promoters' menu 2012

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Somerset Rural Touring Scheme

Promoters’ Menu

Oct 2012 - April 2013

Welcome to the Take Art Promoters MenuThe Take Art Live scheme is a well-established scheme set up to bring professional, high quality arts events to rural communities across Somerset. The scheme relies on a partnership between village organisations and Take Art. By working together, memorable social events can be organised in rural areas where people live and meet and so provide a way for villagers to come together socially. How the Take Art Live scheme worksThe Live scheme relies on a partnership between promoter and Take Art. By signing up to the scheme each side of the partnership is agreeing to certain responsibilities, as follows:-

Take Art is responsible for: providing a menu of performances that are memorable, enjoyable, diverse and affordable; financially supporting some of these shows (eg in areas where there is local authority funding); providing advice, support and lists of local press contacts; contracting, paying and liaising with the performance companies. Take Art will also produce, and distribute widely across Somerset, a seasonal programme listing all Live events and publicise show details, as well as resources for promoters and artists, on its own website at www.takert.org.

Village promoters are responsible for: taking on the role of becoming an arts promoter in liaison with Take Art. This includes choosing, booking, publicising and selling tickets for their events; ensuring the venue is safe, accessible and complies with all insurance and licensing regulations; managing the event on the day; hosting the artists; and paying Take Art the agreed fee.

*** Changes to the scheme for 2012/13 ***Following deep cuts in local authority funding, we can no longer offer full financial support for shows in Mendip or Sedgemoor villages. However, this menu includes a substantial number of attractive ‘easy-to-sell’ Full Price shows that we think are affordable and we would like to offer these to all Somerset promoters, whichever district you are in.

The average box office takings last year were £410 and if realistic ticket prices are set, it should be possible to afford shows at £400-£500, eg 65 tickets @ £8 = a box office of £520. The Full Price also includes a small contribution towards Live scheme costs.

In districts where we receive funding, we will offer Reduced Price shows. This year there will be 5 of these available in West Somerset, 11 in Taunton Deane and 22 in South Somerset villages. We will continue to ask for 80% of the gross box office to be returned to Take Art, if this is greater than the Reduced Price.

Guarantee against lossTo support some smaller villages where a higher box office is impossible, even with a sell-out audience and increased ticket prices, we have a modest Guarantee Against Loss fund. Should the need arise, villages in any district can apply to this fund, after discussion with Take Art. This will be funded by a number of new fundraising initiatives, see below.

We really want to help support events in all five districts of Somerset and believe the above plan is realistic. We don’t make light of the fact that selling tickets for shows is easy and are prepared to help you in as many ways as possibly can.

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Fundraising InitiativesWe have recently carried out a survey in order to find out the level of audience support for Take Art. Over 200 people took part and in answer to the question “In which way would you be most willing to offer Take Art support” we can now say with confidence that approx 65% of our audiences said they would be happy to pay ‘an extra £1 on the ticket price’. We are, therefore, suggesting all adult ticket prices are increased to help raise additional funds.

Take Art is planning a number of Autumn Special Fundraising Events. We will contact you over the next few weeks with the details and ways in which you might help us promote them.

NB: Money raised will be put back into the Live scheme to support more shows next year.

Some villages have already been very active and identified their own local fundraising to help make promoting Full Price shows affordable. For example: • some have Parish Council support • others have local charities that are willing to support • some have village events (such as festivals) that are prepared to make a donation • and others are looking into local Patrons and individual giving

We are happy to help discuss and advise with any of your own local fundraising ideas.

Other Notes & What to do next?

PublicityPosters: companies will send posters to each promoter direct. A few companies will be able to overprint your details for you. Others will simply send you posters and fliers with a blank box where you will need to put your venue’s details, ticket princes, box office etc. Should you need help, we can provide training, eg in designing and printing labels.Press: each company will send you a press release for you to send out to the press well in advance of your show. If you need a list of press, radio and TV contacts please get in touch.

WorkshopsSome companies offer workshops alongside their performance. A workshop at the hall or local school can help enormously to boost ticket sales. Call us about availability and costs.

