JAN TO APR 2017 EVENTS BROCHURE theplacebedford.org.uk
OUR PLACE IS YOUR PLACE!
INFORMATION Tickets for all shows are available online (with no booking fees) from www.theplacebedford.org.uk/tickets Tickets can also be booked by telephone on 01234 354321, call the theatre between 9.30am and 3pm on weekdays, or in person by appointment. We are a very small team and office staff are not always on site. The Place Theatre Bradgate Road Bedford MK40 3DE
FREE ONSITE PARKING
Kimbolt
on Ave
Rd Tiverton
St Minver Rd
d Rd
North Wing Hospital
Richmon
Bradgate Rd
e Goldington Av
Rugby Ground
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bell R
Camp
Cave’s Lane
Ki
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lto
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Merton
Devon Rd
Cornwall Rd
Oaklands
Tennis Club
Fox & Hounds
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Goldin
We are happy to support young people who are working towards an Arts Award. Call or email us for advice about planning a visit.
The Place Theatre is managed by Bedford Players Trust, Charity Registration No: 290124 and has received funding from The Harpur Trust, the Wixamtree Trust, and The House of Industry Estate.
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eMail: info@theplacebedford.org.uk Web: theplacebedford.org.uk
WELCOME Welcome We are delighted to have been able to make some improvements to our theatre recently and will continue to invest in making the venue as welcoming and accessible as possible. We are grateful to the Harpur Trust for a 450th Anniversary grant that enabled the installation of an electric screen, making it much easier for us to expand our film programme and between January and April we are piloting a season of films in languages other than English, with support from the National Lottery through the BFI Film Audiences Network. This season please consider joining our new Friends scheme - our Friends benefit primarily from the satisfaction of helping to maintain Bedford’s only full-time community theatre, but you also get discounts on drinks and shows, special offers and invitations and advance notice of our programmes. For full details email friends@theplacebedford.org.uk Laura Pottinger Venue Manager
Folk Nights
VIN GARBUTT MUSIC SATURDAY 14 JANUARY
8PM (DOORS 7:30PM)
ADVANCE £14 / DOOR £16
ALL AGES
Vin’s career has spanned over 40 years of constant worldwide touring which must make him some kind of elder statesman of folk. His songs were inspired by the folk tradition at the beginning of his career, they still are but have transformed into gritty social comment and life observations. He is renowned for his hilarious intros but for him his song lyrics are the crux of his performance. “Vin cuts through the bull, grasping those he meets firmly by the hand and shaking them up with a dose of laughter and tears… He should be prescribed on the National Health.” English Folk Dance & Song Society. Winner of BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards “Best Live Act” 2001 (and nominated again in 2007).
Tel: 01234 354321 Facebook: ThePlaceBedford Twitter: @ThePlaceBedford
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JANUARY Act One Theatre presents
ARABIAN NIGHTS COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE OR HIRE WED 18 TO FRI 20
7:30PM
7+
FULL £8.50 / CONCESSION £7.00 / CHILDREN £5.00 It is wedding night in the palace of King Shahrayar. By morning the new Queen Shahrazad is to be put to death like all the young brides before her. But she has one gift that could save her - the gift of storytelling. To save her own life and the lives of subsequent brides of the King, the young Queen spins her dazzling array of tales and characters. On her side are Ali Baba, Es-Sindibad the Sailor and Princess Parizade - adventurers in strange and magical worlds populated by giant beasts, talking birds, devilish ghouls and crafty thieves. But will her bewitching stories be enough to enchant her husband and save her life?
Director: Pawel Pawlikowski
IDA
FILM SAT 21 JANUARY
7:30PM
13+
ALL TICKETS £5
Anna is a young novice nun in 1960s Poland who, on the verge of taking her vows, discovers a dark family secret dating back to the years of the Nazi occupation. Award-winning Polish born director Pawel Pawlikowski (Last Resort, My Summer of Love) returns to his homeland for this moving and intimate drama. This film has achieved 67 international film awards including two Oscars. Shown in Polish with English subtitles. Running time 1hr 22min.
