WOW May 2015

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CONTENTS

4 WELCOME5 4 REALLY GOOD THINGS6 NEWS8 A PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY10 FRONT 1914-1812 CHATHAM MARITIME FOOD & DRINK

FESTIVAL14 FUSE16 MAIN FEATURE: HUGUENOT MUSEUM18 FILM19 NICK WALKER: INDEPENDENT FILM20 WENDY DAWS: COMRADES IN A

SHADOW WORLD22 MUSIC FESTIVALS: SWEEPS &

MAIDSTONE FRINGE24 MUSIC 226 THEATRE/COMEDY28 VISUAL ART 30 THE ARTIST'S SPACE

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Britische Kriegsgefangene

Britse krijgsgevangenen

British prisoners of war

Wendy Daws is a Medway based artist, born and bred in Medway; she disappeared in 1997 and was drawn back by the Medway magnet in 2004. She has a passion for people and making art accessible, in its broadest sense, for all. Visit wendydaws.co.uk

Emma Dewhurst is an actress, mother and the founder/editor of WOW. She has had a long and varied acting career, including stints at the National Theatre and in London’s West End. More recently she has worked in TV and film in order to concentrate on the important jobs of mothering and running WOW.

Ben Cameron is an artist living and working on Rochester High St. His work ranges from doodles to large scale, highly detailed illustrations. Often cited as creating the 'world's saddest doodle', Google it to see! Website: strangepaul.com. Paul?... don't ask.

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

This time of year is so exciting! My inbox is positively bulging with arts events happening in every corner of this lovely county of Kent and thank goodness I can now direct those not happening in the immediate area to submit their content to our lovely new website. A big thank you for all your support and feedback – keep it coming!

On that note, I found myself spaceless when it came to including half term workshops in this issue, so we’ve decided to do a bit of a blitz on half term activities on the website. Have a look for kids’ classes and search half term dates on the Arts Calendar and you’ll find some goodies!

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 June 2015:Tuesday 19 May 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

Portrait of Clara Le Heup by John Giles EckhardtOil on canvas, 1747. See Main Feature

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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REALLY GOOD THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH

BALLETBOYZTuesday 5 MayOrchard Theatre, DartfordAthletic, ravishingly beautiful, brilliantly choreographed contemporary dance.

CASABLANCATue 19 May 2.30pmCentral Theatre, ChathamIt’s billed as an ‘Afternoon Treat’ and it is. Sublime acting and more than one unforgettable movie moment.

COCO AND THE BUTTERFIELDSFriday 15 May 8pmExchange Studio, Hazlitt Theatre, MaidstoneRising stars former busking folk band CATB are full of energy, colour and heart.

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIMETue 12 – Sat 23 MayMarlowe Theatre, CanterburyExcellence on our doorstep: the NT’s multi-award-winning production from director Marianne Elliott (‘War Horse’). Ba

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MAIDSTONE FRINGE FESTIVALThu 30 Apr - Mon 4 MayMusic and entertainment throughout the county town, much of it free. Full gig listings on p22.

CHATHAM MARITIME FESTIVAL OF FOOD & DRINKSat 23 - Mon 25 May 10am-6pm

DICKENS FESTIVALFri 29 – Sun 31 MayFamily festival in and around Rochester High Street. Costumed parades, street acts, a fair in the Castle Gardens, readings and more.

SWEEPS 2015Sat 2 - Mon 4 MayFor full gig listings see p22

ARTSFESTSat 16 May 11am-5pm Annual one-day celebration at Nucleus Arts, Chatham. Live music, poetry, dance, comedy, alternative street theatre, workshops and artisan market. Confirmed acts so far include: Jamie Johnson, Lupen Crook and Barry Fentiman-Hall. Free!

5 May festivals

MAGNA CARTA 800 MEDWAYCONFERENCE | EXHIBITION | RESEARCH | WORKSHOPS1215 – 2015

A programme of events organised by the Human Rights Office and supported by North Kent Humanists is planned for the week of the 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta (15 - 19 June) at the Medway Campus of the University of Greenwich.

The conference aims to link the heritage of the Magna Carta to our human and civil rights today, considering the document from various perspectives, including history, law, religion, humanism, discrimination and freedom of conscience and expression.

For more information contact [email protected]. magnacarta800medway.org

A DAY OF HEALTH AND WELLBEING @ NUCLEUS ARTS CHATHAM

23 MAY 11 - 5PM

A DAY OF DEMONSTRATIONS, DELICIOUS HEALTHY FOOD, AND GREAT ADVICE WITH

KARATE AND YOGA, MASSAGE AND FOREVER LIVING TRIALS.

Craft fairMon 25 May 10am-4pm

Madginford Hall, Egremont Road, Bearsted Maidstone ME15 8LH

A ‘tiding’ is the word used to describe a group of magpies, and artist Collins is looking for people with an eye for finding beautiful things, and an interest in exploring new creative ways to share them.

Initiated by Whitstable Biennale, and funded by

Ideas Test and the Arts Council, the project is free to participants to attend.

If you would like to join the group or for more information contact [email protected], or [email protected] (tel: 07957 575794).

SAT 9 MAY 10AM-2.30PM

Dancing, music, family fun for all!

Rainham School for Girls, Derwent Way ME8 0BXtimelessretro.co.uk

VE DAY VINTAGE FAIR & DANCE

Love finding and sharing beautiful things?Do you live or work on the Isle of Sheppey?

Join GOOD TIDINGSA new creative group led by artist Esther Collins

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Medway History Detectives present…‘KENT'S VICTORIA CROSSES and ROCK AVENUE GILLINGHAM’Thursday 4 June 2pm to 4pmCanterbury Street* Gillingham ME7 5LF

Limited spaces: please email or ring to book a place. *Full details of venue provided with booking confirmation.

Email: [email protected]. Tel: 01634 581462

A Bridge Wardens’ Lecture from Rochester Bridge Trust

‘THE HISTORY & WORK OF THE ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST – A Unique Survivor’

Thursday 30 April at 7pm in the Bridge Chapel

The talk is by by Sue Threader (Bridge Clerk and Chief Executive of the Trust) and documents the history of the 600 year old charity. It is free to attend but places are limited and must be booked by contacting Sue O’Reilly at [email protected] or call 01892 513033.

HISTORY TALKS

SAT 23rd MAY

8 The first Thames sailing barge match was organised by the ‘Golden Dustman’ Henry Dodd in 1863 to encourage the development of the spritsail barge rig. 150 years later, barge racing still continues amongst the fleet survivors and is as hotly contested as ever.

Lovely Thames Barge Edith May will be defending her 2014 titles in the Medway match on 23 May (good place to view: Gillingham’s The Strand) and the Gravesend match on 20 June.

With the help of our good friends, web developers/designers Nebulo, wowkent.co.uk was launched at 8.45pm on the evening of 31 Mar, 2015.

The site is still in beta and there is much to be done but early feedback and traffic stats are extremely positive (thank you!). Please share the site as much as you can with your social media networks and help us to spread the word to wider Kent. And… please use it!

Submit your events/gigs/exhibitions/craft & vintage fairs/digital days/performances to The Arts Calendar and your Classes and Workshops in the same way. It’s free to register to submit your content and you can do so time and time again.

And don’t forget to check out the Creative Partner page – all sorts of people want all sorts of things!

wowkent.co.ukOur new arts website for Kent is live and kicking!

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Artistic Director JOHN O’CONNOR previews

In 2014, some of you may have seen and enjoyed our reconstruction of ‘The Trials of Oscar Wilde’, during which passages from ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ were read out in court as evidence against Wilde. Following the success of The Trials (which ended up at the Trafalgar Studios in London’s West End) it seemed only natural that our next production should be a celebration of Oscar’s only novel. This year marks the 125th anniversary of the publication of ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ and I have once again had the pleasure of writing the adaptation with Wilde’s grandson, Merlin Holland.