Website, Facebook & Digital MediaPlease don’t forget that our website will have up to date listings information so do use it to help market your event - www.takeart.org. We will also keep our Facebook pages up to date as well as sending our regular weekly email bulletins to our fast growing database of 700 active audience members. We, and many of the companies we work with, are increasingly using Twitter. Please follow us if you feel this is useful in your community.

What do you do next?Talk to committee members, friends in your village etc and decide on the best shows for your community and venue. Fill in the Booking Request Form and return to Take Art by the deadline of Friday 1st June 2012. You will hear back from us during June to discuss both your choices and the best possible dates to fit in with other promoters’ bookings. Happy browsing....

“Good looking, funny, charming… what’s not to like?”

Four people in a bar, trying to get out of it. You’ve probably met some of them before. Nearly outrageous, mostly clever, always inventive. A confection of moves and movement to a soundtrack of garish music and nervous tension. Four outstanding performers dance their way into your hearts and minds.

The ever industrious ponydance, champions of comedy dance theatre and all things brilliantly average, serve up their latest and tastiest show Where did it all go right?

Formed in 2006 ponydance come from Dublin where they are regular award winners at the Fringe Festival. They are also thrilled to announce they are proud winners of Best Dance Show, Adelaide Fringe 2012, Australia, where they went down a storm.

The show needs some form of area where the performers are behind a bar, or a food serving area, DJ desk etc. The company are extremely cooperative and flexible and are happy to help make this performance work in any venue. There is an opportunity to see them first-hand at the national rural touring conference in Warwick on 15 & 16 June - why not come along, we have a place reserved for a promoter so let me know soon!

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ponydance present Where did it all go Right?

www.ponydance.com2-7 Oct 2012 (& possibly 9-13 Oct)For 4 people if possible13ft w x 16ft d. Need to create a bar type area / serving hatch etc45 mins followed by 20 mins post-show chatNone3 hrs (Get out time 1 hr)8+£650£250 (or 80% box office if greater)£8 (incls £1 to support more TA shows)

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Whose Story is it Anyway? or Seven Ages? Both a good laugh

Whose Story is it Anyway is a comedy theatre show guaranteed to make children (and adults) laugh out loud. Kepow are one of the UK’s funniest, most creative theatre companies, who have created an improvised theatre show just for kids. Starring Kevin Tomlinson and Abi Hood (The Bill, ITV), Kepow take suggestions from their young audience, adapt well-known stories and improvise scenes full of action and adventure. Hilarious half-term fun.

Seven Ages fresh from a sell out world tour to Canada, US, New Zealand and Hong Kong is an ideal show for all ages. It explores the seven stages of life that Shakespeare says we go through. Garnering 5 star reviews at the Edinburgh Festival, this funny and touching show had a sell-out run and then transferred to London’s West End, receiving a standing ovation on the last night. The BBC are now looking at turning it into a TV show. This is theatre that will make you think and laugh.

Kepow shows have now been seen at over 300 village halls across the UK and are often said to be the funniest theatre company on the rural touring circuit. They will appeal to everyone who loves comedy such as Morecombe and Wise, the Two Ronnies etc.



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Kepow Theatre offer a choice of 2 comedy shows

www.kevintomlinson.co.uk19-21 Oct, 1-4 Nov, 13-15 Dec (& many other one-off dates on request in 2013)For 2 people 6ft w x 6ft d - raised stage preferable1 hr 45 minsYes1 hr (Get out time 30 mins)All ages over 5£450 if 2 shows a day eg an afternoon show in one village and evening show in another £650 if only one show per day£250 (or 80% box office if greater)£8 (incls £1 to support more TA shows) 5.

Once upon a time there were three little pigs...

. . . and now it is time for them to leave home. They set off to build their dream houses in the green field on the other side of the river. But then these homes are put to the test by a misunderstood wolf who has a little bit of a problem. And who is the grumpy person who lives under the bridge?

The Three Billy Pigs is a new family theatre show from Noisy Oyster for children of 3 years and over. The show blends two classic fairy tales The Three Little Pigs and The Three Billy Goats Gruff with beautifully crafted puppets, light hearted story telling, live music and a little bit of eco-awareness in a pig stylie.

