• After the Accident

    cube theatre

    A child’s life is snuffed out by a joy-rider.
    Four years on, the parents and the joy-rider meet.
    A powerful award-winning drama, After the Accident combines highly-charged storytelling with thought-provoking themes in exploring the workings of Restorative Justice; a process which tries to repair the damage done by crime. Highly current, the drama unpicks the web of emotional devastation that the families face with clarity and force. Despite its challenging subject matter the play draws you in quickly, and through its wonderfully pared down script and recognisable characters, uncovers layer after layer with courage and compassion

    Tickets £8, £6 13+

  • Near Gone

    Two Destination Language

    Two performers have a difficult story to tell.They come on stage and launch themselves into an hour long attempt to put into words the utterly unspeakable. Delivered in English and Bulgarian, with pounding gypsy-inspired music, this beautiful performance fills an empty space with two performers, hundreds of fresh flowers and a storm of emotion.

    Near Gone won a 2014 Total Theatre Award at the Edinburgh Festival for Innovation, Experimentation and Playing With Form, and received numerous four and five star reviews.  The company are Artists in Residence at Salisbury Playhouse.

    We saw this show in Edinburgh last summer and were entranced by it.   The combination of two completely watchable actors, two languages, a mesmerising telling of the story  (which several times explodes into a frenetic dance), the littering of the stage with hundreds of flowers, the whole show  grips you completely.  The images and effect remain with you long after the performance ends.  Apparently simple, but full of complexity, this is a piece of theatre which deserves its accolades.  Don’t miss this single performance in Cornwall on a nationwide tour.

    “This is a difficult story to tell, performer Katherina Radeva warns us in Bulgarian through her translator and fellow performer, Alister Lownie, at the start of Near Gone.  She is not wrong.   Intimately exploring the themes of grief, loss and potential loss, the subject matter of Near Gone is not easy to talk about. However, Radeva and Lownie’s emotional story is told with great beauty, sensitivity and humour, creating art that is truly affecting, memorable and life-affirming”.

    and Lyn Gardner said in The Guardian ‘Essential Theatre Picks’

    “a winning heartfelt intensity…. a boon to the flower trade and to audiences too with its passionate, dance-filled look at the gulfs we cannot bridge”.

    Alister and Katherina will host a short post-show discussion of some of the questions raised by the show.

    Tickets £10, £8 Children £5

  • Rob Heron and The Tea Pad Orchestra

    The band play their own brand of Western Swing, Blues, Gypsy Jazz and Country, or “North Eastern Swing” as they’ve coined it. Influenced by early 20th century American music, with the addition of “razor-sharp” solos, great arrangements and original songs; their music harks back to a golden age whilst staying perfectly modern.

    The songs are penned by Rob Heron, a crazy fool for country music and a full time dandy-cowboy. His songs are full of character, satire, and good old fashion hollerin’! With thousands of touring miles under their belts, they have earned themselves a strong fan base in the UK, Europe and beyond.

    Their debut album, ‘Money Isn’t Everything’, caused a sensation when it was released in 2012, winning a host of rave reviews – many of them 5-star. Their follow up album, “Talk About The Weather” in 2014 also received great radio play and reviews.Throughout 2015 the band have continued to show their passion for touring and playing live with multiple SELL OUT shows across the UK and beyond. Most recently the band played a spectacular performance at the legendary Glastonbury Festival. With plenty more incredible shows lined up for the rest of the year, Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra are best experienced live!

    Tickets £11/£10

    Directed by Sam Campbell and produced by Nick Hayes. This video was filmed on one of the oldest railways in the world, Tanfield Railway, built in 1725.

    WEBSITE

  • Gabby Young Duo

    A pared-down version of her 8-piece band Gabby Young and Other Animals, the duo consists of Gabby Young and guitarist Stephen Ellis, who present their unique blend of jazz, burlesque, gypsy folk and swing. Gabby says “we call it circus jazz, but you have to come and see us to know what that means”. Gabby’s quirky and colourful couture is as daring and different as her music.

    They have a collection of memorable songs written between them, and Stephen produced the two highly rated albums The Band Called Out for More and One Foot in Front of the Other.

    The Duo has toured the Middle East. Europe, Japan, Australia and the USA. They have recently supported top international French stars Bridget and Zaz, and the girl band Katzenjammer from Norway. Now working together on their third album, they are engaged to be married in Spring 2016.

