Wem Town Hall
The show must go on! Visit us & support your local community arts centre!
Arts • Learning • Community
July - September 2021
Summer 2021 Hello and Welcome It feels so good to be saying “we are back, we are open, and we look forward to seeing you soon!” Life has been difficult for many organisations in the last year and through the support of our friends, volunteers and core funders Wem Town Council and Shropshire Council we wouldn’t be here today. With their support we were able make a case for funding support from the Government/Arts Council England Culture Recovery Fund which has been covering our core costs from Oct 2020 to Jun 2021 so that we could continue to be a venue at the heart of our community. We are so very grateful for the support. Although closed to the public, we have been busy behind the scenes continuing to deliver the Wem Into Work project, helping unemployed people with confidencebuilding and looking for work whilst also beginning a new project – Wem Community Meals - delivering hot meals twice weekly to residents in Wem. As we re-start our programme of events and films, we will be under social distancing restrictions until at least the 19th July. This means that people may meet in the café or at an event as a maximum of six from as many households, or larger groups of only two households. We maintain a rigorous cleaning and hygiene regime, continuing to make our venue a safe environment for all. If you’d like to keep up to date about everything that’s going on at Wem Town Hall, please join our mailing list (email or postal). You can do this by calling in at reception, joining via our website link, sending your contact details by email or by simply calling us on 01939 232299. Volunteer with us Wem Town Hall exists thanks to the time, dedication and commitment of many volunteers working in a variety of roles. If you would like to find out more about volunteering opportunities please contact us on 01939 232299 or info@wemtownhall.co.uk Hire us We have a great range of spaces available for private hires, community and special events, business meetings and conferences. We offer high quality catering to suit all tastes and budgets. Contact us on 01939 232299 or events@wemtownhall.co.uk for more information.
LIVE EVENTS Ballroom & Sequence Dance - Friday 23 July, 7.30pm Dance on the best sprung floor in Shropshire! With live music by Graham Darby Tickets: £5 dancers, £2.50 non-dancers
Desert Island Flicks by Spiltmilk Dance Friday 20 August, 7.30pm 1 hour 50 minutes including interval Two leading ladies reimagine 90 of the most memorable movie moments of all time in just 90 minutes! This show uses dance, theatre and comedy to celebrate the iconic characters and thrilling plot twists that have captured imaginations over the last century of cinema. Somewhere between a dance performance, sketch show, a night at the movies and an epic game of charades, join Spiltmilk Dance as they shine a spotlight on life lessons learnt from the big screen. Tickets: Adults £13, Friends £12, Young person £11
Derek Harrison & The Jazz Knights
Saturday 11 September, 8pm 2 hours 30 minutes with interval An evening of lighthearted, popular jazz with Derek Harrison & The Jazz Knights - Stan Williams (trumpet), Eric Newton (clarinet), Stuart Tanner (bass guitar), Graham ‘Rockit’ Ashley (drums, Russ Latham (vocals) and Derek Harrison (piano). Tickets: Adults £10, Friends £8, Young person £5
Ballroom & Sequence Dance - Friday 17 September, 7.30pm Dance on the best sprung floor in Shropshire! With live music by John Harrisson. Tickets: £5 dancers, £2.50 non-dancers
The People’s String Foundation: Res Publica Saturday 9 October, 7.30pm 1 hour 45 minutes including interval Res Publica is a brand new musical touring show from The People’s String Foundation. During this piece, the band packs a 23-piece Gypsy Orchestra into a suitacse and takes the audience on an incredible journey of discovery. Using music, puppetry, art, cinematography and animation all set to the backdrop of a virtual orchestra, this show is unique and combines many art forms to create one unforgettable night out. Tickets: Adults £13, WTH Friends £12 Young person £11
Ernie’s Journey by Clementine Live Arts
