Arts & Entertainment

Princess of punk to narrate Prokofiev to close this year’s organ festival

Salisbury Cathedral is excited to announce that the actress and singer Toyah Willcox will narrate Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf on Saturday, 5th November. It will be the last concert of this year’s successful 2022 Organ Festival.

Cunningly timed to complement fireworks displays taking place later in the day, the concert starts at 14.00.

No stranger to the area (Toyah and her husband Robert Fripp lived in Broad Chalke in the 1980/90s), Toyah will tell the story of the heroic Peter, a small boy who takes on a fearsome wolf, accompanied by a duck, a bird and a cat.

The performance promises to be an adventure for all ages, but particularly children, as Toyah and John bring to life the fearless boy Peter and the ferocious wolf and his victims. It’s also a fun way for youngsters to discover the story-telling power of music, as Toyah well remembers.

Toyah Willcox said: “When I heard it as a child I was captivated by the way that the orchestra became the cast of animals and I’m really looking forward to seeing how John achieves that on the organ. I have been practising being the wicked wolf and the heroic Peter at home and I can’t wait to play the parts when I get to the Cathedral.”

Toyah has been practising the role at home, photo by Gary Clutterbuck Festival organiser and assistant director of music John Challenger pictured in the organ loft, photo by Ash Mills

John Challenger, assistant director of music at Salisbury Cathedral takes on the musical role in this performance. His challenge is to realise Prokofiev’s orchestral work on the 140-year-old Father Willis organ, which will involve a deal of experimentation ahead of the concert. Also in the programme is the final movement of Saint-Saens Third Symphony, used in the much-loved film Babe, which tells the story of a brave little pig that wanted to herd sheep, and The Swan from his Carnival of the Animals.

The evening will be compéred by the well-known local choir director and singer, Steve Abbott. Steve heads up the Cathedral’s Youth Choir and is musical director of the St. John Singers. He began his career as a Cathedral chorister and now sings counter tenor in the Cathedral Choir.

Tickets are already on sale: Adults £10 (free carer tickets available) and Children £5.

Salisbury Arts Society brings like-minded people together

The Arts Society Salisbury meets at St Francis Church, Beatrice Road on the second Tuesday of the month from October to July at 1.50 pm. Everyone is welcome to join and enjoy the illustrated talks on such topics as painting, pottery, architecture and music.

The Society, which is a branch of the national Arts Society, holds a variety of walks and visits where you can meet interesting people who share a passion for art in all its forms.

Speakers at the Society’s meetings are experts in their field. In November, the Society will take a look at how JMW Turner designed a rural retreat at Sandycombe Lodge, Twickenham. Turner is widely admired for his oil and watercolour paintings but less known for his long standing interest in architecture.

Membership of the Society comes with an annual fee of £45 (pro rata during the year). Members can bring a guest to one meeting for £7.00. Each lecture lasts around 90 minutes with visual and audio support in the form of large screens and a t-loop. Further information can be found here: www.theartssocietysalisbury, or by calling 01722 331216 or 504295, or info@theartssocietysalisbury.org.

Arts & Entertainment

Brown Street welcomes Irish trio

Salisbury bar, food and entertainment venue Brown Street welcomes Irish trio, CUA, on Wednesday, 9th November. Band members, John Davidson, Shane Booth and Ros O’Meara conjure dynamic and contrasting instrumentation and vocal arrangements.

The group (pictured) delivers an expansive acoustic soundtrack blending guitars, fiddle, bouzouk, percussion, and three-part harmony arrangements.

All of the band members are multi-instrumentalists and are inspired by many aspects of the musical spectrum including roots, blues, gospel, jazz fusion, traditional, bluegrass and more.

Tickets are £12.50 with £2.50 from each ticket going to Salisbury Hospice and £10 to the band. Brown Street is open for food from 5pm on the night. Tickets can be obtained from: https://www.wegottickets.com/ event/557211

Brown Street has a diverse programme of events booked for the next few months.

On November 3, ‘From The Book’ returns. Hosted by Jamie Lingham, the multi-arts event encourages people to share poetry, music and comedy with an attentive audience. Tickets from www.brownstreet.biz/.

On the 7th, the venue hosts a screening of Secret Spitfires. The film tells the incredible true story of how the ‘planes that halted Hitler’ were built by everyday heroes – in the workshops, garages, garden sheds of Salisbury and across Wiltshire. Introduced by its star, wartime spitfire engineer Norman Parker.

Beginning at 7pm, tickets cost £10 from https://www. fatsoma.com.

