Arts & Entertainments

Marty’s still Wilde about playing live

by Lorraine Gibson

He may be 83, but Marty Wilde, the original Fifties pioneer of British rock and roll and veteran recording artist/ songwriter is still playing live and very much kicking. Speaking to him ahead of his show at Sturminster Newton Exchange, we get chatting about Elvis Presley and he says that The King was a huge influence on his early career. “We all wanted to be Elvis. Me, Cliff (Richard) and Billy (Fury), we all copied him - the hair, the clothes, the dancing, the turned-up collars and rolled-up sleeves. “It took me a while to realise that I wasn’t Elvis and needed do my own thing.” Marty did do his own thing, racking up hit after hit with the likes of Bad Boy, Sea Of Love, Endless Sleep and Teenager In Love. Then he wrote songs for Lulu, Status Quo, and the massive, next-generation teen anthem, Kids In America for his daughter, Kim Wilde. Yet, the influence of The King lives on. “You could feel the excitement in those

early Elvis performances and that’s what’s stayed with me all these years. “It’s what I still aim to bring to every show I do.” He’s been taking the current show to venues all year, including an agedefying, 23-date tour with fellow 1960s artists, Mark Wynter and Eden Kane, but taking a rare month off - his first break in years - has seen him pen new songs (as well as his memoirs) and get back in the recording studio. By the end of this year, the evergreen hit machine will have completed 54 concert dates and, so far, shows no sign of flagging, with further dates scheduled for 2023. Marty and his band, The Wildcats, will be rocking the stage at the Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne on December 1. martywilde.com, tivoliwimborne.co.uk.

Accessible Santa visits and relaxed pantos

The magic of Christmas is an exciting time for everyone but Adventure Wonderland is aware that it can be quite overwhelming for some of our guests and that’s why we have scheduled an exclusive afternoon of Christmas magic for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Our SEN Santa afternoon will take place on Monday, December 19. These exclusive essions will have a reduced capacity to ensure guests get a slightly longer visit to Father Christmas inside his snowy log cabin. The reduced capacity will also help to reduce the number of guests in our play centre, Wild Thing. We’ll turn off the thunderdome and music effects which makes the experience ideal for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment. The afternoon performances of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs will also be amended for our SEN guests. The house lights in the theatre will remain on during the show and guests can come and go as they please. Guests will get to meet the characters before the show so there are no surprises. We will also reduce the volume and turn off the flashing lights. “Our Christmas event is always a success but that means it’s often too busy and noisy for guests who may have additional needs and sensory processing disorders,” says Andy Brennan, creative director for Adventure Wonderland. “We strongly believe Santa should be accessible for all, which is why we’re introducing some amendments to the experience on December 19.” The SEN Santa sessions are at 14.00, 14.30, 15.00, 15.30, 16.00, 16.30 and 17.00. The relaxed panto will take place at 14.30 and 16.30. Adventurewonderland.co.uk.

