BRIDPORT Arts Centre is excited to announce a superb new season of theatre, dance, music, comedy, film, literature, exhibitions and take part activities for autumn 2012. The breathtaking programme includes critically acclaimed artists from Dorset and beyond. To make booking easier than ever the Arts Centre has introduced a new website, programme and online ticketing system.
The theatre season gets underway when two of the South West’s favourite theatrical sons – Howard Coggins (Bristol Old Vic) and Stu McLoughlin (Kneehigh) bring us The Six Wives of Henry VIII on 8 September, 8pm. With live original music, embroidery, barbie dolls and historical hysteria, the performance promises to be an unforgettable lesson in cross-dressing Tudor history. The season continues with the fantastic Shanty Theatre who will bring us The Rime of The Ancient Mariner and Vital Signs Theatre who will revive Laura Wade’s classic Other Hands.
There’s plenty in the theatre for children. Norwich Theatre will perform The Pied Piper on 24 November. Seabright Productions will perform Potted Panto on Wednesday 12 December.
Music is playing a larger part this autumn – highlights include Hank Wangford returning as the patron of Bridport Hat Festival (14 September), Mary Coughlan who is back on tour after many years (21 October), one of the hottest names in the UK blues/acoustic scene Sean Taylor will present his new album Love Against Death (26 October), there will be stylish electropop from The Kitten and the Hip (1 December) and block busting originals from Ben Waters Band Christmas Party (21 December).
Comedy performances throughout the season include Jenny Éclair with her new show Eclarious (Saturday 24 November) and the return of Tom Glover’s Comedy Café. After the success of Jack Dee and Kevin Bridges, the arts centre will continue to announce special acts to members of the mailing list. Make sure you’re registered at www.bridport-arts.com – we already have a big name in the pipeline!
Literary and spoken word events include the return of the Open Book Festival from 10 -14 October. Fringe First winner Inua Ellams will merge visual art, poetry, theatre and storytelling on 27 October and the Story Café will return with Jane Flood (21 September) and Martin Shaw (23 November).
There will be plenty happening in the galleries with Wessex Arts and Visual Expressionists bringing their inaugural exhibition Above the Wave to the Allsop Gallery from 22 September – 6 October. Other exhibitions include ExLab (from 13 October) and Dorset Pottery Group Annual Exhibition (from 4 December).
If you’re looking for take part activities there is an exciting range of participatory workshops for children, teenagers and adults, both through courses and one off activities.
For further information visit www.bridport-arts.com, call 01308 424204 or visit the arts centre and pick up a programme.
