Promoters Menu 2013/2014

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Somerset Rural Touring SchemePromoters’ Menu

Sept 2013 - April 2014

The Take Art rural touring scheme is a well-established scheme set up to bring professional, high quality arts events to communities across Somerset. The scheme relies on a partnership between village organisations and Take Art. By working together, memorable social events can be organised in rural areas where people live and meet and so provide a way for villagers to come together socially. How the Rural Touring Scheme worksThe scheme relies on a partnership between promoter and Take Art. By signing up to the scheme each side of the partnership is agreeing to certain responsibilities, as follows:

Take Art is responsible for: providing a menu of performances that are memorable, enjoyable, diverse and affordable; financially supporting some of these shows (e.g. in areas where there is local authority funding); providing advice, support and lists of local press contacts; contracting, paying and liaising with the performance companies. Take Art will also produce, and distribute widely across Somerset, a seasonal programme listing all Live events and publicise show details, as well as resources for promoters and artists, on its own website at www.takeart.org. Online tickets will be made available from the Take Art website.

Welcome to the Take Art Promoters Menu

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Village promoters are responsible for: taking on the role of becoming an arts promoter in liaison with Take Art. This includes choosing, booking, publicising and selling tickets for their events; ensuring the venue is safe, accessible and complies with all insurance and licensing regulations; managing the event on the day; hosting the artists; and paying Take Art the agreed fee.

*** Changes to the scheme for 2013/14 ***We can no longer offer full financial support for shows in Sedgemoor villages, where local authority funding was totally cut a few years ago. However, this menu includes a substantial number of attractive ‘easy-to-sell’ Full Price shows that we think are affordable and we would like to offer these to all Somerset promoters, whichever district you are in. Although local authority funding also no longer exists in Mendip, we are delighted to announce a new project - Merlin in Mendip - details below.

We had a very good year last year in terms of box office takings with an average per show of £400 so it should be possible for most villages to afford shows at £400-£500, e.g. 65 tickets @ £8 = a box office of £520. The Full Price also includes a small contribution towards the scheme’s costs.

In districts where we receive funding, we will offer Reduced Price shows. This year there will be 5 of these available in West Somerset, 11 in Taunton Deane and 22 in South Somerset villages. We will continue to ask for 80% of the gross box office to be returned to Take Art, if this is greater than the Reduced Price. Any village can apply for Full Price shows as well.

Guarantee against lossTo support some smaller villages where a higher box office is impossible, even with a sell-out audience and increased ticket prices, we have a modest Guarantee Against Loss fund. Should the need arise, villages in any district can apply to this fund after discussion with Take Art. This has been funded through various fund-raising events last year.

We really want to help support events in all five districts of Somerset and believe the above plan is realistic. We don’t make light of the fact that selling tickets for shows is easy and are prepared to help you in as many ways as possibly can.

Merlin in Mendip: a brand new project

Take Art is working with The Merlin Theatre in Frome on a new project funded by Arts Council England to offer reduced price shows to villages in the Mendip area. This funding is for specific shows fitting the aim of the project to promote exciting and unusual theatre performances. We have chosen 4 shows as marked Merlin in Mendip on the following pages. Do call me if you need more clarification on how this project will work.

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Fund-raising Initiatives

Many thanks to everyone who supported the Take Art fund-raising campaign. We were thrilled to raise approx £5000 from donations, special events and through an extra £1 on all adult tickets. This has allowed us to develop some aspects of the scheme and to set up a Guarantee Against Loss fund, see above.

Many villages have also been very active and identified their own local fund-raising to help make promoting Full Price shows affordable. For example: some have Parish Council support others have local charities that are willing to support some have village events (such as festivals) that are prepared to make a donation and others are looking into local Patrons and individual giving. Finally some villages made substantial profits from Full Price shows last year (one took over £1500 in box office and bar takings!). We suggested to any village in this position that they ring fence a certain amount of profit towards future shows

Other Notes & What to do next?PublicityPosters: companies will send posters and fliers to each promoter direct. These should have a blank box where you will need to put your venue’s details, ticket princes, box office etc. Should you need help, we can provide training, e.g. in designing and printing labels.Press: each company will send you a press release for you to send out to the press well in advance of your show. If you need a list of press, radio and TV contacts please get in touch.

