Music, comedy and theatre are upcoming.
The new autumn season at Artrix gets off to a flying start on 3rd and 4th September with two theatrical screenings.
Renowned for its imaginative staging of Shakespearean plays, the new production of Two Gentlemen of Verona by RSC is no exception. The action is set in modern Italy and tells the tale of Valentine and Proteus who are best friends. Having travelled to Milan in search of adventure, they both fall in love with Silvia. But Proteus is already sworn to his sweetheart back in Verona and Silvia’s father thinks Valentine isn’t good enough for his daughter.
With friendship forgotten, the rivals’ affections quickly get out of hand as the four young lovers find themselves on a wild chase through the woods in pursuit of truth and reconciliation.
There are superb performances all round, especially from Roger Morlidge as the doleful servant Launce, whose delightful dog Crab is the star of the show.
On 4th September, Helen Mcrory returns to the National Theatre to take the title role of Medea in Euripides’ powerful tragedy. Medea is a wife and mother. For the sake of her husband, Jason, she’s left her home and borne two sons in exile. But when he abandons his family for a new life, Medea faces banishment and separation from her children.
RSC Live presents The Two Gentlemen of Verona on screen on Wednesday 3rd September at 7.00 pm and NT Live presents Medea (12A) on screen on Thursday 4th September at 7.00 pm. Tickets cost £15 (£12 students & under 16s)
Digging back to the very roots of Stax and Atlantic soul music, The Official Receivers are one of the most authentic, toe tapping soul bands on the road today.
Established 23 years ago, this eight piece band features songs by Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Booker T, Edwin Starr and many more legendary performers. They are well-known locally and gained legions of new fans with their stellar performance at the Upton Blues Festival last year.
The band swing into action for a welcome return visit to Artrix on Saturday 6th September. This is a fast-moving evening featuring a tight rhythm section, horns and gutsy lead vocals. If you like James Brown and Wilson Pickett, you will love this band! Support comes from popular local blues outfit Slow Burner.
The Official Receivers are at Artrix on Saturday 6th September at 8.00 pm. Tickets (standing with balcony/gallery seating) cost £10 (£12 on the door)
Julia Darrow is recovering from a car accident in which her travelling companion, John Haddrell, was killed. When John’s widow, Margaret Haddrell, asks to visit her, Julia readily agrees. But things take a downward spiral when Margaret begins to encroach on Julia’s life.
With a plot that’s worthy of an Agatha Christie novel, Dead Guilty, written by Richard Harris, is a play full of hidden secrets, subterfuge and things that go bump in the night. Just in time for cold autumn nights, this is mystery drama at its best. The play is being staged by local theatre group All & Sundry who received outstanding reviews for their recent production Blackadder Goes Forth.
All & Sundry Theatre presents Dead Guilty on Saturday & Sunday 6th and 7th September in the Artrix Studio. Tickets cost £9
Comedian, broadcaster, journalist and chef Hardeep Singh Kohli is bringing his stand up show to Artrix on Thursday 11th September. In addition to being a regular voice on BBC Radio 4, Hardeep has also been seen on television shows ranging from Question Time & This Week, to The One Show & Celebrity Masterchef Join him as he offers his take on life, love and finding romance in middle age.
Hardeep Singh Kohli presents Hardeep is Your Love on Thursday 11th September at 8.00 pm. Tickets cost £14 (£12)
During a career spanning over 50 years, Steve Howe has established himself as one of the world’s finest musicians, with his best-known role being that of guitarist and backing vocalist of Yes. Referring to Howe as a just a guitarist is limiting. In addition to being a songwriter, he plays more instruments than just the guitar. If it has strings and a fret board, Howe has mastered it and recorded with it at some point on one of countless albums he’s been a part of as a group member, solo artist and special guest.
Following a hugely successful return tour in 2013, this year sees him return to Artrix to play some of his more familiar pieces plus several new tunes like Solitaire from Yes’s Fly From Here album, The Golden Mean and others from Motif.
Steve Howe performs at Artrix on Sunday 14th September at 7.30 pm. Tickets cost £20
All tickets are available from the box office on 01527 577330 or www.artrix.co.uk