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Welcome to Shindig Worcestershire’sRural and Community Touring Scheme,bringing live arts to your doorstep!

Welcome to Shindig’s new guide to what’s on, and where,in a venue near you during Spring 2009.

Throughout this period, you can see professional liveperformances across the performing arts in a local villagehall or community venue. You will always be sure of awarm welcome and a great night out.

Shindig is Worcestershire’s programme of live arts andentertainment for community venues, hosted by voluntarypromoting groups who sell tickets locally, supported by theShindig Co-ordinator and their local authority arts officers.

Touring companies and performers with regional, nationaland international profiles, specialising in work for smallspaces, provide a wide range of theatre, dance, music,opera, storytelling, cabaret theatre, children's theatre, circusand clowning including cultural diversity work. The schemeis subsidised by Worcestershire County Council, yourDistrict, Borough or City Council and Arts Council EnglandWest Midlands.

If you would like to become a Shindig promoter and mightbe interested in finding out more about the scheme, pleasecall Sue Roberts, Shindig Co-ordinator, for moreinformation or call your local arts officer.

Equally, if you would like to join Shindig’s mailinglist call: 01905 766 337 or emailartsenquiries@worcestershire.gov.uk to request amailing list form.

Sue Roberts, Shindig Co-ordinator: 01544 327877e-mail: sue@artservice.org.uk

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The Shindig What’s On . . .Shindig's Spring and Summer programmeoffers a range of wonderful shows! We hopethese exciting events will entice you out toyour local venue from early spring through tothe end of May. As always you'll find a varietyof high quality tours appealing across ageranges;you can trust the Shindig brand tobring you very special and memorableevenings. Be sure to book your tickets early:usually between £6 - £8 and family tickets.

Alongside the description of each exciting showyou’ll find the date, time, location and box officephone number for each venue.

Simply call the box office number to find outticket prices (many will have special deals forfamilies!) and book your tickets in advance.

Local promoters will also be able to advise youabout directions to their venue.

Most shows are suitable for general familyaudiences, with wide appeal for young peopleand adults. To make it easier for you to plan yournight out, look for the Family Friendly symbol andparticularly the age recommendation.

AccessAll venues have a commitment to access for peoplewith a disability. Many have full access, and a rangeof facilities, while others are working towards thisgoal. See full access details on back pages. Theaccess information given has been supplied by theindividual venues; to the best of our knowledge andbelief, it is accurate.

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Thu 5 Mar Supper 7:30pm, Performance 8:30pmLittle Witley Village Hall WR6 6LL01886 888830

Sun 8 Mar 7:30pmEckington, Trinity Church WR10 3AN01386 750305

MarchLONDON MOZART PLAYERS WIND ENSEMBLEIN CONCERTFeaturing principal musicians on oboe,bassoon and clarinet

Nationally and internationally acclaimed LondonMozart Players return to Worcestershire this springto delight our Shindig audiences.

The London Mozart Players is the UK's longest-established chamber orchestra and one of thefinest in Europe. Bringing together outstandingmusicians from the UK and abroad to performmusic of the highest quality, the LMP isinternationally renowned for its liveperformances and CD recordings, and isparticularly known for its definitive performancesof the core Classical repertoire.

The Wind Ensemble not only performs a delightfulprogramme of music but the musicians will chat tothe audience during the concert, introducing

themselves and the music, making for a friendly,informal yet stunningly memorable evening.

Works will include: Beethoven's Variations onMozart's La ci darem di mano; Britten's SixMetamorphoses after Ovid; Poulenc's Romancefor clarinet and bassoon; Mozart's Divertimentoin No. 1.

“Truly excellent. Just what we had hoped for”.Upton upon Severn Memorial Hall,Worcestershire

This will be a very special evening of music. For all the family.

MarchNTC TOURING THEATRE COMPANYGET UP AND TIE YOUR FINGERS by Ann Coburn

Firm favourites NTC Touring Theatre Company, fromNorthumberland, returns this spring with a re-tour of oneof the company's most successful shows as part of the 30thAnniversary celebrations: Get up and Tie Your Fingers.

Set against the background of the loss of the Eyemouthfishing fleet in the great storm of 1881, this is thefunny, deeply moving and ultimately uplifting story ofthree women - mothers and daughters - fighting thedemons we can all relate to and often have to face.

Like most mothers and daughters, Jean and Molly arethe best of enemies. Molly yearns to get away from thevillage but Jean can never let her go until she faces up toher own demons. Friend and neighbour Janet hasenough humour, warmth, wisdom and determination totake on the worst of demons, but even she is unpreparedfor one terrible day that changes everything.

On 14th October 1881 forty five six-man fishing boatsleft Eyemouth harbour for the fishing grounds. The freakstorm that followed took the lives of one hundred andtwenty nine men and boys all from one small community.This is their story.

