Vampires, rogues and crafters among this week’s pick of What’s On
Big band night
KITTY Mazinsky joins Apollo Big Band for Jazz@Stockcross on March 7. Kitty sang with the Apollo Big Band before and received a very good review from @newburytoday. Kitty is a local singer, based in Reading. She is happy singing in a small group format and also with big bands. She knows all the classic songs from the 1920s to the 1960s and beyond and has a wide experience not only singing at local events but also on a wider stage at festivals, weddings and corporate events. Included in an exciting showcase for Kitty and Apollo at Stockcross Village Hall will be classics such as It’s Only A Paper Moon and Embraceable You but also more recent songs like I Wanna Be Like You (from the Jungle Book) and I Will Survive. Kitty will be supported by the Apollo Big Band’s 17 talented musicians. The show will start at 8pm. Tickets on the door £12 Adults and £10 for under 16s or online at https://apollobigband.co.uk/ (there is a small booking fee).
Cecilia sing in Spring
ON Saturday, acclaimed Newbury choral singers The Cecilia Consort will be heralding the approach of spring with their concert at St John’s Church Newbury. The programme celebrates the beauty of life and the natural world as we move from winter towards the longer, warmer and brighter days of summer. At the heart of the programme are Patrick Hawes’ Blue Bird variations. Based on Stanford’s famed 1910 setting, these exemplify Hawes’ reputation for beautiful harmonies, effortlessly evoking lake, birds and sky. The jazzy tones of the soprano saxophone will feature on both James Whitbourn’s Son of God Mass and Bob Chilcott’s Samba Mass. The programme is completed by Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo’s luminous Ubi Caritas and two pieces by Eric Whitacre, a great favourite with Cecilia Consort singers and audiences. 7.30pm start. Tickets (£15 adults and £5 under 18s) are available from www.ceciliaconsort.org.uk or by calling 07775 743445. The Cecilia Consort, founded in 1990, is an auditioned chamber choir of some 40 local singing enthusiasts – performing a minimum of two concerts a year, normally in March and November.
Blackeyed Theatre’s Dracula
DRACULA comes to the Corn Exchange on Tuesday and Wednesday. Adapted by Nick Lane, this brilliant theatrical treatment of Bram Stoker’s adventure blends Victorian Gothic with the contemporary, showcasing Blackeyed Theatre’s trademark ensemble performance style. 1897. Mankind is on the cusp of vast technological change, scientific mastery and media innovation. But poised between traditional beliefs, the threat of the unknown and the shock of the new world, an altogether darker fear is emerging. As a new shadow looms large over England, a small group of young men and women, led by Professor Van Helsing, are plunged into an epic struggle for survival. Featuring a haunting soundscape, powerful performances and innovative design. There will be a Q&A after Tuesday’s performance.
Only Fools & Horses
STICK a pony in your pocket – The Trotters are back and coming to New Theatre Oxford from Monday to Saturday next week with the hit UK tour Only Fools and Horses The Musical – direct from a record-breaking four-year run in the West End – featuring Del Boy, Rodney, Grandad, Cassandra, Raquel, Boycie, Marlene, Trigger, Denzil and Mickey Pearce. Based on John Sullivan’s legendary television show, this musical spectacular features material from Britain’s best-loved TV series. With a script and original score written by John’s son Jim Sullivan and comedy giant Paul Whitehouse, prepare to get reacquainted with Britain’s most lovable rogues and experience the classic comedy brought to life on stage through an ingenious script and 20 hilarious songs. https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-theatre-oxford/
Hands-on crafting
JOIN in National Craft Month at The Base Greenham who are offering a Master Crafter programme of workshops - a month-long extravaganza of creativity and connection. From today (Thursday), their main gallery will be buzzing with opportunities to get hands-on, develop new skills and enjoy the magic of crafting. Throughout the month, there will be a wide range of workshops designed to inspire and engage crafters of all ages and skill levels, but this coming week: participants over-18 can unleash their artistic side at Painting & Prosecco tonight, when they can sip and socialise with like-minded others. For those looking to recharge and refocus, the Creative Mindfulness: Rejuvenate session on Saturday offers a reviving experience using a unique combination of experimental drawing and mindful meditation. Families can also join forces for the Family Collage Mural Workshop on Sunday, creating vibrant art together with artist Samantha Emmons, For those ready to try something new, explore the elegance of silk painting in a Crafternoon: Painting on Silk workshop next Thursday. Activities continue thoughout the month Each session is an opportunity to explore, create and connect whether that be with family, friends or fellow enthusiasts. If you are a seasoned artist or just curious to try something new, the Master Crafter event is a great way to embrace the joy of crafting. www.thebasegreenham.co.uk
Open Mic
IT’s Unplugged Open Mic night at ACE Space in St Nicolas’ Road, Newbury, tomorrow (Friday). There have been two absolute crackers so far this year. Doors and bar 7pm, kickoff at 7.30pm, performer sign up, well, as early as you can. Details at https://acespace.org.uk/
