WOW April 2015

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Day & Boarding School | Year 7 to 6th FormStar Hill, Rochester | rochester-college.org

Kent’s fresh alternative to traditional independent schools Year 7 to Sixth Form

Enrolling now for Sept 2015• Non-selective academically• High performing at GCSE & A level • Good Schools Guide award winners in Maths, English, Chemistry & Film Studies• No school uniform • Average class size 8 • Opposite Rochester station • Minibuses on selected routes in Kent

ROCHESTER INDEPENDENT COLLEGE

Call admissions on 01634 828115

CONTENTS

4 WELCOME5 5 REALLY GOOD THINGS6 NEWS8 KIDS CLASSES & WORKSHOPS 10 RECREATE11 MIGHTY MIKE13 LEVIATHAN14 LAUNCHED! WOWKENT.CO.UK16 THE BENTLIF OPEN ART PRIZE 201518 A SPOT OF DIY: MUSIC BOOK

REVIEW20 FILM21 NICK WALKER: INDEPENDENT FILM22 MUSIC 124 MUSIC 226 THEATRE/COMEDY27 WORKSHOPS FOR ADULTS28 VISUAL ART 30 THE ARTIST'S SPACE

Phil Dillon is a former Medway musician turned photographer who is best known for his work with bands such as Groovy Uncle, Theatre Royal, The Galileo 7, and Stuart Turner and the Flat Earth Society. He is also one of the team behind Homespun, Medway's independent music festival.

Cameron A Straughan is a Canadian writer, photographer, teacher of science and member of the Rochester Film Society. He operates Kadath Press and has recently published two collections of absurd short stories. He resides in Chatham - Jewel of the Medway. cameronstraughan.wordpress.com. facebook.com/kadathpress

Veronica Tonge is a Maidstone based artist-curator from a museum background. She organizes exhibitions for both Maidstone Visual Artists Network and Making Art Work, a local artists’ collective.

Nick Walker is the director of Rochester Kino, screening contemporary world cinema and classic films at various venues around Medway and in London. Nick previously wrote for The Guardian, was director of National Schools Film Week and is a freelance writer, teacher and film cinema/festival programmer. He currently works for London’s famous Phoenix Cinema. For more information on Rochester Kino visit: rochesterkino.co.uk

WELCOME TO WOW! Your guide to the best of What’s On WhereMedway, Maidstone and the accessible beyond

I love what happens to the arts at this time of year. The lighter nights bring with them more and more performances, gigs, festivals, film screenings and exhibitions. One such event, Fuse Medway Festival, has to all intents and purposes been saved to live another day, albeit in truncated form. Congratulations to all who made representations to the Council, talked with the Arts Council and fought a heartfelt campaign to save this most forward-thinking of Medway’s many outdoor celebrations.

Barring an earthquake or similar ‘Act of God’, WOW’s all new arts website for Kent will be live by the time you read this. The site launches in beta: please bear with us while we iron out any glitches. Hopefully, though, you’ll be able to see the intention and enjoy the content – there will be plenty more!

Emma Dewhurst [email protected]

Find us on Facebookfacebook.com/WOWMedway

@EmmaDewhurst7

CONTRIBUTORS

EDITORIAL:[email protected] 388 2243 (Calls cost 5p per minute plus your network's access charge)

ADVERTISING:[email protected] advertiser & excellent series booking discounts available to all. All ads also appear in the online edition at wowkent.co.uk

FREE LISTINGS:[email protected]

DESIGN: A Stones Throwastonesthrowdesign.co.uk

PRINTING: Complete Print Group (CPG)9-10 Orchard Business CentreSanderson WayTonbridgeKent TN9 1QG01732 366666cpg-net.co.uk

PUBLISHER: Emma Dewhurst

WEBSITE: wowkent.co.uk

Current print circulation: 10,000 copies

Distribution: Medway Towns, Maidstone & Gravesend

Copy/listings deadline for May 2015:Thursday 16 April 2015

©WOW Kent magazine

All rights reserved. While every effort has been made to ensure that details in this publication are correct, we cannot accept responsibility for such. Readers are advised to check information listed, to avoid disappointment.

Views expressed by contributors and advertisers do not necessarily reflect those of the editor and publisher.

PHOTOGRAPH OF THE EDITOR BY RIKARD ÖSTERLUND

Cover art: ‘Ruby’s Patience’ by Emma Baker. See Main Feature. emmabaker.me.uk

BE A WOW AMBASSADOR!If you use any of our advertisers’ services, or attend an event because you saw it in WOW, please mention it – it really helps. Thank you.

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EXCAVATING SOUNDEver wondered if walls have ears? So have the final year students behind these imaginative sonic journeys, performed for one afternoon only in the tunnels of Fort Amherst, Chatham. ‘If the Walls had Ears’ is performed in the deeper, darker parts of the Fort, and ‘Sonic Memories’ in the lighter areas. The aim is for the listener to get lost in the natural resonances of the space and its history, and to feel like they are wandering through the thoughts of the tunnels themselves. It’s got to be worth an afternoon. Wed 8 April, 2-5pm. excavatingsound.com

LENNIE NIEHAUS

In the mid Fifties, American saxist/arranger Lennie Niehaus arranged tunes of musical significance that have been greatly appreciated by musicians and fans alike ever since. On 17 April Saxist Mick Foster brings this brilliant music back to life at ‘The Lennie Niehaus Project’, a gig at the Anchorians Rugby Club. My jazz spies tell me this is one of those gigs not to be missed. See Music 1.

NIGHT OF THE HUNTERIf you fancy a bone-shaking start to your weekend, this is it! I can still remember being scared witless by this truly brilliant and surreal

psychological drama. Mitchum gives the performance of his life as a religious fanatic who marries a gullible widow in order to get at her

two young children, who know, but won’t reveal, where their real father hid the ten thousand dollars he stole in a robbery. Shelley Winters and Lillian Gish co-star, Laughton directs. Go. See Film for details.

UGLY DUCKLINGThere are more opportunities than ever before to introduce children to the magic of live theatre via quality,

devised shows which employ a variety of approaches to entertain and enchant. Thingumajig Theatre specialises in such shows, and their version of ‘The Ugly Duckling’ at The Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone’s Exchange Studio promises to do just that on 17 April. Puppets, music, clever story-telling – and with perfect timing for smaller people’s concentration spans, it’s all packed into a handy 50 minutes. Get them hooked.

HIVESomething rather special, this: Kent artist Kate Linforth is offering free creative workshops where participants learn to create beautiful beeswax tiles based on the ancient practice of encaustic art. This is an Ideas Test funded project which aims to involve local communities

and beekeepers across Swale and Medway. Patterns have been taken from Rochester Cathedral’s incredible floor, where the medieval architects believed in the mathematical perfection of God, while the bees create perfection through their own architecture and beeswax has been donated by local beekeepers, with the project also intended to be a topographical account of beekeeping in the area.

The free workshops will see participants create their own tiles inspired by what bees

mean to them. These thematic pieces will then be displayed across Swale and Medway on a four-leaf screen, in churches (including Rochester Cathedral) and little used public buildings. Once the sculpture has toured, the tiles will be melted back down and the wax returned to the beekeepers who donated it, thus ensuring the environmental impact of the project is minimal.Workshop Details:

Wed 8 April: ‘Hive goes Live’ at Upnor Castle, High Street, Rochester ME2 4XG Times: 10.30am-11.30am, 12-1pm, 1.30pm-2.30pm, 3pm-4pm. Participants are asked to reserve their free place by phoning Upnor Castle on 01634 718725, or emailing [email protected].

Sat 13 April 2015: ‘Hive’ goes to Rochester Cathedral ME1 1SX for a day of workshops between 10am-4pm. Free entry, no need to book.

Really Good

Thu 2 April 7.30pm: OPEN MIC NIGHT With headlining ‘Sun spot’, Unknown Report.

Fri 3 April 6-9pm: PRIVATE VIEW Sun Pier House Gallery The Contemporary Open exhibition. All welcome

Sat & Sun 10am-4pm: BUSKERS BALCONYLive music on outdoor stage. NB: Want to perform? Email [email protected]

Sat 8pm til late: THE BIG QUIZ!A light hearted quiz evening based on all things Medway and beyond. Bar open! £10 per team (1-8 people). CASH PRIZE! Book now to reserve your table: [email protected]

Sun eve: CINE LOUNGE ‘Pee Wee’s Big Adventure’ (U). Doors 6.30pm, film 7.30pm. £3 entry, bar open!

WOW WANTS WRITERSWith the launch of its new website, WOW is looking to add to its pool of excellent contributors. Ideally you need:

• A love of the Arts• Writing experience• The ability to write to deadline• To be based anywhere in Kent

Unfortunately we are currently unable to pay contributors but you will be clearly credited, have a small biography on the ‘Meet the Team’ page and be able to link to your published work online.

Please write to the editor, Emma Dewhurst, at [email protected] stating your preferred area of interest (eg Comedy, Visual Art, Literature etc) and location, a CV and a sample of your writing.

Kent INVENTORS Forum

A group of inventors and innovators meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 6pm in Blake 028 on the Chatham Campus of the University of Greenwich. Most of the discussions are engineering based but the group says they do have members who are more arts orientated. Protecting the copyright of designs and artistic creations is frequently discussed, and attendees must sign a confidentiality agreement at the start of each meeting.

Next meetings: Wednesday 1 April, followed by Wednesday 6 May. Meetings are free.

Start the weekend early!

10am-4pm

We’d like to hear from you if you know your way round the back-end of Wordpress like, well, the back of your hand. Ideally you have:

• Excellent knowledge of Wordpress.org• Excellent knowledge of Photoshop or

similar software• A keen eye for detail• An interest in the arts• Copy editing skills

We have an opening for someone with the above skills who is looking for a part-time, freelance, home-based position of not many hours but great kudos! Please email Emma Dewhurst: [email protected] with your CV and stating your experience.

POPULAR CAFÉ AND GALLERY

The Deaf Cat, 83 High Street,

Rochester ME1 1LX, is giving patrons a FREE slice of toast

with every hot drink 9-11am Mon to Fri.

Now that’s what I call good news.