Arts & Entertainments

Feast of fabulous family fun at half term

From storytelling and physical theatre to puppetry and interactive adventures, there’s plenty to keep children and families entertained this half term thanks to a variety of professional performances touring across Dorset through Artsreach, the county’s rural arts charity. Join Norwich Puppet Theatre for an enchanting retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s Thumbelina, the tale of a girl no bigger than a thumb. Thumbelina’s encounters with a frog, mouse, mole, and swallow are played out gently amongst gardening tools, leading her to ultimate happiness in the kingdom of flowers. One of only a few dedicated puppetry organisations in England, Norwich Puppet Theatre tours work all year round across the UK and internationally. Using traditional glove, rod and shadow puppets, this is an excellent introduction to the magic of theatre for children aged over two and their families. Meet Thumbelina at Hinton Martell Village Hall (01258 841332) at 2pm this Monday, October 24, and at Powerstock Hut (01308 485730) at 11am on Tuesday, October 25. n Brave Bold Drama need recruits to help them solve The Midnight Mission. Agents Dali & Kahlo of topsecret global creative agency, Company of International Artists, receive a code red call which means only one thing: ART IN PERIL. Travel to the banks of Lake Geneva and work against the clock as you chase leads, decipher clues and interview suspects. What’s your theory? Can it all be explained logically or is it, just maybe, a little bit supernatural? Does the old caretaker know more than he’s letting on? Just what is behind Lord Byron’s portrait? And when will Dali next get his hands on a chocolate digestive? Where should we search? Who should we trust? That’s up to you! Inspired by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, this interactive spooky adventure for children aged six and above and their families features a broad streak of quirky comedy and spoof horror. Take part and help crack the case at Gillingham Library (01747 822180) on Wednesday, October 26, at 11am. n And, inspired by the touching children’s story The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde, Bristol’s two leading family theatre experts are combining forces to explore an unusual friendship, and how even the grumpiest giant’s heart can melt when spring finally comes. Grinter the giant lives happily alone in her huge cold house, surrounded by snowy gardens, enclosed by frost-covered walls. She shuts out the world, and hides, safe and quiet in her peaceful, icy home. Outside the towering walls of her enormous garden, the world has been changing and there is very little green left. One day, the children - tired of playing on hard roads and grey rooftops - find a chink in the giant’s wall and climb through, changing the course of the children’s and Grinter’s lives forever. Expect powerful storytelling, captivating puppetry, enchanting music and a sprinkling of magic as this beautiful children’s show tours to Cerne Abbas (07823 778758) at 3:30pm on Wednesday, October26 , and Alderholt (07709 933652) at 2:30pm on Thursday, October 27. To find out more and book tickets, visit artsreach.co.uk.

MODEL TOYS & TRAINS Collectors Fair

(Sell/Buy or Swap, old or new) WIMBORNE QE LEISURE CENTRE (Sports Hall)

B3082 Blandford Road, Wimborne BH21 4DT Sunday 16th October 10am -2.30pm

Arts & Entertainments Be quick to see guitar virtuoso

Forty years on from the release of his debut album, Golden Vanity, Martin Simpson is still universally acclaimed as one of the world’s finest acoustic and slide guitar players – and a rather fine banjo-picker to boot! If you’re quick you can catch him this evening (Friday, October 7) at Forest Arts in New Milton where he’s appearing to play everything from English folk to American blues. A true master of his art, Martin has won multiple BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and holds the record for the most nominations, with an astonishing 32 nods over two decades. The performance starts at 7.30pm. More details are available by visiting the website at: forest-arts.co.uk/

Life of Vaughan Williams set to be celebrated in classic concert

Broadstone Music Series will be presenting a special concert to recognise the 150thAnniversary of classic composer Vaughan Williams, performed by five local orchestra principals. The concert takes place on October 30 at 4pm, at Broadstone Methodist Church BH18 8DP. As well as Vaughan Williams there will be music by Beethoven and Mozart. Tea and cake are included in the ticket price. Booking online in advace is recommended at broadstonemusicseries.info. Prices are: adults £14 online, £15 on the door (these are limited); under 18s go for just £1.

