WOW March 2014

A Co-educational Day and Boarding School

Year 7 to Sixth Form Star Hill, Rochester, ME1 1XF 01634 828115 rochester-college.orgyour complete journey to academic success

• Non-selective & high performing • Average class size 8 • No school uniform • Very wide range of subjects• Preparation for competitive university courses eg Medicine, Dentistry & Oxbridge •Art, Film & Media specialists

*Plus INTENSIVE EASTER REVISION COURSES • GCSE, AS & A2 • 7 - 18 APRIL 2014

CONTENTS

4 WELCOME5 BEG BORROW OR STEAL6 NEWS10 LOOKOUT 2113 CLASSES & WORKSHOPS14 WOW READER SURVEY

RESULTS16 PINUP PAYBACK18 FILM19 NICK WALKER20 MUSIC 1

21 PRESENCE IN MIND: REVIEW22 MUSIC 223 BEN CAMERON24 RATS BAY SHINDIG26 THEATRE/COMEDY27 GRAVESEND ARTS

CONSORTIUM28 VISUAL ART30 STUART TURNER: REVIEW31 THE ARTIST’S SPACE

What thereaderssaid

Wendy Cottam is a multimedia artist, singer and founder of Gravesend Arts Consortium. After graduating from UCA Canterbury last year Wendy has continued her own practice whilst engaging with local artists to establish a creative hub in her local community. Find her on indigoeyes.me or on Facebook.

Phil Dillon is a former Medway musician turned photographer best known for his work with bands such as Groovy Uncle, Theatre Royal, The Lovedays and Stuart Turner and the Flat Earth Society. He was principal protagonist in the creative collective, Medway Eyes, for many years and in 2013 co-founded independent Medway music festival, Homespun.

Philip Dodd is an author who lives in Rochester. As a publisher, editor and writer he has worked on books with the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason and The Choir’s Gareth Malone. His own contemporary jazz group, the Philip Dodd Quartet, has most recently performed at the 606 Club in Chelsea. Twitter: @thephilipdodd. Web: philipdodd.com

Nick Walker is the director of the Rochester Film Society, screening Contemporary World Cinema and classics at various venues around Medway. Nick previously wrote for the Guardian, was director of National Schools Film Week and is currently a freelance writer, teacher and film cinema/festival programmer. For more information on the Rochester Film Society visit rochesterfilmsociety.co.uk

Holly-Mae Worf is a Rochester based film maker and aspiring novelist. She co-founded PinUp Payback in 2013 to improve the representation of women in media and now works as Press Officer and Treasurer for the organisation. Assistant Editor for the upcoming Medway based women’s magazine Big Sister and Co-Creator of the Medway Big Sister smart phone application. [email protected] . pinuppayback.com

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

This month WOW magazine is truly proud to be supporting ‘fun, feminist NGO’ PinUp PayBack in the launch of their smartphone app. It makes perfect sense that, hand in hand with encouraging readers to go out and enjoy the great wealth of activities on offer, we should also strive to make our streets safer for our daughters, mothers, grandmothers and friends to do just that.

Positively crammed with creative offerings, you can also read the results of the WOW Reader Survey in this issue, find yourself a class or five and fill your diary every night of the week with your pick of the regular listings. Enjoy!

Emma Dewhurst [email protected]

Find us on Facebookfacebook.com/WOWMedway

@EmmaDewhurst7

CONTRIBUTORS

WOW magazine is printed on 100% recycled paper

EDITORIAL: [email protected] 388 2243 (local rate from BT landlines)

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 Throw astonesthrowdesign.co.uk

PRINTING: The Colour Factory Ltd, Sittingbourne, 01795 470 825, www.colour-factory.com

PUBLISHER: Emma Dewhurst

WEBSITE: wowkent.co.uk

Current print circulation: 7000 copies

Distribution: Medway Towns, Maidstone & Gravesend

Copy/listings deadline for March issue:Thursday 20 April 2014

©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.

wowkent.co.uk

AMBASSADORS PLEASE!

If you love the magazine please become a WOW ambassador and mention it, especially if you use any of its advertised services, or attend an event because you saw it in the magazine. Thank you.

PHOTOGRAPH OF THE EDITOR BY RIKARD ÖSTERLUND

5BEG, BORROW OR STEAL!THE EDITOR’S WISH LISTMY TOP FIVE PROBABLY WON’T BE YOURS, BUT HERE’S WHAT I’D BE ELBOWING PEOPLE OUT OF THE WAY FOR THIS MONTH, IF I HAD BUT WORLD ENOUGH AND TIME...

FILM: THE STORY OF VERNON AND IRENE CASTLEThursday 6 March, 7pm for 7.30pmBaptist Hall, Crow Lane, RochesterSaturday afternoon movie classics, watched hugging a paper bagful of sherbet lemons, were a highlight of my childhood. (And for me it’s always Astaire over Kelly, every time). See Film listings for details.

THEATRE: CHOOSE YOUR OWN DOCUMENTARY Friday 28 March at 8pmHazlitt Arts Centre’s Exchange Studio, MaidstoneThis show is touring the UK after a successful run at London’s Soho Theatre, which rarely produces anything less than interesting. Inspired by the Choose Your Own Adventure books of the 80s, the show blends stand-up storytelling and filmed documentary, and, true to the title, you get to choose the way it goes. See Theatre listings for details.

And finally... I would if I could, take Maggie Thatcher to

BRASSED OFF Orchard Theatre, DartfordTuesday 1 April to Saturday 5 April: 7.30pm (Wed 7pm) + Wed mat 1.30pm & Sat mat 2.30pm. You may remember that Brassed Off was originally a film starring Pete Postlethwaite and Ewan McGregor. The production is rumoured to feature Medway’s very own Brass Band in a bit of a starring role. Expect strong storytelling in this bittersweet drama staged this year to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike. See Theatre listings for details.

MUSIC: ARCELIASaturday 8 March, hatches open 6.45pmAboard Thames Barge Edith May, Lower Halstow DockBelow decks on the Edith May is the perfect setting to hear healing trio Arcelia (an old Spanish word which means ‘treasure chest’). Beautiful songwriting, gentle acoustics and heart. Their debut album, ‘Wrap Your Bones’, is due for release next month. See Music listings for details.

DANCE: BALLETBOYZ: THE TALENT 2014Monday 10 March at 7.30pmOrchard Theatre, DartfordSimply unmissable. Uplifting, thought-provoking and beautiful. This show ticks every box going, with fearless contemporary choreography which silenced a deafeningly excited young audience within seconds when I was in the audience last year. Get on the train and go (only 30 minutes from Medway and the Orchard is two minutes from the station). See Theatre listings for details.

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WHEELIE GOOD TIMESA fun family event on Saturday 29 March, 1pm-4pm

Pimp your bicycle or scooter!

The event gets off to a flying start with a performance from Dizzy O’Dare, followed by the chance to transform your bicycles (spoke décor, helmet horns/wings, number plates etc) with FREE arts and craft workshops! There will also be a Bikeability team at the event with a circuit for kids to cycle around. The day is supported by a Small Experiments grant from Ideas Test.

Where: The car park, Sun Pier House, ChathamDON’T FORGET TO BRING YOUR BICYCLE (OR SCOOTER!)More information at facebook.com/wheeliegoodtimes

Lest We Forget A TEXTILES TASTER WORKSHOP Saturday 22 March, drop-in between 10am-4pmHoo Library, Church Street, Hoo ME3 9AL

Textiles artist Jenni Burrows is running this taster day as part of an intergenerational project supported by Ideas Test called ‘Lest We Forget’ which aims to integrate older and younger generations through creative making to celebrate the community of rural Medway in outlying villages.

The project will embrace a skills share between a group of ten young people (11-18) and a group of ten elders over the age of 65. The main workshop sessions, which run between March and October 2014, will see the elders teaching embroidery to the young people, who in turn will teach felt making to the elders. The group will make ten large sculptural, hand-made felt poppies with embroidered quotes from visiting soldiers to mark the centenary of World War One, representing each decade and a campaign since the War. Once completed, the poppies will be installed around the Medway area. Everyone is welcome to the taster day – just drop in.

jenniburrowscontemporarytextiles.co.uk

PUBLIC AND PRIVATE CLASSES FOR ALL ABILITIESTue 7-8pm: Gillingham Sunlight CentreThu 10-11am: White Road Community CentreAll classes are £5. Mats are provided. Please wear baggy clothing.

YOGA PARTIES – GROUP BOOKINGS – WORKSHOPS also offered Email: [email protected] Tel: 07746721603

Gem yogawww.gemyoga.co.uk

St. Peter’s Prayer WalkA FANTASTIC PUBLIC ART COMMISSION OPEN TO YOUNG ARTISTS

The St. Peter’s Prayer Walk is a public art project developed in partnership by Bredhurst Church and Medway Open Studios to create a series of installations as part of a permanent Prayer Walk at St. Peter’s Church in Bredhurst.