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eMail: info@theplacebedford.org.uk Web: theplacebedford.org.uk
JANUARY Director: Jose Luis Cuerda
LA LENGUA DE LAS MARIPOSAS/ BUTTERFLY’S TONGUE (1999) FILM THURS 26 JANUARY
7:30PM
15+
ALL TICKETS £5
The heart-warming story of the relationship that develops between a shy young boy and his kind teacher in 1936 Spain. The boy, Moncho, is frightened about starting school, and it is up to the gentle, compassionate Don Gregorio to set the boy’s mind at ease. When the Spanish Civil War erupts on July 18, both individuals’ lives are changed forever. Shown in Spanish with English subtitles. Running time Ihr 36min. Come and take part in a guided reading in Spanish, of the short story upon which the film is based. Bedford Language Centre will host this reading on Wednesday 25th January at 7pm in the foyer of The Place. For details ring Bedford Language Centre on 07985113996.
Director: Perry Henzell
THE HARDER THEY COME FILM FRI 27 JANUARY
7:30PM
15+
ALL TICKETS £5
Cult Jamaican classic starring reggae star Jimmy Cliff as Ivanhoe Martin, a country boy who comes to Kingston to make it big in the music industry. Hampered by payola and music industry corruption, Ivanhoe turns to ganja-dealing to try and make ends meet. Events spiral out of his control and he soon finds himself on the run from the police. The celebrated soundtrack is peppered with reggae classics by the likes of Toots and the Maytals, Desmond Dekker, The Melodians and Cliff himself who performs, among others, the title track and the timeless ‘Many Rivers to Cross’. Shown in Jamaican Patois with English subtitles. Running time 1hr 43 min.
Tel: 01234 354321 Facebook: ThePlaceBedford Twitter: @ThePlaceBedford 05
JANUARY Mill Race Folk presents
STICK IN THE WHEEL (with MarisaJack&Davy support) MUSIC SATURDAY 28 JANUARY
8PM (DOORS 7:30PM)
ALL TICKETS £12
ALL AGES
”We play the music of our people. We sing in our own accents. We record in our kitchens and living rooms. This is our culture, our tradition.” 2015 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Nomination Best Group and 2016 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Nomination Best Traditional Track for Seven Gypsies. Presented in partnership with Mill Race Folk, the team behind successful folk events at Bromham Mill, local folk trio MarisaJack&Davy will play support.
Polish Family Film Screening
AKADEMIA PANA KLEKSA / MR BLOTT’S ACADEMY (1984) Director: Krzysztof Gradowski
FILM SUNDAY 29 JANUARY ADULTS £5 / CHILDREN £3
12.30PM 5+
Ten-year-old Adas, beginning his education at the Academy, finds the hideout of a starling called Matt, who used to be a prince. Touched by his fate, he promises to find the magic button that has the power to restore him to human form. This is a classic film adaptation from 1984 of the popular children’s book by Jan Brzechwa, shown in Polish with English subtitles. Running time 2hr 46min (plus a short interval).
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eMail: info@theplacebedford.org.uk Web: theplacebedford.org.uk
FEBRUARY Simon Evans and David Aula present
THE VANISHING MAN TOURING & PROFESSIONAL THEATRE THURSDAY 2 FEBRUARY
7:30PM
FULL £10 / CONCESSIONS £8.50
11+
“I’ve been able to work out, deconstruct and rebuild every trick I’ve ever seen. Except this one.” Hugo Cedar was an Edwardian magician known as “The Vanishing Man”; he created the perfect trick and then disappeared forever, but his story lives on… Simon Evans (award-winning magician and magical consultant to the NT, Old Vic and Donmar Warehouse) and David Aula team up to create a time-hopping, misdirectionabusing, mind-bending examination of what really happens when a man, in full sight of his audience, simply ceases to be. This is the story of a magic trick: the greatest one ever performed.
Director: S Shankar
ANNIYAN / OUTSIDER (2005) FILM FRIDAY 3 FEBRUARY
7:30PM
ALL TICKETS £5
15+
A disillusioned everyman, frustrated with the corruption he sees all around him, develops multiple personalities in order to restore justice. Shown in Tamil with English subtitles. Running time 2hrs 37 min.
Tel: 01234 354321 Facebook: ThePlaceBedford Twitter: @ThePlaceBedford 07
FEBRUARY Adie Mueller & Mike Carter present
SANDMAN
TOURING & PROFESSIONAL THEATRE SATURDAY 4 FEBRUARY
7:30PM
FULL £10 / CONCESSIONS £8.50
15+
A compelling and visceral re-imagining of E.T.A. Hoffman’s gothic story The Sandman. When Nathaniel, a student, is visited by a mysterious dread figure from the past and falls in love with a woman who isn’t all she seems, nobody can prevent his life from spiralling out of control. This intense and immersive performance fuses high-energy storytelling, expressive physicality and puppetry to take you into a thrilling nightmare world. Developed with support from The Place, and first presented as part of StageWrite, this piece is a collaboration with playwright/director Mike Carter and features design by spatial designer Dawn Hesketh-Joslin. Adie has toured the work and developed it significantly since it was last seen at The Place and you are encouraged to come and see it again.