Autistic artist’s campaign boost

by Lorraine Gibson

“Art, as it does for many autistic people, helps me understand myself and the world.” The words of an autistic artist who fought for her son’s diagnosis and is now urging people to join a new awareness campaign by a Dorset-based charity. Deborah Goatley-Birch, diagnosed as autistic at 41, spent six years seeking a diagnosis of autism for her son Danny, now 17 and, as Artist in Residence at the specialist Portfield School in Christchurch, operated by Autism Unlimited, she’s sharing her own experiences as part of its new campaign:Autism, the same, but different. “It invites people, both neuro-diverse and neurotypical, to share life experiences on our forum, positive and negative, and to come up with tips for how everyday life can be improved,” says Deborah. “Autism in its many forms is complex. “But better understanding of what makes autistic people both different and the same as everyone else is of huge benefit to us all. “Through the campaign we are saying: ‘Let’s spare a minute from our busy lives, take a breath, have a cuppa and sit and learn about someone else, their story, their life experience and perhaps see life through a different lens’. “I believe that with more kindness and more conversations we can learn about each other, appreciate our differences and create a more inclusive world.” Deborah, from Hampshire, sought a correct diagnosis of autism for Danny, while caring for four small children alone. “This was a very traumatic time for me – and him. “I constantly asked myself what I was doing wrong to prevent people seeing what I was seeing. “It’s my dearest wish to share my experiences, to increase our understanding so autistic people and their families can lead the lives they deserve. “Deborah believes her own autism is a gift to her art, giving her the ability to hyper-focus and enabling her to see things which many neuro-diverse people might not notice. “Apiece which I produced after Danny’s eventual diagnosis, is Form, an acrylic on paper collage of some of the official letters I received during those years. “These letters were so impersonal and detached. “Yet, they were about my child, my own flesh and blood. In putting them together and on display they became a kind of residue or skin I was able to shed after his eventual diagnosis. “I’m extremely proud to be part ofAutism, the same, but different and am looking forward to reading the stories and comments people share.” Siún Cranny, the CEO of Autism Unlimited, said: “We feel privileged to benefit from both Deborah’s huge talent and her knowledge of what it is like to be an autistic person in a largely neuro-typical world. “Her personal story and stunning art form an important part of what we hope will be a highlyeffective campaign.” Read the stories and comment on theAutism, the same, but different, forum at: www.autism-unlimited.org/ forum/

Arts & Entertainments

Let McTell you by the hand...

by Lorraine Gibson

Yes, Ralph McTell is in town this month with a spellbinding selection of tunes from his new album, Hill Of Beans. Produced by the legendary Tony Visconti, this is McTell’s first body of original material for 10 years. Fear not, though, along with showcasing some welcome new songs, the performance will, of course, feature plenty more from his incredible, 50-plus-year career. A singer/songwriter of international acclaim who has played across the world, McTell brings tunes to life with virtuoso guitar picking

A laugh a minute for S&A winner Natalie

The winner of the New Stour & Avon competition to win tickets to the comedy night at the Regent Centre was Natalie Wood, right. Natalie said: “Thank you so much for the tickets. “We had a fantastic evening and the comedy was just brilliant. “Headlining was Ivo Graham with support from Ray Badran, Gareth Richards and compered by Laura Lexx. “Australian comic Ray was especially hilarious with his set about pockets! “ It’s a really great venue with friendly staff! “Thank you again.” and evocative stories and his wry anecdotes will take you - kicking up the papers - from his busking days in Paris, to concert halls in Australia and America and, naturally, through the streets of London. TIVOLI, Wimborne, October 19. Online tickets are £30.80.

Tales of folk and mystery

Dorset and Wiltshire are packed with folk tales and mysterious yarns and now you can actually hear them – accompanied by concertina and guitar. Tim Laycock, above, will be telling and singing folk tales and story songs from the two counties for all the family on October 28 from 10.30am11.30am at Dorchester Museum. Come along and find out How big was the Wonderful Crocodile? Where did Jack go in the Magic Boat? And how did Old William outwit the Bull? Book at dorsetmuseum.org/ event/wessex-folk-tales/

HIGH ST, CHRISTCHURCH (01202) 499199 www.theregent.co.uk

MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU (U)

Sat 8 & Sun 9 Oct: 10am Regent Kid’s Club. Tickets just £3.50

EBAN BROWN’S STYLISTICS SONGBOOK TOUR (LIVE)

Sat 8 Oct: 19:30 Former lead singer of the Stylistics

SEE HOW THEY RUN (12A)

Sun 9 Oct: 12:00, 17:30, 20:00 Mon 10 Oct: 11:00, 14:00, 17:00, 20:00 Tue 11 Oct: 14:00 (Sub), 17:00, 20:00 Wed 12 Oct: 12:00 Puzzling and funny whodunit, starring Sam Rockwell and Saoirse Ronan.

BILLY JOEL LIVE AT YANKEE STADIUM (PG)

Sun 9 Oct: 15:00 Billy Joel’s legendary 1990 concert at Yankee Stadium stands as one of the greatest concert fi lms of all time.

AN EVENING WITH MICHAEL PORTILLO (LIVE)

Wed 12 Oct: 19:00 Listen to his story, told with a parliamentary standup wit, and then feel free to question him about it.

