What's been on at Evesham Arts Centre

Thu 1st - Fri 2nd at 7:30pm - Oliver's Army (TheEdge)

$Oliver\$ Oliver's Army is a musical rampage through the 1980's - the golden age of music and style. It follows the trials and tribulations of teenage life, complete with some very surreal twists! There will be shell suits and leg warmers aplenty, but best of all a classic soundtrack performed by some of the most talented young people Worcestershire has to offer. The Edge Theatre Co.

Tickets £8 from Arts Centre Box Offices

Sat 3rd at 8pm - Edinburgh Preview COMEDY: Confessions of a Smart Wrestling Fan (EAA)

Liam Mullan has a passion for high culture - thoughtful novels, pretentious jazz & so on - but he also has a dark secret: he's fascinated with the pre-determined tussles of muscle-bound men in skin-tight lycra... A chance to see Liam's show before it opens at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. PLUS a performance by top West Midlands improvisation group 'WOW Impro' - the audience decides the performers fate! See wowimpro.co.uk

Tickets £8 from Arts Centre Box Offices

Sat 10th & Sun 11th at 6pm - DeNovo Dance Gala (DeNovo Dance)

DeNovo Dance Summer Gala 2010 at Evesham Arts Centre

A chance to see the DeNovo School perform their Summer Performance pieces. Excellent dance, toe-tapping (& head-banging!) music & so much fun! Also features Blue (DeNovo's Youth Company), soloists and our GCSE dancers. Always a great evening.

Tickets £6 (under-14s £4.50) from DeNovo Dance 07825 155 590 or office@denovodance.co.uk

Tue 13th at 7:30pm - Arts Association AGM (EAA)

Members of the Evesham Arts Association (which runs the Arts Centre) take stock of the past year, elect a committee & look forward to the next 12 months.

All members welcome. For membership info click here.

Thu 15th at 8pm - Raw Comedy (EAA)

Ever wondered where a comedian starts off? Well here's your chance to find out! An evening of raw comedy talent hosted by experienced MC Pat Gallagher: 6 comedians will each present a 10-15 minute set. Some have already climbed a rung or two on the ladder of fame, others are just starting out. Why not come along and help these up & coming comics get valuable experience in the comfort of the bar? With Ben Hutchinson, Phil Pagett, Sian Mayer, Sarah Bridgemann, Mick Hibberd & Jeremy Miles.

Tickets £4 (£3) from Arts Centre Box Offices

Fri 16th at 7:30pm - Ashputtel/Sylvia ()

Late addition - awaiting information.

Tickets £7 (£5 concessions) from Arts Centre Box Offices

Sun 18th - Evesham Arts for All (EAA/VENA/WDC)

Local theatre groups, musicians, artists, singing groups, jewellers, dance schools, poets, drama classes, potters, painters & others showcase what they offer with demonstrations, performances, exhibitions, theatre tours & displays of all sorts. Entrance free to public, refreshments available. Come and sample the arts activities available near you! www.eveshamarts4all.co.uk

Entrance Free

Sat 24th at 8pm - A Midsummer Night's Dream (EAA)

$A Midsummer Night\$ Tony Howes' madcap one-man version of Shakespeare's classic was originally produced for BBC Radio 3 and sees him playing 17 parts in different accents, complete with tap dancing & juggling! www.tonyhowes.co.uk

"Hilarious, with a Monty Python comedy touch." - The Daily Mail

Tickets £6 from Arts Centre Box Offices. Limited to 60 seats - book yours soon!

June 2010

Sat 5th at 7:30pm - CANCELLED An evening with Philip Solomon (EAA)

An Evening of Clairvoyance With Philip Solomon, one of the world's greatest Spiritualist Mediums, author and regular host of his own psychic show on radio WCR 101.8 fm. An evening when many will be reunited with their loved ones from the other side. www.philipsolomon.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk
Sorry - event cancelled. Please return your tickets to box office for refund. Our apologies.
Tickets £12 (£11) from Arts Centre Box Offices

Wed 9th at 8pm - George Stubbs: horse-painter? (EDFAS)

Horse painter or England's Leonardo? This talk looks at the full breadth of George Stubb's work - ranging far beyond horses. Presented by Ann Clements, whose CV includes the Whitworth Gallery & Paul Mellon Foundation. EDFAS

Guests £5 Enquiries 01905 841236/01789 491313

Fri 11th at 8pm - Stand up Comedy (EAA)

The biggest & best stand-up comedy night in town! This month featuring the madly musical The Amazing Mr Smith (video), supported by genial gagster Tony Cowards and Sarf London's Jen Brister (line-up change) - plus James Cook from BRMB radio as MC. Why not sign up for our Comedy email? (Strong language likely - min age 16).

