magalogue

May 2014

Image: Babakas, Our Fathers, Graeme Braidwood

May’sFASCINATINGstories20

May is a month of fascinating stories about family, culture and life-changing decisions. It’s also a month of laughter as Edinburgh Comedy Previews commence.

Delve into this month’s Magalogue and discover interviews with the one and only Monkey Poet, performer Will Dickie and international company Babakas.

Happy reading!

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BIG NEWSFilmmaking project funded to continue

Following the huge success of the Odyssey Filmmaking project on Bemerton Heath, Salisbury Area Board and Southern Wiltshire Area Board have each put forward £5000 to support Salisbury Arts Centre in two filmmaking projects.

The Salisbury Area Board is funding a continuation project in Bemerton Heath, giving previous and new participants the chance to further their filmmaking skills.

Southern Wiltshire Area Board is funding a similar project in Partridge Way, Old Sarum.

If you’re yet to see the original Heath Odyssey, follow the link below to discover the talent we uncovered on Bemerton Heath.

View The Heath: a Salisbury Odyssey>>>

BIG NEWS

FilmThis month brings fascinating stories to the big screen as we explore love and faith, father-son relationships and a magical world of books.

The Broken Circle Breakdown (15): Thursday 1 May 7.30pm

Directed by Felix Van Groeningen, The Broken Circle Breakdown is a passionate story of love and faith infused with the sounds of Bluegrass.

The saying “opposites attract” was certainly true for Elise, who bears a cross upon her neck, and dedicated atheist Didier. They fall passionately in love but when tragedy strikes will their love win out or will their differences ultimately tear them apart?

Click the image to watch a trailer:

Image: Broken Circle Breakdown

Nebraska (15) Thursday 15 May 7.30pm

Directed by Alexander Payne, Nebraska is a touching and funny road movie that paints an intimate portrait of a father-son relationship.

When Woody Grant receives a sweepstake letter he thinks he has struck it rich and wrangles his son into taking a road trip to claim his fortune. Shot in black and white across four states, Nebraska tells stories of family life in the heartland of America.

Click the image to watch a trailer:

Eleanor’s Secret (U) Saturday 17 May 11am

Directed by Dominique Monfery, Eleanor’s Secret is an animated adventure centred around a magical world of books.

When seven-year-old Nathaniel’s eccentric aunt Eleanor dies and leaves him her treasured book collection, Nathaniel discovers that the books shelter all the heroes of children’s literature. Alice in Wonderland, Pinnocchio and Little Red Riding Hood are suddenly counting on him for protection. Will Nathaniel be able to save his miniature friends?

Click the image to watch a trailer:

Image: Monkey Poet

Love Actually returns...But not as we know it!

Whether you’ve seen the film or not, you’ve doubtless heard of it. Chances are you won’t have encountered it like this before though... unless you’ve been stalking Monkey Poet nationwide. So what happens when you mix a famous chick flick and a stand-up poet? We chatted to the man named Monkey Poet to find out more about his new show:

We love the idea of a sequel to Love Actually. Why did you choose this particular chick flick to base your show around?It’s a very popular film and well known in the States, which was handy as I’ve just returned from touring it over there!!! But really, I love the structure of the film, the breadth of the topics and people it touches upon, if you think about it, it covers everything...from all of the aspects of love to Britain’s special relationship with the US, and to boot it’s in a handy back and forth format. It’s also a popular British film which did well in North America.

What can audience members expect from the show?It’s set after the film’s events. Emma Thompson is hosting a Christmas Party for Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant et al. It’s fast paced, pretty much done at farce speed with plenty of in-jokes for those that love the film, acid satire for those that hate it, and dollops of other stuff for those that have never seen it, so they won’t be left behind. Japing, jocularity, class war and a guest appearance from the late Sir John Gielgud! How do you manage to play Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Martine McCutcheon and Liam Neeson at the same time?20 years of RADA and a can of Red Bull. Just kidding. I really love performing this show, for me it’s like a roller-coaster where I get on at one end, get thrown manically about from character to character, and get off slightly dazed at the other end.

You’re also doing a bonus stand-up show. Will this be Love Actually themed or your marvellous comical poetry?Well, a bit of both really, I mean, all poets have at least one about love...

Saturday 3 May 8pm Book tickets now>>>

“Gets the audience laughing from the get go.”Steven Fraser, Broadway Baby

LOVE ACTUALLYhurts

THE UNOFFICIAL

SEQUELTO THE

HIT FILM

Directed by Andy McQuade (Fringe Report, Best Director 2012)

Design Jez CowleyPhotos Luke Walwyn

Image: Monkey Poet

Saturday 3 May 8pm Book tickets now>>>

When Ria Hartley performed Matilda and Me as a work in progress as part of our Practice Dance and Theatre showcase, she stole the show. Glowing feedback flowed and requests for us to bring back the fully fledged piece followed suit. So it’s with great delight that we welcome Ria back to the stage with the complete version of Matilda and Me. Here’s what the audience had to say about her last visit:

“Glad I went to ‘Practice’ @SalisburyArts where ‘Matilda & Me’ written & performed by @RiaJadeHartley more than impressed.” Audience Member on Twitter

“A privilege to meet @RiaJadeHartley after her excellent performance tonight.” Audience Member on Twitter

Book Matilda and Me tickets now>>>

Click the image to watch a trailer:

Matilda and MeWednesday 7 May 8pm

Matilda and MeWednesday 7 May 8pm

Image: Matilda and Me

10cc’s Graham Gouldman and Heart Full of SongsThursday 8 May 8pm

Even those of us who haven’t really heard of 10cc went “Oh, yes – that one!” when we listened to ‘I’m Not in Love’ again. And no wonder – it’s been used in soundtracks and covered by hundreds of artists since it sat at the Number One spot in 1975.

10cc’s Graham Gouldman co-wrote this, many other of the band’s favourites and more besides, including songs for The Yardbirds, The Hollies and Herman’s Hermits. He’ll be recognised as one of pop music’s finest songwriters in June, when he’ll be inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame – alongside John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Elton John and Sting!

Having spent last year touring and supporting Status Quo with 10cc, Graham’s acoustic band Heart Full of Songs are now touring in May and we’re excited to have them here at the Arts Centre this month.

It’ll be an evening of 10cc classics, other hits such as Look Through Any Window (The Hollies), No Milk Today (Herman’s Hermits) and some of Graham’s solo work. We’ve also been promised a few surprises!

All together now – “I’m not in love… So don’t forget it…”

Book Graham Gouldman tickets now>>>

Image: Graham Gouldman

Image: Phil Wang

As the comedy world gears up for the Edinburgh Fringe, we prepare to treat you to three nights of special previews to put you ahead of the Edinburgh crowds:

In the first Edinburgh Comedy Preview of the season join writer, director and actor Adam Drake with his band and Chortle Award Winner Phil Wang.

Phil has appeared as a stand-up guest on The Rob Brydon Show (BBC1), been featured on Three at the Fringe (BBC3) and has enjoyed a fantastic Edinburgh debut as part of the Festival’s longest-running stand-up showcase, The Comedy Zone, which has previously launched the careers of Dave Gorman, Harry Hill, Stewart Lee, Al Murray and Chris Ramsey.

Don’t miss your chance to see their brand new shows before anyone else.

Laughter TherapyEdinburgh Comedy Preview: Friday 9 May 8pm

“Had the audience in stitches” The Stage on Adam Drake

“A wonderful, natural presence - undoubted talent” Varsity on Adam Drake

“A skilful and hilarious individual”Varsity on Phil Wang

“Effortlessness personified”The Tab on Phil Wang

Book your tickets now>>>

Edinburgh Comedy Previews will also take place on Thursday 19 June and Friday 18 July

“A peerless pair of Rossini virtuosos join forces in La Cenerentola—a vocal tour de force for mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, in the Cinderella title role, and the high-flying tenor Juan Diego Flórez, as her Prince Charming.” The Metropolitan Opera

You may never have heard of La Cenerentola but the story will doubtless be familiar as Rossini’s beautiful opera is inspired by Cinderella and the classic rags to riches fairytale.

