ARTS4152

Design by Distraction : 01636 678067

www.shindig.org.uk NTC TOURING THEATRE COMPANY

ASERE

Worcestershire’s Rural and Community Touring Scheme

What’s On Guide: Autumn-Winter 2008/09

THE SINGING SOUS' CHEFS

Supported by:

Welcome to Shindig Worcestershire’s Rural and Community Touring Scheme, bringing live arts to your doorstep! Welcome to Shindig’s new guide to what’s on, and where, in a venue near you during Autumn-Winter 2008/09. Throughout this period, you can see professional live performances across the performing arts in a local village hall or community venue. You will always be sure of a warm welcome and a great night out. Shindig is Worcestershire’s programme of live arts and entertainment for community venues, hosted by voluntary promoting groups who sell tickets locally, supported by the Shindig Co-ordinator and their local authority arts officers. Touring companies and performers with regional, national and international profiles, specialising in work for small spaces, provide a wide range of theatre, dance, music, opera, storytelling, cabaret theatre, children's theatre, circus and clowning including cultural diversity work. The scheme is subsidised by Worcestershire County Council, your District, Borough or City Council and Arts Council England West Midlands.

If you would like to become a Shindig promoter and might be interested in finding out more about the scheme, please call Sue Roberts, Shindig Co-ordinator, for more information or call your local arts officer. Equally, if you would like to join Shindig’s mailing list call: 01905 766 337 or email [email protected] to request a mailing list form.

Sue Roberts, Shindig Co-ordinator: 01544 327877 e-mail: [email protected]

Shindig's Autumn-Winter programme is full of great shows for the coming months starting in the Autumn, going up to Christmas and beyond into the New Year! We hope these exciting events will entice you out to your local venue: as always you'll find a variety of high quality tours appealing across age ranges; you can trust the Shindig brand to bring you very special and memorable evenings. Be sure to book your tickets early: usually between £6 - £8 and family tickets. Alongside the description of each exciting show you’ll find the date, time, location and box office phone number for each venue. Simply call the box office number to find out ticket prices (many will have special deals for families!) and book your tickets in advance.

Local promoters will also be able to advise you about directions to their venue.

age We're pleased to announce we've been awarded the Arts Council Family Friendly logo. Most shows are suitable for general family audiences, with wide appeal for young people and adults. To make it easier for you to plan your night out, look for the Family Friendly symbol and particularly the age recommendation.

Access All venues have a commitment to access for people with a disability. Many have full access, and a range of facilities, while others are working towards this goal. See full access details on back pages. The access information given has been supplied by the individual venues; to the best of our knowledge and belief, it is accurate.

CHARLIE DARK

The Shindig What’s On . . .

PHOTO: PIERS RAWSON (TAKE ART!)

September, October & November HOOVER THE DOG IN CONCERT

Fri 19 Sep 7.30pm Severn Sailing Club House Bredons Norton GL20 7HD 01684 772849

Musical dexterity and fun featuring original compositions, written by the trio's fine fiddler John Hymas.

Sun 21 Sep 8.00pm Cleeve Prior Memorial Village Hall WR11 8LE 01789 773814

Welsh borders trio Hoover the Dog are purveyors of inventive, intelligent music, featuring the virtuoso combination of John Hymas' strings, the athletic accordion of Paul Hutchinson along with guitar and bouzouki man Tony Harris' fluid fingering.

Fri 3 Oct 8.00pm Malvern Wells Village Hall WR14 4HF 01684 567058

Exhibiting bags of technical brilliance and the gift of making music clever and funny at the same time, the music ranges from the stylish and understated to gutsy and gleeful. An evening of good listening to fine live music!

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“If you like original quirky music full of flair, inventiveness and fun, you’ll love this tour.” BBC Radio 2

Fri 17 Oct 7.30pm Himbleton Parish Hall WR9 7LG 01905 391662 Fri 7 Nov 7.30pm Offenham Village Hall WR11 8QD 07831 245267 Fri 28 Nov 7.00pm Oak Hill First School, Redditch B98 7JU 01527 528523

September MIRACLE THEATRE COMPANY THE TAMING OF THE SHREW by William Shakespeare Controversial, Passionate, Ironic and Tender. Falling in love has never been harder! Miracle Theatre takes a fresh look at the complexities of male and female relationships and gives Shakespeare's romantic comedy a 21st century make-over. A controversial, passionate, ironic and tender story of sexual politics: the battle between Petruccio and Katherine, two of Shakespeare's most unforgettable characters, brought to life by Miracle Theatre, famous for their highly visual productions, always moving, full of music and genuinely funny. You can count on Miracle to extract every drop of romance and every scrap of comedy from this brilliantly witty play.

“How might William Shakespeare react if he were to discover that a Cornish theatre company had taken unspeakable liberties with one of his best-loved plays? Firstly, the great man would likely be chuffed that more than 400 years after he wrote the play, actors were still interpreting his words with such verve and originality and, more importantly, audiences continues to laugh at his jokes….this is sophisticated, innovative comic theatre which never condescends to or short-changes its audience”. Simon Parker

Sat 27 Sep 7.30pm Number 8 Community Arts Centre Pershore WR10 1BG 01386 555488

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October, November, December, January & February THE OPERA DUDES LICENSED TO TRILL In their new show, Licensed To Trill, our two intrepid Singing Agents, Tim Lole and Neil Allen, are back from their travels. Expect the unexpected - opera, swing, showstoppers and impressions! Music comes in a variety of guises from Grand Italian Opera to London's West End favourites and Andrew Lloyd Webber. As well as terrific singing the show includes funny stories, sing-alongs, a concert piano solo and another silly piano duet!