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CONVERSATIONAL MEET-UP FOR ALL FROM IDEAS TEST

Every 2nd Tuesday of the month in Chatham at Sun Pier House café,

ME4 4HF

Every 3rd Wednesday of the month in Faversham at Creek Creative Café

ME13 7BE

10AM-12 NOON

A brand new pottery and craft studio for children and adults alike is opening in Chatham. Pottery Crafts 4U will be based at Nucleus Arts, 272 High Street, Chatham ME4 4BP.

To celebrate its Grand Opening on Easter Monday 6 April, PC4U is running an egg cup painting competition with three age ranges, with 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes. Egg cup painting will takes place between 6 - 8 April. Just drop in.

Paint an Egg Cup

Competition

WINNER!Congratulations to M. Clarke,

winner of the Banff Film Festival draw.

English FestivalSaturday 18 April 11am-5pm Riverside Country Park ME7 2XH FREE ENTRY

A fun-packed day for the whole family celebrating St George's day and the most iconic and ironic English traditions represented in three fun zones:

Countryside experience• Meet some baby farm animals in Cuddle Corner • Sheepdog and duck herding displays

The Seaside• Relax on the sandy beach• Punch and Judy• Traditional funfair

The village square• Shop in the farmers' market, • Hop on board the Little Red bus• Live music from Kent Police Band and the

Swingtime Sweethearts.

Very limited on-site parking: visitors are advised to take the free Park and Ride service or park at Bloors Wharf (bottom of Bloors Lane) and take a lovely riverside stroll to the park.

The Guildhall Museum, Rochester has announced that it is opening every Monday during school half terms and holidays throughout 2015.

Holiday Mondays

at the Guildhall!

HAZLITT WRITERS GROUPNEW SEASON STARTING!Join other writers with an interest in poetry for monthly sessions geared towards improving your writing technique and confidence.Each session contains an opportunity for free writing, examination of poetry and

techniques used by established writers and useful time for development and feedback of all members. All levels of experience welcome. Places are limited for each session so book early.For further information please contact hazlitt.marketing parkwoodtheatres.co.ukSecond Monday of the month at 7.30pm New Season session dates: 13 April, 11 May, 8 Jun, 13 July, 10 AugustIndividual workshops £7Season Ticket: £23 (4 sessions)

Creative/Business Partnership soughtLocal creative (BA Degree in Graphic Design) is seeking one or two business partners with a similar degree in any Art discipline for creative and business partnership, investing equal funds towards starting a Creative Design Studio. Contact Anna: 07942 588107

classes & workshops classes & workshops classes & workshops classes & classes & workshops classes & workshops classes & workshops classes & classes & workshops classes & workshops classes & workshops


legoTHE LEGO CLUBFridays 3.45-4.30PMThis popular new club runs during term time and during the Easter holidays. GUILDHALL MUSEUM, High Street, Rochester ME1 1PY

arts and craftsAT THE GUILDHALL MUSEUM

All activities run between 10.30am-3.30pm

Future tech with Wendy DawsTue 7 & Thu 16 AprilDesign crazy wearable science fiction devices. £2 per child

Brooches and BadgesWed 8 & Tue 14 AprilStudy amazing Victorian jewellery; make your own piece. £1 per child

HeadwearThu 9 & Mon 13 AprilCrowns, tiaras, hair ornaments and more. £1 per child

EyewearFri 10 & Wed 15 AprilMake a pair of folding lorgnettes.£1 per child. Guildhall Museum, High Street, Rochester ME1 1PYTel: 01634 332680

family activitiesAT ROYAL ENGINEERS MUSEUM

All sessions run 10.30am – 3.30pmAnimals in the First World War Animals played a vital role during the First World War: RE Museum is offering free* family-friendly drop in activities to find out more.

Tue 7 April: Matching horsesCreate your own horse and soldier stick puppets and create a scene from ‘War Horse’.Wed 8 April: Secret Carrier Pigeons Make your own card carrier pigeon and write a secret message to send. Thu 9 April: Camel playMaking a camel mask and hump! Fri 10 April: Mascot dogsMake your own non-sew sock dog to use as a companion just like a soldier’s dog.

Indian army in the first world warTue 14-Fri 17 AprilDiscover the crucial role the Indian Army played during WW1. Unravel the story of individual soldiers, and the weapons they were using. For more details see website. Royal Engineers Museum, Prince Arthur Road, Gillingham ME7 1UR.

*Normal Admission prices apply (FREE to serving personnel and their family). Ticket Valid for 12 months on gift aided entrance.

re-museum.co.uk

DROP IN SESSIONS AT MAIDSTONE MUSEUM

Mon 6 April 12.30-3.30pm (Bank Hol only)Tue 7-Fri 17 April 10.30am-12.30pm and 1pm-3.30pm (last session from 2.30pm)Suggested ages 4-11 years£3 per child, 2 for £5MMF conc available

Mon 6 Apr: Make Chicks and BunniesTue 7 Apr: Daffodil pot: plant and decorateWed 8 Apr: Make a Bumble Bee or ButterflyThu 9 Apr: Dinosaur HatFri 10 Apr: Sun CatchersMon 13 Apr: Make Flower JewelleryTue 14 Apr: Make a Bird FeederWed 15 Apr: Make a Frog on a lily padThu 16 Apr: Make a Spring wreathFri 17 Apr: Spring Craft

Hands-on (with Museum objects)Tue 7-Fri 17 April, 11am-1pm. Free

Maidstone Museum, St Faith’s Street, Maidstone ME14 1LH. Tel: 01622 602838museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Stuff for kids


half-day craft workshopsMonsters and Mayhem Presented by Icon Theatre with Medway LibrariesSuitable for Under 10s accompanied by adults.Saturday 11 April 10am – 12noon: GILLINGHAM LIBRARY, COMMUNITY HUB Gillingham

2 - 4pm: Chatham Library, Community Hub ChathamWhat lies at the bottom of the River Medway? Sea monsters, jellyfish, treasure or buried chests? Make your ideas in this family workshop where you’ll create a puppet to take home with you and contribute towards a larger River Medway inspired piece of community art. Booking essential: please visit or call 01634 337799.

dance/dramaWonderland Two-day drama and music workshop for young people with special needs (7 – 18yrs) Tue 7 to Wed 8 April 10am-4pm each day THE BROOK THEATRE, Old Town Hall, Chatham ME4 4SE £30

Drama and music fun with Square Pegs Drama Club, who specialise in working with children and young people with learning disabilities, social communication difficulties or who struggle to ‘fit in’ with mainstream activities. Siblings, friends and anyone who wants to join in and have fun in an inclusive environment also welcome.

Booking essential. For booking forms tel. 01634 338338 or email [email protected]. For information on any of the Council’s Springboard workshops phone: 01634 338319 or email [email protected].

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knit

OOOO… KNITTING CLUB!

Saturday mornings 10am – 12pm

For beginners to intermediates, the club is also suitable for children aged 8 and over (must be accompanied by an adult).

Bored on a Saturday morning? Get yourself to the SPH Tearoom and start knitting! Start simply, then move on to bigger projects. Scarves, blankets, and friendly animals. Bring your own needles and wool, or buy a starter kit from the tutor for £10.00 (Kit includes: 50g ball of wool, pair of knitting needles, row counter, plastic darning needle, pom-pom making pattern) in the Sun Pier House Tearoom, ME4 4HF. £6.50 per session.

For more information contact Jacqueline at [email protected]

FORadultstoo!

MACRAMÉMake a macramé herb planterTuesday 14 April, choice of times. FREE. Suitable for children 7+. Bring along an old loved t-shirt and turn it into a hanging herb planter.

Nucleus Arts Centre, Chatham ME4 4BPBook via iprintedthat.com

ALSO: See page 9 for news of Mighty Mike’s Bloomin’ Brilliant Balloon Workshops!

We have said our last goodbye to the Recreate project and we want to thank you all for your support and inspiration. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time with you and we hope that you will remain passionate, enthusiastic and committed to your amazing work in Medway and beyond.

THANK YOU FOR TAKING PART. HERE ARE JUST SOME OF YOUR COMMENTS:

Thank you. Recreate has helped us all create a legacy.

Recreate opened my eyes to a whole new network of people who were right on my doorstep, but I never knew they were there.

Meeting other artists has made me rethink my practice.

Recreate allowed us to meet and to collaborate.

Recreate really helped me move my business on.

www.recreateproject.euEmail: [email protected]/pop-creative-spaceTwitter: @recreateeuPOP, 64-66 High Street, Chatham ME4 4DS

Recreate is selected under the European Cross-border Cooperation Programme INTERREG IV A France (Channel) – England, co-funded by the ERDF

Photographs: Marta PatlewiczQuotes taken from Recreate's final conference #Recreate 2015

PRE-FUSE FESTIVAL SPECIAL!Mighty Mike’s Bloomin’ Brilliant Balloon WorkshopsPresented by Dizzy O’Dare with Medway Libraries

FREE family workshopsSuitable for 4 -10 year olds accompanied by adults

Learn balloon modelling skills, create funny stories and join in fun games with Dizzy O’Dare’s invariably hilarious Mike Imerson. The company is one of the first confirmed acts appearing at this year’s Fuse Festival with their new family show, ‘The Giant Balloon Show’. Pick up the latest on this year’s Fuse Festival and associated workshops programme as the programming unfolds!

Tues 7 April10 – 11.30am: Jackson’s Field, New Road, Rochester 2 – 3.30pm: Riverside Country Park

Wed 8 April10 – 11.30am: Hillyfields, Parr Avenue, Gillingham 2 – 3.30pm: Capstone Farm Country Park

Fri 10 April10.30 – 11.30am: Walderslade Village Library 2.30 – 3.30pm: Gillingham Library, Community Hub Gillingham

Mon 13 April10.30 – 11.30am: Twydall Library 3.30 – 4.30pm: Thomas Aveling Library, Rochester

Tues 14 April10.30 – 11.30am: Cuxton Library 3.30 – 4.30pm: Hempstead Library

Wed 15 April10.30 – 11.30am Strood Library, Community Hub Strood 2.30 – 3.30pm: Rochester Library, Community Hub Rochester

Thu 16 April9.30 – 10.30am: Wigmore Library 2.30 – 3.30pm: Rainham Library

Fri 17 April10.30 – 11.30am: Chatham Library, Community Hub Chatham 2.30 – 3.30pm: Hoo Library

Booking essential for workshops at libraries – visit venues or call 01634 337799. No need to book for sessions in the parks – just head over to the Children’s Mobile Library Bus.