“A very affecting play that sings with sincerity - adistinctive play of deceptive simplicity.”The Guardian

11+

Wed 11 Mar 7:30pmOffenham Village Hall WR11 8QD07831 245267

Thu 12 Mar 7:30pmMartley Village Hall WR6 6PQ01886 888398

Fri 13 Mar 7:30pmWelland, St James’ Church W13 6LA01684 592088

Sat 14 Mar 7:30pmUniversity of Worcester, The Studio WR2 6AJ01905 542124

MarchVAMOS THEATRE COMPANYSTORYBAG2 performed by Honor Benton, directed by Rachael Savage Stories from around the world for young children and their families

Come into the Story Tent where we will open themagical bag of stories and share a patchwork oftales. We weave together the Chinese story of TheMagic Paintbrush and other fantastical tales fromPoland, Africa and India. Storybag2 is full ofvisual inventiveness, humour, live music andsong, incorporating physical theatre, participationand puppetry.

Storybag2 is also supported by a post showdrama workshop to encourage and excite veryyoung children (4-7 years) to make and sharestories of their own and to revisit characters theymet in the show. The workshop will be tailor-made for the participants and will last between

30-60 minutes in length and is an integral part ofthe show.

Vamos is a Worcestershire touring theatrecompany; a company with an impeccablepedigree making work for young people andfamilies with imagination and flair.

“A visually captivating journey. Fantastic andengrossing. We can't wait for Storybag2!”Malvern Theatres

Be sure to be there!

Fri 20 Mar 3:15pmRedditch, Oak Hill First School B98 7JU01527 528523

Sat 21 Mar 3:00pmLittle Witley Village Hall WR6 6LL01886 888830

Sun 22 Mar 3:30pmClows Top Victory Hall DY14 9HG01299 832637

4-7 and their families

MarchSIYAYA ARTS - many musics,many dances, one peopleONKEOSE

Unforgettable Siyaya - all the way fromZimbabwe - presents a spectacularevening of dance, song and music.

The audience is set alight by stunningtraditional and Township song anddance from the heart of Bulawayo,celebrating the greatest Africaninstrument - the human voice.

Live on stage, the male and female singers,dancers, musicians and actors are excitingand uplifting. “As temperature-raisers theyare nothing short of spectacular”.

Siyaya is one of Zimbabwe's greatmusic and dance treasures and hasgained international recognition bytheir live performances and recordings.People have asked if Siyaya aremusicians, a dance group or a theatrecompany. Siyaya encompasses all ofthese celebrations and is simply not tobe missed!

“An outstanding evening and humblingexperience. The hall vibrated with thesounds of Africa. We cried, we laughed,danced and yelled. Amazing”.Beckford Village Hall, Worcestershire

Fri 20 Mar 8:00pmAshton-under-Hill Village Hall WR11 7SW01386 881594/881778

Sat 21 Mar 7:30pmInkberrow Village Hall WR7 4DZ01386 793885

All Ages

March and MayROBIN AND BINAWILLIAMSONSONGS, STORIES ANDMUSIC FOR THE SPRING

After life with The Incredible String Bandand many other projects, Robin and Binahave put together a performance whichis completely unique.

Touring and recording since the 1990s,their songs and music delight with achanging collage of traditional andoriginal pieces with harp, fiddle, flute,percussion and other instruments andfeaturing the evocative East-Westharmonies of their voices in a styledescribed recently as Indo-Celtic-Delta!

Their concerts are seasonal celebrationsof the turning year embracing legend,original material and folk music from

many roots (including English, Celtic,Indian and Old Timey American) tocreate a wonderful blend, powerfullyconveying a sense of the enchantmentand wonder of life.

This is real music, magical, simple, funkyand true. It makes people feel good -people of all cultures and all ages. It's fullof soul and highly entertaining.

For all the family!

Sat 21 Mar 8:00pmMalvern Wells Village Hall WR14 4HF01684 567058

Sat 9 May 7:30pmLittleton Village Hall WR11 8LJ01386 830367

All Ages

March and AprilBAGHDADDIESIN CONCERT Klezmer, Balkan, Middle Eastern

The brilliant Baghdaddies pump out an eclectic fusion of high-energyrhythms and melodies plucked from around the world - all guaranteedto raise your spirits!

Inspired by the Roma wedding and brass band music of theBalkans, the Baghdaddies play Balkan gypsy with Middle Easternflavours, shades of Klezmer and tango, jazz and reggae, somecalypso plus a touch of ska - all laced with funky dance groovesand blistering eastern brass harmonies.

Village hall favourites, the Baghdaddies perform extensively both on anational and international level. They are equally at home playing onstage or street, village venue or festival and always receive a warm ifnot frenzied reaction from their audience. They have released fouracclaimed albums of mainly original material in their own unique style.

A lively, humorous and animated performance guaranteed for allthe family!

Fri 27 Mar 7:30pmHarvington Village Hall WR11 8NQ01386 870255

Sat 28 Mar 7:30pmLittleton Village Hall WR11 8LJ01386 830367

Thu 16 Apr 8:00pmSinton Green, Grimley Peace Hall WR2 6NP01905 641657

Fri 17 Apr 8:00pmDrakes Broughton Village Hall WR10 2AJ01905 840415/840576

Sat 18 Apr 8:00pmCleeve Prior Memorial Village Hall WR11 8LE01789 773814/07747 760940

Sun 19 Apr 7:30pmAlfrick Village Hall WR6 5HJ01886 832229

Fri 24 Apr 7:30pmOffenham Village Hall WR11 8QD07831 245267

All Ages

MarchOXFORDSHIRE TOURING THEATRE COMPANY (OTTC)RIVER'S UP by Alex Jones

Firm favourites OTTC brings a new play for the spring - River's Up, by Alex Jones.

