1. Pat Preater Calendar of Events
Nigel Price Brewhouse
Andy Burden Clandestine Cake Club
Creative Innovation The Real Jane Austen
Centre Somerset & Bristol
Chelsea Hotel Clarks Shoes
Somerset Opera Short Story
Ilminster Arts Centre Poetry Corner
My Favourite
Spring 2013
Free
Shining a light on literature, art, music and performance in Taunton & Somerset
2. Hot on the heels of our Mr Miles Tea Rooms we are
delighted to announce or new Café/Restaurant at Riverside
Place, St. James St., Taunton.
‘Miles at the Riverside’
Home-cooked meals of the highest quality, accompanied by delicious freshly prepared salads.
We are open 7 days a week for breakfast offering a morning start for everyone. We offer a
selection of filled wraps and paninis for a lighter bite all day, and of course a wide selection of
cakes and tiffin.
We use local suppliers and produce and serve the finest tea, coffee and hot chocolate from our
partners, DJ Miles Ltd of Porlock.
FUNCTIONS and EVENTS and PARTIES
If you are looking for a venue to hold an event or celebration we can help. We cater for groups
from 6 to 60 and can provide a wide array of menus to suit all events.
Look out for pre theatre dinner opportunities for events at the Brewhouse.
COFFEE and TEA
In partnership with DJ Miles we stock a variety of freshly roasted coffee and skilfully blended
teas for you to purchase.
3. Contents
05 Throwing the Baby Out With the Bathwater
06 Robert Miles Blog
09 No Financial Spreadsheet for Inspiration
10 Somerset Opera
14 The Creative Innovation Centre
16 Pat Preater: A Life in Art
21 The Rural Living Show
22 Heads Tales: Nigel Price
30 Contains Art: Watchet’s New Art Initiative
32 Let Them Eat Cake
33 The Real Jane Austen
34 The Count of Monte Cristo
36 Chelsea Hotel
38 Somerset Bristol
39 Made to Last: Clarks Shoes
40 A Fitting Remembrance: John Cole’s Funeral
40 Re-opening of Ilminster Arts Centre
41 Fire River Poets First Poetry Competition
43 Great Expectations Fulfilled: The Brunner Prize
44 Great Expectations: Short Story
47 My Favourite: Anne Brayley
Editorial Advertising Lionel Ward
Copy Editor: Jo Ward
The views expressed in LAMP
Events Compiler: Julie Munckton are not necessarily those of the
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lampmagazine1@gmail.com otherwise stated, is that of the
01823 337742 magazine or the individual au-
thors. We do not accept liability
c/o Brendon Books, for the content or accuracy of the
Bath Place, Taunton magazine including that of the
TA1 4ER advertisers.
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5. Throwing out the baby with the bathwater?
As we go to I think his answers to some of the criticisms arts nationally (albeit much less than there
print the Brew- deserve to be more widely known. used to be) but we are not not claiming
house Theatre I am much afraid that he an his adminis- our fair share of it.
and Arts Centre tration is being used as a scapegoat for the Why is that so little cultural funding is
is in administra- core issue of underfunding. It is also disap- available to the people of Somerset per
tion and its fu- pointing that there appears no attempt, that head in comparison with Bristol or Lon-
ture is unclear. I am aware of (though I hope I am proved don? Do we not deserve properly funded
There has been wrong), in keeping the current programme theatres as much as anybody else? One
an outpouring in place. A glance at the calendar of events can only conclude that if we are not get-
of support for in this issue shows what an important part ting the funding we are not fighting for it
the theatre in a Save The Brewhouse Cam- the Brewhouse programme was to play in and making representations for it, which I
paign which is touching and reveals how our cultural lives over the coming three am afraid points to lack of commitment at
much it is valued by the community. months and I have made the decision to a local level.
The timing of the closure is particu- keep the events in place in the listings in the A properly funded theatre and arts cen-
larly sad as in the last few monthes there hope that some will still take place, even if tre not only brings cultural benefits but
seemed to be real buzz about the theatre. at another venue. makes good business sense. Taunton is
A new initiative brought cinema back to The talk is of rebirth through volunteers, a geographically situated in a perfect posi-
town with a judicious mix of recent re- phoenix arising from the ashes. Volunteers tion to attract audiences from Somerset,
leases, old time favourites and films not are an invaluable resource. I know from my East Devon and beyond. Visitors to the
usually found in the commercial cinema. own experience. They were the backbone of Brewhouse not only bring income to the
There was a marvellous Wind in the Wil- The Taunton Literary Festival and they have
lows production, cleverly making use of a vital role to play both in terms of admin-
locally produced willows both on the stage istration and putting on amateur shows, of-
set and in the foyer. A practical plan was ten to a very high standard. Theatre groups
in place to secure an extension to provide like the Taunton Thespians do a great job in
the larger auditorium which would bring introducing theatre into the community and
bigger shows to The Brewhouse in order are an extremely important part of the local
to make the theatre more profitable and al- cultural landscape.
lowing the provision of a greater variety However, we also need professional thea-
and quaility of shows. tre from national and regional companies,
However, one cannot have been unaware the sort of theatre we can aspire to, and a
of the tightrope that was being walked in core of professionals both to commission
the last few years as funding was squeezed shows and run a professional theatre. Please theatre but the wider community. When
with appeals for donations to the audi- read the article by Ally Kennen in the fol- the nettle is grasped and a cultural invest-
ence after each production. The theatre lowing pages if you have any doubt about ment is made such as in the case of the
like almost every other business has been the importance of a professionally run local Somerset Museum it can bring rewards
affected by a prolonged recession which theatre to an individuals life. and be a great success.
has meant smaller audiences and less rev- I hope it is understood that we are losing Let us bring the theatre back to life by
enue, as people think twice about buying a some very real expertise from the Brew- all means but when that happens we must
ticket for a show. We have seen household house and that it is not easily replaced. not handicap it in a straight jacket of un-
names disappearing from our high streets In order to run such a theatre we require derfunding, We must give it sufficient lo-
in the new year as cash flow problems a proper planned funding regime. Pro- cal funding and seek to match it a national
very quickly made themselves evident and grammes have to be put together months in level through such institutions as the Arts
the Brewhouse clearly was no different in advance, commissions taken, assumptions Council through proper representation
this respect. have to be made and an estimate of the po- and leadership. It should be perceived as
While the demonstration of support for tential audience and, therefore, revenue. It an investment not a liability, a spearhead
the theatre is heartening and there are an is a risky business at the best of times but for Taunton to climb up the cultural lad-
impressive number of volunteers coming especially when there is uncertainty about der and make it a destination point for the
forward to support the Brewhouse, my how much, when and where the funding is arts for the surrounding area and beyond,
worry is that in many quarters the respon- coming from. with all the attendant cultural and finan-
sibility for the current situation is being Of course, it is easy to say that in the present cial benefits that brings.