Bare Jams & Gypsy Jukebox bring their lively mix of pop, reggae, dub, soul and rock to the venue on November. 12 The six-piece guarantee an energetic live show, armed with catchy, sing-a-long choruses and big vibes. Tickets start at £9 from, also from www.fatsoma.com.

A change of pace on the evening of the 15th as the venue plays host to a bottle jar terrarium workshop.

Tickets are £48.50 with more information available from https://www.botanicfolk.co.uk

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

LEO SAYER: THE SHOW MUST GO ON! PLEASE KEEP CHECKING OUR WEBSITE

Friday 28th October 7.30pm Tickets £35

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

BLANCMANGE Private View Tour

Saturday 29th October 7.30pm Tickets £25

(Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction) BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN: CRAZYTOWN TOUR 2022

Sunday 30th October 8pm Tickets £32.50/£27.50

(Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction) AMSTERDAM (15)

31st Oct 7.30pm Matinees 1st November 2pm & 3rd November 1pm Tickets £8 eve / £7 mat £6 U16s

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

Tuesday 1st November 7.30pm Tickets £13

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

THE GREATEST LOVE OF ALL:

A Tribute to Whitney Houston starring Belinda Davids Wednesday 2nd November 7.30pm Tickets £25.50 THE BRITISH CARPENTERS

Thursday 3rd November 7.30pm Tickets £23.50 LES DAWSON: FLYING HIGH STARRING JON CULSHAW

Friday 4th November 7.30pm Tickets £25 THE LOST KING (12A)

5th, 7th & 9th

November 7.30pm

Matinee 8th

November 2.00pm

Tickets £8 eve / £7 mat £6 U16s BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL 2022 (12A)

Embark on a thrilling night of adventure with a brand-new collection of short films!

Red Programme: Tues 8th Nov 7.30pm. Tickets £14.50 (concs £13.00), Groups of 6+: £13 each, available via Box Office

Arts & Entertainment

It’s never to early to make plans for Salisbury’s Christmas festivities

Tradition is set to continue in Salisbury this Christmas with a festive offering bringing Cinderella, carol singers, reindeer and festive cheer to the city.

Salisbury BID, Salisbury Cathedral, Salisbury City Council and Wiltshire Creative have come together to make sure the festive period is full of magic and merriment for all ages. Here, Experience Salisbury offers some of the highlights:

Christmas begins at the Market Place

The countdown officially begins on Friday, 18th November with celebrations organised by Salisbury City Council. This festive treat marks the first day of the twinkling Christmas lights as well as the opening of Christmas on the Square and the Salisbury Christmas Trail.

The evening of family-friendly fun in the Market Place runs from 4-8pm and will feature reindeer, The Grinch, carol singers, fair rides and other fantastic activities. The Deloreons, will be on hand to provide the soundtrack with some festive singalongs.

Christmas on the Square

The same day marks the opening of Christmas on the Square in front of the Guildhall. Festivities will include a destination bar with cosy fire pits, a food area serving up festive treats and the magical Santa’s Grotto.

Step behind the scenes of Santa’s magical workshop and enjoy a Christmas story, a Santa selfie, a festive postcard and a wrapped gift. Pre-book Santa’s Grotto on the Experience Salisbury website for just £5.

Christmas Trail

From 18th November until 2nd January the city’s medieval streets will be festooned with magical decorations and Christmas characters.

Pick up a copy of the trail map on the Experience Salisbury website or the Information Centre and see what surprises you discover with your family and friends this Christmas.

Panto at the Playhouse

Pantomime is back in Salisbury with a spectacular production of the greatest panto story of all, Cinderella. Tradition returns on Saturday, 26th November with a show packed with singalongs, adventure and laughs. This rags to riches tale will be a festive treat for all the family. Tickets are on sale now from the Wiltshire Creative website.

Christmas at Salisbury Arts Centre

Whether you are looking for theatre, music, comedy or workshops you can find it all at the Arts Centre this Christmas.

On Tuesday, 6th December, make your own angel or Christmas tree tea light holder to decorate your home ready for Christmas. Laugh your way to the big day on Friday, 16th December as Barnstormers Comedy returns with three top acts from the London Comedy Circuit – this time with a festive twist.

Between Thursday, 8th and Saturday, 10th December enjoy a classic Christmas treat as Dickens’ festive fable; A Christmas Carol, comes to life.

Dance the night away as the clock ticks down to midnight on New Year’s Eve as popular Salisbury band The Deloreons provide the ultimate celebratory soundtrack.