Set in the decadent world of Victorian London, a beautiful young man called Dorian Gray becomes infatuated by the exquisite portrait that Basil Hallward has painted of him. He makes a Faustian pact that he will remain forever young while the picture grows old.

Combining drawing-room comedy and gothic horror, this is a gripping and hugely entertaining theatrical event.

Maidstone-based European Arts Company enjoyed a huge success last year with ‘The Trials of Oscar Wilde’. In 2015 the company is touring an adaptation of Wilde’s only novel

1

www.stonewall.org.uk

by OSCAR WILDE

Merlin Holland & John O’Connor

Directed by Peter CrazeAdapted by

www.europeanarts.co.uk

The play is touring to 55 venues in the UK and stars Guy Warren-Thomas (‘Downton Abbey’, ‘Spooks’) Rupert Mason (‘Eastenders’, ‘A Touch of Frost’), Gwynfor Jones (fresh from the West End Production of ‘The Woman in Black’) and newcomer Helen Keeley.

‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ tours to The Hazlitt Theatre in Maidstone (Thu 21 May), Greenwich Theatre (29-31 May), The Central Theatre, Chatham (Wed 10 June) and St James Theatre in London (15-20 June) europeanarts.co.uk

Food&DrinkChatham Maritime

At the side of the River Medway in Chatham Maritime, the festival will feature food & drink specialities from producers, growers and chefs in and around Medway and Kent, with live music and plenty to keep the kids amused.

Fabulous festival fun for all the familySay hi & find out what’s on when:

www.cmtrust.co.uk

www.facebook.com/chathammaritimefestival

@ChathamFestival

Sat 23rd - Mon 25th May, 10am - 6pm

Dragon BoatChallenge

Sun 24th May

Festival partners:

01622 633060 www.kentshow.co.uk

kentcountyshow kentcountyshow

PRE-BOOK YOUR

TICKETS HERE

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Gasübung

Gasoefening

Gas exercise

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Britische Kriegsgefangene

Britse krijgsgevangenen

British prisoners of war

Front 1914-18: The Great War in 3D12 May-15 Nov 2015

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Straßenszene in Tournai

Straatbeeld in Doornik

A street scene in Tournai

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Gasübung

Gasoefening

Gas exercise

AN EXTRAORDINARY COLLECTION OF RARE, STEREOSCOPIC (THREE DIMENSIONAL) PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE FIRST WORLD WAR GOES ON DISPLAY AT THE ROYAL ENGINEERS MUSEUM THIS MONTH.

This major temporary exhibition consists of photographs taken by Karl Bußhoff and Otto Mötje and represents only a fraction of the hundreds of images contained within both of their collections.

The 3D images offer a window onto the war as experienced by German soldiers and civilians in a vast range of situations. Both ghostly and familiar, the photographs quiver with the immediacy of the moment and a world lost or destroyed. A smiling, off-duty soldier plays with kittens; a mother and child stare into the camera in front of a military band; troops wait to be transported with the battalion dog. The three dimensional perspective of the images affects the viewer in ways both moving and strange.

There is a kind of narrative here, too. Snapshots of the preparations for war give way to the narrowing of life as war begins. The photographs change to reflect the soldiers’ fortunes. Life in the trenches is caught in a few, brilliant shots: men at the latrines; the rat catcher’s haul; an officer knee deep in water. A lone soldier stands in the pulpit of a ruined church. Another shelters under an umbrella before a shelled vicarage. Another kneels before the skeletal corpse of a comrade and the photograph is named, simply, ‘Death’. These images speak and we are made silent.

Emma Dewhurst

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Straßenszene in Tournai

Straatbeeld in Doornik

A street scene in Tournai

Entry to ‘Front 1914-18: The Great War in 3D’ is free with the usual admission charge for the Royal Engineers Museum. Please note this exhibition may contain images of sensitive nature.

3D glasses will be available in the exhibition. The images would have originally been a pair of images used to deceive the eye, however, this exhibition will feature single anaglyph images which can be viewed using the red and cyan coloured glasses. This gives a truly unique feel to the pictures and helps transport the viewer back to give an idea of the conditions the men endured.

re-museum.co.uk

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Britische Kriegsgefangene

Britse krijgsgevangenen

British prisoners of war

11

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Feudale Einquartierung

Feodale inkwartiering

Feudal quarters

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

SkyeRose .co.uk

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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 StudioTermtime opening: 10am-5pm Thu-Sat or by appt.

Chatham Maritime Food & Drink Festival

You can find out more about what’s planned by visiting the Chatham Maritime Festival Facebook page at facebook.com/chathammaritimefestival

It is a cheering aspect of Medway’s steady process of regeneration that its river location has been the source of inspiration for so many new and entertaining events. One of these took place for the first time last year, when thousands of locals sampled an array of goodies from award-winning Kent food and drink producers at the first, free Chatham Maritime Food & Drink Festival.

The riverside event is back again over the Spring bank holiday weekend with even more treats and a few extra surprises up its sleeve.

The inaugural festival wasn’t dubbed ‘a foodies’ dream’ for nothing. This year the festival’s two main partners are Countryside Maritime and the University of Greenwich and even more delicious food and drink stalls are promised along the waterfront on St Mary’s Island, Chatham.

Families are positively encouraged, with lots to do besides sampling the culinary delights, including arts and crafts activities, vintage stalls to browse, Kent DJs and a fine bill of local bands playing blues, folk and jazz to add to the atmosphere. On Sunday 24 May festival goers will also be able to watch local Dragon Boat teams competing in the fun and furious Dragon Boat race.

See you there!

SAT 23 –

MON 25

MAYit’s back!

See me at Sun Pier in June

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FANTASTICAL CHARACTERS, ACROBATIC CLOWNS, RINGS OF FIRE AND MEPHISTOPHELIAN PACTS TO THE STRAINS OF JAZZ… YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU MIGHT ENCOUNTER AT THIS VERITABLE TOMBOLA OF OUTDOOR ARTS

Self-confessed Fuse-lover editor EMMA DEWHURST has followed the fortunes of this year’s festival and previews some of its highlights

It was touch and go, but Fuse Medway Festival proved a stayer earlier this year, when a last-minute decision by Medway Council to support Arts Council England’s £40K grant with a further £45K of funding meant that this year’s festival could go ahead after all. And it was in the weeks before this decision, when the budget cuts which put the festival’s fate in doubt were first announced, that it became clear just how dear to the public’s heart this annual event really is, with an online petition, outcries to the local newspaper and messages of encouragement flooding in to a specially created Facebook page dedicated to galvanising support.

A little shorter it may be, but if Artistic Director Megan Donnelley has anything to do with it (and she has) Fuse Medway Festival 2015 will pack a compact, energetic punch into one festive weekend. Given that both the budget and timeframe are considerably smaller than first planned, the programme for this year’s festival, which encompasses the twin locations of Chatham and Rochester, is shaping up very nicely indeed. There is a happy combination of acts both new and old – with returning shows back only, as they say, by popular demand.

Much of the programme was still being finalised as WOW went to print but here are some of the confirmed highlights of this year’s Fuse Medway Festival:

SOUTHPAW DANCE COMPANY: FAUSTSaturday 13 June - Chatham Sunday 14 June - Rochester

If you missed this last year, take yourself in hand and get down to Southpaw Dance Company’s fire-ringed production of Goethe’s ‘Faust’ playing in two of the Towns over Fuse weekend. This is a re-telling with a difference, set in the morally dubious world of the speakeasy, where drinking, gambling and general debauchery make it the perfect place for a man to lose his soul. The intensely physical storytelling unfolds to a seductive soundscape of big band jazz.

And true to Fuse’s remit to engage and involve a wider audience each year, the company will be running performance workshops during the May half term, and participants will have the opportunity to perform in a section of the main show in June.

It’s Happening!FUSE MEDWAY FESTIVAL13 and 14 June 2015

El NIU by Dudu and CiaSaturday 13 June12 noon Chatham

Artistic Director Megan Donnelly saw this show in Spain last year and is enthusiastic in her praise: “It is a lovely show for all ages,” she says, “especially kids.”

