlesworth Thu 10, Thu 17 and Thu 24 May 8pm - £8

One sordid evening, non-bachelors Kevin and Dave bring two married ladies back to their house for an evening of pre-meditated adultery. But very quickly things do not go according to plan…

Cheaters: A Play About Infidelity is a fast-paced, and dynamic comedy.

Echoing the classic farces by the likes of Noel Coward, but updated for modern audiences, it’s a frantic, silly and raunchy take on marriage, monogamy, and infidelity.

From the writer and performer of last year’s Book of Northern: The entire history of the North West, told in under one hour.

Cheaters: A Play About Infidelity

“Fresh, funny, and one of the best shows I had seen at the 2016 Greater Manchester Fringe Festival.” - Quay News

Marx in Soho

Robert Weick/Juniper Productions Wed 6 June 7.30 pm - £10 / £8 Concession

Sarah & Duck © Karrot Entertainment. Distributed by BBC Worldwide Ltd

Bob Weick brings the acclaimed production of Marx in Soho by Howard Zinn directly from the Soho Playhouse in New York to the UK. Join Karl Marx as he returns to contemporary Soho, New York and launches a passionate, funny, and moving response to what he sees. Come celebrate the 200th anniversary of Karl Marx’s birth as he returns to the Manchester area, where he and Engels researched their revolutionary ideas together. For one night only in Bury.

Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday

6

Tale of the Cockatrice

Marx in Soho

7

James Grant With The Hallelujah String Quartet

Will Pound’s Through the Seasons

Blues - Sat 5 May 8pm - £16

The Music of Morris and Folk Dance Folk - Fri 25 May 8pm - £15

Love & Money frontman James Grant is one of the most renowned and respected performers Scotland has ever produced. Following sell-outs last year and a live album, he is joined by with The Hallelujah String Quartet for this very special concert at The Met. James Grant

Exceptional musicians play beautiful arrangements of traditional dance tunes and songs in this celebration of the year in folk dance. Featuring award-winning harmonica and melodeon player Will Pound, Benji Kirkpatrick (Bellowhead), Ross Grant (Inlay) and storyteller Debs Newbold.

Expect unique versions of James Grant’s classic songs, alongside spellbinding covers of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah and Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street.

An evening with Mary Gauthier

Will Pound’s Through the Seasons

Americana - Mon 14 May 8pm - £17

Mary Gauthier

Estbel

Known for her remarkable confessional songs of addiction and abandonment, Mary Gauthier takes a different turn on her new album Rifles & Rosary Beads, telling instead the stories of wounded veterans and active duty military. She presents these moving songs at The Met accompanied by violinist Michele Gazich.

A Mr Kite Benefit. Proceeds from this event will go to charity.

World Music - Wed 23 May 8pm - £10

Estbel

Them Heavy People A tribute to Kate Bush

Them Heavy People

Blues - Sat 26 May 7pm - £20

An evening of the finest contemporary blues from UK artists based in the north.

Hugely popular in 2017, this year’s event features the music of Zacc Rogers, Walklate and Fuschi, Franny Eubanks and Mike Sanchez.

A Blues Night at The Met

Manc Floyd

Manc Floyd

Moishe’s Bagel

Saturday 19 May performance is standing (limited balcony seating is available).

Sunday 20 May performance is seated.

World / Folk - Fri 1 June 9pm - £12 adv / £14 door

Folk - Thu 3 May 8pm - £16

Presented by The Nest Collective.

Sam Lee

8

These ground-breaking concerts weave together songs and stories about the nightingale’s role in folklore, landscape and migration, overshadowed by their current alarming decline. Hear their song and its powerful effect while you still can.

Acclaimed world/folk five-piece Moishe’s Bagel perform their score for Mikhail Kalatozov’s remarkable 1930 film Salt for Svanetia, one of the most visually stunning pieces of the Soviet silent era. The first half of the evening will feature a full set from Moishe’s Bagel, featuring their trademark exhilarating eastern European melodies, middle Eastern rhythms and improvisational excitement. The film will be screened after the interval.

Baghdaddies

Sam Lee’s Singing with Nightingales: LIVE This spring, naturalist and Mercury Prize-nominated folk artist Sam Lee brings his celebrated Singing with Nightingales starlit walks indoors. Live broadcasting the irrepressible nocturnal courtship song of nightingales, Sam and guests introduce extraordinary human-bird duets in a new theatrical experience.

Moishe’s Bagel Salt for Svanetia

World Music - Sat 26 May 7.30pm - £12

Rock & Pop - Sat 19 & Sun 20 May 8pm - £14 adv / £15 door Manc Floyd return to The Met to perform a selection of Pink Floyd classics.

Bringing songs from the band’s whole catalogue to shimmering life, and featuring a spectacular light show, this Manchester based tribute band will be sure to stir your memories of the real Floyd in action.

Estbel are a magical folk quartet combining the forces of Estonians Sänni Noormets and Leana Vapper-Dhoore and Belgian brothers Hartwin and Ward Dhoore.

Expect timeless Estonian folk tales sung with otherworldy melodies and arresting harmonies.

A Blues Night at The Met

Rock & Pop - Friday 18 May 8pm - £13.50 adv/ £15 door If you love Kate Bush and her music then you won’t want to miss this fantastic tribute show. Singer Nadine Turner has spent years perfecting her impersonation and performs note-perfect recreations of Kate’s iconic songs. Backed by a band of seasoned professionals who strive for authenticity, this is the closest reproduction possible of a Kate Bush show.

This is a unique and powerful experience in English culture, with all the joy of a summer’s festival or a winter’s fireside sword-dance.

The Baghdaddies

Balkan melodies, ska and latin grooves, and sizzling brass; The Baghdaddies play euphoric dancing music with furious energy and theatrical humour. “The band have a particular flair for the Balkans and capture its frenetic energy and flamboyance wonderfully.” - Songlines

Heidi Talbot and John McCusker Folk - Sat 2 June 8pm - £16

Heidi Talbot & John McCusker

Heidi Talbot and John McCusker are two of folk’s most admired musicians. 2018 will see them celebrate their tenth year as musical partners with a new EP. John has produced Heidi’s last three albums, they have both toured all over the globe in each other’s bands but this will be the first time the pair collaborate exclusively as a duo.

A Mr Kite Benefit. Proceeds from this event will go to charity.

9

James Grant With The Hallelujah String Quartet

Will Pound’s Through the Seasons

Blues - Sat 5 May 8pm - £16

The Music of Morris and Folk Dance Folk - Fri 25 May 8pm - £15

Love & Money frontman James Grant is one of the most renowned and respected performers Scotland has ever produced. Following sell-outs last year and a live album, he is joined by with The Hallelujah String Quartet for this very special concert at The Met. James Grant

Exceptional musicians play beautiful arrangements of traditional dance tunes and songs in this celebration of the year in folk dance. Featuring award-winning harmonica and melodeon player Will Pound, Benji Kirkpatrick (Bellowhead), Ross Grant (Inlay) and storyteller Debs Newbold.

Expect unique versions of James Grant’s classic songs, alongside spellbinding covers of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah and Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street.