One commission of £2,000 will be offered to a young artist (under 21 years old) or recent graduate (graduated in the past 5 years) for the opportunity to develop, design and deliver outdoor art for a woodland site alongside St. Peter’s Church. In addition to the £2,000 commission, the awarded artist will also be offered a free studio space at Sun Pier House in Chatham for the duration of the project.

For applicant criteria, project timeline (between April and July 2014) and application form contact Heather Burgess, Medway Open Studios & Arts Festival, Sun Pier House, Sun Wharf, Medway Street, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4HF. Email [email protected]. Deadline for submissions is 5pm on Friday 21 March 2014.

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SAVE THE DATE!LOVE SHEPPEY X 2014 will be held on Saturday 23 August at Barton’s Point Coastal Park. An art and craft, natural and cultural heritage event celebrating Sheppey and the surrounding area.

This year’s LOVE SHEPPEY X event will be even bigger and better than its first outing in the summer of 2013, thanks to an Ideas Test Community Catalyst grant awarded to Love Sheppey’s founder, artist Laurie Harpum. WOW had a little part to play in this! Read on...

“Last year we had 30 artists exhibiting and a number of nature and cultural heritage organisations,” says Harpum. “The event was started with the goodwill of the people of Sheppey and a Small Experiment grant from Ideas Test. The initial idea was germinating in my mind when a friend gave me WOW early in 2013 and your editorial mentioned CPP grants. That made me look into them and subsequently have one awarded to me. I had never seen WOW before that but once you pick it up you always go back for the next issue.

“This year with the help of a CPP Community Catalyst grant I will be able to hire a marquee large enough to cover many more exhibitors and aim to see the event day grow. The venue of LSX2014 is Barton’s Point Coastal Park, Sheerness. Mandy Shade who runs the Park has also been awarded a Community Catalyst grant. It is to install a chainsaw sculpture trail so this year there will be the added interest of that.

I can be contacted on [email protected] or there is a Love Sheppey X Facebook Page or you can visit www.lovesheppeyx.com to keep up to date.”

PI & LEGO Sunday 23 March @coFWD

161 High Street, Rochester ME1

A day of playing with lego and/or Raspberry Pi’s.

All ages welcome.

Booking required at pi-and-lego.eventbrite.co.uk

SAVE THE DATE

HATCHAs readers may know, WOW’s editor Emma Dewhurst was awarded one of a hundred places funded by KCC on the year-long School for Creative Startups 2013-14 business course. She has been attending the course modules (and trying to keep up with homework) since October of last year. In May the course culminates in Hatch, a very special startup showcase event in London, where all 100 Kent businesses and all 100 London businesses taking the course come together to showcase their wares, pitch to investors and take part in TED-style professional development talks. Every reader is invited! Ticket information to follow but for now please save the date – come along and support!

Hatch takes place over the weekend of Sat 31 May and Sunday 1 June, on the site of the old Selfridges hotel, central London.

schoolforcreativestartups.com

LOVE SHEPPEY X 2014

‘SWEET SHOP ON THE SHORE’Tue 11 Mar 7.30pm for 8pm startHastings Arms, 18 Lower Road, Gillingham ME7 2YDStories from the landscape of childhood inspired by village life by the River Lee. Awarded ‘Outstanding Storytelling Experience of 2012’ by the British Awards for Storytelling Excellence.

TELLING talesSTORYTELLING FOR ADULTSKATE CORKERY

FREELANCER, HOME WORKER OR ENTREPRENEURIAL WIZARD? Then mark down Friday 28 March in your diary as the good folk at coFWD want to meet you. The last Friday of each month is ‘Jelly’ - an open day where you’re welcome to visit the space and try coworking for free. If you’re tired of talking to the cat or fancy a day away from your usual desk, visit the coFWD website for more information: cofwd.org/jelly

Phoenix Fairs are hosting a VINTAGE AND COLLECTABLES FAIR at Chatham Historic Dockyard on the first Sunday of every month. First date for 2014 is 2nd March. Find them on Facebook.

RECOLLECT MUSIC FAIR: Sunday 16 March, 9.30am-3.30pm at Rainham Mark Social Club, opposite Tesco Superstore ME8 6YX. Admission £1, refreshments and free parking. Information and bookings: 07715 635152

FAIRS

This is Medway’s newest and loudest tourist experience. Explore the history and heritage of the River Medway on this incredible sightseeing journey. Our commentated tours leave every 2 hours during weekends, from the new Sun pier at Chatham, where your discovery will include the Historic Dockyard, Upnor Castle, Cookham Fort and the estuary islands.

Adults £31.50 • Children £21.50 • Family (2+2) £100

Private hire and other trips available, see jetstreamtours.com for more

details and bookings

new&exciting

Explore the River Medway on this Wet & Wild Boat Tour!

Join us on this unforgettable Jet boat

adventure!

Scan here to bookFOR THE FALLENFREE Film making and Heritage WorkshopsViolafilms (‘Magwitch’) in partnership with Royal Engineers’ Museum and Blue Town Heritage, Sheppey are running a series of free film making workshops with top industry professionals to enable participants to make their own film inspired by WW1 and learn valuable skills along the way. The organisers are looking to inspire the next generation of storytellers of all ages and will be running masterclasses in directing, acting, scriptwriting and more to tell real stories about real lives, past and present.

WHENSat 29 March: Blue Town Heritage Centre, SheppeySat 5 April: Royal Engineers MuseumSat 12 April: Royal Engineers Museum

TIME: 11am-5pm. Free transport to venues is available

Open to all ages, no experience needed.

For full details and to apply contact Rebecca Gazey, Community Engagement and Learning Officer at the Royal Engineers Museum, on 01634 822312 or [email protected]

GODINTON HOUSE IS OPEN!Apologies for the gremlin which crept into Godinton House’s contact details last month, erroneously pointing you in the direction of a driving school...

The House is once again open to visitors from 1 March. There are two garden workshops running this month: Spring Propagation on 1 March and Spring Pruning and Garden Tasks on 15 March. Workshops run 9.30am-2.30pm and include coffee and refreshments on arrival and a light lunch. Cost: £55.

(Correct) contact details are as follows:Email: [email protected]: 01233 643854godintonhouse.co.uk

If you love your mum...Sweetpea and Olive has the answer to your

perfect gift on March 30th

118 Maidstone Road, Rochester ME1 3DTTel: 01634 843024 sweetpeaandolive.co.uk

Serving the highest quality coffees, teas, hot chocolate and French pastries made

on the premises by award winning pastry chef, Bruno Breillet

“Rochester’s Best Kept Secret”

12a High Street Rochester ME1 1PTHours: Tue - Sat 9am-6pm; closed Mondays

Late opening til 9pm on Thursdays

T: 01634 780 506www.brunosfrenchbakes.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/brunosfrenchbakesTwitter: @brunofrenchbake

Large stockists of: Fence Panels

Trellis & LatticeTimber Posts

SleepersGates

DeckingWire Fencing

Concrete productsArches & ArboursGarden Furniture

Sheds/Log Cabins

Get your garden into shape this Spring withChallenge Fencing

Workshop for Custom Gates 217-223 Sutton RoadMaidstone. Kent. ME15 9BJ (opp Police HQ)

www.challengefencing.com

1st for Choice, Quality & Service

01622 611 988

Over 60? Tues 10% off

Workshop for M2M sizes Mon-Fri 7.30-5pmSat 8-1pm

Indoor Display

LOOKOUT 21PAIVI SEPPALA DESCRIBES A MOST ‘OUT OF THE ORDINARY’ PROJECT

Lookout [ˈlʊkˌaʊt] A vantage point with a view of the surrounding area; an observation post from which to keep watch or view landscape; a structure commanding a wide view of its surroundings.

It’s sometimes difficult to find time in our busy everyday lives to observe and explore our immediate surroundings; to take in the neighbourhood, enjoy the delights, act on dislikes and reflect on the constant changes taking place around us.

Lookout 21 is an arts programme that invites local people of all backgrounds, ages, abilities and interests to occupy and take command of the unique bridge space aboard historic Lightship LV21 and do just that – look around, get inspired and develop ideas together with professional artists.

The Lookout aboard LV21 is much more than just a ship’s wheelhouse: it’s an observatory, a retreat for reflection, a laboratory for testing new ideas, a meeting place for swapping stories, sharing skills and building lasting

partnerships. But most of all, it is an outlet for local people to celebrate what’s on our doorsteps, share dreams and work on their most remarkable creative ideas for improving access to great arts for all.