Tickets £8 (£6 members & groups of 8+) from Arts Centre Box Offices

Sun 13th 2-5pm & Mon 14th 5-8pm - Evesham Mop Fair Archive Project (Archive Arts)

Help recreate the magic of Evesham's Mop Fair and bring real stories to life! Authentic local voices needed for the cast of a short audio play - to be recorded in July and installed in Evesham Almonry this Autumn. Be part of something unique: come to the casting workshop & let us listen to you.

Contact Lisa Kimberley on 01386-40165, 07971-675432 or lkimberley@hotmail.com

Sat 19th at 7:30pm - Sing-a-long-a Rocky Horror (EAA)

The campest cult classic film of all time - now with on-screen lyrics and all the favourite sing-a-long-a features, it has never been so much fun. Your live host will lead you through a choral warm-up, judge the fancy dress competition and award prizes but it is YOU, the audience, who are the stars as you howl the night away! Cert12.
More info www.singalonga.net/rockyhorror Costume help here. Don't dream it - be it!

Tickets £14 (Members £12) from Arts Centre Box Offices

Sat 26th - Avonbank Band template (Avonbank Brass Band)

A programme of light, popular music especially for summer - music to remind you that the worst winter in years is over and now's the time to relax, sit back & enjoy pleasant music in a pleasant atmosphere from Evesham's own prize winning band. Avonbank Brass Band

Tickets £7 (£6 concs) from Tracy Sollis Leukaemia Trust shop (Library Arcade); Evesham Travel Centre (Port St) or 01386 422778

May 2010

Sat 1st & Sun 2nd at 6:30pm plus 2pm on 2nd - Stars and Stripes (Vale Dance: Victoria Dolan)

Stars and Stripes , (c) Vale Dance: Victoria Dolan

Travel across the states of the USA with an entertaining show of tap ballet and modern dance by the students of Vale Dance School.

Tickets £7 from 01386 443756

Mon 3rd - Vale of Evesham Christadelphians

Wed 5th at 7:30pm - Recollections with Carola Wilson (Offenham Floral Arts Society)

Tickets £8 from Mrs Chris Parkinson 01386-446159

Sat 8th at 2pm & 7pm - All-England Theatre Festival (AETF)

The Central Area Semi-final of the All-England one-act play competition: performances by the winners of the Central Area Quarter Final. Come and see five plays in two sessions! AETF

Tickets £8 per session (£12 for both, in advance only) from: J.Cunnington, 0121 707 6684, Cunnington@talk21.com

Wed 12th at 8pm - English Porcelain (EDFAS)

A look at the experimental beginnings of porcelain in England: the products of the Chelsea, Bow, Derby and Worcester factories. Presented by lecturer Jane Gardiner, whose career has included both the V&A and Sotheby's. EDFAS

Guests £5 Enquiries 01905 841236/01789 491313

Sat 22nd at 6:30pm - Alice in Wonderland (Hilary Saxby School of Dancing)

A dance spectacular. Further details from 01242-251206

Tickets £8 (£7) Evesham Almonry 01386-446944 or from 01242-251206

April 2010

Fri 9th at 8pm - The Upbeat Beatles (EAA)

“It’s 1963 and a new band is taking the country by storm, playing a heady mixture of Blues, Motown and Rock”. The Upbeat Beatles re-create this sound. Raw powerhouse vocals, pumped out with a driving backbeat. There isn’t a band to touch them! No gadgets - just 3 amps and drums! The nearest you’ll ever get to the real thing! www.upbeatbeatles.co.uk

Tickets £15 (£14) from Arts Centre Box Offices

Wed 14th at 8pm - Picture Hanging & Interior Design (EDFAS)

Professional landscape painter Stephen Taylor on the changing fashions for displaying paintings from the 16th century to the present day - including some practical tips for today’s homes! EDFAS

Guests £5 Enquiries 01905 841236/01789 491313

Mon 12th to Thu 15th - Easter Academy (Imagine Productions) CANCELLED

A week of intensive musical theatre training from experienced & qualified professionals, culminating in an exciting & varied evening of theatre – including song and dance numbers from Hairspray, Grease & Footloose. Open to ages 7-21. Audition Monday 12th - for a chance to shine! www.imagineproductions.biz
We regret that this event has been CANCELLED by its promoters
To be involved, please call Dean 07590 577989 or Leanne 07830 353189

Fri 16th at 8pm - Stand-up 4 Evesham! (EAA)

Stand-up comedy with American abroad Rex Boyd, the young Old Etonian Ivo Graham, BBC 6Music's Matt Forde and compere Steve Allen. Come & have a laugh at the biggest & best comedy night in town! Strong language likely - min age 16.