Performer, Sarah Rowland-Barker had a background in classical dance before moving into street theatre and circus with No Fit State. Nik Palmer is an award winning puppeteer and musician and the son of Ray & Joan DaSilva who founded the wonderful Norwich Puppet Theatre. Based in Frome, Noisy Oyster are one of our favourite local puppet theatre companies.







Noisy Oyster present The Three Billy Pigs

www.noisyoyster.co.ukSept 2012-Mar 2013Not required20ft w x 13ft d x 9ft h45 mins followed by informal chatNone2 hrs (Get out time 1 hr)Families with children aged 3+£350£200 (or 80% box office if greater)£6Rec child price £4, Rec family price £18

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A story that fizzes with inventiveness

“I took off my hat and put it in the cage, and I left with a bird on my head” Jacques Prevert. We always enjoyed watching the birds nesting outside the window, until one day we looked out and the birds were watching us.

This latest production from the wonderfully anarchic Jammy Voo is inspired by Hitchcock’s The Birds and is told through a theatrical lens of dark clowning (eg stories you don’t tell your children at night), enthralling puppetry and an original live music score. Four very funny women - survivors of the ‘bird apocalypse’ - treat us to their surreal and ever so slightly mad world of comedy horror.

Take Art will be working with the company on the development of this show over the summer months. It has a fantastic creative team including Jos Houben (Theatre de Complicite), Peta Lily (dark clown consultant), Omar Elerian (Artistic Director at The Bush Theatre, London) and wonderful musician Greg Hall of Minima. It has been commissioned by our friends at the North Devon rural touring scheme, Beaford Arts.

“Like taking a voyage of discovery into your own imagination” What’s On Stage.







Jammy Voo presents Birdhouse

www.jammyvoo.com17-26 Oct 2012 (possibly again in Spring 13)Not Required20ft w x 13ft d x 10ft h1 hrNo3 hrs (Get out time 1 hr)11+£450£250 (or 80% box office if greater)£8 (incls £1 to support more TA shows)

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Is there anybody not quite there?

This show promises to have you in stitches as the celebrated Ogden Sisters invite you to quench your thirst for the truth with this intimate theatrical experience that takes a look into the fascinating world of mediums and the origins of the spiritualist movement.

Travelling back in time to a darkened room set in 1892, hand picked brave observers will dress in Victorian bonnets or facial hair and join the world famous Ogden sisters at their table as they present the marvellous, the mysterious and the spiritually peculiar.

“Fantastically funny and surreally absurd from start to finish. Go see, and prepare to fall in love.” Western Morning News

Drawing together clowning, choreography, magic, animation and deeply tragic comical characters, this show is an absurd and all-embracing experience laced together by a wild yet poignant story. Cornish based Trifle Gathering Productions have been touring it around village halls for the last six months where it has had audiences reeling with laughter and wonderment!







Trifle Gathering in A Curious Evening of Trance and Rap

www.triflegatheringproductions.co.uk10 & 17 Oct 2012 (possibly some other mid-week dates around the same time)For 4 people15ft w x 20ft d x 10ft h - can bring own stage1 hr 40 minsNo4 hrs (Get out time 1.5 hr)Adults£675£300 (or 80% box office if greater)£8-£10 (incls £1 to support more TA shows)

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There’s piskies up to Dartymoor, an’ tidden gude you zay there ain’t

Albert lives alone with his beloved honey bees on Dartmoor, a mysterious land where nothing is as it seems.

One day a stranger appears and steals Albert’s bees and it’s as though the light has gone from Albert’s world. But a second visitor comes to his cottage - a little Pisky, called Mazymeg. She promises to find his bees, for she knows who the stranger is - Dark Dewer, the wicked wizard.

Tis said on Dartmoor that to get lost is to be ‘pisky-led’. So ‘lose your way’ with Mazymeg and a host of strange and funny characters, as she tries to bring home Albert’s bees.

Weaving threads of Devon folklore, an original soundtrack by Dartmoor musicians and shape-shifting puppetry this is Angel Heart’s most enchanted show yet.