The simple instruction to the people checking into the Lookout is to use the opportunity to imagine and test out ideas to produce something new that will have an impact locally and can be shared with others at the end of the residency – a piece of artwork, a performance or an idea to take forward…

To date the project has gathered a bumper catch of unique proposals from the local community, both individuals and organisations. During the first phase in September 2013-April 2014 a number of community representatives and artists have checked into the Lookout to nurture some of these ideas, each with a very different focus and outcomes.

RESIDENCY IRADIO ARTS & COLIN TURNER (G3VTT)

The first residency saw DJ musician/producer Jim Backhouse and radio lecturer/producer/artist Magz Hall from Radio Arts join forces with Rainham resident Colin Turner.

Colin regularly operates morse code and marine VHF from the radio room aboard LV21 and hosts soldering and radio building workshops for all ages. He has a passion for all things radio and enjoys passing on his engineering skills and knowledge. He wanted to test how his practical radio skills could be of use to introduce radio arts to new audiences. Radio Arts, a company promoting radio as a site for creative experimentation and intervention, proved to be a perfect match for Colin’s experiment.

The collaboration led to the production of a site-specific audio tapestry of Medway Sounds, including a Human Foghorn and a series of practical radio building as well as radio and sound art focused workshops. If you would like to listen or contribute new sounds please visit the project website.

RESIDENCY IIWENDY DAWS, UNDERGROUND PEARL & KENT AUTISTIC TRUST

At the start of 2014, Medway based visual artist Wendy Daws and visual arts organisation Underground Pearl, run by artists Katryn Saqui, Loren Beven and fisherman Nigel Clements, checked into the Lookout to work on a range of arts activities and creative experiences with the staff and service users from the Kent Autistic Trust.

KAT is an organisation which offers individual, person-centred solutions of support for adults with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and their families. The emphasis of this collaboration is on allowing the participants to choose their own creative paths and building on their individual interests, while at the same time challenging them to try something new and different. The participants have embraced the opportunity to observe and be inspired by their local surroundings whilst experiencing the unique and somewhat challenging environment of LV21 during their twice-weekly work shops. The collaboration has allowed participating artists-in-residence to reflect on their professional practice, too:

Wendy Daws: ““The time onboard…has given me an insight to autism and a lead to new ways of engaging and, I hope, making art more accessible.”

Christine Edwards-Daem, KAT Operational Manager for Medway: “It was a bit scary in the beginning because we did not know what to expect. How was this going to work? …but it did! It has surpassed every expectation!

“Everyone has been experiencing the Ship experience in a very different way... Some people have just been amazed, others have found it very funny and again some people have just found it magical and can’t stop mentioning the SHIP and the Captain!”

RESIDENCY IIIDIZZY O’DARE & THE NEALE FAMILY

The third residency launching in mid March is led by three generations of a local family – Robin, daughter Melissa and grandson Aston. They will embark on an imaginary journey of exploration and discovery with Dizzy O’Dare, local theatre company producing street theatre and circus shows, run by tightwire walker/producer Alana Jones and actor/entertainer Michael Imerson, to share some of the remarkable stories surrounding River Medway.

It’s early days but glimpses of a truly ‘out of the ordinary’ interactive theatre piece and an exhibition showcasing Robin’s vast private collection of photographs, drawings and memorabilia of the Gillingham Pier area are emerging.

“Some partnerships just work, allowing ideas to flourish,” says Michael Imerson. “You find yourself pushing your artistic boundaries - this partnership most definitely does that!”

To share learning and inspire people to develop their own project ideas beyond LV21, a small network of temporary onshore pop-up Lookout Posts led by local residents and artists are popping-up across Medway. If you would like to submit your own Lookout 21 proposal or run a pop-up workshop please email [email protected].

The next Lookout event is ShipShapeUp, held on Saturday 8 March 11am-4pm aboard LV21. Join the artists and KAT participants to find out more about the programme whilst tucking in on some suitably nautical nibbles and refreshments.

For more information: lookout21.co.uklv21.co.uk

The renovation of LV21 is an ongoing process and as such some areas are not accessible. Please wear flat, non-slip shoes. Under 16s must be accompanied at all times.

Lookout is one of four ‘Out of the Ordinary’ projects supported by Ideas Test, an Arts Council England funded Creative People and Places programme creativepeopleplace.info.

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renew and restorestained glass design and restoration

based in rochester:design - creation - repair - restoration - installation

steve harries - 0779 608 [email protected]

Thurs: Friends Meeting House (opp. Corn Exchange, Rochester)

6.30-7.45pm

Sat: YOGA FLOW at Dance Junction 9.30-10.30am

ALL LEVELS WELCOMEMats & Blocks provided -

£6 per class

Contact Veena: Tel: 01634 724222 or 07939 573169

Venus yogaBODY, BREATH & MOVEMENT

...puting the pieces together with knowledge, compassion and understanding

Registrant

Suite 9, Cheldgate House

45 High Street

Rochester ME1 1LP

Tel: 01634 828 528

Mobile: 07788 412 701

Email: [email protected]

www.kentpsychotherapist.com

DERI HUGHESMSc MA Dip RSA UKCP reg

Professional Member of Nafsiyat

Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist

YOGA CLASSES, REFLEXOLOGYClasses Mon 8-9:30pm, Wed 7:30-9pm, Thur 10-11:30am

Yoga therapy, 1-2-1s, courses

Yoga, aromatherapy and reflexology adapted for adults with learning disabilities

Bridget Reader [email protected] 077597 www.VitalityTherapies.com

We have daytime and evening vacancies in our

pleasant rooms for long or short-term hire

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS, HEARING LOOP, KITCHEN

Our hirers are sympathetic to Quaker testimonies of Truth, Peace

and Simplicity

Contact: Thelma West 01634 408796

ROOMSTO HIRERochester Quaker Meeting House

ClassesWORKSHOPS for all

&BEADWith the MEDWAY BEADERS Sunday 30 March, 1.30pm - 4pmSun Pier House, Chatham Bead weaving group, new members welcome! For more information email [email protected]

CREATESILVER CLAY WORKSHOP for BeginnersSat 12 April, 10am-1.00pmHope & Chances Creativity, 78 High Street, Gravesend, DA11 0BH Learn the techniques needed to make beautiful 99.9% fine silver jewellery pieces with Sara Wordley.Contact Sara at: www.facebook.com/theskivingscholar to book ahead.

MEDITATEBODHICHARYA KENT is a Buddhist Meditation group based in Rochester. The group meets every Tuesday evening, 8pm to 9.30pm (except last Tuesday of the month)Quaker Meeting House, Northgate, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1LS. For those with an interest in Buddhism who want to find out more to those who would like to learn some meditation methods to apply in their daily life. ‘An open, curious and sceptical mind will be useful’. Everyone is welcome.bodhicharya-kent.org.uk

MOVE AND MAKECREATIVE WORKSHOPS at the Brook TheatreMondays 10am-12 noonBrook Theatre, Old Town Hall, The Brook, Chatham ME4 4SEExplore a different activity each week: try your hand at photography, craft,

drama, puppetry, painting and more. Led by professional artists. Only £1 per session, no experience necessary. To book email: [email protected]: 01634 813179 or 07960 781554icontheatre.org.uk

PERFORMA day of PERFORMANCE WORKSHOPS from The Cabaret ClubOast House Community Centre, Granary Close, Rainham ME8 7SGSaturday 8 MarchPUPPETRY: 10am-1pm with Helen Ainsworth. £8.50BURLESQUE: 2pm-4pm with Miss Maybe. £8.50A combo ticket of £15 available for both the above workshopsDR SKETCHY’S BURLESQUE LIFE DRAWING: 7pm-10.30pm. Life drawing with cocktails to purchase and free cake! £8 + 0.85p booking fee. Book via The Cabaret Club/Dr Sketchy’s Medway on eventbrite.co.uk

SINGYOUTH CHOIREvery Saturday in March, 10am - 11:30amSun Pier House, ChathamThe wonderful T Jae Cole (ex Choir Director with the London Community Gospel Choir) is launching a new choir aimed at 11 to 18 year olds, whose aim is to develop a unique performance as part of the Rats Bay Shindig in April. Also, GOSPEL CHOIR MASTERCLASS Saturday 1 March, 11.30am-4pm, £15 per person

For more information on either of the above email [email protected]

ROCK CHOIRWith local musician Katie Hockley Thursday morning s 10am-11.30amThe Baptist Church, Knightrider Street, Maidstone ME15 6LU Classes also available in various Medway locations, too. Free taster!rockchoir.com

WRITEHAC WRITERS GROUP: PoetryNext sessions: Mon 10 March and Mon 14 April 7.30pm. Hazlitt Arts Centre, Earl Street, Maidstone ME14 Cost: £6Join other writers with an interest in poetry for monthly sessions geared towards improving your writing technique and confidence. Places are limited for each session so book early!For further information please contact Georgie Grassom: [email protected]

OR... POW WOW!Wednesday 5 and Wednesday 19 March, 6.30pm - 9pmSun Pier House, ChathamFREE to attend, and newcomers wanted! The Project Pow Wow is a social evening on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday evening of every month. You’ve heard of Knit and Natter or Stitch & B*tch – well, here all craft and creative projects are welcome. Bring your current project with you to work on or talk about, share ideas and talk through common craft problems....