A glance through the production photographs tells me that this is one of those occasions often afforded us by Fuse to see the work of artists from the continent who bring a whole other approach to outdoor arts. Complementing our brilliantly English talent for pulling off the most eccentric and eclectic of acts, shows like ‘El Niu’ bring a taste of European storytelling, resonating with Commedia del’Arte-like characters and archetypes. Go – this is ‘for one show only’!

CABARET ELEGANCE by ELEGANTSAn award-winning international circus act is coming to town!

Saturday 13 June - Chatham Sunday 14 June - Rochester

Under the direction of Cristophe Thellier, this four man circus act is perhaps the show I’m most looking forward to of the programme thus far. Although we are promised a good dose of trapeze, balancing, Chinese pole and unicycling, Dico, Boni, Ramiro and Ignasi are clearly not your usual crowd of lycra-clad strongmen. We are promised nonetheless ‘rhythm, emotions and laughter’ by the company’s blurb, and (even more enticingly) ‘Seduction 100% guaranteed!’

For me, the fact that Elegants won the Audience Award at last year’s Festival Sense Portes Argentona speaks volumes.

THE BIG PICNICSun 14 June - Rochester

Fuse Medway Festival completes the weekend with the Big Picnic in Rochester Castle Gardens, with more acts and activities to be confirmed.

To find out more as the programme grows, visit fusefestival.org.uk, download the Fuse festival app or contact [email protected] for more information.

Above all, now that Fuse Medway Festival is restored - go!

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In association with Fuse Medway Festival, Nucleus ArtsFest Inclusivity presents

THE MAD HATTER'S TEA PARTY Sat June 13 2015 – Nucleus Arts, Chatham

“Have I gone mad?” “I’m afraid so, you’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll let you into a secret - all the best people are.” (Alice and the Mad Hatter)

A quirky creative fun and fabulous party to celebrate 150 years of Alice in Wonderland.

Join the white rabbit at the actual tea party with fantastic food, play croquet with hedgehogs and flamingos, make a hat to wear, and join in with the pack of cards…

For details of tickets visit nucleusarts.com

A quiet transformation has been effected at the heart of Rochester High Street. Since September 2014, the top two floors of the building which houses Medway’s Visitor Information Centre have been stripped back, re-envisaged and re-created as Britain’s very first museum of Huguenot history.

The driving force for this spectacular project came from trustees of The French Hospital, ‘La Providence’, founded in 1718 just a few doors down from the new museum to provide help and shelter to Huguenot settlers in need. It operates under the same principles today, offering independent accommodation to Hu-guenot descendants, with access to support nearby.

A desire to find a permanent home for the French Hospital’s private collections, and to tell the fascinat-ing story behind these treasures, led to a successful application to the Heritage Lottery Fund to develop the new museum. The project was awarded £1.2M, which was supplemented by the French Hospital to bring the final sum to £1.5M.

Museum Director, Hannah Kay, tells me: “”It really is a hidden history that affects most of us in this country… The whole project has been led by the collections and the story and the desire to tell it.”

Fresh from working on the National Maritime Museum’s Nelson display, Kay’s appointment in July last year is one of many indications that at all points, quality and experience have been an essential part of the project’s mix.

A tour of the museum confirms this view: visitors who knew the building previously will be delighted by its elegant transformation. The evident attention to design, materials employed and the quality of work-manship pay compliment to the skills of the original Huguenot craftsmen.

T H E M U S E U M

Given that the museum itself is housed in only three rooms, it is astonishing what has been achieved. Restrictions of floor space have led to imaginative solutions in the use of wall space to tell the Huguenot story. And a remarkable story it is. The Huguenots were French Protestants, driven out of France in 1685 by Louis XIV’s revocation of the Edict of Nantes, which had previously allowed for tolerance. Those who did stay were made to denounce their Protestant faith to the Pope and suffered brutally if caught observing their faith.

A water-damaged, beaten up Bible speaks volumes: Kay tells me it was put into dough and baked to avoid discovery. Large, life-size wall pictures based on original illustrations tell the story of the illegal migration of 500,000 Huguenots to elsewhere in Europe, or to America. Some 50,000 made their perilous way across the Channel to England, where their many skills in the fields of crafts, science, arts, education and military leadership contributed to the formation of modern Britain.

The visitor experience is multi-fold, with ways in for all: short, punchy verbal snapshots punctuate the visual unfolding on the walls; a hands-on station allows for a tactile experience of Huguenot imports – luxurious silk, jewellery, clothes – and a film stop gives us five ‘Talking Heads’ of Huguenot descendants speaking today.

The final room introduces us to individual Huguenot faces in the sumptuous oil portraits from the collec-tion, and allows us to make the connection between

H U G U E N O T M U S E U MROCHESTER IS ABOUT TO GAIN ANOTHER GEM: BRITAIN’S FIRST MUSEUM OF HUGUENOT HISTORY OPENS ON 13 MAY 2015

EMMA DEWHURST takes a behind-the-scenes tour

17

the Huguenot story and a million other refugee stories happening today. A wall graphic guides us through all the refugees to find themselves on our shores, of whom the Huguenots were the first. A few, small wall plaques throughout the exhibition voice the thoughts of contemporary refugees represented by an organisation called Refugee Action. Their words are thought-provoking and resonant.

T H E L E A R N I N G S P A C E

It is the Museum Director’s hope that a large majority of the visitors to the Museum on the first floor will attend the Learning Space on the second, a large, flexible space where visitors can take workshops to learn the skills of the Huguenot craftsmen, including jewellery making (there is a hotplate for silversmithing in a built-to-purpose crafts table); book-binding and more. A set of replica Huguenot school clothes await interactive visits from schools and a glass case will house pieces of the collection brought up to act as inspiration.

T H E S T O R E

In the basement of the building a store has been made to keep safe artefacts and documents donated to the Museum, which has already begun to extend its collections with objects from the National Archive and donations from the Museum of London.

“Our aim is to become a trusted repository,” says Kay. “We hope families out there of Huguenot descent will want to bequeath to the Museum.”

Already in the treasures on display for the opening is a 1767 christening gown in exquisite silk lent by a family at ‘La Providence’ which had been sitting in a box on top of a wardrobe…

T H E A R C H I V E

There is also a quiet calm room on the first floor ded-icated to Huguenot research which Kay hopes will be used to check Huguenot ancestry, or research objects within the archive.

Every other country to which the Huguenots fled already have such a heritage centre. It is right and timely that the new Huguenot Museum will be ours. It is even more exciting that it is here, in our midst, fully accessible to all. One in six British people have Huguenot blood: here’s the story behind that fact, and perhaps the beginning of many new stories for us all.

The Huguenot Museum opens to the public on Wednesday 13 May. It is situated at 95 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX. Opening times: Wednesday to Saturday 10am – 5pm. Tel: 01634 789347.

Admission: Adults £4, Concs £3, Family Ticket £10.00. Children under 5 go free. Receive 12 months free entry when you Gift Aid your entrance fee.

VOLUNTEER! The Huguenot Museum welcomes volunteers. If you would like to apply, or to know more, please get in touch with Hannah Kay, Museum Director, at [email protected] or call the number above.

huguenotmuseum.org

FILM

AFTERNOON FILM TREATCentral Theatre, 170 High Street, Chatham ME4 4AS 01634 338338Tickets £4.50 in adv, £5 on door inc hot drink and teacake

CASABLANCA (U) 1942Tue 19 May 2.30pmDir: Michael CurtizCast: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid BergmanSublime classic set in Africa during the early days of World War II. 102 minsmedwayticketslive.co.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)Every Thursday at 7.45pm

WHIPLASH (15) 2014Thu 7 May 7.45pmDir: Damien ChazelleCast: Miles Teller, J K SimmonsOscar-winning drama. 107 mins

INHERENT VICE (15) 2014Thu 14 May 7.45pmDir: Paul Thomas AndersonCast: Joaquin Phoenix, Josh Brolin, Owen WilsonLos Angeles, 1970. Detective Larry ‘Doc’ Sportello investigates the disappearance of a former girlfriend. 148 mins

TRASH (15) 2014Thu 21 May 7.45pmDir: Stephen DaldryCast: Rooney Mara, Martin Sheen Set in Brazil.