deflected in the direction of the adminis- climate any funding for arts centres should
tration under Robert Miles. I am reporting take second place to hospitals and schools. Lionel Ward
his last blog here in the following pages as However, there is funding available for the
6. Robert Miles Blog We therefore employed around 35 part
time workers, mostly on zero hours
February 26 2.50pm contracts, and 19 full time staff, some
(Following a meeting at of whom ran the restaurant and two of
whom were the most fantastic appren-
Deane House the previ- tices.
ous evening) 5. If Taunton Deane believe that a
volunteer led venue, mainly presenting
While the debate about The Brewhouse community work, is compatible with
continues I wish to make clear that I, along their economic strategy ‘Grow and
with the other staff, are no longer em- security, especially when they are just Green’ which they published two years
ployed, so I have no reason to enter the fray back filling other cuts. The decision to ago, then I must only have the first draft
other than on a whim to correct any errors not include The Brewhouse as part of of the report. I would either love to see
of fact if it helps the debate. I am currently ACE National Portfolio Organisations in the final one or hear an explanation as
on a whim. 2010 was clearly a direct result of Som- to why it is now not worth the paper
And in addition, as a parent, I wish to erset County Council’s decision to very it’s written on. There are some fantas-
ensure that the county my children grow publicly cut its arts funding by 100% a tic community groups in Taunton, but
up in has its fair share of cultural activity few months earlier. This decision was if TDBC think that the majority of our
to enrich their lives and make them fully the beginning of the end. old database would want mainly com-
rounded little creative heroes. Lets face it 3. There have been mumblings from munity shows, I think they would be
the more creative they are, the more chance some creditors of The Brewhouse about mistaken. I have nothing against the
they will have in this world whatever they us trading insolvently. In fact the sud- model, if it is progressive rather than
choose to do. den closure of the venue was necessary the regressive one being proposed
So lets do some facts: - to ensure that the organisation did not right now. Let’s not turn back the clock
1. If Taunton Deane Borough Council had break the law, and did the right thing to 1977; lets have some ambition to in-
invested in The Brewhouse at the same by its creditors, including other theatre vent something new. A model breaking
level as South Somerset District Council companies, artists and ticket holders. down barriers between ‘professional’
invested in the Octagon (20 miles away) Creditors’ being angry is completely and ‘amateur’ would be really interest-
over the past five years we would still be understandable in the current emotive ing if it was well designed and deliv-
open. And we would have achieved a sur- environment. We do realise how painful ered, but it is unlikely to come out of
plus of £169K in that time. That doesn’t this is for everyone and are genuinely this mess.
count any match funding that could have very sorry it had to end this way. How- As I say, I am no longer employed by
also been secured by that proper level of ever the arts industry turning on itself The Brewhouse (or in fact by anyone)
investment. TDBC underinvested. They while the austerity program decimates and none of what I think really mat-
are not alone in that position as Somerset the cultural landscape is counterproduc- ters. Apparently I have now become a
County Council and Arts Council England tive, short sighted and dangerous. skiver instead of a striver. I hope the
also underinvested, but TDBC should have 4. There is talk of us employing over 50 game of political football is over, we
led the process to rectify that position. workers, which sounds a lot to run a me- had no legal choice but to take our ball
2. Arts Council England withdrew regular dium sized theatre. This number was first and go home, but there are a lot who
funding in 2005. It is regular funding that used by some artists who put up posters have lost out, creditors, staff, other
allows an organisation to plan and to make outside the venue after The Brewhouse companies whose forthcoming tours
decisions sustainably. The irony about this closed. To clarify, we were far more than may be threatened etc. and myself and
is the Sustain fund paid The Brewhouse just a theatre, and employed other staff the rest of the team are genuinely upset
nearly half a million pounds in 2009 to for other work in the visual arts, cater- by that. I hope a new game can start
‘maintain the quality of artistic output and ing etc. Indeed we ran a restaurant, two soon, with proper rules, a level playing
resolve cash flow problems caused by loss galleries, a studio theatre and hosted arts field and sustainable investment from
of box office, trading and sponsorship’. practitioners who worked peripatetically all stakeholders in Somerset’s unique
But one off grants do not give long-term across Somerset delivering arts projects. cultural and creative infrastructure.
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9. ‘There is no financial spreadsheet for inspiration’
The Brewhouse Theatre you watch, you could take part. Then some-
how I got to join in a young play writer’s
in Taunton opened in 1977 workshop. The organisers had come down
when I was nearly two from ‘Actual London.’ There was a woman
who wore all black! Then my secondary
years old. It was the only school took us to see a professional touring
theatre for miles around. company perform Romeo and Juliet. It was
The ins and outs of the unexpectedly funny and terrifying and ex-
ploded for good those endless excruciating
funding struggle can be readings in lessons.
read elsewhere, but what And then, when I developed an interest in
music, I got to perform on the stage, in the
did the place mean to one mighty Battle of the Bands. Singing on a
small person, growing up professional stage was a big experience for ‘Ratty’ in The Brewhouse’s in-house
a person who was used to warbling at school production of ‘The Wind in The Wil-
on a farm, sixteen miles events. (I did end up singing for a living for lows’ and said ‘I want to be him!’ (an
away, in the middle of no- a while -for better or worse). I also got to excellent progression from the Power
perform a play I wrote and acted in for my Ranger role model he previously as-
where? A level Theatre Studies. pired to)
I remember a woman who used to ramble There are art groups for toddlers, a
The first time I went to The Brewhouse is around the high street and parks of Taunton thriving youth theatre, a cinema. The
also one of my first memories. My uncle all day, it seemed, doing nothing particular. program is/was packed with every
was acting with a troupe on stage. My un- She was a well known face and someone I sort of theatre and music you could
cle had been run over by a bus when he was would worry about. Was she OK? She got wish for. And now it has gone. Closed
17 and lost both his legs but was now per- hold of a camera and eventually The Brew- down. It has been stopped in its tracks.
forming with other disabled actors. house hosted an exhibition of her pictures. I’m not even mentioning the hours of
Another shady, hazy memory: I was taken The place was packed. pure fun I’ve had at the place, watch-
to the ballet. Imagine that! A scruffy farm It is impossible to quantify the value of ing brilliant shows, author talks, music,
girl with a deep interest in cowpats, and a small country theatre. At the risk of ram- dancing, local and national performers
only one TV in the house, taken to see such bling on, or sounding pompous, the theatre and comedians... I have a friend who
a spectacle. I remember the thump of the feeds dreams, and creates them. It allows us has 2 children who have been practis-
dancers’ feet on the stage, totally at odds to clamber out of our backgrounds and go ing flat out, in all their spare time for
with their pink fairy-like forms. somewhere new, should we wish. Watch- the gang shows that the scout organi-
My primary school bussed a class of us ing brilliant professional touring companies sation performs in April. I imagine all
there and I saw my first professional play: was revelatory. And yes, eventually, the these small people will be very sad.