For more information email [email protected]

13

What the

Editor EMMA DEWHURST takes a look at readers’ responses to the very first WOW magazine Reader Survey

As someone who can be ambivalent about taking surveys herself, I was a little heavy hearted when Chris, the business advisor assigned to me by the School for Creative Startups course I am attending, suggested that I survey my readers to find out what they think. I had no idea that making a survey of WOW’s readers would be such a tonic! I was surprised and uplifted by the results, which reveal a happy community of readers who are overwhelmingly positive about the magazine.

The survey opened in December of last year. Its aim was to find out what readers think about WOW, how you read it and why, how you would like to see it grow and also to gather some information about who the readers of WOW actually are. It is the first survey WOW has conducted since starting up three years ago.

Here’s an insight into the some of the results, based on respondents’ answers. I was struck by how strong a desire there is among readers for more information about opportunities available to them to participate in arts-related learning and activities. There is also a desire for creative professional development opportunites and for interaction with each other: respondents really want to know who is who and who does what in the community

in which they live. It is not all inward-looking, however: 79% of respondents were either ‘interested’ or ‘very interested’ in knowing more about the arts in wider Kent. In terms of the online development of WOW, I received some terrific suggestions for the new website, which it is hoped will launch in April.

I would like to say a huge thank you to all those readers who gave of their time to take part in the survey and thank you too for the great encouragement to keep going and the overall great buzz of love for WOW!

“WOW is unique and long may it be so.”

reader habits40% of respondents have read WOW since it

began and a whopping 77% of you read every

issue! Yay. I am so involved with producing

each issue that it’s sometimes easy to forget

that people actually read the magazine...

readerssaid

Vibrant, informative, colourful, handy, intelligent, local, supportive, creative, happyWHAT WORDS COME TO MIND WHEN YOU THINK OF WOW? OF THE VERY MANY LOVELY WORDS USED TO DESCRIBE WOW, THE ONES WHICH CAME UP MOST OFTEN WERE:

“I love the personal writing style, the quality of paper, the smell of the paper. Finding out hidden excitements going on.”

WHAT YOU’D LIKE TO SEE ON

WOW’S FORTHCOMING NEW

WEBSITE (top 5)

Pages for local artists/makers etc to

showcase their work: 74%

Ability to book tickets to shows, exhibitions,

gigs etc featured in WOW: 60%

Directory of creative businesses: 60%

Day by day arts and entertainment calendar: 71%

‘Find a Creative Partner’ page for your

creative projects: 57%

WHAT YOU’D BE INTERESTED

IN SEEING IN WOW (TOP 5)

List of Top 5 Things to do that month: 55%

More information about arts-related classes: 51%

Professional creative development information/classes: 50%

Classified section for local arts-related businesses/people to say a few words about themselves: 48%

Arts jobs: 46%

WH

AT Y

OUR

FAVO

URIT

E BI

TS A

RE (T

op 5

)

THE COVERS:

45%

MAIN FEATURE ARTICLES:

75%REGULAR LISTINGS PAGES:

73%NEWS PAGES:

56%THE ARTIST’S SPACE:

53%

Vibrant, informative, colourful, handy, intelligent, local, supportive, creative, happy

WHY DO YOU READ WOW?

A selection of answers:“It makes me feel connected to the local community,

even if I don’t actually manage to make it to any

events that month I know what is going on!”“Most informative and accessible source of arts

related activity in area.”“Because I love the quality of the content and it’s the

best local publication I’ve ever read!”“Like L’Oreal, its worth it...”

WHO’S ACTED ON INFORMATION/ADVERTISING SEEN IN WOW?A staggering 85% of you! With 40% of you

having acted more than five times. Wow.

15

PUTTING WOMEN’SSAFETY

WITH THE BIG SISTER APP!WOW magazine is delighted to

be supporting PinUp PayBack, a

new organisation which is making

great strides in its mission to make

Medway a safer place for women

and girls

ON THE MAP

PUTTING WOMEN’S Founder member HOLLY-MAE WORF tells their story

We love Medway! Towns so full of culture, history, community values and potential... though... hang on a moment... lacking something crucial. The safety and wellbeing of women in our towns has been overlooked. Despite its modest size, Medway houses 18% of sexual violence across the whole of Kent and despite high statistics of rape and domestic violence there is no women’s shelter in Medway, no rape crisis centre, no support system for sexual violence survivors and harassment in our night clubs and on our streets is part of everyday life for many women.

Cue PinUp PayBack, a women’s safety organisation founded on the belief that women should be standing up for women. Culturally raised by Buffy Summers and Angela Lansbury, co-founders Candy and Holly-Mae Worf are more than prepared to instigate this. Where others might have accepted a bad situation, the offspring of fictional 90s leading ladies saw opportunity to make a stand (maybe even an inspiring speech), take action and make a difference.

Teamed with a Scooby Gang of socially conscious Rochester residents, Emily Parish, Ollie Crook and Louise Micklewright, the women’s safety, feminist NGO has already taken on and achieved so much! On International Women’s Day (8 March) PinUp PayBack is bringing out the beta version of its long awaited, Medway Big Sister Telephone Application. It is the beginning of a new way of living in Medway for women and girls looking to have a good time and will put women’s safety on the map... Literally!

The application enables women to find out where they are, map where they want to go and identify danger zones and the safest way around them. It will link to the police statistics and will give up to date information about misogynistic crime and harassment in the area while linking you to PinUp PayBack safe spaces.

The Medway Big Sister aims to promote Sisterhood Watch! If you feel uncomfortable or encounter harassment or abuse, put it on the map to let other women know where the problem is. Businesses and local councils will have to act on your views and tackle sexist and abusive behaviour if they want you to come back.

In 2014 PinUp PayBack will be working on a number of initiatives to complement the app and strengthen the effects of their campaign. The organisation is launching a grassroots rape crisis centre; working with Medway Domestic Violence Forum on a huge billboard campaign to confront misogynistic attitudes in Medway; launching a feminist magazine for Medway women; working with students across MidKent College to teach critical thinking in Western culture; campaigning with Gillingham Football Club to ‘tackle’ rape culture; tearing up and recreating all of the sexual violence publications for Medway nightclubs and making Medway a much safer, more culturally enlightened place for women and girls. To take on these projects we need Medway people to stand up for this cause and be involved. Tell your friends, download the app, buy a T-shirt, meet us and tell us what you think we should be working on, volunteer and directly influence change: take a piece of PinUp PayBack and make Medway your own.

All are welcome at the launch of the Medway Big Sister app from 10am on Saturday 8 March at the Nucleus Arts Creative Hub, Military Road, Chatham ME4 4JG. The app will be available to download from this date.

Telephone: 07722 022941 Email: [email protected]: twitter.com/pinuppayback Facebook: facebook.com/pinuppayback Website: pinuppayback.com

F I L MSPECIAL SCREENING by the Friends of Eastgate HouseBaptist Hall, Crow Lane, RochesterTickets: FOEH Members £6; non-members £8 Bookings: 01634 811172. THE STORY OF VERNON AND IRENE CASTLE (1939)Thu 6 Mar 7pm for 7.30pmCast: Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Gorgeous biographical musical comedy. 93 mins

SPECIAL TALK from the Friends of Medway Archives. All Saints Parish Hall, Church Green, Frindsbury ME2 4UR. Members: £3; non-members £5. CINEMAS IN THE MEDWAY TOWNS Speaker Brian JoyceTue 11 Mar 7pm for 7.30pm

LIVE FEEDS AT CINEWORLDMedway Valley Leisure Park, Chariot Way, Strood ME2 2SS. 0871 200 2000Regular screenings of opera, ballet and theatre performances from around the world screened via a live feed, including interviews with the principals, behind the scenes shots and more. For prices please contact Cineworld (10% off with My Cineworld online).

NT LIVE ENCORE: WAR HORSE (12A)Thu 13 Mar 7pm; Tue 18 Mar 7pm; Sat 22 Mar 2.30pmRe-broadcast of this acclaimed production. 180 mins

MET OPERA: WERTHER (Cert tbc)Sat 15 Mar 5.55pmRichard Eyre directs Massenet’s heartbreaking masterpiece.

