Theatre

THE ASSEMBLY OF ANIMALS comes to the Tolmen Centre for two performances. Part installation, part sculpture, and part puppetry performance, this is an exciting addition to our spring programme as part of the  “Festival of Curious Puppetry”. The show, which is suitable for all ages from 3 upwards, lasts about  half an hour, followed by an opportunity for  audience members to  explore the objects used and see how they function. The Assembly of Animals has been performed widely across the UK and Europe to audiences of all ages and has been part of the British Council Showcase, which takes standout shows from the Edinburgh Fringe to wider audiences. Performances at 2pm and 5pm Tickets £5 Book Online

THE ASSEMBLY OF ANIMALS comes to the Tolmen Centre for two performances. Part installation, part sculpture, and part puppetry performance, this is an exciting addition to our spring programme as part of the  “Festival of Curious Puppetry”. The show, which is suitable for all ages from 3 upwards, lasts about  half an hour, followed by an opportunity for  audience members to  explore the objects used and see how they function.

The Assembly of Animals has been performed widely across the UK and Europe to audiences of all ages and has been part of the British Council Showcase, which takes standout shows from the Edinburgh Fringe to wider audiences.

Tim Spooner is a visual artist and performance maker.   Exemplifying the low-tech, handmade yet magical quality of Spooner’s work, The Assembly of Animals is a series of demonstrated experiments, where the performers assemble, reorganise and animate an array of ingeniously constructed ‘animals’ of very different sizes and forms. Magnets, motors, inflating objects, travelling glowing liquid and other mechanisms give this complex installation a movement and life of its own.

Think of it as a series of ‘performed sculptures’ which fuse scientific experimentation together with puppetry. Creating vibrating compositions of living and inanimate matter through a combination of sound, electricity and often mundane everyday materials.

Tim Spooner’s idiosyncratic and unique performances attempt to expand our understanding of the physical world by revealing the inner life of objects.  Spooner’s work – usually non-verbal but full of vibrant sound – appeals to all ages.

After the performance, the audience is invited to explore the objects more closely and to discover the ways they function.

“Tim is an artistic inventor and creates this carefully constructed world, the delicacy of which requires consistent marvelling and leaves children entertained throughout”   (Theatre Bristol Writers)

“Absolutely fascinating, undeniably bonkers” (Children’s Theatre Reviews)

NOTE: This show is quite abstract in form, and is a long way from being a conventional puppet show. Expect to be surprised…. and inspired!

Performances at 2pm and 5pm

By Pipeline Theatre

Following their introductory tour early last year, DRIP DRIP DRIP has been recast and rewritten for its new nationwide tour in 2020.

We are fortunate to have the only performance in Cornwall on this tour, as the company journeys across the country, ending with a long run at the Pleasance Theatre in London.

In its new form and with a new cast, the play retains it’s powerful examination of racism and political extremism, in the context of our beloved NHS in 2020.

As with all Pipeline’s work, and with Jon Welch’s writing, this is a play that merits seeing for a second time, especially as it has evolved in keeping with the changing circumstances facing the country and the NHS.

And if you missed it last time, grab the only chance to see it at The Tolmen Centre, Pipeline’s  home venue –  from where all their work has originated.

By Pipeline Theatre

Following their introductory tour early last year, DRIP DRIP DRIP has been recast and rewritten for its new nationwide tour in 2020.

We are fortunate to have the only performance in Cornwall on this tour, as the company journeys across the country, ending with a long run at the Pleasance Theatre in London.

In its new form and with a new cast, the play retains it’s powerful examination of racism and political extremism, in the context of our beloved NHS in 2020.

As with all Pipeline’s work, and with Jon Welch’s writing, this is a play that merits seeing for a second time, especially as it has evolved in keeping with the changing circumstances facing the country and the NHS.

And if you missed it last time, grab the only chance to see it at The Tolmen Centre, Pipeline’s  home venue –  from where all their work has originated.

THE STORY: Bed 6, Oncology ward, a local NHS hospital.

Behind the blue curtain – Daniel, a refugee from Eritrea, now training to be a nurse; Rahmiya, a second-generation Muslim doctor; and David, elderly white cancer patient and discredited academic, fretting about his cat, Roger.

Over time, carers and cared-for become an unlikely, dysfunctional family.

But as life ebbs, reality splinters. Glimpsed in the cracks: the Nazi euthanasia programme, a burns clinic in Africa, a cross-Channel human shipment. And drip by drip David’s far-right ideology seeps out, as he prepares his final incendiary lecture (assuming he lives long enough to give it).

Bonds break, and suddenly both Daniel and Rahmiya’s right to call the UK home seems to hang on a dead man’s lips.

Pipeline Theatre, known for indelible characters and immersive design, takes you into the dark corners with unexpected humour and poignancy, busting taboos while offering its love-letter to the NHS.

Below are a few sample reviews from the 2019 tour:

‘Pipeline Theatre might be a tiny company from deepest Cornwall, but its work is creating theatre for the enquiring mind. What they have exposed in this production is profoundly alarming and deserves a much wider audience.’
British Theatre Guide

‘This is an astounding piece of studio theatre, Pipeline is a company deserving of greater recognition.’ 
number9reviews

“This piece made me laugh, brought a tear to my eye and flung me into worlds I’d never taken the time to venture into before. Perhaps most importantly, it left a lasting, powerful impression and a little hope that we might move past this time of division. In a time where nationalism is the newest superbug, this couldn’t come sooner.”
Voicemag

Tickets £10 (concessions £7)

David William Bryan

Bursting with energy and bold theatrical strokes, David William Bryan tells the true story of his great uncle Arthur who never thought of going to war until the Liverpool bombing raids of the Second World War. In May 1941, he joins up. Deployed to Singapore, his ship is destroyed by Japanese dive bombers and he is declared missing.This extraordinary true story of survival is a dramatic tour-de-force.

Tickets £10

David William Bryan

Bursting with energy and bold theatrical strokes, David William Bryan tells the true story of his great uncle Arthur who never thought of going to war until the Liverpool bombing raids of the Second World War. In May 1941, he joins up. Deployed to Singapore, his ship is destroyed by Japanese dive bombers and he is declared missing.This extraordinary true story of survival is a dramatic tour-de-force.

‘A tour de force’ (The Scotsman)
‘A fresh sense of humanity’ (Stage)
‘A masterpiece’ (Broadway Baby)
★★★★★  (BroadwayBaby.com)
★★★★★  (Britishtheatreguide.info)
★★★★★  (MyTheatreMates.com)
★★★★★ (Edinburgh Guide)
★★★★ (The Stage)
★★★★★ (Fringe Guru)
★★★★ (Edinburgh Reporter)
★★★★★ (Essential Surrey & Southwest)

Tickets £10

Book Online

Rhum and Clay

A travelling storyteller, a gig economy worker, rushes from his last delivery of the day to recount ancient tales of Jesus and his life… however these versions aren’t like any you’ve heard before. Darkly comic, sometimes tragic and always subversive, Mistero Buffo takes aim at those who manipulate truth and belief for power and control

“Spooner tackles a huge cast of characters…with astonishing sharpness and clarity.”…The Guardian.