Tickets £8 (£6 members, students groups 8+) from Arts Centre Box Offices

Sat 17th at 7:30pm - A Night to Remember (TBA)

A night of variety for charity - comedy, music, readings and more - featuring Pershore group The Gilded Lilies and a host of other acts. Proceeds to Prostate Cancer Research & Cancer Research UK

Tickets £10 Evesham Almonry 01386-446944 or 01386 422307

Thu 22nd at 7:30pm - Claire Jones & Chris Marshall (EDMC)

Official Harpist to Prince Charles, Claire Jones, teams up with percussionist Chris Marshall for a varied evening of music of interest to all. Their programme of 10 pieces starts with Ravel and ends with Riverdance - taking in Bach, Albinez De Falla, Williams, Bernstein, Jazz on the vibes, Tchaikovsky & a snare drum solo on the way. www.chrismarshallpercussion.com www.clairejones.co.uk This is the performance postponed by January's weather.

Tickets £13 (Seniors £12, Students £3) from Evesham Almonry 01386-446944 10am-5pm, or on the door

Fri 23rd at 7:30pm - Last of the Summer wine (EAA) CANCELLED

Bill Owen charmed audiences as Compo in the long-running comedy series. Now his son & fellow actor Tom, tells Bill Owen's fascinating life story through anecdotes, narrative, film and song. A memorable evening.

We regret that Tom Owen will not now be appearing. Ticket costs will be refunded.

Tickets £10 (£9) from Arts Centre Box Offices

Wed 28th at 7pm - Swan Lake (Vienna Festival Ballet)

One of the best known love stories, performed by the ever popular Vienna Festival Ballet. Lavish costumes, stunning scenery, international stars, and the glorious music from Tchaikovsky make this a night not to be missed. Swan Lake is the most popular ballet in the world. It's the ballet that captures like no other the full range of human emotions - from hope to despair, from terror to tenderness, from melancholy to ecstasy. www.viennafestivalballet.com

Tickets £17.50 (£11 children) from Arts Centre Box Offices

March 2010

Wed 3rd - Sat 6th at 7:15pm - Hairspray (PHHS)

Plump teenager Tracy Turnblad dreams of dancing on a TV talent show - but what will she do if her dream comes true? Prince Henry's High School presents the big, wonderful, award-winning Broadway musical, full of 1960s music, dance & style.

Saurday's show will be a Gala performance - smart dress encouraged, pre-show glass of wine & nibbles included.
Tickets £9.50 (pupils £7) Wed-Fri and £11.50 (pupils £7.50) Sat from Prince Henry's School 01386-765588

Tue 16th - Sat 20th at 7:30pm, plus 2:30pm on 20th - Honk! (EODS)

EODS presents the Olivier-award-winning musical story of The Ugly Duckling: A heart-warming family show featuring a host of comedy characters & toe-tapping musical numbers - you'd be QUACKERS to miss it!

Tickets £12 (£10 Group rates also available) from Arts Centre Box Offices

Mon 22nd at 7:30pm - The W Factor 2010 (Wychavon DC)

Final show of the competition for 11-18 year olds in Wychavon - drama, dance, music, singing, circus, visual art, short film. Auditions 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th Feb - to apply contact Amandine 01386 565497 amandine@wychavon.gov.uk
Tickets £4 (£5) Almonry Heritage Centre, Abbey Gate, Evesham,WR11 4BG Tel 01386 446944

Tue 23rd at 6:15pm - Winchcombe Dance & Music Festival (Winchcombe School)

Please note start time is now 6:15pm, not 7pm
Tickets from the SSCO at Winchcombe School 01242 602233

Fri 26th at 7:30pm - Blue Remembered Hills (EAA+New Century Theatre)