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“What a night! The feedback from the audience has been great…a wonderful experience.” Astley and Dunley Village Hall

Fri 3 Oct Supper 7.00pm Performance 8.00pm Clows Top Victory Hall DY14 9HG 01299 832637

Fri 28 Nov 8.00pm Abbots Morton Village Hall WR7 4NA 01386 793342

Sat 4 Oct 7.30pm St Michaels Village Hall WR15 8TG 01584 819845

Sat 13 Dec 8.00pm Grimley Peace Hall Sinton Green WR2 6NP 01905 642740/640187

Sun 5 Oct 7.30pm Birlingham Village Hall WR10 3AB 01386 750915 Sun 26 Oct Supper 7.30pm Performance 8.30pm Little Witley Village Hall WR6 6LL 01886 888830 Sat 15 Nov 7.30pm Alfrick Village Hall WR6 5HJ 01886 832229 Sun 23 Nov 8.00pm Malvern Wells Village Hall WR14 4HF 01684 567058

Sun 11 Jan 7.30pm Beckford Village Hall GL20 7AA 01386 881248 Sat 7 Feb 7.30pm Rous Lench Village Hall WR11 4UN 01386 793651 Sun 8 Feb 7.30pm Harvington Village Hall WR11 8NQ 01386 870255/870817

October DOUDOU CISSOKO TRIO IN CONCERT Senegalese Kora, Percussion and Cello with vocals The kora is a 21 stringed African harp-lute and Doudou Cissoko is one of the new generation of kora virtuosi. The Cissokos are all celebrated Senegalese griots. Doudou's father, Soundioulou, is still a venerated kora player in Senegal and his great grandfather was the personal griot of the last Manding king of Senegal, Kelefa Mansa! The charismatic Doudou, who has now settled in France, started to compose at the age of 14 years. As a singer-songwriter he continues his family tradition, but also uses western influences into his soothing, beautiful and very accessible music. Singing in “Mandinka” and “Wolof” (Senegal's main languages), Doudou's voice brims simultaneously with youthful vigour and timeless wisdom.

Doudou Cissoko's kora and superb vocals are backed by the renowned percussionist Alicia Davies and the internationally known cellist Jenny Adejayan. Alicia translates for Doudou, where necessary, and introduces the songs and explains the traditions that are being explored through the music. The show is in two parts, in the first half, the music is more meditative and towards the end of the second half, the band plays up-tempo music so that people can join in, dance if they wish to and sing along to the choruses. “Profound and spiritual, imbued with timeless wisdom, yet folksy and sun-splashed. In Cissoko's hands, the kora seems to evoke the entire sweep of creation”. The Guardian **** Sat 4 Oct 8.00pm Worcester Arts Workshop WR1 1UH 01905 21095

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October & February CARMINA IN CONCERT Jazzy Celtic Soul Quintet Led by the magical voice of Pippa Marland and distinctive acoustic guitar of Rob King, Carmina brings you a breathtaking evening of soulful Celtic music. These award-winning songwriters are joined by two luminaries of the jazz and world music scene - Chris Haigh and Geoff Castle - and young star of Irish traditional music, Diarmaid Moynihan. All the musicians are multi-instrumentalists and the show features voices, fiddle, piano, synth, uilleann pipes, whistles, bodhran, guitar, mandolin, mandola, sax and percussion.

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Sun 5 Oct 7.30pm The Fold Eco Café, Bransford WR6 5JB 01886 833633

From roots deep in Celtic traditional music and jazz improvisation the band move effortlessly through haunting Celtic ballads, flying Irish traditional tunes, jazz standards and even Latin rhythms, all blended together in Carmina's unmistakable style. Add to this the band's warm rapport with each audience, their dazzling musicianship and spontaneity to the songs and it's guaranteed that no two performances will be quite the same. “An uplifting mix of folk, jazz, soul, traditional Irish and the odd classical touch, which soared new heights and the audience response showed that ecstasy can be obtained legally!” Hot Press Sat 7 Feb 7.30pm Rubery Community & Leisure Centre B45 9AD 0121 453 7716

October SPIKE THEATRE/RAMESH MEYYAPPAN GIN AND TONIC AND PASSING TRAINS A visual, comic tale of one man who has too much time on his hands. With nothing for company other than his thoughts, an intermittent wireless and the sound of trains rushing past, Mr Jones starts to feel trapped in his damp, rickety signal box. Soon, the responsibilities and the endless sounds of bells drive him to distraction or more precisely, to the bottom of a bottle. What starts as a tipple at four slowly turns into a torrent at six and by ten all sorts of spirits are visiting him. How will he cope when he meets these unexpected visitors? Will it be the tipple that makes him topple? Or will he be pulled back from the drink?

“Meyyappan and Director Mark Smith play loosely with the source material. Ironically in doing so they make it more Dickensian than Dickens”. Flying Inkpot, Singapore 2007 Influenced by the classic Charles Dickens ghost story, The Signalman, this darkly visual tale will leave you in no doubt that Gin and Trains do not make the perfect tonic! “Meyyappan, this lithe, expressive artist, has you seeing things that aren't there...he speaks, eloquently, with every inch of his being…” The Glasgow Herald, 2007 Gin and Tonic and Passing Trains was commissioned and premiered at The Tramway in Glasgow (May 2007). Ramesh Meyyappan: Winner of Best Actor Award - The Life Awards, Singapore 2007 Sat 11 Oct 7.30pm The Studio, University of Worcester WR2 6AJ 01905 855141

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October NTC TOURING THEATRE COMPANY COUNTRY VOICES & THESE THINGS DO HAPPEN by Stuart Howson In celebration of Northumberland Theatre Company's 30th birthday, this legendary rural touring theatre company revisits Country Voices and its companion piece, These Things Do Happen, giving those who missed them first time around (or were too young at the time!) the chance to see what all the fuss was about!

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Country Voices Fri 17 Oct 7.30pm The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster DY10 2RX 01562 743745

Country Voices A feast of stories from the turn of the Twentieth Century to the First World War, some hilarious, some tragic, but each one breathing life back into the words, songs and stories of a Northumbrian farming family, part of the last generation to work the land by hand, horse and steam.

with period flavour, farming anecdotes, pathos and above all, laughs. These two plays are companion pieces but stand entirely in their own right; see one or both at a venue near you!

These Things Do Happen This is an honest, affectionate and often hilarious close-up of farming life in Northumberland in the 1930s and 1940s, narrated by a tractor! Visually exciting, full of energy and action this prize-winning play is rich These Things Do Happen Sat 18 Oct 7.30pm Areley Kings Village Hall DY13 0NB 01299 822160

Country Voices Sun 19 Oct 7.30pm Feckenham Village Hall B96 6HN 01527 892130 www.feckenodeon.co.uk (click on Shindig)

October & November CLAP TRAP PRODUCTIONS NOT ABOUT HEROES

Wilfred Owen, recovering from shellshock, looking desperately for a hero who was not immune to the pity of war.” (Times Literary Supplement).

by Stephen MacDonald

Sassoon looks back on the first meeting with Owen, in Craiglockhart War Hospital, in the summer of 1917. Their friendship deepened only to be cruelly cut short when a sniper killed Owen, just one week before the armistice.