Director: Christophe Barratier
LES CHORISTES FILM WEDNESDAY 8 FEBRUARY
7:30PM
ALL TICKETS £5
13+
French drama inspired by the 1947 film ‘La Cage aux Rossignols’. Successful orchestra conductor Pierre Morhange (Jacques Perrin) returns home when his mother dies. He recollects his childhood inspirations through the pages of a diary kept by the music teacher who livened up his dreary boarding school by organising a choir, leading to the discovery of Pierre’s musical talents. Running time 1 hr 37 min. Show in French with English subtitles.
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eMail: info@theplacebedford.org.uk Web: theplacebedford.org.uk
FEBRUARY Folk Nights
SOUTHERN TENANT FOLK UNION MUSIC THURSDAY 9 FEBRUARY
8PM (DOORS 7.30PM)
ADVANCE £12 / DOOR £14
ALL AGES
The acclaimed and award winning Edinburgh based folk, roots & bluegrass collective is touring with its brand new, up tempo and political seventh album, Join Forces. This this is vivid, contemporary folk - aware of its political heritage all the way back through Woody Guthrie and beyond, bringing together disparate but still related musical forms in Bluegrass and Scottish folk, and never less than intelligent and stirring in its social commentary. “More than simple roots-music revivalism” Stewart Lee, The Sunday Times
Rhodri Miles presents
BURTON
TOURING & PROFESSIONAL THEATRE FRIDAY 10 FEBRUARY
7:30PM
FULL £12 / CONCESSIONS £10
15+
”A MASTERFUL PERFORMANCE” British Theatre Guide BURTON vividly presents the life of the great Welsh actor in his own words from humble beginnings to Hollywood mega-stardom. Beautiful women (not least Liz Taylor), alcohol, wealth, stage and screen are the threads woven into this sad, happy, exuberant often hilarious one-man show. RHODRI MILES, (Game of Thrones, Eastern Promises, Atlantis) takes on the role of the younger BURTON and received critical acclaim at two Edinburgh Fringe Festivals (2009/2014) and also the Hollywood fringe festival 2010 where the play won ‘Best International’ show. Tel: 01234 354321 Facebook: ThePlaceBedford Twitter: @ThePlaceBedford 09
FEBRUARY Outer Circle Arts presents
IN THE MOTHERHOOD TOURING & PROFESSIONAL THEATRE SATURDAY 11 FEBRUARY
7:30PM
FULL £12 / CONCESSIONS £10
15+
Nita and Bonnie run the PTA in their charming village with brutal efficiency. Their enterprising and sometimes shocking approach to fundraising exploits the deep frustrations and struggles of being a mum, with highly lucrative results.
SPECIAL £14
INCLUDES A GLASS OF PROSECCO
Into this world of competitive parenting drops Jacs, a savvy city type who’s looking to make an impression. But this PTA doesn’t let just anyone in - you have to earn the right to join the committee. Does Jacs have what it takes to assume her place in the parental pecking order or will feathers fly?
Theatre of Widdershins presents
RAPUNZEL & THE TOWER OF DOOM TOURING & PROFESSIONAL THEATRE TUESDAY 14 FEBRUARY
2:30PM
FULL £10 / CONCESSIONS £8.50
4+
Tangles? Split Ends? Frizzy? Flyaway? It’s hard enough having a bad hair day but pity poor Rapunzel spending her life in a tower with a wicked old witch using her captive’s locks as a step ladder! What sort of damage is that going to do to your hair? Theatre of Widdershins has taken this Grimm tale right back to its dark roots, teased out the tangles and styled it into a beautifully coiffured hair piece! This enchanting show promises plenty of body, volume and loads of highlights. Make an appointment to see the show today – because you’re worth it!!!