WorkshopsSome companies offer workshops alongside their performance. A workshop at the hall or local school can help enormously to boost ticket sales. Call us about availability and costs.

Website, Facebook & Digital MediaPlease don’t forget that our website will have up to date listings information so do use it to help market your event - www.takeart.org. We will also keep our Facebook pages up to date as well as sending our regular weekly email bulletins to our fast growing database of 700 active audience members. We, and many of the companies we work with, are increasingly using Twitter. Please follow us if you feel this is useful in your community.

What do you do next?Talk to committee members, friends in your village etc and decide on the best shows for your community and venue. Fill in the Booking Request Form and return to Take Art by the deadline of Friday 31st May 2013. You will hear back from us during June to discuss both your choices and the best possible dates to fit in with other promoters’ bookings.

Happy browsing.... Sarah Peterkin

Outdoor circus theatre show from France

The story of Mr. & Mrs. Anybody... living a quiet life, following a comfortable routine. That is until this high energy, wickedly funny and physically adept young French company intervene in their supposed normality, finding provocative uses for everyday objects, delicious comedy and jaw-dropping spectacle in the most unexpected places. No more routine for these characters as fantasies are intensified and Mr. and Mrs. Anybody begin to fully explore the circus of their lives.

Hors Piste (Off the Beaten Track) are associates of the Languedoc-Roussillon’s National Circus Centre. Formed in 2006, this inventive young company have been touring in France and abroad with huge success for many years.

Take Art says: To get the Autumn season off to a great start, we are delighted to offer this hugely fun outdoor show. Generously subsidised by the PASS European project, it is a wonderful opportunity to promote some typically French circus theatre.

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Hors Piste present Ordures et Ménagère (Household Rubbish)

www.ciehorspistes.com11-17 Sept Unlikely to be requiredOutdoors on tarmac or level ground (with an indoor back-up). 8m x 8m x 5m height. 1hr 20 minsYes2.5 hrs (1 hr to Get Out)Families£850 (after the European subsidy)£400 (or 80% box office if greater) £250 (or 80% box office if greater)£8-10

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Fall in love with Somerset

Yer Tiz is a family show about the quirks and qualities of Somerset and follows Nick White on his reluctant quest to find the perfect place to live within the county.

Inspired by a challenge set by his wife, Nick has to travel without a car from Bath to Glastonbury, via Castle Cary, Burnham-on-Sea, Tarr Steps, Norton Fitzwarren and Chard, all on the lingering promise of ham, egg and chips. Along the way he meets some of Somerset’s most unlikely inhabitants, including a pirate, a dragon and two ghosts.

Yer Tiz is a non-stop physical storytelling adventure, anchored in autobiography and personal experience. Performer Nick White plays ten characters and uses puppetry, song and gentle audience participation throughout. The show includes an embedded reference to your village, wherever it is, and also comes with a free pre-show family workshop, as well as a post-show storytelling game for the audience.

Take Art says: Having seen a preview of this show at the David Hall Arts Centre, we are pleased to support Nick White with this tour. He tells an endearing story drawn from his own experiences of growing up in Somerset and we feel the show is ideal to be best enjoyed in the company of families and children.

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Nick White presents Yer Tiz

Sept-Dec and possibly again in Spring 2014 Not required4m x 4m in the round with audience seated on all sides1 hr 20 minsYes1 hr (1 hr to Get Out)Families, ages 6+ yrs£175£175£6 (with free tickets for all U 16s)

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Silly Boys present The Tallest Horse on Earth

www.sillyboys.co.uk3-5 Oct, 24-26 Oct and possibly Jan-AprFor 3 people, happy to share and make do! 3m x 3m x 3m height1 hr 20 minsYes3 hrs (1.5 hrs to Get Out)Children over 5 yrs & their families£400£220 (or 80% box office if greater)£6

A tall tale of equine adventure for children and families

This is the story of Tim, a young boy who happens to be the proud owner of The Tallest Horse On Earth...or so he thinks!

When Tim embarks on a journey, he has only one trusty companion in mind. Together, the duo will explore the countryside meeting magical creatures and lost children along the way, as well as coming face to face with the most fearsome giant the world has ever known, resulting in an epic adventure of the smallest proportions!