FROM JUST

Contact: [email protected]

£30 Nucleus Arts, Chatham ME4 4BPTel: 07910 529271E: [email protected] W: potterycrafts4u.com

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BABY & CHILDREN'S BOUTIQUEAT THE REAR OF 111 HIGH ST STROOD

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Stephen Harries Stained Glass design and restorationE: [email protected]: 0770 608 0338Facebook: Stephen Harries Stained GlassRochester and at Whitstable Harbour Village

Workshops and short courses available

Ridley Road RochesterT: 07702 269972 E:[email protected]

hazelnut-press.com

Classes Now Available

Paint Your Own Pottery & Craft StudioOpens Easter Monday 6 April 10-5pm Mon-Sat

Intra, High Street, 41 High Street, Rochester ME1 1DA. Whole course cost: £60. Over 18s only. For more details and to book go to: unravelandunwind.co.uk.

CREATIVE WRITINGThe Third Mind: Creative Writing from Visual ArtA short course with writer Philip Kane in partnership with Unravel & Unwind

The course consists of 5 two-hour sessions on Thurs 9, 16 and 23 April, and 7 and 14 May Each session runs from 7pm to 9pm.

By engaging in a “dialogue” with works of visual art, writers can access exciting and shifting responses in their own work. This is the region of creativity that William Burroughs described as the “third mind”; a state in which “something new, or ‘other’, emerges from the combination that would not have come about with a solo act” (Anne Waldman).

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In the Old Testament, the word "leviathan" refers to a sea monster; but the Old Testament has lost some of its clout, and fear of sea monsters is a thing of the past.

The film ‘Leviathan’ makes similar metaphorical allusions to present day Russia. Once a feared giant of the international scene, Russia is trying to rise up from the depths, pulled up by an overtly macho president riding bareback on a horse. Judo flips, threatening neighbours and bombers buzzing past Cornwall are all part of the plan. However, like the ‘Leviathan’ poster image, the Russia depicted in the film has been rotted by corruption; only bones remain. The film is set in the isolated village of Teriberka, by the Barents Sea. It is a place of awesome natural beauty, but also abandoned houses, empty vodka bottles and uncomfortable silence. In this setting, a power-hungry mayor tries to take a sea-side home from a hardworking mechanic, new wife and son at his side. Allies arrive to assist the mechanic; however, their real motives soon become apparent. No one can be trusted.

A microcosm of modern Russian life, the film takes a dark, harrowing look at a constantly changing political landscape where notions of power ebb and flow, and the bones of a distant past lie on the shore, the flesh long since picked over by post-Perestroika opportunists. Left with nothing but bones, denied even a modest home by the sea, the family under siege symbolizes a Russia that is tired of the uncertainty and corruption of modern Russia. Perhaps it is a Russia that is thinking back to life under Communist dictatorship which, ironically, must have seemed stable, predictable, and safer in comparison.

Perhaps it is the film's not-too-subtle attack on contemporary Russian society that led to it losing the Best Film prize at the Golden Eagle awards (the Russian Oscars), despite a nomination for Best Foreign film at the Academy Awards and winning Best Film at the Golden Globes. Throughout 2014, Polish drama ‘Ida’ and ‘Leviathan’ dominated film awards across Europe. Yet, apparently many Russians disliked the film; and some have accused the director of something called "Russophobia".

On the other hand, Americans love a dark, bleak, depressing portrait of Russia. If ‘Leviathan’ had images of people queuing for toilet paper, it probably would have snatched the Best Foreign Film Oscar from ‘Ida’. Several adjectives have been used to describe ‘Leviathan’: "dark", "biblical", "epic", "stunning" and “unforgettable”. Overwhelmingly positive reviews are one good reason to see the film. Another is the fact that cinematic leviathans like this will soon be extinct in Russia. Apparently, in response to the film's negative reception at home, the Russian Ministry of Culture will no longer fund ‘negative’ films. So, be sure to come out and experience a truly great, epic film before the mighty Russian film industry hunts down its own cinematic wonders, until only a massive pile of bones remains.

‘Leviathan’ screens at Rochester Picture Palace on Tuesday 21 April at 7.30pm. Princes Hall, Corn Exchange, High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX. Tickets are £5, Students £3. Bar and refreshments are available and there is a post-film chat.rochesterfilmsociety.co.uk

LEVIATHAN

CAMERON A STRAUGHAN previews a powerful, award-winning Russian drama screened by Rochester Film Society this month

LAUNCHED

wowkent.co.uk

Founder and editor, EMMA DEWHURST, introduces

It seems like a very long time ago since I sent a rather shaky but extremely heartfelt video of myself to the panel at Ideas Test, talking about the new website I wanted to develop for WOW. I made the little film in my living room, on my smartphone, holding the phone out with one hand, trying to look poised and sound confident, with absolutely no idea of what I was doing.

Well, all good things must start somewhere, and hopefully the new site which is now live is going to become a much-used staple in all our cultural lives.

The good people of Ideas Test approved a grant to help me develop the website and over the following months I spent many an enjoyable hour with the team at Nebulo down in Sandgate, working on its concept and design. It was both exciting and daunting to realise, with Nebulo’s encouragement, that ‘wowkent.co.uk’ needed to be much more than what I had originally envisaged: it needed to encompass the cultural life of the whole of the county of Kent.

WOW’s all-new arts website for KentSo, with the Arts Calendar at its heart, and a section dedicated to arts and leisure-related Classes & Workshops a close second, the website aims to be a content-rich place, free of display ads and abundant in the kind of high quality information about the best of what’s on where familiar to readers of the magazine.

I am hoping that users will embrace its many services – among which, the ability to submit your listings (free and Premium services available – with a Premium listing giving its owner a full page of content with unique URL to link to); previews, reviews and articles about cultural happenings across Kent; a ‘find a creative partner’ section (not intended for romantic partners but you never know); and of course a place to read the magazine online.

The site has launched in beta: please bear with us as we populate the site and encourage people to submit their information to us. We are peddling madly behind the scenes to make this a truly useful service which will bring you the best of What’s On Where now and for years to come!

THE ARTS CALENDAR l CLASSES & WORKSHOPS l FIND A CREATIVE PARTNER l ARTICLES l MAGAZINE

If you would like to develop your own creative idea, head over to Ideas Test at creativepeopleplace.info.

SIMPLE ONE-off Un-ltD Leave itPREMIUM PREMIUM to usLISTING

Simple text listings are

FREE(no image)

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£12

Unlimited Premium Listings

£16 per month

Invoiced packages also available if you’d like us to do all the work

in getting your information up there!

Choose one of four packages

VERONICA TONGE casts an experienced eye over an eclectic, multi-themed selection of artworks and finds much to please

The Bentlif Open Art Prize, showing at Maidstone Museum until 3 May, is overwhelming and disconcerting at first glance, mixing over 100 very different types of art, from modest pastiches of Victorian watercolours to confident, three dimensional conceptual works that would sit well in a Saatchi Gallery situation. Opening the occlusive frosted door to the exhibition gallery you are faced with a group of works reminiscent of an end of term school show, but don’t be fooled; the dense, Victorian style hang has plenty of high quality, genuinely exciting works to seek out.

Not curated as a tight show, the content reflects multiple layers of personal choice by various types of people. Each of the 235 artworks submitted were extracted by the artist from their existing stocks hoping to appeal and win a place. The anonymous five Bentlif Gallery Trustees chose by consensus - what

they all liked best over a two week intensive period and from their selection, renowned Kent-based artists, Ralph Steadman and Graham Clarke, chose a winning star for a future solo show in the Bentlif Gallery (John Dupret), plus five ‘Highly Recommended’ works, under pressure on the crowded preview night! Visitors will be encouraged to choose and vote for ‘The People’s Favourite’, the winner of which will be rewarded with a show in the Museum’s Café Gallery.

Within its eclectic mix, the Bentlif Open has bravely embraced contemporary mixed media, for the first time since its conception in 2006. It is good to see textile and costume based work, taxidermy, installations and digital media in both 2 and 3 dimensions, amongst the more traditional art forms of paintings and prints. Many regular and new Maidstone Museum visitors will be surprised to find thought provoking, new experiences in their local art gallery, and this will happily enhance the reputation of this already well regarded cultural venue.

Predictably, mainly Maidstone and Kent artists are represented, and often works reference the Maidstone Museum’s collections in some way. Although South East wide, the Bentlif Open was heavy with East and West Sussex entrants, with one lone Londoner. My own feeling is that there are more than enough outstanding artists in Kent alone to supply this sort of show but some just don’t “do” competitions. Whilst some entrants were clearly self-taught, the majority seems to be arts graduates.

The show has common human concerns and themes to engage everyone: foreign travel/memories of people, as in Lulu Frances’ ‘Himalayan Lady’; voyeurism permits us to stare alongside David Faltrego’s sad knicker thief; loved animal companions, like Emma Baker’s beautifully designed ‘Ruby’s Patience’ (gracing the current issue’s cover); and wildlife is always on our conscience, witnessed in Jane Mason’s ‘Brooding Buzzard’ and Suzie Dafforn’s ‘Rook’ and ‘Billy Diver’. We see ourselves in an increasingly urban wasteful land with Cas

EXHIBITION: THE BENTLIF OPEN ART PRIZEMAIDSTONE MUSEUM AND BENTLIF ART GALLERY

Urban Traces by Virginia ScadengRook by Suzie Dafforn (Highly Commended)

Holmes’ ‘Bee Mapping’, dreading Fleur Alston’s warning of ‘Natura Morta’. War and bereavement are in our collective thoughts: Sheilagh Dyson’s blood rinsed poppy ‘Forever Young’ and Jane Cordrey’s ‘Through the Looking Glass’, a ghostly partially erased face.

Art makes us see disability and illness differently. Lulu Frances’ second work, ‘Armless’, forces us to look intensely at a physically damaged, yet strengthened, woman. Do we award more points when the artist reveals a health issue? Kay Gretton’s unpretentious Giclée print ‘Four Seasons’, shows the artist, who has MS, walking her dog. Below, Bradley Lowe’s detailed watercolour ‘Poppies at St Margaret’s’ is by someone with visual impairment studying architecture.