Angel Heart Theatre in Mazymeg and the Honeybees

www.angelhearttheatre.com27-28 Oct 2012, 26-27 Jan, 13-14 Feb 2013 For 2 people (might not be required)15ft w x 13ft d x 12ft h. Will bring rugs for the children to sit on. Need blackout. Bring smoke machine55 minsNo2 hrs (Get out time 2 hr)All ages 4+£400£220 (or 80% box office if greater)£6. Rec child price £4, Rec family price £18

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Music and dance from this amazing troupe

This very special concert features the music, song and ‘jumping’ of the Maasai, as well as fascinating information about their life, culture and villages. The show is in two halves and is followed by a Q and A session which adds a lively and interesting end to the evening. Osiligi’s performance is stunning and tends to receive rapturous applause. The unique performance delights all ages 5-95 and seems to particularly appeal to a wide range of village and community groups.

The troupe are very happy to do an afternoon show as well as an evening show in two different venues. As we are offering dates in half-term week, an afternoon concert may work really well. There is no guaranteed fee for the show. Osiligi are confident the show will attract a large audience as it has always done so on previous visits to UK. They will receive a return of the box office and have, therefore, requested ticket prices of £10.

All proceeds go to help the warriors’ families and towards the improvement of their village back home. The interval is an important element of the show as it provides an opportunity for the group to chat with audience members and to sell authentic bead-work made by their families.







Osiligi Maasai Warriors

www.osiligiwarriors.co.uk1-3 Nov 2012Not required18ft w x 18ft d x 12ft h. This is a guideline only & can be adapted to fit almost any space2 hrsYes30 mins (Get out time 30 mins)All ages80% of gross box office80% of gross box office£10 (incls £1 to support more TA shows)

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A true story created by three generations of the same family about parents, children and falling in love

When theatre-maker Tom Frankland’s aunt died in 2006, he and his father inherited suitcases containing letters written by his grandparents across twenty-five years. They reveal the astonishing life and love of a couple living through two world wars and a recession, as father and son uncovered more than they bargained for. The show is very simple to stage and will take place on the hall floor but if possible please provide table lamps and standard lamps to create the living room feel.

Frankland & Sons is a personal performance that contains sketches, readings and conversation, drawing on Tom & John’s Pythonesque sense of humour. The show is playful, moving and surprising; a tale of love won, love lost, and wholly inappropriate girlfriends.

Created and performed by double Fringe First (Edinburgh) award winner Tom and his dad John Frankland, the show is directed by another Fringe First award winner Jamie Wood.

“A fragile, endearing family drama... A peculiarly affecting production” Donald Hutera, The Times







Frankland & Sons

www.franklandandsons.wordpress.com8-17 Nov 2012For 2/3 people13ft w x 10ft d - but could perform in a smaller space if needed1 hr 30 minsYes4 hrs (Get out time 1 hr)All ages£450£250 (or 80% box office if greater)£8 (incls £1 to support more TA shows)

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A jaw-droppingly brilliant celebration of Nick Darke’s writing and life

After a sell-out tour in 2011, o-region re-tours their hit show One Darke Night. Based on the work of renowned Cornish playwright Nick Darke, the show features a selection of extracts spanning the entirety of Darke’s career, from firm audience favourites The King of Prussia and The Body to lesser known works including radio plays, diaries, letters and commentaries.

Combining a cast of versatile performers, many of whom will be well known to you from wonderful Cornish companies such as Kneehigh and Miracle, this is a terrific show. Using simple staging and projected film it showcases Nick’s exquisite talent for crafting blistering dialogue, quirky characterisation and beautiful prose in plays which are as heartbreaking as they are hilarious. A must see for anyone with an interest in writing, writers and the passion that drives them. Oh, and those with a penchant for fishing, Cornwall and having a damned good laugh, won’t be disappointed either!

“One of the most fantastic things I have ever seen….a stunning tribute to one of Cornwall’s heralded writers’. Kimberly Middleton – The West Briton







o-region presents One Darke Night

www.o-region.co.uk14, 18, 21, 25 Nov 2012 (eg Weds & Suns only)For 4 people15ft w x 15ft d x 10ft h1 hr 40 minsYes3 hrs (Get out time 1 hr)All ages, perhaps 11+£675£300 (or 80% box office if greater)£8-£10 (incls £1 to support more TA shows)

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The electrifying jazz flamenco guitarist

Hailed by The Guardian for his ‘exquisite’ playing, Eduardo is one of the most potent forces in flamenco jazz fusion today, a technically brilliant, fantastically creative player and phenomenal live performer, who is happily bringing his guitar duo back to Somerset.