Will Tim learn to love the wild? What’s the real deal with this giant horse? And most importantly, will they make it home in time for tea?

A warm-hearted puppet show told with live music, shadow puppetry and a large dollop of giant-smashing. For children of 5 yrs+ and their families. Take Art says: Silly Boys Theatre are one of those new up and coming exciting companies from Cornwall. The trailer for this show is delightful - it promises some lovely performances with gorgeous music. A clever show for children and families.

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Bhangra Asian and Arabic Jazz Funk Hip Hop Drum and Bass!

RSVP are all about the complete entertainment experience. It’s not just the music...it’s the mad crazy stage antics, the vibe, the presence and enjoyment. So don’t be surprised to get a little ‘stand up’ comedy, members jumping off stage, people getting splashed with water and even a few getting undressed!!

RSVP have rocked many crowds. From Midlands ‘melas’ and the large Bhangra gigs in the capital, to world music gigs in London, Reading and WOMAD. RSVP is the No 1 ‘Danceadelic Bhangra’ band, spreading their own wild vibe far and wide across the land, and beyond, since the late 80’s.

Their unique sound is a mix of classic Indian music fused with the very latest on the global music scene. It’s a unique mix of music, dance and performance.

Take Art says: Imagine traditional Bhangra lyrics and beats, with funky bass and drums, East European Gypsy guitar thrown in.... your half way there. Then add a dash of Punk Rock, a top flight string section, some dhols and tabla and you’ve got the flavour for a great fun night out.


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RSVP

www.rsvpmusic.co.uk4-5 Oct, 29-30 NovFor 5 or 6 people if at all possible but ask for help if needed from TA4m x 4m, preferably on a raised stage2 hrs approxYes2-3 hrs (1 hr to Get Out)All ages£500£300 (or 80% box office if greater)£8-10

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A great story for adults with a gorgeous musical score

Hunting the Giant’s Daughter blends dynamic storytelling for adults with traditional Welsh and jazz-influenced music, bringing one of the oldest legends of King Arthur vividly to life. The story is set at Arthur’s court in Cornwall with action spreading across the South West region and into Wales and Ireland.

At the height of a feast in King Arthur’s court, a young visitor asks for help to achieve his greatest wish. He’s head over heels in love with a giant’s daughter, and all he knows is her name. As the quest unfolds across star-lit landscapes and old deep forests, it takes all the skills and magic of Arthur’s chosen warriors to succeed.

Hunting the Giant’s Daughter is a tour de force by three fine artists, who as well as performances also offer an optional menu of Landscape and Legend informal walks and schools workshops.

Take Art says: Due to the perfect Somerset resonance, we couldn’t resist offering this show, as it wends its way along King Arthur’s key quest route from Wales to Cornwall. We are also working with Exmoor National Park to include schools workshops as well as a Story Walk event with the company around Dunster Castle over the weekend.

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Adverse Camber present Hunting the Giant’s Daughter

www.adversecamber.org www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcybuZmmK7M10-13 OctFor 5 people but might not be required6ft w x 6ft d - raised stage preferable2 hrsYes3 hrs (45 mins to Get Out)Adults and children over 10 yrs£500 (Storywalk / workshops extra)£250 (or 80% box office if greater)£8

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A delightful and intelligent insight into the life of Winston Churchill

Big Ben chimes and strikes thirteen; a magical time when once a year for just over an hour the statues of the great statesmen in Parliament Square, London, come alive again. Winston Churchill descends from his plinth to indulge himself in three of his greatest pleasures; a glass of scotch, a cigar and listening to himself talk. “History will be kind to me for I intend to write it.”

He talks of his childhood, his parents, his education, his army life, his marriage, his painting, writing and bricklaying, his appetites and of course he talks of his many years at the centre of the world political stage especially during two world wars.

Pip Utton’s latest play is not an attempt to decide on Churchill’s greatness. This is not an attempt to judge. This is just 70 mins spent in the entertaining company of the man whose life spanned two centuries and saw the decline of the British Empire.

“It is indeed a magical hour, and one of Utton’s finest.” Edinburgh Guide Take Art says: Pip is the master of the one man show and we are so lucky he lives in Somerset. He has brought us Charlie Chaplin, Adolf Hitler, Charles Dickens and Francis Bacon. We now can’t wait to catch his latest incarnation - this time as Churchill.







