It's Creative Cow’s 5th Birthday and the Devon based company is taking a classic 70's comedy on the road in it's biggest tour yet.
Born in the Gardens by Peter Nichols combines an examination of the choices faced by a comically eccentric family with a sharp look at the state of the nation.
The play was first performed in 1979, just after The Iron Lady came to power. British behaviour was changing under the onslaught of a different morality in business and upheaval in social structure.
As director Amanda Knott points out, it is a timely revival: She says: “Born in the Gardens is a beautifully written and very funny play, while at the same time being a devastatingly accurate snapshot of it’s times. Britain was as broken then, certainly divided, as it is now and our historical perspective on the play makes it even more fascinating.
Living in a crumbling mock-Tudor house in Bristol are elderly Maud and her stay-at-home son Maurice who have settled into a routine seemingly undisturbed by the very recent death of Maud’s husband.
Maud wants nothing more than a good sit down, to chat with the people on her television and to create exotic cocktails made with ingredients like “tequinol”. One of many hilarious Bristolian malapropisms uttered by Maud, others include “michaelwave” and "Afrodisiac" for her hairdo.
70-odd Maud is played by 30-something Katherine Senior who is up for the challenge. She says: "Leaving aside the obvious comic potential of the role, Peter Nichols has created a character with a history. She's so much a part of her time but she yearns for a past beyond even that."
Maurice (Edward Ferrow) overprotects his mother, talks to the cat, plays his drums and adores his jazz 78's. Into this idyll comes the future - Maurice's older brother Hedley (Jonathan Parish), now a Labour MP, and his twin sister Queenie (Rachel Howells) who escaped to America. Can Hedley and Queenie convince Maud and Maurice to split up, turn their backs on Bristol and lead a more "normal" life in L.A. and London?
Press quotes from 2011
WhatsOnStage " the hugely talented and inventive Creative Cow continues to promote and present top notch theatre around the UK and Hard Times is a fine example of their work.
The Guardian“..great fun, and exuberantly performed.. inventively and with vim..” (The Fair Maid of the West)
The Stage "in a production that engages and entertains there are many memorable skilfully delineated characters" (Hard Times)
"The Creative Cow performers are simply stunning...directed with incisive attention...don't miss this superb production." (Look Back in Anger)
LOCATION:Mowlem Theatre, Shore Road, Swanage, BH19 1DD, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Activate Performing Arts event URL:http://activateperformingarts.org.uk/whats-on/2012/5/23/born-in-the-gardens-creative-cow-on-tour-mowlem-theatre-east-dorset SEQUENCE:0 CREATED:20120216T165248 LAST-MODIFIED:20120216T165248 ORGANIZER;CN=:mailto: ATTENDEE;RSVP=true:mailto: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120525 DTEND:20120526 SUMMARY:A Day in the Death of Joe Egg DESCRIPTION:
Large Print Theatre present A Day in the Death of Joe Egg, a deeply poignant black comedy that came to define late 60s theatre.
It walks a knife-edge between heartbreak and humour as we follow the plight of two parents struggling to cope with the care of their severely disabled daughter.
Frustrated school teacher Bri and his long suffering wife Sheila descend into dark humour as they replay key moments of their lives, ultimately finding it easier to confide in the audience than each other.
Funny and thought-provoking, this play remains as relevant today as it was 40 years ago.
LOCATION:Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, BH15 1UG, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Activate Performing Arts event URL:http://activateperformingarts.org.uk/whats-on/2012/5/25/a-day-in-the-death-of-joe-egg-lighthouse-poole-s-centre-for-the-arts-poole SEQUENCE:0 CREATED:20120305T131136 LAST-MODIFIED:20120305T131136 ORGANIZER;CN=Lighthouse:mailto:info@lighthousepoole.co.uk ATTENDEE;RSVP=true:mailto:info@lighthousepoole.co.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120527T000000 DTEND:20120527T000000 SUMMARY:Muttnik: First Dog in Space DESCRIPTION:
3….2…1…BLAST OFF!!! Muttnik is a stray: scavenging on the streets of Moscow until one day she is captured and finds herself at the Russian Space Centre to become the first ever ‘astro-dog’, going 'where no dog has gone before'! This physical theatre show for children and childish adults blasts off from The Lyric on February 13th and tells the stunning, true story of the 1957 Sputnik 2 rocket-dog, Laika! For all ages (down to 3 years).
Having zoomed through sell out UK tours in 2006-2008 and ‘5 star’ performances at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Muttnik is blasting off again but with a new solo performer: Bridport-born Tessa Bide. This is Tessa's first solo professional show and it is coming to The Lyric (Bridport) straight after opening at the Lyric Hammersmith (London) 2 days previously! The show is then zooming around the UK for it's Spring/Summer tour.
We need you to help Muttnik as she learns to fly a rocket and dance in zero gravity. Will she skate on the rings of Saturn, what will be her first message home and what will it be like to dig holes on the moon?