Eduardo has worked with some of the top names in jazz, pop and world music including Lol Coxhill, George Michael, Craig David and Nishat Khan and has a wealth of international appearances to his name including the Cairo Jazz Festival earlier this year where he received a standing ovation.

This is a must see performer for rural touring audiences, as Eduardo is quite capable of transporting a village hall to a Spanish beach with stunning sunset, with just the sheer power of his playing - breathtaking and tear making.

“The versatility with which he imbues his guitar is truly breathtaking, whether performing his poignantly poetic melodies or accompanying a truly fabulous transcontinental performance.” The Scotsman







Eduardo Niebla Duo in Concert

www.eduardoniebla.com14-17 Nov 2012For 2 people (poss 3)6ft wide, 4ft deep. Raised stage. Has own PA but not lights. If there are directional lights this helps to create atmosphere but not essential.2 x 45 minsYes3 hrs (Get out time 1 hr)All ages£500£300 (or 80% box office if greater)£8-£10 (incls £1 to support more TA shows)

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Photo Credit: Harry Dutton

“A masterful performance, Pip Utton IS Charles Dickens”

Dickens, the great English novelist and most famous man of his generation, staggers on to the stage, clutches his chest, slips from his sister in law’s arms and falls down dead. Seconds later he leaps up to entertain his audience – his ‘circle of affectionate friends’. .

With his death got out of the way right at the start, he feels that he can now approach the rest of the evening with energy and enthusiasm. He describes his final moments and then re-lives what he believes were the happiest years of his life (the last 12!). Separated from the wife he loathed he found secret love in the arms of Nell, a young actress 27 years his junior and he embarked on a new career publicly reading his works across Britain and the USA. This is not the dark, grave and serious Dickens of myth but a man full of energy, passion and fire. At the end of the evening you will have been richly entertained and feel as if you have actually spent time with Charles Dickens.

Based in Frome, Pip Utton is a favourite performer of ours and this production will be a great way to celebrate the bicentennial year of Dickens’ birth.

“Real emotional tangibility in the performance and the feeling that I have now met with Dickens, I would recommend this outstanding piece of theatre to anyone” Fringereview.com







Pip Utton presents Charles Dickens

www.pip-utton.com12/13 Oct, 16/17 Nov, 23/24 Nov, 7/8 DecNot required 12ft w x 9ft d. Prefers raised stage. 15 candles are lit during the performance.1 hr 50 minsYes2 hrs (Get out time 30 mins)14+£550£250 (or 80% box office if greater)£8-£10 (incls £1 to support more TA shows)

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An interactive and colourful light-inspired performance made especially for 2-5 yr olds

Lightstream is the gentle and illuminating story of Shimmer’s little adventure with unpredictable, and sometimes mischievous, lights. There are ‘playtime’ moments for children to get involved in the performance and illuminate the Lightstream with their imagination.

Featuring live performance, music and projections, this show has been produced by Take Art’s early years department working with local artist Richard Tomlinson. The accompanying music has been provided by another local artist, Tim Hill from Tongues of Fire.

This specially commissioned production is being previewed on Thurs 10 May at Octagon Theatre and Mon 14 May at Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre - free tickets are available to village hall promoters. You are welcome to join us at either venue for these preview performances and to see if you might like to book this unusual show for very young people.







Lightstream

www.takeart.org28 Oct-10 Nov 2012Not required8ft w x 8ft d x 7ft h - children on floor in semi-circle in front of the screen. Will bring own screen & all equipment. Needs blackout.1 hr includes ‘playtime’No1 hr (Get out time 1 hr)2-5’s and their families£250£150 (or 80% box office if greater)£4-£5 Rec child price £4, Rec family price £15

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John Kirkpatrick in Carolling and Crumpets

www.johnkirkpatrick.co.uk29 Nov-2 Dec 2012Not required12ft w x 16ft d - tables for Squeeze Boxes if possible 1 hr 50 minsYes1 hr (Get out time 1 hr)All ages£350£250 (or 80% box office if greater)£8 (incls £1 to support more TA shows)

The bizarre rituals found in the folk music of England at Midwinter

John Kirkpatrick continues his quest taking a profound look at the powerful pagan urges that race through us all at this time of year. He peels back the layers of the modern soppy and sentimental view of Christmas to reveal the life and death struggle that is symbolised in so many traditional songs and customs.