Pip Utton presents Churchill

www.pip-utton.com24-26 Oct, 7-9 Nov, 30 Jan-1 Feb & others on requestNot required 3m x 3m. Prefers raised stage. 1 hr 50 minsYes1.5 hrs (1 hr to Get Out)All ages from teenage upwards£550£250 (or 80% box office if greater)£8 11.

Songs and Stories to make you laugh and cry

A humorous solo music theatre show. Simon Egerton delights with his wit, his songs and stories - both funny and poignant. A family remembered from a time when cigarette smoke still clouded everything!

Paul, a troubled man of middle-age, reflects on his life from childhood, his parents and their strange marriage and his father’s secrets, all seen through the smoke of his own failed relationships. His story is funny, touching, wryly observed and very moving.

This solo cabaret style theatre piece, packed with witty original songs and anecdotes, both poignant and humorous, was a big hit at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

“Heart-wrenching… charming, moving.” Time Out “More than a touch of Brel or even Sondheim, elevates the everyday to the sublime.” Broadway Baby

Take Art says: My colleague, Mark Helyar, saw this at Edinburgh, loved it and thought it perfect for rural touring. That’s good enough for me!







Simon Egerton presents Fag Ends & Families

www.simonegerton.com17-19 OctFor 2 single peopleRaised stage preferable, approx. 4m x 3m. A blackout is preferred.1 hr 35 minsYes3 hrs (1 hr to Get Out)Adults and children over 12 yrs£550£250 (or 80% box office if greater)£8

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Extraordinarily good theatre show for small children

The wind can whisk you up into the sky, the wind can take you on an adventure! But what if, one windy night a little girl arrives in your bedroom and tells you she’s the wind?

Join us as a small boy finds himself swept up and whisked away on an unforgettable journey with the wind in human form. Flying through the air with the world so small below them, they feel big, and when you’re big you can do anything!

A beautiful and engaging show containing live music, shadow puppetry and movement. Blown Away features the wonderfully talented Tamsin Fessey, known to many of you from Angel Exit Theatre.

Take Art says: Colleagues working for our Early Years service, Gina and Caroline, have seen this beautiful show recently and loved it. Its perfect for small children and adults alike. We need to book two shows in a day to achieve the £350 per show price. Can be in different venues so Take Art will juggle start times and venues to make tour possible.







Birdsnest Theatre present Blown Away

www.birdsnesttheatre.com18-23 Oct (not Sunday 20 Oct)Unlikely to be required6m x 6m on hall floor. Bring cushions and rugs for audience. A blackout is preferred.1 hrNo2 hrs (1 hr to Get Out)3-6 yr olds and their grown ups£350 £220 (or 80% box office if greater)£6

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Panta Rei presents I Wish her Well

www.pantareidanseteater.com8-23 NovUnlikely to be requiredIdeally this piece would be set in the round with a performance space of 8m x 8m.1 hr 20 minsYes3 hrs (1 hr to Get Out)All ages from teenagers upwards£650£250 (or 80% box office if greater)£8

Four women, a collection of stories, an hourglass and a huge mirror

Simple stories are told in this physical dance performance from Norwegian based company Panta Rei. This show is about everyday events that are universally meaningful, but nonetheless invisible when official history is written. The first half is based on the stories of four women who are closely related to the dancers on stage, whilst the second half is based on the diaries of a sixteen year old girl (now an 82 year old woman), who generously shared her thoughts and experiences with the choreographer and dancers.

Panta Rei Danseteater collaborates with the British composer Nathaniel Reed, whose evocative music infuses the performance with melody and atmosphere. I wish her well is an intricate performance, combining storytelling, acrobatic elements and high tempo energy. It is a stunning production that seeks to move and engage.

Take Art says: If you like dance that tells a story with great music – all beautifully and skillfully performed – you cannot get better than Panta Rei. Our sister scheme in Dorset toured this wonderful company from Norway last year and highly rate them. The company also offer superb workshops.

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A touching and funny show for all ages

A bitter-sweet physical comedy for anyone who is a day older than yesterday!