ROYAL BALLET: THE SLEEPING BEAUTY (U)Wed 19 Mar 7.15pmSignature production with Tchaikovsky’s soaring score. 190 mins

BOLSHOI BALLET: MARCO SPADA (12A)Sun 30 Mar 4pmSwashbuckling pantomime ballet. 170 mins cineworld.co.uk

MAIDSTONE FILM SOCIETYHazlitt Theatre, Earl Street, Maidstone ME14 1PL 01622 753922Diverse range of world cinema. Fixed rate parking in Fremlin Walk after 7pm. Yearly subscription rates: Adult £24; Couples £42; Senior/Student £19; Guest per film £3.50.

NO (15) 2012Mon 24 Mar 8pmDir: Pablo LarraínCast: Gael Garcia Bernal, Alfredo Castro, Antonia ZegersOscar nominated Best Foreign Film set in 1980s Chile. 118 minsmaidstone-film-society.org.uk

ROCHESTER FILM SOCIETY Rochester Film Society screens contemporary world cinema and classics at a number of venues in Medway. The films are introduced and are followed by a post-film discussion over a glass of wine.

CHATHAM ODEON CINEMAMaritime ME4 4LL 0871 2244 007 £9.80 Conc £7.20, student £3.60.

SAVING MR BANKS (PG) 2013Thu 6 Mar 7.45pmDir: John Lee HancockCast: Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Paul GiamattiHow ‘Mary Poppins’ came to be made. 125 mins

THE BUTLER (PG) 2013Thu 13 Mar 7.45pmDir: Lee DanielsCast: Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack. Cecil Gaines served eight US presidents over three decades. 132 mins

ALL IS LOST (PG) 2013Thu 20 Mar 7.45pmDir: J C ChandorCast: Robert RedfordRedford as the sailor fighting for his life at sea. 106 mins

MANDELA: The Long Walk to Freedom (PG) 2013Thu 27 Mar 7.45pm (114 mins)

Dir: Justin ChadwickCast: Idris Elba, Naomie Harris

ROCHESTER PICTURE PALACE Princes Hall, Corn Exchange, Rochester£5.00, Students £3THE SELFISH GIANT (15) 2013Tue 4 Mar 7.30pm Dir: Clio Barnard . Cast: Conner Chapman, Shaun Thomas, Sean Gilder. British social realism: set in West Yorkshire. 91 mins

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON (Cert tbc) 2013Tue 11 Mar, 7.30pmSee opposite. 121 mins

NEBRASKA (15) 2013Tue 18 Mar 7.30pmSee opposite. 115 mins

GLORIA (15) 2013Tue Mar 25 7.30pmDir: Sebastion LelioCast: Paulina GarcíaChilean comedy drama. 110 mins

SCREEN CLASSICSCentral Theatre, 170 High Street,Chatham ME4 4AS 01634 338338Monthly celebration of classic cinema on the big screen in association with Rochester Film Society. Introduction to the film and post-film discussion over a free glass of wine hosted by programmer Nick Walker. £7, concs £5, includes free drink.

WATERLOO ROAD (PG) 1944 Mon, 17 Mar 7.30pmDir: Sidney GilliantCast: John Mills, Stewart Granger and Alistair Sims. AWOL soldier Mills’ bid to save his wife from a philandering draft-dodger. 76 mins

CENTRAL THEATRE‘AFTERNOON TREAT’WATERLOO ROAD (as above)Tue 18 Mar 2.30pmPrice £4, includes a hot drink and tea-cake. medwayticketslive.co.uk

19

rochesterfilmsociety.co.uk

19

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SONDirected by Hirokazu Kore-eda, a storyteller who like Yasujiro Ozu before him gently explores and quietly reveals the tenderness, the raw heartbreak, the love, anger and confusion at the heart of family. In his previous films – ‘Nobody Knows’, ‘Still Walking’, and ‘I Wish’ – he questions family and its operations.

Successful architect Ryota and his loving but frustrated wife, Midori, learn that their young son Keita was switched with another child at birth, now living with a working class family. A life-changing decision must be made…

Although the film displays very traditional Japanese family values, the themes are universal, especially where it touches on class issues and child separation, similar to ‘I Wish’, in which brothers are split between their divorced parents.

The film builds with small notes and nuances so we are immersed in the lives of the family and each of their ways of seeing the world. The director is asking us to examine how strong parental bonds can be and how the right thing to do is often the most difficult thing to do.

The issue of nature versus nurture is explored with a subtle, humanistic touch while the characters evolve with a gentle, gradual approach. A lovingly mesmerising movie…

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON is screened on Tuesday 11 March at 7.30pm at the Rochester Picture Palace (Princes Hall, Corn Exchange) ME1 1LX. Tickets £5, £3 students.

NEBRASKAThe comedic yet dramatic tale of an aging man making a road trip to Nebraska with his family is directed by Alexander Payne (‘Descendants’, ‘Sideways’) who knows how to make films with a wonderful ‘home is where the heart is’ mentality, especially Nebraska – Payne’s hometown where ‘Election’, and ‘About Schmidt’ were also set.

Beautifully shot in widescreen black and white, this heralds the mythical landscape and gives a somewhat melancholic and nostalgic tone; yet the script, so clever and taut, gives the characters full vent to express their quirks and warmth – wrapped up in a comedic blanket of family love and hate set pieces.

Bruce Dern and June Squibb are just brilliant as the aging couple, with terrific supporting performances from Will Forte, Bob Odenkirk and Stacy Keach. The majority of the characters are people we rarely see onscreen: real people who are utterly ordinary and yet utterly wonderful.

The film is of course a road movie; a commentary on human nature and the Midwest as a bold frontier of dreams and emotions, which at turns provides discomfort and comedic relief. Full of hope, promise and disappointment with family dynamics and done at a leisurely pace ‘Nebraska’ unfolds naturally and with ease, so the audience can relax and savour every delightful scene. This engaging, bittersweet drama is an absolute gem of a film.

Nick Walker

NEBRASKA is screened on Tuesday 18 March at 7.30pm at the Rochester Picture Palace (Princes Hall, Corn Exchange) ME1 1LX. Tickets £5, £3 students.

For more information or to book seats in advance please visit rochesterfilmsociety.co.uk

THE THEME OF FAMILY THREADS THROUGH TWO VERY DIFFERENT MOVIES BEING SCREENED AT THE ROCHESTER PICTURE PALACE THIS MONTH

MUSICLEN PRICE 3 IN LONDON

On Sat 1 March Len Price 3 have a ‘Nobody Knows’ LP launch at The Pipeline, London E1 7DA with Allan Crockford’s excellent Galileo 7 and the Sonic Jewels.

STUART TURNER AND THE FLAT EARTH SOCIETY also make a trip to the city this month with the London launch of their new album. See Phil Dillon’s review on page 30.

ALL SAINTS CHURCHMill Street, Maidstone ME

Sat 29 March 7.30pm: MAIDSTONE CHORAL UNIONFaure Requiem and Easter Music from Handel’s Messiah. All seats £10 unre-served from the MCU Secretary 01622 726193, email [email protected] or on the door THE BARGE63 Layfield Road, Gillingham ME7 2QY 01634 850485

Music starts 9pm, free entryWed 5 Mar: BARDS @ THE OPEN MICFri 7 Mar: PORCH SWING BLUESSat 8 Mar: FUNKE & THE TWO TONE BABYFri 14 Mar: FATE THE JUGGLERSat 15 Mar: THEATRE ROYAL + THE DREDGERMENSat 22 Mar: TOM HINGLEY (Inspiral Carpets)Fri 28 Mar: JAMES POWLETTSat 29 Mar: SPADE & ARCHERthebargepub.co.uk

BEACON COURT TAVERN128 Canterbury Street, Gillingham ME7 4RY 01634 853186 Sat 15 Mar: TOTAL JAM TRIBUTE NIGHT Doors 8pm. £6 advance £7 on the door.beaconcourttavern.co.uk

BROOK THEATREOld Town Hall, The Brook, Chatham ME4 4SE 01634 338338JAZZ AT THE BROOK: JOSH KEMP’S JAZZ POETS Tue 4 Mar, doors 8pm Acclaimed saxophonist with stellar line-up. Tickets £11medwayticketslive.co.uk

THE BOWER HOUSE20 Warwick Place, Maidstone ME16 8SE01622 763448Sat 1 Mar, doors 7pm: CARTHY, HARDY, FARRELL & YOUNG £15.thebowerhouse.info CENTRAL THEATRE170 High Street, Chatham ME4 4AS01634 338338Sat 8 Mar 7.30pm: CITY OF ROCH-ESTER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA A concert marking the centenary year of the First World War. The Orchestra performs music by But-terworth, Shostakovich, Brahms and Ravel - Piano Concerto in G Major, with Piano soloist Aleksandar Ðermanovic. See crso.org.uk. Adults: £16, £12, £10 Concs: £14, £10, £9 Students & Children (up to 18yrs )just £1medwayticketslive.co.uk

THE COCK HORSE INNThe Street, Detling, nr Maidstone, ME14 3JTSat 8 Mar: JUMBO GUMBO (Zydeco and Cajun) 9 pm

EAGLE TAVERN124 High Street Rochester ME1 1JT01634 409040Doors 7pm. Free entry.Thu 6 Mar: THE USUAL SUSPECTSThu 13 Mar: THE MODWAYSThu 20 Mar: MAKERThu 27 Mar: THE PRIFF STICKStheeagletavern.org.uk

MUSICIANS MUSIC

PROMOTERS AND BANDS!