And if that all sounds just a little intense rest assured that the mysterious and murky goings-on all come dressed up in a glittering finery of toe tapping tunes and cracking choruses.

Add to the mixture a light hearted smattering of hilarious original songs, a sprinkling of carols both familiar and unfamiliar, all stirred up with John’s usual panache and energy, and supported by his scintillating skill on a variety of squeeze-boxes, and you have an unbeatable recipe for having a rattling good sing, guaranteed to keep the spirits cheery and cold at bay.

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Gypsy Swing Music Cabaret Style

Moscow Drug Club is a curious musical place where certain elements of 1930’s Berlin Cabaret, Hot Club de France, Nuevo Tango & Gypsy Campfire meet, have a few drinks and stagger arm in arm into the darkness of some eastern European cobbled street on a mission to find the bar where Django Reinhardt & Tom Waits are having an after hours jam with the local Tziganes.

Combining their original material with songs by the likes of Jaques Brel, Leornard Cohen, Tom Waits & Bertolt Brecht, Moscow Drug Club provide an intoxicating & intimate musical experience. With guitars, double bass, violin and accordion, all topped off with superb vocals, this band are based in Bristol where they are fast gaining a reputation for great nights out.

“You are cordially invited to share a wry smile with us as you enter the darkly comic world of Moscow Drug Club…..this way please & mind the stairs!”







Moscow Drug Club

www.moscowdrugclub.com18-19 Jan, 8-9 Feb, 8-9 Mar 2013 - flexible and available for other dates if need be.Unlikely to be required15ft w x 15ft d on raised stage if poss with 4 chairs with no arms. Cabaret seating preferable.2 x 45 minsYes1 hr (Get out time 1 hr)All ages£600£350 (or 80% box office if greater)£8-£10 (incls £1 to support more TA shows)

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Take care of him. He bites.

A child born towards the small hours on a Friday night is destined to be unlucky in life. Replete with comic, cruel and repugnant characters, Dickens’s semi-autobiographical novel follows a vulnerable boy on his journey to manhood.

It is a story of the struggle against poverty and obscurity: a story of loss, of loneliness and the betrayal of innocence. Dickens’s favourite novel is brought to stage with all its dark comedy by the Mad Dogs & Englishmen in this fast-paced and faithful adaptation.

Mad Dogs strive for memorable theatre. Believing that theatre must not only be entertaining and engaging, but remain true to the writer’s intentions. With a tradition of the classics and new writing with a historical twist, Mad Dogs have established a reputation for energy, style and panache.

“Of all my books, I like this the best... Like many fond parents, I have in my heart of hearts a favourite child. And his name is David Copperfield.” Charles Dickens







Mad Dogs & Englishmen present David Copperfield

www.mad-dogs.org.uk31 Jan-2 Feb, 28 Feb-2 Mar 2013For 3 people 15 ft w x 15ft d - set is a flexible structure that can widen if necessary. 2 hrs 15 minsYes3 hrs (Get out time 1.5 hrs)11+ £430£250 (or 80% box office if greater)£8 (incls £1 to support more TA shows)

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Madcap scrapes from the original puppet in a pickle!

Based on the original story by Carlo Collodi, award winning Strangeface Theatre bring an extraordinary mix of masks, puppets and live music to this tale of wild mischief and temptation.

In a style closer to Roald Dahl than Disney, The Amazing Adventures of Pinocchio takes us on a fantastical journey from his first moments as a talking log through a madcap series of scrapes with fairies, nefarious rascals Fox and Cat, a sinister puppet-master, and a trip to the Land of Toys.