Two elderly Spanish sisters live in a foreign land against the backdrop of a battered rug and a mountain of mysterious boxes. They share an existence of outrageous defamation, tender reminiscing and pure madness, careering between deep affection and triumphant annoyance. But is their behavior just eccentricity or something much more destructive?

You and Me is a touching, teasing and intoxicating story presented by Little Solder Productions, exploring old age with humour, imagination and tenderness. Performed by Patricia Rodriguez and Merce Ribot. Little Soldier are an international company based in London.

Take Art says: Friends saw this show in Exeter and gave it the thumbs up as a heartfelt comedy. A lovely imaginative show. You could provide a Spanish meal and make a night of it! Patricia and Merce also offer fabulous workshops for adults and young people in theatre skills and confidence building.



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Little Soldier presents You and Me

www.littlesoldierproductions.co.uk13-16 Nov, 22-23 Nov For 3 people4m x 4m x 5m height1 hr, actors very happy to chat with audience after the showNo4-5 hrs (2 hrs to Get Out)All ages£600£250 (or 80% box office if greater)£220 (or 80% box office if greater)£8

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Top hit from last season

“You are cordially invited to share a wry smile with us as you enter the darkly comic world of Moscow Drug Club…..this way please & mind the stairs!”

After such an incredible sell-out run with us last season, Take Art has invited Moscow Drug Club back to blow moody musical mist down the dark alley’s of our imaginations. If you are still uninitiated, welcome to the hippest joint in town, a curious musical place where certain elements of 1930’s Berlin Cabaret, Hot Club de France, Nuevo Tango & Gypsy Campfire meet, have a few drinks and stagger arm in arm into the darkness of some eastern European cobbled street, on a mission to find the bar where Django Reinhardt & Tom Waits are having an after hours jam with the local Tziganes.

Combining their original material with songs by the likes of Jaques Brel, Leornard Cohen, Tom Waits & Bertolt Brecht, Moscow Drug Club provide an intoxicating & intimate musical experience, with vocals, guitars, double bass, violin and accordion.

Take Art Says: We’re delighted to welcome the Moscow Drug Club back on the scheme. They were a definite hit last year in many villages achieving very happy sell-out audiences.







Moscow Drug Club

www.moscowdrugclub.com22-23 Nov, 6-7 Dec, 7-8 FebMaybe just for 1-2 performers4m x 4m, preferably on a raised stage2 hrsYes1 hr (Get out time 1 hr)All ages£600£350 (or 80% box office if greater)£8-£10

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Comedy and thrills galore in this swashbuckling adventure

Paris, 1792. Revolution grips the city and the secret police march traitors to their deaths. No one is safe. Everyone is a suspect. Paris needs a hero, someone who can deliver it from this terror and restore freedom and justice. Will such a hero emerge? Yes.

With comedy and thrills galore, you’ll gasp, laugh and be amazed at the elaborate sword fights, the heart wrenching love scenes, and the sensational death-defying French accents.

Inspired by the legend of the Scarlet Pimpernel, this wonderfully inventive and gripping comedy features three fearless and daring actors, playing over 20 roles in 75 minutes of fast-paced fun and thrilling action.

Take Arts says: Hurrah! Gonzo Moose are back in Somerset village halls. Well known for their hilarious slapstick, verbal wit and magical illusion, this Bristol based company always come up with the goods and provide an excellent night out. This particular show has toured with our sister schemes all over UK with fantastic reviews.







Gonzo Moose presents I’m an Aristocrat - Get me out of Here

www.gonzomoose.co.uk29-30 NovFor 4 people if at all possible5m x 5m x 3.5m height1 hr 45minsYes4-5 hrs (1 hr to Get Out)All ages over 10 yrs£650 £300 (or 80% box office if greater)£8

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Exciting new duo from the UK acoustic roots scene

Miranda Sykes and Rex Preston offer a rare fusion of double bass & mandolin, making for one of the most exciting new pairings on the acoustic roots scene.

Miranda is well known as the third member of Show of Hands. She is one of the few female double bassists in England and within the duo it is the emotional quality of Miranda’s voice that makes her musical partnership with Rex so engaging. Rex is a leading light in a new wave of British Bluegrass musicians. He is a rising star in mandolin-playing circles and with 20 years of playing behind him, he possesses a wonderfully sensitive musicality and a dexterous, flamboyant playing style.

“From the first few notes you know this is something special.” Folking.com.

“A real cracker.” Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2.

Take Art says: What a treat of an evening this is. Miranda and Rex are delightful people playing excellent music with voices to die for. You don’t have to be a lover of folk music but you might well be by the time you leave.







Miranda Sykes & Rex Preston

www.sykespreston.com9-11 Jan, 6-8 Feb, 13-15 FebUnlikely to be required5m x 4m on a raised stage if possible2 hrsYes2 hrs (1 hr to Get Out)All ages£450£250 (or 80% box office if greater)£8

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The ultimate party band for your village hall

With a repertoire of hundreds of songs, melodies and theme tunes, the Cosmic Sausages take their audience on a madcap musical tour of the World, meeting up with James Bond, Serge Gainsbourg, the Mafia, deranged cowboys, faith healers, Cossacks and overacting Pop Stars.

Appearing first as a gentle folk band and armed only with acoustic instruments, close harmonies and a shared vision of the surreal, the Cosmic Sausages ambush their audience with a sustained barrage of pop classics, mixing theatre, circus, slapstick, competitions and some participation. The show is very self contained with no technical requirements, not even electricity so can be performed literally almost anywhere and in any situation.

“We came to see you at Batcombe Village Hall, you may recall our 7yr old daughter gazing up at you from the front of the stage whilst singing and dancing for all she was worth!! January can be a depressing month but you guys sure swept away the ‘winter blues’.... Top marks all round!” Jo, John Jack and Megan from Castle Cary, Somerset

Take Art says: It’s fantastic to welcome the Cosmic Sausages back to Somerset after a five year gap, for another dose of their sublime humour and wonderful music.







The Cosmic Sausages

www.cosmicsausages.com22-26 Jan, 4-5 April (possibly some other mid-week dates)Unlikely to be required3m x 3m - on a raised stage best2 hrsYes1 hr (1 hr to Get Out)All ages£850£400 (or 80% box office if greater) £8-10

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A powerful voice and a warm personality

Renowned singer Christine Tobin has been a long time admirer and eloquent interpreter of Leonard Cohen’s music, now widely regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century.

Tobin is acknowledged on the international scene and in the UK as one of the finest interpreters of his work. As The Guardian’s John L Walters writes “her 24 carat voice and captivating arrangements are spellbinding, ploughing the depths and expressing the poetry of his lyrics with unalloyed soulfulness.”

Accompanied by talented jazz musicians, Phil Robson on guitar and bass player, Dave Whitford, Christine brings together some Cohen staple songs and some new unexplored material. She takes you on a journey through Cohen’s classic repertoire, with a few diversions to admire fellow Canadian songsmiths, Joni Mitchell and Rufus Wainwright.

“Sexy, gutsy, bluesy and beautiful.” Lionel Shriver.

Take Art says: We saw Christine and her fabulous musicians perform a snapshot of this show at the NRTF conference last Autumn and rushed to make a booking. She’s great.







A Thousand Kisses Deep

www.davewhitford.co.uk29/30 Jan, 2 FebFor 3 people if possible3m x 3m, preferably on a raised stage2 hrsYes1 hr (1 hr to Get Out)All ages£650£300 (or 80% box office if greater)£8

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A cowboy themed clowning bonanza

Parodying the classic cinematic genre, Once Upon a Time in a Western is the latest anarchic show by Le Navet Bete, an award-winning internationally touring troupe of ‘clowns’ based in Exeter, Devon. Their high energy, spectacular and hilarious indoor and outdoor shows have wowed audiences globally.

Once Upon a Time in a Western is a highly original story with live music, physical comedy, audience interaction, pistols at dawn, a gang of inflatable Mexican baddies, a host of colourful heroes and a 2D banjo-playing cactus!

In the show audiences are taken on an interactive, fast-paced journey across the Wild West, as the town of Kidneystone is threatened by outlaw and all-round bad guy, Loco Pedro. What Kidneystone needs is a hero! Luckily Mr. Ruffles, Old Boy John’s dog, gets the word to Billy, Ned’s nephew, and all-round wholesome guy.