We’d love to make WOW Magazine’s music pages the most comprehensive

music listings around, so if you’re a singer or in a band and you’re playing locally...

Send us your gig listing (by email, please, not the Facebook page) with full

details: venue address and any contact number/web

address, date and time, support acts, entry fee and door times plus details of

how to get tickets.

The copy date for listings is 19th of the month preceding

the issue. [email protected]

&

CALLING ALL

MEDWAY MAIDSTONE

GRAVESEND

‘Presence of Mind’ can be purchased at jazzcds.co.uk (£10); cdbaby.com ($16 USA); or from roankearseylawson.co.uk or amazon.com (both at £10).

To download the album/tunes go to itunes (album £7.99 or £0.79 per track) or Amazon MP3 (album £7.49 or £0.89 per track). Or go to a gig at the 144 Club! 144Club.co.uk

John St, Rochestertel: 07772 214315

KENTAle

ANDROID APPLE

Scan the code to download FREE Kent Live Music app

MARCH 2014

21

Sun 2 Jam Night: Musicians and singers welcome

Tues 4 Ukulele Jam Night: Singers welcomeWed 5 Ironmongery: Sally and Marion with

their BriansThur 6 Danny Kyle:Some fantastic BluesSun 9 Jam NightWed 12 Nigel Hobbins and the Dreamlanders:

funk, jazz, cajun and reggaeThur 13 Hobo Jones & The Junkyard Dogs:

punk/skiffle Sun 16 Jam Night Tues 18 Quiz Night: Bring 3 friendsWed 19 Keith James: one man, many guitarsThur 20 Fiddlefit: Sweeps come earlySun 23 Jam Night Wed 26 The Strangers:lyrics and music,

both worth a listen Thur 27 Pass The Cat: try sitting stillSun 30 Jam Night

Roan Kearsey-Lawson deserves every Medway jazz lover’s support and appreciation. He has been a standard-bearer for jazz locally over many years, running the 144Club at the Roffen every month and

setting up the Maritime Jazz Festival (which we hope to see return sometime soon). As well as promoting and enthusing about jazz, he performs not only as a top-flight drummer but on vibraphone, which allows him to blend the rhythmic precision of his drumming with melodic inventiveness. So his debut album Presence In Mind – all original numbers– is a welcome opportunity to appreciate his talents.

Alongside his long-time sideman, pianist Dorian Ford – whose keyboards always complement rather than compete with Roan’s vibes playing – the band includes a rhythm section of drummer Dave Trigwell and double bassist Larry Bartley, with Duncan Lamont Jr on sax and flute. Just as it’s a joy to hear vibes on any jazz album, so too is the flute riding and riffing over tracks like the elegant ‘Bach East’ and the heartfelt ‘My Love For You’. Guest appearances on trombone from Geoff Mason and flugelhorn from Ray Butcher add to the simpatico range of timbres and emotions throughout the album. On tracks like ‘Saved’ and ‘Concerto D’Afro’ – a mini-epic – there were moments of upbeat lift that reminded me of the happy soundtrack of Sideways: on a drear February evening that hint of spring that might see off the dire winter was truly welcome.

Philip Dodd

ROAN KEARSEY-LAWSONPRESENCE IN MIND

MUSIC 2

EDITH MAY THAMES BARGELower Halstow Dock01634 365343Sat 8 Mar: ARCELIA (see p5)Doors 6.45pm. £8edithmay.com

THE FREEMASON’S ARMSMalling Road, Snodland, ME6 5JR.Sat 1 Mar: JUMBO GUMBO (Zydeco and Cajun) 9 pm

GOOD INTENTJohn Street, Rochester, ME1 1YL01634 843118Music starts 8pm, free entryThu 13 Mar: ANDY WHITE OPEN MICSat 15 Mar: THE ANDY WHITE BANDThu 27 Mar: ANDY WHITE OPEN MIC

HASTINGS ARMS FUNCTION ROOMLower Rainham Road (leading to Danes Hill) Gillingham ME7 2YDFree parkingThu 27 Mar 8.30pm ROCHESTER SWING PRESERVATION SOCIETY with Special guest Trumpet Player Alan Berlyn from the Glenn Miller UK Orchestra. Admission £7, raffle plus free nibbles. For further details or to reserve a table tel: 01634 712217. Find us on facebook ‘Rochester Swing Preservation Society’

KING’S HEAD58 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LD01634 880568Every Thursday. Doors 8pm. Free entry. Le Fort Promotions present the best in local alternative music with an acoustic twist.facebook.com/LeFortpromo

MAN OF KENT ALEHOUSEJohn Street, Rochester ME107772 214315See listings on page 21Jam night every Sunday evening.Free entry.

PIZZA EXPRESS MUSIC ROOM32-34 Earl Street, Maidstone ME14 1PF01622 683548Doors 7pm, show 8pm unless stated.Sat 1 Mar: BEVERLEY CRAVEN £22.50Sat 8 Mar: DEBORAH BONHAM BAND £16Sat 15 Mar: RAY GELATO £24Fri 21 Mar: THE LEO GREEN EXPERI-ENCE £22Sun 30 Mar: WAYNE HERNANDEZ £12.50, doors 12 noon, show 1pm.pizzaexpresslive.co.uk

POCO LOCO60 High Street, Chatham ME4 4DS01634 844198Doors 7.30pm, free entrySat 8 Mar: CRYBABY SPECIAL + SPINNER + KOFALLI RAGDOLL + THE CHAUNDELIERS Sat 22 Mar: MOURNING BIRDS (see this month’s The Artist’s Space)poco-loco.co.uk THE RAFTERS62-63 High Street, Maidstone (above Turning Tables) ME14 1SR07925 773041

Sat 1 Mar: THEATRE ROYAL + SKIES + NEW ART RIOT £4, doors 9pm.Wed 5 Mar: BATTLE OF THE BANDS 2014 Heat 4 with THROUGH THE CEILING + LUCIDIOUS + BLACK SUN Doors 9.30pmSat 8 Mar: BANDICOOT + DEAD CEREMONY + STATEN ISLAND PRESS £4. Doors 9pm.

Sat 15 Mar: YOUTH BLOOD + ROKOKO + OUT OF FASHION £4. Doors 9pm.Sat 22 Mar: COCO AND THE BUT-TERFIELDS + BLACK LION COURTI-ERS + ROCINIA £4. Doors 9pm.theraftersmaidstone.co.uk

ROCHESTER CATHEDRALGarth Precinct, Rochester ME1 1LX

Sat 29 Mar 7pm: ROCHESTER CHORAL SOCIETY with Rochester Sinfonietta, conducted by Roger Sayer. Music : Vaughan Williams Sea Symphony and Elgar’s Sea Pictures. Tickets: £18; £14 and £7 (conces-sions £5). Tel: 01634 401049 or visit rochesterchoral.co.uk

ST MARY’S SOCIAL CLUBBelmont RoadGillingham ME7 5JB01634 573032Fri 14 Mar: ST PATRICK’S ALTERNA-TIVE OPEN MIC hosted by Bob Collins, last Friday of the month. Fri 21 Mar: STUART TURNER Acous-tic plus open micDoors 7.30pm, non-members entry £1. stmaryssocialclub.com

44TWO SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUBFeatherby Road, Gillingham ME8 6AN 01634 405037Thu 13 Mar 8.30pm: DONN BAR-COTT BAND + Elaine Diane on vo-cals. Songs from the Great American Songbook and a magician at your table! Raffle & bar. All welcome, £6

STEPPING STONE STUDIOS2 Museum Avenue, Maidstone ME14 1QX 01622 675923Wed-Sat 12pm til late (licensed til 3am)

Fri 8 Mar: LAPPIS LAZULLI £5Sat 29 Mar: OPEN MIC HIP HOP NIGHT £5Sat 1 Apr : PANTOMIME VILLAINS, BOO FOREVER, LACED + more tbc £5steppingstonestudios.co.uk

THEATREBROOK THEATREOld Town Hall, Chatham ME4 4SE 01634 338338Sell a Door Theatre Company presents KIDNAPPED Thu 27 Mar 7pm Adapted from Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel by Ivan Wilkinson. Physical storytelling for all. Adult £12, Child £8. medwayticketslive.co.uk