“Magnificent production…an astonishing performance.” ..The Stage.

“Go and see this show right now.

As a mime he is flawless, as a storyteller he is utterly compelling.

I just wanted to get that out before wasting any more time. Now to the review.”

…Broadway Baby ***** August 2018
(Click MORE+ below to read the full review)

Tickets £10

Rhum and Clay

A travelling storyteller, a gig economy worker, rushes from his last delivery of the day to recount ancient tales of Jesus and his life… however these versions aren’t like any you’ve heard before. Darkly comic, sometimes tragic and always subversive, Mistero Buffo takes aim at those who manipulate truth and belief for power and control

“Spooner tackles a huge cast of characters…with astonishing sharpness and clarity.”…The Guardian.

“Magnificent production…an astonishing performance.” ..The Stage.

“Go and see this show right now.

As a mime he is flawless, as a storyteller he is utterly compelling.

I just wanted to get that out before wasting any more time. Now to the review.”

“As we walked up the winding staircase to Underbelly’s Big Belly space the walls were dripping with what felt like the sweat of a thousand performers and audience members. We ducked into the venue and the air was thick. The scene was set for an intense 75 mins of possibly the best physical theatre you’ll see in this year’s Fringe.

The Lecoq-trained company Rhum & Clay present Dario Fo’s 1969 comical mystery play, Mistero Buffo, with a furious energy and technical skill that was absolutely deserving of the standing ovation it received.

Julian Spooner is the Jongleur. An itinerant performer from the middle ages who is given the freedom to speak truth to power by Jesus. He roams from city to city, performing to the assembled crowds (that evening, we were his crowd), telling versions of stories from the Bible that attack the powerful in favour of the people.

Fo’s play, translated by Ed Emery and tweaked by Rhum & Clay, is the foundation on which a formidable performance by Spooner is built. It’s the solo performance at the centre of Mistero Buffo that’s remarkable here. It’s the way he shapes and transforms the space as the stories and scenes unfold. It’s the 100+ characters he flickers between with ever-increasing rapidity, climaxing at the resurrection of Lazarus where he conjures up an entire crowd out of thin air. As a mime he is flawless, as a storyteller he is utterly compelling.

But Mistero Buffo isn’t merely a technical marvel. Fo’s text is subtly spun through the lens of modern itinerant and gig-economy workers, sliding this 50-year-old spectacle gently into contemporary relevance. There’s nothing heavy-handed about the way that Rhum & Clay present it though: it deftly dances between the timeless and the modern.

After the standing ovation had died down, Spooner did a customary ‘thank you’ to the audience, and mentioned the workers rights organisation (organise.org.uk) they have partnered with. The story of the Jongleur and the downtrodden people he speaks for is insanely relevant today. In fact I would have loved to see a little more of that in the piece. More relation to the “corporate-dominated post-truth world” that they talk about in the blurb. But it’s a minor criticism, and the opening scene sets this up nicely.

Whether you go for the political allusions and biblical deconstruction, or the spectacle of a performer at the absolute top of his game, Mistero Buffo demands your time. Buy a ticket now, before they sell out.”

…Broadway Baby ***** August 2018

Tickets £10

Lost Dog

Following his tour de force, Paradise Lost, Ben Duke’s new show reveals the real story of Romeo and Juliet. They didn’t die in a tragic misunderstanding, they grew up and lived happily ever after.

Well they lived at least. Now 40ish, at least one of them in the grips of a mid-life crisis, they feel constantly mocked by their teenage selves and haunted by the pressures of being the poster couple for romantic love.

“Pure pleasure. Smart, subversive and sexy.”……..The Guardian “Squirmingly funny and no less heartbreaking.”…The Times “Glorious. Full of warmth and intimacy.”…..The Independent

In association with Carn to Cove Tickets £10, £8

Theatre Ad Infinitum’s wordless tale of life, death and enduring love returns to tour the UK and Chile following years of extensive international touring amassing nine awards.

Original performers George Mann and Deborah Pugh are joined by Sophie Crawford to retell, with precise gesture and touches of humour, the story of widower William who escapes to a comforting world of fantasy and memories rather than confront his grief. From beyond the grave, his wife Rose returns to help him let go. This poignant, life-affirming tale uses intricate and lifelike hand-held masks – created by Madame Tussaud’s senior sculptor Victoria Beaton – to travel back and forth through William and Rose’s relationship, wordlessly conveying a lifetime of memories in 75 minutes.

Reviews

The Times * * * *: “An admirable, infinitely gentle and wordless story of loss and remembrance” -Donald Hutera.

The Stage ‘MUST-SEE!’ Show: “I really cannot recommend this highly enough – it is not just one of the best shows I have seen at this year’s fringe, but any fringe.” -Alistair Smith.

“This is a show that will steal your heart.” ★★★★★ Scotsman

“Uniquely devastating” Observer

5 Star Reviews: The Scotsman | What’s On Stage.com | Fest Magazine | British Theatre Guide | Fringe Review | Edinburgh Guide.com | Fringe Guru

4 Star Reviews: The Times | The List | Exeunt Magazine | Edinburgh Festivals Magazine | Three Weeks

Tickets £12, £10

Theatre Ad Infinitum’s wordless tale of life, death and enduring love returns to tour the UK and Chile following years of extensive international touring amassing nine awards.

Original performers George Mann and Deborah Pugh are joined by Sophie Crawford to retell, with precise gesture and touches of humour, the story of widower William who escapes to a comforting world of fantasy and memories rather than confront his grief. From beyond the grave, his wife Rose returns to help him let go. This poignant, life-affirming tale uses intricate and lifelike hand-held masks – created by Madame Tussaud’s senior sculptor Victoria Beaton – to travel back and forth through William and Rose’s relationship, wordlessly conveying a lifetime of memories in 75 minutes.

How it all started…

Theatre Ad Infinitum  premiered Translunar Paradise at the 2011 Edinburgh Festival Fringe and experienced an overwhelming response from audiences and professionals alike receiving three awards and three award nominations, selling out our run at The Pleasance Dome, and picking up four & five star reviews across the board.

Following this success the show went on to win a total of nine awards internationally and has toured extensively in the UK in Sept-Oct 2011, Jan-Feb 2012, and Oct-Nov 2013. They  were thrilled to sell out a week long run at the 2012 London International Mime Festival at Barbican, a week at the Bristol Old Vic and many nights in venues across the UK (including at The Tolmen Centre).

The piece returned to the Edinburgh Festival in 2012 and sold out for a second consecutive year.