Take Art says: We have been desperate to book Le Navet Bete since seeing them at the Bike Shed in Exeter several years ago. Four young guys who give 110% energy, have a huge sense of humour and boundless talent. Their shows particularly appeal to young adults. They also run fantastic school and community workshops.







Le Navet Bete present Once Upon a Time in a Western

www.lenavetbete.com6-8 Feb, 6-8 Mar and other weekday dates Mar-May on requestUnlikely to be required6m x 6m x 3.5m1 hr 50 minsYes4 hrs (1 hr to Get Out)All ages, 5-95 yrs£575£300 (or 80% box office if greater)£8

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A personal story that is universally moving and funny

Mess is a play with songs from 2013 Olivier Award nominated Caroline Horton who brought her amazing show You’re Not Like Other Girls Chrissy to Somerset village halls last year. This new show by Caroline Horton doesn’t tip toe around the subject of eating disorders but nor is it overly worthy in tone. Drawing on her own personal experiences, she has created something that is moving insightful but also full of humour and warmth.

The production tells the story of Josephine who is putting on a play, helped by two characters, Boris and Sistahl. It’s about anorexia. But don’t let that put you off. Unflinchingly they confront big issues (and extremely tiny ones). Today they will tackle a particularly thin elephant in the room. Obsession, addiction and not wanting to get out of bed.

“Comes perilously close to genius and announces Horton as a major major talent.”**** Time Out.

Take Art says: The subject matter of Mess sounds difficult but Caroline is a wonderful performer who manages to bring a strong comic presence to the stage and makes this a universal story that would interest anyone who loves good theatre.

Caroline Horton presents Mess

www.carolinehorton.netFeb & Mar For 4 people but might not be required5m x 5m x 4m height. Can be performed in the round or end on.1 hr 10 minsNo3-4 hrs (1.5 hrs to Get Out)All ages from teenagers upwards£800£280 (or 80% box office if greater)£220 (or 80% box office if greater)£8



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The magical world of a very special shoe shop

If the Shoe Fits is created for children aged 3 yrs+ and their families. The show transports you to a special kind of shoe shop, where every box contains its own incredible story, brought to life using physical theatre, dance, story-telling and music. The result is a delightful visual world that engages children in tales of new shoes, old shoes, shoes with laces and velcro, and even a re-telling of the Emperors new...shoes!

Cscape’s skilled team of dancers have collaborated with a highly experienced artistic team to create the show. Choreographed by Helen Tiplady (formerly Cscape’s Artistic Director). Written by Anna Maria Murphy (Kneehigh / Radio 4). Directed by Simon Harvey (o-region / Kneehigh), music by Benji Bower (Bristol Old Vic, Travelling Light, Kneehigh) and designed by visual artistic John Keys, this is a delightfully interactive show for children and adults alike. Based in Cornwall, Cscape Dance produce imaginative and vibrant productions which combine dance and theatre, with music, story-telling and a good dollop of humour!

Take Art says: Cscape have picked some fantastic collaborators; writers, directors, musicians and designers to make this a wonderful dance show for little people and their families. We need to book two shows in a day to achieve the £400 per show price. Can be in different venues so Take Art will juggle start times and venues to make tour possible.







Cscape presents If the Shoe Fits

www.cscape.org.uk14-23 Feb (half-term) and possibly some other Spring dates on requestFor 3 people if possible4.5m x 4.5m with some audience on cushions55 minsNo3 hrs (1 hr to Get Out)3 yrs+ and their families£400£220 (or 80% box office if greater)£6 23.

It’s like 3-D film without the glasses

Meet Fred Andrews, schoolboy and loser... Fred’s dad died a while ago, and his mum is too sad to pay attention to him. To make it even worse, Fred is struggling to make any friends at his new school. But then he discovers a mysterious package at the bottom of a wardrobe and an unexpected visitor in the shed. Will these things give him the answers he needs or will they lead to his ultimate downfall?

Is it a film? Is it a play? Yes... Freddy Dare & the Ginger Robber brings you both! This is a powerful adventure through theatre and film. It is perfect for older family audiences.