An evening with Mary Gauthier

Will Pound’s Through the Seasons

Americana - Mon 14 May 8pm - £17

Mary Gauthier

Estbel

Known for her remarkable confessional songs of addiction and abandonment, Mary Gauthier takes a different turn on her new album Rifles & Rosary Beads, telling instead the stories of wounded veterans and active duty military. She presents these moving songs at The Met accompanied by violinist Michele Gazich.

A Mr Kite Benefit. Proceeds from this event will go to charity.

World Music - Wed 23 May 8pm - £10

Estbel

Them Heavy People A tribute to Kate Bush

Them Heavy People

Blues - Sat 26 May 7pm - £20

An evening of the finest contemporary blues from UK artists based in the north.

Hugely popular in 2017, this year’s event features the music of Zacc Rogers, Walklate and Fuschi, Franny Eubanks and Mike Sanchez.

A Blues Night at The Met

Manc Floyd

Manc Floyd

Moishe’s Bagel

Saturday 19 May performance is standing (limited balcony seating is available).

Sunday 20 May performance is seated.

World / Folk - Fri 1 June 9pm - £12 adv / £14 door

Folk - Thu 3 May 8pm - £16

Presented by The Nest Collective.

Sam Lee

8

These ground-breaking concerts weave together songs and stories about the nightingale’s role in folklore, landscape and migration, overshadowed by their current alarming decline. Hear their song and its powerful effect while you still can.

Acclaimed world/folk five-piece Moishe’s Bagel perform their score for Mikhail Kalatozov’s remarkable 1930 film Salt for Svanetia, one of the most visually stunning pieces of the Soviet silent era. The first half of the evening will feature a full set from Moishe’s Bagel, featuring their trademark exhilarating eastern European melodies, middle Eastern rhythms and improvisational excitement. The film will be screened after the interval.

Baghdaddies

Sam Lee’s Singing with Nightingales: LIVE This spring, naturalist and Mercury Prize-nominated folk artist Sam Lee brings his celebrated Singing with Nightingales starlit walks indoors. Live broadcasting the irrepressible nocturnal courtship song of nightingales, Sam and guests introduce extraordinary human-bird duets in a new theatrical experience.

Moishe’s Bagel Salt for Svanetia

World Music - Sat 26 May 7.30pm - £12

Rock & Pop - Sat 19 & Sun 20 May 8pm - £14 adv / £15 door Manc Floyd return to The Met to perform a selection of Pink Floyd classics.

Bringing songs from the band’s whole catalogue to shimmering life, and featuring a spectacular light show, this Manchester based tribute band will be sure to stir your memories of the real Floyd in action.

Estbel are a magical folk quartet combining the forces of Estonians Sänni Noormets and Leana Vapper-Dhoore and Belgian brothers Hartwin and Ward Dhoore.

Expect timeless Estonian folk tales sung with otherworldy melodies and arresting harmonies.

A Blues Night at The Met

Rock & Pop - Friday 18 May 8pm - £13.50 adv/ £15 door If you love Kate Bush and her music then you won’t want to miss this fantastic tribute show. Singer Nadine Turner has spent years perfecting her impersonation and performs note-perfect recreations of Kate’s iconic songs. Backed by a band of seasoned professionals who strive for authenticity, this is the closest reproduction possible of a Kate Bush show.

This is a unique and powerful experience in English culture, with all the joy of a summer’s festival or a winter’s fireside sword-dance.

The Baghdaddies

Balkan melodies, ska and latin grooves, and sizzling brass; The Baghdaddies play euphoric dancing music with furious energy and theatrical humour. “The band have a particular flair for the Balkans and capture its frenetic energy and flamboyance wonderfully.” - Songlines

Heidi Talbot and John McCusker Folk - Sat 2 June 8pm - £16

Heidi Talbot & John McCusker

Heidi Talbot and John McCusker are two of folk’s most admired musicians. 2018 will see them celebrate their tenth year as musical partners with a new EP. John has produced Heidi’s last three albums, they have both toured all over the globe in each other’s bands but this will be the first time the pair collaborate exclusively as a duo.

A Mr Kite Benefit. Proceeds from this event will go to charity.

9

The Big Whistle Festival Sat 12 May The Met proudly presents The Big Whistle Festival, a packed day with informal concerts, groove laden gigs, workshops, chats and sessions - all subtly wrapped around the humble tin whistle.

Join us for this unique gathering of traditional and contemporary musicians, in a convivial environment with the festival highlight featuring a rare appearance of the Michael McGoldrick Big Band.

Save money with our festival ticket offer, get 25% off if you book for four or more Big Whistle concerts or workshops.

Michael McGoldrick Big Band Sat 12 May 8pm - £18 Michael McGoldrick Big Band

Aizle

Big Whistle is pleased to welcome back Michael McGoldrick, who is renowned for his hallmark effortless fusion of traditional, roots and urbanised music.

This unique gig will launch Michael’s stunning fifth solo album ARC. Expect the spectacular, as this prolific composer assembles his musical anchormen: Donald Shaw, Dezi Donnelly, Ed Boyd, Soren MacLean, Neil Yates, Ewan Vernal, John Jo Kelly and Alyn Cosker.

Aizle

Sat 12 May 1.30pm - £12

Andy May Trio

Hot on the heels of sold out gigs at Celtic Connections 2018, Aizle make their debut at The Met. Kindled out of Manchester’s thriving music scene, this highly respected instrumental quintet present an inventive mix of infused new and traditional tunes.

Unmissable and compelling!

Andy May Trio Drop The Floor

Don’t Feed The Peacocks

10

Sat 12 May 6.30pm - £12 A welcome return for these three awardwinning musicians from Newcastle Northumbrian piper Andy May (Jez Lowe and The Bad Pennies, Baltic Crossing), guitarist Ian Stephenson (Kan, Baltic Crossing) and fiddler Sophy Ball (422, Bottle Bank Band) . Expect energetic instrumental music, inspired by the rich traditions of their native North East.

Drop The Floor

Sat 12 May 4pm - £10 Clitheroe’s Drop The Floor are fast becoming a permanent fixture at Big Whistle combining high energy jigs with songs from the Irish tradition. Still on the high of the recently released second album ‘Fairly Cookin’ – a release that has well and truly cemented DTF’s ever escalating musical credentials.

Their performance exudes sincerity, combined with an abiding and genuine love for music making.

Don’t Feed The Peacocks

Big Whistle workshops, talks and sessions…

Andy May – A Life with the Advanced Traditional Irish The Traditional Tunes Pipes Whistle with Ciaran Clifford of Northumberland and Sat 12 May 11am - £6 Sat 12 May 12 noon - £8 Beyond Relax for an hour, as Phil Advanced/Intermediate + (High Sat 12 May 3pm - £6 Brown discovers Andy May’s remarkable story - right from his early days being influenced by his father to becoming a professional musician. Andy now plays to the highest levels, lecturing in music and making pipes too. A remarkable story from a charismatic musician, expect a good mix of laughter and tunes.

and Low D Whistle).

With Andy May and Sophy Ball.