‘The Selfish Shellfish’ It was dark and students who learned to work backstage, The Brewhouse Theatre has touched
scary. A large cloth was used to represent an to operate the bar, who volunteered to help my life, and thousands and thousands
oil slick. An actress wore a spiked hat, she with the lights, the box office, to write and of others.
was an anemone. I had never seen anything run small shows. We went on and did more What a miserable day this is for Taun-
like it and it blew my rural brain. (I went to things. Things that earned money and paid ton. It has become a little more grey. A
the cinema just twice as a child, these were taxes. little more dead.
totally new experiences) There is no financial spreadsheet for in-
The theatre, I understood, was where you spiration, and generating aspiration, and for Ally Kennen writes books for chil-
went and were not allowed to wear your building confidence and skills. dren and young adults. Her latest
wellies. You wore your best trousers. But And now I have moved back to Somer- book is Midnight Pirates which came
of course it became much, much more than set and am a firm punter. As well as adult out in January of this year and Bul-
that. events I regularly take (took) my children to let Boys which came out in January
Now eleven, my friend Meena was chosen the theatre to see glorious children’s shows, 2012. Her first three books were a
to sing during a local production of Mad- the likes of which are everywhere in the city, loosely linked series, Beast, Berserk
ame Butterfly, and perform on stage. (She and hardly anywhere down here in Somer- and Bedlam. She has also written
later became a ‘proper’ singer) It felt like an set. My three year old recently pointed at Sparks for younger children(8+)
awesome opportunity, and it was. The thea- a picture of a debonair actor who played readers and Quarry, a one- off teen
tre became a place where, not only could thriller.
10. Somerset Opera
Somerset Opera be- Guy Robinson was born the
gan as an evening class year Somerset Opera was
promoted by Taunton founded. Now Secretary of
Technical College, now the society that introduced
known as Somerset him to opera, Guy looks
College. forward to a busy 2013 pro-
gramme and an exciting
It was led by a new arrival to Somer-
set, Brian Cresswell, recently appoint- new initiative
ed music adviser to West Somerset.
The first evening attracted 12 singers
who all responded to the proposed La Traviatta, 2011, Anando Mukerjee as
During March, Somerset Opera will be per-
Alfredo Virginia King as Violetta
programme of a concert performance forming Gilbert Sullivan’s Iolanthe in ten
of Tachaikowsky’s little known opera, March 1976 saw two concert perform- venues across the county, it is organising the
“Tcherevichki”. Brian had conducted ances of Vaughan William’s “Pilgrim’s Maxwell Masterclass in April, then there’s
and directed the first known staged Progress” with orchestra, a work much the Somerset Song Prize in May, and its fully-
performances in England in the previ- loved by Brian who had previously con- staged summer show - Die Fledermaus - in
ous May at Bicester School where he ducted and directed staged performances July. A full diary, then, for this Taunton based
was Director of Music. in Bicester in 1972 where one perform- charity.
After a small concert of Christmas ance was attended by the composer’s One of the new elements to the society is its
music in the December, 1975 saw widow, Ursula. In May another swing of Young Singers Programme. Somerset Opera
a whirlwind of performances. The emphasis with performances of Tallis’ runs a Bursary programme, helping to support
Tchaikowsky was presented in concert massive “Spem in Alium” using other young singers to get to grips with new roles
performance in February with 25 per- choral groups in the area. “Beggar’s Op- and refine performing skills. Then there’s the
formers and an orchestra. In July the era” was staged in May and “Marriage of Maxwell Masterclass, made possible by the
group gave two staged performances Figaro” with orchestra in July. generous patronage of international opera star
with orchestra – Purcell “Dido and The die was cast. Staged and concert Donald Maxwell. For the past four years Don-
Aeneas” and the final act of Britten’s performances of opera, some little known, ald has spent a whole day guiding young or
“Midsummer Night’s Dream”. The with concerts of choral music. The first inexperienced singers, whilst entertaining an
new season began with concert per- 18 months had also demonstrated two audience of avid listeners. This year the Max-
formances with piano of “Cavalleria passions of the founder – English music well Masterclass will take place on 20 April at
Rusticana” and “Trial by Jury”. De- and the operas of Gilbert Sullivan : two Taunton School, where I went to school.
cember followed with another double years later the series of “Come and Sing” Last year, Donald performed a leading role at
bill –Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night performances of the operettas leading on the Royal Opera, Covent Garden on the night
Visitors” and the same composer’s to the creation of Brian’s alter ego, “Pri- before the masterclass. Within a few hours he
“Amelia Goes to the Ball”. vate Willis” began. was on a train heading to Taunton. This goes
beyond the involvement of your average soci-
ety patron. Why go to such lengths? ‘Amateur
grand opera has changed enormously since I
first got the bug some 40 years ago,’ comments
Donald. ‘It is now a complex balancing act be-
tween the varying demands of finances, audi-
ences and a loyal membership. The increasing
numbers of talented young professional sing-
ers adds yet another dimension. I greatly enjoy
trying to help Somerset Opera by simply try-
ing to enthuse the young (and the not quite so
young) members in enjoying grand opera. It is
fun, and a very important part of our cultural
life!’
Also this year, the society is proud to support
a new venture – the Somerset Song Prize. This
prestigious, new competition is promoted and
Patience, 1981 with Brian Cresswell as Col. Calverley cont’d p13
10
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11
13. organised by Taunton Somerset Music,
Drama Dance Festival as part of their
Centenary celebrations, Somerset Opera
and the Ronald Tickner Educational Trust.
The organisers also express their thanks for
the support, encouragement and expertise
of the Castle Hotel, Taunton, where the fi-
nal will be held on 26 May. The Song Prize
will be open to any voice who is aged 16
– 26 years, and it reinforces the importance
of the role between the singer and pianist.
After the adjudication ceremony for the
Song Prize, there will be a recital of Eng-
lish song from internationally-acclaimed
soprano Elizabeth Watts and world-class
accompanist Iain Burnside. Entry paper-
work will be available from March 2013. Midsummer’s Night Dream, Britten,1985 with John Cole as Peter Quince
The touring show this year will be Iolan-
the: a musical tale of warring fairies (who jailor, over-the-top wooing and sweet re- with a heady mix of music and movement
never grow old), members of the House of venge. Rehearsals are about to begin, and in the staged shows.
