Community events are the order of the Bromsgrove arts centre’s day.
A visit from CBeebies stars Chris and Pui is one of the highlights at Artrix during half-term week.
The popular TV duo will be presenting their new stage show alongside all the toys and characters from their hit TV programme Show Me Show Me. Youngsters and their parents can marvel at the Ugly Duckling becoming a beautiful swan and ooh and aah as Miss Mouse attempts to zoom to the cheesy moon in her rocket. With songs, comedy sketches, a dash of magic and lots of joining in, this is a treat for all the family.
On Sunday 21st February, Red Earth Theatre will present The Remarkable Tale of Oliver Twist. Packed full of surprises for a modern audience, this adaptation of Charles Dickens’ masterpiece recreates a colourful cast of larger-than-life characters. The show is cleverly staged in the style of a Victorian music hall, with speciality acts and variety entertainments. As a result, Oliver’s story is brought vividly to life for both children and grown-ups. This show is suitable for children aged six and upwards.
Artrix Cinema will also be screening The Good Dinosaur during the holidays. Pixar’s boy-meets-dinosaur movie has some breathtakingly realistic visuals and tells the story of Arlo the Apatosaurus and his friendship with a young boy called Spot.
Last but definitely not least, would-be Elsas, Annas and Olafs are invited to dress up in their costumes and start warming up their voices for a screening of Frozen Sing Along at Artrix Cinema.
Chris and Pui will be at Artrix Theatre on Saturday 13th February at 11.00 am and 2.00 pm. Tickets cost £12 (£10 under 16s) and £40 for families. Red Earth Theatre present The Remarkable Tale of Oliver Twist on Sunday 21st February at 2.00 pm. Tickets cost £7 (£5 under 16s) The Good Dinosaur is screening at Artrix Cinema on Wednesday 17th February at 2.00 pm and Saturday 20th February at 11.00 am. Frozen Sing Along is screening at Artrix Cinema on Thursday 18th February at 2.00 pm. Tickets cost £6.30 (£5.30) or £3.30 for accompanied children under 16.
Artrix is also looking forward to hosting a number of events to celebrate LGBT History month during February. 2016 will be the fifth year that the venue has worked with Bromsgrove Council to offer a programme of events, exhibitions and information displays in recognition of the annual event. The overall aim of LGBT History month is to promote equality and diversity for the benefit of the public.
Throughout February, there will be a Coming Out Stories exhibition at the Artrix Gallery. The exhibition is the result of an 18 month research project carried out by young LGBT people who asked people about their coming out stories. With support from Heritage Lottery Fund, Birmingham LGBT sought to engage young people with the struggles for equality experienced by previous LGBT generations.
On Tuesday 2nd February, there will be a free evening event including networking and information stalls from 6.30 pm followed by a screening of Pride at 7.30 pm. The film tells the true story of a group of gay activists who supported the miners and their families during the strike. Tickets for the film are free and the event is supported by Bromsgrove District Council.
On Wednesdays 3rd and 17th February at 7.30 pm Artrix Cinema will be screening Carol. The Oscar-nominated film, which stars Cate Blanchett, is set in 1950s New York and tells the story of a young department-store clerk who falls for an older married woman.
Later in the month, Artrix Cinema will be screening The Danish Girl. Starring last year’s Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne, the film relates the remarkable story of Lili Elbe’s pioneering transgender journey and her marriage to Gerda Wegener. Screenings will be on Tuesday 16th February at 7.30 pm and Sunday 21st February at 7.00 pm.
T C Peppercorn, Artrix’s Learning and Engagement Co-Ordinator said: “Artrix is always proud to support LGBT History Month. Celebrating the diversity of our audience is key to our engagement work to ensure we reflect the needs of our local community”
All tickets are available from the box office on 01527 577330 or www.artrix.co.uk
There will be an enthralling and gravity defying display of dance and drama in Bromsgrove on Friday 26th February when leading UK dance theatre company, Motionhouse, perform Captive and Underground at Artrix.
Captive is a story of imprisonment brought to life in thrilling fashion by four dancers in a large cage. This breath-taking and highly energetic performance is delivered at break neck speed and has been designed to appeal to both newcomers to dance and existing fans.
Performed by four dancers in a rocking tubular structure Underground uses stunningly physical dance, poignant imagery and surprising aerial encounters to explore the compressed intimacy of train travel. Suspended at unusual angles and riding the rhythm of the train, four characters are constantly drawn together then torn apart.
Prior to the show, Motionhouse dancers will be running workshops with students from North Bromsgrove School. The students will then perform in the foyer during the interval on the night of the Motionhouse performance on 26th February.
Junior Cunningham, Motionhouse Dancer and Rehearsal Director said: “Our education programme is a key part of what we do – dance can play a really important role in young people’s personal development. It can build their self-confidence and help them develop their own forms of creative expression. Our underlying ethos is that anyone can dance and this approach is a key part of our vibrant youth programme that we offer.”
Danielle Bartlett, from the Physical Education and Psychology Faculty at North Bromsgrove High School & Sixth Form added: “We are so excited that our pupils have the opportunity to work with Motionhouse who are such a prestigious UK dance company. Our pupils that are keen dancers and thespians are going to have a priceless experience, and cannot wait to perform at the Artrix on February 26th.”
Fi Hay, Artrix’s Dance Engagement Worker, said“We are really excited to welcome Motionhouse back to Artrix. One of the UK’s foremost dance theatre companies, Motionhouse are known across their world for their amazing blend of dance, theatre and acrobatics. They have to be seen to be believed, don’t miss it!”
For more information on Motionhouse visit www.motionhouse.co.uk