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eMail: info@theplacebedford.org.uk Web: theplacebedford.org.uk
FEBRUARY Director: Luchino Visconti
IL GATTOPARDO/ THE LEOPARD (1963) FILM THURSDAY 16 FEBRUARY
7:30PM
ALL TICKETS £5
PG
The Prince of Salina, a noble aristocrat of impeccable integrity, tries to preserve his family and class amid the tumultuous social upheavals of 1860’s Sicily. Based on the novel by Giuseppe Tamasi de Lampedusa. Starring Burt Lancaster (who was dubbed into Italian) and Alain Delan, this historical epic is regularly cited as one the ten best Italian films of all time. Shown in Italian with English subtitles. Running time 2hrs 35min.
White Cobra presents
LOVE LETTERS TOURING & PROFESSIONAL THEATRE FRIDAY 17 FEBRUARY
7:30PM
FULL £10 / CONCESSIONS £8.50
12+
During the week of St Valentines Day, White Cobra Productions brings one of the most romantic plays to the stage. The Broadway hit, ‘Love Letters’ by A R Gurney, tells of a lifelong relationship between two Americans during the mid 20th Century. This award winning company from Northampton appeared at the 2016 Edinburgh Festival and won no less than eight awards during the year for its plays, with ‘Scaramouche Jones’ taking the British All Winners trophy. The second time the company has produced the best play in Britain in three years. In just four years, founders Kate Billingham and Richard Jordan have built the company up and now count around a dozen actors, directors and technicians among their ranks, producing drama, comedy and musicals, with a world premiere planned for April 2017. Tel: 01234 354321 Facebook: ThePlaceBedford Twitter: @ThePlaceBedford 11
FEBRUARY Adam Pownall presents
GETTING BETTER SLOWLY TOURING & PROFESSIONAL THEATRE SATURDAY 18 FEBRUARY
7:30PM
FULL £12 / CONCESSIONS £10
12+
Adam Pownall woke up to find his body was slowly shutting down. Unable to walk, talk or blink and nobody knew why... When Guillain Barr Syndrome affected Adam it caused full paralysis within days. Getting Better Slowly tells the story of his illness through a creative collision of new writing, verbatim accounts, sound and movement. How does it feel when your closest relationship is with the illness that’s holding you back? Adam’s frank and moving account of how he dealt with GBS and the two years he spent recovering, including months spent learning how to walk and talk again, explores the relationship we all have with our bodies and our health. Telling his story with warmth, humour and honesty, and explaining how GBS is still part of his life, he invites audiences to consider how they would deal with an unexpected illness or accident affecting them or someone they love.
Swan Theatre Company presents
THE SEAGULL
COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE OR HIRE TUESDAY 21 TO SUNDAY 25 FEBRUARY
7:30PM
FULL £10 / CONCESSIONS £8 / TUES PREVIEW £6
12+
On a summer’s day in a makeshift theatre by a lake, a group of people gather to see Konstantin’s radical new play performed. What follows will alter the course of their lives forever. Chekhov’s classic meditation on how the old take revenge on the young is both comic and tragic, and Tom Stoppard’s witty and fast paced adaptation draws out perfectly the irony of this biting satire.
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MARCH Bedford Drama Company presents
NELL GWYNN COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE OR HIRE WEDNESDAY 1 MARCH TO SATURDAY 4 MARCH ALL DAYS 7:30PM, PLUS 3PM SATURDAY MATINEE FULL £10 / CONCESSIONS £8.50
12+
“A rollicking good evening’s entertainment” Evening Standard London 1660. King Charles II has exploded onto the scene with a love of all things loud, extravagant and sexy. And at Drury Lane a young Nell Gwynn is causing stirrings among the theatre-goers. Following huge success at The Globe and The Apollo, Bedford Drama Company is thrilled to present the Bedford premier of Jessica Swale’s newest play, with music composed by Nigel Hess. This bawdy, bold and brilliantly funny play is sure to be very popular, just as BDC’s production of Jessica Swale’s ‘Blue Stockings’ was in 2016.
Hurn Davey Productions presents
HANCOCK’S HALF HOUR TOURING & PROFESSIONAL THEATRE SUNDAY 5 MARCH
6:00PM
FULL £12 / CONCESSIONS £10
12+
To celebrate over 60 years of Hancock’s Half Hour, James Hurn, a talented actor and impressionist will be performing three classic episodes of Hancock’s Half Hour, voicing the entire cast. James will be performing the episodes in the style of a radio performance in front of a live audience, bringing to life the classic days of radio comedy. “Utterly Masterful and quite, quite superb” Jon Culshaw
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MARCH Director: Miguel Albaladejo
MANOLITO GAFOTAS / MANOLITO FOUR EYES (1999) FILM TUESDAY 7 MARCH
7:30PM
ALL TICKETS £5
15+
The summer is not looking promising for Manolito Gafotas as he is condemned, one again, to spend the holidays in a small flat with his mother, his grandfather and his small brother - until his usually absent father shows up to take him on a road trip that they won’t forget. Based on the popular children’s books by Elvira Lindo (but rated 15+ because of some nudity and adult humour). Shown in Spanish with English subtitles. Running time 1hr 29mins.