Lords (who have a high regard for brains whilst the principal performers have been Success also depends on those with energy
and wished they had some themselves) cast, all are still welcome to put their name and vision driving things forward. One such
and a leading man who is not only half a forward for the chorus. A launch evening visionary is Brian Cresswell, who founded
fairy but has a mother who looks as young is planned for 4 April, when Hilary Mar- the society. Other crucial figures (plucked
as his fiancé. The show is directed by Sue shall (Somerset Opera’s Chairman and the from many) include John Cole, who was
Richards and the Musical Director is Chris Director of the show) will introduce her vi- maestro and performer for Somerset Opera
Ball. sion for what is colloquially being called on numerous occasions, and the leadership
How does the ‘Somerset Opera on tour’ ‘the bat’. and time of Musical Director Chris Ball
work? Firstly, it relies on an ability to read This will be the fifth time that Somerset and Chairman Hilary Marshall.
a map – and seek the patience of the audi- Opera has done Die Fledermaus across its
ence if cast members head to Stogursey in- 38 year history. What has changed since Guy has fond memories of his first
stead of Stogumber. Second, it relies on an 1974? First, there is the variety of shows main role with the group, under Brian’s
ability to improvise in different situations. performed, from Tchaikovsky’s Eugene musical direction. The show was Don
‘We cram ourselves into dressing rooms’ Onegin to a concert version of Wagner’s Giovanni and Guy was playing Lep-
explains Sue ‘which are usually kitchens or Meistersingers, from Mozart’s The Mar- orello. It was quite a risk for the society
billiard rooms, all try and remember to exit riage of Figaro to Britten’s A Midsummer to ask Guy to do Leporello, given that
only stage right as some venues don’t have Night’s Dream (pictured). Also, there have it was his first major role in opera and
a stage left, fit in as much choreography as been changes in the venue in which it per- needed a steady hand from someone
the space on the stage will allow and keep forms. Some years ago, the Brewhouse such as Brian. “After the final show”
singing and dancing whatever happens’. was Somerset Opera’s home. Then, like remembers Guy “I recall giving Brian
‘From a musical perspective’ adds Chris several other amateur societies, it needed a tape of Captain Beaky and his Band
“I’ve always enjoyed being faced with to explore other venues. In recent years we – a strangely important tape from my
the provision of different instruments at have found a fantastic venue in the thea- childhood. It was my little way of say-
our various venues. The beautiful Bech- tre at King’s’, a genuine theatre, with a bar ing that this had been an important ex-
stein grand with a 3-year film of dust; the and a great feel. well suited to our summer perience for me, and I really cherished
clangy Clavinova which wobbled alarm- show. that opportunity. Through the Young
ingly at the slightest touch; the piano on a The success of the society depends on Singers Programme, I’m hoping we
steeply- raked stage which began to move its chorus, and the group is lucky to have can bring new members to the group –
inexorably downstage as I started to play. strength in its members who are prepared and offer opportunities for those who’d
Also I remember the time when I arrived to go the extra mile each year, from sing- like to sing a bit more”.
late, hastily sat down and started to play ing heartily in the winter concert to coping
an octave above the required pitch to the
alarm and confusion of the cast, and being See Somerset Opera
so confident, or blasé, that it took me two Iolanthe will be on tour to nine venues from 8 March
pages to realise what was wrong.’
The summer show will be Die Fledermaus. Please see Calendar of Events for further details
Using a new translation from Dorset-based or visit www.somersetopera.org.uk
Graham Billing, the story mixes cham-
pagne with mistaken identities, a drunken or email: secretary@somersetopera.org.uk
13
14. all else. Once you start a conversation
The Creative Innova- it leads to other things.’
‘I have taught workshops for years,’
tion Centre is a new says fellow director Andrew Knutt.
‘I now realise that some of the most
creative space within worthwhile results come from just
Taunton. getting together and talking. Many
people take part in some form of cre-
ative activity but don’t know how to
turn it into a business venture. We are
here to help people both to generate
creative ideas and apply them from a
CICCIC styles itself a business support
business perspective.’
venture, supporting the creative sector and
It is not necessarily about creating
wider community through providing fa-
a financial outcome from a creative
cilities for exhibitions, lectures and show
idea, though that may very well re-
casing creative practice. It is a Community
sult. It’s also about experience and
Interest Company where profits are passed
inclusivity which can be rewards in
back into the community.
themselves.
It is creative, then within the broadest Heads in the clouds: Andrew Knutt (left)
‘We want people to be able to walk
sense, not just serving the artistic com- and Richard Holt.
through the door and engage, for there
munity yet visual art, music, literature and accompanying article). There are plans to be greater community ownership
cultural activities are very much at the to have a Saturday market where makers of our culture,’ says Richard.
heart of its vision. and retailers of fine creative works can ‘Very often,’ Andrew adds,’ what is
It has already established itself as an ex- be part of an indoor market. The centre considered culture is too exclusive or
hibition centre for the visual arts with the provides art talks, live music nights, a not accessible. ‘We want people to
third such exhibition from local artist Pat writing retreat, life drawing classes, take part and experiment.’
Preater beginning on the 12 March (see business lectures and talks – the list goes The building is the old memorial
on. hall next to the United Reformed
But the centre is not just about experi- Church. It is a large airy space though
encing events and attending courses, it the acoustics have proved a problem.
is also a facilitator. Putting design into However, a solution has been found
business is at the heart of the concept using suspended panels made from
of directors Richard Holt and Andrew sheep’s wool which absorbs the ech-
Knutt. Richard has 25 years management oes, provided by The Wooly Shep-
experience in business design training herd, itself a recent creative design
and Andrew is director of a local design success. Let us hope that many more
company, chair of the Somerset Design such successes follow in its wake and
Enterprise Network and a member of the that the centre develops into what it
board of Design South West. promises to be: an engine for local
Richard explains: ‘We are here to help, creative business and cultural devel-
a base to stimulate and exchange knowl- opment and an asset to the local com-
edge. We are about conversation above munity.
Contact Details
Creative Innovation Centre CICMemorial Hall
Paul Street Taunton Somerset TA1 3PF
Tel. 01823 337477
Email: info@creativeinnovationcentre.co.uk
CICCIC reception area and coffe bar
14
16. A Life in Art
Pat Preater feels
that her art has
been her great ally
throughout her
life.
From her earliest years at primary school
it was the thing she excelled in and it
helped her not only with her art but later
on with other subjects such as biology
and geography. For her art ‘A’ level she
was allowed to travel two days a week to
Stroud Art School to study life drawing
and composition. She found the experi-
ence liberating. Not only was she study-
ing something she really enjoyed, but she
was working in a freer, less disciplined
environment.