A biting recognition of the obscenity of war, commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the end of the Great War. A moving and intimate drama by Stephen MacDonald about the reallife relationship between two great First World War poets, Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon. The play, taken from their actual writings, shows the “strangely fruitful encounter between Siegfried Sassoon, soldier, poet and war hero, now obsessed with exposing every sham ideal used to justify war, and

Clap Trap is a North Yorkshire touring theatre company creating intimate, involving and memorable drama. “The play is written by Stephen Macdonald... There’s not a line or word wasted, every line, every word fits and has a huge impact on the audience”. Dominic Goodwin (Siegfried Sassoon)

Fri 17 Oct 7.30pm Kingsley College Theatre Redditch B98 7UH 01527 830731 Sun 19 Oct 7.30pm The Fleece Inn Barn Bretforton WR11 7JE 01386 831173 Sat 1 Nov 7.30pm The Regal Theatre Tenbury Wells WR15 8AE 01584 819653

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October & February THE CRAIG SCHNEIDER TRIO 'S WONDERFUL The show is a tribute to George and Ira Gershwin, undoubtedly one of the greatest song-writing teams of all time. In this unique combination of jazz and cabaret, and to the accompaniment of double bass and drums, the audience is taken on an entertaining journey into the music and the lives of the great composer and his lyricist brother. This 90 minute show includes favourite Tin Pan Alley songs such as 'S Wonderful, I Got Rhythm, Love Is Here To Stay, I've Got a Crush on You and A Foggy Day. Many of Gershwin's legendary ballads are also featured, including Someone To Watch Over Me, The Man I Love, How Long Has This Been Going On? Sun 19 Oct 7.30pm Clent Parish Hall DY9 9QT 01562 886013

Although an extremely successful song-smith, George Gershwin longed to be accepted as a classical composer. Schneider also examines Gershwin's classical side with a medley from his opera Porgy and Bess and a virtuosic solo piano performance of Rhapsody in Blue. Craig's musical arrangements give the songs a fresh and individual sound and the music is interspersed with well-researched anecdotes and historical information, giving the audience an insight into the men behind the music. “…a great show…a musical tour de force….” Muse Magazine

Fri 20 Feb Supper 7.30pm Performance 8.30pm Little Witley Village Hall WR6 6LL 01886 888830

12+ Sat 21 Feb 8.00pm Hallow Parish Hall WR2 6LB 01905 640968

October QUONDAM THEATRE COMPANY THE LAST WALTZ by Fine Time Fontayne Quondam continue to develop their highly successful brand, of theatre-with-music, with The Last Waltz. The performance style combines the drama of story telling with the entertainment of music and song, and all the music is played live! The Last Waltz is a poignant comedy with music and a love story about the very last working day in a rural railway signal box. This is 2008 and management has decreed that remote, detached Agency workers will save money. Philip is the signalman about to be made redundant, but out of this sad moment comes real happiness when he re-discovers, after 20 years, his long lost teenage love, the love of his life. His defiance rings out over the hills: “They can take my signal box, but they can't take my soul”. Anyone who saw Voices or Unruly Women will recognise a familiar theme that positive outcomes emerge from dark, difficult circumstances. Great family theatre!

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Fri 31 Oct 8.00pm Ashton-under-Hill Village Hall WR11 7SW 01386 881594

November ASERE IN CONCERT Groundbreaking Cuban band Asere is a group of seven young musicians who came together to play traditional Cuban son (roots of salsa). Their career took off when, on visiting Cuba in 1996, the Columbian singer Totó la Momposina came across this new band and was immediately struck by their energy, rich songwriting and powerful delivery. Soon after, Asere recorded their debut album Cuban Soul live in an old radio theatre in Habana. Asere's superb interpretation of Cuba's musical traditions has produced a creative repertoire that's both deeply respectful of their Cuban heritage but also has an exciting contemporary edge of its own. Since 1998, Asere have performed constantly across Europe (including more than 100 shows in the UK) wowing audiences with their dynamic show and infectious energy. The band performs playing an exciting range of instruments including bongos, congas, cajon, cowbell, timbale, claves, maracas and more! “Incredibly vibrant music….earthy rhythms….they got heart and they got soul”. Kevin le Gendre, Echoes Sun 2 Nov 7.30pm Worcester Arts Workshop WR1 1UH 01905 21095

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Come and dance to the rhythms of son or just listen to the formidable skills of these world-class musicians.

Comedy, a cappella singing and time travel for all ages. Directed by John Nicholson of Peepolykus Theatre Company. Comical musical interactive time-travelling adventure with three Italian chefs. Dr Who without the glitz. Featured at Edinburgh 08 Fringe Festival. Directed by John Nicholson of the side-splitting Peepolykus Theatre Company. Three Italian chefs helter-skelter down the continuum of Time through the congestion zone of Space across the wide-open bison plains of History and back again before last orders. Meet Michelangelo, Merlin, Newton's Apple and The Future. Travel the globe. Feel its bigness. As featured on Rick Stein's Food Heroes, Edinburgh Fringe 08, The Big Chill, Towersey, Glastonbury Festival Comedy Marquee, Sidmouth, Leicester Comedy Festival…

With songs by Joe Jackson, Dionne Warwick, Ry Cooder, The Everly Brothers, Iggy Pop, Coope Boyes & Simpson, Lou Reed, The Spooky Men's Chorale and other iconic grooves of our Time. Locally sourced by Jim Howden, Adrian Mealing and William Tooby.

PHOTO: JOE PIECZENKO & MARRAM JEFFRIES

November THE SINGING SOUS' CHEFS ALIVE AGAIN!