An exploration of growing up from the director of ‘The Reader’. 114 mins

SUITE FRANCAISE (15) 2014Thu 28 May 7.45pmDir: Saul DibbCast: Michelle Williams, Kristin Scott ThomasSet during the early years of WWII, based on the novel of the same name. 107 minsKINO @ 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

HOTEL DU NORD (1938)Tue 19 May Food 7pm /Food 8pmDir: Marcel CarnéCast: Annabella, Jean-Pierre Aumont, Louis JouvetA young couple take one night at the Hotel du Nord… See Nick Walker opposite. 95 mins

CINEMA CLASSICS @ LE PETIT CINEMAIn association with Rochester KinoIntroduction to great cinema directors/actors followed by a screening of one of their films. Bruno’s Bakes Café, 10 High Street Rochester ME1 1PTSaturdays 10am-1pmSat 9 May: THE THIN MAN (1934) American comedy-mystery. Sat 16 May: THE BIG HEAT (1954) Film Noir directed by Fritz Lan.gSat 23 May: THE LADY EVE (1951) American screwball comedy.

KINO @ DICKENS ON FILMGuildhall Museum, High Street, Rochester ME1 1PYScreening classic Dickens on film, in association with the Dickens Fellowship. £5 includes pre-film introduction and glass of wine.

THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF NICHOLAS NICKLEBY (12) 1947Mon 18 May 7.30pm (Doors 7pm)Dir: Alberto CavalcantiCast: Cedric Hardwicke, Derek Bond, Mary MerrallThe first film adaptation of one of Dickens’ best loved novels. See opposite. 108 mins rochesterkino.co.uk

PAUL GREENGRASS CINEMA@THE WOODVILLEWoodville Place, Gravesend DA12 1DDGravesend Film Club presentCITY OF GOD (18) 2002Tue 5 May 8pmDir: Fernando Meirelles, Kátia Lund Cast: Alexandre Rodrigues, Matheus Nachtergaele,Leandro Firmino See Nick Walker opposite. Tickets: £4. 130 minsFor more of the excellent programme at the Paul Greengrass Cinema visit woodville.seatlive.com

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.

ST. VINCENT (12A) 2014Tue 5 May 7.30pmDir: Theodore MelfiCast: Bill Murray, Naomi WattsThe ever-laconic Bill Murray stars as a misanthropic, hedonistic war veteran who unwittingly becomes a friend and mentor to the young boy living next door whose parents have just divorced. 102 mins

WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS (15) 2014Tue 19 May 7.30pmDir: Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi. Cast: Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi, Jonathan Brugh. Biting comedy from ‘Flight of the Conchords’ creator (Clement) showing how three vampires cope with the everyday challenges and chores of modern life such as paying the rent and getting into nightclubs. 86 mins

RFS @ THE CINE LOUNGESun Pier House, Medway Street Chatham ME4 4HF(No disabled access)01634 812805Cult Film night, first Sunday of the month. Doors and themed music 6.30pm, film 7.30pm.£3.00. Bar/refreshments available. HEATHERS (15) 1988Sun 3 May 7.30pm Dir: Michael LehmannCast: Winona Ryder, Christian Slater. An acerbicly comic take on the American High School movie with a new girl keen to be accepted by the ‘in’ crowd instead meeting a rebel who teaches her a darker form of social politics. 101 minsrochesterfilmsociety.co.uk

NEW!UNDERGROUND CINEMAA new cinema initiative bringing inspiring documentary films to Medway. £2-£5 Screening at Nucleus Arts, 272 High Street, Chatham ME4 4BP

THE EMPOWERMENT PROJECT Fri 1 May 7pmDocumenting the incredible journey of a group of American women who travelled the US encouraging others to follow their ambitions. JUNE SCREENING: THE ELEVENTH HOUR Fri 5 June at 7pm nucleusarts.com

INDEPENDENT FILM x 6

CITY OF GODTuesday 5 May 8pm

Director Fernando Meirelles’ classic is set in Brazil, taking a look at gang life over the decades, using the central story of two boys who grow up to very different paths as the central device for showing

the devastating effects of both gang culture and poverty. This Academy Award nominated film is breathtakingly raw, with the slums, the violence and the genuinely charismatic personalities all feeling so true.

THE PAUL GREENGRASS CINEMA @THE WOODVILLE Woodville Place, Gravesend DA12 1DD

HÔTEL DU NORDTuesday 19 May: Food 7pm / Film 8pm

Marcel Carné’s classic morality tale of love scripted by Jacques Prévert is a dark affair with a wonderful cast of Arletty, Annabella, Jean-Pierre Aumont and the always-amazing Louis Jouvet, all of whom give extraordinary performances. The peak of French

poetic realism (cramped interiors and expressionist lighting, fatalistic shadows and poetic monologues) this is full to the brim of the faded charm and beauty of 1930s Paris. A true classic. CINE SUPPER @ LE PETIT CINEMA In association with Rochester Kino. Food and film.Bruno’s Bakes and Coffee, 10 High Street, Rochester ME1 1PT

TRASHThursday 21 May 7.45pm

Director Stephen Daldry’s tale of three young kids who make a tremendous discovery in a garbage dump is a fantastic exploration of growing up. Set in Rio de Janeiro, this BAFTA nominated film with screenplay by Richard Curtis, stars Rooney Mara and

Martin Sheen. However this is Daldry (‘The Reader’, ‘Billy Elliot’) at his best, with his ability to work with young actors (and non-professional here) to great effect, eliciting superb performances of energy and joy.

ROCHESTER KINO @ CHATHAM ODEONChatham Odeon, Chatham Maritime ME4 4LL

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF NICHOLAS NICKLEBYMonday 18 May 7.30pm (Doors 7pm)

Director Alberto Cavalcanti’s classic Ealing Studios drama tells the story of Nicholas Nickleby who is put in the care of his brutal uncle after his parents' death, and finds himself confronted with injustice at every turn. Dickens’ typically episodic

storyline works a treat as this realistic drama exposes the misery caused by ruthless greed but shows that virtuous character and perseverance can bring relief, redemption, and even happiness.

DICKENS ON FILM @ ROCHESTER GUILDHALL MUSEUMIn association with the Dickens Fellowship and Rochester Kino

WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWSTuesday 19 May 7.30pm

New Zealand directors and comedians Jemaine Clement (‘Flight of the Conchords’) and Taika Waititi’s vampire mockumentary is genuinely smart and funny. A lovely antidote to ‘Twilight’ whilst eschewing Leslie Nielsen-style slapstick humour, the film features Werewolves, Witches and Zombies; the whole nine yards of horror. The premise

of present-day vampires struggling to cope with modern life is shot in reality style – a clever departure from the typical vampire genre.

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

THE LADY EVESaturday 23 May 10am

CINE SUPPER – FOOD AND FILMPreston Sturges’ film starring Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda is a masterpiece of deception and pratfalls. Two card sharps entrap a wealthy and vulnerable bachelor on an ocean voyage and the rest is all mistaken identity and the plot twists of a burgeoning

relationship. Sturges makes it all seem so easy and effortless – the physical comedy is brilliantly executed and the dialogue beautifully witty – a masterpiece of screwball comedy.

CINEMA CLASSICS @ LE PETIT CINEMAIn Association with Rochester Kino.. Bruno’s Bakes and Coffee, 10 High Street, Rochester ME1 1PT

NICK WALKER previews

19

“We are all comrades in a shadow world, relying on others to be our eyes”Brian Podger, 78, from his poem ‘Sightless in a field of conflict’

Artist WENDY DAWS has a long-held mission to make art accessible to the sight impaired.