Saturday 16 October Performances: 11am & 2.30pm (1 hour) A magical circus theatre adventure for all the family, featuring storytelling, physical theatre, circus, illusions, puppetry and a live harpist! This is sure to enchant any audience. Most suitable for children age 4+ but all are welcome. Workshops: 12.30 & 3.30pm (45 minutes) Circus skills workshops for all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities! You will be invited to learn juggling, diablo, flower sticks, poi and plate spinning to name but a few... there will be something in this workshop for EVERYONE regardless of age or ability. Performance tickets: Adults £8, Children £5, Family of Four £24 Workshop tickets: Adults £5, Children £3
Joshua Nash Blacklist & Fig Leaf Saturday 30 October, 8pm 1 hour 10 minutes plus interval A double bill of shows from one of the UK’s leading krump dancers. Krump is a form of street dance characterised by free, expressive and highly energetic movement Blacklist is an explosive piece that askshow do we cope with inner conflict? Delving into brotherhood, isolation and friendship explored through dance. Figleaf investigates what it means to be a man, and investigates what happens when masculinity becomes toxic. Tickets: Adults £12, WTH Friends £10, Young person £5
ALAW - World Class Music from Wales Sunday 5 December, 7.30pm 1 hour 30 minutes plus interval Welsh supergroup ALAW is made up of 3 musicians with a wealth of experience and a shared passion - the traditional music of Wales. Whether unearthing rare gems or reimagining a well-loved melody, they treat their music with a deftness and sensitivity that is thoroughly absorbing. Combined with powerful songwriting and original tunes, this is a musical experience that will stay with the listener long after the performance. Tickets: Adults £13, WTH Friends £12, Young person £11
BIG SCREEN EVENTS André Rieu: Together Again (U) Saturday 28 August, 7pm Sunday 29 August, 2pm 2 hours 20 minutes including interval The King of Waltz has handpicked his all time favourite show tunes, operatic arias and dance numbers from stages around the worldfeaturing many performances never seen before on the big screen. André brings together performers from all over the world in one global spectacular to make you smile, sing and dance. Featuring performances from Sao Paolo, Mainau, Bucharest, Mexico City, Amsterdam, Melbourne and Istanbul! Tickets: Adults £18, Friends £17
Mick Fleetwood & Friends (12A) Tuesday 7 September, 7pm Sunday 12 September, 2pm 2 hours 25 minutes Spend an evening with Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac and guests such as Pete Townsend, Noel Gallagher, Steven Tyler and many more, as they honour Peter Green with a spectacular tribute show at London Palladium. “The concert was a celebration of those early blues days where we all began, and it’s important to recognize the profound impact Peter and the early Fleetwood Mac had on the world of music,” Fleetwood said in a statement. “Peter was my greatest mentor and it gave me such joy to pay tribute to his incredible talent.” Tickets: Adults £13, Friends £12, Young person £11
NT Live Presents: Follies (12A)
Thursday 7 October, 7pm 2 hours 15 minutes, no interval After a sold-out run in 2017, Follies, winner of the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, returned for a strictly limited season in 2019. New York, 1971. There’s a party on the stage of the Weismann Theatre. Tomorrow the iconic building will be demolished. Thirty years after their final performance, the Follies girls gather to have a few drinks, sing a few songs and lie about themselves. A dazzling performance featuring a cast of 37 and orchestra of 21, Stephen Sondheim’s legendary musical includes such classic songs as ‘Broadway Baby’, ‘I’m Still Here’ and ‘Losing My Mind’. Tickets: Adults £13, Friends £12, Young person £7
GALLERY Henry Eckford and the Sweet Pea Saturday 10 July - Saturday 27 August This year marks the centenary of the most prestigious award presented by the National Sweet Pea Society (NSPS), which has been named in memory of Henry Eckford. The display delves into the history of the Sweet Pea and all the work carried out by Henry Eckford, the father of the Eckford Sweet Pea, who produced nearly 200 Sweet Pea varieties.
COMMUNITY EVENTS & REGULAR ACTIVITIES Keep Fit
Mondays 10.30-11.30am Exercise class for older people. Tel. Margaret Simmons on 01939 232466
Pilates @ Wem
Mondays 6.30-7.15pm Wednesdays 9.30-10.15am, 10.45-11.30am Contact Helen Minton on 01939 234 017 or email: wempilates@hotmail.com
Wem Market
Thursdays 8am-12 noon. Stalls in Jubilee Square and indoors at Wem Town Hall
Diddi Dance
Thursdays 10am Fun and relaxed pre-school dance classes. Email charlotte.burgess@diddidance.com or visit the Diddi Dance website to book.