After ‘A’ level her mum and dad were
wary about her continuing her art studies,
concerned that she would not be able to
get a decent job with an art qualification.
Her mum was a nurse and favoured her Tone near Taunton in 1964. In 1967, now energy I was getting from my art I was
either becoming a nurse or a secretary. with two boys, Jonathan and Jason, they able to teach.’ Whether she was teaching
Her father, was, however, she says, ‘won moved to their present home in Taunton. or at home, art was always, literally on
over by my enthusiasm.’ He had also It was nearly derelict and over the years the timetable. She would put together a
wanted to study art himself but had never they have put a considerable effort into planner dividing her time between her
had the opportunity. Once he was on-side renovating it. work and other duties and her painting
he became very supportive of her ambi- Pat took a part time teaching job at La- for, she says, ‘this reinforced my inten-
tion and she went on to study an interme- dymead School in Taunton where she tion to paint.’
diate course at Stroud for one year before remained for six years until the birth of At Somerset College she taught mainly
going to art college at Cheltenham where their third child, Edward in 1974. A fourth watercolours, though a Friday oil painting
she took a National Diploma in Design. child, Ruth, followed and it was not until class that she was told would not work
She recalls, ‘I loved my time at art col- 1988 that Pat took up teaching again, this also proved popular. The students joined
lege going out to sketch in the town be- time teaching adult education art courses the classes to enjoy an interest in painting
fore returning to the studio to create a at Somerset College. and drawing. Later on, a system of cred-
composition and drawing local Cotswold She always kept in touch with her own its was introduced which enabled entry to
architecture.’ The discipline of observa- art both while she was teaching and look- degree courses. When she finished teach-
tion was fundamental to the course and ing after her growing family. ‘I felt it just ing adult education classes in 2003 (after
included life drawing, clay work, weav- wasn’t me if I was not painting,’ she told fifteen years of teaching), most adult ed-
ing and etching. me. It helped that she taught part time. ucation classes were cut. She elaborated,
She then gained a teaching diploma in Pursuing her art was, in fact, critical to ‘There was a change from the belief that
Art at The West of England College in her teaching method. ‘My work gave me existed that education was all embracing
Bristol. She met and married Tom, whose an impetus to teach other people,’ she and available to everyone whether in full-
job took them to Wollaston near Stour- explained and then reinforced the no- time education or not.’
bridge, before a move to Bradford-on- tion by further adding: ‘Because of the She has an array of sketchbooks dating
16
17. cluttering fever tends to strike.
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ABOVE: Antique
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LEFT: John Lewis
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SAGT offers artists and art lovers alike an oppor-
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ing our long term goal of acquiring a high quality
Permanent Somerset Art Gallery Collection. If
you are inspired by, appreciate and value the arts,
SAGT is for you – a community of like-minded art
enthusiasts helping Taunton to be a true Cultural
Centre! Our programme includes exhibitions, talks,
workshops, cultural outings events.
For membership information check out our website or
contact Jeremy Harvey (Chairman) on 01823 276421
11 March Talk on Rembrandt’s Late Self-Por-
traits by Jeremy Harvey, 7.00pm Conference
Centre, Somerset College, TA1 5AX.
12 March - 5 April Paintings by Pat Preater,
CIC, Paul Street, Taunton.
16 March Drawing Workshop led by Julian
Fraser 7.30 pm The Barn, Obridge House.
8 - 20 April Paintings by Ron Cann, Taunton
Library.
ALBURY HOUSE GROUP PRACTICE
10 Limited Edition
18 April Talk by Jenni Dutton Ingrid Hesling
7.30 pm The Barn, Obridge House, Obridge
Road, TA2 7QA.
Osteopathy To Book talks: 01823 276421 (admission: £5.00)
Sara Kennard Associates
01823 332871
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18-23 March 2013
At Taunton Library
Chiropody (during normal library hours)
Marian Barnacle Associates
01823 322516 Painting,drawings, printmaking and 3
dimensional works by amateur and professional
artists original work and cards for sale
* Free Parking
* Ground Floor Treatment Rooms Contact us: 0788 0793 066 or 07817 807 259
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17
18. A TALE FOR
OUR TIMES –
ON EXMOOR
A compelling story
of family and
ecological conflict
on Exmoor, set
against the cur-
rent financial cri-
sis and interwoven
with sexual rivalry
and obsession.
And at another
level, a reflection
on our planet as a tiny, living, teeming sward
- finite and vulnerable - and floating alone in
the dead sea of the universe.
PAN’S PRINCIPLE by SIMON PATRICK
A ‘MUST-READ’ NOW ON KINDLE – ONLY £0.99P
ginger fig gifts and gallery
1b Bath Place, Taunton TA1 4ER 01823
ginger fig gallery promotes artists and designers exclusively from
the South West, exhibiting new talent alongside established artists
18
19. back to her time as an art student when painting that is often commented on. ‘I am
she was 18. Sometimes she revisits them not aware of that when I am painting,’ she
and intriguingly believes that on occa- says,’It is just how it appears to me.’ These
sions she learns from her younger self. observational sketches are very often pen
As an example she shows me one of her and watercolour which are then worked up
old pen and ink sketchbooks and com- into oils. The still life are directly observed
pares it to a more recent one. To my eyes using oils. However, her still life paintings
they both appear very accomplished. are never one object in isolation but sev-
However, the style is different, with the eral grouped together. The space between
them and their relationship to each other is
an important part of the composition.
Unlike many artists, she does not ever
give up on a painting and consign it to the
rubbish bin if she does not like the way it
is going. She will alter and manipulate it Grace Cotinus
and find some way of getting the painting four years they travelled widely. She
to work even if it means ultimately over- shows me sketchbooks of Sienna and
painting it when she will often find a way of Manos in the heart of the Amazon,
of using the painting underneath by, for beautifully realised and accompanied by
example, letting some of the colour come elegant handwriting describing the trip.
through. And it was typical of Pat that once she
Sketchbook of Manos
We return to her sketchbooks, which ap- went back on board she was able to teach
pear to be miniature works of art on their a class on the cruise ship her method in
more recent ones portraying a more intri-
constructing her skillful compositions
cate but less flowing style. The pen she
– still using the energy from her own
now mostly uses are of the modern ink
work to teach others.
ball type, very handy to carry around and
good for intricate sketches but they do
not produce such a free flowing effect. It
is this earlier free flowing style that she
Pat belongs to the Somerset Society
intends to re-explore.
of Artists and the Chandos Society
Her style of art, generally, she believes.
at Bridgwater. She has found them
reflects her training at art school, based as
valuable as, she explains, ‘joining a
it was above all else on observation. She
society gave me an opportunity to
has tried painting in an abstract way but
show my work and to see the paint-
says she finds it difficult to ‘let go’ and
Conversation
ings outside of my own environment.’
paints ‘what she sees.’ However, at the
She has shown her work in several
same time, there is a complexity and con-
local and regional exhibitions such
trivance about some of her work which own account. After she retired she went as the South West Academy (Exeter),
give her paintings a particular style. She on a computing course. During part of the Bath Academy and the Royal West of
will observe a scene with a sketch and course they were asked to write about their England (Bristol), The Brewhouse,
then take that scene and populate it with hopes for the future. ‘I said I would like to Bridgwater Arts Centre and The Post
figures usually in conversation or at play. travel with my husband and sketch. Within Graduate Centre Bristol. See details
The figures are introduced from memory eighteen months that was exactly what I of her new exhibition below.
and sometimes appear in more than one was doing,’ Pat comments. For three to
painting (such as a yellow dog which
has made repeated appearances) and the
Pat Preater Art Exhibition
background, though it may have started
off as an observational sketch, may be-
come altered too. The faces of the figures
are often distorted to reflect a particular
12 March - 4 April 2013
aspect of their character. The Creative Innovation Centre, Memorial Hall,
She does also produce strictly obser- Paul St, Taunton TA1 3PF Tel. 01823 337477
vational paintings such as her recent one
of the apple tree which has been such a Email: info@creativeinnovationcentre.co.uk
part of her and her husband’s life in the www.creativeinnovationcentre.co.uk
forty-five years they have spent at their
house. It is full of colour, an aspect of her
19
20. Your local arts magazinetel. 01823 337742
email:lampmagazine1@gmail.com
OPEN DAY
www.lampmagzine.co.uk
Advertise in The Lamp
B E PA RT O F T H E D I S C O V E R Y
Saturday 4th May —10 am arrival
Please contact us to reserve your place
Co-educational day boarding: ages 13 –18 telephone: 01823 328204
admissions@kings-taunton.co.uk www.kings-taunton.co.uk
20
21. The Rural Living Show
is hosting a new spring
show at Taunton Race-
course in support of St
Margaret’s Hospice.
As part of the show the following
talks will take place over the two days.
Please check timings with the event
organisers (details at the bottom of the
pages):
Philip White of Hestercombe House and
Gardens:
‘Past and Future developments’
Robin Small of Charlton Orchards
‘Care and pruning of your Orchard’
Adrian Stallard of Lentells Accountants
‘Kitchen Table Businesses -working for
yourself not the tax man!’
Nicky Saunter of the Woolly Shepherd
‘Natural Acoustics - Innovating with
wool’
Nigel Cox of Bridgwater College
‘Spring preparation for a Blooming Sum-
mer’
Kate Tuke, Head Gardener of Killerton
‘Killerton Gardens’
John Addison of Bridgwater College
‘Plants for Wildlife’
Ingrid Hesling, Cinematographer
‘Purple Fields Productions – Rural Living
in Malawi’
Other features of the show include:
Over 100 indoor stands, with many
more outside
Plant and garden marquees
Eco-friendly and sustainability
stands
Ideas for both home and garden
Food hall, with cafe and a tasting
area for local produce
Craft demonstrators
Classic Car day on Sunday Please
Childrens entertainment
Fun Run with the NSPCC
use the
Contact details:
voucher
Tel. 01823 32 33 63 opposite to
Or during the show: 07989 10 97 07
E-mail: info@rurallivingshow.co.uk
gain free
Rural Living Show
Prioryfield House 20 Canon Street
admission
Taunton TA1 1SW to the show
21
22. Heads and Tales: Nigel Price
Winners of the Parlia- For the Ilminster gig they will be joined son to leave’, didn’t study at college,
by Vasilis Xenopoulos on tenor sax. De- but instead joined The Infantry, ‘I
mentary Jazz Award scribed by The Times as ‘One of the most was a bit too wild when I was young.
for Best Jazz Ensemble fiery young saxophonists around’, the It was a highly dubious decision and
Athens-born musician is a graduate from one that I regret some days.’ He got
2010, The Nigel Price Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of into music when aged 11, he and
Organ Trio play in a Music, and is highly regarded on the UK some school mates decided to form
modern, mainstream jazz scene. a band, ‘We all chose an instrument
style that focuses on
well-known standards.
Bandleader and guitar-
ist Nigel Price talks of
their return to Ilminster
Arts Centre, where they
will be joined by Vasilis
Xenopoulos on tenor
sax.
‘I played there in January with Alex
Garnett, Craig Milverton, Al Swainger
and Nick Millward’, recalls Nigel,
‘We had a brilliant night but I’m really
looking forward to getting my regular
guys down there and playing some of
the tried and tested material we have.’
The ‘regular guys’ who make up The
Nigel Price Organ Trio are a talented
bunch. Firstly there is Pete Whittaker,
described by Nigel as ‘The UK’s Ham-
mond organ authority and a seasoned
professional who just seems to instinc-
tively know when - and when not - to
pull the trigger and which sounds are
totally effective for each musical situ- Nigel Price
ation.’
Secondly there is Matt Home, a drum-
mer who, says Nigel, ‘is a force to be The musicians between them have per- right there on the spot and I just opted
reckoned with.’ His knowledge of jazz formed with everyone from Ronnie Scott’s for guitar.’
drums and jazz drummers throughout House Band to Ray Gelato, Scott Hamil- Nowadays Nigel is one of the top
history is invaluable to the trio. ‘It takes ton, Jim Mullen, John Etheridge and Toni UK jazz guitar players. He is a regu-
maturity to play like him - always for Kofi. lar performer at Ronnie Scott’s where
the music, never foregoing good taste Nigel, who grew up in Epsom, Surrey, he has racked up over 150 perform-
in order to impress technically’. and as he puts it, ‘never really found a rea- ances, and spent three years in lead-
22
23. Mel Reeves
Guitar Tuition
GCSE Composition Lessons
Music Technology Tuition
Music for Dressage
Songwriter’s recording service
‘A teacher of fantastic experience’
Guitar Techniques Magazine
Tel. 01398 371252
mel.reeves@btinternet.com
23
24. ing jazz funk band, the James Taylor
Quartet. Other projects include playing
with the Sheena Davis Group and the trio
recording an album with Alex Garnett and
Snowboy. The album Heads and Tales
was released by Woodville Records and
voted ‘5th best in the world, 2011’ by
Mojo Magazine who described it as ‘bril-
liant’ and ‘exhilarating’.
The Nigel Price Organ Trio was formed
around 2002 when Matt Home moved
down from Yorkshire and turned up at a
jam session. ‘I was knocked out by his
playing - the clarity of his ideas and his
swing feel was better than anything I’d
ever heard before’, remembers Nigel, who
called Pete Whittaker only to discover that
‘he had done his back in, lifting the damn
organ!’ It wasn’t until a year or so later
that the trio began playing together and,
says Nigel, ‘It was immediately apparent The Band
that we had something pretty special.’ ‘My style of writing suits a small group - the organist’, says Nigel when
The pairing of organ with guitar proved like this - punchy arrangements and loads asked who he would like to work
to be a winning combination for Nigel of room for improvisation’. with in future. ‘I like his vibe and
as the group won the Parliamentary Jazz The trio are currently recording their I reckon we’d get on pretty well
Award for Best Jazz Ensemble in 2010. fourth album. ‘We toured the material at stylistically’.
‘Working in this format you have a huge the back end of last year so we’re just With a career spanning ten years,
sound but communication is easy as there going to waltz in there and crank it out!’ thousands of gigs, and four al-
are only three members.’ explains Nigel. jokes Nigel. ‘I’m always writing and bums, The Nigel Price Organ Trio
practicing so things never stand still.’ is still very much in demand, and
The trio have also been asked to back the as Nigel puts it, ‘Life’s never dull
great US baritone sax player Gary Smuly- and there’s never enough time to
an, when he comes over to the UK in Oc- get everything done. Speaking of
tober, and in the spring Nigel is set to tour which – I’ve got to go and find
with UK jazz singer Georgia Mancio. the time to do some decorating!’
‘I’d like to bump into Dr Lonnie Smith
Hear The Nigel Price Organ Trio with Vasilis Xenopoulos
Performing on Friday 22nd March at Ilminster Arts Centre,
The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 70AN.
8pm. Tickets: £15 (£25.50 including pre-show supper at 7pm).
Box Office: 01460 54973 www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.
Vasilis Xenopoulis
24
25. March 2013 Events
NB, the events at The Brewhouse are listed but may not take place or be moved to other venues
Date Event Details Venue Time
4 Talk Lowry: Visionary Artist - Neroche DFAS Seavington Village Hall 2.30
Talk From Furnace to Hearth - Som. Ind. Archaeological Soc. North Town School 7.30
5 Comedy The Brig Society - Marcus Brigstock Brewhouse 8.00
Drama Anything Can Happen: Heathfield Year 11 Drama Festival Tacchi-Morris 7.30
6 Dance Russian Cossacks Brewhouse 7.45
7 Storytelling Grimm Grimmer - Martin Maudsley Saikat Ahamed Tacchi-Morris 7.45
Opera The Barber of Seville - Opera Up Close Brewhouse 7.45
8 Music Steve Gibbons Band Square Compass TBC
Music Toby Kearney Harvey Davies Ilminster Arts Centre 8.00
9 Music T Rextasy: I Love to Boogie (Tribute band) Brewhouse 7.45
Music Spring Concert - Phoenix Singers St John Baptist Ch. Wellington 7.30
Music Iolanthe - Somerset Opera Winsford Village Hall 7.30
9 Music Beethoven, Walton Brahms - Somerset County Orchestra Queen’s College 7.30
Music Duets for Jango Cossington Village Hall 7.30
10 Music Handel with Harpsicords - Kate Semmens, Collin Booth, Steven Devine St James Church, Taunton 7.30
Music Informal Music Song Session Halsway Manor 8.00
Music 4 Girls, 4 Harps - Christmas Concert Dillington House 8.00
11 Talk Late Rembrandt Self-Portraiture Som College, Conference Ctre 7.00
Music Haddo Wiveliscombe Congr. Church 8.00
12 Theatre Puppet Theatre: Hanging By a Thread - The Ding Foundation Tacchi-Morris 7.45
12-15 Music Folk: Mid-Week Break - Mary Ireson Halsway Manor TBC
12-16 Drama Snakes in the Grass: Alan Ayckbourn - Taunton Thespians Tacchi-Morris 7.30
13 Music Northumbrian Voices: Katherine Tickell Brewhouse 7.45
Music Iolanthe - Somerset Opera Haslebury Plucknett Bible Ctr 7.30
14 Talk A Pablo Neruda Night - Graham Fawcett Seven Olympians Tour Brendon Books 7.00
Drama Songs of Innocence Experience - Heathfield Students Tacchi-Morris 7.00
Music Guy Johnston - Cello with Navarra Quartet Brewhouse 7.45
14-16 Drama Dangerous Corner - The Barnstormers Regal Theatre, Minehead 7.30
15 Music Iolanthe - Somerset Opera Nether StoweyVillage Hall 7.30
15-16 Drama Wasted: Paines Plough - Birmingham Rep Roundhouse Brewhouse 7.45
16 Music Rob Harbron Miranda Rutter Halsway Manor 8.00
Music Iolanthe - Somerset Opera Victoria Rooms, Milverton 7.30
Music J S Bach: St John Passion - Amici St Mary Magdalene 7.30
Music The Novello Years - Chris Davies Friends Trull Memorial Hall 7.00
17 Stories Art of Puppet Making - Somerset Storyfest Halsway Manor 2.00
Music Folk Rock: Jamie Smith’s Mabon David Hall, South Petherton 8.00
18 Music Piano Recital: Duncan McCririck Taunton Methodist Chapel 7.00
18-19 Dance Footloose: Surge Thrive Year 11 students Tacchi-Morris 7.30
19 Talk Clandestine Cake Club Talk - Emma Richards Brendon Books
20 Music Iolanthe - Somerset Opera Regal Theatre, Minehead 7.30
Drama Under Scrutiny - Heathfield Year 11 students Tacchi-Morris 7.00
20-22 Dance Take Art County Youth Dance Platform Tacchi-Morris 7.30
20-23 Drama God of Carnage Warehouse, Ilminster TBC
21 Stories Beat It Speak It Tell It - Dom, Live Torc, Michael Loader Tacchi-Morris 7.45
Music Complete Madness (Tribute) Brewhouse 7.45
25
26. March 2013 Events
Events in date order. Contact details for most of the venues are given at the end of event listings. Please note, we do not
take any responsibility for errors or omissions. Please check with venue for timings and programme details.
NB, the events at The Brewhouse are listed but may not take place or be moved to other venues
Date Event Details Venue Time
22 Music Iolanthe - Somerset Opera Edington Village Hall 7.30
Music Ivana Gavric Milverton Concert Society 8.00
Music Jazz: Nigel Price Organ Trio Ilminster Arts Centre 8.00
23 Storytelling Making Hi-Story: Somerset Storyfest Museum of Somerset 2.00
Dance Spotlight Dance Academy’s Annual Performance Show Regal Theatre, Minehead 7.30
Music Marty Wilde The Wildcats Brewhouse 7.45
Drama The Glory of Friendship - Brewhouse Youth Theatre Brewhouse 2.00
Music Iolanthe - Somerset Opera North Curry Village Hall 7.30
Music Mendelssohn: Elijah Wellington Choral Society 7.30
Music Taunton Concert Band’s Easter Special Tacchi-Morris 7.30
Music Chris Farlowe Norman Beaker Band David Hall, Sth Petherton 8.00
24 Dance Spotlight Dance Academy’s Annual Performance Show Regal Theatre, Minehead 2.30
Talk A History of Royal Weddings - Tracy Borman Dillington House 2.30
Music Iolanthe - Somerset Opera King’s College 7.30
25 Dance Space Company Dancers Tacchi-Morris 7.30
26 Music Heathfield Community School Easter Concert Tacchi-Morris 7.00
27 Drama The Boy at the Edge of the Room - Forest Forge Theatre Tacchi-Morris 7.30
Talk Somerset and Bristol - James Osmond (Talk and Slideshow) Brendon Books 7.00
28 Comedy One Rogue Reporter - Richard Peppiatt Brewhouse 7.45
Storytelling Open Mic Thursday Brewhouse 8.00
29 Music Joey and the Jivers Lawns Soc Club Taunton 7.30
April 2013 Events
2 Film Harry Potter Pholosopher’s Stone Brewhouse 10.30
Film Harry Potter The Chamber of Secrets Brewhouse 2.00
5 Music Dave Martin’s Jabbo Five Ilminster 8.00
Drama Two Nations - the journeys of everyman Hatch Beauchamp V. Hall 8.00
Music Logic: Irish/Country Music Club Lawns Social Club, Taunton 8.30
6 Music One day Music Festival: young folk musicians, singers dancers Halsway Manor noon onwards
Show Guinness World Records Officially Amazing Science Live Brewhsouse 2.00/7.00
Music Live ‘N’ Up April Brewhouse Brewhouse Studio 8.00
7 Music The Rocky Monster Show - Hocus Pocus Oasis Regal Theatre Regal Theatre, Minehead 8.00
8 Drama Cube - Essential Theatre Company Tacchi-Morris 9.00
Talk The Great Age of the Poster - Neroche DFAS Seavington Village Hall 7.00
9-13 Show Taunton Scout Guide Gang Show Brewhouse 2.15/7.15
12 Music Abba2:Bjorn Belief (Tribute) Regal Theatre, Minehead 7.30
13 Music Irish Set Dance with Ceili Time, Maggie Daniel Lucy Taylor Halsway Manor 8.00
14 Talk Recent Lessons of History: Gen Sir Michael Rose Dillington House 2.30
Music Birds of Chicago David Hall, S Petherton 8.00
15-20 Show Sound of Music - Taunton Amateur Operatic Society Brewhouse 2.00/7.30
16 Film Mlle Chambon Regal Theatre, Minehead 7.30
26
27. April 2013 Events
Events in date order. Contact details for most of the venues are given at the end of event listings. Please note, we do not
take any responsibility for errors or omissions. Please check with venue for timings and programme details.
NB, the events at The Brewhouse are listed but may not take place or be moved to other venues
Date Event Details Venue Time
2 Film Harry Potter Pholosopher’s Stone Brewhouse 10.30
Film Harry Potter The Chamber of Secrets Brewhouse 2.00
5 Music Dave Martin’s Jabbo Five Ilminster 8.00
Drama Two Nations - the journeys of everyman Hatch Beauchamp V. Hall 8.00
Music Logic: Irish/Country Music Club Lawns Social Club, Taunton 8.30
6 Music One day Music Festival: young folk musicians, singers dancers Halsway Manor
Show Guinness World Records Officially Amazing Science Live Brewhsouse 2.00/7.00
Music Live ‘N’ Up April Brewhouse Brewhouse Studio 8.00
7 Music The Rocky Monster Show - Hocus Pocus Oasis Regal Theatre Regal Theatre, Minehead 8.00
8 Drama Cube - Essential Theatre Company Tacchi-Morris 9.00
Talk The Great Age of the Poster - Neroche DFAS Seavington Village Hall 7.00
9-13 Show Taunton Scout Guide Gang Show Brewhouse 2.15/7.15
12 Music Abba2:Bjorn Belief (Tribute) Regal Theatre, Minehead 7.30
13 Music Irish Set Dance with Ceili Time, Maggie Daniel Lucy Taylor Halsway Manor 8.00
Music Birds of Chicago David Hall, S Petherton 8.00
15-20 Show Sound of Music - Taunton Amateur Operatic Society Brewhouse 2.00/7.30
16 Film Mlle Chambon Regal Theatre, Minehead 7.30
18 Talk Art Talk: Jenni Dutton Ingrid Hesling The Barn, Obridge House 7.30
19 Comedy Jimmy Carr Wellsprings Leisure Ctre 8.00
Music Jazz: Allen barnes Jim Mullen Ilminster Arts Centre 8.00
Music Just An Old Warhouse David Hall, S Petherton 8.00
20 Music Britten: Serenade, Simple Symphony. Bach Viol. Sonata-Sinfonietta St James’ Church, Taunton 7.30
21 Talk The Soldier Queen: Tessa Dunlop Dillington House 2.30
22 Drama Play in a Day: Heathfield Year 9 Students Tacchi-Morris 7.00
23 Drama Three Hots and a Cot: heathfield year 11 Students Tacchi-Morris 7.00
24-25 Music Talon: The Best of The Eagles (Tribute) Brewhouse 7.45
25 Drama Chelsea Hotel - Earthfall Tacchi-Morris 7.30
25-27 Drama The Rake’s Progress - Waterfront Thearte Company Regal Theatre, Minehead 7.30
26 Music The Aronowitz Ensemble Castle Hotel, Taunton 6.00
Dance There is Hope Brewhouse 7.45
Music Young Musician’s Concert St Michael’s Ch, Milverton 8.00
Music Ianus Consort: 18th Century Trio Ilminster Arts Cemtre 8.00
Coomedy Free Fringe Fridays Brewhouse Studio 8.00
27 Music The Aronowitz Ensemble Castle Hotel, Taunton 11.00/6.00
Music Carmina Burana - Taunton Choral Society Queen’s College 7.30
Comedy Brew Ha Ha! Comedy Club Brewhouse Studio 8.00
28 Music The Aronowitz Ensemble Castle Hotel, Taunton 11.00
Talk Time Traveller’s Guide to Elizabethan England - Ian Mortimer Dillington 2.30
29 Music Issy David Emeny with Kate Riaz Wiveliscombe Congr Ch 8.00
30 Drama The Marriage of Heaven Hell: Heathfield Year 11 Students Tacchi-Morris 7.00
Talk Made To Last: Clerks Shoes - Mark Palmer Brendon Books 7.00
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