THE BOOTLEG SIXTIES (LIVE)

Thu 13 Oct: 19:30 This two-hour sight and sound spectacular features music, fi lm and images from pop’s fi nest decade.

MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (PG)

Fri 14 Oct: 10:00, 12:40 Sat 15 Oct: 12:10, 14:45, 17:20 Sun 16 Oct: 17:45 Mon 17 Oct: 16:00 Tue 18 Oct: 11:00, 14:00 Wed 19 Oct: 11:00, 14:00, 16:45 (Sub) Thu 20 Oct: 14:00

MOONAGE DAYDREAM (15)

Fri 14 Oct: 15:20 Sat 15 Oct: 20:00 Sun 16 Oct: 20:20 Mon 17 Oct: 12:30 Tue 18 Oct: 17:00 Wed 19 Oct: 19:30 Thu 20 Oct: 11:00

REGENT COMEDY CLUB WITH STEPHEN K AMOS (LIVE)

Fri 14 Oct: 19:30 Globe-trotting laughter-master Stephen K Amos headlines at Regent Comedy Club.

THE RAILWAY CHILDREN RETURN (PG)

Sat 15 & Sun 16 Oct: 10am Regent Kid’s Club. Tickets just £3.50

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE: AIDA (12A)

Sun 16 Oct: 14:00

JIMMY’S ICED COFFEE PRESENTS THE GOONIES (PG)

Tue 18 Oct: 20:00

THE CLARE TEAL SEVEN (LIVE)

Fri 21 Oct: 19:30 Expect exhilarating swing from award winning jazz vocalist and long-time Radio 2 & Jazz FM broadcaster Clare Teal and her band.

Arts & Entertainments

Skittles evening to support community theatre productions

Wimborne Community Theatre is inviting people to a fun Skittles Evening on Wednesday, November 9, to raise funds to support the development of future productions. There will be a chance to meet the community theatre team and find out more about their plans. People are invited to come as a team or as an individual and join up with others in what is promised to be a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Crisps and snacks will be available at the licensed bar and there are prizes for the winners, and a raffle. Entrance fee: £5 per person (pay WCT on the door) Time: 7.30pm for a prompt start at 7.45pm. Venue: Colehill Sports and Social Club, 108 Wimborne Rd, Colehill, Wimborne, BH21 2QR. For further details, bookings and to order food beforehand, telephone: 01202 884201 or email barbarahart414@gmail.com. wimbornecommunitytheatre.co.uk. WCT is a group of East Dorset residents who devise original performances set in unusual outdoor sites or non-theatre buildings around East Dorset, working in partnership with artists and arts organisations.

Use your art to help those struggling

DONATED: Precious Moments by Steph Jones, graphite, 21x29cm and Trout Falls, soft pastel, 60x30cm by John Biggs

A Call to Local Artists: Help turn art into food for those struggling this winter! The Poole and East Dorset Art Society is inviting artists to donate their work - drawings, paintings, sculpture - for auction, to raise money for local charity ‘Waste Not Want Not’. The venue for the auction will be the GATHER space in the Dolphin Centre, Poole, on Saturday, November 5. There are lots of talented artists out there and the idea is that they bring in good examples of their work to be auctioned for the benefit of those struggling this winter. We ask artists to bring their work to GATHER in the morning from 9.30am and potential buyers can view the work. All work must be well presented, either framed or mounted. The auction will begin at 11:00am and continue, lot by lot until they have all been sold. The charity Waste not Want not, a food bank in Poole High Street has been chosen. Art society chairman Jacqui Gush visited Waste Not Want Not and said: “It is run by a lovely lady called Erika. “It was started in 2015 by two dedicated people, now in their 80s. “I spent an hour there and I have to say their set up is impressive. “They operate as a supermarket to members, of which they have 597. “They have 36 volunteers and are well supported by local supermarkets. “However, they also look after their members and now offer other support and training including cooking skills, mental health support, eating on a budget and they give away cooking equipment, perfect for bedsits which has been donated. “I should add that they also support an increasing number of Ukranian refugees - all with very sad stories, and even have leaflets printed in Ukrainian.” So, if you’re an artist who would like to donate some of your work to a good cause, go to the Poole and East Dorset Art Society web site at pedas.org.uk to find out how to take part. The exhibition is being held at the GATHER exhibition space in the Dolphin Shopping Centre in Poole. Opening times: 10am-4pm.