Pirate Crafts
Wednesday 11 August 10-11am & 11.15-12.15pm Ahoy me hearties! Become pirates for the day making pirate hats and treasure chests. Use as much glitter, glue and gems as you like! £5 per child or £8 for two
Returning Soon
Pyjama Drama, Extend Exercise Classes, Tai Chi and Yoga. Please refer to our website for the most up-to-date information on all classes and their return dates. Dates and times are subject to change as COVID restrictions are lifted.
WEM
ON WHEEL S L A S ME A hot midday meal delivered to your door twice a week on Mondays and Fridays Meals are freshly cooked in our cafe, and we release a new menu every month For more information, contact Pam King: 01939 232 299 pam@wemtownhall.co.uk
Shop local at
Wem Indoor & Outdoor Market Open every Thursday 8am til 12 noon Indoor Stalls at Wem Town Hall •Signature breads, cakes and pastries •Local cheese & eggs •Clothing, bags & accessories •Bird feed, pet food, treats and pet accessories •Cards & Giftwrap •Hand-poured candles and wax melts •Hardware, including watch strap & battery fitting service •Art, gifts and crafts
Outdoor Stalls at Jubilee Square •Fresh fruit and vegetables •Fresh fish •Hardy perennials, shrubs and grasses •Homemade savoury pies •Hot pork baps and burgers
DIARY OF EVENTS JULY Peter Rabbit 2 (U) Fri 2nd, 5pm FILM Dream Horse (PG) Fri 2nd, 7.30pm FILM Peter Rabbit 2 (U) Sat 3rd, 10am FILM Peter Rabbit 2 (U) Sat 3rd, 1pm FILM Dream Horse (PG) Sat 3rd, 3.30pm FILM Dream Horse (PG) Tues 6th, 1.30pm FILM Dream Horse (PG) Thurs 8th, 7.30pm FILM Sound of Metal (15) Tues 13th, 1.30pm FILM Sound of Metal (15) Thurs 15th, 7.30pm FILM The Father (12A) Tues 20th, 1.30pm FILM The Father (12A) Thurs 22nd, 7.30pm FILM Ballroom & Sequence Dance Fri 23rd, 7.30pm DANCE Judas and the Black Messiah (15) Tues 27th, 1.30pm FILM Judas and the Black Messiah (15) Thurs 29th, 7.30pm FILM Dogtanian and the Three Muskehounds (U) Fri 30th, 10am FILM Dogtanian and the Three Muskehounds (U) Fri 30th, 1.30pm FILM In the Heights (PG) Fri 30th, 7.30pm FILM Dogtanian and the Three Muskehounds (U) Sat 31st, 10am FILM In the Heights (PG) Sat 31st, 1.30pm FILM
AUGUST In the Heights (PG) Tues 3rd, 1.30pm FILM Dogtanian and the Three Muskehounds (U) Wed 4th, 1.30pm FILM In the Heights (PG) Thurs 5th, 7.30pm FILM Nomadland (12A) Tues 10th, 1.30pm FILM Nomadland (12A) Thurs 12th, 7.30pm FILM The Croods 2 (U) Fri 13th, 1.30pm FILM The Croods 2 (U) Sat 14th, 10am FILM The Croods 2 (U) Tues 17th, 10am FILM Frankie (12A) Tues 17th, 1.30pm FILM The Croods 2 (U) Weds 18th, 1.30pm FILM Frankie (12A) Thurs 19th, 7.30pm FILM Desert Island Flicks by Spiltmilk Fri 20th, 7.30pm THEATRE/DANCE
My New York Year (15) Tues 24th, 1.30pm FILM My New York Year (15) Thurs 26th, 7.30pm FILM Paw Patrol: The Movie (U) Fri 27th, 10am FILM Paw Patrol: The Movie (U) Fri 27th, 1.30pm FILM Paw Patrol: The Movie (U) Sat 28th, 3pm FILM André Rieu: Together Again (U) Sat 28th, 7pm BIG SCREEN Paw Patrol: The Movie (U) Sun 29th, 11am FILM André Rieu: Together Again (U) Sun 29th, 2pm BIG SCREEN Paw Patrol: The Movie (U) Tues 31st, 10am FILM Rocks (12A) Tues 31st, 1.30pm FILM
SEPTEMBER Rocks (12A) Thurs 2nd, 7.30pm FILM Land (12A) Tues 7th, 1.30pm FILM Mick Fleetwood and Friends (12A) Tues 7th, 7pm BIG SCREEN Land (12A) Thurs 9th, 7.30pm FILM Derek Harrison & the Jazz Knights Sat 11th, 8pm LIVE MUSIC Mick Fleetwood and Friends (12A) Sun 12th, 2pm BIG SCREEN Ballroom & Sequence Dance Fri 17th, 7.30pm DANCE
Become a Friend of Wem Town Hall! Membership is just £12 per year, or £20 for a joint membership Membership benefits include: •Discounts for select live performances •Discounts on cinema screenings •WTH News Updates By becoming a friend, you are investing in your local charity and helping to keep our doors open!