Art can engage us with ubiquitous new technology. ‘Digital Mind’ and ‘Magician’ by David Williamson invite the visitor to fully understand the works by downloading an app but it was old-fashioned “Out of order”, with fingerprints on the blank screen, when I visited. Much more

reliable was the way the artist’s statements were subtly presented by the works in an easy to read format label. This basic ‘take it or leave it’ option adds a lot to the successful appreciation of the works.

Historically, the Bentlif Trust has always provided a group of arts-interested, enthusiastic local professional people to work alongside the Maidstone Museum managers supporting its Victorian art collections and bringing them into the 21st Century. The Bentlif Open Art Prize is now contemporary and important enough to attract solid local business sponsorship. Courageously exhibiting both “easy” and “challenging” artworks, democratically selected by local people, is one of the best ways to grow a town like Maidstone into a place where the arts can flourish.

The Bentlif Open Art Prize exhibition is at Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery, St Faith’s Street, Maidstone ME14 1LH until 3 May. Much of the artwork is for sale.

museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Ruby’s Patience by Emma Baker

New York by Shane Clifton

Forever Young by Sheilagh Dyson

Ralph Steadman & Graham Clarke in front of Winner’s painting by John Dupret

17

Medway Eyes’ PHIL DILLON reviews Stephen H Morris’s new book, published this month by Cultured Llama

A couple of years ago, in January 2013, I popped into the Britannia in Rochester to be interviewed by Stephe Morris. He was writing a book about the history of music in Medway and wanted to talk to various people who’d been active in or around Medway music over the past few decades. I already knew Stephe to be a thorough and insightful reviewer of music and thought at the time that if anyone could do the job thoroughly and impartially (if it’s possible for music fans to be impartial) then he was probably the man for that job.

Two years on, I have the privilege of early sight of the book, which is published this month by Cultured Llama, and it’s immediately apparent that Stephe has understood his subject perfectly, as illustrated by this gem of a quote:

“It would, in fact, be better to speak of a Medway music microclimate. Aside from the pleasing alliteration of the

term, it’s a much more accurate reflection of the situation. The intricate web of connections and interconnections

between acts, making any attempt at a rock family tree for the area practically impossible, along with the emerging and re-emerging themes, styles and attitudes more closely resemble a localised weather system than anything as fundamentally simple as a ‘scene’ in its traditional sense”.

The casual reader might be surprised to find the musical history of these towns chronicled in such a way. Liverpool or Manchester, sure, but here? Are we not navel-gazing? Well, no, we’re not. There are, we’re told, little record shops in Texas that have a Medway section, and big

ones in Hollywood that have one too, yet none as far as we know “…has one called Cardiff or a section called Berwick-upon-Tweed. Or Chalfont St Giles”, as Glenn Prangnell (Groovy Uncle) points out.

Starting in the latter part of the inert Seventies with the likes of Billy Childish and his Pop Rivets and the less celebrated Gash and Wipeout, the book follows the familiar-to-many path through the Eighties, via the Medway Indian Club, the Milkshakes, the Prisoners et al, then the Dentists, the Claim, Swinging Time and

A SPOT OF DIY… DO IT YOURSELF: A History of Music in Medway

19

Dust off those dancing shoes and head down to the Royal Engineers Museum

for an evening of energetic swing dancing in celebration of

World Lindy Hop Day!

Part of the annual Museums at Night festival, expect a fun, entertaining night, appealing to

dancers and non-dancers alike.

With a cocktail bar and other period refreshments, this event really is the highlight

of the vintage calendar.

Browse the vintage market for those all-important clothes and accessories

Have your hair whipped up into a vintage style

Finish off the look with a vintage makeup

Pose for a vintage photograph as a little memento

VINTAGE ATTIRE IS A MUST!

Lesson starts at 19.00 with main entry at 20.00. Booking in advance essential for both tickets. Tickets are £10 entry or £15 with a lesson. Please call 01634 822312 to book your place today.

Museums at Night FestivalSat 16 May

the Medway Bands Co-Op, continuing right up to the almost present day with the likes of Stuart Turner, Lupen Crook, Brigadier Ambrose and Theatre Royal. It also makes some unexpected but essential forays into areas a fan of the Medway oeuvre (whatever that is) might not know about, most notable among these being the folk oriented chapter that discusses The Flowing and the criminally underrated Medway/Canterbury fusion of Wheels, amongst others.

If you were there, this book is a well-researched and rewarding reminder. If you weren’t, it’s an ideal introduction to a place that definitely has something in its water and a wealth of original music. One thing that stands out is the number of people who were instrumental as Medway musicians in past decades who are still creatively active; perhaps still playing after all these years, writing, producing, photographing, making video, putting on events or running a recording studio. You’re supposed to grow up and put your dreams and indulgences down, right? Wrong. At least around here: if a thing is worth doing, we tend to do it ourselves.

Do It Yourself: A History of Music in Medway by Stephen H Morris is released on Thursday 23 April by Cultured Llama Press at a special book launch at The Barge, Gillingham ME7 2QY. Discounted copies will be available on the night, and live music from Stuart Turner and Nick Hughes: tiny.cc/diymedway.

The book will also be on sale at Rochester Sweeps Festival over the early May bank holiday, 2-4 May 2015. Cultured Llama’s stall will be amongst the record and musical instruments stalls in the Boley Hill car park in Rochester Castle moat.

Or you can order the book for £15 plus p&p at culturedllama.co.uk

All photographs by Phil Dillon: Wheels 2011Didi Bergman at Ranscombe Studio 2010

FILM

AFTERNOON FILM TREATCentral Theatre, 170 High Street, Chatham ME4 4AS 01634 338338Tickets £4.50 in adv, £5 on door inc hot drink and teacakeSOME LIKE IT HOT (12) 1959Tue 21 Apr 2.30pm. Dir: Billy Wilder Cast: Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis. It doesn’t get more ‘classic’ than this. Just go! 120 mins medwayticketslive.co.uk

MAIDSTONE FILM SOCIETYHazlitt Theatre, Earl StreetMaidstone ME14 1PL 01622 753922Cheap parking in Fremlin Walk after 7pm. Membership: Adult £24, Couples £42, Senior/Student £19, Guest £4 (subscription rates for all 12 films). Enquiries email [email protected].

SUNSHINE ON LEITH (PG) 2013Mon 13 Apr 8pmDir: Dexter FletcherCast: Antonia Thomas, Jason Flemyng, George MacKayComedy musical drama tracing the story of two Scottish soldiers as they return home from Afghanistan. Featuring music by The Proclaimers. 100 minsmaidstone-film-society.org.uk

ROCHESTER KINOROCHESTER KINO @ CHATHAM ODEONChatham Maritime ME4 4LL 0871 2244 007Every Thursday at 7.45pm£9.80, £7.20 conc, Student £3.60 (2 for 1 offer)

THE GUNMAN (15) 2015Thu 2 Apr 7.45pmDir: Pierre MorelCast: Sean Penn, Idris ElbaPenn as a mercenary who himself becomes a target after killing a high ranking official. 115 mins

THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING (12A) 2014Thu 9 Apr 7.45pm

Dir: James MarshCast: Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones. Redmayne won Best Actor at this year’s Oscars for his portrayal of famous physicist Stephen Hawking in this look at the relationship between Hawking and his wife. 123 mins

BIRDMAN (15) 2014Thu 16 April 7.45pmDir: Alejandro González IñárrituCast: Michael Keaton, Zach Galifianakis, Edward NortonKeaton as a washed-up actor struggling to get his life back together ahead of the opening of a show. See opposite.119 mins

TESTAMENT OF YOUTH (12A) 2014Thu 30 April 7.45pmDir: James KentCast: Kit Harington and Alicia Vikander. Adapted from Vera Brittain’s classic autobiography set in the years leading up to and during WW1. 129 mins

DELTA CINEMA @ CHATHAM DOCKYARDNew collaboration between Rochester Kino and the University of Kent at the Dockyard’s Old Galvanising Shop. Next To Main Entrance Car Park ME4 4TY. CABARET (old ‘X’ cert) 1972. Tue 7 Apr 7.30pm. (Doors open 7pm). Dir: Bob Fosse. Cast: Liza Minnelli, Michael York, Joel Grey. Was Minnelli ever better? See opposite. 124 mins. FREE

KINO @ LE PETIT CINEMA CINE SUPPER: Monthly pop up cinema screening French classics and homemade food. Bruno’s, 10 High Street, Rochester ME1 1PT. Film + Food £10

LES DIABOLIQUES (old ‘X’ cert) 1955 Tue 21 Apr 7pm / Film 8pm. Dir: Henri Georges-Clouzot. Cast: Simone Signoret, Véra Clouzot. Highly recommended for shock twist alone. See opposite. 92 mins

Also at BRUNO’S:KINO @ LE PETIT CINEMACINE CLASSICS: Talk and Screening. Introduction to great cinema directors/actors followed by a screening of one of their films. Bruno’s Bakes Café, 10 High Street Rochester ME1 1PT. Saturdays 10am-1pmSat 4 Apr: BETTE DAVIS + JEZEBEL (1938) with Henry Fonda. Sat 11 Apr: Director PRESTON STURGESS + SULLIVAN’S TRAVELS (1941) with glorious Veronica Lake. Sat 18 Apr: JAMES STEWART + HARVEY (1950) See opposite. Sat 25 Apr: ROBERT MITCHUM + THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER (1955)

KINO @ DICKENS ON FILMGuildhall Museum, High St, Rochester ME1 1PYScreening classic Dickens on film, in association with the Dickens Fellowship. £5 includes pre-film introduction and glass of wine.DAVID COPPERFIELD (U) 1935. Mon 13 April 7.30pm (Doors 7pm). Dir: George CukorCast: Lionel Barrymore, WC Fields. Stellar British cast in possibly the best adaptation of many of this much-loved classic. See opposite. 145 mins rochesterkino.co.uk