Folk Nights
PAGODA PROJECT MUSIC THURSDAY 9 MARCH
8PM (DOORS 7.30PM)
ADVANCE £12 / DOOR £14
ALL AGES
Captivating and original, Folk Jazz fusion Created by Paul Hutchinson (Piano Accordion) and Karen Wimhurst (Clarinets) to evolve their fusion sound, Pagoda Project brings together a unique blend of traditional folk music with jazz improvisation to create a warm and dynamic sound. Their debut album Clarion attracted a five star review in Songlines magazine and Paul and Karen are have been enthralling audiences with their entertaining delivery and enchanting performances.
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eMail: info@theplacebedford.org.uk Web: theplacebedford.org.uk
MARCH A-Game Entertainment presents
THE PENDULUM SWINGS TOURING & PROFESSIONAL THEATRE FRIDAY 10 AND SATURDAY 11 MARCH
7:30PM
FULL £12 / CONCESSIONS £10
16+
A-Game Entertainment returns to The Place before a national tour of the smash hit, dark comedy, The Pendulum Swings. Present day Death Row, two men await their executions. The days are long and numbered. All Frank and Michael have is each other and the friendship they built through a wall. As Frank’s time draws near, the youthful and tormented Michael must try come to terms with the idea of losing his only family. Will he understand the way life works and make his peace in time? “Darkly funny and painfully moving. Five stars!” Swan Theatre Company
Bedford Poetry Company presents
THE JOURNEY COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE OR HIRE SUNDAY 12 MARCH
7:30PM
ALL TICKETS £5
12+
A poetry show in which the twists and turns of the routes we take through life are expressed in their darker and lighter moods through the original work of local writers. All proceeds from this show will go to charity.
Tel: 01234 354321 Facebook: ThePlaceBedford Twitter: @ThePlaceBedford 15
MARCH Ambreen Razia with Black Theatre Live presents
DIARY OF A HOUNSLOW GIRL TOURING & PROFESSIONAL THEATRE TUESDAY 14 MARCH
7PM
FULL £10 / CONCESSIONS £8.50
14+
You’ve heard of an Essex Girl or even a Chelsea Girl but what is a Hounslow Girl? From traditional Pakistani weddings to fights on the night bus, The Diary of a Hounslow Girl is told through the eyes of a hooped earring, headscarf wearing 16 year old British Muslim Girl growing up in West London. A funny, bold, provocative play highlighting the challenges of being brought up as a young woman in a traditional Muslim family, alongside the temptations and influences of growing up in and around London.
Certain Age presents
AN EVENING WITH JANE AUSTEN COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE OR HIRE THURSDAY 16 TO SATURDAY 18 MARCH FULL £10 / CONCESSIONS £8
7:30PM
9+
Jane Austen wrote some of the world’s most famous and best loved books, which contain some of the world’s bestloved young heroines. She also created some more mature characters and brought them to life with her usual wonderful observation and wit; Mr Woodhouse, Mr and Mrs Bennet, Mrs Jennings, Mrs Allen, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Miss Bates... To commemorate the 200th anniversary of her death, Certain Age invites you to spend An Evening with Jane Austen - and some of these delightful older characters.
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eMail: info@theplacebedford.org.uk Web: theplacebedford.org.uk
APRIL Lifebox Theatre and No Loss Productions present
STAGEWRITE 2017
TOURING & PROFESSIONAL THEATRE WEDNESDAY 29 MARCH TO SATURDAY 1 APRIL
7:30PM
FULL £7 / CONCESSION £6 / FESTIVAL PASS £20
12+
Bedford’s most popular new writing event has seen writers from Bedford and further afield compete to see their play performed at the festival. From the huge number of plays submitted this year, StageWrite will produce four evenings of new writing including comedy and drama on a range of themes. For full details of this years programme, visit www.stagewrite.org.uk.