When the river's up and the chips are down do you drift apart or pull together? With theirhouse about to be flooded - again! - Sally and Tom are in deep water. Before long, they'readrift in an open boat with little more than a bottle of water and a tin of beans andwhichever way you look at it, it's sink or swim.

Join them on their sometimes funny, sometimes poignant journey in this domestic tragicomedy ofepic proportions. Many of you will remember this company from previous great tours includingUnder Milk Wood and The Fats Waller Show both of which astounded and thrilled audiences.

“Magical…! Please come to St Michaels again”.St Michaels Village Hall, Worcestershire

Sat 28 Mar 8:00pmClent Parish Hall DY9 9QT01562 886013

14+

MarchSECKOU KEITA QUINTETIN CONCERT

The inimitable Seckou Keita - virtuoso Koraplayer from Senegal - returns with a newshow and an amazing 5piece line-up.

The Seckou Keita Quintet SKQ is one of thefastest growing, independent bands of theday, captivating audiences from Montrealto Manchester, Sweden to Senegal. Theirnew album, The Silimbo Passage, creates afresh sound and shifts SKQ into a musiccategory all of its own which is alreadygarnering international attention.

Hailing from Senegal, Italy, Egypt and TheGambia, this multi-national band is anexciting fusion of culture and experience.Counting Richard Bona, Bela Fleck andBobby McFerrin amongst his influences,Seckou Keita leads the band with his own

inimitable Kora playing (a West Africanstringed instrument likened to the harp or lute).

Seckou's charismatic personality isportrayed through his uniqueimprovisational playing; he has beenreferred to as “The Hendrix of the Kora”.He is supported by world-class artists withthe double bass/electric bass of DavideMantovani, the eclectic percussions ofSurahata Susso, the distinguished sound ofthe violin by Samy Bishai and enchantingvoice of the gracious Binta Susso - thenewest addition to the band.

The Seckou Keita SKQ possesses a uniqueability to touch everyone who experiencestheir sound, making it easy to see how theyare amassing fans worldwide with theircaptivating, contemporary music. Be there!

Sat 28 Mar 8:00pmWorcester Arts Workshop WR1 1UH01905 21095

Sun 29 Mar 8:00pmThe Shelsleys Village Hall WR6 6RA01886 812608/812696

All Ages

AprilROGUE THEATREPATHWAY TO THE RED SUN

Expect poetry, spectacle, live music, dance, acrobatics and powerful narrative in this tale of innocencebetrayed. This fourth and most daring production by Rogue Theatre creates a unique and richlyimagined epic.

Pathway to The Red Sun is a symbolic journey set in a futuristic apocalyptic landscape. The story oflove unfolds in the dreams of a soldier and the heart of a woman as they search for innocence andconfront their destiny both in reality and in their dreams.

With circus spectacle, an astonishing visual style and moments of high pathos, Rogue Theatre bringsa filmic quality to the stage, which is deeply moving and highly engaging. With inspiration fromMadame Butterfly, films like Blade Runner, storytelling influences from Quentin Tarrantino, KabukiTheatre, myth and legend, this production draws on the Director's first hand experience of Japan.

With poetry and text by Anna Maria Murphy (BBC 4, Madame Lucinda's Wonder Show, Kneehigh,National Theatre) and an emotive score played live mixing classical music with heart poundingrhythm and driving bass. Expect a thrilling experience!

Thu 2 Apr 7:30pmRedditch, Kingsley College Theatre B98 7UH01527 830731

10+

AprilFOREST FORGE THEATRE COMPANYA CLEARING, BY DAN ALLUM

Highly popular Hampshire based Forest Forge Theatre Company presents a new piece of theatrethis spring.

A moving story and powerful romantic drama in the tradition of Thomas Hardy set in the 1960sagainst the backdrop of the last Romany encampment in the New Forest, known as Shave Green.

The play focuses on the beautiful Theodosia and her father Moses and how they struggled againsta severe winter and the local council who wanted them off the land.

A Clearing is a must-see this spring!

“We thoroughly enjoyed this visit from Forest Forge Theatre Company. To be able to walk round thecorner to see a show of this high standard is a privilege. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it”.Clifton-on-Teme Village Hall, Worcestershire

Thu 2 Apr 7:30pmAreley Kings Village Hall DY13 0NB01905 621417

Fri 3 Apr 7:30pmBishampton Villages Hall WR10 2LY01386 462306/462274

Sat 4 Apr 7:30pmUniversity of Worcester, The Studio WR2 6AJ01905 542124

12+

AprilCHRIS WOOD AND KARINE POLWARTFROM THE FLOOR

Song writing with a conscience. This iswhat Chris Wood and Karine Polwartspecialise in. Their singing together is arare event, the closeness of their voicesis startling and for only a few days inApril, especially for Shindig, Chris andKarine will combine their enthusiasm formeaningful song in a small but perfectlyformed show.

There's a genuine authenticity in boththese songwriters; their songs are bothenchanting and provocative. Bothmusicians write and produce musicwhich has a sincerity seldomencountered these days. Their songsmake connections and engage.Chris and Karine first met and performed

together at the Barbican in 2007 as partof the Folk Britannia series for BBC TV.Chris played Glastonbury this year whileKarine has recently played London'sRound House and both appeared at theCambridge Folk Festival in August 2008.