ROCHESTER FILM SOCIETY @ ROCHESTER PICTURE PALACEEvery other Tuesday at 7.30pm, Princes Hall, Corn Exchange, High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX. £5, £3 students. Bar/refreshments available & post-film chat.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS (15) 2014Tue 7 Apr 7.30pmDir: Dietrich BrüggemannCast: Lucie Aron, Anna Brüggemann. A 14-year-old girl brought up in a conservative Catholic community struggles to find her own path in life in this beautiful and absorbing critique of fundamentalist faith. 110 mins

LEVIATHAN (15) 2014Tue 21 Apr 7.30pmDir: Andrey ZvyagintsevCast: Aleksey Serebryakov, Elena Lyadova. The Winner of the 2015 Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language film. See Preview page 12. 140 mins

RFS @ THE CINE LOUNGESun Pier House, Medway Street Chatham ME4 4HF(No disabled access)01634 812805. Cult Film night, first Sunday of the month. Doors and themed music 6.30pm, film 7.30pm.£3.00. Bar/refreshments available

PEE WEE’S BIG ADVENTURE (U) 1985Sun 5 April doors/music 6.30pm, film 7.30pmDir: Tim Burton. Cast: Paul Reubens, Elizabeth Daily. After his beloved bike is stolen, the eccentric and cartoonish Pee Wee Herman sets off on an American odyssey in search of it in this colourful adventure, the full-length directoral debut of Tim Burton. 91 minsNEXT FILM: Sun 3 May: HEATHERS (15) 1988rochesterfilmsociety.co.uk

NEW! UNDERGROUND CINEMAA new cinema initiative bringing inspiring documentary films to Medway. £2-£5. BEING ELMO: A Puppeteer’s JourneyFri 10 Apr 7.30pm. Screening at Nucleus Arts Hub, 13 Military Road, Chatham ME4. The story of the creator of the iconic Sesame Street puppet, narrated by Whoopi Goldberg. THE EMPOWERMENT PROJECTFri 1 May 7pm. Screening at Nucleus Arts, 272 High Street, Chatham ME4. Documenting the incredible journey of a group of American women who travelled the US encouraging others to follow their ambitions. nucleusarts.com

INDEPENDENT FILM x 6

CABARETTuesday 7 April 7.30pm (Doors open 7pm) FREE

Followed by a talk with Naushabah Khan (Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Rochester & Strood) Director Bob Fosse’s classic starring Liza Minnelli and Michael York as lovers in Weimar Germany as the rise of Fascism surrounds them and their

little cabaret club, where decadence and sexual ambiguity is the norm. Revolving around Sally Bowles (Minnelli), who first came to life in Christopher Isherwood's 'Berlin Stories,' the film also utilizes a great soundtrack with memorable songs and dance routines.

DELTA CINEMA @ Chatham DockyardOld Galvanising Shop, Next To Main Entrance Car Park

HARVEYSaturday 18 April 10am

CINE CLASSICS – TALK AND SCREENING“Saturday Morning Cinema For Adults”James Stewart absolutely steals the show in this quaint fantasy about a man and his friend – an invisible six-foot rabbit, named Harvey! Elwood (Stewart) is the only one who can actually see

Harvey, which rather upsets his confused family. Stewart is so unassuming, pleasant and genuinely lovely it’s hard to feel anything other than affection for him. ‘Harvey’s is one of cinema’s best loved creations.KINO @ LE PETIT CINEMABruno’s Bakes & Coffee, 10 High Street, Rochester ME1 1PT

LEVIATHANTuesday 21 April 7.30pm

This Russian tragedy, directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev (‘The Return’), is brimming with political and religious commentary. An intriguing story of corruption about a blue-collar man who goes up against the institution of power, the grand scale of the film feels meticulously crafted

with loaded, beautiful imagery. This moving film, deservedly Oscar nominated for Best Foreign Language Film, is full of torment and melancholy. See Preview page 21.

ROCHESTER FILM SOCIETY @ ROCHESTER PICTURE PALACECorn Exchange, High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX

DAVID COPPERFIELDMonday 13 April 7.30pm (Doors open 7pm) £5 inc free glass of wine

Director George Cukor’s much-loved adaptation of Charles Dickens classic Victorian tale of a tortuous childhood – a huge success in 1935 – is a sensitive and ennobling and possibly definitive version, sumptuously produced by David O Selznick. The truly amazing all-star MGM cast of Lionel Barrymore,

Basil Rathbone, Maureen O'Sullivan, Elsa Lanchester and even WC Fields as Micawber make this a real treat for classic film lovers.

ROCHESTER KINO @ GUILDHALL MUSEUMDickens on Film in association with the Dickens Fellowship

BIRDMANThursday 16 April 7.45pm

Director Alejandro González Iñárritu deservedly won the Academy Award for Best Picture this year. The story of a washed up actor Michael Keaton (Batman), who once played a super hero ‘Birdman’, tackles cultural, and emotional, and psychological issues. Iñárritu employs tricky cinematography, bold colour schemes and

dramatic tones, shifting between the darkly comic and the just plain dark.

KINO @ CHATHAM ODEONChatham Odeon, Chatham Maritime ME4 4LL

LES DIABOLIQUESTues 21 April: Food 7pm / Film 8pm

CINE SUPPER – FOOD AND FILM

Henri-Georges Clouzot was a pivotal and divisive figure of post-war French cinema, often referred to as ‘the French Hitchcock’ as he dealt in black-humoured tales of jealousy, murder and revenge. Set in a school and

centering on murder and deception, this has one of the most famous and influential twist endings ever. Clouzot with ‘Les Diabolques’ entirely reinvented the rules for mystery cinema.

KINO @ LE PETIT CINEMABruno’s Bakes Café, 10 High Street, Rochester ME1 1PT

NICK WALKER previews

MUSIC 1

FESTIVAL OF STEAM AND TRANSPORT Easter Sunday and Monday, 5 & 6 AprilA full programme of live music and street enter-tainment at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.

MAIDSTONE FRINGE FESTIVAL30 Apr – 4 MayThe 5th MFF builds on the success of previous festivals, with music in a vast variety of genres and live entertain-ment in a host of venues across the county town, including a special outdoor stage in Jubilee Square; 3 all-nighter parties; and a series of all-day events, with much of the music free to attend. For up-to-date gigs info, see facebook or visit maidstonefringefestival.co.uk

SWEEPS 20152-4 MayDetails in the May issue.

JAZZ: ANCHORIANS RUGBY CLUBDarland Avenue, Gillingham ME7 3ANFriday 17 Apr 8.30pm: THE LENNIE NIEHAUS PROJECT featuring MICK FOSTER on baritone sax, MATT WATES alto sax, ROBERT FOWLER tenor sax plus rhythm section. See page 5. Enquiries: 01634 365352. Admission £10.

THE BARGE63 Layfield Road, Gillingham ME7 2QY 01634 850485Music starts 9pm, free entryWed 1 Apr BARDS @ THE BARGE OPEN MICFri 3 Apr: LUCA AFROBEAT BAND. Sat 4 Apr: FRED’S HOUSE. Fri 10 Apr: KING SIZE SLIM Fresh off the back of winning the British Blues Awards ‘Emerging Artist’ award last year and then supporting none other than Queen on New Years Eve, King Size will be bringing his unique blues style to Medway once again.

If you’re a fan of raw, powerful blues this isn’t a gig to miss!Sat 11 Apr: GRIFFAMYFri 17 Apr: ‘LIVE IN THE LIVING ROOM But Not IN THE LIVING ROOM’ - Super Duper Spring Tour. The popular Youtube Channel is taking itself on the road, showcasing local talent across Kent and beyond. The penultimate stop on the tour features SIRENS & SHELTER, FLAWLESS CARBON, ONE DAY ELLIOTT and FIRST SIGN OF LIGHT.Sat 18 Apr: SALVATION JANEThurs 23 Apr 8pm: ‘DIY: A History of Music in Medway’ by Stephen H Morris BOOK LAUNCH with music by some of the artists featured in the book, including STUART TURNER and NICK HUGHES. See Phil Dillon’s review, page 14. Sat 25 Apr: THOMAS ASHBY thebargepub.co.uk

BEACON COURT TAVERN128 Canterbury Street, Gillingham ME7 4RY01634 853186 Sat 18 Apr: TRIPLE THREAT: SKABRETTA, CURB PILOTS & DJ Madam Scorcher. £7beaconcourttavern.co.uk

THE BOWERHOUSE20 Warwick Place, Maidstone ME16 8SG 01622 763448Doors 7pm, 7.30pm showFri 3 Apr: CATH AND PHIL TYLER £10. Sat 11 Apr: MARY HAMPTON £10Fri 24 Apr: WIZZ JONES £10Tues 28 Apr: THREE RAVENS FOLK CLUB £10thebowerhouse.info

BRITANNIA THEATREDickens World Leviathan Way, Chatham Maritime ME4 4LL0844 858 6656Sun 19 Apr: TOYAH AND THE HUMANS £15 + booking fee in Adv; £20 door. Sat 25 Apr: THE

SHIRES £12 + booking fee thebritanniakent.com

COOPERS ARMS10 St Margaret’s Street, Rochester ME1 1TL01634 404298Music starts at 7pmSun 5 Apr: LEGACYSun 12 Apr: NAME ESCAPES ME. Sun 19 Apr: JAVA JAM DUO. Sun 26 Apr: ANDY WHITE DUO thecoopersarms.co.uk

THE DOT CAFÉ172 High Street, Rochester ME1 1EXWed 29 Apr 7-10pm: SEASONALLY EFFECTED An evening of music, poetry and more from any and all in Medway. If you’re interested in booking a 10 minute slot, please contact [email protected]. Free entry

DRUIDS ARMS24 Earl Street, Maidstone ME14 1PP 01622 758516Thur 30 Apr: MAIDSTONE FRINGE FESTIVAL: CURB PILOTS

EAGLE TAVERN124 High Street Rochester ME1 1JT 01634 409040Doors 7pm. Free entryThurs 2 Apr: THE ROSCO LEVEE BANDSun 5 Apr: VASILIS XENOPOULOS QUARTETThurs 9 Apr: THE SCALEXTRICSSun 12 Apr: THEO TRAVIS QUARTET featuring Marc Parnell on drumsThurs 16 Apr: BEER PRESSURESun 19 Apr: TOMMASO STARACE QUARTETThurs 23 Apr: THE BONES GANG Thurs 30 Apr: BROKENtheeagletavern.org.uk

EARLS30 Earl Street Maidstone ME14 1PS 01622 751286Doors 9pm unless stated. Free entry. Thurs 16 Apr: SMALLTOWN MISFITS, LIBERATION OF MAN +

SupportThurs 30 Apr: Maidstone Fringe Festival: ONE DAY ELLIOT, FALSEHEADS, OSKAR VICROW earlsmaidstone.co.uk

44TWO SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUBFeatherby Road, Gillingham ME8 6ANThe Jazz Line: 01634 405037Thu 9 Apr 8.30-11pm: DONN BARCOTT BAND with ELAINE DYAN singing songs from the Great American Songbook. Plus Andrew Hawkes, a magician at your table, quality raffle and licensed bar. Admission £6. Every second Thursday of the month throughout 2015. For more information phone the Jazz Line, as above.