FILM Film Screenings
Best of British & World
Unless stated, all films are priced at £7 Adults, £6 Friends and £5 for young people. Some film ratings and timings are still to be confirmed and may be subject to change.
At Wem Town Hall we like to offer you the chance to experience really great films that you might not otherwise get the chance to see locally. The films might be foreign language, documentary, classic or archive, or simply doesn’t have the big marketing budgets of the blockbusters and deserves to be enjoyed. From July to December our season of films are all stories with strength of character at heart, people living with different struggles but with the desire to be resilient. There are some truly amazing performances from actors in leading roles, many of which you will recognise from this year’s BAFTAS and OSCARS. Attend any five Best of British and World film screenings at Wem Town Hall and get your sixth free! At your first screening ask for a loyalty card and then get it stamped each time you attend a qualifying film. Look out for the Best of British and World Cinema Stamp across our film listings to see which screenings are applicable and let us know what you think of the films – we’d love to hear your feedback.
Cinema Operation Seating capacity will be limited and in a cabaret layout with seating around tables – perfect for enjoying some light refreshment whilst you watch the film! You may sit in groups of up to six from separate households or more if it is two households only. If you are coming with friends and booking at different times, please let us know if you are planning to sit together otherwise you will be seated separately at different tables. Our cinema space will be pumped with fresh air before the showings commence through new air conditioning units. Face coverings are required whilst watching a film but may be removed whilst taking refreshment and popped back on afterwards. We may ask you to leave in a staggered manner to comply with social distancing. All tables and chairs are sanitised in between film showings, we will continue to do this when restrictions lift making WTH the safest venue it can be.
Carers and Accessibility We offer free carers tickets when accompanying a paying adult. These tickets are not available online, please contact our box office to book. A limited number of reserved seating is available for patrons with a disability or mobility concern. Please contact the venue for more information and to reserve seats.
Peter Rabbit 2 (U) Friday 2 July, 5pm Saturday 3 July, 10am & 1pm 1 hour 33 minutes Despite his efforts, Peter Rabbit can’t seem to shake his reputation for mischief among the other rabbits. Once he adventures out of the garden, Peter finds himself in a world where mischief is appreciated, but soon his family come to bring him home.
British Feel Good Film!
Dream Horse (PG)
Friday 2 July, 7.30pm Saturday 3 July, 3.30pm Tuesday 6 July, 1.30pm Thursday 8 July, 7.30pm 1 hour 53 minutes The true story of Dream Alliance, an unlikely racehorse bred by a small-town bartender. With very little money and no experience, Jan convinces her neighbors to chip and help raise Dream and compete with the racing elites. Their investment pays off as Dream rises through the ranks and becomes a beacon of hope for their struggling community.
The Sound of Metal (15) Tuesday 13 July, 1.30pm Thursday 15 July, 7.30pm 2 hours 10 minutes
Award Winner
While on tour, metal drummer Ruben realises that his hearing is rapidly deteriorating. As this sudden hearing loss turns his world upside down, and numbing fear paired with angry denial take over, Ruben reluctantly accepts to join a small deaf community. But is Ruben willing to accept his new life and learn how to be deaf?