HAZLITT THEATREEarl Street, Maidstone ME14 1PL 01622 758611The Reduced Shakespeare Com-pany in THE BIBLE: THE COMPLETE WORD OF GOD (abridged) Wed 12 Mar 7.30pm. £16, concs £14OLD MacDONALD HAD A FARM E-I-E-I-O Sun 23 Mar 2.30pm Family fun. £10.50, concs £9.50, family of four £36. EXCHANGE STUDIO: CHOOSE YOUR OWN DOCUMENTARY Fri 28 Mar 8pm Inspired by the Choose Your Own Adventure books of the 80s, this is part stand-up storytell-ing and part documentary, with an interactive element. Dubbed a ‘truly lovely show’ by the Evening Standard. £13, concs £11. parkwood theatres.co.uk/hazlittartscentre (£2 online booking fee)

MARLOWE THEATREThe Friars, Canterbury CT1 2AS 01227 787787Propeller presents THE COMEDY OF ERRORS Tue 4, Fri 7 and Sat 8 Mar 7.30pm + Sat mat 2pm and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Wed 5 Mar, Thu 6 and Sat 8 Mar 7.30pm + Thu mat 1pm. Ed Hall’s all-male com-pany is always a treat. Ticket range: £9-£25.50, concs available.

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia presents DON QUIXOTE Mon 10 Mar 7.30pm; GISELLE Tue 11 & Wed 12 7.30pm; SWAN LAKE Thu 13 Mar

7.30pm; SLEEPING BEAUTY Fri 14 & Sat 15 Mar 7.30pm + Sat Mat 2.30pm. Tickets £18-£40.50 concs available.

MARLOWE 450: Wed 12 Mar – Fri 28 Mar. Mini-festival devoted to exploring the work of playwright and theatre namesake, Christopher Marlowe, with talks and new ver-sions of FAUSTUS and THE JEW OF MALTA. See website or telephone for details.

STUDIO: HOPELESSLY DEVOTED Fri 7 Mar 8pm. Acclaimed spoken-word artist Kate Tempest wrote this co-production from Paines Plough and Birmingham Repertory Theatre. For aged 14+. A great way to intro-duce your teenager to theatre. £12, concs available. marlowetheatre.com (booking charges applies via internet)

ORCHARD THEATREHome Gardens, Dartford DA1 1ED 01322 220000

MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS: Park Gorkogo Sun 9 Mar 5pm. Set in the centre of Moscow’s cultural and artistic quarter. Whole family show. £16-£25 (booking fee applies)

BALLETBOYZ The Talent Mon 10 Mar 7.30pm The boyz are back! Featuring choreography by Russell Maliphant and Liam Scarlett. £12-£24.50 (book-ing fee applies)

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Tue 25-Sat 29 Mar 7.30pm + Wed & Sat mat 2.30pm. Classic musical starring Paul Michael Glaser (the original Starsky!) as Tevye. £15-£37, concs available (booking fee applies). orchardtheatre.co.uk

COMEDYBILLABONG CLUBVictoria Street, Rochester ME1 1XJTop Uk comedians, last Thursday of every month. Next gig: Thu 27 Mar, doors 7.30pm, show 8pm.

PAUL T EYRES, MATT GREEN + KWAME ASANTE. £12 on door, £9 in advance from wegottickets.com/billabong; in person at Cafe@172 (for-merly Dot Café) or call 01634 242731 or 07717 713667.billabongcomedyclub.co.uk

HAZLITT EXCHANGE STUDIOEarl Street, Maidstone ME14 1PL 01622 758611

COMEDY NIGHT: JAMES ACASTER, MARLON DAVIS, PAUL McCAFFREY Wed 5 Mar 8pm. £10

THE ONLY WAY IS DOWNTON Sat 8 Mar 8pm. Impressionist Luke Kempner plays 32 characters in this Downton Abbey/TOWIE mash-up. £13, concs £11

KERRY GODLIMAN Sat 15 Mar 7.30pm. Funny woman. For 16+. £13parkwood theatres.co.uk/hazlit-tartscentre (£2 online booking fee)

JOKING WITH INTENT The Good Intent, 3 John Street, Rochester ME1 1YL

OPEN MIC COMEDY CLUB First Thursday of the month. Thu 6 Mar, 8-10pm. Line-up tbc. £2 admission. Find Joking with Intent on Facebook

MARLOWE THEATRE The Friars, Canterbury CT1 2AS 01227 787787

STUDIO: MARLOWE COMEDY CLUB Sat 1 & Sat 29 Mar 8pm. The possible stars of tomorrow! £13, concs available marlowetheatre.com (booking charges applies via internet)

Artist Wendy Cottam is the initiator of a project to breathe new life into the town’s empty spaces

The project moves into Gravesend Borough Market on 17 March and lift off launch day is Saturday 22 March. If you are an artist or crafter and love passing on your skills to new people, want your work to be more widely seen and are looking for new friends and an arts community then please get in touch with Wendy at: [email protected]. Tel: 07703 801201.

Don’t wait for something to happen ... make it happen!

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I am a local artist of Gravesend; I am currently bringing together artists from the local towns to form Gravesend Arts Consortium to fulfil the ‘Footfall’ project in Gravesend Borough Market. I constantly question systems of communication through art, using a variety of mediums such as film, paint and sound. I am interested in how a space can change the way art is read. I paint purely to relax in a busy world.

Retail spaces and high streets are struggling in current economical climates: the sense of identity previously associated with them has faded in a world where social and consumer habits have changed. What better place to explore identity than within a building whose identity is shifting and evolving? Gravesend Borough Market, chartered 1268, is one such building. It has a history of trading, of being a community hub, and like many high streets and markets across the country has lost its purpose. Placing art and crafts into this space is an exploration of art outside of its usual parameters. I am looking to do this as I have a passion for my local market and for art and feel the two should and could merge brilliantly together. Gravesend Market needs to diversify its function in a modern world. What better way to explore diversity in social spaces that to have innovative artists exploring, creating and exhibiting!

Artist and crafters will each have studio slots for at least one week to paint, sew, and print (whatever their practice/discipline is) over a twelve-week duration. The aim is for the artists to use this as an opportunity to showcase what they do and engage the communities and visitors involved in weekly workshops. This may be that each person organises an event or workshop, or all five artists could collaborate once a week to co-ordinate, organise and publicise an event involving their joint practice to keep the space creatively fresh and brimming with energy.

This is a great platform for artists to come together and become known within the community and to enhance the market space. A public exhibition will take place at St Andrews Arts Centre, Gravesend on the weekend of 7 and 8 June showcasing all works resulting from the project.

Ideally I would like the Gravesend Arts Consortium to evolve to become a permanent feature in the market/empty shop spaces and to weave its way into all of the available spaces where art can be seen. Artists already on board with the project include Alexandria Welch (who runs online art magazine Collage); Louisa Love; Rachel Harris with ‘Betty Love’; ‘Big Bird, Little Bird’; Sara Wordley (whose beautiful jellyfish image graced a former cover of WOW); and mixed media artist Fiona Williams.

GOOD THINGS ARE HAPPENING IN GRAVESEND!

VISUAL ARTBELOW 65 GALLERYGilbert & Clark Frame and Print65 High Street, Maidstone ME14 1SR01622 685146 Free entry

JOHN WOODBERRY: Reaction & RearrangementA unique collection of mixed media pieces that combine art and the scientific process. Prepare to be amazed and to question!Open 9.30am-4.30pm Mon-Sat gilbertandclark.com

DEAF CAT COFFEE BAR & GALLERY83 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LXOpen all week 9.30am-5pm

ROLLING EXHIBITION Contemporary works by local artists. See website for submission guidelines. thedeafcat.com

FRANCIS ILES GALLERIES103 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX01634 843081Opens Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm

SPRING EXHIBITION featuring Jill Barthorpe and Alison Griffin RMS Opens Fri 28 Mar with a special Sunday opening on 30 March 11am-4pm, plus new works from Gallery Artists. Free entry. Visit website for full details. francis-iles.com

HISTORIC DOCKYARD CHATHAMThe Historic Dockyard, Chatham ME4 4TY 01634 823800Open 10am-6pm. Entrance to gallery included in normal admission. Adults: £18.50, children £11.50, concs available: gives unlimited returns for one year.A SQUASH AND A SQUEEZE Sharing stories with Gruffalo creator, Julia Donaldson. To 1 June. thedockyard.co.uk/juliadonaldson

MAIDSTONE MUSEUM & BENTLIF ART GALLERYSt Faith’s St, Maidstone ME14 1LH01622 602838Opens Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, closed Sun and Bank HolidaysA LADYBIRD CHILDHOOD To

Sun 11 May. Exhibition drawing on the vintage archive collection of illustrations and celebrating the iconic, mini hardbacks. Free admissionmuseum.maidstone.gov.uk

ALSO AT THE MUESUM:LADYBIRD BOOKS: PAPER, TEXT & IMAGEA WORKSHOP WITH TEXTILE ARTIST CAS HOLMESSat 22 March 10.30am-4pm£35, concs £30, materials includedBooking essential on 01622 602838 or email [email protected] the nostalgia of Ladybird books, recreating memories using paper, collage, texture and stitch. museum.maidstone.gov.uk

MEDWAY ARCHIVES & LOCAL STUDIES CENTREClock Tower Building, Strood ME2 2AD01634 332714Opens: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (closed Wed & Sun) Sat: 9am-4pm

CHATHAM DOCKYARD IN THE NEWS: 1859-2014 To Tue 15 Apr. Exhibition marking the 30th anniversary of the closure of the Dockyard.