Star-studded window displays

Thanks to Salisbury BID, the stars of the BBC’s ‘Interior Design Masters’ return to Salisbury to give three businesses a festive makeover. Join us from the November 18 to see the unveiling of festive window displays created by Fran Lee, Amy Davies and Dean Powell.

Eat, drink, shop

Salisbury is a city of independents with a tradition of hospitality and Christmas is the perfect time to explore what they have to offer. Browse big brands or beautiful boutiques for that special gift this Christmas.

Book your cosy Christmas dinner in a medieval pub, festive drinks in a classy cocktail bar or a New Year’s Eve night out. Kick-start your festivities with a visit to the Experience Salisbury website.

Festive Sunday Markets

It’s not just the city’s shops offering unique Christmas gifts this year. There will also be the chance to shop for that perfect present at the Festive Markets happening every Sunday from November 27 until December 18 in Salisbury Market Place.

Let it snow!

Whatever the forecast it is going to be a white Christmas in Salisbury. Courtesy of Salisbury BID, it will be snowing across the city. Keep an eye on the Experience Salisbury website for weather updates on where and when it will snow next.

Find all the inspiration you will need this festive season at www.experiencesalisbury.co.uk

There’s Much ado about Nothing at the Playhouse

Ramps on the Moon’s production of Much Ado About Nothing will be staged at Salisbury Playhouse from 8-12th November.

William Shakespeare’s popular comedy tells the story of besotted young couple Claudio and Hero who have fallen in love and become quickly engaged. Not everyone finds romance so straightforward – Benedick baulks at the very thought of it and Beatrice agrees with him, on that if nothing else.

But somewhere in this world, there’s someone for everyone, even if they’re right under your nose. Shakespeare’s raucous play will be directed by Robert Hastie (Coriolanus, A Midsummer Night’s Dream).

The cast includes Daneka Etchells as Beatrice. Guy Rhys as Benedick, Taku Mutero as Claudio and Claire Wetherall as Hero. A five star review in the Guardian said Etchells, played the ‘script like a maestro, somehow finding new notes in lines that are four centuries old’, adding that she was the ‘most compelling Beatrice you might ever see’.

Ramps On The Moon is the pioneering initiative committed to putting deaf and disabled artists and audiences at the centre of their work. Every performance at the Playhouse will feature the use of integrated creative sign language, audio description and captioning.

Directing the British Sign Language element of the play will be Emily Howlett with audio description direction provided by Chloe Clarke.

Top: Members of the Company of Much Ado About Nothing; right: Guy Rhys (Benedick) and Daneka Etchells (Beatrice) Photos by Johan Persson.

Sarum Chronicle annual lecture

Anyone interested in the history of Salisbury and the surrounding areas will be familiar with the Sarum Chronicle. The annual journal was first published in 2001 with each issue helping local history research reach a wider audience in the form of articles and book reviews

The Chronicle’s annual lecture has become an established event in Salisbury’s historical circles. Taking place every autumn, the lecture is given by a well-known historian, who uses their recent research to speak on a topic that is timely and with local relevance. The aim of each lecture is to enlighten, enthuse and entertain.

This year’s lecture will be given by John Chandler, publisher of Hob Nob Press’ local history books, who will talk about ‘Ralph Vaughan Williams in South Wiltshire’.

The lecture will take place on Thursday, 3rd November in Salisbury Museum’s lecture theatre. The evening begins with drinks and nibbles at 6.30pm for a 7pm start.

Entrance is subject to purchase of the latest edition of the Sarum Chronicle.

Ah, go on now, you’ll be heading to the Arts Centre, you will

The Arts Centre welcomes The Boulevards on Thursday, 3rd November at 8pm. The band plays a greatest hits set of 1950s rock and roll. From Elvis Presley to Chuck Berry; Cliff Richard to Little Richard; they deliver an authentic, uncompromising and electric performance of the greatest feel-good music of all time. Their barnstorming set is guaranteed to thrill both young and old, and leave you rocking and rolling all the way home.

On Saturday, 5th November at 8pm, the Arts Centre welcomes renowned stand-up Joe Rooney for a night of celebration of one of the nation’s favourite sitcoms in A Celebration of Father Ted.

Joe featured as the rebellious Father Damo in the classic Father Ted episode The Old Grey Whistle Theft, leading Dougal astray with his earring, cigarette smoking and bad-boy attitude.