“I haven't seen my husband laugh like that in ages” Whissendine Village Hall “A cross between Coope, Boyes & Simpson and The Old Rope String Band!” Karen Tweed 'Slick and very, very funny” Grasby Village Hall www.singingsouschefs.co.uk

10+ Wed 12 Nov 8.00pm The Fleece Inn Barn Bretforton WR11 7JE 01386 831173

Sat 15 Nov 8.00pm Castlemorton Parish Hall WR13 6BE 01684 833297/833477

Sun 16 Nov 7.00pm Sytchampton Village Hall DY13 9SY 01905 620828

Sat 22 Nov 7.45pm Heightington Village Hall DY12 2XU 01299 822987

November, January & February THE NEW ROPE STRING BAND IN CONCERT “That was the best hour of my life!” so said Daniel, a discerning Lincolnshire lad. The New Rope String Band is made up of four hugely experienced, highly talented musicians playing beautiful, lively acoustic music from various traditions around the world. Pete Challoner and Tim Dalling (from The Old Rope String Band) have joined forces with two amazing musicians, Jock Tyldesley and Vera van Heeringen, and together they sing, dance and play their socks off, on fiddle, guitar, piano, accordion, mandolin and anything else that comes to hand. But people just laugh at them. Audiences say, “What the heck was that?” And then struggle to describe what happens:

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“It's folk music”, “It's cabaret” “They plough the lonely furrow of cutting-edge music hall”. Then they are forced to drag

their friends along to the next gig to witness the strange spectacle for themselves! But everyone actually enjoys it. A lot! Come along and see for yourself. The show is a pleasure for all the senses (except, perhaps, the smell). Exuberant spectacles, boundless energy and beautiful music executed with kindness. What could possibly go wrong?! Fri 14 Nov 7.30pm Brake Theatre, Hagley Catholic High School DY8 2XL 01562 883193 Sat 15 Nov 8.00pm Bockleton Village Hall WR15 8PU 01568 750546 Sat 17 Jan 7.30pm Areley Kings Village Hall DY13 0NB 01299 822160 Sat 14 Feb 7.30pm Eckington Village Hall WR10 3AU 01386 750305

November THE MELLSTOCK BAND THE SHEPHERD'S CALENDAR AND CHRISTMAS IS COME A costume presentation of music, song and spoken word with early and modern instruments creating afresh the English village band. The Shepherd's Calendar takes us from Bonfire Night, through Christmas, springtime, sheep-shearing and hay-making to harvest. As the year rolls by, you will encounter midnight capers, shepherds courting, midsummer magic, cider-making, girls racing and an embarrassed parson. The show also includes courtship, weddings and other festivities of the rural year and the words of Thomas Hardy, John Clare and the Somerset Parson, John Holland. Christmas Is Come presents a lively mixture of songs, stories, carols and tunes which draws on many sources to portray seasonal festivities of the English countryside. The country poets John Clare and William Barnes tell of ceremonial house-visiting from mummers, wassailers, carol singers, while Thomas Hardy chronicles the disasters suffered by a

country choir. The music and song of the season are also presented from the more gentrified perspective of the Reverend William Holland and George Eliot. The show also includes a performance of a Dorset Mummers' Play! The Mellstock Band take their name from the works of Thomas Hardy who gave the fictional title to the singers and musicians of the Parish of Stinsford where his father and grandfather were prominent musicians and where the young Thomas Hardy played his fiddle and concertina for weddings and parties.

See both shows at different venues! The Shepherd's Calendar Tue 18 Nov 7.30pm Martley Village Hall WR6 6PQ 01886 888398 Christmas Is Come Sat 22 Nov 8.00pm Cleeve Prior Memorial Village Hall WR11 8LE 01789 773814 The Shepherd's Calendar Sun 23 Nov 7.30pm Eckington Village Hall WR10 3AU 01386 750305

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November CHARLIE DARK HAVE BOX WILL TRAVEL Written and performed by Charlie Dark, directed by Benji Reid. It's hard being the king of the turntable when you live in South London and your African mother doesn't know her Hip from her Hop!

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Charlie Dark's Have Box Will Travel is a rites of passage story based on real events from his incredible and prolific career. Be prepared to be transported from a tiny bedroom in South London to the world of the super DJ in 80 beats and back again. With slick direction from HipHop theatre favourite Benji Reid and a soundtrack of club classics, Have Box Will Travel fuses performance poetry, storytelling and DJing to create an energetic and refreshing show for music lovers, dancers and anyone who has ever dreamt of making it big.

It's a funny and lively show with plenty of music and action and you'll be both cringing and laughing at the moment when he's shouted off the dance floor for doing the wrong dance, but cheering when it looks like he's getting in with the right crowd and headed for success. Produced by the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Co-commissioned by The Lyric Hammersmith and Punch with Support from Manchester Contact in association with Breakin' Cycles.

Sat 22 Nov 7.30pm The Studio, University of Worcester WR2 6AJ 01905 855141

December & January NEW PERSPECTIVES THEATRE COMPANY SIR GAWAIN AND THE GREEN KNIGHT Translated by Simon Armitage, Directed by Daniel Buckroyd “It was Christmas in Camelot… So begins the classic English winter tale, written by an unknown Midlands poet over six hundred years ago but as fresh and startling as ever. Critically acclaimed New Perspectives Theatre Company is delighted to present the first ever staging of the powerful new translation from award-winning poet, playwright and broadcaster, Simon Armitage.

When, one New Year's Day, festivities at the Court of King Arthur are interrupted by the arrival of a mysterious Green Knight and thrown into confusion by the extraordinary challenge he lays down, nobody, least of all the fearless Gawain, is prepared for the terrifying consequences of taking the supernatural stranger at his word. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight tells the haunting human story of a young knight's epic journey through the changing seasons to find the Green Chapel and keep his appointment with fate. It's a tale of temptation, romance and chivalry, shot through with rough-knuckled action and tall-tale humour, brought to life with the help of puppets and live music.

8+ Sat 6 Dec 6.00pm Rock Village Hall DY14 9SD 01584 881570

Sat 17 Jan 7.00pm Feckenham Village Hall B96 6HN 01527 892130 www.feckenodeon.co.uk (click on Shindig)

December THEATRE OF WIDDERSHINS RAPUNZEL AND THE TOWER OF DOOM

costumes for the BBC, honing his craft to perfection. So before he's even picked up a puppet or uttered a word, the set has you charmed. The effects can be truly magical.

Tangles? Split ends? Frizzy? Flyaway? It's bad enough having a bad hair day but pity poor Rapunzel spending her life in a tower with some strange woman using her captive's locks as a step-ladder!