She describes the journey as Kent Association for the Blind’s Medway Blind Art Group open their new exhibition ‘Through Our Eyes’

At the University of Brighton I became fascinated by how people see art - not in a critical sense but literally. How, if you’re sight impaired, do you enjoy and engage with art and galleries? This fascination led to my dissertation ‘The Value of Touch and Museum Approaches to the Visually Impaired Visitor’ and when I returned to Medway, I met the Kent Association for the Blind and setup the KAB Medway Blind Art Group.

That was nine years ago and the group is going from strength to strength. Our latest exhibition, ‘Through Our Eyes’ is the culmination of a part-nership between the Royal Engineers Museum and the KAB Medway Art Group. I run the group on a voluntary basis and it is attended by people from the Medway Towns whose sight is impaired

as well as a number of incredibly supportive vol-unteers and artists. The current age range of the group is 42 years to 97 years.

Rebecca Gazey was the Community Engagement and Learning Officer at the RE Museum and she asked if we would like to explore and respond to the museum collections. Rebecca had heard about us through the Tactile Bronze Project we had completed with Rochester Cathedral. She and I met in September 2013 for a chat that led to our eight week residency earlier this year and our upcoming exhibition, ‘Through Our Eyes’.

We were very warmly welcomed to the museum and looked after throughout by the whole muse-um team. Deputy Curator James Scott acquainted us with the vast historical collections, after which our responses and ideas started to form.

As a group we continually bounce ideas off each other; I make suggestions and push everyone to try different ways of making. The resulting collection is a mixture of painting, sculpture, mixed media and poetry. Barbara, who is 92 with Macular Degeneration, has created ‘Destruction’ a dozen clear sticky tape casts of a shell casing, each named with a battlefield from the 1914-1918 war. I couldn’t get hold of a complete shell casing so in stepped my father-in-law, who amongst many

COMRADES IN A SHADOW WORLD

things is also a wood turner. Tony turned the exact shape of a shell casing for Barbara to use as a pattern to create her casts.

It’s a challenge for me to create work at the same time as leading the group. I usually take casts of everyone’s fingers and they feature among plaster Mills Bomb fragments and terracotta barbed wire. One member of the group who always adds to our inspiration in a unique way is Brian Prodger, 78 (Extreme Myopia & Posterior Vitreous Degen-eration). Brian writes poetry at home based on ideas that the group has explored during the day. Our terracotta barbed wire was made by us all following Brian’s lead.

I like to bring in other artistic expertise and for a number of weeks we worked with the brilliant Peter Reeds. Peter has a great way of drawing ad-venture out of people. His mantra was “banish the brush” and he got everyone’s hands in the paint.

Something I am conscious of is that although I’m really interested in (some might say obsessed with) how museums approach their visually impaired visitors, I’m an artist and not a sight aware expert. So if we’re going to embark on an adventure with a museum, it is important to get everyone involved.

At the RE Museum, KAB’s excellent Medway Team, led by June Dellar, took the museum staff through their ‘Sighted Guided Training’. This includes wear-ing simulated spectacles to demonstrate a variety of eye conditions and learning the techniques of guiding someone: it’s quite daunting being blind-folded and totally placing your trust in someone else to guide you. It was fantastic that everyone from the Front of House team to Museum Director Richard Dunn took part. Excuse the poor pun but it was an eye opener for all and a great way to raise awareness.

You can view our exhibition ‘Through Our Eyes’ at the Royal Engineers Museum from 28 April to 13 July. We will also be at the Museum on 23 May for a ‘Tactile Detectives’ day.

For more information on the KAB and Medway Art Group visit kabmedwayartgroup.wordpress.com

“When my vision was damaged I thought that life had ended. The group inspired me to try and that world opened up for me again.”Helen, 42, Diabetic Retinopathy

Photos: Gary Weston, Wendy Daws (Barbed wire)

MUSIC FESTIVALS

MAIDSTONE FRINGE FESTIVAL30 APRIL - 4 MAYmaidstonefringefestival.co.uk

THE STYLE & WINCH72 Union Street, Maidstone, ME14 1ED 01622 752351Fri 1 May: DEAD BEARS, NATIVE PEOPLE, UPCDOWNC. Doors 8.30pm.Sat 2 May: THE BLACK LION COURTIERS, HOWL, FIRST FAMILY (Acoustic). Doors 8.30pm. Mon 4 May: THE KEYTONES, FUNKE & THE TWO TONE BABY, QUARTERLIGHT, THE FLORESCENTS, FLAWLESS CARBON, JACKAL PACK, ROKOKO, FAR FROM TREES. Doors 2pm.

EARLS30 Earl Street Maidstone ME14 1PS 01622 751286Doors 9pm unless stated. Free entry. Fri 1 May: AS WORLDS COLLIDE, AUDIOWHORES, OPTIONAL RUBBER DUCK. Sat 2 May: VAN SUSANS, SALVATION JAYNE, THEATRE ROYAL, THE BLACK WATERSIDE, OUT OF FASHION, WEAK NERVES, THE FLORESCENTS, RHONDA & THE GREAT UNKNOWN. Doors 3pm. Sun 3 May: THE SLYTONES, LADY LUCK & THE LATE NIGHT PLAYERS, THE PARADE, THE QUAYS, LITHODRONE, BROKEN BANJO, ISLAND CASSETTES, MIGDEN & GIBSON. Doors 1pm. earlsmaidstone.co.uk

THE FLOWERPOT96 Sandling Road, Maidstone ME14 2RJ 01622 757705Free entry. Fri 1 May: THE DEVILS PREFECTS, SALLY IRONMONGER. Doors 9pm.Sat 2 May: KNIGHTS OF HOODOO, JOHN FORRESTER, THE DREDGERMEN, CONNOR NOBLE. Doors at 6pm.Sun 3 May: TONY STARKS & FRIENDS. Doors 3pm.flowerpotpub.moonfruit.com

THE ROYAL ALBION19-23 Havock Lane,

Maidstone ME14 1ZE 01622 691 789Fri 1 May: BIG AL’S BLUES BAND. Doors 9pm.Sat 2 May: FATE THE JUGGLER, FREEDOM CAGE. Doors 1pm. Sun 3 May: SOUL SUNDAY: NORTHERN SOUL SUNDAYS. Doors 4pm. Mon 4 May: SLUG PIXIES. Doors 2pm.

THE DRUIDS ARMS24 Earl Street, Maidstone ME14 1PPFri 1 May: MASTERCLASS. Doors 9pm. Sat 2 May: DUSTY OLD VINYL, BLACKSHOT. Doors 2pm. Sun 3 May - BEN RUSSELL & THE CHARMERS, GIGGLE IN THE GARDEN (Comedy), DIANE SPENCER, DAN CARDWELL, KEVIN SHEPHERD, BOB SLAYER, CREEQUE ALLEY. DOORS 1pm. Mon 4 May: JAM SESSION: JOSH ROOTS. Doors 2pm.

RAFTERS62 High Street, Maidstone ME14 1SRFri 1 May: RIVER BECOMES OCEAN, VENTURE, ALIVE IN LIGHTS. £4 before 10pm. Doors 9.30pm.Sat 2 May: GET INUIT, DOREY THE WISE, HIGH. £4 before 11pm. Doors 9pm.Sun 3 May: BEAR VS MANERO, PUNCHING SWANS, KILL RPNZL, FRAU POUCH. £3 before 9pm. Doors 8pm.

THE WHITE HORSE46 London Road, Maidstone ME16 8QL 01622 752141Fri 1 May: THE SOUNDCASTERS. Doors 9pm.Sat 2 May: MASTERCLASS. Doors 9pm. Sun 3 May: JAM NIGHT & OPEN MIC WITH SAMUEL JACQUES & PAUL MOSS. Doors 8.30pm.