THE FLOWERPOT96 Sandling Road, Maidstone ME14 2RJ 01622 757705Free entrySat 18 Apr: Make Some Noise/Maidstone Fringe Warm Up: ACOUSTIC GIG Every Tuesday: ELECTRO ACOUSTIC JAM NIGHT from 8:30pmflowerpotpub.moonfruit.com

FORT AMHERSTKhartoum Road, Chatham ME4 4UB 01634 847747Wed 8 Apr 2-5pm: EXCAVATING SOUND: IF THE WALLS HAD EARS & SONIC MEMORIES Sound installations by students from the University of Kent. See page 5.

FREDERIC CAFÉCorn Exchange, 25a Market Buildings, Maidstone ME14 1HPWed 8 Apr: DAVID JAMES RUMSEYThurs 30 Apr: Maidstone Fringe Festival: CLEA LLEWELLYN01622 297414

HASTINGS ARMS FUNCTION ROOMLower Rainham Road (leading to Danes Hill), Gillingham ME7 2YD Free parking. Thursday 30 Apr: ROCHESTER

APRIL 2015Wed 1st PORCH SWING BLUES

Thurs 2nd THE LONGTAILS

Tues 7th UKULELE JAM NIGHT

Wed 8th DAVID CELIA & JOAN BESEN (Canada)

Thurs 9th PASS THE CAT DUO (World Music)

Wed 15th BRUISE

Thurs 16th DANNY KYLE BLUES

Tues 21st QUIZ NIGHT

Wed 22nd THE REAL SI-B One-man country/ swamp roots band

Thurs 23rd TBA

Wed 29th CHRIS SADLER & BEN INSALL Folk

Thurs 30th GUM BOOTS featuring Paul Minter (Tener Duende /The Mercurials)

SWEEPS

Fri 1st May 8:30pm JUSTIN & THE ARGONAUTS

Sat 2nd 2pm J.D. & THE LONGFELLOWS

8.45pm: THE MACHINE BREAKERS

Sun 3rd May 2pm THE HARTLEY MORRIS SINGERS

6pm MORRIGAN

8:45pm SUR LES DOCKS

Mon 4th May 2pm ROSIE EADE

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North West TF 2008 8/9/08 17:19 Page 36

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MUSIC 2

SWING PRESERVATION SOCIETY with guest vocalist CAROL FOX featuring the songs of Doris Day. 8.30pm start. Admission £7.00. Raffle. Free nibbles. Everyone welcome. Further details or to reserve a table Tel: 01634 712217 or visit website: sukotto5.wix.com/rsps

MAN OF KENT ALEHOUSE6-8 John Street, Rochester ME1 07772 214315Wed 1 Apr: PORCH SWING BLUESThurs 2 Apr: THE LONGTAILSTues 7 Apr: UKULELE JAM NIGHTWed 8 Apr: DAVID CELIA & JOAN BESEN (Canada)Thurs 9 Apr: PASS THE CAT DUO (World Music)Wed 15 Apr: BRUISEThurs 16 Apr: DANNY KYLE BLUESTues 21 Apr: QUIZ NIGHTWed 22 Apr: THE REAL SI-B One-man country/swamp roots bandThurs 23 Apr: TbcWed 29 Apr: CHRIS SADLER & BEN INSALL FolkThurs 30 Apr: GUM BOOTS featuring Paul Minter

SWEEPS AT MOK:Fri 1 May 8:30pm: JUSTIN & THE ARGONAUTS Sat 2 May 2pm: J.D. & THE LONGFELLOWS Sat 2 May 8.45pm: THE MACHINE BREAKERSSun 3 May 2pm: THE HARTLEY MORRIS SINGERS Sun 3 May 6pm: MORRIGANSun 3 May 8:45pm: SUR LES DOCKSMon 4 May 2pm: ROSIE EADE

MARLOWE THEATREThe Friars, Canterbury CT1 2AS 01227 787787Sat 11 Apr: PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA. The Marlowe’s resident orchestra, conducted by Paavo Järvi, play Haydn,

Beethoven and Nielsen. £29.50, £24.50, £18, £11. 7:30marlowetheatre.com. Booking fees apply.

THE GOOD INTENT3 John Street, Rochester ME1 1YL 01634 843118Fri 3 Apr 8.30pm: SARAH BOULTER QUARTET featuring SARAH BOULTER saxophone, RAY SHEA piano, ANDY PRICE bass and TONY TOTTS drums. Admission Free, with raffle during evening. Enquiries: 01634 365352Fri 10 Apr 8.30pm: INSPIRATIONAL POETRY EVENING with live music. If you would like to be scheduled in to play, contact [email protected]. Free entry. Pens and notepads are scattered round the pub so that you can join in if inspired to do so!

THE MIDDLE EI8HT1-2 Town Pier, Gravesend01474 328947Fri 9 Apr: THOMAS ASHBYSat 4 Apr: FRIDAY’S CHILDFri 10 Apr: BLACKSTARSat 11 Apr: THE GEOFF EVERETT BANDFri 17 Apr: LEOGUNSat 18 Apr: THE BRITPOP COLLECTIVEFri 24 Apr: KELLYS HEROESSat 25 Apr: PANICSun 26 Apr: THE CHAPS

THE PAPER MOON CLUB: SOUL, BLUES & JAZZSun Pier House, Medway Street, Chatham ME4 4HF01634 812805Doors at 7:30pm, show starts 8.30pmFri 10 Apr: TABITHA WEBB & BAND Resident host and supreme vocalist Tabitha Webb returns with her own take on the Swing classics of yesteryear.Fri 24 Apr: THE FUNKY SOUL PARTY ‘Get your groove on’ as London’s best musicians come together for an evening of Funk, Soul & Blues!£10 entry, £7 student (with

valid NUS card). Free entry after 10.45pm. Licensed bar til 1am. Tickets on door or at seetickets.compapermoonlive.org

PIZZA EXPRESS MUSIC ROOM32-34 Earl Street, Maidstone ME14 1PF01622 683548Doors 7pm, show 8:30pm unless statedFri 3 Apr: STACEY KENT £40 Sat 11 Apr: PETER WHITE £25Thu 16 Apr: PAUL DUNTON PRESENTS. £7Fri 17 Apr: GOOSEBUMPS Doors at 6:30pm. £12Sat 18 Apr: PIZZA EXPRESS ALL STARS REUNION 2015 £15Fri 24 Apr: S.E.L LIVE £12Sat 25 Apr: KYLE EASTWOOD Son of Clint. Virtuoso jazz bassist. £24Thu 30 Apr: MAIDSTONE FRINGE 2015: PAUL DUNTON PRESENTS. Show 8pm. £7pizzaexpresslive.co.uk

POCO LOCO58-60 High Street, Chatham ME4 4DS 01634 844 198Thu 2 Apr: SOUL CAPITAL JAM NIGHTFri 3 Apr: SMALL TOWN MISFITS + GuestsSat 4 Apr: THE OBJECTORSFri 10 Apr 9pm: TIMEBOMB: UNKNOWN REPORT with a number of new to Poco live acts CORIDOR, LAST MINUTE LOBSTER, BEXX, VIEW FROM THE SKYLINEpocolive.com

JAZZ AT THE 144 CLUBThe Roffen, 41 New RoadRochester ME1 1DXDoors 7.15pm, show 8.15pmWed 8 Apr: 144Club at the Roffen featuring JENNY HOWE & THE TINSEL TOWN BIG BAND. Book online or pay on the door. Enquiries: [email protected] . £13 (non-members without meal). Meal and membership deals also available.144club.co.uk

SUN PIER HOUSEMedway Street, Chatham ME4 4HF 01634 812805First Thursday of every month 7pm til lateThurs 2 Apr: OPEN MIC NIGHT with SunSpot Act: UNKNOWN REPORT £2, free to performersSat 4 & Sun 5 Apr: RATS BAY SHINDIG: BUSKERS BALCONY 10am-4pmsunpierhouse.co.uk

THE WHITE HORSE46 London Road, Maidstone, ME16 8QLJam night every Sunday with full backline supplied.01622 752141Sat 4 Apr: TWANG RUMBLE BANGSat 11 Apr: FAMILY AFFAIRSat 18 Apr: THE PULSATORSFri 24 Apr: CREEQUE ALLYEwhitehorsemaidstone.co.uk

THE WOODVILLEWoodville PlaceGravesend DA12 1DDBox Office: 08422 [email protected] 23 Apr 1pm: Lunchtime Classical Concert: CHOI-FOX DUO Brahms & Beethoven. £5woodville.co.uk

festival 2015

ROCHESTER

2-4 MAY

Enjoy one of the largest May Day celebrations of its kind with a fantastic selection of highlights, including Morris dancing, folk music and family fun activities. This ever popular festival has established itself as one of the major festivals in Medway's calendar and attracts thousands of people every year from all parts of the country.

