The recently released Artsreach autumn programme features an exciting depth and breadth of productions, with around 70 performances from 29 companies set to take place in village halls, churches and schools right across Dorset.
Music lovers can enjoy a real medley of styles and genres from performers both national and international. The Christian Garrick Quartet takes a wry look at the music of Bach as a starting point for jazz composition and improvisation, while the 16 extraordinary singers that make up Northern Harmony present thrilling harmony singing from South Africa, Corsica, Georgia, the Balkans and many American traditions. Look out for an adult singing workshop with them too. Flute and harp duo Amalthea combine baroque works by Bach and Vivaldi with, amongst others, Ravel’s and Debussy’s impressionism, Indian ragas and Piazolla’s tango, while award winning Canadian singer-songwriter Ian Sherwood shares his unique and accessible brand of folk/pop music. Michael Hulmes presents an evening of classical guitar music from around the world whilst, with a cornerstone of backbeat Pacific rhythms, vivacious fiddle playing and evocative Maori instrumentation and lyrics, Pacific Curls share a catalogue of songs that is both worldly and enthralling. Namvula Rennie, joined by some of the UK’s most respected African and jazz musicians, combines the folk and urban traditions of her Zambian homeland with her Scottish heritage and London’s vibrant eclectic music scene, with a refreshing honesty and evocative lyricism. The Ridgeway Singers/Band continue to explore West Gallery carols from the Puddletown and Pulham manuscripts, and Slim Panatella and the Mellow Virginians present an evening of music firmly rooted in 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s America, with wonderful vocal harmonies and instrumental virtuosity. A highlight of last autumn’s programme, The James Lascelles Quartet returns to present material from their acclaimed recent release ‘Aspects of Joy’, a mix of World, Folk and Jazz music and Anglo/Caribbean grooves.
Several theatre companies are set to make their Artsreach debuts this autumn, along with a host of other popular touring companies. Award-winning international troupe of clowns Le Navet Bete promise a fast-paced journey across the Wild West featuring live music, physical comedy and pistols at dawn in ‘Once upon a time in a Western’. Inspired by some of Shakespeare’s best loved plays, Finding the Will takes an up-dated look at some of the well-loved characters from his most popular plays and imagines what might have happened next in ‘Bard Heads’. Join Shanty Theatre Company as they dash through story explosion after turbulent tale in ‘The Story Giant’, an adventure to find the last story on earth, adapted from the book by poet Brian Patten. Forest Forge present an innovative re-telling of an ancient welsh myth where nothing is quite as it seems in ‘Woman of Flowers’. Using a cross-art form approach, this beautiful piece of storytelling will feature live music, dance, video, integrated sign language and surtitles. Ministry of Entertainment bring their songs and comic theatre to bear on the Cold War era in ‘Normal Service will be Resumed’ – ‘Listen with Mother’ will never be the same again! Townsend Productions return following the success of their Tolpuddle Martyrs production, this time telling the story behind the controversial prosecution of the ‘Shrewsbury 24 following the building strikes of 1972 in ‘United we Stand’. The two highly skilled performers of Avanti and Artizani present the story of a variety act that was never the same again after a disastrous night in Grimsby. Featuring conjuring, acrobatics, live music, sound effects, animatronics and a spectacular finale, think Morecambe and Wise in front of the curtains! Forest Forge’s seasonal show this year is based on Neil Gaiman’s ‘Stardust’, which was famously made into a film starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Robert De Niro in 2007. This wondrous adventure is full of eccentric characters, hilarious and thrilling moments, with haunting music, magic and mayhem.
For an alternative evening’s entertainment, Oliver Meech meddles with forces we barely understand, in a comedy magic show for the QI generation ‘When Science and Magic Collide’. No knowledge of science required, just a mind that’s open and a jaw that’s ready to drop! Award-winning wildlife photographer Ben Osborne presents his compelling ‘Himalayan Journeys’ with stunning images and commentary. Serious Kitchen’s ‘The Whispering Road’ leaps between song, music and the spoken word; brought to life with the accompaniment of traditional Scandinavian music. Kate Lissauer, John Whelan, and Jason Titley provide live musical accompaniment to three of the earliest short films to have emerged from the infancy of Hollywood by the pioneering director Frank Borzage in ‘Sonic Silents’.
Following performances at the International Mime Festival with their previous hit Le Jardin, two of France’s leading circus performers duo Didier Andre and Jean-Paul LeFeuvre bring their unique circus skills to the UK once again, performing a double bill of physical circus in a space just 8m3.
There’s plenty for families to see too with five brilliant productions coming to Dorset during the autumn. Gather round for the Moon’s magical story about a tippetty-top tap dancer in Tess Bide’s ‘The Tap Dancing Mermaid’. Expect a hilarious, wacky and heartwarming take on some of the world’s favourite fairytales reimagined using puppetry, live music and a giant dose of silliness in ‘The Elves and The Shoemaker’ by Silly Boys. In ‘Stay Brave Brian Gravy’, all Brian wants is for Mum and Dad to stop fighting, and maybe a pair of sensible shoes. Cornish company o-region’s stylised fantasy utilises physical comedy and original songs to explore in a uniquely humorous way, separation, individuality and the importance of friendship. Think Roald Dahl with added Cornish quirkiness! World famous travelling company Horse + Bamboo makes a welcome return to the Artsreach circuit with ‘Hansel and Gretel’, a feast for the senses featuring succulent music and film, puppets and masks. The ever-popular Theatre Alibi present a funny and touching story about a very tidy boy, a very scruffy dog and a very special friendship in ‘Mucky Pup’.
Choreographed by young Cornish artist Tom Jackson Greaves (New Adventures Choreographer Award winner and a mentee of Matthew Bourne) ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ is a vibrant dance comedy full of laughs, apples, and exhilarating movement. Touring in Dorset for one night only, this promises to be a highlight of the Artsreach autumn season.
As you can see, there’s a lot going on this season! Full details including individual box office numbers are on www.artsreach.co.uk, where you can also see events happening in November and December. Outlets where you can pick up a copy of the programme include libraries, arts centres and tourist information centres across Dorset. You can also find Artsreach on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with the latest news.