Dennis Potter’s brilliant and often hilarious evocation of war-time childhood games, rivalries, jealousies – and tragedies. This apparently simple tale relates the activities of seven-year-olds on a summer afternoon - in a unique twist, the children’s roles are acted out by a cast of adults. The original ground-breaking production featured Helen Mirren and Colin Welland. http://www.screenonline.org.uk/tv/id/1052378

Tickets £9 (£8) from Arts Centre Box Offices

Sun 28th at 7:30pm - Vesnitsa! ВЕСТНИЦА! (Chernobyl Children's Project UK)

Belarusian Junior folk dance group Vesnitsa

For two weeks only, Belarusian Junior Folk group Vesnitsa are touring England with their award-winning dance show - see website. They'll be supported by circus kids from Minsk performing traditional dance, music and song - and by Music Ensembles from Prince Henry High School.
Proceeds to Chernobyl Children's Lifeline (www.ccll.org.uk) and Chernobyl Children's Project UK (www.chernobyl-children.org.uk)

Tickets £6 (£4 concessions, £18 families) on sale now from Evesham Almonry, 01386-446944, 10am-5pm Mon-Sat

Wed 31st at 7:30pm - London Concertante (EDMC)

The London Concertante, one of the finest chamber ensembles in the country, is brought to Evesham by the EDMC. Their seven string players will be performing works by Mozart, Rossini and Elgar, among others. "...quality musicians…playing with tone as soft as velvet…bow strokes that sing.. . Romanticists wide volume range..." Evening Standard.

Tickets £13 (Senior Citizens £12, Students £3) from Evesham Almonry 01386-446944 10am-5pm, or on the door

February 2010

Wed 10th at 8pm - Van Gogh and Gaugin (EDFAS)

Writer, artist and TV presenter Douglas Skeggs examines the life & works of Vincent Van Gogh and the influence on him of Paul Gaugin - which resulted in the loss of an ear.

Guests £5. Enquiries 01905 841236/01789 491313

Fri 12th at 8pm - Stand-up Comedy (EAA)

Guitar hero Christian Reilly headlines with comic songs & sharp parodies. He's supported by bitter ex-PE teacher Mike Bubbins and quirky Alfie Brown, with indie comedian Joey Page as compere. Come & have a laugh! Strong language likely, min age 16.

Tickets £8 (£6) from Arts Centre Box Offices

Fri 19th at 7:30pm - Canteloube Trio (EDMC)

An evening of classical music played by the acclaimed Canteloube Wind Trio - taking in music by Rossini, Mozart, Jacob, Bach, Williams – and themselves! "...they posses virtuosity and warmth of expression – a rare combination - and their performances are a delight to hear..." Neal Black, OBE.

Tickets £13 (Senior Citizens £12, Students £3) from Evesham Almonry 01386-446944 10am-5pm, or on the door

January 2010

Fri 8th at 7:30pm - Claire Jones & Chris Marshall (EDMC) CANCELLED!

Official Harpist to Prince Charles, Claire Jones, teams up with percussionist Chris Marshall for a varied evening of music of interest to all. Their programme of 10 pieces starts with Ravel and ends with Riverdance - taking in Bach, Albinez De Falla, Williams, Bernstein, Jazz on the vibes, Tchaikovsky, and a Snare Drum Solo on the way. http://www.chrismarshallpercussion.com http://www.clairejones.co.uk
Regret performance cancelled due to weather - hope to reschedule for Th 22nd April: to be confirmed.
Tickets £13 (Senior Citizens £12, Students £3) from Evesham Almonry 01386-446944 10am-5pm, or on the door

Wed 13th at 8pm - The Trojan War (EDFAS) CANCELLED!

Author & ex-British Museum curator Louise Schofield tells one of the greatest stories in history, though scenes from Classical Greek vases and the work of the archaeologist & excavator of Troy Heinrich Schliemann.
Regret event cancelled due to weather
Guests £5 Enquiries 01905 841236/01789 491313

Wed 20th - Sun 24th at 7:30pm, plus 2:30pm on 23rd and 24th - Cinderella (Phoenix)

Phoenix theatre present their 20th annual family Pantomime. With a cast of over 65 including ‘The Ugly Sisters’ anything can happen so look out for many surprises – you never know what's ‘Behind you !’ Come along and join in the fun! www.phoenixtheatregroup.co.uk

Tickets £8 Travel Centre, Port St, Evesham or 07910 499589

Evesham Arts Centre

What's Been On - past events 2010