A great opportunity to share A workshop that will address in the remarkable repertoire of the different features of traditional Irish Whistle playing, Andy and Sophy. including repertoire, technique Open to intermediate and and regional playing styles. advanced players of all melody instruments.

Steady Away with Emma Sweeney Sat 12 May 3pm - £6

Level: Beginners plus and above. If you can play a simple Getting Started tune and like to play with others, with Emma Sweeney this workshop is for you. It is Sat 12 May 11am - £6 basically a guided slow tune Adult (18+) raw beginner. High session. Even if you play to D Whistle required a higher level you are still The perfect opportunity to learn encouraged to attend. from an expert. Get started Instrument: High or Low D on one of the most simple yet Whistle or any other instrument endearing of all instruments – (e.g. fiddle, accordion, bodhran, the old Tin Whistle. flute etc).

One Education Whistle Workshop Drop In Sat 12 May 3pm - £6 7 to 16 years. Any level. An access session specifically for younger people. Let the students of One Education Music teach you how to play the whistle and maybe other traditional instruments too?

Traditional Music Guitar Masterclass Sat 12 May 4pm - £6 Andy May Trio guitarist Ian Stephenson leads an inspiring masterclass focussing on traditional music. Suitable for intermediate to advanced players. Own guitar required

Stanley Room Sessions Throughout the day the Stanley Room bar will be open with sessions before each ticketed show – come early and grab a corner.

Meet the Maker On hand throughout the day, bring your questions and whistle woes to this informal session.

Meet Aizle Sat 12 May 3pm - FREE Join Aizle in the bar for a relaxed chat and a tune.

Sat 12 May 12 noon - £10 Don’t Feed The Peacocks are a new six piece band from Lancashire and Yorkshire. Beneath their youthful appearance lurks highly experienced musical CV’s - having honed their talents performing together as part of the National Youth Folk Ensemble.

Expect expert, energised and astute music making - combined with a good helping of folk, jazz and reggae influences.

Don’t Feed’ will be supported by the students of One Education Music. The work and success of which has allowed a large number of students to become energised and highly successful playing traditional instruments. Sit back and enjoy the accomplished musicality of these aspiring young folk musicians.

11

The Big Whistle Festival Sat 12 May The Met proudly presents The Big Whistle Festival, a packed day with informal concerts, groove laden gigs, workshops, chats and sessions - all subtly wrapped around the humble tin whistle.

Join us for this unique gathering of traditional and contemporary musicians, in a convivial environment with the festival highlight featuring a rare appearance of the Michael McGoldrick Big Band.

Save money with our festival ticket offer, get 25% off if you book for four or more Big Whistle concerts or workshops.

Michael McGoldrick Big Band Sat 12 May 8pm - £18 Michael McGoldrick Big Band

Aizle

Big Whistle is pleased to welcome back Michael McGoldrick, who is renowned for his hallmark effortless fusion of traditional, roots and urbanised music.

This unique gig will launch Michael’s stunning fifth solo album ARC. Expect the spectacular, as this prolific composer assembles his musical anchormen: Donald Shaw, Dezi Donnelly, Ed Boyd, Soren MacLean, Neil Yates, Ewan Vernal, John Jo Kelly and Alyn Cosker.

Aizle

Sat 12 May 1.30pm - £12

Andy May Trio

Hot on the heels of sold out gigs at Celtic Connections 2018, Aizle make their debut at The Met. Kindled out of Manchester’s thriving music scene, this highly respected instrumental quintet present an inventive mix of infused new and traditional tunes.

Unmissable and compelling!

Andy May Trio Drop The Floor

Don’t Feed The Peacocks

10

Sat 12 May 6.30pm - £12 A welcome return for these three awardwinning musicians from Newcastle Northumbrian piper Andy May (Jez Lowe and The Bad Pennies, Baltic Crossing), guitarist Ian Stephenson (Kan, Baltic Crossing) and fiddler Sophy Ball (422, Bottle Bank Band) . Expect energetic instrumental music, inspired by the rich traditions of their native North East.

Drop The Floor

Sat 12 May 4pm - £10 Clitheroe’s Drop The Floor are fast becoming a permanent fixture at Big Whistle combining high energy jigs with songs from the Irish tradition. Still on the high of the recently released second album ‘Fairly Cookin’ – a release that has well and truly cemented DTF’s ever escalating musical credentials.

Their performance exudes sincerity, combined with an abiding and genuine love for music making.

Don’t Feed The Peacocks

Big Whistle workshops, talks and sessions…

Andy May – A Life with the Advanced Traditional Irish The Traditional Tunes Pipes Whistle with Ciaran Clifford of Northumberland and Sat 12 May 11am - £6 Sat 12 May 12 noon - £8 Beyond Relax for an hour, as Phil Advanced/Intermediate + (High Sat 12 May 3pm - £6 Brown discovers Andy May’s remarkable story - right from his early days being influenced by his father to becoming a professional musician. Andy now plays to the highest levels, lecturing in music and making pipes too. A remarkable story from a charismatic musician, expect a good mix of laughter and tunes.

and Low D Whistle).

With Andy May and Sophy Ball.

A great opportunity to share A workshop that will address in the remarkable repertoire of the different features of traditional Irish Whistle playing, Andy and Sophy. including repertoire, technique Open to intermediate and and regional playing styles. advanced players of all melody instruments.

Steady Away with Emma Sweeney Sat 12 May 3pm - £6

Level: Beginners plus and above. If you can play a simple Getting Started tune and like to play with others, with Emma Sweeney this workshop is for you. It is Sat 12 May 11am - £6 basically a guided slow tune Adult (18+) raw beginner. High session. Even if you play to D Whistle required a higher level you are still The perfect opportunity to learn encouraged to attend. from an expert. Get started Instrument: High or Low D on one of the most simple yet Whistle or any other instrument endearing of all instruments – (e.g. fiddle, accordion, bodhran, the old Tin Whistle. flute etc).

One Education Whistle Workshop Drop In Sat 12 May 3pm - £6 7 to 16 years. Any level. An access session specifically for younger people. Let the students of One Education Music teach you how to play the whistle and maybe other traditional instruments too?

Traditional Music Guitar Masterclass Sat 12 May 4pm - £6 Andy May Trio guitarist Ian Stephenson leads an inspiring masterclass focussing on traditional music. Suitable for intermediate to advanced players. Own guitar required

Stanley Room Sessions Throughout the day the Stanley Room bar will be open with sessions before each ticketed show – come early and grab a corner.

Meet the Maker On hand throughout the day, bring your questions and whistle woes to this informal session.

Meet Aizle Sat 12 May 3pm - FREE Join Aizle in the bar for a relaxed chat and a tune.

Sat 12 May 12 noon - £10 Don’t Feed The Peacocks are a new six piece band from Lancashire and Yorkshire. Beneath their youthful appearance lurks highly experienced musical CV’s - having honed their talents performing together as part of the National Youth Folk Ensemble.

Expect expert, energised and astute music making - combined with a good helping of folk, jazz and reggae influences.

Don’t Feed’ will be supported by the students of One Education Music. The work and success of which has allowed a large number of students to become energised and highly successful playing traditional instruments. Sit back and enjoy the accomplished musicality of these aspiring young folk musicians.