Translunar has also enjoyed extensive international touring in Bogota at the Ibero-American Theatre Festival, Colombia and going on to tour in Brazil for three months with Galharufas Producoes, in Italy, Norway, Israel, Greece, Croatia, Ireland, Sweden, The Netherlands, Belgium and the USA.

Awards

The Wijkjury First Prize Award, The Netherlands 2014 | Argus Angel Award 2012 (Brighton Fringe) | Liverpool Daily Post ‘Best Fringe Show of 2011’ | The Fringe Review ‘Outstanding Theatre Award’ 2011 | The Observer ‘Iron Man’ Award for Kim Heron | Brave New World Award & Audience Award at the Sarajevo MESS Theatre Festival, Bosnia & Herzegovina 2011 | 1st Prize BE Festival Development Award 2010 | Best Theatre Direction Award at ACT Festival Bilbao, Spain 2011

Award Nominations

The Stage Award for ‘Best Ensemble’ 2011 | Total Theatre Award for Visual/Physical Devised Theatre | Brighton Fringe ‘Best of Edinburgh Award’

Reviews

The Times * * * *: “An admirable, infinitely gentle and wordless story of loss and remembrance” -Donald Hutera.

The Stage ‘MUST-SEE!’ Show: “I really cannot recommend this highly enough – it is not just one of the best shows I have seen at this year’s fringe, but any fringe.” -Alistair Smith.

“This is a show that will steal your heart.” ★★★★★ Scotsman

“Uniquely devastating” Observer

5 Star Reviews: The Scotsman | What’s On Stage.com | Fest Magazine | British Theatre Guide | Fringe Review | Edinburgh Guide.com | Fringe Guru

4 Star Reviews: The Times | The List | Exeunt Magazine | Edinburgh Festivals Magazine | Three Weeks

Tickets £12, £10

Theatre 503 and Bristol Old Vic

“You hardly ever see ʻem, only hear them.They fly silent. Itʼs bad luck is Nightjars…”

South Devon, 2001. Local dairy vet Jeff and curmudgeonly farmer Michael are old friends, united by their love of the Devonshire countryside and Jeff’s prize collection of cows. But when the Foot and Mouth pandemic strikes the countryside their friendship – and the resilience of the whole community – is tested to its limits. Bea Roberts’ award-winning play is a touching story of male friendship and a requiem for rural England.

Tickets £10, £8

THEATRE503.COM

Theatre 503 and Bristol Old Vic

“You hardly ever see ʻem, only hear them.They fly silent. Itʼs bad luck is Nightjars…”

South Devon, 2001. Local dairy vet Jeff and curmudgeonly farmer Michael are old friends, united by their love of the Devonshire countryside and Jeff’s prize collection of cows. But when the Foot and Mouth pandemic strikes the countryside their friendship – and the resilience of the whole community – is tested to its limits. Bea Roberts’ award-winning play is a touching story of male friendship and a requiem for rural England.

Tickets £10, £8

theatre503.com

Lost Dog

The story of the beginning of everything inspired by Milton’s Paradise Lost – told through words and music.

A show for anyone who has ever created anything (a child, a garden, a paper aeroplane) then had to watch that wonderful thing spiral out of control.

“an enchanting, very funny show, swooping from the epic to the vulnerable.” The Independent

Tickets £10, £8

lostdogdance.co.uk

Lost Dog

The story of the beginning of everything inspired by Milton’s Paradise Lost – told through words and music.

A show for anyone who has ever created anything (a child, a garden, a paper aeroplane) then had to watch that wonderful thing spiral out of control.

“an enchanting, very funny show, swooping from the epic to the vulnerable.” The Independent

Tickets £10, £8

lostdogdance.co.uk

Luke Wright

We have a particularly strong offer of theatre in this autumn’s programme,  amongst our best ever.   The sequence starts with this astonishingly powerful solo poetical show by Luke Wright. We booked it on a strong recommendation from two of our most loyal theatre customers who saw it performed at the (sold out) Soho Theatre in London and were blown away by it.   Then we heard an epic extract (‘To London then…’) which was broadcast on Radio 4 in the spring and this confirmed that this show was something special. In our view it’s worth the ticket price just to hear that  single blistering poetical commentary on banking  and capitalism in London. But the whole show has received plaudits wherever it has been seen – we are hearing of a whole audience at Port Eliot rising to acclaim Luke’s performance there in July – and many more besides, from audience members and critics alike. This show promises to maintain the Tolmen tradition of top class, cutting edge theatre and we totally recommend it (though with its fierce message and uncompromising delivery it’s by no means a show for children). Anyone who has an interest in theatre, poetry, writing, storytelling – or who remembers their adolescence – should grab  the chance to see this show. Tickets £10, £8 lukewright.co.uk

Luke Wright

We have a particularly strong offer of theatre in this autumn’s programme,  amongst our best ever.   The sequence starts with this astonishingly powerful solo poetical show by Luke Wright.

We booked it on a strong recommendation from two of our most loyal theatre customers who saw it performed at the (sold out) Soho Theatre in London and were blown away by it.   Then we heard an epic extract (‘To London then…’) which was broadcast on Radio 4 in the spring and this confirmed that this show was something special.

In our view it’s worth the ticket price just to hear that single blistering poetical commentary on banking and capitalism in London. But the whole show has received plaudits wherever it has been seen – we are hearing of a whole audience at Port Eliot rising to acclaim Luke’s performance there in July – and many more besides, from audience members and critics alike.

This show promises to maintain the Tolmen tradition of top class, cutting edge theatre and we totally recommend it (though with its fierce message and uncompromising delivery it’s by no means a show for children).

Anyone who has an interest in theatre, poetry, writing, storytelling – or who remembers their adolescence – should grab  the chance to see this show.

Tickets £10, £8

lukewright.co.uk

We can think of no better way of illustrating why this  show is not to be missed  than by simply reproducing a long list of plaudits and critical responses, which show the powerful effect this poetical tour-de-force has produced.  These are copied below, and worth a read.