Theatre of Widdershins has taken this traditional tale right back to its roots, teased out the tangles and styled it into a beautifully coiffured hairpiece! This enchanting show promises plenty of body, volume and loads of highlights.

What sort of damage is that going to do to your hair! Bedfordshire based Puppet Theatre Company Theatre of Widdershins has been bringing highly visual and innovative puppetry to schools, village and community halls for over a decade. Puppeteer Andy Lawrence is a born storyteller engaging his audience with playful banter and bringing to life the story's characters. Andy spent years making

Make an appointment to see it today because you're worth it!!

5+ Sun 7 Dec 3.00pm Clent Parish Hall DY9 9QT 01562 886013

December JOHN KIRKPATRICK CAROLLING AND CRUMPETS John Kirkpatrick continues his quest into bizarre traditional rituals found in the folklore and folk music of England at Midwinter.

that sounds just a little too intense, then rest assured that the mysterious and murky goings-on in these magical songs of wassailing, wren-hunting, stirring the fire and incessant feasting all come dressed up in a glittering finery of toe-tapping tunes and cracking choruses.

Building on his previous work with the Wassail! project of the 1990s, the ensuing radio series Deep and Crisp and Even, and last year's concert tour, From an English Midwinter, John presents a revised programme of songs and tunes that reflect his new CD release of seasonal material, Carolling and Crumpets.

Add to the mixture a light-hearted smattering of hilarious original songs, a sprinkling of carols both familiar and unfamiliar, all stirred up with John's usual panache and energy, and supported by his scintillating skill on a variety of squeeze boxes, and you have an unbeatable recipe for having a rattling good sing, guaranteed to keep the spirits cheery and the cold at bay!

Taking a profound look at the powerful pagan urges that race through us all at this time of year, John peels away the commercial gloss of modern Christmas to reveal the life and death struggle that is symbolised in so many traditional songs and customs. And if

“A really enjoyable evening, the audience would have liked John to do another hour at least!! One of our best shows - we would book him again without hesitation”. Village Promoter

8+ Sat 13 Dec Supper 7.30pm Performance 8.30pm Little Witley Village Hall WR6 6LL 01886 888830

PHOTO: DAVID ANGEL

December & January MARTIN SIMPSON IN CONCERT Martin Simpson is without doubt one of the finest finger-style and slide guitarists in the world. He is also a superb interpreter of traditional songs and a spellbinding performer of his own material. At this year's BBC Folk Awards he won Album of the Year for 'Prodigal Son' and Best Original Song for his profoundly moving song about his father 'Never Any Good'. He has won Musician of the Year twice. Martin appeared on the Jools Holland show in November 2007 singing one of the songs from his new album. He performed solo at the first-ever Folk Proms in July.

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Sat 20 Dec 7.30pm Harvington Village Hall WR11 8NQ 01386 870255 /870817

Thu 22 Jan 7.30pm Cookley Sebright Primary School DY10 3TA 01562 850397

Much of Martin's music reflects the places where he's lived; time spent in his native England and the United States underpins his work but he continually adds new colours to his musical palette expanding on his interest in British, AngloAmerican and Afro-American traditional forms. Martin will play the 5 string banjo in addition to his guitar and for pre-Christmas shows he will add some seasonal songs and tunes to his usual eclectic mix. No superlatives adequately describe a Martin Simpson concert - go and see for yourself! “Fantastic performance. Martin thrilled us with his outstanding finger-plucking guitar.” Wymeswold Memorial Hall Sat 24 Jan 7.30pm Martley Village Hall WR6 6PQ 01886 888398

Sun 25 Jan 7.30pm Crowle Parish Hall WR7 4AZ 01905 779116

January NTC TOURING THEATRE STRAW HEADED PETER, by Mike Kenny A very funny, new telling of a classic cautionary tale for all the family by the amazing playwright Mike Kenny - a refreshing breath of fresh air…dark, grotesque and hilarious stories for a dark time of year… “The world is full of lovely children Happy sisters, loving brothers This show is not for lovely children This show is for the others. Good boys and girls, well they're dead certs To all be getting their just deserts But come and see what Santa sends To Straw Head Peter and his friends Who all deserve more grizzly ends.” As always, this will be a fabulous family show for the festive season - not to be missed! Tue 13 Jan 6.30pm St Michaels Village Hall WR15 8TG 01584 819845

Thu 15 Jan 7.30pm Hanbury Village Hall B60 4BY 01527 821929

Fri 16 Jan 7.00pm Leigh & Bransford Memorial Hall WR13 5DE 01886 833526

6+ Family show

January, February & March KING VILLA SWINGERS IN SUSPENDERS Cheeky Cabaret with a Swing featuring Jo King and Alexi Harden! This show will definitely appeal to the over 50s as well as the huge number of young swing fans. Anyone who likes MGM musicals, film noire, nostalgia, romance...and suspenders! A musical journey through the songs and stars of the Swing era. The 1930s, 40s and 50s are brought back to life by Jo King and Alexi Harden with live piano, trumpet, sax and guitar.

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Dance, comedy, puppetry, fabulous costumes and superstar guests are all used to create a first class vaudeville cabaret evening. (Joan Crawford, Frank Sinatra, Groucho Marx, Marlene Dietrich and Bing Crosby have already agreed to lend their talents!) Be there!

Fri 23 Jan 8.00pm Malvern Wells Village Hall WR14 4HF 01684 567058 Sun 25 Jan 8.00pm Ashton-under-Hill Village Hall WR11 7SW 01386 881594

Sun 22 Feb 7.30pm Birlingham Village Hall WR10 3AB 01386 750915 Fri 27 Feb 8.00pm Grimley Peace Hall Sinton Green WR2 6NP 01905 642740/640187

Sat 31 Jan Supper 7.00pm Performance 8.00pm Clows Top Victory Hall DY14 9HG 01299 832637

Sat 28 Feb 7.30pm Bentley Village Hall B97 5TB 01527 541178

Sun 1 Feb 7.30pm Bishampton Villages Hall WR10 2LY 01386 462306/462274

Sun 1 Mar 7.30pm Feckenham Village Hall B96 6HN 01527 892130

Sat 21 Feb 8.00pm Cleeve Prior Memorial Village Hall WR11 8LE 01789 773814

www.feckenodeon.co.uk (click on Shindig)

January OXFORDSHIRE TOURING THEATRE COMPANY HANSEL AND GRETEL By Mike Kenny OTTC has commissioned award winning children's writer Mike Kenny to produce a new version of the Brothers Grimm tale, Hansel and Gretel. The show will be at once a dark and humorous re-telling of this well-loved story (complemented by fabulous design and original music and songs) sure to excite and delight family audiences and provide an opportunity for a real, shared, intergenerational community event at that special time of the year! Desperate times call for desperate measures! So when food is short and there are mouths to feed, something's got to give. But when Mum and Dad leave the kids in the wood, there turn out to be more questions than answers...