The Father (12A)
Award
Tuesday 20 July, 1.30pm Winner Thursday 22 July, 7.30pm 1 hour 36 minutes Anthony is 80, mischievous, living defiantly alone and rejecting the carers that his daughter introduces. As we experience the ebb and flow of his memory, how much of his own identity and past can Anthony cling to? Starring Olivia Colman and Anthony Hopkins, who won Best Actor at the Oscars for this role.
Judas and the Black Messiah (15) Tuesday 27 July, 1.30pm Award Thursday 29 July, 7.30pm Winner 2 hours 5 minutes Set in 1968, this gripping drama tells the story of Fred Hampton, (Daniel Kaluuya – in a BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Oscar winning performance), the inspirational Chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, and William O’Neal, the petty criminal who was coerced by the FBI to spy on him.
Dogtanian and the Three Muskehounds (U) Friday 30 July, 10am & 1.30pm Saturday 31 July, 10am Wednesday 4 August, 1.30pm 1 hour 29 minutes Dogtanian’s dream is to follow in his father’s footsteps and become one of the King’s Muskehounds. Dogtanian leaves for Paris in search of adventure, and discovers the value of friendship and justice, as well as a few battles along the way.
In the Heights (PG) Friday 30 July, 7.30pm WTH Saturday 31 July, 1.30pm Top Pick! Tuesday 3 August, 1.30pm Thursday 5 August, 7.30pm 2 hours 23 minutes The creator of hit Broadway sensation ‘Hamilton’ brings us to Washington Heights, New York where, for one tight-knit community, the streets are made of music and little dreams become big. This high energy film is full of vibrancy and winning charm – a perfect summer outing and for anyone who enjoyed The Greatest Showman.
Nomadland (12A)
Award Winner
Tuesday 10 August, 1.30pm Thursday 12 August, 7.30pm 1 hour 47 minutes Frances McDormand gives an Oscar and BAFTA winning performance as Fern, who embarks on a journey through the American West as a modern-day nomad after losing everything during the recession. Featuring real nomads, director Chloé Zhao delivers a tenderly captured and profoundly moving story that stays with you long after the credits roll.
The Croods 2 (U)
Friday 13 August, 1.30pm Saturday 14 August, 10am Tuesday 17 August, 10am Wednesday 18 August, 1.30pm 1 hour 35 minutes Grug and his family stumble upon a secluded Eden of plenty, but this heaven on Earth is already occupied by the Betterman family! As tensions boil over between the clans, a new menace threatens the future of both families. Can the Croods and the Bettermans put aside their differences to fight the common enemy, and live to tell the tale?
Frankie (12A) Tuesday 17 August, 1.30pm Thursday 19 August, 7.30pm 1 hour 40 minutes On a late summer’s day in the picturesque Portuguese town of Sintra, this funny and engaging drama follows a family gathered for a holiday by family matriarch Frankie (Isabelle Huppert). Husbands and wives, parents and children, friends and lovers – all stirred by their romantic impulses – discover both the cracks between them and the unexpected bonds. With an outstanding cast that includes Brendan Gleeson, Marisa Tomei and Greg Kinnear.
My New York Year (15) Tuesday 24 August, 1.30pm Thursday 26 August, 7.30pm 1 hour 41 minutes In 90s New York City, recent graduate and aspiring writer Joanna (Margaret Qualley) lands a job as assistant to J.D. Salinger’s literary agent Margaret (Sigourney Weaver). While responding to Salinger’s fanmail, she adopts the great writer’s voice, and soon begins to discover her own.
Paw Patrol: The Movie (U) Friday 27 August, 10am & 1.30pm Saturday 28 August, 3pm Sunday 29 August, 11am Tuesday 31 August, 10am Running time 1 hour 30 minutes TBC Newly animated for the Big Screen, Ryder and the pups are called to Adventure City to stop Mayor Humdinger wreaking havoc.
Rocks (12A) Tuesday 31 August, 1.30pm Thursday 2 September, 7.30pm 1 hour 33 minutes
WTH Top Pick!