WINNER Fringe First Award for new writing
WINNER The Stage Award for acting excellence
WINNER Best Spoken Word Show Saboteur Awards 2016
WINNER Best Show Laugharne Weekend 2016
WINNER Dark Chat Awards for Best Entertainment 2015
NOMINATED Off West End TBC Award
Sold Out run at The Soho Theatre, Spring 2016

“Pulsating piece of poetic storytelling” ★★★★ Lyn Gardner, Guardian

“Blistering … a story of our times … a strikingly assured performance of a compelling piece of writing.” ★★★★ Scotsman

“This is such a rich piece of writing… resonant and timely.” ★★★★★ Exeunt

Reviews from London run/ tour Spring 2016:

‘Luke Wright’s What I Learned from Johnny Bevan is terrific’ Lyn Gardner, Guardian

‘Luke Wright gave a capacity audience at Norwich Arts Centre a show of unmatched passion, power and poignancy in the outstanding performance of the 2016 N&N Festival. ‘What I Learned From Johnny Bevan’ is fast paced, articulate, heartwarming and perfect in execution.’ Norwich Spy

‘He used poetry that spat, and a face that seemed to age with the despair of the characters in his story.’★★★★★ Brighton Argus

‘Wright has a proper power over the English language, a storyteller worth listening to, and I look forward to hearing more’ Tim Auld (for Daily Telegraph)

‘an impassioned, spellbinding performance infused with humour, humanity and wit’ ★★★★ The Reviews Hub

‘a brilliant show, with a charming performance from Wright’ A Younger Theatre

‘Really does convey the power of performance poetry, and focused political satire‘ Write Out Loud

‘Wright performs with relentless vigour, his poetry pops and fizzes. a singularly powerful piece’ ★★★★ Everything Theatre

‘An astonishing, thought-provoking and original tour-de-force’ ★★★★★ London Theatre

‘poet Luke Wright is a singular tour de force: (his) language is precise and evocative and What I Learned From Johnny Bevan is politically charged and practically flawless’ The Play’s The Thing

‘A rollercoaster ride of political poetry & sensational storytelling. Is he the new Berkoff?’ Terri Paddock (founder, What’s On Stage)

‘dramatic, humorous, and political’ This Week In London

‘something rather special, Luke Wright’s performance (10/10) was stunning’ ★★★★★Virtual Festivals (from Kendal gig)

Reviews from Edinburgh Fringe 2015:

“Pulsating, neatly handled piece of poetic storytelling … the breakneck storytelling is clear and gives Wright’s seething, dynamic poetry the room it needs to motor.” ★★★★ Lyn Gardner, GUARDIAN

“a strikingly assured performance of a compelling piece of writing.” ★★★★ SCOTSMAN

“This is such a rich piece of writing. There’s so much in it. It’s resonant and timely and it tells a story compellingly. And the story tells is kind of flooring, raw … It says so much about idealism and youth and maturity and compromise – and love – and the places life can take you, the incremental sneaky way that years have, of passing.” ★★★★★ EXEUNT

Performed in verse that bounds and soars effortlessly … Taking in issues of class, privilege and the death of Labour, What I Learned from Johnny Bevan is a compelling and relatable exploration of growing up and facing hard truths.” ★★★★★ THE SKINNY

“Luke is like a male Kate Tempest, but perhaps more sharply incisive and piercing. The venue is far too small. Get this guy a gig at Usher Hall!” ★★★★★ SCOTSGAY

“A densely-packed and deftly-woven banner for young Britain’s political reawakening, What I Learned from Johnny Bevan is what I come to the Fringe for: writing that not only captures you in the theatre but also stays with you for days afterwards.” ★★★★★ BROADWAY BABY

“Wright’s full-throated reverie is spellbinding” ★★★★ DAILY RECORD

“Anyone familiar with Wright’s work will recognise his deft hand in showing the complexities of male relationships …  a political and personal coming-of-age narrative that, while rarely breaking out of a set rhythm and rhyme scheme, still manages to evoke the chaotic passion of awakening.” ★★★★ TIMEOUT Critic’s Choice

“An impassioned, elegant performance, full of humour, sadness and political fury.” ★★★★ LIST

“I see a show like this that makes me think theatre can’t get any better, so why should I bother going to see anything else? … This is a simple story that is powerfully written and mesmerisingly performed – I cannot recommend it highly enough.” ★★★★★ EDINBURGH 49

“Powerful, poetic coming-of-age story that focuses on the relationship between politics and class. Wright’s stirring eloquence and resonant delivery heighten the drama and clarify the emotional impact.” ★★★★ THE STAGE

“What I Learned From Johnny Bevan is a fantastic debut from a rare poetic talent. At times it feels like a Ken Loach film put to verse. It is a strong and personal story told by an original and absorbing performer.” ★★★★ TV BOMB

“This is a completely engaging performance which is delivered with an energy both raw and crisp. Wright really commands the space … The tension and experience created by this one man is admirable.” ★★★★★ TODOLIST

“Sometimes funny and sometimes heartbreaking, What I Learned From Johnny Bevan is beautifully plotted and completely engaging, reminding us that politics affects everything.” ★★★★ A YOUNGER THEATRE

“Sure to spark at least one mid-life crisis.” ★★★★ THREEWEEKS

“An oratory masterpiece & a time-capsule” ★★★★ THE MUMBLE

“A story of shattered friendship, class ceilings, and the hollow reality of the New Labour dream.

At university the whip-smart, mercurial Johnny Bevan saves Nick, smashing his comfortable, middle class bubble and firing him up about politics, music and literature. Twenty years later, as their youthful dreams disintegrate with the social justice they hoped for, can Nick save Johnny from himself?

Written & performed by Luke Wright
Directed by Joe Murphy
Produced by Paul Jellis
Music by Ian Catskilkin
Illustrations by Sam Ratcliffe
Lighting by Tom Clutterbuck
Co-commissioned by Norwich Arts Centre and Writers’ Centre Norwich.

presents ZONK FM

Is anybody there?

Zonk FM is a poignant new comedy featuring well-known Miracle performers Sally Crooks, Keri Jessiman, Steve Jacobs and making his Miracle debut, Jake Tindle

This roller coaster of a show explores other people’s reality with fast paced physical humour, tenderness and disco lights!

Recommend for 12 years +

£12 – £10 (over 65 & under 26) & £8 (under 16)

miracletheatre.co.uk

presents ZONK FM

Is anybody there?

Zonk FM is a poignant new comedy featuring well-known Miracle performers Sally Crooks, Keri Jessiman, Steve Jacobs and making his Miracle debut, Jake Tindle

This roller coaster of a show explores other people’s reality with fast paced physical humour, tenderness and disco lights!

Recommend for 12 years +

£12 – £10 (over 65 & under 26) & £8 (under 16)

miracletheatre.co.uk

ABOUT THE WRITER, ANGUS BROWN: Angus has performed in several Miracle productions including the title roles Hamlet & Quasimodo and most recently Vladimir in Waiting for Godot.

ZONK FM is his first play.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR, TOM ADAMS: Tom first worked with Miracle in 2002 as a dresser on Twelfth Night. He then went on to perform in five productions including The Case of The Frightened Lady and he was the musical director and composer for both Frankenstein! and The Magnificent Three.

ZONK FM is his directing debut.

‘When I was five years old, my Dad was told our surname might be stopping him from getting a job. So we changed it. It worked.’ This intimate new show draws on experiences of mixed heritage and racism. Amid the cacophony of statistics and soundbites that surround the immigration debate, Labels offers an honest, human story about multicultural Britain.

“Powerful, important and funny”
Emma Thompson

“Terrific and really thoughtful”
Lyn Gardner

Worklight Theatre’s award winning show Labels draws on writer and performer Joe Sellman-Leava’s experiences of mixed heritage to explore the broader issues of racism, immigration and displacement. During Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2015, it won a Scotsman Fringe First Award for outstanding new writing and the Holden Street Theatre Award (enabling a transfer to Adelaide in 2016). It was also shortlisted for the Amnesty International’s Freedom of Expression Award.