PIZZA EXPRESS MUSIC ROOM32-34 Earl Street, Maidstone ME14 1PF 01622 683548Doors 7pm, show 8pm unless stated. Fri 1 May: CUT THE FUNK. £12.50. Sat 2 May: MARK MORRIS, DAVID

JAMES RUMSEY, POPPY WILSON. £10.Sun 3 May: NINE BELOW ZERO. £16. Doors 6.45pm.pizzaexpresslive.co.uk

FREDERIC CAFÉCorn Exchange, 25A Market Buildings. Maidstone ME14 1HP 01622 297414Fri 1 May: ACOUSTIC SESSIONS WITH FRED CLARK. Doors 9pm.

THE PILOT25 Upper Stone Street, Maidstone ME15 6EU01622 691162Fri 1 May: KING SIZE SLIM. Doors 9pm. Sat 2 May: BRAD PITTANCE & THE PIRATES. Doors 9pm. Sun 3 May: ELECTRIC JAM SESSION. Doors 2pm.

THE SOURCE BAR4-6 Rose Yard, Maidstone ME14 1HN 01622 678174Fri 1 May: KISSY SELL OUT, DECYFA, VK, CALLUM LAU, CHARLIE MALLOY, SEAN MOONEY, SEAN DAVIS.Sat 2 May: DJ EZ, ARTFUL DODGER, DJ LUCK & MC NEAT. Sun 3 May: ANNIE MAC, SHADOW CHILD, ROB COCKERTON, MARK DERRY, DRAIG CAVID, MILC ‘N BIZKITZ, SEAN MOONEY.ROSE YARD @ SOURCE BARSat 2 May: SECATEURS, SKINNY FEELS, HERCITY, THE DOCTORATES, SMALLTOWN MISFITS. Doors 3pm.

FESTIVAL FOLLYJubilee Square MaidstoneSat 2 May: DULCIE MAY & THE MYSTERY, SEQUOIA, HEY MAGGIE, LUCA AFROBEAT BAND. Sun 3 May: ISLAND CASSETTES, BEN RUSSELL & THE CHARMERS, THE PULSATORS.

THE BOWERHOUSE20 Warwick Place, Maidstone ME16 8SG 01622 763448Doors 7pm, 7.30pm showSat 2 May: THREE RAVENS FOLK CLUB. Doors 7pm.Sun 3 May: THE DEVILS INTERVAL. Gig: £10. Singing

Workshop: £5. Gig, workshop and meal: £20.thebowerhouse.info

THE ART LOUNGE13 Market Buildings, Maidstone ME14 1HP 01622 673296 Sat 2 May: DAVID JAMES RUMSEY, JILL LUCAS. Doors 2pm. Sun 3 May: REA QUNTA, CONNOR NOBLE. Doors 2pm.

ROCHESTER SWEEPS FESTIVAL2-4 MAY

ROCHESTER CASTLE GARDENS: MAIN STAGESat 2 May: FUNKE & THE TWO TONE BABY (PLUS DRUMSKULLZ), THE ALLEN FAMILY, FABULOUS FEZHEADS, SUR LES DOCKS, GREEN DEISEL. 11am-5pm.Sun 3 May: LARKSPUR, HOT RATS, FABULOUS FEZHEADS, WE GHOSTS, SEAGULLS ARE DRUNK. 11am-5pm.Mon 4 May: ARTE MISS, BOUNTY HOUNDS, LUKE JACKSON, DAVEY MALONE & THE LONGTAILS, BRIDES OF RAIN. 11am-5pm.

THE CROWNSat 2 May: BORDER CROSSING. 12.30pm.Sat 2 May: CELTIC CAPERS. 6pm. Sun 3 May: SKINNER RATS. 12.30pm. Sun 3 May: MISSOURI GUTTS. 6pm.Mon 4 May: GREG MCDONALD. 12.30pm.

THE EAGLE TAVERNSat 2 May: SKINNERS RATS. 12.30pm. Sat 2 May: THEE WALTONS. 4pm. Sun 3 May: SUR LES DOCKS. 12.30.Sun 3 May: TRIALITY. 4pm.Mon 4 May: THE WAX COLLECTOR. 12.30pm.

GORDON HOUSE HOTELSat 2 May: GREEN DIESEL. 12.30pm. Sat 2 May: CAJUN DAWGS, SUR LES DOCKS. 8pm. Sun 3 May: BOUNTY HOUNDS. 12.30pm. Sun 3 May: TANGLEFOOT

APPALACHIAN. 3.30pm.Sun 3 May: HOBO JONES & THE JUNKYARD DOGS, SEAGULLS ARE DRUNK. 8pm. Mon 4 May: HOT RATS. 12.30pm.

TWO BREWERSSat 2 May: THE MACHINE BREAKERS. 12.30pm.Sat 2 May: IAN PETRIE BAND. 8.45pm. Sun 3 May: TOMBSTONE LIQUOR. 12.30pm. Sun 3 May: WE GHOSTS. 8.45pm. Mon 4 May: CELTIC CAPERS. 12.30pm.

KINGS HEADSat 2 May: THE BROADSIDE BOYS. 12.30pm. Sat 2 May: FIDDLEFIT. 4pm. Sun 3 May: TRIALITY. 12.30pm. Sun 3 May: CELTIC CAPERS. 4pm. Mon 4 May: C.J. & FRIENDS. 12.30pm.

GOOD INTENTSat 2 May: SINGAROUNDSat 2 May: SHANTY SESSION. 5pm Sat 2 May: SINGAROUND. 8.45pm. Sun 3 May: SINGAROUND. 12.30pm. Sun 3 May: SHANTY SESSION WITH THE HOG EYE MEN. 5pm.Sun 3 May: TANGLEFOOT APPALACHIAN. 6pm.Sun 3 May: SINGAROUND. 8.45pm. Mon 4 May: SINGAROUND WITH SIMON BARLOW. 12.30pm.

SINGAPORA LOUNGESat 2 May: IAN PETRIE BAND. 12.30 Sat 2 May: J.D. & THE LONGFELLOWS. 8.45pm. Sun 3 May: ROSIE EADE BAND. 12.30pm. Sun 3 May: THE FLOWING. 8.45pm. Mon 4 May: THE OLD COUNTRY CROWS. 12.30pm.

YE ARROWSat 2 May: CAJUN DAWGS. 1pm. Sat 2 May: CAPTAIN PATCH & THE MERMAID MOLLIES. 4pm. Sun 3 May: JUMBO GUMBO. 1pm.Sun 3 May: BOUNTY HOUNDS. 4pm.Mon 4 May: MISSOURI

GUTTS. 12.30pm.MAN OF KENT ALEHOUSEFri 1 May: JUSTIN & THE ARGONAUTS. 8.30pm.Sat 2 May: J.D. & THE LONGFELLOWS. 2pm.Sat 2 May: THE MACHINE BREAKERS. 8.45pm.Sun 3 May: THE HARTLEY MORRIS SINGERS. 2pm.Sun 3 May: MORRIGAN. 6pm. Sun 3 May: SUR LES DOCKS. 8.45pm. Mon 4 May: ROSIE EADE. 2pm.

OLIVER’S BAR & RESTAURANTSat 2 May: CELTIC CAPERS. 2pm. Sat 2 May: FUNKE & THE TWO TONE BABY (PLUS DRUMSKULLZ). 5pm.Sun 3 May: LARKSPUR. 2pm.Sun 3 May: ARCELIA. 5pm.Mon 4 May: THE BROADSIDE BOYS. 2pm.

COOPERS ARMSSat 2 May: DRUMSKULLZ. 2.30pm. Sat 2 May: CHRIS TAYLOR. 3pm. Sat 2 May: PLAY ALONG SESSION WITH P.J. 8pm Sun 3 May: IRISH MUSIC SESSIONS WITH CHRIS TAYLOR. 3pm. Sun 3 May: PLAY ALONG SESSION WITH P.J. 7.30pm.Mon 4 May: IAN PETRIE & SUE HUDSON. 12.30pm.

THE KING’S SCHOOL HALLSat 2 May: THE FLOWING. 2.30pm.