11

PicaPica

Anda Union

Folk - Wed 6 June 8pm - £10

PicaPica

World music - Fri 15 June 8pm - £12

PicaPica features the vocal interplay of Josienne Clarke and Samantha Whates, dual front-women with exquisite voices. They create powerful harmonies atop instrumental textures created by Adam Beattie and Sonny Johns; a tiding of magpies picking shiny moments of tone and timbre from ’60s West Coast sunshine pop and indie folk.

Anda Union are a thoroughly addictive nine-strong band from Inner Mongolia. Hailing from differing ethnic nomadic cultures, they fuse together a wide range of different tribal and music traditions from all across the country, driven by a desire to preserve an endangered way of life threatened by climate change and modernity. Uplifting and exciting, like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Learn throat singing from Anda Union at their workshop on Saturday 16 June. See page 15 for details.

Chris and Kellie While Folk - Fri 8 June 8pm - £12

Chris While and her daughter Kellie both have impeccable musical pedigrees as singers and instrumentalists. In this duo show they present a mix of self-penned material, imaginative interpretations of other singer-songwriters’ compositions, and inspired arrangements of standards from the acoustic repertoire. A delightful evening of music combining two generations of scintillating musical talent.

Chris and Kellie While

Anda Union

RURA

Folk - Thu 21 June 8pm - £14

John Bramwell

Rock & Pop - Fri 8 June 8pm - £18

RURA

I Am Kloot’s Mercury Prize nominated songwriter John Bramwell returns to The Met to perform songs from his debut solo album Leave Alone The Empty Spaces, alongside Kloot classics and brand new material. John is joined on stage by Andy and Dave Fidler on bass guitar, cajon and harmonies.

Whole Lotta Led

Celebrating fifty years of Led Zeppelin 1968-2018 Rock and Pop - Fri 22 June 7.30pm - £18 adv / £20 door

“A brilliant live performer with a unique voice both literally and metaphorically” - Lauren Laverne.

John Bramwell

Habedekuk

Whole Lotta Led

World Music - Sat 16 June 8.30pm - £12

“Plenty of brass oomph to accompany Kristian Bugge’s fiddle and a rhythm section that could power a cruise liner, they roar through a selection of traditional tunes.” - fRoots

Americana - Sat 23 June 7.30pm - £12

The East Pointers

In this remarkable show, award winning singer, songwriter and musician Louise Jordan shares the stories of the many inspirational women who challenged expectations by serving in the First World War.

Louise Jordan

12

Marvel at the stories of the woman who dressed as a soldier on the Western Front, the female football players banned by the FA, the ambulance drivers running the gauntlet of enemy fire in Flanders, and the so-called ‘surplus million’ single women.

Like so many of their country’s premiere folk groups, The East Pointers hail from Prince Edward Island, Canada’s famed offshore musical powerhouse. Loved for their glorious mix of dynamic transatlantic Celtic sounds with three-part harmonies, fiddle, banjo and traditional foot-stamping, the band return to The Met with songs from their new album What We Leave Behind.

Ralph McTell and Wizz Jones

No Petticoats Here

Stories of remarkable women of the first world war told through song. Created and performed by Louise Jordan Folk - Fri 1 June 7.30pm - £12

Tribute band Whole Lotta Led celebrate Led Zeppelin’s fiftieth anniversary with a show that ranges across all their albums.

The East Pointers What We Leave Behind Tour 2018

With a vibrant mix of folk, rock, salsa and Big Band jazz, this lively Danish eight-piece catapults old folk melodies into the twenty first century. Expect everything from wild polkas and jigs to lyrical waltzes and rough n’ ready sailor songs in an unforgettable live experience.

Habedekuk

RURA’s exquisitely rugged yet refined blend of fiddle, Highland pipes, flute, bodhrán, guitar and voice has won them a devoted following amongst audiences and critics alike. With two heralded albums, plus a third due for release in June 2018, they continue to affirm their position as one of Scotland’s most powerful groups. “genuinely stirring stuff... there’s something very exciting about RURA” - Fatea Magazine.

Folk - Sat 23 June 9pm - £25

Ralph McTell and Wizz Jones

Legendary singer-songwriter Ralph McTell (Streets of London, Clare to Here) joins forces with folk-blues guitarist Wizz Jones. Summer 2016 saw the duo’s first recording together after a fifty year musical friendship, aptly titled About Time. Their second album About Time Too was released in November.

Peatbog Faeries

Folk - Sat 7 July 8pm - £18

Peatbog Faeries

Scottish trailblazers the Peatbog Faeries create a glorious mixture of traditional sounds and dance-floor grooves that has been embraced worldwide. Combining jigs and reels with dance music, jazz, African, and more, they bring the sound of Scotland fresh-faced and breathless to the world.

“Gloriously unpredictable, a band to treasure” - fRoots.

13

PicaPica

Anda Union

Folk - Wed 6 June 8pm - £10

PicaPica

World music - Fri 15 June 8pm - £12

PicaPica features the vocal interplay of Josienne Clarke and Samantha Whates, dual front-women with exquisite voices. They create powerful harmonies atop instrumental textures created by Adam Beattie and Sonny Johns; a tiding of magpies picking shiny moments of tone and timbre from ’60s West Coast sunshine pop and indie folk.

Anda Union are a thoroughly addictive nine-strong band from Inner Mongolia. Hailing from differing ethnic nomadic cultures, they fuse together a wide range of different tribal and music traditions from all across the country, driven by a desire to preserve an endangered way of life threatened by climate change and modernity. Uplifting and exciting, like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Learn throat singing from Anda Union at their workshop on Saturday 16 June. See page 15 for details.

Chris and Kellie While Folk - Fri 8 June 8pm - £12

Chris While and her daughter Kellie both have impeccable musical pedigrees as singers and instrumentalists. In this duo show they present a mix of self-penned material, imaginative interpretations of other singer-songwriters’ compositions, and inspired arrangements of standards from the acoustic repertoire. A delightful evening of music combining two generations of scintillating musical talent.

Chris and Kellie While

Anda Union

RURA

Folk - Thu 21 June 8pm - £14

John Bramwell

Rock & Pop - Fri 8 June 8pm - £18

RURA

I Am Kloot’s Mercury Prize nominated songwriter John Bramwell returns to The Met to perform songs from his debut solo album Leave Alone The Empty Spaces, alongside Kloot classics and brand new material. John is joined on stage by Andy and Dave Fidler on bass guitar, cajon and harmonies.

Whole Lotta Led

Celebrating fifty years of Led Zeppelin 1968-2018 Rock and Pop - Fri 22 June 7.30pm - £18 adv / £20 door

“A brilliant live performer with a unique voice both literally and metaphorically” - Lauren Laverne.

John Bramwell

Habedekuk

Whole Lotta Led

World Music - Sat 16 June 8.30pm - £12

“Plenty of brass oomph to accompany Kristian Bugge’s fiddle and a rhythm section that could power a cruise liner, they roar through a selection of traditional tunes.” - fRoots

Americana - Sat 23 June 7.30pm - £12

The East Pointers

In this remarkable show, award winning singer, songwriter and musician Louise Jordan shares the stories of the many inspirational women who challenged expectations by serving in the First World War.