Chris and Karine arrive hotfoot from aweeklong song-writing residency for TheDarwin Song Project in association withShrewsbury Festival and The British Libraryso there is every chance some new songs,hot off the press, might find their way intothe gig. You heard it here first!

Expect a rare evening of traditional andnew music from two of the UK's mostexciting and sought after musicians.

Both Chris and Karine have beennominated for the prestigious BBCRadio 2 Folk Awards to be announcedin the New Year.

Sat 4 Apr 8:00pmRous Lench Village Hall WR11 4UN01386 793651

Sun 5 Apr 7:30pmBretforton, The Fleece Inn Barn WR11 7JE01386 831173

12+

Sat 18 Apr 8:00pmClows Top Victory Hall DY14 9HG01299 832637

Wed 6 May Supper 7:30pm Performance 8:30pmLittle Witley Village Hall WR6 6LL01886 888830

Sun 10 May 7:30pmClent Parish Hall DY9 9QT01562 886013

Fri 15 May 7:30pmHeadless Cross, St Luke's Church B97 4JX01527 65845

Sat 16 May 7:30pmBirlingham Village Hall WR10 3AB01386 750915

Sun 17 May 7:30pmAreley Kings Village Hall DY13 0NB01905 621417

April and MayHELEN BARRETTTHE LADY LOVES JAZZSongs with piano accompaniment

The Lady Loves Jazz, a one-woman jazz music show, is awonderful celebration of traditional and contemporary jazz songsthat will ignite the spirit and warm the soul. Brought together by thestunning and charismatic vocals of Helen Barrett, this musicalperformance will leave you humming happily all the way home.

Helen has been singing for as long as she can remember andit still brings her complete and utter joy. Professionally, Helenhas been entertaining audiences for ten years and was one ofthe first graduates of Paul McCartney's Performing Arts School,LIPA, in Liverpool.

She will present the music in a friendly and informal way with jazzpianist Adam Biggs.

So, if you enjoy the music of Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, PeggyLee, Norah Jones and Eva Cassidy, you'll love this show. 10+

April and MayRATATAT THEATRE COMPANYAPRIL IN PARISby John Godber

Ratatat - definitely one of your favourite companies -returns for a third year with another hilarious JohnGodber comedy.

Bet (played by Stephanie Preacher) and Al (playedby Dominic Goodwin) lead a quiet life in theirsmall Yorkshire home until Bet wins a “RomanticBreaks” competition in a magazine. The prize, aholiday for two in Paris, represents their firstexperience abroad and has profound effects on theway they look at the world around them once theyreturn home.

They sort out French cuisine, wrestle with theirphrase book and fend off would-be muggers onthe Metro in this hilarious depiction of the Englishabroad. You'll love it!

From the company which brought you September inthe Rain (2007) and Happy Jack (2008). Not to bemissed!

Thu 23 Apr 7:30pmHarvington Village Hall WR11 8NQ01386 870255

Fri 24 Apr 7:30pmHeightington Village Hall DY12 2XU01299 822987

Sat 25 Apr 8:00pmCropthorne & Charlton Village Hall WR10 3NH01386 853653

Sun 26 Apr 7:00pmSt Michaels Village Hall WR15 8TG01584 819845

Fri 1 May 8:00pmAbbots Morton Village Hall WR7 4NA01386 793342

Sat 2 May 8:00pmTrimpley Village Hall DY12 1NZ01299 861446/861376

Wed 13 May 7:30pmAlfrick Village Hall WR6 5HJ01886 832229

Fri 15 May 7:30pmShrawley Village Hall WR6 6TT01905 620471

12+

AprilLEMPEN PUPPET THEATRE COMPANYTHE AM-A-ZING THING

Lovely Lempen Puppet Theatre presents a brandnew show for little people and their families!

Peter Grimm is a descendant of the famousBrothers Grimm. He has inherited the traditionof his ancestors and tells the Grimm's stories asthey have been written down 200 years ago.But, with his inheritance also comes a ghost.The brothers locked something away in a boxwhen they wrote the stories. They threw the boxinto the sea and now, that rogue and wildelement of story, has returned with the tide.

Storyteller Peter opens the box and sets freeThe am-A-zing Thing that takes him on anunusual journey that weaves its way through amedley of well known Brothers Grimm Tales, tofinally unlock and free all traditional stories.

“As I was walking down the beach onebright and sunny day,I saw a great big wooden box a-floating onthe bay.I pulled it in and opened up, and there to my surprise,I discovered a….?....?..., right before my eyes!”

What's in the box? A strange and weird thing?Something terrible or a thing of beauty? Atruly original story told with puppets (glove andtable-top), acting and live music.

Wed 29 Apr 7:00pmRedditch, Oak Hill First School B98 7JU01527 528523

Thu 30 Apr 6:00pmRock Village Hall DY14 9SD01584 881570

5+ and their families

MayMERVYN STUTTER PRESENTSAN EVENING WITH MERVYN STUTTER

Mervyn Stutter is a very popular fellow, a national treasure, even! He's much in demand this spring and we knowaudiences are going to have a great evening with him.

