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New Blackmore Vale, 29th April 2022
blackmorevale.net
Arts & Entertainment Taking a pause… your thoughts and words
The Woods By Georgina Howland I can feel it on my skin: life dirt thick and grimy, encasing me in a tight cocoon. My heart is heavy and cumbersome, taking up more room in my chest than it has been allocated, like that sleeping, rotund, dribbling aeroplane passenger who spills into the seat next-door. Eyes sore and swollen from salty tears, head pounding, I dutifully drag myself to the door where big eyes meet mine and a tail thumps a joyful rhythm. I slip the lead around the shiny, black neck and smile, in spite of myself. No need for discussion, deliberation, decisions; we know where we’re going. We stride out briskly, each keen to reach our happy place. Just as I think I’ll have to stop and catch my breath, we’re there; the towering oak guard, waving us through with leafy arms. A single
step inside the woods and I am free. The evening sun plays peekaboo behind laden boughs, its warmth stroking my skin, wiping my trials away in one sweep of its gentle hands. Spring, that skilful ninja, has crept in unseen and delivered an arboreal wardrobe, cloaking branches which just last week were naked. Now, once twisted, arthritic fingers which stretch towards the sun, are adorned by their new, green fashion. Tongue lolling, invigorated by Mother Nature’s sorcery, my companion bounds enthusiastically from one scent to another, with me a willing partner. The woodland breathes a gentle breeze across our path, tenderly caressing every floral marvel and natural wonder. Bluebells hide themselves backstage, waiting for the nod before they display their assets to the waiting audience. Stars
of the show, they have concealed themselves for long months, afraid to miss their cue and disappoint their eager fans. For that performance, we will return but for now we stand and listen to the avian choir, accompanied by an orchestra of rustling leaves, creaking branches, and distant moos. As dusk approaches, they reach their crescendo before the lights go down and their song is over, our silent applause our only contribution to the show. We leave the sylvan theatre, our path now illuminated by the glowing moon, already booking season tickets for our return to The Woods. The readers of the NBVM are a talented bunch. We love receiving your creative writing and poetry, so do keep it coming in!
Although it is not currently a legal requirement, please consider wearing a face covering to protect yourself and others when visiting the Tivoli.
SIDESHOW (15) 29th April 7.30pm 5th May 2.30pm Tickets £8 Evenings £7 Matinees £6 U16s (Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)
LIVE WIRE: THE AC/DC SHOW
JAH WOBBLE
& THE INVADERS OF THE HEART
Saturday 30th April 8pm Tickets £21.50 (Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee per transaction)
SHOW OF HANDS
Saturday 7th May 7.30pm Tickets £20
Wednesday 11th May 7.30pm
(Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)
(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)
Tickets £26
PLEA S KE E CHEC EP KI OU NG WEBSR ITE
JIM DAVIDSON presents: LEFT, RIGHT & CENTRE
THE MATT MONRO STORY
OVER 18s ONLY
A New TV panel show Filmed live!
3rd & 4th May 7.30pm Matinees 3rd & 4th May 2.30pm Tickets £15 (2 for 1 for matinees) (Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)
THE DAVE KELLY BAND
Thursday 12th May 7.30pm Tickets £20 (Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)
Thursday 5th May 7.30pm Tickets £24 (Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)
AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE OVER 18s ONLY! Friday 13th May 7.30pm Tickets £25 (Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)
THE POWER OF THE DOG (12A)
6th, 9th & 10th May 7.30pm Matinee 10th May 2.30pm Tickets £8 Eves £7 Mats, £6 U16s
(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)
THE ANIMALS FAREWELL TOUR With special guests Barnie Williams and Zoot Money! Saturday 14th May 7.30pm Tickets £27.50 (Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)