Watch it transformed by the world-class Metropolitan Opera as we screen the performance live from New York via the magic of technology!

Be sure to book one of our tasty platters to enjoy in the intervals too.

Book your tickets now>>>

Met OperaScreened live from New York on Saturday 10 May 5.55pm

Image: La Cenerentola

Tea DanceWith the FB Pocket Orchestra

We step back in time this month with the glorious sounds of the 1920s and 1930s. Dig out your dancing shoes. It’s time for a nice cup of tea and some good old-fashioned dancing fun. Music Programmer Thomas Brooman told us more:

What gave you the idea of a Sunday afternoon Tea Dance?My uncle used to be the organist on Margate Pier, entertaining holiday makers at the resort every summer. They had regular Tea Dances there on a Sunday afternoon and I have very fond memories of those holiday afternoons.

Where did you first hear The FB Pocket Orchestra?Gemma told me about the FB Pocket Orchestra and I just took a look at the FB website and loved what I saw.

What kind of music can we expect from the group?The Orchestra play a really entertaining mix of hot jazz, blues, ragtime and popular dances from the 1920’s and 1930’s...Yes Sir That’s My Baby!

Do you have any dance tips for us?Perhaps best to put your cup of tea down before heading gently for the dance floor!

The FB Pocket OrchestraSunday 11 May 2.30pmBook your tickets now>>>

Join the Team of the Decades Wednesday 14 May 6pm & 7pm

Image: Will Dickie, Team of the Decades

Book Team of the Decades tickets now>>>

Team of the Decades is no ordinary performance. Taking place in the great outdoors, audience and performers unite to become one team in a fun and interactive event. That may sound terrifying if you prefer to hide in the dark but our Director assures us it’s not in the least bit scary. We chatted to Will to find out a bit more:

Tell us a bit about your background as a performer...At school it was always drama and rugby, but when uni came around things changed and I didn’t enjoy hanging out with the rugby boys so much any more. Luckily my lecturer taught martial arts as part of the course and I was away! That training is the foundation of my understandings in performance work - it gives a sensitivity to the body, the space and the moments we can share.

What were your inspirations for Team of the Decades?My Dad, Jim, gave me an American Football helmet for my 30th birthday. Quite a surprise! And to be honest I was a bit disappointed as I’d given up on sports a while back.

But after considering the gift for a while, I began to understand it would be great to embrace what he had given me. I could hear him calling me back to a time we shared, a time when my heros were a bunch of giant blokes that ran into each other for a living. I thought back to my rugby days, and why I might have put myself through all of the things that come with collision sport.

I walked around in public with the helmet on to see what would happen - how I would feel and how others would react. I felt protected and isolated at the same time... and I thought those sensations resonated with male relationships I have had. I decided to interview my male role models - my dad, my school rugby coach, my martial arts teacher, my lecturer... and ask them what they thought it meant to be a man. Those talks were full of insight and gave lots of inspiration in making the choreographies, soundtracks and structures of the work.

You showed this as a work in progress here. What impact did the audience feedback have on the final piece?Practice was great for testing out the format of the piece. The audience is in amongst it right from the beginning and it would have been impossible to develop that relationship without people to test it with. The audience gave me a good sense of what would be possible, and encouraged me to push the interactions further... people are ready to play!

What role will the audience play?Their role is as members of a different kind of sports team: 10 audience, 1 coach and 1 captain. Our pitch extends beyond the park, along the pavements and out into the landscape. We don’t play to win or lose, we play with strength and weakness, figure and ground, fathers and sons, collisions and hugs.

What would you like the audience to take away from the performance?A feeling of togetherness among strangers. A new connection to spaces in Salisbury, and fresh perspectives on what it means to be to be strong, to be weak and to be man.