He will host a screening of the episode, take you behind the scenes and set you a Craggy Island quiz – then prepare yourself for an all-inclusive ‘Lovely Girls Competition’: have you got the loveliest laugh, the loveliest walk, and can you make the loveliest sandwich? Plus many more immersive, comedic delights. Ah, go on now.

On Friday, 11th November, fresh from his BBC Radio 4 series Rob Newman On Air. The award-winning comedian’s new show is a stand-up epic that goes from cave paintings to car-free cities to ask: Who are we? Where are we going? And how do spiders fly?

Rob tells a story of how dancing in step saved prehistoric humans and how new scientific discoveries may help us take the right steps to a life after oil.

On Saturday, 12th November at 8pm, the Arts Centre welcomes The Hooten Hallers. The trio from Columbia, Missouri play high-energy blues-rock and are known for their wild live shows.

The myriad influences in their music incorporates elements of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, honky tonk, jazz, soul, and punk.

Listeners detect hints of George Thorogood, Morphine, and Tom Waits, but anyone who has seen The Hooten Hallers live knows that this power trio is unlike anything they’ve experienced before.

CHRISTMAS AT THE CATHEDRAL

Cathedral announces programme of events for the Christmas period

Salisbury Cathedral has announced its schedule for the busy festive season. Colourful art, world class music, films and family activities will run alongside the Cathedral’s Advent and Christmas services this year. From the end of November to the start of January the Cathedral will be a hive of activity.

From Darkness to Light

25-27th November

Regarded by many as the unmissable prelude to the Christmas season, From Darkness to Light takes place on the last weekend in November.

Symbolising the arrival of Christ as the light in our world, the Advent service begins in total darkness, broken only when the single candle is lit and a lone voice is heard. As the service unfolds, two processions bearing candles make their way from west to east, singing as they go. Taperers follow in their wake, lighting candles.

The service ends with the Cathedral interior ablaze with the light of 1,300 flickering candles and a joyful procession of around 90 including the Bishop of Salisbury, Dean of Salisbury, Cathedral Canons, and 40-strong Cathedral Choir making its way down the nave to the west end. A sight not to be missed.

Services start at 7pm (doors open 6pm) on Friday, 25th, and Saturday, 26th November and 5pm (doors open 4pm) on Sunday, 27th November. For further information regarding seating please check the Cathedral website.

Art: David Batchelor

28th November – 2nd February

Art also features in the Cathedral this Advent and Christmas with an exhibition showcasing the work of British artist David Batchelor, known for his vividly-coloured sculptural installations of illuminated lightboxes, industrial dollies and other found objects.

Echoing the colour and joy of the Advent and Christmas season, David’s installations compliment the Cathedral’s lovely stained glass, and his use of recycled materials chimes perfectly with the Cathedral’s commitment to sustainability and the environment.

The exhibition, which is curated by Beth Hughes, Salisbury Cathedral’s Visual Arts Curator, will be in the Cathedral and opens on Monday, 28th November and runs until Thursday, 2nd February 2023.

Christmas Tree

From Monday, 5th December

Raising the Cathedral’s gigantic 34ft Christmas tree, sourced from Longleat’s sustainable forest, is always a big event.

This year it will be put in place by the Works Yard team on Monday 5th December, under the watchful eye of Richard Pike, the Cathedral’s ecclesiastical carpenter and Gary price, Clerk of Works. The tree will be decorated the following day (Tuesday, 6th November) with over 1,000 fairy lights. This magnificent festive symbol offers a perfect Christmas photo opportunity, particularly reflected in the font.

Carols for groups

14-15th December

A Christmas experience specially for groups, with the concert given by the Cathedral Choir and communal carol singing followed by mulled wine and mince pies in the Cathedral Cloisters. Starting at 2pm on Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 this is an opportunity to celebrate Christmas and share some seasonal cheer with your retirement group or club, work colleagues or a bunch of friends.

To find out more or reserve your spaces contact Kate or Hannah on groups@salcath. co.uk or 01722 555120.

Films at the Cathedral

17th December

Titles are yet to be announced but the Cathedral will be showing festive films in the Nave on Saturday 17th December.

Twilight Tower Tours

From Saturday 19th November

A chance to enjoy the city’s Christmas lights from on high! Twilight Tower Tours return on Saturday 19th November following the big Christmas Light switch on in the city.

Climb 332 steps through the Cathedral’s historic roof spaces to the base of the Spire and enjoy a spectacular birds-eye-view of Salisbury dressed in its festive best, and the Close sparkling below, its trees festooned with fairy lights. A delightful scene at dusk.