Louise Jordan

12

Marvel at the stories of the woman who dressed as a soldier on the Western Front, the female football players banned by the FA, the ambulance drivers running the gauntlet of enemy fire in Flanders, and the so-called ‘surplus million’ single women.

Like so many of their country’s premiere folk groups, The East Pointers hail from Prince Edward Island, Canada’s famed offshore musical powerhouse. Loved for their glorious mix of dynamic transatlantic Celtic sounds with three-part harmonies, fiddle, banjo and traditional foot-stamping, the band return to The Met with songs from their new album What We Leave Behind.

Ralph McTell and Wizz Jones

No Petticoats Here

Stories of remarkable women of the first world war told through song. Created and performed by Louise Jordan Folk - Fri 1 June 7.30pm - £12

Tribute band Whole Lotta Led celebrate Led Zeppelin’s fiftieth anniversary with a show that ranges across all their albums.

The East Pointers What We Leave Behind Tour 2018

With a vibrant mix of folk, rock, salsa and Big Band jazz, this lively Danish eight-piece catapults old folk melodies into the twenty first century. Expect everything from wild polkas and jigs to lyrical waltzes and rough n’ ready sailor songs in an unforgettable live experience.

Habedekuk

RURA’s exquisitely rugged yet refined blend of fiddle, Highland pipes, flute, bodhrán, guitar and voice has won them a devoted following amongst audiences and critics alike. With two heralded albums, plus a third due for release in June 2018, they continue to affirm their position as one of Scotland’s most powerful groups. “genuinely stirring stuff... there’s something very exciting about RURA” - Fatea Magazine.

Folk - Sat 23 June 9pm - £25

Ralph McTell and Wizz Jones

Legendary singer-songwriter Ralph McTell (Streets of London, Clare to Here) joins forces with folk-blues guitarist Wizz Jones. Summer 2016 saw the duo’s first recording together after a fifty year musical friendship, aptly titled About Time. Their second album About Time Too was released in November.

Peatbog Faeries

Folk - Sat 7 July 8pm - £18

Peatbog Faeries

Scottish trailblazers the Peatbog Faeries create a glorious mixture of traditional sounds and dance-floor grooves that has been embraced worldwide. Combining jigs and reels with dance music, jazz, African, and more, they bring the sound of Scotland fresh-faced and breathless to the world.

“Gloriously unpredictable, a band to treasure” - fRoots.

13

Workshops for children and teenagers...

Workshops for adults...

ALFA Community Ukulele Band

The Met’s Young Company Every Wednesday from April 11 - July 18, excluding half-term. £4.50 per session The Met’s youth theatre is available in three sessions.

The Met is one of the only venues who provide the complete creative theatre journey from age 5 leading to the final age group session which offers educational certification through the Arts Award.

Discover - Sessions 4.30pm-5.30pm For 5-8 year olds who are encouraged to think creatively and develop team building skills through activities and story-telling.

The Met’s Young Company

ALFEY Music for Babies and Toddlers

Preparing you for the advancement into the senior Young Company group.

Every Tuesday 10am-11am £24 per block of 6 sessions (£4 per session) Sessions will offer parents, carers and early years teachers the opportunity to learn and play fun music games, songs and activities with exciting resources that promote the effective development of speech and language in the pre-school years. Youngsters from 3 to 36 months welcome.

Present - Sessions 7pm-8.30pm

ALFA Metzo Junior Choir

Develop - Sessions 5.30pm-7pm For 9-14 year olds to build confidence through the use of improvisation, body language techniques.

Available for 15+ year olds. The senior group is The Met’s in-house performance group.

It aims to inspire performers to become creative independent artists equipped with the necessary skills for a successful career in the arts.

Members of this group work together to create their own shows with a final public performance showcased in The Met’s theatre. This also contributes to achieving the Arts Award To find out more about Arts Award visit www.artsaward.org.uk

Twinkleboost

Every Tuesday 12.30pm-1.15pm - FREE Sensory Story Time sessions for children under 5 with additional needs. Promote speech, language and communication development. Fairytale stories, songs, games and lots of sensory play help to make these sessions lots of fun! Contact Victoria Oster to book on victoria@twinkleboost.com

14

Learn Harmonica

Every Tuesday 5.30pm-6.45pm - from 17 April £24 per block of 6 sessions (£4 per session) A choir for ages 7-12 years. The group is led by Karen Lindop, a qualified professional tutor. To register, please email Jane Nicholson at admin@alfaeducation.co.uk

Aiming High

Every Saturday during term time 9-13 years 10-11.30am - £4 14+ years 11.30-1.30pm - £5 Physical activities and drama games encourage the young people to express themselves, be more independent and improve life skills. Performing in a show every term they learn to focus and enjoy achievement. The seniors focus on developing acting skills and promoting independence.

For more information contact Madeline Solazzo at m.solazzo80@btinternet.com

Stagecoach

Every Sunday from 22 April - 15 July 9.30am-11am & 11.30am-1pm (4-6 year olds) 10am-1pm (6-18 year olds) Drama, dance and singing classes - developing confidence, physical awareness, communication and articulation - educational and lots of fun. Learn more at stagecoach.co.uk/bury

Engage

Every Monday 4.30pm-6pm £2 per session Join us if you have an interest in music and sound production, performance, movement, dance, or just want to do something with a company of diverse people.

Develop a performance piece using multi-sensory and multi-media techniques. A collaboration between EXTANT (the UK’s largest visually impaired theatre company), The Met and Bury Blind Society.

Learn Harmonica

Summer term every Monday from 16 April-18 June (exc.

7 & 28 May). Beginners 6pm-7pm / Beginners cont. 7pm8pm / Advanced 8pm-9pm £65 per person per term A course in harmonica playing for all levels, led by former British blues harmonica champion Mat Walklate.

Participants will require a diatonic harmonica in C.

Metro Jazz

Summer term every Monday from 16 April-2 July (exc. 7 & 28 May) £80 term/£55 concessions The Met’s community jazz orchestra led by Munch Manship welcomes all musicians of at least intermediate ability, vacancies for frontline musicians especially brass.

Suitable for ages 16+.

Met Express

Every Monday & Tuesday 7-9pm £5 per session (first session free) Met Express is The Met’s drama group for people with disabilities and learning difficulties who come together on a weekly basis to create drama and have fun.

Two groups every Tuesday 11.30am-12.30pm and 1.15pm2.15pm £24 per block of 6 sessions (£4 per session) Learn to play this fascinating instrument. For adults of all ages and abilities, no prior experience necessary, ukuleles will be provided. To register or for further information email admin@alfaeducation.co.uk

Guitar Lessons with Terry Moses

Weekly sessions every Tuesday. Beginners 5pm-6pm / Advanced 7.15pm-8.15pm - £85 per person per term Learn to play the guitar with experienced tutor Terry Moses. All styles and abilities welcome, students work towards making a recording at Edwin Street Studio.