Labels was inspired by a racism and equality workshop, led by Oscar-winning writer, actor and activist Emma Thompson, at Exeter University, 2009. The rise of far right parties both in Britain and across Europe compelled Joe to re-develop Labels for Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2015. It premiered in the wake of an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Europe, and fierce debates around migration and refugees.  Emma Thompson, who has spoken out against the UK’s response to the current crisis, commented on a new draft of the script earlier this year: “What a terrific piece. I love it. Simple, powerful, important and funny.”

Joe uses his family’s stories about migration and mixed heritage to open a wider discussion about the way we talk about, think about and treat our fellow human beings. The play’s examination of Europe’s ongoing refugee crisis has sadly become more resonant in recent months. Worklight hope that by touring the show in Australia and the UK over the coming months, more people will be engaged in conversation about how the words we use affect the decisions we make about one another.

Cast and Creators:
Writer and performer: Joe Sellman-Leava
Director and dramaturg: Katharina Reinthaller
Producers: Michael Woodman and Joe Sellman-Leava
Costume & stage design: Charlotte Anderson
Lighting and sound design: Phil Hewitt
Photography: Benjamin Borley and Anna Bruce

Worklight Theatre online:
Website: www.worklighttheatre.co.uk
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WorklightTheatre
Twitter: @worklight_uk  (#Labels)

Tickets £10/£8

Jon Welch’s new play for our own Tolmen Theatre Company.The arrival of a foreign family and a contentious by-election throws a small community into confusion. ‘Leave your political sensibilities at the door but bring your laughing trousers.’

Tolmen Theatre Company

Jon Welch’s new play for our own Tolmen Theatre Company.The arrival of a foreign family and a contentious by-election throws a small community into confusion. ‘Leave your political sensibilities at the door but bring your laughing trousers.’

Le Navet Bete

Cscape Dance Company

Sally has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Her husband, Raymond, is dying. But Raymond is thinking ahead. Already an obsessive archivist, he is also a leading Robotics specialist. Their long marriage has had its ups and downs, but now he can make a better version of himself, to look after Sally after he’s gone.Will she accept it?

A chance to preview Pipeline’s much anticipated new work.

Rhum and Clay Theatre Company

On board a decadent cruise liner in 1939, the world’s greatest chess champion is challenged to a match by a mysterious newcomer called… B. As B begins to play, it becomes clear that the game is not the only thing he’s at risk of losing. Because B is not just one person, but four. And they each have their own version of the story they want to tell.

Based on a story by stefan Zweig, with a live jazz percussive score and their signature blend of ramshackle and cinematic performance, Rhum and Clay Theatre Company tell
a story of madness, identity and finding a home in 64 black and white squares.

Single Shoe Theatre Company
in association with Carn to Cove

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+

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.

Tickets £10, £8 Children £5

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

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

A tincture of song and laughter dispensed by three Cornish doctors.“Entertainment at its very best’.
“A concert worthy of the West End stage”.

Tickets £10 

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+ 

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.

Maison Foo 

Maison Foo 

Tom Jackson Greaves with Polly Motley

After two years in the making, the wonderful Wurlitza bring another neglected silent film to life.with a glorious live soundtrack. Fast moving and at times shocking, Diary of a Lost Girl tells the story of Thymian, played by the mesmerising screen idol Louise Brookes. Described as a fusion of everything, jazz, folk, rock and pop with a touch of classical thrown in, Wurlitza are absolutely superb.

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

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

Miracle Theatre Company

Written & directed by Bill Scott
with music by Jim Carey

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

£12 full £10 concession and £8 under 16’s

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 35^th 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

Victoria Melody and Farnham Maltings present: Major Tom

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

victoriamelody.com.uk

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.

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.

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

Tickets £10 free for accompanied children under 16

Call 01326 341353 to book or
click here to book through Hall for Cornwall

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

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

Call 01326 341353 to book or click here to book through Hall for Cornwall

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

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)

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)

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

Theatre Adinfinitum

Probably  our most ambitious offering ever – “a theatrical hand grenade” said Lyn Gardner, multi award winning and garlanded with glittering reviews.     Absolutely unmissable, mindblowing  cabaret/theatre from the company who brought us the unforgettable Translunar Paradise.   With a cast of seven including a chorus of international dancers and live on stage music, this took last summer’s Edinburgh fringe by storm – voted by many as the top show there.  For two nights only in Cornwall before  touring nationally to Bristol, Manchester, Liverpool and London.

£12 (£10 concessions)

Theatre Adinfinitum

Probably  our most ambitious offering ever – “a theatrical hand grenade” said Lyn Gardner, multi award winning and garlanded with glittering reviews.     Absolutely unmissable, mindblowing  cabaret/theatre from the company who brought us the unforgettable Translunar Paradise.   With a cast of seven including a chorus of international dancers and live on stage music, this took last summer’s Edinburgh fringe by storm – voted by many as the top show there.  For two nights only in Cornwall before  touring nationally to Bristol, Manchester, Liverpool and London.

Quotes, notes, and awards:

“Multi-award winning Theatre Ad Infinitum (Translunar Paradise, Odyssey) presents an explosive tale. Armed with music, killer heels and a lethal troop of divas an enraged Israeli executes a story of victimhood, persecution, aggression and love. With shrapnel sharp voices and moves as smooth as an oiled tank chain, this cabaret troop invites you on a journey into the core of the conflicted Jewish State.”

“With shades of a far more visceral Cabaret, The Ballad of the Burning Star is a welcome and audacious reminder of how ground-breaking the theatre can really be. This is a play that doesn’t shy away from the controversy and complexities of an issue that many are still afraid to even approach. Truly haunting and admirable in its boldness”

Winner of The Stage Award ‘Best Ensemble’ 2013

“A theatrical hand grenade” – Lyn Gardner, The Guardian ****

“Breathlessly  inventive”  Tom Lamont  Observer *****

“A thrillingly edgy piece of entertainment” – The Scotsman *****

“Bold and Inventive” – The Stage, a MUST SEE! Show

More on www.theatreadinfinitum.co.uk

TICKETS CAN BE RESERVED ON 01326 341353

£12 (£10 concessions)

Two elderly Spanish sisters live in a room full of of mysterious boxes. They share an existence of outrageous defamation, tender reminiscing and pure madness.‘You and Me’ is a touching story with sparkling dialogue and witty observations, that explores old age with humour, imagination and tenderness.

Following last year’s remarkable show The Odyssey, Paper Cinema return for a short residency working on their new show. Tonight they offer a scratch performance of this new work, plus a rare showing of their first work Night Flyer, now a minor classic.