Mervyn Stutter is an actor, comedian, scriptwriter, satirical songwriter, founder member of The Flying Pickets and hasworked widely in theatre, comedy, cabaret, Radio and TV.

The Sixties Generation is a huge social group that refuses to grow old gracefully and so, in 2004, Mervyn wrote andstarred in a comedy series, for Radio 4, called Getting Nowhere Fast the story of Merv, a menopausal flower child in the21st Century. Mervyn is an unashamed Baby Boomer and his sometimes wicked but always affectionate sense of humourbrings warmth and joy to an audience that is happy to laugh both at his life and their own.

“This show should come with a Health Warning - excessive laughter can damage your health!”Little Witley Village Hall, Worcestershire

Sat 2 May 8:00pmRowney Green Peace Memorial Hall B48 7QP01527 62660

Sun 3 May 7:30pmElmbridge Village Hall WR9 0DA01299 851266

Sun 10 May 7:30pmTenbury Wells, Regal Theatre WR15 8AE01584 819653

Sat 16 May 8:00pmCleeve Prior Memorial Village HallWR11 8LE01789 773814/07747 760940

Sun 17 May 7:30pmHarvington Village Hall WR11 8NQ01386 870255

Fri 29 May 8:00pmDrakes Broughton Village Hall WR10 2AJ01905 840415/840576

Sat 30 May 8:00pmCallow End Village Hall WR2 4TA01905 830701/831702

Sun 31 May 7:30pmAreley Kings Village Hall DY13 0NB01905 621417

12+

MayREG MEUROSS AND JACKIE OATESSONGROADS

This will be a very special evening in thecompany of Reg Meuross and Jackie Oates,two exceptional musicians. You will betreated to a blend of two 'celestial' voices andthe music of guitar, banjo, dulcimer, fiddleand lap harmonium.

Reg and Jackie will be playing songs fromReg's brand new album Dragonfly currentlyreceiving rave reviews; primarily a collectionof story songs written by Reg from tales, bothtraditional and contemporary, collected onhis last three years of rural touring, as well asmore traditional story songs rendered inJackie's exceptionally clear and beautifulvoice. They will also be playing songsfeatured on Jackie's latest release The VioletHour, the Phil Beer produced collection of

traditional and original folk songs.

This is a fantastic opportunity to see (andhear!) one of Britain's most respectedsinger/songwriters and the brilliant newrising star of the British folk scene in thecomfortable and intimate setting of your veryown village venue.

Jackie has been nominated for thepresitigious BBC 2 Horizon Folk Award tobe announced in the New Year.

Thu 7 May 8:00pmSinton Green, Grimley Peace Hall WR2 6NP01905 641657

Fri 8 May 8:00pmBredons Norton, Severn Sailing Club GL20 7HD01684 772849

Sat 9 May 8:00pm Food from 7:00pmBransford, The Fold Eco Café WR6 5JB01886 833633

Sun 10 May 7:30pmBishampton Villages Hall WR10 2LY01386 462306/462274

All Ages

MayTHIRD PARTY PRODUCTIONSTHE TRAGICAL HISTORY OF DR FAUSTUS A Damned Fine Play!

Wonderful Third Party make their debutonto the Shindig scheme with a fast, funnythree-hander - all in the words ofChristopher Marlowe, but not necessarily inthe right order! This play is back on tour,by popular demand.

The Tragical History of Dr Faustus is a playby Christopher Marlowe based on theFaust story, in which a man sells his soul tothe devil for power and knowledge. DrFaustus was first published in 1604, elevenyears after Marlowe's death.

This highly entertaining version of the playis fast moving, full of surprises, shotthrough with effective plot-moving popular

forms: dance and song, live music (thedulcet tones of the ukulele), even a touchof ventriloquism as Faustus is mocked byhis own image parodying his speech toHelen of Troy while blues-singing Luciferriffs on the soul of a man!

Some of the most popular dramatic verseever written and some splendid comedy togo with it plus smoke, mirrors and cheaptricks - damned good stuff! Not to bemissed!

Sat 9 May 7:30pmEckington Village Hall WR10 3AU01386 750305

Sun 10 May 7:30pmMartley Village Hall WR6 6PQ01886 888398

12+

MayTHE LEGENDARY ROBINWILLIAMSONAN EVENING OF SONGS AND STORIES

Robin Williamson has been a pioneering anddefining force in acoustic music world widefor over 40 years and has played just abouteverywhere! An accomplished multi-instrumentalist with a long term passion formyth, legend and the spoken word, Robinpresents an evening with a magical mix ofballads and tales, woven through with theemotive strains of the Celtic harp, guitar,fiddle, border pipes and flute.

As early as the winter of 1960, Robin was invitedto play London's legendary Troubadour - twoyears before Bob Dylan's famous appearance in1962! Founder in the 1960s of the influentialIncredible String Band and the Merry Band of the1970s, Robin has been a key figure at the

forefront of the storytelling revival in Europe andAmerica since the 80s.

One of the tracks from Robin's new CD ‘TheIron Stone' is to be used as the title music fora forthcoming major French film, L'Heured'Éte starring Juliette Binoche plus his song atWoodstock is about to be included in a boxset by Warner Bros films.

His wit, charm and distinctive interpretations oftraditional stories will engage newcomers andestablished listeners alike. Come prepared tolisten to a consummate musician and storyteller:it promises to be an enthralling evening!