Will the woodcutter turn out to be a man or a mouse? Will Hansel and Gretel ever find their way back home? Will the future be free-range or oven ready? Find out in Mike Kenny's sparkling re-telling of this familiar tale of breadcrumbs and witches: it's the perfect recipe for a great night out for all the hungry family!

Fri 30 Jan 6.00pm Alfrick Village Hall WR6 5HJ 01886 832229 Sat 31 Jan 7.00pm Elmbridge Village Hall WR9 0DA 01299 851266

6+

Family show

February THE KOSH THE STOREROOM The Kosh, one of the UK's most daring touring companies, hits the road with a dazzling new dance theatre cabaret, The Storeroom, a dark, comic, physical tale played to a mesmerising soundtrack. Revenge is a cold dance. She's dressed to kill and ready to sing. The answer is in The Storeroom, if only she can make the pieces fit. A moving jigsaw and magical cabaret evening produced by the fabulous The Kosh. Starring the brilliantly talented Siân Williams. As graceful and sinuous as a cat, her award-winning performances have been acclaimed internationally. “Utterly compelling, a phenomenon. Is there anything Siân Williams can't do?” TimeOut

Sat 7 Feb 8.00pm Worcester Arts Workshop WR1 1UH 01905 21095

13+

February TOM BLISS - SLIPJIG TALES OF TIME AND TIDE A development from the much acclaimed Island Slices, Tom's new show, Tales of Time and Tide, is a multi-media, multiinstrumental storytelling, song and dance show (only he's fibbing about the dancing!). The show is funny, informative, moving and gripping and will appeal to all ages and musical tastes - in fact, everyone who enjoys a great yarn! Video clips, pictures, sound-bites and sound effects enhance Tom Bliss' 'charismatic' and 'gripping' storytelling and his diligently researched and beautifully told tales lead directly into inspirational and moving narrative songs. The stories all have maritime and historical connections and are based on real events as well as ancient and modern myths and legends.

Tom sings 'like a lark' and accompanies his voice with guitar, mandocello, long-necked dulcimer and duet concertina plus he plays whistle and other instruments during the show. He's a singer, writer and film director with a national reputation; his love and understanding of traditional song and music informs all his work. A great family show.

7+ Sat 14 Feb 8.00pm Powick Parish Hall WR2 4RT 01905 830746 Sun 15 Feb 8.00pm The Fleece Inn Barn Bretforton WR11 7JE 01386 831173

February OPERA ON THE RUN TURNING HEADS A modern Chaucerian saga performed by your favourite opera company! With their unique brand of operatic entertainment, dynamic duo Tim ArmstrongTaylor and Ian Bloomfield present a tale based on the true events of a fictional stag weekend in Amsterdam. City boys, John and Dan, exhausted and disenchanted by the mundane loneliness of their lives and the gravity of their imminent middle-age, escape to Amsterdam for a hedonistic spree. A simple tale, but one that is told with skill and inventiveness. Underscored with the world's best loved classical music (Sabre Dance, Bach's Toccata and Fugue, Strauss' Also Sprach Zarathustra, Pomp and Circumstance by Elgar) with added bespoke operatic lyrics and singing

and combined with lots of running, posturing and general chaos, makes this piece fun and light-hearted. Turning Heads will take you on a rollercoaster journey through one thousand, six hundred and eighty three bars in just 59 minutes and sung, as always, by fabulous opera singers! Age range: suitable for an adult audience and young people of 16 years and upwards. Contains some adult material; certainly no bad language.

16+ Sat 21 Feb 8.00pm Heightington Village Hall DY12 2XU 01299 822987 Sun 22 Feb 7.30pm Bishampton Villages Hall WR10 2LY 01386 462306/462274

DIARY: Autumn-Winter 2008/09 September, October & November HOOVER THE DOG IN CONCERT Fri 19 Sep 7.30pm Severn Sailing Club House, 01684 772849 Bredons Norton GL20 7HD Sun 21 Sep 8.00pm Cleeve Prior Memorial Village Hall WR11 8LE 01789 773814 Fri 3 Oct 8.00pm Malvern Wells Village Hall WR14 4HF 01684 567058 Fri 17 Oct 7.30pm Himbleton Parish Hall WR9 7LG 01905 391662 Fri 7 Nov 7.30pm Offenham Village Hall WR11 8QD 07831 245267 Fri 28 Nov 7.00pm Oak Hill First School, Redditch B98 7JU 01527 528523 MIRACLE THEATRE COMPANY THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Sat 27 Sep 7.30pm Number 8 Community Arts Centre 01386 555488 Pershore WR10 1BG

Sat 4 Oct 7.30pm St Michaels Village Hall WR15 8TG 01584 819845 Sun 5 Oct 7.30pm Birlingham Village Hall WR10 3AB 01386 750915 Sun 26 Oct Supper 7.30pm Performance 8.30pm Little Witley Village Hall WR6 6LL 01886 888830 Sat 15 Nov 7.30pm Alfrick Village Hall WR6 5HJ 01886 832229 Sun 23 Nov 8.00pm Malvern Wells Village Hall WR14 4HF 01684 567058 Fri 28 Nov 8.00pm Abbots Morton Village Hall WR7 4NA 01386 793342 Sat 13 Dec 8.00pm Grimley Peace Hall, Sinton Green WR2 6NP 01905 642740/ 640187 Sun 11 Jan 7.30pm Beckford Village Hall GL20 7AA 01386 881248 Sat 7 Feb 7.30pm Rous Lench Village Hall WR11 4UN 01386 793651 Sun 8 Feb 7.30pm Harvington Village Hall WR11 8NQ 01386 870255/ 870817