Mill Race Folk presents
DAOIRÍ FARRELL (with MarisaJack&Davy support) MUSIC TUES 4 APRIL
8PM (DOORS 7.30PM)
ALL TICKETS £12
ALL AGES
Dublin-born traditional singer and bouzouki player Daoirí (pronounced ‘Derry’) Farrell is being described by some of the biggest names in Irish folk music as one of most important singers to come out of Ireland in recent years. Having cut his teeth as a singer in Dublin’s famous Góilin Singers Club he quickly found work accompanying artists including Moore himself, as well as a list of names that sounds like a who’s who of Irish folk music.
West End in Concert presents
WEST END AT THE MOVIES MUSIC THURSDAY 6 APRIL
2.30PM AND 7.30PM
FULL £14 / CONCESSION £12
ALL AGES
A magical evening of live entertainment brought to you by stars directly from the West End. Featuring hits from the movies throughout the decades. Tel: 01234 354321 Facebook: ThePlaceBedford Twitter: @ThePlaceBedford 17
APRIL Director: Manhar Raskapur
AKHAND SAUBHAGYAVATI (1963) FILM FRIDAY 7 APRIL
7:30PM
ALL TICKETS £5
12+
Asha Parekh in her first Gujarati lead role, plays the virtuous Usha, who falls for the weak Arun (Mahesh Kumar). The evil Pankaj however spreads rumours about Usha’s infidelity and causes Arun to disappear on their wedding night. Dramatic scenes follow until Usha is proved innocent and receives her now- repentant husband. Shown in Gujarati with English subtitles. Black and white. Running time 2hrs 31min.
White Cobra presents
DIZZY BOO TOURING & PROFESSIONAL THEATRE SATURDAY 8 APRIL
7:30PM
FULL £10 / CONCESSIONS £8.50
12+
White Cobra Productions Presents the world premiere of Dizzy Boo, a new comedy by Brian Wright. Two houses, two gardens, three couples, six people... twelve relationships. One too many barbecues, one bewildered stranger, lots of laughs, a few home truths, end of story... Or is it? Dizzy Boo has been specially written for White Cobra and is dedicated to Ursula Wright. While preparing her second production for the company in January 2016 she was suddenly taken ill and died four months later. Brian Wright is an actor, director, writer, script-editor for theatre, television and radio. His writing has won two Sony Awards, a BAFTA nomination and a Bristol University Fellowship.
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eMail: info@theplacebedford.org.uk Web: theplacebedford.org.uk
APRIL Director: Gavin Hood W PUSTYNI I W PUSZCZY / IN DESERT & WILDERNESS (2001) FILM SUNDAY 9 APRIL
12:30PM
ADULTS £5 / CHILDREN £3
7+
A family adventure film, based on a popular young adult novel by Polish author and Nobel Prize-winning novelist Henryk Sienkiewicz, written in 1911. It tells the story of 14 year old Stan and 8 year old Nel, kidnapped by rebels during Mahdi’s rebellion in Sudan. Shown in Polish with English subtitles. Running time 1hr 51mins.
Melanie Gall presents OPERA MOUSE TOURING & PROFESSIONAL THEATRE MONDAY 10 APRIL
2:30PM
FULL £10 / CONCESSIONS £8.50
3+
Tilly Mouse lives under an opera house, and she just loves to sing! Her dream is to perform on stage. But whenever anybody sees her, they scream and run away. With determination, imagination, and help from her friends, Tilly proves that even a mouse can be a star! Winner - Best kids Show Winnipeg Fringe 2013 ***** Fringe Review Canada
Barnstorm Theatre Company presents MONDAY’S CHILD TOURING & PROFESSIONAL THEATRE TUESDAY 11 APRIL
2PM
FULL £10 / CONCESSIONS £8.50
4+
Monday’s Child tells a simple poetic story of the unique bond between a little girl and and old woman with memory loss. Together in a dream-like garden, they sing and dance and dress up as they joyously explore a treasure trove of memories. This sensitive, imaginative yet funny story explores how we make and store memories as we grow up and discover the world; how these shape who we are, and how they help us to meet the challenges of growing old. Selected as one of the Guardian’s Theatre Top Ten of 2014. Tel: 01234 354321 Facebook: ThePlaceBedford Twitter: @ThePlaceBedford 19
APRIL JACK BLACKMAN AND PISTOL PETE WEARN MUSIC WED 19 APRIL
8PM (DOORS 7.30PM)
ALL TICKETS £12
ALL AGES
Two of the UK’s best emerging blues guitarists, Jack Blackman and Pistol Pete Wearn come together for a night of great blues music. Jack Blackman is fast developing into one the most accomplished and exciting young performers on the acoustic roots scene today. ‘Nearly Man’ is his 3rd full-length album. Pistol Pete Wearn described by Maverick magazine “..a master slide guitar virtuoso” has recently released his first solo album ‘Service Station Coffee’.