THE PRINCE OF WALES (STROOD)Sat 2 May: THE BROADSIDE BOYS. 4pm. Sat 2 May: CAPTAIN PATCH & THE MERMAID MOLLIES. 8.45pm. Sun 3 May: UKULELES AT THE PRINCE. 4pm. Sun 3 May: FIDDLEFIT. 8.45pm. Mon 4 May: SKINNERS RATS. 12.30pm.

ROCHESTER LIBRARYSun 3 May: THE KALEIDOSCOPE FOLK GROUP. 3pm.

MUSIC FESTIVALS

RootsMAN OF KENT

ALE-HOUSE

FolkBluesS

WORLD

f

MAY 2015

SWEEPSFri 1st 8.30pm JUSTIN AND

THE ARGONAUTS

Sat 2nd 2pm JD & THE LONGFELLOWS

Sat 2nd 8:45pm THE MACHINE BREAKERS

Sun 3rd 2pm THE HARTLEY SINGERS

Sun 3rd 6pm MORRIGAN

Sun 3rd 8:45pm SUR LES DOCKS

Mon 4th 2pm ROSIE EADE

Tue 5th UKULELE JAM NIGHT

Wed 6th NIGEL HOBBINS & THE DREAMLANDERS

Thu 7th JOHN DOE BLUES (Phil Woollett)

Sun10th JAM NIGHT

Wed 13th DELTA LADIES

Thu 14th GRAHAM CORBOND DUO

Sun 17th JAM NIGHT

Wed 20th LANDERMASON

Thu 21st TBA Check Facebook

Sun 24th JAM NIGHT

Wed 27th WE GHOSTS

Thu 28th KINGSIZE SLIM

Sun 31st JAM NIGHT

AN ENGLISH TRIP

Head down to The Bil-labong Club on Tuesday 19 May for a different kind of gig in the Medway Towns. ‘An English Trip’ is a night of live music, spoken word and a book reading. John Doran (Editor of ‘The Quietus’) reads from his first book ‘Jolly Lad’, a memoir about his recovery from alcoholism and the healing power of music, with musi-cal accompaniment from Norwegian noise rock band ÅRABROT. Supporting will be a selection of Medway’s finest talkers and strum-mers, including Stuart Turner, Barry Fentiman-Hall and Punching Swans. (LC)

THE BARGE63 Layfield Road, Gillingham ME7 2QY 01634 850485Music starts 9pm, free entrySat 2 May: MAKER. Wed 6 May: BARDS @ THE BARGE OPEN MIC.Fri 8 May: SPADE & ARCHER. Sat 9 May: SALLY IRONMONGER. Thu 14 May: JAZZ AT THE BARGE with GARY BERNACLE & THE PETE WELLER TRIO. Fri 15 May: GRACIE. Sat 16 May: SWEETCHUNKS + DAVEY MALONE. Fri 22 May: KRIS DOLLIMORE. Sat 23 May: JD AND THE LONGFELLOWS. Fri 29 May: ROBERT BROWN. thebargepub.co.uk

BEACON COURT TAVERN128 Canterbury Street, Gillingham ME7 4RY01634 853186Thu 14 May: NOTHING TO LOSE RECORDS PRESENTS: CAST IRON JAW, DUSTED, TIME TORN + INTERZONE. £5. Doors 7pmbeaconcourttavern.co.uk

THE BILLABONG CLUB24 Victoria Street, Rochester, ME1 1BXTue 19 May: AN ENGLISH TRIP: See page 22. £5. Doors 8pm.

THE BOWERHOUSE20 Warwick Place, Maidstone ME16 8SG 01622 763448Doors 7pm, 7.30pm showSun 3 May: THE DEVILS INTERVAL. Gig: £10. Singing Workshop: £5. Gig, workshop and meal: £20. Sat 9 May: THE YOUNG’UNS. £10. Wed 20 May: ANNA AND ELIZABETH. £10. thebowerhouse.info

BRITANNIA THEATREDickens World Leviathan Way, Chatham Maritime ME4 4LL 0844 858 6656Sun 10 May: THE UNDERTONES. £20 + fee.Sat 16 May: THE BEAT. £17.50 + fee. Thu 21 May: THE BUZZCOCKS. £17.50 + fee.Wed 20 May: EDDI READER + SUPPORT. £23.50 + fee.thebritanniakent.com

CENTRAL THEATRE170 High Street, Chatham ME4 4AS 01634 338338Sat 9 May: CITY OF ROCHESTER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Programme includes Mozart, Prokofiev, Vivaldi and Beethoven. £16, £12, £10. Concs available. Doors 7.30pm. Fri 29 May: JOAN ARMATRADING. £29.50, £28. Doors 7.30pm.medwayticketslive.co.uk

COOPERS ARMS10 St Margaret’s Street, Rochester ME1 1TL01634 404298Music starts at 7pmSun 3 May: SWEEPS SPECIALSun 10 May: WHITE PEPPERSUN 17 May: TALKING BOOKthecoopersarms.co.uk

THE DOT CAFÉ172 High Street, Rochester ME1 1EXWed 20 May: SEASONALLY EFFECTED. 7-10pm. Eclectic night of poetry,

music, storytelling, film, theatre and more. To book a ten minute spot email [email protected]. Visit seasonallyeffected.com

DRUIDS ARMS24 Earl Street, Maidstone ME14 1PP 01622 758516Fri 22 May: THUMPSKREW

EAGLE TAVERN124 High Street Rochester ME1 1JT 01634 409040Doors 7pm. Free entry.Thu 7 May: TOP GUNSSun 10 May: DAVE BARRY QUARTET. Thu 14 May: THE M.O.D Sun 17 May: DAVE WARREN. Sun 24 May: SIMON SPILLET QUARTETtheeagletavern.org.uk

EARLS30 Earl Street Maidstone ME14 1PS 01622 751286Doors 9pm unless stated. Free entry. Thu 14 May: UNKNOWN REPORT, INEVITABLE DAYDREAM.earlsmaidstone.co.uk

44TWO SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUBFeatherby Road, Gillingham ME8 6ANThe Jazz Line: 01634 405037Thu 11 May 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 2nd Thuday of the month throughout 2015. Phone the Jazz Line for more information.

THE FLOWERPOT96 Sandling Road, Maidstone ME14 2RJ 01622 757705Free entry. Sat 16 May: FLAWLESS CARBON + SUPPORT. 9pm. OPEN MIC NIGHT EVERY TUESDAY. 8.30pm. flowerpotpub.moonfruit.com

HASTINGS ARMS FUNCTION ROOMLower Rainham Road (leading to Danes Hill), Gillingham ME7 2YDFree parking. Thuday 28 May: ROCHESTER SWING PRESERVATION SOCIETY with guest clarinettist ARNIE BIBBY. 8.30pm start. Admission £7.00. Raffle. Free nibbles. All welcome. For more details or to reserve a table tel: 01634 712217 or visit website: sukotto5.wix.com/rsps

HAZLITT THEATREEarl Street, Maidstone ME14 1PL 01622 758611Exchange Theatre: Fri 15 May: COCO AND THE BUTTERFIELDS. £12. Sat 23 May: AN EVENING WITH JULIAN LLOYD WEBBER. £23.

MAN OF KENT ALEHOUSE6-8 John Street, Rochester ME1 1YN 07772 214315See page 23 + Sweeps listings.

MARLOWE STUDIOThe Friars, Canterbury CT1 2AS 01227 787787Sat 2 May: LISA KNAPP. Knapp won Best Original Song at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2014 with ‘Two Ravens’. £12Thu 7 May: JOOLS HOLLAND AND HIS RHYTHM & BLUES ORCHESTRA. £35marlowetheatre.com. Booking fees apply.