In association with Feast and Cornwall Film Festival
Tickets £9, £8

Following last year’s remarkable show The Odyssey, Paper Cinema return for a short residency working on their new show. Tonight they offer a scratch performance of this new work, plus a rare showing of their first work Night Flyer, now a minor classic.

In association with Feast and Cornwall Film Festival

Tickets £9, £8

The unflinching reality of modern schools collides with the escapist 1920s glamour of Astaire and Rogers, with potentially horrifying consequences. Blending film and theatre, knife-sharp dialogue and dance, cube theatre presents AUBADE.

*Recommended 15 years+

The unflinching reality of modern schools collides with the escapist 1920s glamour of Astaire and Rogers, with potentially horrifying consequences. Blending film and theatre, knife-sharp dialogue and dance, cube theatre presents AUBADE.

*Recommended 15 years+

After last year’s amazing Piccadilly, Wurlitza return with Sunrise one of the most moving stories ever told on film, an adventure of temptation, reconciliation and redemption.

Wurlitza accompany with live music from Bach and Villa Lobas to Talking Heads and Madness. Sunrise is silent film at its most poetic and Wurlitza’s music is a perfect accompaniment.

Dreadnought South West Association presents a new play by Natalie McGrath

Remembering when 15 women became 1000s…

Tickets: £10/£8

Dreadnought South West Association presents a new play by Natalie McGrath

100 years ago imagine that fifteen women gather // They have a conversation that maps eight geographic arteries across England and Wales, like points on a compass //  These arteries reach out towards a singular destination like roots forming a tree // The destination is Hyde Park //  It’s June, 1913 and the Great Suffrage Pilgrimage begins.

A tour of a new play from Lands End to London // Remembering when 15 women became 1000s…

Tickets: £10/£8

“A seductive stranger opens a fantastical world to a tormented woman.

But everything comes at a price…

In the mind of the fantasist, the real and the fanciful become dangerously blurred. As Louise gazes into the night her fancy takes form. Objects move, time changes … and a seductive stranger opens up a world of exhilaration and magic.

Following an acclaimed international tour and 5 star sell-out success at Edinburgh Fringe 2012, The Fantasist comes to The Tolmen Centre for one night only, melding original music, life-sized puppetry, and physical theatre. War Horse’s Robin Guiver teams up with Lecoq and LISPA trained Theatre Temoin in an emotionally powerful exploration of bipolar disorder.

Theatre Temoin

A seductive stranger opens a fantastical world to a tormented woman.

But everything comes at a price…

In the mind of the fantasist, the real and the fanciful become dangerously blurred. As Louise gazes into the night her fancy takes form. Objects move, time changes … and a seductive stranger opens up a world of exhilaration and magic.

Following an acclaimed international tour and 5 star sell-out success at Edinburgh Fringe 2012, The Fantasist comes to The Tolmen Centre for one night only, melding original music, life-sized puppetry, and physical theatre. War Horse’s Robin Guiver teams up with Lecoq and LISPA trained Theatre Temoin in an emotionally powerful exploration of bipolar disorder.

“What the show does so well via the puppetry is to get you right inside Louise’s mind and make you understand both the confusion and yet also the the terrible glimmering lure of a world of bright lights and butterflies.” …Lyn Gardner, The Guardian
★★★★★ ‘Mesmerising’ – The Skinny
★★★★★ ‘Exquisite Theatre’ – Fringe Review
★★★★★ ‘Hilarious, beautiful and utterly astonishing’ – Edinburgh Guide
★★★★★ ‘A must see’ – Scotsgay
★★★★★ ‘Raw genius’ – The Public Reviews
★★★★ ‘Haunting and enchanting’ – WhatsOnStage
★★★★ ‘Ingenious stagecraft’ – Metro

Tickets £10, £8

From John Brolly storytelling in the morning, through tales of Joanna Hodgkin’s mother’s bohemian marriage to Lawrence Durrell, Tessa Skola on cabaret dancing, Colin Rogers on screenwriting to an evening of conversation with Salley Vickers, well known author of Miss Garnet’s Angel and The Cleaner of Chartres.

Tickets am free, pm or evening £7.50, Day £12

Click here for all the details

Sponsored by Wine in Cornwall, Constantine Parish Council, Cornwall Council and David Buchanan Sailmaker.

Supported by the Tolmen Centre Constantine.

Chapel Street | Scrawl

Crackling with energy and dripping with humour, this is a hilarious and heart breaking two-hander.

Bitch Boxer  | Snuffbox

Chloe Jackson has just one more fight to win before she gets the chance to live her dream – to box for Team GB at the Olympics.

Tickets £10, £8, £6 Children 14+

Crackling with energy and dripping with humour, this is a hilarious and heart breaking two-hander.

Bitch Boxer | Snuffbox

Chloe Jackson has just one more fight to win before she gets the chance to live her dream – to box for Team GB at the Olympics.

Tickets £10, £8, £6 Children 14+

The Tolmen Centre and Pants on Fire Theatre Company invite you to attend an evening of Performance Puppetry and Music based on the company’s new show Pinnochio, followed with a discussion forum, on Saturday 23^rd March at The Tolmen Centre starting at 7.30.

Tickets for this show are FREE – but please reserve in the usual way by phone or email.  We will be asking for  contributions based on what you think its worth to cover the Tolmen Centre’s costs.

Café Tolmen will be open pre-show – please reserve for this as well so we have numbers.

Pants on Fire

The Tolmen Centre and Pants on Fire Theatre Company invite you to attend an evening of Performance Puppetry and Music based on the company’s new show Pinnochio, followed with a discussion forum, on Saturday 23^rd March at The Tolmen Centre starting at 7.30.

Pants on Fire is a multi award winning International theatre company based in London. They  create new, original, exciting, dramatically dynamic and visually brilliant high quality theatre.  Many will remember their show Ovid’s Metamorphoses which played at The Tolmen Centre in May 2011 – one of our best ever performances – which went on to runs in London and New York and won many awards.

The Company  are to undertake a short residency at The Tolmen Centre from 14^th-23^rd March – with the primary intention of developing the new show.      Originally this residency was planned to put the finishing touches Pinnochio, leading to a preview  of the end product.   However, events have conspired such that the show will be in its early or mid stages of development.

The performance will therefore be a   full-length  ‘work in progress’  showing which  will   involve some ‘script in hand’ performing,  some imaginative props and scenery,   as well as the detailed work  being created  during the week.   Because of this, and the way in which Pants on Fire  like to present their  work, they would   like to  make the showing more of an ‘event’,  encouraging the audience to feel part of the development  process.    They will  perform the songs from the show, the audience can meet the puppets and  generally explore the world of the play together. They  would then love to talk with the audience informally after the showing as any feedback at this stage would be really useful in taking the development forward.

Tickets for this show are FREE – but please reserve in the usual way by phone or email.  We will be asking for  contributions based on what you think its worth to cover the Tolmen Centre’s costs.