Arts & Entertainments

This story of hope is told with affection, humour... and bread

by Lorraine Gibson

When the much-loved theatre company, Farnham Maltings, brought The Syrian Baker, to Dorset in partnership with Artsreach last year it enjoyed three sell-out performances and rave reviews, so they are heading back this month to share it again. With almost five per cent of the world’s population on the move and desperate to flee from trouble, The Syrian Baker tells a story of two people who have decided to go home, despite the state of their country. It’s a human tale about knowing where you belong and how small actions can make a big difference. It’s also about humanity, hope and courage, told with affection, humour - and bread. Farnham Maltings created this new play for village halls and audiences can expect the company of friends with stories, freshly-made bread, Syrian coffee and Mamoull like those from the Caffe Plaza in Homs old town. Written by Kevin Dyer and directed by Gavin Stride, The Syrian Baker won the Play of the Year at the 2022 Writers Guild of Great Britain Awards. Don’t miss their performances at Sturminster Marshall and Portesham, in partnership with Artsreach, the county’s touring arts charity supported by Dorset Council and Arts Council England. Friday, October 28, 7:30pm, Portesham Village Hall. Telephone 01305 871035. Saturday, October 29, 7:30pm, Sturminster Marshall Village Hall. Telephone 07903 057427. Find details and tickets at artsreach.co.uk and check out the new Artsreach autumn programme which highlights an excellent range of professional, national and internationallyacclaimed artists who’ll be coming to the county soon and working with community volunteer teams. It also lists events with Dorset Libraries, in a project that takes spoken word performances to rural pubs.

November AT THE

Friday 21st October 7:30pm

Oh What a Night

takes you back in time on a musical journey through the incredible career of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons

Friday 11 November at 7.30pm

Wrong Jovi are the the best Bon Jovi tribute band in the world and features some of the UKs finest musicians.

Saturday 19 November at 7.30pm

01202 828740 dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/verwoodhub

Arts & Entertainments

Have a funky weekend with soul man Eban

Although it is not currently a legal requirement, please consider wearing a face covering to protect yourself and others when visiting the Tivoli. by Lorraine Gibson

In the mood for some good lovin’ soul classics? Then never fear, Eban Brown, the ultimate soulman is here. Yes, the R&B master and former lead singer of the Stylistics, is coming to Christchurch tomorrow, Saturday, October 8, to run his silky vocals over a raft of beloved soul classics. A vocalist and jazz guitarist by trade, Eban’s soulful, smooth tenor voice has been entertaining thousands worldwide but even so, ahead of his appearance at the Regent, he has released a video telling his Christchurch fans that he’s on his way and can’t wait to perform solo with his band for them. Eban, who’s also performed with the likes of The Manhattans, The Delfonics and Ray, Goodman and Brown (aka The Moments), will be performing live, crooning unforgettable chart-topping big-hitters from the Stylistics’ Songbook, such as You Are Everything, You Make Me Feel Brand New and Can’t Give You Anything. Tickets £27 Regent, 01202 499199 or regentcentre.co.uk. Eban’s Facebook video to Christchurch fans: is at: facebook. com/watch/?v=777401899888488.

PLEASE KEEP CHECKING OUR WEBSITE

SEE HOW THEY RUN (12A)

7th & 11th Oct 7.30pm, Matinees 10th Oct 2pm & 13th Oct 11am, Tickets £8 evenings £7 matinee £6 U16s

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee) TINA LIVE:

A Tribute Show to Tina Turner

Saturday 8th October 7.30pm Tickets £24

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee) HENRY NORMAL & LEMN SISSAY

An evening of pure escape with stories, jokes and poems Monday 10th October 8.00pm Tickets £19.50

(Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction) FOUR COMEDY LEGENDS – ONE HILARIOUS NIGHT!