In turns thrilling and heart-warming, moving and comical, the company brings an inimitable magic to a masterpiece of surreal fantasy. Strangeface are a company that toured Somerset three years ago and every since, people have been begging us to get them back again. So now is your chance to book this wonderfully imaginative company for your local hall where they will bring a well loved story to life in a completely new way - a treat for all the family.

“First Class” The Metro. “excellent, excellent, excellent” Audience Member.







Strangeface in The Amazing Adventures of Pinocchio

www.strangeface.co.uk5-10 Feb 2013Not required20ft w x 20ft d x 10ft h2 hrsYes4.5 hrs (1.5 hrs)All ages over 5 £650 (Thurs-Sat) (£500 Tues/Weds)£300 (or 80% box office if greater)£8 (incls £1 to support more TA shows)

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Northern Harmony

www.villageharmony.org17-21 Feb 2013For 14 (sounds impossible but they are young & very happy to share & make do!) 20ft w x 10ft d - raised stage preferable2 x 45 minsYes1.5 hrs (Get out time 30 mins)All ages£500£300 (or 80% box office if greater)£8-£10 (incls £1 to support more TA shows)

Thrilling Harmony Singing from across the World

Following their sell-out success last Autumn in both Hinton St George and Chilthorne Domer parish churches we are delighted to welcome Northern Harmony back to Somerset. Now on their 15th extended European tour, this 14-strong group presents a fascinating mix of traditional harmony singing from South Africa, Georgia, Corsica, the Balkans and America, as well as occasional forays into medieval and renaissance music. Hailed for their ‘sheer agility, vitality and power’, the group’s brilliant young singers have won a worldwide reputation for their remarkable command of these varied world ethnic singing styles. The range, from the mellifluous South African songs and dances, to the piercing Bulgarian sound, from the wild and unrestrained American shape-note style to a delicate medieval motet, all make for a not to be missed event for audiences of all ages.

Last year, many people were clamouring for a singing workshop with this extraordinary group so this time we have reserved Sunday 17th Feb for this fabulous and unique opportunity. By the way, the average box office take last year was over £750 - so book with confidence as this is a popular event.

“A superb performance. We would welcome them back anytime.” Hinton St George.

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One of the most innovative acoustic guitarists in the UK today

Gordon Giltrap has developed his own unique style, much copied, but never bettered. It is impossible not to be awestruck as he coaxes incredible melodies from his instruments; you almost suspect a second pair of hands.

With over 40 years in the business, Gordon will satisfy fans with his most well loved hits, as well as explaining the history of his many different guitars. Be prepared for beautiful compositions that cross all musical genres, wit, charm and unbelievable talent. Gordon continues to delight his audiences and no two concerts are ever the same.

Well known for his collaborations with other artists and his work for both the BBC and commercial television; his song Heartsong is instantly recognised as the theme for the Holiday Programme. Gordon is still composing and recording new material with his album Shining Morn was released in 2010 to critical acclaim and he has a new project with Oliver Wakeman planned for late 2012.

“Gordon Giltrap is one of an elite few who truly have become legendary in their field in their own lifetime. I am proud to call him my friend.” Brian May (Queen)







An Evening with Gordon Giltrap

www.giltrap.co.uk20-23 Feb 2013For 2 people12ft w x 16 ft d - on a raised stage2 x 45 minsYes1.5 hrs (Get out time 1.5 hr)All ages£550£300 (or 80% box office if greater)£8-£10 (incls £1 to support more TA shows)

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Soulful, bluesy songs that makes your hear sing

Amadou sings soulful, bluesy songs with an honest intensity, reflecting on the joys and hardships of life. Accompanying himself on guitar he sings in English, French and Wolof, the language of his homeland Senegal in West Africa. His voice has a deep, breathy tone, then soars into a plaintive falsetto that makes your heart sing.

Recently signed by World Music Network his debut solo album Introducing… Amadou Diagne was released in February 2012 and went straight to no.16 in the European World Music charts. Born into a large Griot family of Sabar drummers, Amadou has been surrounded by traditional music and folk lore of West Africa from birth. He has played percussion for some of the world’s greatest musicians including Youssou N’Dour, Cesaria Evora, and Jimmy Cliff.