Told with dance, music and puppetry but without dialogue, this enchanting tale feeds the imagination and is suitable for children over three. Created by award-winning performer and early years performance expert Niki McCretton (Resident Artist at Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts and co-owner of The Lyric Theatre).
The show is approximately 1 hour long and the doors open roughly 20 minutes before the start of the show. Pre-booking tickets is strongly recommended.
“It's just a beautifully thought-through, very funny and resourceful piece of physical theatre that works for children and adults alike.” Mary Brennan (The Herald)
“An absolute delight from start to finish... A rare treat for all the family” Sarah Peterkin (Take Art)
Harry Mottram (The Bristol Evening Post)
“Kid’s physical theatre at its most simple but effective.” Allan Radcliffe (The List)
To kick start Jubilee Week, talented youngsters from Weymouth, Dorchester, Portland and Bridport will be presenting a Jubilee Gala Performance at the Weymouth Pavilion on Saturday 2nd June.
This celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is also a celebration of young people and the performing arts, from the littlest fairies to those on the verge of professional training. There’s musical theatre, drama, singing and all sorts of dance, which promises something for everyone’s taste!
We have beautiful baby-ballerina’s from the Weymouth School of Ballet and Theatre Arts; Dance, Drama and Singing from Stagecoach (Weymouth), and the latest in street & hip-hop from Platinum Dance of Portland. Julie Storey’s ‘Let’s Dance!’ and Emilie Hardy’s ‘The Studio’ are each presenting a range of exciting dance and theatre styles and Dorchester Ballet Theatre will be performing excerpts from The Sleeping Beauty and even Bridport Youth Dance Company are getting involved too! Plus we’ve also got some special guests as well.
All this talent together in one place means this is going to be a great show indeed! If anyone is thinking of sending their child to a dance or performing arts class, here’s a great opportunity of seeing what it’s all about and meeting staff who’ll be only too happy to provide information about their organisations.
LOCATION:Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, DT4 8ED, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Activate Performing Arts event URL:http://activateperformingarts.org.uk/whats-on/2012/6/2/jubilee-gala-performance-weymouth-pavilion-weymouth-and-portland SEQUENCE:0 CREATED:20120509T210810 LAST-MODIFIED:20120509T210810 ORGANIZER;CN=Caron Yardley:mailto:caronyardley@live.co.uk ATTENDEE;RSVP=true:mailto:caronyardley@live.co.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120603T000000 DTEND:20120603T000000 SUMMARY:Instant Wit DESCRIPTION:
Instant Wit - a show featuring songs, sketches and gags, all of them based entirely around audience suggestions and, in view of it being a very special date, it’s a very special show – yes, it’s Jubilee themed! So if you’ve always wanted to hear a country and western song about the Queen receiving diamond-studded dentures as a Jubilee present or see a sketch about a street party organized by spies from MI5 then this is your big chance. But don’t worry, nobody is forced to participate and we even build in a section where anonymous suggestions, written down in the interval, can be acted out. Good suggestions receive flying packets of custard; the best of the evening gets a bottle of wine!
Many people have seen improvised comedy on the TV, such as Who’s Line is it Anyway or Fast and Loose – but remember, this is not recorded and edited, but totally live! If you like your comedy fast-paced and with a slightly unusual edge, this is definitely for you.
LOCATION:Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, DT7 3QA, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Activate Performing Arts event URL:http://activateperformingarts.org.uk/whats-on/2012/6/3/instant-wit-marine-theatre-west-dorset SEQUENCE:0 CREATED:20120518T125430 LAST-MODIFIED:20120518T125430 ORGANIZER;CN=:mailto: ATTENDEE;RSVP=true:mailto: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120605 DTEND:20120616 SUMMARY:MY GIRL by Barrie Keeffe DESCRIPTION:How often do you immerse yourself into the world of a play or performance?
It’s February 1989 in a very cold flat in East London. Sam is late for work and Anita, who is heavily pregnant with their second child, is wearing her coat inside out for warmth.
‘My Girl’ is the story of an idealistic growing family struggling to hold onto each other and their beliefs amidst the deep cuts being made by Thatcher’s Conservative Government.
Have you ever wondered who the ‘squeezed middle’ are?
Well come inside and meet them. It may be 1989 but it really isn’t a world away from here. SanaRt Theatre’s new production offers you the chance to witness a family drama from the heart of its living room.
“Bitingly funny, challenging, angry and deeply humane.” Evening Standard
“SanaRt Theatre is most definitely a company to look out for.” The Public Review
“Scaramouche Jones... the direction, under Emel Yilmaz, is sublime” Bristol Theatre Review.
Cast Mia Keadell & Gerard Cooke
Directed by Emel Yilmaz
Designed by Sarah Warren
Produced by Ellie Blaney – SanaRt Theatre
For reserve your ticket, please contact; Emel 07790 907056 or Ellie 07530 318897
This is a site specific piece!!
My Girl will set the bar high for your experience of realism in theatre.