Ouse Muse presents
BEDSLAM WITH SPECIAL GUEST HOLLIE MCNISH T A L K S , P O E T R Y A N D S P O K E N WO R D THURSDAY 20 APRIL
7:30PM
FULL £10 / CONCESSION £ 8.50 / SLAMMERS £5
13+
The sizzle and zip of the poetry slam returns to Bedford. One Slam competitor will be crowned BedSlam champion 2017 (and receive a £50 prize!). Benjamin Zephaniah stating, “I can’t take my ears off her”, Kate Tempest describing her poetry as, “welcoming, galvanizing and beautiful” and fans ranging from Robin Ince, Pink, Tim Minchin, Marian Keyes to most of the UK’s midwives, Hollie McNish is a poet whose readings are not to be missed. She is an Arts Foundation Fellow in Spoken Word, has garnered over two million YouTube views for her online poetry performances and was the first poet to record at London’s famed Abbey Road Studios. Here she will be joining us to perform poems and read from and chat honestly and openly about her latest book, Nobody Told Me.
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eMail: info@theplacebedford.org.uk Web: theplacebedford.org.uk
APRIL The Pantaloons present
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE TOURING & PROFESSIONAL THEATRE FRIDAY 21 & SATURDAY 22 APRIL
7:30PM PLUS 2:30PM MATINEE SAT ONLY
FULL £12 / CONCESSIONS £10
9+
Will Mrs Bennet manage to offload her numerous daughters in record time? Will Lizzy and Darcy actually get together? Will creepy Mr Collins just go away please? The literary classic gets the full Pantaloons treatment in this beautifully hilarious and delightfully innovative adaptation. “Glorious… A cleverly adapted, joyous comic makeover of the treasured story.” ***** The Stage
ShowCo Bedford presents
ANNIE COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE OR HIRE TUESDAY 25 TO SATURDAY 29 APRIL FULL £13 / CONCESSIONS £12
7:30PM PLUS 2:30PM MATINEE SAT ONLY 6+
Following their sell-out productions of Legally Blonde and Sister Act, ShowCo returns to The Place Theatre with Annie, the world’s favourite family musical. Set in 1930s New York during the Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Determined to find her real parents, Annie’s luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas with the famous billionaire Oliver Warbucks at his grand Manhattan residence. However, the spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas, and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search. With its multiple Tony-winning book and score, this stunning new production includes the unforgettable songs ‘Hard Knock Life’, ‘Easy Street’ and ‘Tomorrow’. Don’t miss Annie - you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll love it! This amateur production is presented by arrangement with JOSEF WEINBERGERLTD. On behalf of MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL of NEW YORK. Tel: 01234 354321 Facebook: ThePlaceBedford Twitter: @ThePlaceBedford 21
OTHER BOOKING ESSENTIAL
CREATIVE DAYS WO R K S H O P S A N D PA R T I C I PA T I O N SATURDAYS MORNINGS IN TERM TIME
4+
“Our aim is to encourage and develop the creativity in children through our weekly art and craft workshops here at The Place Theatre.” Creative Saturdays workshops are open to all 4 to 13 year olds. We explore a range of different themes using many different materials and techniques. We take our inspiration from the changing seasons, the world around us as well as different artists and cultures. Contact Philippa on 077824345042, email creativedaysbedford@gmail.com or visit our website www.creative-days.co.uk
ACT ONE THEATRE SCHOOL WO R K S H O P S A N D PA R T I C I PA T I O N SATURDAY MORNINGS IN TERM TIME
7+
BOOKING ESSENTIAL
Act One Theatre School has been running successfully at The Place since 2002. There are three groups every Saturday morning in term time for Juniors, Intermediates and Seniors. A new group, Act One Beginners for 5 to 8 year olds takes place on Tuesday afternoons. Every year Act One gives pupils the opportunity to take part in the Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech and Drama, perform in a Showcase and take part in a Senior production. There are Speech and Drama lessons available after school preparing pupils for LAMDA examinations and holiday courses open to all in the Easter and Summer school holidays. Contact Sally Hammelev on 07988 762170 or email actone.theatreschool@yahoo.co.uk for more information. New pupils are always welcome and a free trial session is offered to every prospective pupil.