ALFA Metzo Community Choir

Every Tuesday 7pm-8.15pm - starting 17 April £24 per block of 6 sessions (£4 per session) A choir for adults with some, little or no experience, who sing a range of styles including contemporary, gospel, jazz, and soul. Led by tutor Karen Lindop. To register, please email Jane Nicholson at admin@alfaeducation.co.uk

Uniquely Us

Every Saturday 11am-1pm - starting 21 April Uniquely Us is a project developed by an autistic woman for other autistic women. If you are a woman aged 16-30 on the autistic spectrum, interested in learning new skills in drama and building your confidence, then Uniquely Us is for you.

For more information contact Jessica Nolan at Jessica.

UniquelyUs@gmail.com or phone 0161 274 0616.

Uniquely Us is a Future Fires project supported by Contact, The Met, O2 Think Big, and was awarded Bury Council Community Funding at The Pitch event.

Anda Union Workshop

Saturday 16 June 10am - £7 In this workshop Mongolian band Anda Union will demonstrate their many different musical styles, including Mongolian and Tuvan techniques. Learn throat singing, then take part in a mini performance with your newly acquired skills. Duration approx. 2 hours. Ages 18+

Introduction to Sound Recording

Five weekly sessions on Mondays at 7pm, starting 30 April - £75 course fee Led by The Met’s Recording Studio Manager, this course teaches techniques and skills for studio sound recording.

Sessions last 2 hours.

Guitar Lessons with Terry Moses

15

Workshops for children and teenagers...

Workshops for adults...

ALFA Community Ukulele Band

The Met’s Young Company Every Wednesday from April 11 - July 18, excluding half-term. £4.50 per session The Met’s youth theatre is available in three sessions.

The Met is one of the only venues who provide the complete creative theatre journey from age 5 leading to the final age group session which offers educational certification through the Arts Award.

Discover - Sessions 4.30pm-5.30pm For 5-8 year olds who are encouraged to think creatively and develop team building skills through activities and story-telling.

The Met’s Young Company

ALFEY Music for Babies and Toddlers

Preparing you for the advancement into the senior Young Company group.

Every Tuesday 10am-11am £24 per block of 6 sessions (£4 per session) Sessions will offer parents, carers and early years teachers the opportunity to learn and play fun music games, songs and activities with exciting resources that promote the effective development of speech and language in the pre-school years. Youngsters from 3 to 36 months welcome.

Present - Sessions 7pm-8.30pm

ALFA Metzo Junior Choir

Develop - Sessions 5.30pm-7pm For 9-14 year olds to build confidence through the use of improvisation, body language techniques.

Available for 15+ year olds. The senior group is The Met’s in-house performance group.

It aims to inspire performers to become creative independent artists equipped with the necessary skills for a successful career in the arts.

Members of this group work together to create their own shows with a final public performance showcased in The Met’s theatre. This also contributes to achieving the Arts Award To find out more about Arts Award visit www.artsaward.org.uk

Twinkleboost

Every Tuesday 12.30pm-1.15pm - FREE Sensory Story Time sessions for children under 5 with additional needs. Promote speech, language and communication development. Fairytale stories, songs, games and lots of sensory play help to make these sessions lots of fun! Contact Victoria Oster to book on victoria@twinkleboost.com

14

Learn Harmonica

Every Tuesday 5.30pm-6.45pm - from 17 April £24 per block of 6 sessions (£4 per session) A choir for ages 7-12 years. The group is led by Karen Lindop, a qualified professional tutor. To register, please email Jane Nicholson at admin@alfaeducation.co.uk

Aiming High

Every Saturday during term time 9-13 years 10-11.30am - £4 14+ years 11.30-1.30pm - £5 Physical activities and drama games encourage the young people to express themselves, be more independent and improve life skills. Performing in a show every term they learn to focus and enjoy achievement. The seniors focus on developing acting skills and promoting independence.

For more information contact Madeline Solazzo at m.solazzo80@btinternet.com

Stagecoach

Every Sunday from 22 April - 15 July 9.30am-11am & 11.30am-1pm (4-6 year olds) 10am-1pm (6-18 year olds) Drama, dance and singing classes - developing confidence, physical awareness, communication and articulation - educational and lots of fun. Learn more at stagecoach.co.uk/bury

Engage

Every Monday 4.30pm-6pm £2 per session Join us if you have an interest in music and sound production, performance, movement, dance, or just want to do something with a company of diverse people.

Develop a performance piece using multi-sensory and multi-media techniques. A collaboration between EXTANT (the UK’s largest visually impaired theatre company), The Met and Bury Blind Society.

Learn Harmonica

Summer term every Monday from 16 April-18 June (exc.

7 & 28 May). Beginners 6pm-7pm / Beginners cont. 7pm8pm / Advanced 8pm-9pm £65 per person per term A course in harmonica playing for all levels, led by former British blues harmonica champion Mat Walklate.

Participants will require a diatonic harmonica in C.

Metro Jazz

Summer term every Monday from 16 April-2 July (exc. 7 & 28 May) £80 term/£55 concessions The Met’s community jazz orchestra led by Munch Manship welcomes all musicians of at least intermediate ability, vacancies for frontline musicians especially brass.

Suitable for ages 16+.

Met Express

Every Monday & Tuesday 7-9pm £5 per session (first session free) Met Express is The Met’s drama group for people with disabilities and learning difficulties who come together on a weekly basis to create drama and have fun.

Two groups every Tuesday 11.30am-12.30pm and 1.15pm2.15pm £24 per block of 6 sessions (£4 per session) Learn to play this fascinating instrument. For adults of all ages and abilities, no prior experience necessary, ukuleles will be provided. To register or for further information email admin@alfaeducation.co.uk

Guitar Lessons with Terry Moses

Weekly sessions every Tuesday. Beginners 5pm-6pm / Advanced 7.15pm-8.15pm - £85 per person per term Learn to play the guitar with experienced tutor Terry Moses. All styles and abilities welcome, students work towards making a recording at Edwin Street Studio.

ALFA Metzo Community Choir

Every Tuesday 7pm-8.15pm - starting 17 April £24 per block of 6 sessions (£4 per session) A choir for adults with some, little or no experience, who sing a range of styles including contemporary, gospel, jazz, and soul. Led by tutor Karen Lindop. To register, please email Jane Nicholson at admin@alfaeducation.co.uk

Uniquely Us

Every Saturday 11am-1pm - starting 21 April Uniquely Us is a project developed by an autistic woman for other autistic women. If you are a woman aged 16-30 on the autistic spectrum, interested in learning new skills in drama and building your confidence, then Uniquely Us is for you.

For more information contact Jessica Nolan at Jessica.

UniquelyUs@gmail.com or phone 0161 274 0616.

Uniquely Us is a Future Fires project supported by Contact, The Met, O2 Think Big, and was awarded Bury Council Community Funding at The Pitch event.

Anda Union Workshop

Saturday 16 June 10am - £7 In this workshop Mongolian band Anda Union will demonstrate their many different musical styles, including Mongolian and Tuvan techniques. Learn throat singing, then take part in a mini performance with your newly acquired skills. Duration approx. 2 hours. Ages 18+

Introduction to Sound Recording

Five weekly sessions on Mondays at 7pm, starting 30 April - £75 course fee Led by The Met’s Recording Studio Manager, this course teaches techniques and skills for studio sound recording.