    “Elements of music hall, opera, big band jazz and foot-stomping folk are all poured in to the mix with Gabby’s incredible vocal gymnastics holding it all together” (The Sun)

    “Words cannot describe the plethora of varying sensations Gabby bestowed upon her salivating audience. Gabby Young must be seen live and in full technicolour.” (Kentishtowner)

    The Guardian * * * *
    The Daily Mirror * * * *
    Financial Times * * * *
    The Sun * * * *

    Tickets £11/£10

  • Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

    Resonate Strings

    Five gifted musicians, each representing one of the five string sections of the BSO. This engaging concert reflects a wonderful diversity from Vivaldi to Brahms, Mozart to Puccini and Handel to Scott Joplin.

    This will be the third visit of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra to the Tolmen Centre.  The previous two produced performances of wonderful quality, first their Brass Section and last year the Wind Ensemble.   To have the String Serenade (BSO Resonate Strings) is a perfect  way to celebrate a ‘hat-trick’ of visits, and promises an unmissable prospect of top class musicianship

    It is worth noting that the BSO themselves wished to return to the Tolmen Centre as a venue of choice – they love our performance space, our enthusiastic audience, and are appreciative of the way we welcome performers.

    The planned programme is set out below, but there may be additions or changes – the BSO love to surprise their audiences!

    In association with Carn to Cove

    Tickets £10, £8
    Accompanied children are free, to give an opportunity for the youngsters to see this fine group of musicians ‘live and in the flesh’ with a readily accessible mixed programme.

  • Miracle Theatre: Dr Livingstone I Presume

    Both a hurrah to courage and endurance and a swipe at the great 19th century ideals, Miracle serves up this curious slice of history in its own inimitable style – and with a huge nod to Victorian Music Hall.

    Mixing caustic comedy, seedy songs and second-rate dubious magic, dodgy ventriloquism and spectacle and breath-taking burlesque, the show will genuinely appeal to adults and children 7+.

    Tickets £12, £10, Children under 16: £8, Family Group: £35

  • Lynched

    Lynched are a four-piece folk group from Dublin who combine four-part vocal harmonies, concertina, Russian accordion, fiddle and guitar.

    Their repertoire spans humorous Dublin music-hall ditties and street-songs, classic ballads from the Traveller tradition, dance tunes, and their own original material.

    Tickets £11, £10

  • Victoria Glendinning

    Constantine Book Group Plus

    Acclaimed biographer, critic and broadcaster talks about Anthony Trollope who was one of the most successful, prolific and respected English novelists of the Victorian era. Some of his best-loved works, collectively known as the Chronicles of Barsetshire, revolve around the imaginary county of Barsetshire.

    He also wrote many other perceptive novels on political, social, and gender issues.

    Light refreshments and wine available from 6.30 Tickets £5

  • Gren Bartley Band

    Immensely talented singer, songwriter and guitarist, Gren Bartley with three accompanying musicians on strings and percussion. His new album ‘Magnificent Creatures’ was released in May 2015 and received rave reviews. He blends both British and American folk influences and his beautiful finger-picking guitar technique has been much praised, while his songwriting “is continually outstanding in the best poetic lyrical tradition.”

    Tickets £11, £10

    grenbartley.com

  • Modou N’Diaye Cissokho & the Golden Kora Band

    Celebrated Senegalers composer and praise singer Modou N’Diaye  with the Golden Kora Band plays his own personal blend of Afro Mandingue music.

    In association with Carn to Cove

    Tickets £8, £6 Family £22

  • Medical Maelstrom

    …a tincture of song and laughter dispensed by three Cornish doctors

    “The beautiful voice of Michele Sharkey combined with the hilarious antics of Sam Freegard, all held together by the perfect accompaniment of Anthony Seddon made it an evening to remember”…

    “Entertainment at its very best’’…     “I really don’t remember laughing so much before”

    …“A concert worthy of the West End stage”     “…the supremely talented members of Medical Maelstrom”

    Michele Sharkey was born in Lanarkshire and began vocal training after completing her medical studies at the University of Glasgow. Her main interest is opera, and major roles range from the consumptive Mimi (La Bohème) to the dagger wielding Queen of the Night (Magic Flute) with Angelica (Suor Angelica), Zerlina (Don Giovanni), Frasquita (Carmen), Olympia (Tales of Hoffman), Anna (Merry Widow), Gretel (Hansel and Gretel) and Adele (Die Fledermaus) in between. Her favourite gigs, however, are with Maelstrom.