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eMail: info@theplacebedford.org.uk Web: theplacebedford.org.uk
OTHER Eagle Gallery Artists
EXHIBITIONS AT THE PLACE EXHIBITIONS The Place Theatre hosts a rolling programme of selling exhibitions by members of the Eagle Gallery. Work can be viewed when the venue is open for events or by appointment during office hours.
POETRY AT THE EAGLE BOOKSHOP T A L K S , P O E T R Y A N D S P O K E N WO R D Members of Swan Theatre Company present an evening of poetry, lightly spiced with prose and drama, on the first Sunday of each month. After several very successful years at The Eagle Gallery, these are now taking place in the appropriately bookish surroundings of the next-door Eagle Bookshop, 103 Castle Road, Bedford. MK40 3QP. Tickets £5 (available online or on the door).
COMING UP IN MAY DATE
COMPANY
SHOW
Thurs 4 May
Hotbuckle
Far from the Madding Crowd
Friday 5 May
Brite Theatre
Richard III
Sat 6 May
Robert Habermann
From Broadway to Hollywood
19 – 13 May
Toffee Apple Productions
Little Voice
16- 20 May
Swan Theatre Company
The House of Bernarda Alba
25- 27 May
Contemporanea Theatre
Plan B
Wed 31 May
Christian Lee
Pop!
Tel: 01234 354321 Facebook: ThePlaceBedford Twitter: @ThePlaceBedford 23
DIARY DATE
COMPANY
SHOW
Fri 13 Jan
The Place
FREE Launch Event 7.30pm
Sat 14 Jan
Folk Nights
Vin Garbutt
Thurs 18 to 20 Jan
Act One
Arabian Nights Ida
Sat 21 Jan
Film
Thurs 26 Jan
Film
La Lengua de las Mariposas
Fri 27 Jan
Film
The Harder They Come
Sat 28 Jan
Mill Race Folk
Stick in the Wheel
Sun 29 Jan
Polish Family Film
Akademia Pana Kleksa
Thurs 2 Feb
Simon Evans & David Aula
The Vanishing Man
Fri 3 Feb
Film
Anniyan
Sat 4 Feb
Adie Muller
Sandman
Wed 8 Feb
Film
Les Choriste
Thurs 9 Feb
Folk Nights
Southern Tenant Folk Union
Fri 10 Feb
Rhodri Miles
Burton
Sat 11 Feb
Outer Circle Arts
In the Motherhood
Tues 14 Feb
Theatre of Widdershins
Rapunzel & The Tower of Doom
Thurs 16 Feb
Film
Il Gattopardo
Fri 17 Feb
White Cobra
Love Letters
Sat 18 Feb
Adam Pownall
Getting Better Slowly
Tues 21- Sat 25 Feb
Swan Theatre Company
The Seagull
Wed 1- Sat 4 March
Bedford Drama Company
Nell Gwynn
Sun 5 March
Hurn Davey Productions
Hancock's Half Hour
Tues 7 March
Film
Manolito Gafotas
Thurs 9 March
Folk Nights
Pagoda Project
Fri 10 & Sat 11 March
A Game Entertainment
The Pendulum Swings
Sun 12 March
Bedford Poetry Company
The Journey
Tues 14 March
Abreem Razia
Diary of a Hounslow Girl
Thurs 16- Sat 18 March
Certain Age
An Evening with Jane Austen
Wed 29 March-Sat 1 April
Lifebox/ No Loss
StageWrite 2017
Tues 4 April
Mill Race Folk
Daoiri Farrell
Thurs 6 April
West End in Concert
West End at the Movies
Fri 7 April
Film
Akhand Saubhagvaviti Gujarati
Sat 8 April
White Cobra
Dizzy Boo
Sun 9 April
Polish Family Film
W Pustyni I W Puszczy
Mon 10 April
Melanie Gall
Opera Mouse
Tues 11 April
Barnstorm
Monday's Child
Wed 19 April
Blues Night
Jack Blackman & Pistol Pete Wearn
Thurs 20 April
Bedslam
With Guest poet Hollie McNish
Fri 21 & Sat 22 April
The Pantaloons
Pride & Prejudice
Tues 25- Sat 29 April
ShowCo
Annie
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eMail: info@theplacebedford.org.uk Web: theplacebedford.org.uk