Normal service is resumed! This week there are no pesky kids taking over – we are just back to what we do best, reviewing the weeks events in the Rural Arts calendar with an added bonus of what is to come thrown in for good measure. This is the last week we can solemnly promise Rural Review won’t have some form of ‘christmassy’ theme – so enjoy it while it lasts!
What’s been happening
Promoters Day/ National Theatre Live
Now. This day officially happened last week and would have gone into last weeks blog – however due to the meddling from our Takeover day participants this was not possible… (but in all seriousness Takeover Day was fantastic – click HERE to read last weeks blog where three of the students talk about their day taking over the Courthouse.) Last Thursday 20 of our promoters involved with Rural Arts ON Tour came down for a day of networking, training and all round excellent fun. With marketing guidance from Stephen Joseph Theatre, a pitch of a potential rural touring show and a sneak peek at our brand new website it was a day that was both informative and fun in equal measure – even ‘A Rural Review’ got a mention! (we are moving up in the world…) We would like to thank all the speakers for their fantastic presentations and all those who attended for being interested, insightful and involved.
This was followed by the screening of our first National Theatre Live performance, Of Mice and Men, which more than lived up to our, very high, expectations. It was a fantastic show with a truly brilliant performance from Chris O’Dowd as Lenny, the audience was completely engaged throughout and the feedback for the show was nothing but positive (we can vouch for this as we were a part of the audience – and can’t speak highly enough of the show). This was a pretty tiring day all in all but a hugely successful one.
Yes we have used this picture about 12 times now – we don’t care!
Volunteers required!
Another first for A Rural Review (you know how excited we get about those) we are issuing a call to arms! If National Theatre live has interested you and you want the chance to see these shows free of charge whilst also helping out in the Courthouse – Rural Arts is looking for volunteers! If you are interested in getting involved on the evenings we host National Theatre Live e-mail joe@ruralarts.org or sue@ruralarts.org. The next event is Hamlet on the 18th December starring Benedict Cumberbatch – this was the fastest selling show in London theatre history so this is an opportunity to see this show free of charge whilst also being a part of our lovely Rural Arts team. P.S If you are interested in Hamlet (why wouldn’t you be? It’s got Cumberbatch in it!) you can buy tickets for the show HERE
Cumberbatch is coming to the Courthouse!
What’s coming up
Arts Market
Earlier on we promised to not have a Christmassy themed blog… we tried our very best but we can’t help it – blame our programme not the blog! This Saturday and Sunday, from 10am- 4pm, Rural Arts are opening it’s doors for our annual Christmas market- where you can find many local craft makers and perhaps even a Christmas present idea or three! It’s free to come in and there will be many tasty Christmas snacks on offer in our cafe – so you can enjoy a mince pie (or three – repeating jokes makes it even more funny right?) and a coffee. We can’t wait to see you there!
Look at all of the beautiful things you can buy!
Bookbinding Course
We are back on track with this next event – or, should it be, ‘book’ on track with this next event?! (I’m here all week…) Come down to learn how to create your very own book, which is run by our fabulous in-house designer Imogen Shaw. You will be looking at pamphlet stitching, concertina folds and Japanese stitching. It is going to be great so you should ‘book’ (better?!) now to avoid disappointment – click HERE to do so.
Hey Clay!
Not too sure why we are telling you about this – as the chances are that you will have heard of this already! Our event, which ties into the popular BBC series The Great Pottery Throwdown is happening next Saturday and we have seen huge interest in attending. This is not surprising – with workshops running throughout the day, 7 of the top regional potters showcasing their work and their skills and free attendance all day – what’s not to like! If you are interested in attending our workshops we have raised our capacity due to demand – so you can still sign to our morning or afternoon sessions by clicking HERE – do it quickly or you may miss out!
So this is the last Rural Review of November… you need to steady yourself for what is in store over the next few weeks as a Rural Review fully embraces all things Christmas! See you next week…