Sessions last 2 hours.

Guitar Lessons with Terry Moses

15

Workshops and community events...

Your events Book your event with us If you’re considering an event, we can support you with our range of inspiring spaces and seasonal food and drink.

Whether it’s business and corporate or a private celebratory event, our Grade II listed venue has a range of modern and contemporary rooms which are perfectly suited for you and your guests.

Stanley Bar

Manchester History Festival

Manchester Histories Festival Tour - Saturday 9 June 12noon-12.15pm - FREE

Riots, equality and expression at The Met’s Derby Hall!

Did you know that the Derby Hall held one of Joy Division’s most famous gigs with a raucous crowd protesting against a change of singers? Did you know that it was the democratic home to where many of Bury’s major decisions were made, or where the accused were given their freedom of speech in a court of law?

As part of Manchester Histories Festival, join us for a FREE tour with The Met’s very own Nick Smale.

Registration through the website.

For slightly larger events up to 100, The Stanley Bar is an ideal choice for drinks and informal catering and works perfectly for a reception, party and networking event. It is also a great option for a seminar or presentation and can be set up in a variety of ways.

Warth Mills Project Art Showcase

Warth Mills Project Art Showcase Presented by Unity House and The Met Tuesday 26 June to Friday 20 July

Produced by Unity House and supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, The Warth Mills Project will explore Britain’s most notorious Second World War internment camp – Warth Mills in Bury. A summer programme of exhibitions, talks and recitals kicks off with this showcase of Warth Mills inspired artwork by students from Bury College.

Produced in association with Refugee Week 2018. Learn more at www.warthmillsproject.com

For smaller events The Board Room and The Card Room are an excellent choice for meetings, workshops and interviews and can hold up to twenty guests.

Board Room

If you have an event for 60-400, The Box and Derby Hall are incredible spaces for a birthday party or celebratory event with a difference. They’re also a great destination for conferences, AGMs, graduation and award ceremonies and have the key audio and visual equipment you require for a really successful event.

Tours If you are looking for a truly unique experience, we can take your guests on a behind-the-scenes tour. A perfect addition for your next business meeting!

The Box

For more information, prices and availability email: hires@themet.org.uk

Edwin Street Creative Hub Metro Jazz Summer Concert Jazz - Friday 6 July 8pm - £6

The Met’s community jazz orchestra perform a mix of the best foot-tapping jazz.

Professional recording studios and workshop space for creative businesses in the very heart of Bury.

Resident businesses include Unity House; a production and content company and ALFA Education who specialise in music, arts provision & training.

At the center is Edwin Street Recording Studio, a state of the art facility available for hire and whose professional clients have included The BBC, ITV, Microsoft, The Lowry, the National Football Museum, Manchester Camerata and Dutch Uncles. Young musicians mentored at Edwin Street have gone on to perform at The Met and at Head for the Hills Festival.

If you’re looking to record a corporate message, an audio brochure or your next album, contact us for more information or to book your session.

16

email: info@edwinstreetstudio.com or call 0161 761 7107.

17

Workshops and community events...

Your events Book your event with us If you’re considering an event, we can support you with our range of inspiring spaces and seasonal food and drink.

Whether it’s business and corporate or a private celebratory event, our Grade II listed venue has a range of modern and contemporary rooms which are perfectly suited for you and your guests.

Stanley Bar

Manchester History Festival

Manchester Histories Festival Tour - Saturday 9 June 12noon-12.15pm - FREE

Riots, equality and expression at The Met’s Derby Hall!

Did you know that the Derby Hall held one of Joy Division’s most famous gigs with a raucous crowd protesting against a change of singers? Did you know that it was the democratic home to where many of Bury’s major decisions were made, or where the accused were given their freedom of speech in a court of law?

As part of Manchester Histories Festival, join us for a FREE tour with The Met’s very own Nick Smale.

Registration through the website.

For slightly larger events up to 100, The Stanley Bar is an ideal choice for drinks and informal catering and works perfectly for a reception, party and networking event. It is also a great option for a seminar or presentation and can be set up in a variety of ways.

Warth Mills Project Art Showcase

Warth Mills Project Art Showcase Presented by Unity House and The Met Tuesday 26 June to Friday 20 July

Produced by Unity House and supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, The Warth Mills Project will explore Britain’s most notorious Second World War internment camp – Warth Mills in Bury. A summer programme of exhibitions, talks and recitals kicks off with this showcase of Warth Mills inspired artwork by students from Bury College.

Produced in association with Refugee Week 2018. Learn more at www.warthmillsproject.com

For smaller events The Board Room and The Card Room are an excellent choice for meetings, workshops and interviews and can hold up to twenty guests.

Board Room

If you have an event for 60-400, The Box and Derby Hall are incredible spaces for a birthday party or celebratory event with a difference. They’re also a great destination for conferences, AGMs, graduation and award ceremonies and have the key audio and visual equipment you require for a really successful event.

Tours If you are looking for a truly unique experience, we can take your guests on a behind-the-scenes tour. A perfect addition for your next business meeting!

The Box

For more information, prices and availability email: hires@themet.org.uk

Edwin Street Creative Hub Metro Jazz Summer Concert Jazz - Friday 6 July 8pm - £6

The Met’s community jazz orchestra perform a mix of the best foot-tapping jazz.

Professional recording studios and workshop space for creative businesses in the very heart of Bury.

Resident businesses include Unity House; a production and content company and ALFA Education who specialise in music, arts provision & training.

At the center is Edwin Street Recording Studio, a state of the art facility available for hire and whose professional clients have included The BBC, ITV, Microsoft, The Lowry, the National Football Museum, Manchester Camerata and Dutch Uncles. Young musicians mentored at Edwin Street have gone on to perform at The Met and at Head for the Hills Festival.

If you’re looking to record a corporate message, an audio brochure or your next album, contact us for more information or to book your session.

16

email: info@edwinstreetstudio.com or call 0161 761 7107.

17

General Info P

Bury Parish Church

Bolt on S

t

P East Lancs Railway

The Robert Peel

et St Mark

Edw

P Library Gardens Wa y

Kay Gardens

Bury Art Museum

P

er

Rd

ee

Angouleme Retail Park

Mill Gate Shopping Centre

The Fusilier Museum

Bury

he st

bil

Ma nc

Ju

THE SHOW

P t in S

Angouleme Way

Castle Leisure Centre

Bolton St

P

Bury Interchange

Getting here

Access

We are located on Market Street in Bury town centre, near the entrance to the Mill Gate Shopping Centre. Our postcode is BL9 0BW.

The Met is a fully accessible venue.

By tram

The Bury Metrolink stop is just a few minutes’ walk from The Met. A journey from Manchester city centre takes about 25 minutes. Check metrolink.co.uk for times.

By bus

Bury Bus Station is also just a few minutes from The Met. Services run from Manchester, Bolton, Rochdale and Rossendale. See tfgm.com for timetables.