Sun 17 May 7:30pmBretforton, The Fleece Inn Barn WR11 7JE01386 831173

14+

MayUMDUMO WESIZWEQO

Umdumo Wesizwe are 10 young men singingsongs of love, hope, worship, courtship, hardshipand African social commentary who will mesmeriseyou with their harmonies and beautifullychoreographed dance routines.

Umdumo Wesizwe (meaning Sound of theNation) hails from Zimbabwe's townships and wasestablished in 1994. The traditional music sungby Umdumo Wesizwe is called 'isichathamiya' (is-cot-a-me-ya), also known as 'imbube'.

The music was born in the mines of SouthernAfrica. Black workers were taken by rail to workfar away from their homes and their families.

Poorly housed and paid worse, they wouldentertain themselves after a six-day week bysinging songs into the small hours every Sundaymorning; this began a fierce but socialcompetition held regularly and was the highlightof everyone's social calendar. The winners wereawarded a goat for their efforts and, of course,the adoration of their fans. Imbube has beenmade popular in the west by Ladysmith BlackMambazo, Zimbabwe's Black Umfolosi and theAustrian based trio Insingizi.

Over the years they have created their own styleof singing, called 'igusheshe'. This is imbubemusic laced with other music styles such as RnB,jazz, Kwaito, Afro Pop and Reggae.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to see and hearthem in your village hall or community venue!

Fri 29 May 8:00pmWorcester Arts Workshop WR1 1UH01905 21095

Sat 30 May 7:30pmBeckford Village Hall GL20 7AA01386 881248

Sun 31 May 7:30pmFeckenham Village Hall B96 6HN01527 892130www.ticketsource.co.uk/feckenham

All Ages

MayNEW PERSPECTIVES THEATRE COMPANYWASTELANDby Laura Lomas

Ever popular New Perspectives is touring abrand new piece of theatre this spring inspiredby the real-life events leading up to the killing ofFred Barras by farmer Tony Martin.

Rising star - playwright Laura Lomas - has writtenan unsettling portrait of teenage life on the edgeof a midlands market town - a gripping dramaof revenge and redemption.

Jamie's dad's just been sent down. Megan'splanning to run away to find her real dad.Clayton's back in town and keen to play thefather figure.

When three lost souls find themselves washed-upon the banks of a disused canal, it quicklybecomes clear that there are some big choices tobe made this summer - life and death choices.

More ‘new perspectives’ on life in the rural EastMidlands from the region's favourite touringtheatre company, this time in a bold newproduction that will be of particular interest toteenage and young adult audiences.

Sat 30 May 7:30pmDroitwich, Norbury Theatre WR9 8ED01905 770154/08700 600 100www.norburytheatre.co.uk

16+Contains Strong Language

DIARY: Spring 2009MarchLONDON MOZART PLAYERS WIND ENSEMBLEIN CONCERTThu 5 Mar Supper 7:30pm, Performance 8:30pmLittle Witley Village Hall WR6 6LL 01886 888830Sun 8 Mar 7:30pmEckington, Trinity Church WR10 3AN 01386 750305

MarchNTC TOURING THEATRE COMPANYGET UP AND TIE YOUR FINGERS Wed 11 Mar 7:30pmOffenham Village Hall WR11 8QD 07831 245267Thu 12 Mar 7:30pmMartley Village Hall WR6 6PQ 01886 888398Fri 13 Mar 7:30pmWelland, St James’ Church W13 6LA 01684 592088Sat 14 Mar 7:30pmUniversity of Worcester The Studio 01905 542124WR2 6AJ

MarchVAMOS THEATRE COMPANYSTORYBAG2 Fri 20 Mar 3:15pmRedditch, Oak Hill First School B98 7JU 01527 528523Sat 21 Mar 3:00pmLittle Witley Village Hall WR6 6LL 01886 888830Sun 22 Mar 3:30pmClows Top Victory Hall DY14 9HG 01299 832637

MarchSIYAYA ARTSONKEOSEFri 20 Mar 8:00pmAshton-under-Hill Village Hall WR11 7SW 01386 881594

/881778Sat 21 Mar 7:30pmInkberrow Village Hall WR7 4DZ 01386 793885

March and MayROBIN AND BINA WILLIAMSONSONGS, STORIES AND MUSIC FOR THE SPRINGSat 21 Mar 8:00pmMalvern Wells Village Hall WR14 4HF 01684 567058Sat 9 May 7:30pmLittleton Village Hall WR11 8LJ 01386 830367

Please call contact number to book tickets, gain information on ticket prices (usually between £6 - £8), check start times and get directions to the venue. Thanks to all Shindig local promoters for their hard work and enthusiasm in hosting shows.