MAIDSTONE FRINGE FESTIVALrock, indie and pop-punk, acoustic, blues, contemporary folk, funk, soul, dance and hip-hopwww.maidstonefringe.com

30 APR - 4 MAY

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BROOK THEATREOld Town Hall, Chatham ME4 4SE 01634 338338. E: [email protected] 22 & Thu 23 Apr 7.30pm: THE WONDERS OF ALICE presented by The Brook Young People’s Theatre with Play on Words Theatre. Join Alice as she ventures down the rabbit hole. Adapted and devised using circus, puppetry and music for a modern twist on Carroll’s classic. A great night of family entertainment. Tickets £6 (concessions available). medwayticketslive.co.uk

CENTRAL THEATRE170 High Street, Chatham ME4 4AS 01634 338338 E: [email protected] 9- Sat 11 Apr at 7.30pm. Sat mat 2.30pm: WIZARD OF OZ £16.50, £15Fri 24 Apr 7.30pm: PASHA KOVALEV, STRICTLY COME DANCING: LIFE THROUGH DANCE £23, £21medwayticketslive.co.uk

DETLING VILLAGE HALLPilgrims Way, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3EY 01622 730667Thu 23-Sat 25 Apr 7.30pm: BLITHE SPIRIT Noel Coward’s tireless comedy presented by the Detling Players. Tickets £10, £8 concs and £6 children, available from 07842 169 725 or visit detlingplayers.co.uk.

HAZLITT THEATREEarl Street, Maidstone ME14 1PL 01622 75861115 Apr 3pm and 6pm: ROBIN HOOD AND HIS MERRY MEN Easter family pantomime for all. £14, concs £12.50Wed 29 Apr – Sat 1 May all perfs 7.30pm except Fri 1st at 7pm: THE FULL MONTY Based on the 10 times Tony nominated film, Suitable for ages 12+. Wed & Thu £13; Fri and Sat £15. EXCHANGE STUDIO: Fri 17 Apr 2.30pm: Thingumajig Theatre presents THE UGLY DUCKLING Recommended for ages 5+. Hans Christian Anderson’s classic tale

beautifully re-told using puppet characters, live music, captivating story-telling and ‘a generous sprinkling of theatre magic’! £10, concs £8. Running time: 50 minsparkwoodtheatres.co.uk

MARLOWE THEATREThe Friars, Canterbury CT1 2AS 01227 787787See main feature p16.MAIN HOUSE:RECOMMENDED: Mon 30 Mar-Sat 4 Apr 7.30pm, Thu & Sat mat 2.30pm: Daphne du Maurier’s REBECCA adapted and performed by acclaimed theatre company, Kneehigh. £14.50-£34, conc £3 offTue 14-Sat 25 Apr eves 7.30pm, Thu & Sat mat 2.30pm: TOP HAT With music and lyrics by Irving Berlin and based on RKO’s classic motion picture, what’s not to like!£15.50-£46.50, concs availableFri 17 Apr 10.30am & 4.30pm; Sat 18 Apr 10.30am; Sun 19 Apr 11am & 2.30pm: DINOSAUR ZOO Direct from the West End, dinosaurs are brought to the stage ‘as you’ve never seen them before’! For all ages 3+. Runs 50 mins. Danger seats (front row!) £15, £12.50.

THE MARLOWE STUDIO: Thu 16 and Fri 17 Apr 8pm: NURSING LIVES presented by Vamos, one of the UK’s best full mask theatre companies. A wartime tale of bravery and love. Moving and humourous. £12, concs £11. Fri 24 Apr 8pm: Greyscale present GODS ARE FALLEN AND ALL SAFETY GONE An intimate and funny exploration of mother and daughter relationships, played by two highly-skilled male actors. £12, concs £11Fri 1 May 8pm: Rhum and Clay present A STRANGE WILD SONG Daft, oddball comedy set in wartime France for children 8+ in this critically acclaimed hit show. £12, concs £11marlowetheatre.com (booking fees apply)

MEDWAY LITTLE THEATRE256 High Street, Rochester ME1 1HYBox Office: 01634 400322Thu 30 Apr – Sat 9 May Doors 7pm, Curtain up 7.30pm: BOEING BOEING by Marc Camoletti, directed by none other than WOW team member, Katie Foster. It’s a riot of a farce! mlt.org.uk

ORCHARD THEATREHome Gardens, Dartford DA1 1ED 01322 220000 Tue 14 Apr 11am, 2pm, 4.30pm & Wed 15 Apr 10.30am: DINOSAUR ZOO See Marlowe Theatre. Danger seats (front row!) £16, £13.50Mon 20-Sat 25 April 7.30pm, Wed & Sat mat 2,30pm: THE FULL MONTY £11-£30Mon 27 Apr-Sat 2 May 7.30pm, Wed and Sat mat 2.30pm: ANYTHING GOES starring Shaun Williamson and Kate Anthony in delightful musical with music by Cole Porter. £26-£39, concs available. Under 18s £10, Mon-Thu. orchardtheatre.co.uk (booking fee applies)

PARKWOOD GREENDeanwood Drive, Rainham ME8 9PNPASSION PLAY - The True Story of EasterGood Friday, 3 April Site opens 1.30pm, perf 2pmFREE (no need to book)

THE WOODVILLE STUDIOWoodville PlaceGravesend DA12 1DDBox Office: 08422 [email protected] 22 Apr 7.30pm: THE TRI-ALS OF DORIAN GRAY Fresh from its triumph in London’s Trafalgar Studios with ‘The Trials of Oscar Wilde’, European

Arts Company returns with their terrific adaptation of Wilde’s only novel, to celebrate the 125th anniversary of its publication. £11-£13, groups of 4 at £9 each.woodville.co.uk

COMEDYBILLABONG CLUBVictoria Street, Rochester ME1 1XJ 07711 713667Doors 7.30pm. Comedy from 8pmThu 30 Apr: YIANNI, AL LUBEL + RIK CARRANZAbillabongcomedyclub.co.uk

BROOK THEATREOld Town Hall, Chatham ME4 4SE 01634 338338. E: [email protected] 9 Apr 7.45pm: LAUGHING BOY COMEDY CLUB: MC KEV MCCARTHY, CAREY MARX + JAMES SHERWOOD + TBA. Strictly over 18s. £11 (meal £3.50 extra)medwayticketslive.co.uk

MARLOWE THEATREThe Friars, Canterbury CT1 2AS 01227 787787MARLOWE STUDIO: Sat 25 Apr 8pm: THE MARLOWE COMEDY CABARET ED GAMBLE with FRANKY HONEYBONE, CHRIS CHOPPING + MARK SMITH Adult themes. £13marlowetheatre.com (booking fees apply)

THE WOODVILLEWoodville PlaceGravesend DA12 1DDBox Office: 08422 439480LAUGHING BOY COMEDY CLUB: PAUL CHOWDHRY Thu 11 Apr 8pm. In the main house, seated at tables of 8. Age limit 16+. £10 (£15 with curry). woodville.co.uk

THEATRE

DANCEFlowDance class for Adults with Learning DifficultiesWednesdays starting April 22Arrive from 10.30am, Class 10.45 – 11.45am£5 per sessionYou are asked to book by emailing Rebecca, [email protected]

Adult Ballet for BeginnersMondays 7 – 8pmSundays 10 – 11am£5 per session

Lunchtime PilatesA Pilates class from beginner level that’s perfect to fit into your lunch break. Tuesdays 12.15 – 1pm£4 per sessionAll the above dance classes held by MDN Dance at Sun Pier House, Medway Street, Chatham, ME4 4HF

PAINT/DRAWRochester & West Kent Art SocietyMeets Wed 1 and 15 April 7pm – 9pm

Sun Pier House, Medway Street, Chatham ME4 4HF

Croquis EventsOpen to all. Croquis is traditionally a French art form involving quick sketching. These events take it a step further by using dancers as models and adding a theme.Saturday 4 April 10.30am - 12pm: Rats Bay Shindig Special

Wednesday 8 April 7 - 8.30pm: Sea and WavesWednesday 13 May 7 - 8.30pm: Circles and Curves£10 per session or £15 if you use their materials.Held at Sun Pier House, Medway Street, Chatham ME4 4HFPlease book by emailing Rebecca, [email protected] Information: therightstepdc.co.uk

SCREEN PRINTINGPaint and personalise a cupWednesday 22 April 7pm-9pm Screen printing onto pottery! Brand new workshop. £22. Suitable for beginners.

Nucleus Arts Centre, Chatham ME4 4BPBook via iprintedthat.com

SPRING CLASSES for adults

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SAVE THE DATE!THE PILGRIM’S WAY ARTISTS 18TH ANNUAL SUMMER EXHIBITIONFriday 15 May to Monday 25 May 2015. Highly thought of annual exhibition held in the magnificent 14th Century tithe barn at Lenham. pilgrimswayartists.org.uk

ARTIZEN @ Equal Earth 15 High Street, Gravesend DA11 OBQ 01474 247973See facebook.com/artiZenn for current show.

THE BEANEY HOUSE OF ART AND KNOWLEDGE18 High Street, Canterbury CT1 2RA 01227 862162Mon to Wed 9am to 5pm, Thu 9am to 7pm, Fri and Sat 9am to 5pm, Sun 10am to 5pmThu 2 Apr to Sun 31 May: LETTING IN THE LIGHT: Ben Sands, a retrospective. Distinctive East Kent printmaker. Free entryTo Mon 6 Apr: KENT ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND PORTRAIT EXHIBITION. Free entryTo Sun 19 Apr: MYSTERY, MAGIC AND MIDNIGHT FEASTS: THE MANY ADVENTURES OF ENID BLYTON Playful and interactive. Pay What You Can. Sat 11 Apr to Mon 4. May: ANIMAL MAGIC: A celebration of birds, beasts and bugs! Free entry thebeaney.co.uk

BELOW 65 GALLERYGilbert & Clark Frame and Print 65 High Street, Maidstone ME14 1SR01622 685146 Free entryOpen 9.30am-4.30pm Mon-Sat To Sat 11 April: VANESSA JAYNE: THE NATURAL PALLETTE. Pin-sharp portraits by award-winning artist. See vanessajaynefineart.com.gilbertandclark.com

DEAF CAT COFFEE BAR & GALLERY83 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LXOpen all week 9.30am-5pm01634 830789ROLLING EXHIBITIONthedeafcat.com

FRANCIS ILES GALLERIES103 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX 01634 843081Opens Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm. Free entrySPRING EXHIBITION: Living Landscapes & Equine Sculpture featuring Brian Bennett, Jeremy Sanders, Jack Frame and Belinda Sillars. See website for full details. francis-iles.com