Jongleurs Legends Jarred Christmas, Paul Tonkinson, Ninia Benjamin and Mike Gunn Wednesday 12th October 7.30pm Tickets £27.50

(Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction) THE BILLY JOEL ALBUMS SHOW

Starring Elio Pace and his band Thursday 13th October 7.30pm Tickets £30 £28.50 concs

(Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)

GILBERT O’SULLIVAN IN CONCERT: JUST GILBERT

Starring Elio Pace and his band Friday 14th October 7.30pm Tickets £33.50 £29.50 concs

(Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction) RALPH MCTELL

Saturday 15th October 7.30pm Tickets £28

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee) MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (PG)

17th & 18th October 7.30pm Matinee 19th October 2.30pm Tickets £8 evenings £7 matinee £6 U16s

(Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction) Wimborne Drama Productions present LOVE FROM A STRANGER

By Agatha Christie and Frank Vosper 20th to 22nd Oct 7.30pm, Mat 22nd Oct 2.30pm Tickets £16 eves £14 mat

1 in 10 tickets free (via Box Office only) (Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction) Folk Rock Pioneers STEELEYE SPAN

Monday 24th October 7.30pm Tickets £28.50, concs £26.50

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

Arts & Entertainments Folk supergroup spanning the decades

The early 1970s were the start of a vintage period for music and for Steeleye Span, the pioneers of folk-rock, it was their time to shine and become a major creative force. Fifty years on, and still with legendary vocalist, Maddy Prior, they’re out to show the world what makes them so special. Prior’s voice remains remarkable, swooping and soaring in harmony and melody and, more importantly, underlining how Steeleye has survived largely by having her at the helm. Their gig at Wimborne’s Tivoli theatre will be a pure nostalgia-fest, paying homage to the golden 70s era as they revisit definitive material from their Chrysalis albums, rethinking the likes of Below The Salt and Parcel Of Rogues. Steeleye Span changed the face of folk music, plucking it out of niche clubs and into a world of gold discs and international tours. Five decades on, along with Prior the line-up features some of the UK’s most skilled musicians. Bringing the long-bearded hippy vibes is Liam Genockey on drums, creating sounds and atmospheres that are way nore than just hitting a skin with a stick. He uses the edges, the case any part he thinks can add something to a song. Julian Littman - part of the band since 2011 - has a huge pedigree of playing with top-rated artists including David Bowie, and seasoned member Andrew ‘Spud’ Sinclair, with his guitar and impressive vocals too is a good fit. They are joined by Roger Carey, long associated with the band – having formed a duo with fiddle player Peter Knight in the 1980s, and Violeta Vicci, a virtuoso violinist. Grab Steeleye Span while you can before Prior decides to hang up her hat - presumably the one with the green willow around it! Monday, October 24, The Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne. Tivoliwimborne.co.uk.

Nautical recital will celebrate the sea

Artsreach and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra resume their everpopular collaboration of recitals in rural communities with a series of ‘BSO On Your Doorstep’ concerts this autumn, featuring performances by a BSO Brass Octet, a Trio of Flute, Harp & Cello. ‘BSO On Your Doorstep’, an initiative made possible thanks to support from the Weston Culture Fund, has seen a selection of BSO musicians playing in brand new ensembles as this internationally renowned orchestra returns to the road. A partnership with Artsreach has allowed the orchestra to reconnect with audiences across Dorset and bring live music directly to local rural communities. As part of the Artsreach autumn season, a special BSO ensemble of 14 players invites you to join them for a celebration of the sea at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton. From the Hebrides to Padstow features players from across the orchestra performing an evening of specially arranged music from Handel’s Water Music and Mendelsohn’s Fingal’s Cave to Sea Shanties, Beatles classics, Malcolm Arnold and even an instrumental arrangement of Adele’s Rolling in the Deep. Artsreach director Kerry Bartlett said: “We’re always so thrilled to give our rural communities the opportunity to both host and hear these incredible musicians performing live, and we are especially excited to be able to present a larger ensemble with this wonderful nautical recital.” Hear the BSO From the Hebrides to Padstow at Sturminster Newton Exchange on Thursday, October 27, at 7:30pm. Further information and tickets are available from 01258 475137 or online at www.artsreach.co.uk