DIARY: Spring 2009March and AprilBAGHDADDIESIN CONCERT Fri 27 Mar 7:30pmHarvington Village Hall WR11 8NQ 01386 870255Sat 28 Mar 7:30pmLittleton Village Hall WR11 8LJ 01386 830367Thu 16 Apr 8:00pmSinton Green, Grimley Peace Hall WR2 6NP 01905 641657 Fri 17 Apr 8:00pmDrakes Broughton Village Hall WR10 2AJ 01905 840415

/840576Sat 18 Apr 8:00pmCleeve Prior Memorial Village Hall 01789 773814WR11 8LE /07747 760940Sun 19 Apr 7:30pmAlfrick Village Hall WR6 5HJ 01886 832229Fri 24 Apr 7:30pmOffenham Village Hall WR11 8QD 07831 245267

MarchOXFORDSHIRE TOURING THEATRE COMPANYRIVER'S UPSat 28 Mar 8:00pmClent Parish Hall DY9 9QT 01562 886013

MarchSECKOU KEITA QUINTETIN CONCERTSat 28 Mar 8:00pmWorcester Arts Workshop WR1 1UH 01905 21095Sun 29 Mar 8:00pmThe Shelsleys Village Hall WR6 6RA 01886 812608

/812696

AprilROGUE THEATREPATHWAY TO THE RED SUNThu 2 Apr 7:30pmRedditch, Kingsley College Theatre 01527 830731B98 7UH

AprilFOREST FORGE THEATRE COMPANYA CLEARING, BY DAN ALLUMThu 2 Apr 7:30pmAreley Kings Village Hall DY13 0NB 01905 621417Fri 3 Apr 7:30pmBishampton Villages Hall WR10 2LY 01386 462306

/462274Sat 4 Apr 7:30pmUniversity of Worcester The Studio 01905 542124WR2 6AJ

AprilCHRIS WOOD AND KARINE POLWARTFROM THE FLOORSat 4 Apr 8:00pmRous Lench Village Hall WR11 4UN 01386 793651Sun 5 Apr 7:30pmBretforton, The Fleece Inn Barn 01386 831173WR11 7JE

Please call contact number to book tickets, gain information on ticket prices (usually between £6 - £8), check start times and get directions to the venue. Thanks to all Shindig local promoters for their hard work and enthusiasm in hosting shows.

DIARY: Spring 2009

Please call contact number to book tickets, gain information on ticket prices (usually between £6 - £8), check start times and get directions to the venue. Thanks to all Shindig local promoters for their hard work and enthusiasm in hosting shows.

April and MayHELEN BARRETTTHE LADY LOVES JAZZSat 18 Apr 8:00pmClows Top Victory Hall DY14 9HG 01299 832637Wed 6 May Supper 7:30pm, Performance 8:30pmLittle Witley Village Hall WR6 6LL 01886 888830Sun 10 May 7:30pmClent Parish Hall DY9 9QT 01562 886013Fri 15 May 7:30pmHeadless Cross, St Luke's Church 01527 65845B97 4JXSat 16 May 7:30pmBirlingham Village Hall WR10 3AB 01386 750915Sun 17 May 7:30pmAreley Kings Village Hall DY13 0NB 01905 621417

April and MayRATATAT THEATRE COMPANYAPRIL IN PARISThu 23 Apr 7:30pmHarvington Village Hall WR11 8NQ 01386 870255Fri 24 Apr 7:30pmHeightington Village Hall DY12 2XU 01299 822987Sat 25 Apr 8:00pmCropthorne & Charlton Village Hall 01386 853653WR10 3NHSun 26 Apr 7:00pmSt Michaels Village Hall WR15 8TG 01584 819845Fri 1 May 8:00pmAbbots Morton Village Hall WR7 4NA 01386 793342Sat 2 May 8:00pmTrimpley Village Hall DY12 1NZ 01299 861446

/861376Wed 13 May 7:30pmAlfrick Village Hall WR6 5HJ 01886 832229Fri 15 May 7:30pmShrawley Village Hall WR6 6TT 01905 620471

AprilLEMPEN PUPPET THEATRE COMPANYTHE AM-A-ZING THINGWed 29 Apr 7:00pmRedditch, Oak Hill First School B98 7JU 01527 528523Thu 30 Apr 6:00pmRock Village Hall DY14 9SD 01584 881570

Please call contact number to book tickets, gain information on ticket prices (usually between £6 - £8), check start times and get directions to the venue. Thanks to all Shindig local promoters for their hard work and enthusiasm in hosting shows.

DIARY: Spring 2009MayMERVYN STUTTER PRESENTSAN EVENING WITH MERVYN STUTTERSat 2 May 8:00pmRowney Green Peace Memorial Hall B48 7QP 01527 62660Sun 3 May 7:30pmElmbridge Village Hall WR9 0DA 01299 851266Sun 10 May 7:30pmTenbury Wells, Regal Theatre WR15 8AE 01584 819653Sat 16 May 8:00pmCleeve Prior Memorial Village Hall 01789 773814WR11 8LE /07747 760940Sun 17 May 7:30pmHarvington Village Hall WR11 8NQ 01386 870255Fri 29 May 8:00pmDrakes Broughton Village Hall WR10 2AJ 01905 840415

/840576Sat 30 May 8:00pmCallow End Village Hall WR2 4TA 01905 830701

/831702Sun 31 May 7:30pmAreley Kings Village Hall DY13 0NB 01905 621417

MayREG MEUROSS AND JACKIE OATESSONGROADSThu 7 May 8:00pmSinton Green, Grimley Peace Hall 01905 641657WR2 6NPFri 8 May 8:00pmBredons Norton, Severn Sailing Club 01684 772849GL20 7HDSat 9 May 8:00pm Food from 7:00pmBransford, The Fold Eco Café WR6 5JB 01886 833633Sun 10 May 7:30pmBishampton Villages Hall WR10 2LY 01386 462306