October, November, December, January & February THE OPERA DUDES LICENSED TO TRILL Fri 3 Oct Supper 7.00pm Performance 8.00pm Clows Top Victory Hall DY14 9HG 01299 832637

October DOUDOU CISSOKO TRIO IN CONCERT Sat 4 Oct 8.00pm Worcester Arts Workshop WR1 1UH 01905 21095

September

October & February CARMINA IN CONCERT Sun 5 Oct The Fold Eco Café, Bransford WR6 5JB Sat 7 Feb Rubery Community & Leisure Centre B45 9AD

7.30pm 01886 833633 7.30pm 0121 453 7716

October SPIKE THEATRE/RAMESH MEYYAPPAN GIN AND TONIC AND PASSING TRAINS Sat 11 Oct 7.30pm The Studio, University of Worcester WR2 6AJ 01905 855141 October NTC TOURING THEATRE COMPANY COUNTRY VOICES & THESE THINGS DO HAPPEN Country Voices Fri 17 Oct 7.30pm The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster DY10 2RX 01562 743745 These Things Do Happen Sat 18 Oct 7.30pm Areley Kings Village Hall DY13 0NB 01299 822160 Country Voices Sun 19 Oct 7.30pm Feckenham Village Hall B96 6HN 01527 892130 www.feckenodeon.co.uk (click on Shindig)

Please call contact number to book tickets, gain information on ticket prices (usually between £6 - £8), check start times and get directions to the venue. Thanks to all Shindig local promoters for their hard work and enthusiasm in hosting shows.

DIARY: Autumn-Winter 2008/09 October & November CLAP TRAP PRODUCTIONS NOT ABOUT HEROES Fri 17 Oct 7.30pm Kingsley College Theatre, Redditch B98 7UH 01527 830731 Sun 19 Oct 7.30pm The Fleece Inn Barn, Bretforton WR11 7JE 01386 831173 Sat 1 Nov 7.30pm The Regal Theatre, Tenbury Wells WR15 8AE 01584 819653 October & February THE CRAIG SCHNEIDER TRIO 'S WONDERFUL Sun 19 Oct 7.30pm Clent Parish Hall DY9 9QT 01562 886013 Fri 20 Feb Supper 7.30pm Performance 8.30pm Little Witley Village Hall WR6 6LL 01886 888830 Sat 21 Feb 8.00pm Hallow Parish Hall WR2 6LB 01905 640968 October QUONDAM THEATRE COMPANY THE LAST WALTZ Fri 31 Oct 8.00pm Ashton-under-Hill Village Hall WR11 7SW 01386 881594

November ASERE IN CONCERT Sun 2 Nov 7.30pm Worcester Arts Workshop WR1 1UH 01905 21095 November THE SINGING SOUS'CHEFS ALIVE AGAIN! Wed 12 Nov 8.00pm The Fleece Inn Barn, Bretforton WR11 7JE 01386 831173 Sat 15 Nov 8.00pm Castlemorton Parish Hall WR13 6BE 01684 833297/833477 Sun 16 Nov 7.00pm Sytchampton Village Hall DY13 9SY 01905 620828 Sat 22 Nov 7.45pm Heightington Village Hall DY12 2XU 01299 822987 November, January & February THE NEW ROPE STRING BAND IN CONCERT Fri 14 Nov 7.30pm Brake Theatre, Hagley Catholic High School 01562 883193 DY8 2XL Sat 15 Nov 8.00pm Bockleton Village Hall WR15 8PU 01568 750546 Sat 17 Jan 7.30pm Areley Kings Village Hall DY13 0NB 01299 822160 Sat 14 Feb 7.30pm Eckington Village Hall WR10 3AU 01386 750305

November THE MELLSTOCK BAND THE SHEPHERD'S CALENDAR & CHRISTMAS IS COME The Shepherd's Calendar Tue 18 Nov 7.30pm Martley Village Hall WR6 6PQ 01886 888398 Christmas Is Come Sat 22 Nov 8.00pm Cleeve Prior Memorial Village Hall WR11 8LE 01789 773814 The Shepherd's Calendar Sun 23 Nov 7.30pm Eckington Village Hall WR10 3AU 01386 750305 November CHARLIE DARK HAVE BOX WILL TRAVEL Sat 22 Nov 7.30pm The Studio, University of Worcester WR2 6AJ 01905 855141 December & January NEW PERSPECTIVES THEATRE COMPANY SIR GAWAIN AND THE GREEN KNIGHT Sat 6 Dec 6.00pm Rock Village Hall DY14 9SD 01584 881570 Sat 17 Jan 7.00pm Feckenham Village Hall B96 6HN 01527 892130 www.feckenodeon.co.uk (click on Shindig)

Please call contact number to book tickets, gain information on ticket prices (usually between £6 - £8), check start times and get directions to the venue. Thanks to all Shindig local promoters for their hard work and enthusiasm in hosting shows.

DIARY: Autumn-Winter 2008/09 December THEATRE OF WIDDERSHINS RAPUNZEL AND THE TOWER OF DOOM Sun 7 Dec 3.00pm Clent Parish Hall DY9 9QT 01562 886013 December JOHN KIRKPATRICK CAROLLING AND CRUMPETS Sat 13 Dec Supper 7.30pm Performance 8.30pm Little Witley Village Hall WR6 6LL 01886 888830 December & January MARTIN SIMPSON IN CONCERT Sat 20 Dec 7.30pm Harvington Village Hall WR11 8NQ 01386 870255/870817 Thu 22 Jan 7.30pm Cookley Sebright Primary School DY10 3TA 01562 850397 Sat 24 Jan 7.30pm Martley Village Hall WR6 6PQ 01886 888398 Sun 25 Jan 7.30pm Crowle Parish Hall WR7 4AZ 01905 779116 January NTC TOURING THEATRE STRAW HEADED PETER Tue 13 Jan 6.30pm St Michaels Village Hall WR15 8TG 01584 819845

Thu 15 Jan Hanbury Village Hall B60 4BY Fri 16 Jan Leigh & Bransford Memorial Hall WR13 5DE