NUCLEUS ARTS272 High Street, Chatham ME4 4BP 01634 812108Gallery winter opening: Mon-Sat 10am-4.30pm, closed Sun. Free entry

CHATHAM & THE BRITISH EMPIRE Sat 1 Mar to 1pm on Thu 13 Mar Various artists with work inspired by the 1946 book of the same title by historian Sir Charles Grant Robertson.

SPRING 2014 ART EXHIBITION Rochester & West Kent Art Society Sat 15 Mar to 1pm on Thu 20 Mar. Paintings by members of this thriving Society, including still lifes, landscapes, marine works and local scenes. All work is for sale. Preview:

Fri 14 Mar, 6-8pm: all welcome.RED: Various Artists Sat 22 Mar to 1pm on Thu 3 April. In aid of Comic Relief, featuring a broad range of work by local artists responding to the theme of ‘Red’. 20% of sale prices go to Comic Relief. Preview: Fri 21 Mar 6-8pm, all welcome.nucleusarts.com

NUCLEUS ARTS, ROCHESTER 75 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX Open 10am-5pm Mon-Sat; Sun 11-5pm 01634 812108Lovely gallery shop.

NUCLEUS ARTS, MAIDSTONE Gabriel’s Hill, Maidstone ME15 6JR Open 10am-5pm Mon-Sat; closed Sundays01634 812108 A new arts hub for Maidstone.

ROCHESTER ART GALLERYVisitor Information Centre, 95 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX 01634 338319 Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10.30am-5pm Free entry

WOLF HOWARD & MICK HAMPSHIRE: The Skull Grins Relentless To 15 Mar. CRAFT CASE: Xtina Lamb and Sarah Crouch.

ROYAL ENGINEERS MUSEUM, LIBRARY & ARCHIVEPrince Arthur Road, Gillingham ME4 4UG Tel: 01634 822839Open Tue-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat & Sun & Bank Holidays: 11.30am-5pm. Closed Mondays. Pay once for unlimited access for 12 months: Adult £8, Conc £5.50, Family £21.50. Students, children and serving Royal Engineers: free.

ENCOUNTERS: Photograph Albums & Their Stories To 30 May. Explores the narratives behind photographs from some 600 albums and scrapbooks.

RECONSTRUCTING ROCHESTER BRIDGE To Fri 28 Mar. Exhibition marking the Centenary of the reconstruction of the Old Bridge. re-museum.co.uk

PROUD PRINTERS OF WOW MAGAZINE

01795 470825 colour-factory.com

SittingbourneKent

Posters // Lea�ets // Brochures // Folders Business Cards // Magazines // Books

BRIC A BRAC l VINTAGE l BOOKS l WOT NOTS l CAMERASJEWELLERY l CLOTHES l ART & HANDMADE l COLLECT-ABLES FIKABRÖD HOMEMADE BAKES l BAR l MUSIC

Saturday March 29th11am-4pm

For more info & bookingswww.therochesterflea.com

email: [email protected]/therochesterflea

The Gordon House Hotel & Car Park91 High Street Rochester ME1 1LX

Fantabulous FLEA MARKET!

HOMESPUN CO-FOUNDER PHIL DILLON REVIEWS ‘The Art and Science of Phrenology’ is the third album by “raggle-taggle alternative blues-folk-rockabilly-artrock collective” Stuart Turner and The Flat Earth Society. Since the release of their first album ‘Gin and Bitters’ in 2010, the band has evolved into what could be called a fluid line up. There are two lead guitarists (Theatre Royal’s Robbie Wilkinson and ex-Dentist Bob Collins); the multi-faceted Rob Shepherd (ex-Singing Loins) plays anything with strings on it; Nick Rice (Groovy Uncle) provides the bass and drummer Steve Moore sits in the driving seat. Interestingly, the band has had almost as many drummers as Spinal Tap, Sammy “Stumpy” Bateman being common to both (allegedly). Anyway, add to that nucleus any number of guests and there you have the Flat Earth Society.

Like its predecessors, ‘Phrenology’ goes for a strong start. The opening track Mindspikes provides a big, thumping rhythm with a huge, hooky, instantly memorable riff, from which more and more guitars seem to emanate, like little ripples of magic. Turner’s instantly recognisable voice chimes in with “It’s just the mindspikes of someone who ain’t sleeping at night” and everything is locked into place.

There seem to be two bedrocks to the sound. Firstly, the blues as evidenced in the opener, in The Gospel According To Us with its smoky twelve bar banjo and resonator and then later in Dichotomy which positively stomps along and has the feel of a live recording in a very hot and lively bar on the wrong side of town. There’s folk here, too, but more of that later. There’s much in between.

For instance, there’s Call Me Dave, a ukulele driven curio that imagines an exchange between Nick Clegg and David Cameron. Or take Animalistic, with its fat guitar, spoken word verses of animal simile and metaphor and a brief yet gloriously shouty chorus. There are tiny hints of the Smiths

and Suede on The Making of Landscape and Gunville Girl respectively, and a dash of disco synth on Incompatible With Life, a song that may or may not have set out to paraphrase the poet and hymnodist William Cowper. There’s the aching, footstep by heavy icy footstep journey of Walking Through Snow (To Get To You). Add to that two insightful songs about relationships (Song For Long Term Relations and The Get Out and Diminished Responsibility (a sort of bad-ass There Is A Light That Never Goes Out).

If blues set the ship afloat, then it’s folk that guides it home. The darkest hour regrets of Sorry seem less dark at Sunrise, and the album concludes with the haunting Mingulay Boat Song, a traditional piece in the style of a Hebridean work song, to the Gaelic tune Creag Guanach. It swells like the sea itself, each cymbal crash a wave. Not the first Turner to evoke the smell of the sea, but evoke it he does.

MATURE SONGWRITING AND CRACK MUSICIANS. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. KEEP AN EYE ON STFES.COM.

On Saturday 1 March, Stuart Turner & the Flat Earth Society are celebrating the London launch of the album at the Stag’s Head, London N1 5RA. Support is from Robert James Selby, Tangled Limbs, and Rastko (Arf and Rob from Singing Loins).

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THE ART AND SCIENCE OF PHRENOLOGY: A PRESENTATION BY STUART TURNER AND THE FLAT EARTH SOCIETY

This month we’re devoting The Artist’s Space to Mourning Birds, an up and coming Medway band that has been receiving a lot of airplay and good press. If you do a quick internet search for Mourning Birds you’ll find their last single ‘Oh Yeh!’ on the Huw Stevens BBC Introducing blog, along with a load of great live reviews. My favourite quote comes from a site called thevpme.com who describe them like this:

“...here to provide the musical equivalent of being smacked in the face with a jackhammer, Mourning Birds condense more attitude, noise melody and dare we say it fun, than many of their earnestly po-faced contemporaries.”

Couldn’t have said it better myself.

Rob Flood

You can catch Mourning Birds on Saturday 22 March at Poco Loco, 58-60 High Street, Chatham ME4 4DS

THE ARTIST’S SPACE

MOURNING BIRDS

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LIVE MUSICFOLK, BLUES AND SIXTIES

EASTER SUNDAY & MONDAY, 20 & 21 APRIL 2014

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!• Spectacular sights, sounds and smell of

steam locomotives and traction engines

• Hundreds of vintage and classic vehicles

• NEW American Hot Rods, Drag Cars and Trucks

• The curious world of Steampunk

• Animal Encounters and Modelling Zone HOBO JONES & THE JUNKYARD DOGS

VEHICLES FROM THE USA THE GIANTS OF STEAM ‘CALL THE MIDWIFE’ TOURS EVEN MORE LIVE MUSIC

For further details, ticket prices and terms & conditions visit

thedockyard.co.uk 01634 823807

Supported by

This is a fundraising event in aid of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust. Registered Charity No. 292101. Fully Accredited Museum.

WOW March 2014

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Transcript of WOW March 2014