Films, comedy and talking.
Internationally best-selling author Antonia Fraser has written many widely acclaimed historical works; including five highly praised books which focus on women in history: Mary Queen of Scots, The Six Wives of Henry VIII and Warrior Queens. Her book The Gunpowder Plot: Terror and Faith in 1605 has a narrative that grips the reader like a detective story, and dramatically recreates the conditions and motives that surrounded that fateful night and the backdrop that was played out across Europe into Worcestershire.
Antonia Fraser was made a DBE in 2010 for services to literature. She is the widow of the playwright Harold Pinter. Must You Go? her memoir of life with Pinter, was published in January 2010.
Her most recent work is Perilous Question: the Drama of the Great Reform Bill 1832, which evokes an episode of pre-Victorian political and social history – the passing of the Great Reform Bill of 1832. These events led to a total change in the way Britain was governed, a two-year revolution whose heroes, villains and politicians are brought vividly to life. This talk will focus on The Gunpowder Plot and Perilous Question.
Words presents Antonia Fraser on Friday 19th September at 8.00 pm. Tickets cost £12 (£6 students)
Two of the UK’s top female comedians will be taking to the Artrix stage in September.
Fresh from her sell-out performances at the Edinburgh Festival is funny feminist Bridget Christie. Bridget, who makes regular appearances on BBC Radio 4 shows such as the News Quiz and the Unbelievable Truth as well as BBC’s Have I Got News for You, does not wear her feminism lightly. She’s fast, funny and furious and it’s easy to see why this award-winning show has earned her plaudits from audiences and critics alike.
The angst theme continues with Jo Caulfield, who has always wondered why anger is seen as such a bad thing. A husband who continually quotes the Godfather, arrogant shop-assistants and girlfriends who always pick the wrong man all get the hairdryer treatment from Jo, a regular guest on both Mock The Week and Have I Got News For You who was recently awarded the best female stand-up by Chortle.
Bridget Christie presents A Bic For Her on Tuesday 23rd September at 8.00 pm and Jo Caulfield presents A Celebration of Anger on Saturday 27th September at 8.00 pm. Tickets cost £15 (£13)
This September also sees a host of films coming to Artrix. Boyhood charts the rocky terrain of growing up like no other film you’ve ever seen. Filmed with the same cast over a period of 12 years, a fictional character called Mason grows up on screen before your eyes. In Begin Again, Keira Knightley stars as a lovelorn singer who finds inspiration in the blues clubs of New York. Of Horses and Men is a darkly comedic tale of the lives of a remote Icelandic community and the deeply intertwined and highly emotive relationships with their horses.
20,000 Days On Earth is a bold vision of a day in the life of one of music’s most mysterious and charismatic figures, the iconic Nick Cave.
There’s a distinctly European flavour to the Artrix cinema programme with two French films this month. Bright Days Ahead tells the story of a retired female dentist who falls for her computer tutor and Mood Indigo is a classic French fantasy romance starring the gorgeous Audrey Tautou. Both films are in French with subtitles.
The Grand Seduction is about an Irish harbour community in desperate need of a doctor to prevent them from ruin.
Tickets cost £6.50 (£5.50) or £3 for accompanied children under 16.
Fans of Strictly and XFactor now have the chance to improve their own singing and dancing at Artrix. From 16th September onwards, the venue will be running a series of dance workshops, acting and singing classes for adults and children. Adults can try Ballet, Freestyle Jazz Dance and Belly Dancing or learn some sparkling songs at the SongStars Showchoir.
Stage stars of the future will have fun at one of the Acting Up classes for ages 6-9 or 10-18, or join the Saturday afternoon Artrix Youth Theatre for ages 8 upwards. For singers, there’s a Junior Showchoir where they can learn great songs and take part in fun performances.
There is also a drama club for people with special needs and disabilities starting on 16th September. Get In is an all-inclusive drama club which welcomes everyone, including friends and carers.
For further details of all the workshops and classes as well as ticket purchases contact the box office on 01527 577330 or visit www.artrix.co.uk