With influences ranging from the hit TV show Strictly Come Dancing and the films The Artist and Scott Pilgrim, Cube Theatre transports you on an epic adventure through striking visual effects, great original music, stylish performances and a dazzling script that packs an emotional punch. Come and find your inner superhero! Take Art says: Ashbrittle Village Hall promoter, Avril Silk, saw Freddy Dare at the Bike Shed Theatre in Exeter and absolutely loved it. That’s good enough for me so we booked it straight away.



Running time:Interval:



Merlin in Mendip Price: Recommended Adult Ticket Price:

Cube Theatre present Freddy Dare & the Ginger Robber

www.cube-theatre.co.uk20-22 Feb, 10-12 Mar, other dates also possibleFor 3 people if possible6m x 6m1 hr 20minsNo4 hrs (1.5 hrs to Get Out)8-13 yrs+ and their families£520£250 (or 80% box office if greater)£220 (or 80% box office if greater)£8

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A great new comedy of a well-loved story

Our next exciting production will be a new comedy based on Cervantes’ classic comic novel Don Quixote. Daniel Alonso’s obsession with fantasy tips him into insanity, becoming Don Quixote the Knight of Legend, dragging his two incompetent assistants into his anarchic and delusional world.

Set in a failing backwater bookshop, Don Quixote is a tale of madcap mayhem resulting in one serious mash-up. Can his friends save him from himself before he saves the world?

Mad Dogs strive for memorable theatre. They believe that theatre must not only be fast paced, entertaining and engaging, but remain true to the writer’s intentions. With a tradition of the classics and new writing with a historical twist, we’ve established a reputation for energy, style and panache.

Take Art says: Mad Dogs brought us David Copperfield last year with tickets selling well everywhere it went. We wanted to invite them back as a company who bring small scale classic theatre alive in our village halls. Don Quixote is a great tale, close to many people’s hearts.







Mad Dogs & Englishmen present Don Quixote

www.mad-dogs.org.uk27, 28 Feb & 1 Mar, 13-15 MarFor 4 people if at all possible4.5m x 4.5m1hr 35 minsYes2hrs (1hr to Get Out)Adults and all over 10 yrs£450£250 £8

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A celebration of original Celtic music

Jamie Smith’s Mabon are among the UK’s foremost and finest exponents of original InterCeltic music. Vocals, accordion, fiddle, bouzouki, bass and drums are subtly exploited by five dynamic, accomplished musicians, reworking traditional forms and styles in songs and melodies by composer Jamie Smith.

The energetic sound of jigs and reels, a graceful mazurka, an ecstatic muiner, a haunting Welsh-language love-song or a driving sing-along, are all given the same refreshing, creative treatment. The result is a skilful dance along the borders between Celtic heritage and contemporary sound.

“A fearsome reputation as a live band” - Financial Times“If music could fuel engines, Mabon could solve the energy crisis” - Songlines“Fur coat AND knickers – Jamie Smith’s MABON are a class act” – fRoots

Take Art says: We saw Mabon at a recent National Rural Touring Conference – they are ace and we are sure you will absolutely love them.







Jamie Smith’s Mabon

www.jamiesmithsmabon.com19-23 MarchFor 5-6 people if you can manage it4m x 4m, preferably on a raised stage. Some stage lights appreciated. 2 hrsYes2-3 hrs (1 hr to Get Out)All ages£700 £350 (or 80% box office if greater)£8-10

26.

Photo Credit: Harry Dutton

Some Other Promoting Opportunities....An opportunity to host a show around your own kitchen table!

Take Art is working with local Somerset performer Clive Linthorne and producer Kelly Smith to make a new site specific show to perform in farm house kitchens or barns across the county. The show is the wonderful Bud by famous Cornish playwright Nick Darke. It is a dramatic one-act monologue about a farming family in crisis with a shocking twist.

We are looking for any promoter who has the space and daring for a small audience of 20 to fit into their kitchen or home. This is an excellent opportunity with no cost to you, as the company are happy to do the show in exchange for ticket sales.

We are really excited about this idea as it promises to be a really intimate and unforgettable theatrical experience that your audience will love.

Get in touch with Sarah Peterkin if you have a space to fit the show into and would like to know more. Sarah can be contacted at [email protected] or 01460 249 450

Take ArtThe Mill, Flaxdrayton FarmSouth PethertonSomerset TA13 5LR01460 249450E: [email protected] www.takeart.org

Promoters Menu 2013/2014

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