Our FathersWednesday 14 May 8pm

Book Our Fathers tickets now>>>

Our FathersWednesday 14 May 8pm

Babakas’ award-winning show Our Fathers has won huge praise nationwide. We couldn’t wait to see it to find out more so we had a chat with Artistic Director Mike Tweddle:

Tell us a bit about the company... What does ‘Babakas’ mean?Babakas is an international group of performers. We’re based in Birmingham but hail from UK, Spain, Greece, Belgium, Italy and the USA. We met through drama school (Lecoq, Paris) and through working together on other shows. Babakas is Greek for ‘daddy’ and is also the nick-name Sofia’s father calls himself. As he appears regularly in this, our first show, and as we first started working on it in Athens, it felt appropriate to name the company Babakas. A bit of a tribute to the fathers and the place that inspired our work. Plus we like the sound of it!

What inspired you to create a piece about fatherhood?My father died when I was 13 after some years of illness. As a result, I was without a father figure whilst going through some pretty significant life changes. Conversely, he’d been very much around when I was a young child, and often in the more domestic, traditionally ‘feminine’, role out of my two parents. I was curious how much his early presence and later absence had affected the ‘man’ I’d become, emotionally, psychologically and sexually. I was also working with lots of teenagers at the time, many of whom were growing up without obvious father figures. I wanted to better understand the ideas and expectations surrounding men and fatherhood, which meant so many dads were distanced from their children. This was often for a variety of reasons: work, divorce, religious and cultural differences, social pressure.

Image: Our Fathers

The three performers in Our Fathers have had relationships with their dads that represent these types of distance. Also, around the time of starting this research I was coincidentally sent an email by a family friend, asking if I’d like to become a father with a woman I didn’t know. This provoked our interest in ideas around gay parenting and alternative families. This is the other area we explore in the show.

You describe Our Fathers as “dangerously honest material”. What is it like to share personal stories?We’ve brought our very personal relationships with our fathers to rehearsal in what’s at times been a frighteningly honest way. And we’re all expressing feelings and memories that I know we’d find difficult to share with our fathers if ever they were to show up from Greece, Belgium or beyond the grave! However, for all of us, it’s been a healthy and enlightening process, and the experience of performing is not difficult or emotional. We feel the show is a tribute to our fathers, and the many other fathers we’ve researched, even if it’s filled with their complexity and imperfections, as well as our own. And there are plenty of fictional elements to the show, so we feel we’re playing characters not ourselves.

What would you like the audience to take away from the performance?Many audience members have told us how the show’s affected or restored memories of their father, or shifted their perspective on themselves as parents or future parents. The show is not really about us and our dads. It’s about the many different fathers across space and time, and the universal pressures and possibilites that have shaped their roles. In this respect, we hope the audience will be able to see themselves and the people they love and have loved in a new light. It’s perhaps worth mentioning too, though, that it’s a very funny show and people tend to laugh as much as they cry!

Ageas Salisbury International Arts FestivalFriday 23 May - Saturday 7 June

Image: Logic of Nothing

It’s that time of year again and we’re super excited to be co-promoting three live events and a film night as part of the international festival. Enjoy Logic of Nothing by PanGottic Circus Theatre, Volcano by Clerke and Joy and Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance Hall. Click the images to find out more:

Image: Logic of Nothing

May DiaryThursday 1 The Broken Circle Breakdown film Saturday 3 Love Hurts Actually theatre/comedy Sunday 4 Big Band Brunch music/café Tuesday 6 Roddy Woomble independent Wednesday 7 Matilda and Me theatre Thursday 8 Graham Gouldman’s Heart Full of Songs music Friday 9 Edinburgh Comedy Preview comedy Saturday 10 Live Lunch: Jacques Desfontaines music/café Saturday 10 MET Opera: Rossini’s Cenerentola opera Sunday 11 Live Lunch: FB Pocket Orchestra Tea Dance music/café Tuesday 13 RSPB talks Wednesday 14 Café LUA café Wednesday 14 Team of the Decades theatre Wednesday 14 Our Fathers theatre Thursday 15 Nebraska film Saturday 17 Eleanor’s Secret family film Saturday 17 Altar Club music Tuesday 20 Magic Lantern film/café Thursday 22 Hijack Open Mic music Friday 23 May - Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival Saturday 7 June

PLUS One-off Workshops and Workshop CoursesFull programme details available at www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk or you can contact the Box Office on 01722 321744.