    Sam Freegard’s enjoyment of being silly on stage developed whilst studying medicine at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London. After moving to Cornwall in 1982, for many years he acted with the West Cornwall Theatre Group at the Minack theatre, including the title role in Macbeth, Leontes in The Winter’s Tale and Randle P McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Sam sincerely hopes that his appearance with Michele and Anthony does not spoil what might otherwise have been an evening of high class entertainment…..

    Anthony Seddon was a boy chorister at King’s College Cambridge, then a music scholar at Clifton College Bristol and then a choral scholar at Magdalen College Oxford where he studied medicine. In the Swinging Sixties (!) he was a member of a close harmony pop group which made several records and TV appearances. He came to Cornwall in 1973 and for several years he sang in Truro Cathedral choir. He was musical director for Duchy Opera’s productions of Café Puccini and La Cenerentola and he has performed extensively as an accompanist.

    DON’T MISS THIS CHANCE TO SEE THIS UNIQUE ACT THAT WILL LEAVE YOU WITH A SMILE ON YOUR FACE AND ACHING WITH LAUGHTER. THE ARTISTS ARE GIVING THEIR SERVICES FREE OF CHARGE TO MAKE THIS A VERY SPECIAL FUND-RAISING CONCERT FOR THE TOLMEN CENTRE. WE EXPECT A SELL-OUT SO BOOK WELL AHEAD. A GREAT START TO THE FESTIVE SEASON!

    Tickets £10 

  • Pipeline Theatre: Streaming

    Falling from a world of virtual wealth, Rosa (15) and her father land in a cheap flat with a reclusive new neighbour – a webcam girl. Blending unforgettable characters, moments of macabre puppetry and a translucent set, Streaming is a funny, moving and and disturbing rites-of-passage story for the modern age.

    Tickets £8, £6 Children Age Guide16+ 

  • The Busquitos

    A quartet of madcap musical Dutchmen, the Busquitos’ music is rooted in trad jazz but may include rock’n’roll, pop and classical tunes. They describe themselves as a “jazzy jivin’ funky funny fiddle super saxy mental mobile great guitar singin’ swingin’ buskin’band”. This event will be downstairs and as the band always aims for some audience participation it promises to be a lively night.

    Tickets £11, £10

    busquitos.com

  • Workshop with Lady Maisery

    Suitable for singers of all ages and abilities, and will offer the chance to sing in harmony and to learn about the mysterious art of ‘diddling’.

    Tickets £10 (£5 for children): Advanced booking is advised.

  • Pendulums Bargain Emporium

    Maison Foo 
    Inspired by ‘The Elves and the Shoemaker’ a desperate tale of slavery and greed told with humour, intimacy and charm using Maison Foo’s inventive visual blend of storytelling, live music, clowning and puppetry.

    “Touching and beautifully crafted…deceptively sophisticated and layered work – a little show with a big heart.‘
    Lyn Gardner, The Guardian

    Tickets £12, £10, £6 Children under 16

  • Tolmen Centre nominated for West Briton WOCA Award!

    Some kind soul has nominated us for the West Briton (WOCA) Awards as Best Theatre Venue in Cornwall. Obviously we are delighted and proud, though as the result will be determined mostly by ‘social media’ ie Facebook and Twitter which we don’t really understand or use, we haven’t a chance of winning – especially against The Hall For Cornwall and The Minack who are in a different league from us at The Tolmen Centre. We are community based, in a small village, run by volunteers – a minnow among venues. An honourable last place beckons!

    However, we are proud of our record of promoting cutting edge theatre in Cornwall and being both careful and ambitious in what we put on. We also have a good record for having shows developed at our venue – no fewer than 13 companies in the last few years – from 1927, Theatre Adinfinitum, and Paper Cinema – nationally famous names – to most of the best known Cornish companies – Kneehigh, Miracle, Pipeline, Cscape and Cube amongst others have made work with us.

    So if any folk  feel like whipping up a storm of support for us, the link to circulate for voting is copied below:

    http://www.westbriton.co.uk/…/story-26038450-det…/story.html 

  • Carrivick Sisters

    Twin sisters Laura and Charlotte Carrivick are widely known throughout the UK folk scene. Their years of experience performing all over the UK and abroad have gained them a strong reputation for engaging live performances, multi-instrumental dexterity (fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar and dobro), tight sibling harmonies and finely crafted original songs. They have a unique sound incorporating their musical background of American bluegrass and old-time but also being influenced by English folk lore, having grown up in South Devon.

    “Comparisons to Alison Krauss & Union Station would not be out of place, for they are that good, swapping lead vocals and playing Dobro, mandolin and the rest like hardened veterans, but it’s the English folk influences they bring to their music that give them a unique sound.” R2 Magazine (Rock ‘N’ Reel) 4 **** review

    “Formidable multi-instrumental skills and songwriting, maturing at such a steep curve they’ll soon be orbiting far beyond anyone else” Q Magazine 4 **** review

    WEBSITE

  • Seven Deadly Sins 

    Tom Jackson Greaves with Polly Motley

    Adam and Eve are in a relationship pickle! As they dance through the sins of their past they reach an ultimate choice. But are they brave enough to make it? Seven Deadly Sins is a vibrant dance comedy full of laughs, apples and exhilarating movement. Choreographed by young Cornish artistTom Jackson Greaves, a winner of the New Adventures Choreographer Award.

    ‘Sexy slick and beautifully expressive’ The Stage

    Tickets £8, £7, Children £6 

  • A Little Nonsense

    Juncture Theatre

    An original comedy that explores the clown inside the man and the mirth hidden in the melancholy.

    Through mime, slapstick, poetry and farce, A Little Nonsense is a bare-knuckle look at the sharp edge of funny.

    The play mixes laugh-out-loud hilarity with a subtle exploration of the edgy relationship between the clown and his straightman.

    Tickets £10, £9 Children £5

  • Serenade

    Bournemouth Symphony Wind Ensemble will perform Dvorak’s Serenade for Wind instruments conducted by Maxime Tortelier. They will also be joined by young wind players from Cornwall, who will perform alongside the BSO

    Two wind ensembles from the county – Sax is our Business and Flautistas will also be performing in the concert.

    Tickets £10/£8, Children Free

  • Bella Hardy

    With The Dawn Tour 2015 – supported by Routes South West, Bristol Music Centre and Arts Council England.

    Bella Hardy, BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Singer of the Year 2014, tours her eagerly anticipated new album ‘With The Dawn’; a heartfelt collection of self-composed songs which tell a story of travel, of choices, of lessons unlearned, and also of hope. One of the most creative, prolific and original singers in the UK, her captivating voice inhabits her music and spins her narratives with an equal balance of strength and sensitivity.

    The ‘With The Dawn’ Band complement Bella’s breath-taking vocals and narrative fiddle with a powerful and evocative mix of banjo, piano, electronics and drums. With roots firmly within the folk tradition, songs written straight from the heart, and bold steps into a new world of sound and expression, this is a performance not to be missed.

    “…unveiled, committed, uncontrived, persuasive, passionate, empowering, and utterly wonderful” – Colin Irwin, fRoots

    £11/£10

  • Tolmen Centre Update

    The Tolmen Centre is now an established Arts and Performance centre with a county-wide reputation. We have a regular programme of theatre, music, films and general entertainment. However, the Tolmen Centre is also available for all sorts of other things. Here are a few examples:

    The downstairs area can be hired at very reasonable cost for events, parties, or meetings. The area can be divided into two or left as one big space, and is well equipped with tables, chairs and comfortable sofas, as well as having a modern kitchen with enough catering facilities for up to 100 people. At the back is a newly landscaped garden and patio area which allows your event to open out into the fresh air and a pleasant lawned area. There is disabled access to all areas. We also have a high quality film and projection system with a big screen and surround-sound capability. This can be used to show films or dvds, or to do business style presentations. If the event is a private function (ie, not open to the public) there are no licence implications, so village groups can screen films at very low cost as part of their activities.

    Either the downstairs or the upstairs can be used for band or event rehearsals, or for such things as yoga, pilates or just for group meetings or classes. We already host Fitness Dance, Todlins, The Thursday Drama Group (more adults always wel- come, but fully subscribed for youngsters) and the Community Choir sessions, but there is room for more. The rents are very reasonable.

    There is a small fiction library in the Centre where books can be borrowed and/or exchanged. We are hoping to arrange a regular daytime opening time for the Centre to allow access to this facility, which is free. The Constant Times print facilities are available for hire for a range of printing services. We can’t actually do the printing for you, but there are computers with good software and a range of fast printers which can be used on a DIY basis by arrangement. The Constantine Museum is housed on one side of the Tolmen Centre. As well as the semi-permanent displays, there are archives of documents and photos, and, as important perhaps, the volunteer helpers have the expertise to help with all matters relating to village heritage.

    The Tolmen Centre is a village facility entirely run by volunteers. It’s open to all, and everyone is welcome to make use of it. New ideas for events and activities are always welcomed. You can see details on this website or call in when we are open, or phone on 01326 341353.