Café Tolmen will be open pre-show – please reserve for this as well so we have numbers.

We are very grateful to The Works and Venue Cornwall for financial help to allow this exciting residency to take place.

Rhum and Clay 

A man searches for meaning through the strange photographs left to him by his grandfather. Accompanied by live music, this Lecoq-trained company tell an unforgettable tale using dynamic physical movement, stunning imagery and absurdist humour.

Tickets £10, £8, £4

rhumandclay.com

Rhum and Clay 

On Friday 8^th March  Rhum and Clay Theatre bring us “A Strange Wild Song”.   Another  Edinburgh 2012 hit, this is by a young, Lecoq trained company rapidly making their way in modern theatre.    Watch out when you see the name Lecoq,  as graduates of the famous  French mime school have  been responsible for a number of our best ever shows – Hysteria, Translunar Paradise,  Pants on Fire, Dancing Brick  and 1927 all had connections there.

A Strange Wild Song is an elegiac piece based on a true story  – about a group of children in wartime France who befriend a wounded soldier.    It’s told via a present day find  of a cache of photographs in an attic, and the journey of discovery into his family history made by the finder.   It completely captivated us, with beautiful acting performances by the three prncipals (in many roles), absurdist humour,  stunning imagery,  and wonderful music played live just off stage.   Highly recommended for everyone.       Their website is rhumandclay.com where you can see details of their nationwide tour with this show.

Tickets £10, £8, £4

Ken Lukowiak 

In the wake of the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War, it’s worth remembering the human cost of that conflict. Few one-man shows could give you a more gut-wrenching insight than this one.  Ken Lukowiak faces his contrary wartime emotions with courage and honesty.

Redruth man Lukowiak served in the Paras in heat of the  Falklands war.   Subsequently his life was in turmoil as he tried to deal with  the emotional after-effects of combat.    Some years later he wrote a best selling book based on his experiences, and this was later made into the stage play A Soldiers Song by Guy Masterson (a regular visitor to the Tolmen Centre)  – who initially took Ken’s role in what was  a powerful and successful one man show.

Last year, Ken Lukowiak bravely agreed to take over the play himself  for a run at the Edinburgh Fringe where it attracted widespread acclaim and full houses.    Many serviceman and veterans were among the audiences, and all were deeply affected by Ken’s performance.   It now comes to The Tolmen Centre as part of a very short tour across the country.  Click here for lots more detail.

This show show will be on Friday 1^st March.    The second show on Saturday 2^nd will not now take place.

Tickets £10, £8, £6 Children 14+

Ken Lukowiak 

In the wake of the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War, it’s worth remembering
the human cost of that conflict. Few one-man shows could give you a more gut-wrenching insight than this one.  Ken Lukowiak faces his contrary wartime emotions with courage and honesty.

Redruth man Lukowiak served in the Paras in heat of the  Falklands war.   Subsequently his life was in turmoil as he tried to deal with  the emotional after-effects of combat.    Some years later he wrote a best selling book based on his experiences, and this was later made into the stage play A Soldiers Song by Guy Masterson (a regular visitor to the Tolmen Centre)  – who initially took Ken’s role in what was  a powerful and successful one man show.

Last year, Ken Lukowiak bravely agreed to take over the play himself  for a run at the Edinburgh Fringe where it attracted widespread acclaim and full houses.    Many serviceman and veterans were among the audiences, and all were deeply affected by Ken’s performance.   It now comes to The Tolmen Centre as part of a very short tour across the country.  Click here for lots more detail.

This show will be on Friday 1^st March.    The second show on Saturday 2^nd will not now take place

“ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL WAR PLAYS EVER MADE!”

Commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War and one of the hits of the 2012 Edinbrugh Festival, A Soldier’s Song is the real deal. A true story of conflict told by a guy who was there, bringing the battlefield to the stage in an extraordinary work of theatre.

This is the theatre of War in its facets, invoking the horror, terror, shame, black humour, futility and tedium of a soldier’s life on the front line and the lingering effects of Post Traumatic Stress. Deeply disturbing and frightening at times, it utilises a pounding, totally authentic multi-directional soundscape. It is also extremely funny, the dark “squaddie” humour offsetting the darkness. The brutal demotic language and reality of the battlefield is brought to vividly to life.

***** “This is the Saving Private Ryan of theatre!” (The Times)

****  “A GUT WRENCHING INSIGHT”- Daily Telegraph
In the wake of the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War and with Argentina ratcheting up the pressure over the islands once again, it’s worth remembering the human cost of that conflict. Few one-man shows could give you a more gut-wrenching insight than this one.  Ken Lukowiak, who served in the Paras, has stepped into the theatrical front line, delivering this potted version of his 1993 memoir of the gruelling campaign. Required to duck down, crouch and adopt defensive positions under loud simulated shellfire at times, he cuts an awkward if affable figure on stage, but that adds to the authenticity. As he relives grisly encounters with Argentinians dead and alive, recalls some sickening army gallows humour and recoils at the screaming nightmare of incidents like the bombing of Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram, you realise he is still battling his demons. Unsung heroism? This simple, humbling show embodies the phrase.
(Dominic Cavendish – Daily Telegraph – 19/08/12)

Bash Street Theatre

A retired magician and his wife are tempted to perform one last cabaret act. With live music, magical illusions and Bash Street’s stunning circus skills, a great show for all the family.

Tickets £9, £8 and £4 Child

Bash Street Theatre
A retired magician and his wife are tempted to perform one last cabaret act. With live music, magical illusions and Bash Street’s stunning circus skills, a great show for all the family.

Tickets £9, £8 and £4 Child

Sarah Deene Jones can’t be with us, but her Harp Ensemble will be joined by Friends in Harmony to present an evening of English traditional and celtic music, jazz and original pieces.

Tickets £7 or £10 (includes ploughman’s supper of soup and cheese at 6pm. Booking essential.) In aid of the Heritage Centre

Loot follows the fortunes of Hal and Dennis, who rob a bank next to the funeral parlour where Dennis works and return to Hal’s home to hide the money. Hal’s mother has just died and the money is hidden in her coffin. But where will they hide the body?

Fay, a sexy young nurse with seven deceased husbands to her name, is interested in marrying Hal’s father, McLeavy. However, Dennis has already had his way with Fay and wants to marry her. And he can offer her more financial “security”.

Inspector Truscott arrives and the plot turns topsy turvy as Hal and Dennis try to keep him off their trail.

Loot follows the fortunes of Hal and Dennis, who rob a bank next to the funeral parlour where Dennis works and return to Hal’s home to hide the money. Hal’s mother has just died and the money is hidden in her coffin. But where will they hide the body?

Fay, a sexy young nurse with seven deceased husbands to her name, is interested in marrying Hal’s father, McLeavy. However, Dennis has already had his way with Fay and wants to marry her. And he can offer her more financial “security”.

Inspector Truscott arrives and the plot turns topsy turvy as Hal and Dennis try to keep him off their trail.