7.30pm 01527 821929 7.00pm 01886 833526

January, February & March KING VILLA SWINGERS IN SUSPENDERS Fri 23 Jan 8.00pm Malvern Wells Village Hall WR14 4HF 01684 567058 Sun 25 Jan 8.00pm Ashton-under-Hill Village Hall WR11 7SW 01386 881594 Sat 31 Jan Supper 7.00pm Performance 8.00pm Clows Top Victory Hall DY14 9HG 01299 832637 Sun 1 Feb 7.30pm Bishampton Villages Hall WR10 2LY 01386 462306/462274 Sat 21 Feb 8.00pm Cleeve Prior Memorial Village Hall WR11 8LE 01789 773814 Sun 22 Feb 7.30pm Birlingham Village Hall WR10 3AB 01386 750915 Fri 27 Feb 8.00pm Grimley Peace Hall, Sinton Green WR2 6NP 01905 642740 /640187 Sat 28 Feb 7.30pm Bentley Village Hall B97 5TB 01527 541178 Sun 1 Mar 7.30pm Feckenham Village Hall B96 6HN 01527 892130 www.feckenodeon.co.uk (click on Shindig)

January OXFORDSHIRE TOURING THEATRE COMPANY HANSEL AND GRETEL Fri 30 Jan 6.00pm Alfrick Village Hall WR6 5HJ 01886 832229 Sat 31 Jan 7.00pm Elmbridge Village Hall WR9 0DA 01299 851266 February THE KOSH THE STOREROOM Sat 7 Feb Worcester Arts Workshop WR1 1UH

8.00pm 01905 21095

February TOM BLISS - SLIPJIG TALES OF TIME AND TIDE Sat 14 Feb 8.00pm Powick Parish Hall WR2 4RT 01905 830746 Sun 15 Feb 8.00pm The Fleece Inn Barn, Bretforton WR11 7JE 01386 831173 February OPERA ON THE RUN TURNING HEADS Sat 21 Feb 8.00pm Heightington Village Hall DY12 2XU 01299 822987 Sun 22 Feb 7.30pm Bishampton Villages Hall WR10 2LY 01386 462306 /462274

Please call contact number to book tickets, gain information on ticket prices (usually between £6 - £8), check start times and get directions to the venue. Thanks to all Shindig local promoters for their hard work and enthusiasm in hosting shows.

Disability Access and Venues: Autumn-Winter 2008/09 Abbots Morton Village Hall

Castlemorton Parish Hall

Alfrick Village Hall

Cleeve Prior Memorial Hall internal

Areley Kings Village Hall

Bentley Village Hall Birlingham Village Hall

Cookley Sebright Primary School Crowle Parish Hall

OSP

Eckington Village Hall

Bishampton Villages Hall

Elmbridge Village Hall

Bockleton Village Hall

Feckenham Village Hall

Bransford, The Fold Eco Cafe

Hagley Catholic High School

Bredons Norton, Severn Sailing Club House

Hallow Parish Hall

Bretforton, The Fleece Inn Barn

PORTABLE RAMP

Clows Top Victory Hall TSL

Beckford Village Hall

internal

Clent Parish Hall

internal

Ashton-under-Hill Village Hall

OSP

OSP

PORTABLE RAMP internal

Hanbury Village Hall

Please call contact number to book tickets, gain information on ticket prices (usually between £6 - £8), check start times and get directions to the venue. Thanks to all Shindig local promoters for their hard work and enthusiasm in hosting shows.

Rock Village Hall

Heightington Village Hall OSP

Himbleton Parish Hall

steep

Kidderminster, The Rose Theatre

Rous Lench Village Hall PORTABLE RAMP

OSP

internal

BPA

Rubery Community & Leisure Centre TSL

Leigh & Bransford Memorial Hall

St Michaels Village Hall Sinton Green, Grimley Peace Hall

Little Witley Village Hall OSP

Malvern Wells Village Hall

Sytchampton Village Hall Tenbury Wells, The Regal Theatre

Martley Village Hall Number 8, Pershore

internal

Redditch, Oak Hill First School

Harvington Village Hall

OSP

TSL

Worcester Arts Workshop TSL

Offenham Village Hall

OSP ONE

internal

Worcester University, The Studio

Powick Parish Hall Redditch, Kingsley College Theatre

internal

Please call contact number to book tickets, gain information on ticket prices (usually between £6 - £8), check start times and get directions to the venue. Thanks to all Shindig local promoters for their hard work and enthusiasm in hosting shows.

ACCESS KEY: Autumn-Winter 2008/09 Reservable/general parking on Site On street parking

Total number of steps on internal route OSP

Internal lift

Designated parking

Standard WC facility only

Level entrance

Wheelchair accessible toilet

Ramp approached up

Wheelchair accessible toilet with transfer space limited

Ramp approached down

Induction loop

Total number of steps at entrance

Infrared System

Alternative wheelchair entrance Ramp on internal route Ramp on internal route Internal width restricted

internal internal

TSL

Assistance dogs welcome internal internal

The access information given has been supplied by the individual venues and collated by Artservice; to the best of our knowledge and belief, it is accurate. Please call venue for information, or clarification on specific details, and particularly with regard to advice on access for Service Dogs where individual venues have not specified.

Please call contact number to book tickets, gain information on ticket prices (usually between £6 - £8), check start times and get directions to the venue. Thanks to all Shindig local promoters for their hard work and enthusiasm in hosting shows.

SPIKE THEATRE/RAMESH MEYYAPPAN

live arts on your doorstep Contact your local Arts Officer for more information about becoming a Shindig promoter or the work of arts teams around the County: JONATHAN COCHRANE Theatre and Arts Development Manager Redditch Borough Council 01527 63051 email: [email protected]

HUW MOSELEY Arts Development & Special Events Officer Bromsgrove District Council 01527 881381 email: [email protected]

JENNY DAVIS Arts Development Officer, Wychavon District Council 01386 565396 email: [email protected]

IAIN RUTHERFORD Museums Arts & Heritage Manager, Worcester City 01905 722319 email: [email protected]

MANDA GRAHAM Arts Development Officer, Malvern Hills District Council 01684 862312 email: [email protected]

LOZ SAMUELS Arts and Play Development Officer Wyre Forest District Council 01562 732977 email: [email protected]

TRACY GRUBB Community Development Officer, Wychavon District Council 01386 565168 email: [email protected]

STEVE WILSON County Arts Officer, Worcestershire County Council 01905 765754 email: [email protected]