LOCATION:Sazz Cafe - Upstairs, 234 North Street, Bristol, BS3 1JD, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Activate Performing Arts event URL:http://activateperformingarts.org.uk/whats-on/2012/6/5/my-girl-by-barrie-keeffe-sazz-cafe-upstairs-south-west SEQUENCE:0 CREATED:20120510T182323 LAST-MODIFIED:20120510T182323 ORGANIZER;CN=:mailto: ATTENDEE;RSVP=true:mailto: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120607T000000 DTEND:20120607T000000 SUMMARY:Made in Heaven DESCRIPTION:The Mark Bruce Company brings its savagely beautiful dance theatre production to Pavilion Dance, which merges ancient themes with modern life. With music ranging from Debussy and Leadbelly to Queens of the Stone Age and The Black Keys, this dark, sometimes comic piece interrogates the very idea of heaven. LOCATION:Pavilion Dance, Westover Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2BU, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Activate Performing Arts event URL:http://activateperformingarts.org.uk/whats-on/2012/6/7/made-in-heaven-pavilion-dance-bournemouth SEQUENCE:0 CREATED:20120308T120025 LAST-MODIFIED:20120308T120025 ORGANIZER;CN=Jo:mailto:paviliondance@dancesouthwest.org.uk ATTENDEE;RSVP=true:mailto:paviliondance@dancesouthwest.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120612 DTEND:20120613 SUMMARY:Crying Out Loud presents: Petit Mal DESCRIPTION:
Petit Mal rocks. Dark humour reigns.
Wild physicalilty comes at you with nonchalant daring, on a stage littered with garage debris. Break-dancing and hip-hop fuse with a Chinese pole, trampoline work and acrobatics. Petit Mal emerges from the Finnish underground, ready for a theatrical riot.
"This is circus completely outside the box" - Donald Hutera, The Times
Back by popular demand!
www.cryingoutloud.org
LOCATION:Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, BH15 1UG, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Activate Performing Arts event URL:http://activateperformingarts.org.uk/whats-on/2012/6/12/crying-out-loud-presents-petit-mal-lighthouse-poole-s-centre-for-the-arts-poole SEQUENCE:0 CREATED:20120305T105658 LAST-MODIFIED:20120305T105658 ORGANIZER;CN=Lighthouse:mailto:info@lighthousepoole.co.uk ATTENDEE;RSVP=true:mailto:info@lighthousepoole.co.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120617T000000 DTEND:20120617T000000 SUMMARY:Cinderella DESCRIPTION:
A love story of unusual beauty and special charm
The world’s most loved and famous fairy tale of all time! Cinderella tells the tale of a young girl, hounded by her cruel and nasty step-sisters and nagging step-mother. With the help of her Guardian Angel, the Fairy Godmother, Cinderella is put on her rightful path to destiny and …..true love! With all the trappings befitting a Princess, Cinderella goes to Grand Ball and falls in love with the Prince…but as the clock strikes midnight she must leave the fantasy behind and return to her sad and lonely world! But true love prevails, and not giving up the Prince searches the world to find the girl who stole his heart….
Children can meet the Prince and all the Ballerina’s in person after the matinee performance.
LOCATION:Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2BU, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Activate Performing Arts event URL:http://activateperformingarts.org.uk/whats-on/2012/6/17/cinderella-bournemouth-pavilion-bournemouth SEQUENCE:0 CREATED:20120509T205626 LAST-MODIFIED:20120509T205626 ORGANIZER;CN=Caron Yardley:mailto:caronyardley@live.co.uk ATTENDEE;RSVP=true:mailto:caronyardley@live.co.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120618 DTEND:20120623 SUMMARY:Dreamboats and Petticoats DESCRIPTION:
Bill Kenwright and Laurie Mansfield in association with Universal Music present Dreamboats and Petticoats!
Inspired by the smash hit multi-million selling albums Dreamboats and Petticoats One, Two, Three, Four and Five, the West End sell out sensation features some of the greatest hit songs of the Rock 'n' Roll era.
In 1961 emotions run high as young musicans Norman and Bobby compete to win a national song writing competition - and, more importantly, the attention of the gorgeous Sue! But when Bobby discovers that shy Laura is no slouch on the piano, love and rock 'n' roll fame beckons.
Featuring classic tracks from Roy Orbison, The Shadows, Eddie Cochran, Billy Fury and many more, the fantastic music includes Let's Dance, To Know Him is To Love Him, Shaking All Over, Bobby's Girl, Little Town Flirt, Only Sixteen, Runaround Sue, Happy Birthday Sweet 16, Let It Be Me, Great Pretender, C'mon Everybody, Let's Twist Again and more hits from music's golden era!
Dreamboats and Petticoats - the songs will live forever!
LOCATION:Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, BH15 1UG, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Activate Performing Arts event URL:http://activateperformingarts.org.uk/whats-on/2012/6/18/dreamboats-and-petticoats-lighthouse-poole-s-centre-for-the-arts-poole SEQUENCE:0 CREATED:20120305T113201 LAST-MODIFIED:20120305T113254 ORGANIZER;CN=Lighthouse:mailto:info@lighthousepoole.co.uk ATTENDEE;RSVP=true:mailto:info@lighthousepoole.co.uk END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR