THE arts are very much alive throughout Herefordshire and Shropshire, thanks in no small part to Arts Alive, the organisation that brings “professional shows at affordable prices to informal spaces”.
And the new season, which runs from this month until June, features another fabulous mix of events showing at venues the length and breadth of the region.
January ends with performances from Buffalo Gals, whose intoxicating style incorporates Appalacian, blues, gospel and early bluegrass to delight audiences, while on January 28, Unpacked present Robin and the Big Freeze at SpArC in Bishop’s Castle, a great show with puppets, music – and birdwatching – for all the family.
February kicks off with a five-star improvised comedy show, Seven Ages, based on Shakespeare’s seven ages of man, which combines comedy drama and pathos and is showing in Garway, Stoke Prior and at SpArC.
The ever-popular Devil’s Violin with their entertaining blend of storytelling, live music and theatre can be seen in Eardisley and The New Budapest Cafe Orchestra brings its powerful and driving folk-based music from eastern Europe to Brilley, Chelmarsh and Leintwardine at the end of the month.
Among other highlights of the season are Kathakbox, the latest production from one of the UK’s most dynamic dance companies, Sonia Sabri, and Foursight Theatre with Pertencia, the story of a wetnurse who works for The Butcher – but it is no ordinary shop and he is no ordinary butcher.
Drama, dance and fun for the family
Entertainment for families comes in the form of Pinocchio in a new adaptation by Ben Oldfield for Cube Theatre, which arrives at Ledbury’s Market Theatre and SpArC in late March.
A wickedly funny evening is promised when Two Friends Productions bring French Fancies to Cawley Hall in Eye on May 13. The evening combines songs and theatrical tales from the vibrant era of 19th century France and features Caroline Harding, seen last year in Pretty Witty Nell.
There’ll be magic in the air and at SpArC and Llanwarne Village Hall on May 20 and 21 when Victorian magic duo Morgan and West travel 100 years into the future to present baffling magic and unparalleled precognitive powers in a show that got five-star reviews and sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2009 and 2010.
The current brochure also gives notice of Dance Xplosion at Craven Arms Community Centre on July 16, a one-off free opportunity to enjoy fabulous professional dance and then join in and dance your socks off.
For full details of the entire season, visit artsalive.co.uk, where you can also book events online.
And while you’re there you can also sign up for free ‘what’s on this week’ email alerts, which will remind you about Arts Alive shows and Flicks in the Sticks screenings coming up.
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