An east London schoolgirl abandoned by her mother struggles to survive in this gritty yet irrepressible film. Shola, AKA Rocks, suddenly discovers that her mother has abandoned her and her brother. Determined to avoid being taken into care, Rocks attempts to fend for herself while maintaining the outward appearance of normal life. But as each day passes, the pressures on Rocks increase, causing her to shut out those who have always been her closest allies.
“What a wonderful, heart-breaking, lifeaffirming gem of a movie this is.” Mark Kermode, Observer
Land (12A) Tuesday 7 September, 1.30pm Thursday 9 September, 7.30pm 1 hour 29 minutes Robin Wright’s directorial debut “Land,” is a confident drama about multiple forms of isolation. Edee (Wright) is isolated emotionally by a horrible tragedy. Almost as if she’s trying to mirror how alone she feels on the inside, she isolates herself physically too, she retreats to a remote cabin in the Rockies and struggles in the harsh wilderness. As Edee is rescued by a surprise friendship, “Land” suggests that isolation isn’t the answer and human connection is what really matters.
MediaActive Projects Based at Wem Town Hall, MediaActive works with local people of all ages on a wide range of creative projects, exhibitions, events and screenings. Visit our Projects pages on our website to see some of the resulting artworks and events, and to find out about forthcoming opportunities:www.mediaactive.org
Adventures with Archives
BFI Film Academy
There’s been lots of online Adventures’ activity since Spring 2020, as we’ve been working with young people, aged 15 to 30, across Shropshire, Stoke, and Birmingham. Working alongside archivists, curators, musicians, screenwriters, poets and filmmakers, they have been researching, curating and creatively responding to a wealth of archive film, including content from our regional film archive MACE, and project partners Flicks in the Sticks. To view the work please visit mediaactive.org/adventures-with-archives
MediaActive is part of the UK wide BFI Film Academy network which includes BAFTA, Pinewood and the National Film and Television School. Each year, films made by our young filmmakers are nominated for national awards and selected for festivals, whilst participants have gone on to industry mentoring, placements and employment with world-class companies, including BBC, Lucas Films and Disney! Academy participants, aged 16 to 19, work with MediaActive and alongside award winning filmmakers and animators, to develop their filmmaking knowledge and skills whilst making short films, and achieving a qualification. The Academy runs this Autumn, and places are always oversubscribed. Aged 16 to 19? Register your interest with richard@mediaactive.org and you’ll be the first to hear when this year’s applications are open!
‘All In’ Short Breaks Programme Adventures with MediaActive - for young people aged 15 to 18 with special educational needs and disabilities. This Summer we will be offering a number of short taster sessions (where you can meet the session leaders, try out some creative techniques, and get an idea of the creative options), followed by a run of workshops, where you’ll have chance to work on a film and music project from start to finish. To find out more please email richard@mediaactive.org
Wem Into Work we have supported over
100
people into:
•employment •education •training •volunteering
“I am certain that all of this great support I’ve received (from the BBO project) will help me to reach my goal of gaining future employment and will help me to overcome the issues and barriers which have held me back” -BBO Participant
Contact Alison on 01939 232299 or alison@wemtownhall.co.uk or pop into Wem Town Hall and ask for Alison
Access Information
WEM TOWN HALL
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High Street, Wem, Shropshire, SY4 5DG REG CHARITY No, 1113075 Box Office: (Tickets and Bookings) 01939 238279 Mon - Fri 9am-3pm Some events may be available to book online. Reception: (Information) 01939 232299 www.wemtownhall.co.uk info@wemtownhall.co.uk Open Monday-Saturday 9am-3pm and other times for events We operate a COVID-secure venue as per government requirements. Please see website for more information.
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Access to the first floor can be gained via our lift. Wheelchair accessible toilets are available on all floors. Infra Red enhanced hearing headsets are available for cinema patrons. Induction Loop system operates in the main hall and foyer. Guide Dogs are welcome in all parts of the building.
Parking Information The nearest parking is located at the main car park, adjacent to the Co-op, just off High Street. Disabled parking on site (limited) please book in advance. Please do not park on Noble Street.
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All information correct at time of printing. Please see Wem Town Hall website for the most up to date listings or contact reception.