/462274

MayTHIRD PARTY PRODUCTIONSTHE TRAGICAL HISTORY OF DR FAUSTUS Sat 9 May 7:30pmEckington Village Hall WR10 3AU 01386 750305Sun 10 May 7:30pmMartley Village Hall WR6 6PQ 01886 888398

MayTHE LEGENDARY ROBIN WILLIAMSONAN EVENING OF SONGS AND STORIESSun 17 May 7:30pmBretforton, The Fleece Inn Barn 01386 831173WR11 7JE

MayUMDUMO WESIZWEQOFri 29 May 8:00pmWorcester Arts Workshop WR1 1UH 01905 21095Sat 30 May 7:30pmBeckford Village Hall GL20 7AA 01386 881248Sun 31 May 7:30pmFeckenham Village Hall B96 6HN 01527 892130www.ticketsource.co.uk/feckenham

MayNEW PERSPECTIVES THEATRE COMPANYWASTELANDSat 30 May 7:30pmDroitwich, Norbury Theatre WR9 8ED 01905 770154 www.norburytheatre.co.uk /08700 600 100

Please call contact number to book tickets, gain information on ticket prices (usually between £6 - £8), check start times and getdirections to the venue. Thanks to all Shindig local promoters for their hard work and enthusiasm in hosting shows.

Disability Access and Venues: Spring 2009

Abbots Morton Village Hall

Alfrick Village Hall

Areley Kings Village Hall

Ashton-under-Hill Village Hall

Beckford Village Hall

Birlingham Village Hall

Bishampton Villages Hall

Bransford, The Fold Eco Cafe

Bredons Norton, Severn Sailing Club House

Bretforton, The Fleece Inn Barn

Callow End Village Hall

Cleeve Prior Memorial Village Hall

Clent Parish Hall

Clows Top Victory Hall

Cropthorne & Charlton Village Hall

Drakes Broughton Village Hall

Droitwich, Norbury Theatre

Eckington Village Hall

Eckington, Trinity Church

Elmbridge Village Hall

Feckenham Village Hall

Harvington Village Hall

Headless Cross, St Lukes Church, Redditch

Heightington Village Hall

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Please call contact number to book tickets, gain information on ticket prices (usually between £6 - £8), check start times and getdirections to the venue. Thanks to all Shindig local promoters for their hard work and enthusiasm in hosting shows.

Inkberrow Village Hall

Little Witley Village Hall

Littleton Village Hall

Malvern Wells Village Hall

Martley Village Hall

Offenham Village Hall

Redditch, Kingsley College Theatre

Redditch, Oak Hill First School

Rock Village Hall

Rous Lench Village Hall

Rowney Green Peace Memorial Hall

Shrawley Village Hall

Sinton Green, Grimley Peace Hall

St Michaels Village Hall

Tenbury Wells, The Regal Theatre

The Shelsleys Village Hall

Trimpley Village Hall

Welland St James’ Church

Worcester Arts Workshop

Worcester University, The Studio

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Reservable/general parking on Site

On street parking

Designated parking

Level entrance

Ramp approached up

Ramp approached down

Total number of steps at entrance

Alternative wheelchair entrance

Ramp on internal route

Ramp on internal route

Internal width restricted

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ACCESS KEY: Spring 2009

Please call contact number to book tickets, gain information on ticket prices (usually between £6 - £8), check start times and getdirections to the venue. Thanks to all Shindig local promoters for their hard work and enthusiasm in hosting shows.

The access information given has been supplied by the individualvenues and collated by Artservice; to the best of our knowledge andbelief, it is accurate. Please call venue for information, or clarificationon specific details, and particularly with regard to advice on access forService Dogs where individual venues have not specified.

Total number of steps on internal route

Internal lift

Standard WC facility only

Wheelchair accessible toilet

Wheelchair accessible toilet with transfer space limited

Induction loop

Infrared System

Assistance dogs welcome

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JONATHAN COCHRANETheatre and Arts Development ManagerRedditch Borough Council01527 63051 email: jonathan.cochrane@redditchbc.gov.uk

JENNY DAVISArts Development Officer, Wychavon District Council01386 565396email: jenny.davis@wychavon.gov.uk

MANDA GRAHAMArts Development Officer, Malvern Hills District Council01684 862312 email: manda.graham@malvernhills.gov.uk

TRACY GRUBBCommunity Development Officer, Wychavon District Council01386 565168email: tracy.grubb@wychavon.gov.uk

HUW MOSELEYArts Development & Special Events OfficerBromsgrove District Council01527 881381 email: h.moseley@bromsgrove.gov.uk

IAIN RUTHERFORDMuseums Arts & Heritage Manager, Worcester City01905 722319 email: irutherford@cityofworcester.gov.uk

LOZ SAMUELSArts and Play Development OfficerWyre Forest District Council01562 732977 email: loz.samuels@wyreforestdc.gov.uk

STEVE WILSONCounty Arts Officer,Worcestershire County Council01905 765754email: swilson@worcestershire.gov.uk

Contact your local Arts Officer for more information about becoming a Shindigpromoter or the work of arts teams around the County:

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