Final preparations

The final preparations are now underway for Sweet Charity as there is less than a week to go before the opening night on Tuesday 6th July! Chairs are being painted, the set is being dressed, scenes are being polished (as we speak!) and bowls are being decorated like cakes...

Ticket sales are increasing every day so make sure you come and buy yours before your preferred night sells out! Either call or email the box office (01793 773981) or you can pop by the arts office in the dance studio on the school site.

Don't forget, the Saturday matinee performance (12pm) will be followed by a staff vs Purton village cricket match and BBQ on the school field. The ladies PE staff have also organised a mini Rounders tournament so if you would like to enter a team, contact Emma Hayden on 01793 770570.

The Stage: A Night Less Ordinary ticket scheme to be “curtailed”

Come on England!

In the spirit of tonight's big match, I thought it was worth pointing your attention to our 'alternative' Sweet Charity poster. As you know, all week day performances will start at 7.30pm... unless England make it through to the semifinals. Then we'll start the show at 5pm so you can all make it back for the match. Extra fingers and toes crossed for that one... what an evening! Two entertaining performances one after the other! Come on England!

Incidentally, while we're on the sporting topic, the Saturday matinee will start at 12pm. This will be followed by a Twenty20 Cricket match between staff and the local village. There will also be a delicious BBQ! Tickets are selling out fast for this summer Saturday, so get in quick to avoid disappointment!

You know the box office number: 01793 773981

Wicked Young Writers Award

The Wicked Young Writers' Award has been established to recognise excellence in writing, encourage creativity and help develop writing talent in young people. Any young person between the ages of 5 and 25 years old is eligible to enter, making the award the first of its kind to reward excellence to such a wide age-range of young people across the whole of the UK

There will be the opportunity to enter into five different age categories:

5-7 years old
8-10 years old
11-13 years old
14-16 years old
17-25 years old

The top 20 winning entries from each age category will be invited to a very special autumn prize ceremony. One overall young writer will be chosen as a winner from each age category and will receive:

• An exclusive WICKED experience including four tickets to see the London production of WICKED with their family and an opportunity to meet cast members after the show.

• A WICKED writing master class from one of the WICKED Young Writers’ Award judges.

The WICKED Young Writers' Award is completely free and is all about what young people want to write; entries can range from stories, to poems, to drama and if the Young Writer is feeling particularly creative they can even include illustrations (judging will be based on writing only).

The Award is open to any young person from the UK and Northern Ireland aged between 5 and 25 years old on the closing date of Saturday 31 July 2010. See the website for more details and to download an entry form.

Could you live in a world without dance?

Sundial Theatre, at Cirencester College, presents Footloose.

Welcome to Beaumont - a town of strong family values but where dance is considered the work of the devil. Newcomer Ren soon finds himself at odds with the powerful local minister, Reverend Moore but not his beautiful daughter Ariel.

With classic tracks and foot tapping numbers like the title track, “Lets hear it for the boy” and “Holding out for a hero” you will love this feel-good show.

Tuesday 15 June - Thursday 17 June. See the website for full details.

Bradon Forest Comedy Tent

We have been supporting organisers of the Big Arts Day at Lydiard Park with the loan of some of our extra equipment. This will be put to use in the comedy tent and as such, it will be known as the Bradon Forest Comedy Tent! Well, we do like to help out wherever we can!

Even though the one day event is being held on the final day of Sweet Charity, if you make it to one of the other four performances, you may still be able to catch some of the many arts activities going on during the day. See the Big Arts Day website for more details.

Coming very soon...

Artsmark Gold - Third Time Running!

Woohoo! Great news! We've just received notification that our third application for the Artsmark Gold Award has been successful!

"We are pleased to inform you that your Artsmark application has been successful and Arts Council England is delighted to award you Artsmark Gold in recognition of your commitment to the arts. 

Obtaining Artsmark Gold for the 3rd time is an outstanding achievement and we congratulate you on your continuing success."

Alan Davey, Chief Executive, Arts Council England

Swing Festival

So & So Circus Theatre will be curating and performing in the Fruit & Fibre cabaret on the 10th of June. There is an unusual and very exciting line up of acts including Sharpwire, Cocoloco, Barbershopera, Mooky and Temujin Gill.

It's all compered by the very charming Alexis Dubus and there will be a few extra surprise guest appearances. For more info on the evening and to book tickets go to the Jackson Lane website or call 0208 341 4421.

The night is part of their Summer Swing festival which is taking place throughout June at Jacksons Lane in London.

Internships at Bristol Old Vic

Just seen this on the Theatre Bristol site. For those of you wondering what to do with your summer, read on!

We are developing an internship programme, and are keen to hear from anyone interested in spending a structured 3 month period of unpaid work with the organisation.  The opportunity will involve time spent with our producing, marketing, education, and fundraising and administration teams.  There will be two posts available, on a rolling three month basis.  The programme will commence in September 2010, and candidates will be selected via interview.

For further information visit http://www.bristololdvic.org.uk/jobs.html 

A reminder...

For those of you who remember Marie-Lou, and even for those of you who don't!

Local Events

Patrick Monahan, a regular on the UK comedy circuit, will be appearing at the Swindon Arts Centre on Saturday 12 June twice, in a family show and then in the evening. The brilliant Middlesbrough-Irish-Iranian comic, Patrick Monahan is embarking on a full-scale British tour. Often seen on ITV’s Paul O’Grady Show, Patrick’s breathtaking gift for interaction combines with sharp and hilarious observations, paying special attention to his unique cultural roots.

Stories and Fables for Kids who like sitting at tables
Saturday 12 June, 2.30pm
New stories written and told by a 467 year old Middle Eastern storyteller (who looks and sounds a lot like award winning stand up comedian Patrick Monahan) for kids aged 5 to 105!
Ticket prices £8, Children £6, Family £25

The Ladyboys Of Iran
Saturday 12 June, 8pm
Tickets £10 with concessions.

To book tickets for either show call the Arts Centre on 614837.