Griselda Sanderson is a fiddle and nyckelharpa (Swedish keyed fiddle) player originally from Clackmannanshire in Scotland. Her album Harpaphonics was listed in the top 10 best world music albums of 2009 by The Sunday Times. Like Amadou, Griselda (whose father was a violin maker) grew up amongst traditional musicians in a musical family. Together this talented pair of musicians weave like swooping swallows to create a gorgeous evening of music.







Amadou Diagne with Griselda Sanderson

www.amadoudiagne.com14-16 Mar 2013 - also flexible and available for other dates (except Nov 2012)Unlikely to be required 10ft w x 6 ft d - raised stage preferable2 x 45 minsYes1 hr (Get out time 30 mins)All ages£500£250 (or 80% box office if greater)£8 (incls £1 to support more TA shows)

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Live stand up comedy from the best UK comedians

Riproar Comedy is owned by David Trew, who set up and ran Jesters Comedy Club from 1995. David has been a full time comedy promoter ever since. Over the years he has worked with some of the (now) most famous names on the UK comedy scene - Peter Kay, Catherine Tate, Bill Bailey, Lee Mack, Russell Howard, to name few from many others.

David is going to offer us three comedians including a compere for a programme of Thursday night bookings between Oct and Feb - something to warm the winter months! The names will depend upon their availability nearer the time but will be SW based top quality comedians. For example, Steve Day, Nick Page (both pictured), Mark Olver, John Robins, Noel Britten, Roger Monkhouse, Pierre Hollins. You can find more information about any of these on the Riproar website. The night will be run by a compere who will do a short spot before introducing each of the two comedians for their 30/40 mins sessions.

Please be aware that live stand-up comedy is intended for adults. As such, some may find the material offensive. It is not the intention to offend or upset. If you think your community might be of a sensitive disposition, then this gig might not be for them!

RipRoar Comedy

www.riproarcomedy.co.uk25 Oct, 22 Nov, 24 Jan, 21 FebNot required20ft by 10ft. Comedians need to be raised slightly from their audience. Good quality PA (can be provided by Take Art)2 hrsYes2 hrs (Get out 1 hr)18+£570£250 (or 80% box office if greater)£8-£10 (incls £1 to support more TA shows)







Some Other Promoting Opportunities....Extraordinary Outdoor Shows for Summer 2013We are submitting a funding application to support a whole programme of Extraordinary Outdoor Shows for May-August 2013. We are looking for partners in villages and market towns who might like to get involved, perhaps by promoting a show as part of their Village Fete or School Fayre. If you, or someone in your community, might like to get involved in this project, please fill in the special section on the Booking Request Form.

Companies we would like to work might include, for example the highly inventive Bootworks www.bootworkstheatre.co.uk who are most famous for their unique inside-out portable theatre for an audience of one! And Le Navet Bete www.lenavetbete.com international touring troupe of clowns whose high-energy, spectacular and hilarious street shows have wowed audiences in over 20 countries. These are just a couple of ideas but there are many circus companies and street theatre performers we’d love to offer you.

Halsway Manor on TourWe are also twinning up with the National Centre for Folk Arts at Halsway Manor on a new idea. They want to take some of their Spring Concerts out on tour to village halls in West Somerset and the Quantocks. If you might be interested in hosting a rare concert by an internationally renowned folk group and you have a venue in these areas, then please register your interest on the Booking Request Form. Details of all musicians and costs to be confirmed.

Farnham MaltingsFor lovers of theatre work from Farnham Maltings, they are planning an exciting new show for 2013 called Elephant starring a large (very large) puppet! They have an astonishing creative team on board to make this family show which explores our fascination of animals, particularly one man’s relationship with an elephant. It might be possible to book a couple of dates between 20 Feb-24 Mar if anyone is interested - again tick the box on the Booking Request Form.

CountryBoy’s StruggleFor anyone who was lucky enough to see Maxwell Golden perform CountryBoy’s Struggle last Oct, we are hoping Max will be back on tour with this show again very soon. We are just awaiting news of funding before offering village halls and schools this very special opportunity. Keep in touch if interested.

Take ArtThe Mill, Flaxdrayton FarmSouth PethertonSomerset TA13 5LR01460 249450E: [email protected] www.takeart.org

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