    Charlie Pugh

  • Tolmen Centre News January 2015

    The programme for the start of 2015 at The Tolmen Centre is now printed and published, with details on this site as well as the printed leaflet.

    One important change to our plans  is that The Feast of Fun originally scheduled for 10th January has had to be cancelled.   After a break, we hope it’ll reappear next year!

    The programme continues with the visit of Steve Knightley on 16th January, develops with some excellent Movies, and gets into top gear in February with some fabulous Theatre and Folk sessions.  Cafe Tolmen will be offering pre-show meals at all the events.

    The wonderful  Tolmen Family Drama Group sessions continue on Thursday nights. There’s already a full complement of youngsters, but more grown-ups are needed to balance the group. Learn about making theatre by joining in with this vibrant group – all you need is enthusiasm and commitment, and being able to turn up on Thursday evenings. Phone Tod Welch on 01326 341045 to find out how to get involved.

    Don’t forget that The Tolmen Centre has spaces to rent for all sorts of  parties, activities or events, either on a regular basis or for one off occasions.   It’s well equipped, comfortable, fully licenced,  and the rents are very reasonable.

    It’s a good time of year to thank all the many volunteers who help make the Tolmen Centre work.   There are too many to name all of them, but they know who they are.   The Tolmen Centre couldn’t run without them.

    Charlie Pugh

  • The Case of the Frightened Lady

    Written & directed by Bill Scott with music by Jim Carey

    Why is the lady so frightened? Who dropped the red scarf?

    As part of its special 35th anniversary program Miracle revisits one of its most popular productions to date, complete with original cast.

    It’s 1932 and Edgar Wallace, the Fleet Street editor widely known for his hugely popular and successful whodunits, gets a desperate call from his publisher. With only a weekend to produce a new novel, the indefatigable Wallace leaps into action.

    The Case of the Frightened Lady is a hilarious account of the antics of the Wallace household as they flit dizzyingly between reality and fiction, inventing storylines, devising dialogue and arguing over the final denouement.

    The result is pure Miracle, a hugely enjoyable mix of plot, character, farce and irony plus some unforgettable songs.

    A highly inventive piece of theatre suitable for a family audience of all ages!

    ‘Bill Scott’s melodramatic, helter-skelter, DIY whodunit is a dizzying tangle of red herrings and black humour.’   – Irish Times

    ‘There is a great sense of fun, pace and a wonderful connection with the audience.’ –  The Stage

    ‘Lampooning everything from the cod-thriller to amateur dramatics, The Case of the Frightened Lady is not only hilarious, but is a gripping piece of drama which deserves to be the hit of this summer.’ – Western Morning News

    ‘Comic theatre of the highest order…littered with razorwire one-liners that literally will have you rolling in the aisles and wiping the tears away.’ –  Brazen City 

    Audience feedback

    ‘I thought that your production might be good or interesting, and I wanted to support local theatre. Instead, what I saw would have graced the stage of any West End theatre…. utterly superb!’

    ‘We haven’t enjoyed ourselves so much at the theatre in a long while. The dialogue was sharp to the point of being dangerous.’

    ‘A BRILLIANT production! Very clever staging and production and exceptionally funny   performances by all the cast.’

    ‘Our faces were ‘aching’ from laughing and smiling so much.  I haven’t enjoyed a performance like yours for many, many years’.

    More About the show

    It’s 1932 and Edgar Wallace, the Fleet Street editor widely known for his hugely popular thrillers, gets a desperate call from his publisher. With only a weekend to produce a new novel, the indefatigable Wallace leaps into action, enlisting the help of his over-looked wife, pretentious butler, eager gardener and admiring new secretary.

    At first this collaboration shows little promise and the story keeps veering off in unlikely directions but, with Wallace at the helm, they get into their stride, flitting dizzyingly between reality and fiction, inventing storylines, devising dialogue and arguing over the final denouement. The result is a typical pot-boiling, page-turning who-dunnit (in this case peppered with Cole Porteresque songs, improvised by the staff on the author’s drawing-room piano).

    Faithful to the genre, the Wallace household construct a plot littered with dodgy criminals, false clues and strangers with mysterious pasts. Detective Inspector Tanner’s legendary powers of observation never failed him and, as the corpses pile up, he stays one step ahead of the bungling rural police and prevents the course of justice being perverted by a household of secretive toffs.

    Just how far beneath the surface lies the grisly truth? Why is the Lady so frightened? As the curtain falls not only has the culprit been revealed but so has the true state of Edgar’s marriage. 

    ‘Bill Scott’s melodramatic, helter-skelter, DIY whodunit…is a heaven-sent vehicle for this distinctive brand of precise, choreographed physical theatre. Outrageous flights of theatrical and narrative fancy… a dizzying tangle of red herrings and black humour.’   – The Irish Times

    ‘Comic theatre of the highest order…littered with razorwire one-liners that literally will have you rolling in the aisles and wiping the tears away.’ –  Brazen City

    ‘Lampooning everything from the cod-thriller to amateur dramatics, The Case of the Frightened Lady is not only hilarious, but is a gripping piece of drama which deserves to be the hit of this summer.’ – Western Morning News

    This five-hander, written by Bill Scott with music by Jim Carey, originally toured small scale venues (indoors and outdoors) across the South West in 05/06. The show has huge potential to delight audiences of all ages, in any scale of venue. It won the Minack Trophy in 2006 and was subsequently produced for a tour of Ireland (North and South) by Bruiser Theatre.

    Ticket prices: £12 full £10 concession and £8 under 16’s

  • Philip Marsden

    Constantine Literary Group

    The award-winning author of a number of works of travel, fiction and non-fiction, including The Bronski House, and The Levelling Sea, will talk about his latest book Rising Ground. an exploration of the mythology and topology of Cornwall.

    Light refreshments and wine available from 6.30

    Tickets £5

  • Tolmen Centre News

    The programme for the start of 2015 at The Tolmen Centre is being prepared over the next few weeks. A couple of exciting dates are already in place for January. On Saturday 10th we will host the third – and probably the best ever – ‘Feast of Fun’ with a lovely mix of lighthearted locally produced comedy followed by a party with live music, food and fun for all. The following week, January 17th, we have a treat for lovers of folk music: a concert from Steve Knightley, one half of folk legends Show of Hands. There’ll be plenty more to savour in the early 2015 programme. The de- tails will appear on the website www.tolmencentre.co.uk and in the leaflet which will be distributed in the New Year.

    Meanwhile, November brings the new play from Pipeline – ‘Streaming’ – which plays for three nights in early November. There’s more folk music later in the month (see right), and in December, ‘Medical Maelstrom,’ followed by the welcome return of Miracle Theatre with ‘Dr Livingstone I Presume’ to provide pre-Christmas entertain- ment for all the family.

    Finally, we have restarted the legendary Tolmen Family Drama Group sessions on Thursday nights. There’s already a full complement of youngsters, but more grown- ups are needed to balance the group. Learn about making theatre by joining in with this vibrant group – all you need is enthusiasm and commitment, and being able to turn up on Thursday evenings. Phone Tod Welch on 01326 341045 to find out how to get involved.

    Charlie Pugh

  • Major Tom

    Victoria Melody and Farnham Maltings present: Major Tom

    The true story of how Victoria became a beauty queen and her Bassett Hound (Major Tom) became a champion show dog, reflecting the British fascination with celebrity, beauty and winning
    Created by Victoria Melody

    Performed by Victoria Melody and Major Tom National Tour 10th March to 20th June 2014
    PRESS PERFORMANCES: Monday 10th & Tuesday 11th March at BAC
    “A truly winning comedy, I laughed till I cried.” ★★★★★ Donald Hutera, The Times

    5 ★★★★★ The Times
    5 ★★★★★ Edinburgh Evening News
    4 ★★★★ The List
    4 ★★★★ Fest Mag
    4 ★★★★ British Theatre Guide
    4 ★★★★ A Younger Theatre
    4 ★★★★ The Public Reviews
    4 ★★★★ Exeunt Magazine

    The Stage MUST SEE SHOW

    Fringe Review – MUST SEE SHOW

    Shortlisted for The Arches Brick and Total Theatre Awards

    Major Tom is the story of how an average 34-year-old became a beauty queen and how her unruly pet basset hound, Major Tom, became a championship show dog.

    Major Tom and Victoria increasingly immerse themselves in the obsessive and confusing realm of personal scrutiny as they participate as genuine contestants, determined to win.

    Victoria, accompanied on stage by documentary film footage and her dog, tells this true story. It explores the British fascination with celebrity, beauty and winning.

    “Startingly bonkers and utterly ordinary at the same time…deceptively thoughtful fun” The Guardian ★★★★★ The Times

    Commissioned and produced by Farnham Maltings. Developed at BAC. Supported by Harlow Playhouse, Escalator East to Edinburgh and Arts Council England.