GRIND COFFEE HOUSE1 Appledore CourtHildenborough Crescent, Allington ME16 OPAMon-Sat 8am-4pmArtworks by Maidstone Visual Artists Network. grindcoffeehouse.co.uk

GUILDHALL MUSEUM High Street, Rochester ME1 1PY 01634 332680Open Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. Free entry. To 21 June: SPENCELAYH Terrific Rochester-born artist. See p8 for related children’s workshops. To 11 Sept: GREAT EXPECTATIONS: The Seaton Tool Chest (permanent collection) and film by Adam Chodzko. guildhallmuseumrochester.co.uk

HORSEBRIDGE ARTS AND COMMUNITY CENTRE11 Horsebridge Road, Whitstable CT5 1AF 01227 281174Free admission and refreshmentsSun 26 Apr 1-5pm: SCRATCHING THE ITCH Rochester-based art group APART present new artworks for sale. horsebridge-centre.org.uk

MAIDSTONE MUSEUM & BENTLIF ART GALLERYSt Faith’s St, Maidstone ME14 1LH. 01622 602838Opens Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, closed Sun & Bank HolidaysTo Sun 3 May: BENTLIF OPEN ART PRIZE 2015 See Main Feature page 16. Free entrymuseum.maidstone.gov.uk

NO.1 SMITHERY@THE HISTORIC DOCKYARD CHATHAM ME4 4TY (Sat Nav)01634 823800Open 10am-4pm; and to 6pm from 28 Mar. Entry included in

normal admission price. To 31 May: HMS VICTORY: The Untold Story Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the launch of HMS Victory at Chatham. thedockyard.co.uk

NUCLEUS ARTS272 High Street, Chatham ME4 4BP 01634 812108 Gallery: Mon- 10am-4pm (café to 5.30pm) Closed Sun. Free entry. All welcome to show previews. Changing exhibitions of caliber in this white space art gallery. See website for details. nucleusarts.com

NUCLEUS ARTS ROCHESTER 75 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX Open 8am-5pm Mon-Fri; Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 11-4pm01634 812108. Shop gallery, café and garden.

NUCLEUS ARTS MAIDSTONEGabriel’s Hill, Maidstone ME15 6JR Open 8am-5pm Mon-Fri; Sat 9am-5pm. Closed Sunday.01622 690337. Popular café, arts hub and gallery.

ROCHESTER ART GALLERY & CRAFT CASEMedway Visitor Information Centre, 95 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10.30am-5.00pm Free entryFri 3 Apr to Sun 31 May: DATA Selection of works exploring systems of knowledge and information, initially commissioned by the Contemporary Art Society and curated by Shiri Shalmy. Thu 2 Apr 6.30pm: Preview & Opening performance by Tom Richards.

ROYAL ENGINEERS MUSEUMPrince Arthur Road, Gillingham ME7 1URTel: 01634 822839Open Tue-Fri 9am-5pm; Sat, Sun & Bank Hol: 11.30am-5pmTo Sun 12 Apr: KAN presents ARTEFACT. To 26 April: THE ART OF MAPPING From Tue 28 Apr: THROUGH OUR EYES Art from the Kent Association for the Blind, based on the collection. Normal admission charges apply. re-museum.co.uk

SUN PIER HOUSEMedway Street, Chatham ME4 4HF 01634 401549Open Tue-Sun 10am - 4pm Closed Mon. Currently no disabled access. Fri 3- Thu 30 Apr: THE CONTEMPORARY OPEN (TCO) Open call exhibition in all art forms. Free entry. Private view: Fri 3 Apr 6-9pm, all welcome. sunpierhouse.co.uk

ST ANDREWS ARTS CENTRERoyal Pier Rd Gravesend DA12 2BD. Free entrySat 4 and Sun 5 Apr 11-5pm: DARRELL HAWKINS: New paintings ‘A boldness of colour is a hallmark of Darrell Hawkin’s work… ‘(Huffington Post)Sat 18 and Sun 19 Apr 10am-5pm: CIRCINATE VERANATION Photography, 3d masks, pencil portraits, craft & mixed media from Odin Wolf Moon, Jay Pritchard, Lynda Davis and Matt McCloud. Performance by Matt McCloud on Sat at 1pm. Preview: Fri 17 April 8pm.

STEPHEN OLIVER STUDIO & GALLERYOrchards Shopping Centre, High Street Dartford DA1 1DNOpen Thu-Sun 10am-4pm; Sat to 5pm. Affordable artwork celebrating 150 years of Alice in Wonderland.stephen-oliver-art.co.uk

THE SOUTH GALLERIES Royal Star Arcade Maidstone ME14 1JL07500 604780Open: Wed, Thu, Fri 11-4pm; Sat 10am-5pm; Sun by appointment onlyBespoke fine art. Private commissions. Art Lessons. Email: [email protected]

WHAT IF..? GALLERY67 High streetDartford DA1 1DJ 07948 557464Open 10am-5pm daily. Free entryTo Sat 11 Apr: SAMUEL CAPELL: ‘We Live To Eat’. A wry look at the temptations of fast food. Private view: Fri 3 April 6pm - 8:30pm. samuelcapell.co.uk

VISUAL ART

Adventive Crater Formed by Flank Eruptions (2006)photo-etching on paper. Courtesy of Federica Schiavo

Gallery, Rome Salavatore Arancio

3 April > 31 May 2015

DataWorks by Salvatore Arancio, James Brooks, Leo Fitzmaurice, Helen Kincaid, Noa Lidor and Tom Richards

Rochester Art Gallery and Craft Case Medway Visitor Information Centre, Ground Floor, 95 High Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1LX

Open Mon to Sat 10am – 5pm, Sun 10.30am – 5pmOpening times may vary during bank holidays, please check in advance.

Free admission

www.enjoymedway.co.ukPhone 01634 338319 or email [email protected]

DataWorks by Salvatore Arancio, James Brooks, Leo Fitzmaurice, Helen Kincaid, Noa Lidor and Tom RichardsRochester Art Gallery and Craft Case, Medway Visitor Information Centre, Ground Floor, 95 High Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1LXOpen Mon to Sat 10am – 5pm, Sun 10.30am – 5pmOpening times may vary during bank holidays, please check in advance.Free admission www.enjoymedway.co.uk Phone 01634 338319 or email [email protected]

3 April > 31 May 2015

SITTINGBOURNE CONTEMPORARY ART STUDIOAFFORDABLE, TUTORED ART CLASSES IN SWALE

Mon (weekly) 7-9pm: Watercolour Class £5Tues (weekly) 7-9pm: Life Drawing Class £10Wed (fortnightly) 9-11am: Drawing for Beginners £10Thurs (weekly) 7-9pm: Watercolour Class £5Sat (fortnightly) 10am-12 noon: Open Lesson £5

Contact: [email protected] Mob: 07722 892638Unit 7, Drywall, Castle Road, Sittingbourne ME10 3RXtillys-art.co.uk

Sat 4 Apr – Spring EnergizerSat 2 May – The Four BodiesSat 6 June – Summer Fire

Gillingham Sunlight CentreAll workshops 10am – 12pm Cost £[email protected] www.gemyoga.co.uk

Gem Yoga Workshops

OFFERTORIUM

BRITTEN & IRELAND

Ruth Dent presents an exhibition of work inspired by the music of Benjamin Britten and John Ireland at Nucleus Arts Gallery, Chatham.

The exhibition includes the artist’s new series of prints created in response to Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem, and her original Te Deum Seasons Series paintings, never before exhibited. These were inspired by John Ireland’s Te Deum in F and are being exhibited for the first time. Ruth’s Te Deum Seasons Scarves will also be on show.

‘Britten & Ireland’ runs at Nucleus Arts Gallery, 272 High Street, Chatham, ME4 4BP from Saturday 18 April to Wednesday 29 April, open from 10am to 4pm each day; closed Sundays. Private View: Friday 17 April 6pm to 8pm.

The artist will be in the gallery on Saturday 18 and 25 April, and other times by arrangement, please email [email protected] or telephone 07767 824825.

ruthdent.com

BY RUTH DENT

THE ARTIST’S SPACE

Screenprint and Linocut, 33 x 50cm, from Britten War Requiem Prints

High Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1PYPhone: 01634 332680www.guildhallmuseumrochester.co.uk

�e Guildhall Museum

a Rochester artist. 31 January - 21 June

Check our website for more details.

SPENCELAYHDiscover the amazing work of Charles Spencelayh

Museum activities for children in April...Future tech. 7 and 16 April. £2 per child.Design crazy wearable science fiction devices.

Brooches and badges. 8 and 14 April. £1 per child.Study amazing Victorian jewellery, and make your own piece.

Headwear. 9 and 13 April. £1 per child.Crowns, tiaras, hair ornaments and more.

Eyewear. 10 and 15 April. £1 per child.Make a pair of folding lorgnettes.

Great People, Great Place, Great Opportunity

Bentlif Open Art Prize2015actively supporting talented artists

The Bentlif Open Art Prize is kindly sponsored by Brachers, DHA Group and Sibley Pares

Exhibition 14 March - 3 May

Bentlif Open Art Prize showcases work from artists in the South East.

This is the fourth time the competition has been held since 2006, providing a platform for artists of 18 and over to exhibit and sell original work.

The work is hugely diverse in both media and style and provides the opportunity for visitors to buy a unique piece of art.

Exhibition Admission FREE See the Museum website for opening times

Image: Bonnie and Clyde by John Dupret, Brighton. Highly Commended, Bentlif Prize 2012.

Museum Late - 26 March

17:30 - 19:00An opportunity to watch two short films of Maidstone made in the 1930s in our licensed café/bar. See and hear about our wonderful collection of film and photos from our curators and create your own historic photo.

Admission Free Please note some activities may incur a charge.

facebook.com/MaidstoneMuseum@MaidstoneMuseum

www.museum.maidstone.gov.ukp 01622 602838

Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery,St Faith’s Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 4BH

Historic Films and Photos

Museum Late – 30 April18:00 – 21:00In celebration of Japan’s famous cherry blossom season. Have a go at Manga, hear about our Japanese collections form the curators and create a cherry blossom buttonhole to take home. Admission FreePlease note some activities may incur a charge

WOW April 2015

Documents

Transcript of WOW April 2015