Tickets adult £16/student £12/child £6 and private tours £150

Handel’s Messiah and Snowman Live

Saturday 10th December and Saturday 19th December

On Saturday 1Oth December at 7pm, Handel’s Messiah sung by the Cathedral Choir, accompanied by the renowned City of London Sinfonia returns to the Cathedral. This is a popular seasonal fixture in the Cathedral’s musical calendar, it’s one that never fails to delight.

Soloists include Robin Blaze, a familiar face at the Cathedral having sung counter tenor for the Messiah in previous years. Robin is joined by Rebecca Hardwick (soprano), Ruairi Bowen (tenor) and Jake Muffett (bass),

all of whom sang in the Southern Cathedral Festival performance of Haydn’s Creation last July. Tickets are on sale via the website.

The following weekend sees the return of the evergreen family classic, The Snowman Live. This heart-warming Christmas film event with a soundtrack provided by a live orchestra can be seen in the Cathedral at 4pm and 7pm on Monday 19th December.

In a double bill with The Snowman, Carrot Productions’ award-winning team are also showing The Flight Before Christmas, a sensational new Shaun the Sheep film staged with a live orchestra for the first time. Shaun’s festive excitement turns to dismay when a farmhouse raid to get stockings for the flock goes wrong.

A wonderful introduction to orchestral music for children, the show is suitable for all ages. Ticket information available via the Cathedral website.

Late night festive opening

15th December

The Cathedral’s annual Late Night Festive Open Evening is on Thursday, 15th December from 6.30pm to 9pm this year. Wander around the Cathedral after dark, take a trip up to the west window or just pause to enjoy seasonal music provided by the Kate Edgar choir.

Children are welcome to play on the Cathedral’s child-friendly wooden Nativity, made by local artist Ray Wirick. The Nativity cast is expanding this year with new figures added to the Holy Family and its friendly donkey and sheep. Watch this space.

The refectory and shop are also opening late, so visitors can pop in for a bite to eat or for a spot of last-minute retail therapy.

Carols by Candlelight

23-24th December

The Cathedral is premiering a new carol by the celebrated composer Errollyn Wallen at its spectacular carol services on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th December. Born in Belize, the carols of her childhood made a lasting impression, and she will no doubt bring some of that feeling to her new composition.

The services which recount the age-old story of Jesus’ birth through readings, favourite carols and beautiful choral works take place at 7pm. For information regarding seating please check the Cathedral website.

Families at Christmas

Christmas Angels Trail 9th December to 7th February 2023

Over Christmas and New Year a host of tiny angels will be hidden around the Cathedral waiting for children to seek them out. This charming Christmas trail is available from the Welcome Desk from Friday 9th December to Tuesday 7th February 2023.

Little Angels Craft: parent and child drop in session 9th December and 12th December

Angels also feature in this year’s Christmas Craft sessions taking place in South Transept between 10am to 12 midday on Friday 9th December and Monday 12th December. Children and their families are welcome to drop in and make their own angel wings. Sessions are free, no need to book.

Angel Christmas Craft: family drop in session Tuesday 20th December

A chance for all the family to do some Christmas crafting. Grown-ups can make cards to send to friends and family while children can create their own angel wings to take home. Sessions take place in the South Transept between 10am and 2pm. Sessions are free, no need to book.

Christmas Eve Family Services 24th December

Anything can happen in this joyously interactive service that retells the story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem featuring two narrators and multiple screens – and a cast strolling players.

There are two services this year at 1pm and 2.30pm. Both will last approximately 45 minutes. Doors open 30 minutes before each service. Please arrive early to get a seat.

Christmas Eve and Day

Services on Christmas Eve: 08.30am Morning Prayer 08.50am Holy Communion 1pm Family Service (as above) 2.30pm Family Service (as above) 5.30pm Choral Evensong 11pm The First Eucharist of

Christmas or Midnight Mass

The First Eucharist of Christmas or Midnight Mass is one of the most popular Christmas services. It marks the beginning of our celebration of Christmas, the first of the 12 days of Christmas tide, which spans from the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord or Christmas Day to the Feast of Epiphany on Thursday 5th January 2023.

Everyone is welcome to join us for Midnight Mass, sharing communion together, hearing the Christmas Gospel, singing carols and listening to beautiful Christmas music sung by the Cathedral Choir.

Services on Christmas Day include: 08.30am Morning Prayer 10:30am The Eucharist 3pm Festal Evensong

All are welcome to celebrate Christmas with us in this moving service of choral music, readings and prayers sung by the Cathedral Choir.