  • Peace Before The Storm

    Joyful Company of Singers

    “…undoubtedly one of the great choirs of the world” Jonathan Harvey 

    British and German choral  masterpieces to mark the era that ended in 1914.  Works by Mendelssohn, Brahms, Elgar, Bingham, Parry, and Schoenberg, sung by the Joyful Company of Singers, one of Europe’s leading chamber choirs under the direction of Peter Broadbent.

    Now in its 25th anniversary season, the JCS is renowned for its virtuosity and intensity of spirit, as well as for an astoundingly wide repertoire, ranging from the 16th Century to the present day. Formed in 1988, the choir first came to prominence when it won the Sainsbury’s Choir of the Year competition in 1990. Since then it has maintained its profile in the music world, winning an impressive list of national and international competitions leading to many invitations. JCS regularly appears at all the UK’s major music festivals, including Bath, Aldeburgh, Cheltenham, City of London, Chelsea, Presteigne, Spitalfields, Three Choirs, Huddersfield Contemporary Music and the BBC Proms.

    Peter Broadbent is the founder conductor of Joyful Company of Singers and one of Britain’s leading choral conductors. He has conducted the London Mozart Players, Divertimenti Chamber Orchestra, the English Chamber Orchestra, the City of London Sinfonia, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Southern Sinfonia, the Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra, Apollo Voices and the BBC Singers, broadcasting frequently on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM.

    This is a wonderful opportunity to hear this first class choir singing  in Cornwall

    Tickets £10 free for accompanied children under 16

    For more information about JCS see www.jcos.co.uk

  • Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker

    ‘Extremely Compelling’ – The Independent

    ‘Gorgeous’ – The Daily Telegraph

    ‘Becoming one of the hottest tickets in folk’ – Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2 folk show

    ‘Seeps almost imperceptibly into your psyche’ – fRoots

    ‘The green shoots growing from the very top of the English folk family tree’ – PRS Magazine

    Double BBC Folk Award nominees Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker infuse ageless stories of love and loss with their exquisite command of many instruments. Whether interpreting words centuries old or singing her own authentic lyrics, Josienne’s jewel-like voice finds the nuance in the simplest phrase and sends it, effortlessly, straight to your heart. Ben’s musical tact and flair for arrangement provide the perfect setting, allowing the song centre-stage.

    Josienne was born in Sussex and Ben, in Evesham. It was after studying in London, and utterly by chance, that they met in July 2009. Together they have resolutely forged their own path through traditional music.

    Critical recognition soon followed, along with the Isambard Folk Award, and the FATEA Awards for Best Album and Female Vocalist of the Year, and the Spiral Award for Best Duo, as well as coveted BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominations for Best Newcomers and Best Duo. The live performance is a thing of delight – enchanted reviewers have spoken of shimmering cathedrals of sound – and its purity will stay with you long after the last note fades.

    Their first major album together ‐ Fire and Fortune ‐ confirmed their place among the very best musicians of their generation and reached No. 1 on the UK Amazon folk chart.

    Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker’s next album Nothing Can Bring Back the Hour is one of the most anticipated releases of the year and is due for release autumn 2015.

    Tickets £11

  • Stefan Grossman

    Known to many an aspiring guitarist for his tutorial books, CDs and DVDs, Stefan Grossman began his own studies aged 15 at the feet of bluesman Rev.Gary Davis. Since then he has played with many of the biggest names in business, and has never stopped learning, teaching, recording and performing all over the world. This is a rare chance to catch one of the world’s greatest acoustic blues, fingerpicking and ragtime guitarists. Don’t miss it!

    Tickets £11

  • LEVERET

    ANDY CUTTING • SAM SWEENEY • ROB HARBRON

    Leveret features three of England’s finest musicians in an exciting new collaboration. Andy Cutting, Sam Sweeney and Rob Harbron are each regarded as masters of their instrument and are involved in numerous collaborations with a huge range of artists. Together their performances combine consummate musicianship, compelling delivery and captivating spontaneity.

    Andy Cutting is a unique player of the melodeon, known for his work with Martin Simpson, Blowzabella, Chris Wood, June Tabor, Kate Rusby, and many more. Sam Sweeney, the fiddle player in Bellowhead, is also in demand as a multi-instrumentalist, working with Jon Boden and the Remnant Kings, The Full English, Fay Hield and the Hurricane Party, and his own project Made in the Great War. Rob Harbron has reinvented the English concertina and is known for his work with The Full English, Jon Boden and the Remnant Kings, Fay Hield, Emma Reid and the English Acoustic Collective.