During Joe Orton’s short but prolific career, he shocked, outraged and amused audiences with his farcical black comedies.

Loot, first performed in 1965, was Orton’s third major production, following Entertaining Mr Sloane and the television play The Good and Faithful Servant. Playing with the conventions of popular farce, Orton examines English attitudes and perceptions in the mid twentieth century.

The play won several awards in its London run and is now regarded as a comic masterpiece.

Loot will be at The Tolmen Centre in Constantine on Friday 2nd December at 7.30pm
And at the Poly in Falmouth on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th December at 7.30pm

Loot is presented by Cornwall’s newest theatre company, Fruit.
It is directed by Keri Jessiman, well known for her legendary comic performances in the early days of Miracle Theatre.

After a ground-breaking season, which saw the company premiere ‘Translunar Paradise’ to substantial critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe 2011, they have gone on to win a clutch of theatre awards for this production, including Liverpool Daily Post ‘Best Fringe Show of 2011’, The Fringe Review ‘Outstanding Theatre Award’ 2011, The Observer ‘Iron Man’ Award for Kim Heron and Brave New World Award & Audience Award at the Sarajevo MESS Theatre Festival, Bosnia & Herzegovina 2011.

Exquisitely created, Translunar Paradise is told entirely without words and in their place are movement, haunting music and masks. This is a powerful and emotional tale of a man who is confronted by the solitude of bereavement.

After a ground-breaking season, which saw the company premiere ‘Translunar Paradise’ to substantial critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe 2011, they have gone on to win a clutch of theatre awards for this production, including Liverpool Daily Post ‘Best Fringe Show of 2011’, The Fringe Review ‘Outstanding Theatre Award’ 2011, The Observer ‘Iron Man’ Award for Kim Heron and Brave New World Award & Audience Award at the Sarajevo MESS Theatre Festival, Bosnia & Herzegovina 2011.

Exquisitely created, Translunar Paradise is told entirely without words and in their place are movement, haunting music and masks. This is a powerful and emotional tale of a man who is confronted by the solitude of bereavement.

Director and performer George Mann says,“This is about the gap between young and old. Age, like a mask, can obscure the fact a person was once young. We’re working without words to convey this story through the body and music on a poetic level. The audience will be immersed in feeling, sensations and movements. We hope they go home feeling they’ve experienced something very special.”

• “an extraordinary performance”The Observer
• “Extraordinarily poignant…beautifully performed…. packs a real emotional punch. In the end, this is a show about loss that is as much about mourning your own lost self as about the grief at the death of a long-term partner.”The Guardian
• “an admirable, infinitely gentle and wordless story of loss and remembrance”The Times
• “I really cannot recommend this highly enough, it is not just one of the best shows I have seen at this year’s fringe, but any fringe.”The Stage
• “a thing of perfection.” British Theatre Guide

(Cafe suppers available before and after the show)

Tickets £10/£8/£4

Compelled by the threat of bankruptcy, fishing trawler the Violet and its mismatched crew are forced out into treacherous weather. The new bracingly physical show from Bear Trap Theatre Company. Six actors, five chairs, one table and an ocean. Bound.

Compelled by the threat of bankruptcy, fishing trawler the Violet and its mismatched crew are forced out into treacherous weather. The new bracingly physical show from Bear Trap Theatre Company. Six actors, five chairs, one table and an ocean. Bound.

“This is a small but beautifully thought-out piece of work, a sea-bleached story told with passion and performed with real dynamism.” Lyn Gardner.The Guardian

As it’s a Wednesday performance, Café Tolmen will be open from 5.30 for sensibly priced pre show meals.

Tickets £9, £8 Children £4
As a continuation of the now closed Arts Council Free Tickets Scheme we are able to offer reduced price children’s tickets for just £2 if booked in advance.

The three most stupid musicians in the world have been invited to perform at last! Highly strung violinist Yarlsberg has designs on the perfect concert and ever enthusiastic Mr Abanathie aims to please with a variety of instruments.

The three most stupid musicians in the world have been invited to perform at last! Highly strung violinist Yarlsberg has designs on the perfect concert and ever enthusiastic Mr Abanathie aims to please with a variety of instruments. Meanwhile, budget celebrity Kadifachi’s surprisingly passionate relationship with her cello threatens to hijack the entire performance…

“Stomach-achingly funny and instrumentally dare-devillish”…AdelaideAdvertiser

Tickets £9,  £8 Children £4

A new series of Film Night begins with (500) Days of Summer (2009) Certificate 12A.  An anti-romantic comedy about love and fate.

“Smart, sexy and seriously funny’..Rolling Stone

Tickets £3

To book a table for Cafe Tolmen, pre-film phone 01326 341353

Craig Johnson, Kneehigh performer renowned for his skill and charm has developed this new show Universerama as a blend of storytelling and cabaret. He uses puppets, props,music and comedy to convey the wonder of the cosmos in a funny and informative show for all the family.

Craig Johnson, Kneehigh performer renowned for his skill and charm has developed this new show Universerama as a blend of storytelling and cabaret. He uses puppets, props,music and comedy to convey the wonder of the cosmos in a funny and informative show for all the family.

We study the stars, visit distant galaxies, and hear the fascinating story of John Couch Adams, the Cornishman who discovered Neptune. Tickets £8, £7 Children £4

Open rehearsal sessions at the Tolmen Centre.  …more

CScape– our resident Dance and Physical Theatre Company – are running a Community Dance project at Trebah Gardens in early July. There are two open rehearsal sessions at the Tolmen Centre – on Wednesday 16th and 30th June: they are seeking 100 dancers of all shapes, sizes, ages and genders so there’ll be room for everyone. Ring Sally (Cscape) Williams on 07793953261 to find out more

OR JUST TURN UP!! The sessions run from 5pm to 9pm

(Café Tolmen will also be open on these nights so work up an appetite and then have supper – or vice versa!)

Open rehearsal sessions at the Tolmen Centre.  …more

CScape– our resident Dance and Physical Theatre Company – are running a Community Dance project at Trebah Gardens in early July. There are two open rehearsal sessions at the Tolmen Centre – on Wednesday 16th and 30th June: they are seeking 100 dancers of all shapes, sizes, ages and genders so there’ll be room for everyone. Ring Sally (Cscape) Williams on 07793953261 to find out more

OR JUST TURN UP!! The sessions run from 5pm to 9pm

(Café Tolmen will also be open on these nights so work up an appetite and then have supper – or vice versa!)

A weekend event at the Tolmen Centre and Jubilee Wharf offering creative dance workshops for all ages. Even if you have never danced before: babies, teenagers over 50s all are welcome.

Tel:07876 205050.

A weekend event at the Tolmen Centre and Jubilee Wharf offering creative dance workshops for all ages. Even if you have never danced before: babies, teenagers over 50s all are welcome.

Tel:07876 205050.