By car

The nearest car park is at the East Lancashire Railway on Bolton Street. Parking is free after 6pm. Visit bury.gov.uk/ parking for a full list of town centre car parks.

Tickets & booking Call 0161 761 2216 Online themet.org.uk

Visitors can be dropped off immediately outside the entrance. There are a few parking spaces for Blue Badge holders across the road, outside Yates’s. We have a ramped entrance and wheelchair spaces in both the Derby Hall and The Box. Our accessible toilet is built to Changing Places standards.

Our accessible toilet is built and compliant with Changing Places standards and is open daily and during events.

Guide dogs are welcome, and water can be provided on request.

We have an infrared hearing support system. If you have difficulty with hearing, please ask a member of staff for a receiver pack. We recommend you book in advance.

If you have any special requirements call us on 0161 761 7107 and we’ll do our best to help.

Opening hours: Mon, Thu & Sun Closed; Tue, Wed & Sat 10am-2pm; Fri 12noon-5pm

Volunteer

We don’t offer refunds on unwanted tickets, but we’ll be happy to swap them for an alternative show for an exchange fee of £2 per ticket.

Please consider making a donation when you book a ticket with us – every donation helps to continue our work with the community.

18

The Met’s own restaurant & bars.

There’s full lift access to all floors and friendly staff on hand to help. If you require a personal escort, we can supply them with a free ticket.

In person at The Met ticket office

A fee of £2.50 applies to each transaction made online or by phone. Tickets can be collected at box office or printed at home for free, or posted to you for £1.

Exceptional pre-theatre meals & post-gig drinks.

Bury Market

The Met has a dedicated group of volunteers who assist with many areas of our activities. All volunteers are interviewed at application to ensure they get the most out of the opportunities we offer.

To get involved contact Scarlet Ordish at scarlet.ordish@ themet.org.uk or call on 0161 761 7107.

automaticcafe.com info@automaticcafe.com

0161 763 9399 @automaticcafe

/automaticloungebury

automaticbury

Automatic is part of the Hollinworth & Price family of independent food and drink places.

Find out more @hollinwth_price

19

General Info P

Bury Parish Church

Bolt on S

t

P East Lancs Railway

The Robert Peel

et St Mark

Edw

P Library Gardens Wa y

Kay Gardens

Bury Art Museum

P

er

Rd

ee

Angouleme Retail Park

Mill Gate Shopping Centre

The Fusilier Museum

Bury

he st

bil

Ma nc

Ju

THE SHOW

P t in S

Angouleme Way

Castle Leisure Centre

Bolton St

P

Bury Interchange

Getting here

Access

We are located on Market Street in Bury town centre, near the entrance to the Mill Gate Shopping Centre. Our postcode is BL9 0BW.

The Met is a fully accessible venue.

By tram

The Bury Metrolink stop is just a few minutes’ walk from The Met. A journey from Manchester city centre takes about 25 minutes. Check metrolink.co.uk for times.

By bus

Bury Bus Station is also just a few minutes from The Met. Services run from Manchester, Bolton, Rochdale and Rossendale. See tfgm.com for timetables.

By car

The nearest car park is at the East Lancashire Railway on Bolton Street. Parking is free after 6pm. Visit bury.gov.uk/ parking for a full list of town centre car parks.

Tickets & booking Call 0161 761 2216 Online themet.org.uk

Visitors can be dropped off immediately outside the entrance. There are a few parking spaces for Blue Badge holders across the road, outside Yates’s. We have a ramped entrance and wheelchair spaces in both the Derby Hall and The Box. Our accessible toilet is built to Changing Places standards.

Our accessible toilet is built and compliant with Changing Places standards and is open daily and during events.

Guide dogs are welcome, and water can be provided on request.

We have an infrared hearing support system. If you have difficulty with hearing, please ask a member of staff for a receiver pack. We recommend you book in advance.

If you have any special requirements call us on 0161 761 7107 and we’ll do our best to help.

Opening hours: Mon, Thu & Sun Closed; Tue, Wed & Sat 10am-2pm; Fri 12noon-5pm

Volunteer

We don’t offer refunds on unwanted tickets, but we’ll be happy to swap them for an alternative show for an exchange fee of £2 per ticket.

Please consider making a donation when you book a ticket with us – every donation helps to continue our work with the community.

18

The Met’s own restaurant & bars.

There’s full lift access to all floors and friendly staff on hand to help. If you require a personal escort, we can supply them with a free ticket.

In person at The Met ticket office

A fee of £2.50 applies to each transaction made online or by phone. Tickets can be collected at box office or printed at home for free, or posted to you for £1.

Exceptional pre-theatre meals & post-gig drinks.

Bury Market

The Met has a dedicated group of volunteers who assist with many areas of our activities. All volunteers are interviewed at application to ensure they get the most out of the opportunities we offer.

To get involved contact Scarlet Ordish at scarlet.ordish@ themet.org.uk or call on 0161 761 7107.

automaticcafe.com info@automaticcafe.com

0161 763 9399 @automaticcafe

/automaticloungebury

automaticbury

Automatic is part of the Hollinworth & Price family of independent food and drink places.

Find out more @hollinwth_price

19

Diary Month May

June

July

20

Date

Time

Event

Page

Thu 3 Thu 3 Sat 5 Thu 10 Thu 10 Sat 12 Mon 14 Thu 17 Thu 17 Fri 18 Sat 19 Sun 20 Wed 23 Thu 24 Fri 25 Sat 26 Sat 26 Sun 27 Sun 27

8pm 8.30pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 7pm 7.30pm 1pm 4pm

Sam Lee’s Singing with Nightingales First Thursday Comedy Club James Grant with the Hallelujah String Quartet Two Cheaters: A Play About Infidelity Big Whistle Festival An evening with Mary Gauthier Radio Active Cheaters: A Play About Infidelity Them Heavy People Manc Floyd Manc Floyd Estbel Cheaters: A Play About Infidelity Will Pound’s Through the Seasons A Blues Night at The Met Moishe’s Bagel Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday

8 5 8 7 7 10 & 11 8 5 7 8 8 8 9

Fri 1 Fri 1 Sat 2 Wed 6 Wed 6 Thu 7 Fri 8 Fri 8 Sat 9 Fri 15 Sat 16 Sat 16 Thu 21 Fri 22 Sat 23 Sat 23 Sat 23 Sat 30

7.30pm 9pm 8pm 7.30pm 8pm 8.30pm 8pm 8pm noon 8pm 10am 8.30pm 8pm 7.30pm 1pm 7.30pm 9pm 8pm

No Petticoats Here Baghdaddies Heidi Talbot and John McCusker Marx in Soho PicaPica First Thursday Comedy Club Chris and Kellie While John Bramwell Manchester History Festival Anda Union Anda Union Workshop Habedekuk RURA Whole Lotta Led The Tale of the Cockatrice The East Pointers Ralph McTell and Wizz Jones Lancashire Hotpots

12 9 12 7 12 5 12 12 16 13 15 13 13 13 6 13 13 5

Thu 5 Fri 6 Sat 7

8.30pm 8pm 8pm

First Thursday Comedy Club Metro Jazz Summer Concert Peatbog Faeries

5 16 13

9 9 9 6 6