    Leveret’s music is firmly rooted in the English tradition but is fresh and new, with original settings of ancient tunes sitting alongside new compositions by some of today’s finest tunesmiths. Sophisticated and honest, considered and spontaneous, there is nothing else that sounds quite like this trio.

    ‘Sublime, exquisite music – don’t miss them’

    Martin Simpson

    Tickets £11

  • Steve Knightley

    The songwriting force behind the phenomenally successful acoustic duo (now trio) Show of Hands, Steve continues his solo ‘Grow your own’ tour of village venues with this appearance at the Tolmen Centre. He is renowned for his strong, trademark narrative songs which reflect the escapades, hopes and fears not only of people in his native West Country but of those beyond, and he pulls no punches when writing highly literate songs about bigger, global issues. Worth the ticket price just to hear the Cornish anthem ‘Cousin Jack’ performed by the Devonian who composed it, but expect an intense and engaging evening with a great musician.

    Tickets £16

  • A Crafty Affair at Christmas

    Showcasing local Arts, Crafts and Designer Makers.
    Come and join us for some Christmas fun and buy local.
    We will also have Santa’s Grotto, Raffle Prize Draw and Cafe serving festive treats on the day.
    Closing date for applications is Friday 14th November.
    Please apply to selina.ekins@gmail.com

  • You’re not like other girls, Chrissy

    China Plate and Caroline Horton present ‘You’re not like other girls, Chrissy’

    Caroline Horton’s perfectly formed one-woman-show has won her universal critical acclaim,  an award from The Stage and an Olivier nomination – and it’s easy to see why.  Inspired by her grandmother’s love letters, ‘You’re not like other girls Chrissy’ is a tender drama of love and loss, a nostalgic glimpse into life in occupied France and a moving tribute to a marvellous character.  

    Horton’s play is immaculately judged  and utterly irresistible.

    Tickets £10 (concessions £8)

  • The Wardrobe Ensemble: 33

    After their hugely successful ‘Riot’, a new play from The Wardrobe Ensemble based on the epic rescue of 33 Chilean miners.

    A tale of friendship, hope and Elvis Presley, 33 takes you beyond the newsrooms, past the cameras and leaves you 2000 feet under the ground. An outlandish, touching and funny modern legend of men on the brink of death, fame and madness.

    Tickets £9, £8

  • Jim Causley and Lucas Drinkwater

    ‘The Poetry of Charles Causley’

    Five times BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominee Jim Causley is singer/accordionist who is passionate about traditional song and particularly that of his native Devon. Previous incarnations include The Devil’s Interval and Mawkin:Causley and he has recorded with the likes of Waterson:Carthy, Show of Hands, John McCusker and David Rotheray of Beautiful South fame. In recent years, projects have included touring with Steve Knightley and Kate Rusby.

    Jim has recorded an album of the poems of his distant relative to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the death of this celebrated Cornish poet. Jim has set to music a diverse selection of Causley’s poems to give the audience a taster of the poet’s great body of work. The album ‘Cyprus Well’ was recorded live in Causley’s house in Launceston, Cornwall and many of the tracks feature Causley’s own piano. Jim aims to bring wider attention to Causley’s poems and raise awareness of the Charles Causley Trust and their mission to preserve Causley’s house as a writers’ retreat. Jim will be joined on stage by talented guitarist Lukas Drinkwater.

    He is renowned for his warm and jovial stage presence and his rich singing voice has been likened to the fruitiest of ciders!

    Male Singer of The Year – Spiral Earth Awards 2014

    Top 10 Folk Albums of 2013 – The Telegraph

    Jim Causley and his fellow folk musicians bring it to life with real zest, his deep baritone voice soaring as he sings. **** 4 stars The Telegraph  

    www.jimcausley.co.uk

    Tickets £11, £10

  • Carmen and Mimi – Lessons in Love

    Carmen and Mimi are both looking for love. Evening classes hold the answer. Lessons in Love is a comedy told through action, speech and extraordinary music with an uplifting and unexpected ending.

    Tickets £8, £6

  • An evening with Patrick Gale

    Constantine Literary Group

    The award winning writer whose works include Notes from an Exhibition and A Perfectly Good Man will be talking about mothers in his fiction and the diplomatic challenges of writing about family life.   He will also provide a sneak preview of his next novel A Place Called Winter.

    Tickets £5
    Light refreshments and wine available from 6.30