THE MIDDLE EI8HT1-2 Town Pier, Gravesend 01474 328947Fri 1 May: JAMES DAVIES

MUSIC 2

MUSIC 2

Sat 2 May: BLOODSTONE BLUE Fri 8 May: THE BLOXFri 15 May: BARBEDSat 16 May: SKABRETTAFri 22 May: HERBIO DUOSat 22 May: STEEL YARDFri 29 May: HOBO AND THE HIPPIES Sat 30 May: PANIC

THE PAPER MOON CLUB: SOUL, BLUES & JAZZSun Pier House, Medway Street, Chatham ME4 4HFDoors 7.30pm, show starts 8.30pm. Fri 8 May: The 8th is the Paper Moon’s 1st birthday and Tabby Webb’s final evening at The Paper Moon before she takes a break to become a mum to her 2nd child! Fri 22 May: Another night of soul, blues and jazz.

PIZZA EXPRESS MUSIC ROOM32-34 Earl Street, Maidstone ME14 1PF 01622 683548Doors 7pm, show 8pm unless stated. Fri 8 May: THE

CHILLBILLIES. £14. Sat 9 May: CLARE TEAL. £28. Sat 16 May: DEREK NASH FUNK EXPERIENCE SHOW TIME. £15. Fri 22 May: IAN SHAW. £16. Sat 23 May: FRED CLARK & FRIENDS. £7.pizzaexpresslive.co.uk

PRINCE OF WALES1-3 Railway Street, Chatham ME4 4HU 01634 829190Sat 16 May: UNKNOWN REPORT ‘HOLE IN THE GROUND’ EP LAUNCH + FEROCIOUS LOPEZ, CORIDOR, 3D, THE ONLY SUN & BROKEN BANJO.

ROCHESTER CATHEDRALThe Precinct, Rochester ME1 1SXFri 29 May: HARRY CHRISTOPHERS THE SIXTEEN: Choral Pilgrimage 2015 with music of the Spanish Renaissance. Local box office: 01634 338141. National box office: 01904 651485. thesixteen.com

rochestercathedral.org

SUN PIER HOUSEMedway Street, Chatham ME4 4HF 01634 812805OPEN MIC NIGHTThu 7 May: SUNSPOT ACT tbc. £2. Doors 7.30pm.sunpierhouse.co.uk

THE WHITE HORSE46 LONDON ROAD, MAIDSTONE, ME16 8QLFri 1 May: THE SOUNDCASTERS.Sat 2 May: MASTERCLASS.Sat 9 May: RHONDA & THE GREAT UNKNOWN.Sat 16 May: PROJECT 5.EVERY SUNDAY: JAM NIGHT 8.30pm

WANT TO BE IN OUR MUSIC LISTINGS?

Our Music listings are compiled by Luke Crook of banjaxxed.co.uk.

Please send your listing, with venue, date, time, ticket price if any and contact information to [email protected].

Rochester CathedralFriday 29 May, 7.30pmMusic by two masters of the Spanish Renaissance • Francisco Guerrero • Alonso Lobo

National Box Office: 01904 651485Local Box Office: 01634 338141www.thesixteen.com

The Choral Pilgrimage 2015

designreprolithodigitalstoragefulfilmentdistribution

9-10 Orchard Business CentreSanderson WayTonbridgeKent TN9 1QG

e: [email protected]: 01732 366666

www.cpg-net.co.uk

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

DESIGN l POS l LITHO l DIGITAL STORAGE l FULFILMENT l DISTRIBUTION

TONBRIDGE KENT

e: [email protected] t: 01732 366666

www.cpg-net.co.uk

VINTAGE DANCE SPECIAL!SWING BACK IN TIMESat 16 MayRoyal Engineers Museum, GillinghamAn evening of Swing in celebration of World Lindy Hop Day!Vintage attire welcome. Cocktail bar & refreshments.Lessons 7pmMain event 8pmBooking essential: £10, £15 with lesson. Call 01634 822312

BROOK THEATRE STUDIOOld Town Hall, Chatham ME4 4SE 01634 338338. E: [email protected] 6-Fri 8 May 7.30pm: ANJIN SAN: THE STORY OF WILL ADAMS Play on Words premiere their take on the Will Adams story. £10, concs available.medwayticketslive.co.uk

CENTRAL THEATRE170 High Street, Chatham ME4 4AS 01634 338338 E: [email protected] 3 May 2pm: STICK MAN LIVE ON STAGE presented by Scamp Theatre and Watford Palace Theatre. Lovely adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Sheffler’s popular children’s book. Puppetry, songs, live music. Adults £12, child £10, any four £40medwayticketslive.co.uk

HAZLITT THEATREEarl Street, Maidstone ME14 1PL 01622 758611EXCHANGE STUDIO: Thu 21 May 7.30pm: THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY European Arts Company’s latest. See article page 9. £13, concs £11parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

MARLOWE THEATREThe Friars, Canterbury CT1 2AS 01227 787787See main feature p16.MAIN HOUSE:Sun 3 & Mon 4 May 7.30pm: YAMATO DRUMMERS OF JAPAN: BAKUON Authentic Japanese Taiko drumming. £16-£31.50, concs availableFri 8 May 7.30pm: ETO present LA BOHEME Puccini’s story of tragic young love. Sat 9 May 7.30pm: ETO present THE SIEGE OF CALAIS by Donizetti. £21-£40, concs available. Tue 12-Sat 23 May 7.30pm, Thu & Sat mat 2.30pm: THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME Award-winning NT production by Marianne Elliott (‘War Horse’) adapted by Simon Stephens from Mark Haddon’s novel. £16-£34.50, concs available. Tue 2 Jun-Sat 6 Jun 7.30pm, Thu & Sat mat 2.30pm: MATTHEW BOURNE’S THE CAR MAN Internationally acclaimed dance thriller based on Bizet’s ‘Carmen’. A must-see! £17-£38. Show talk 4 June 6pm, free to all (booking required).

THE MARLOWE STUDIO: Thu 7 May 8pm: THE PIANO MAN Allthepigs Theatre Company devised this play based on the true story of a suited man washed up on the Kent Coast in 2005 who had lost his memory – but could play Tchaikovsky. £12, conc £11marlowetheatre.com (booking fees apply)

MEDWAY LITTLE THEATRE256 High Street, Rochester ME1 1HY Box Office: 01634 400322Thu 30 Apr-Sat 9 May 7.30pm: BOEING BOEING by Marc Camoletti, directed by Katie Foster. Parisian farce!mlt.org.uk

ORCHARD THEATREHome Gardens, Dartford DA1 1ED 01322 220000 To 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. Sun 3 May 7.30pm: LA TRAVIATA An Ellen Kent production of Verdi classic. £20-£33.50.

Tue 5 May 7.30pm: BALLETBOYZ The Talent Brand new show featuring ten male dancers under the direction of former Royal Ballet dancers and original Ballet Boyz, Michael Nunn and William Trevitt. Muscular grace, stunning choreography. £15-£24.50. Mon 25 6pm, Tue 26 10.30am, 2.30pm & 5.30pm & Wed 27 May 10.30am: THE PIRATES OF TREASURE ISLAND with Edele Lynch and CBeebies Sid Slone. Swashbuckling family adventure. More of a pantomime than a play! £16.50, concs availableMon 1-Sat 6 June 7.30pm, Wed & Sat mat 2.30pm: PETER PAN GOES WRONG Joyful comedy disasters suitable for all ages. £18-£28, concs availableorchardtheatre.co.uk (booking fee applies)

THE WOODVILLE STUDIOWoodville PlaceGravesend DA12 1DDBox Office: 08422 [email protected] 22 Apr 7.30pm: THE TRIALS 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 8pm. Thu 28 May: Line-up tbc. £12 on door, £9 if bookedbillabongcomedyclub.co.uk

BROOK THEATREOld Town Hall, Chatham ME4 4SE 01634 338338. E: [email protected] 14 May 7.45pm: LAUGHING BOY COMEDY CLUB: MC KEV MCCARTHY, TOM LUCY, HOLLY WALSH + MICKEY SHARMA. Strictly over 18s. £11 (meal £3.50 extra)medwayticketslive.co.uk

CENTRAL THEATRE170 High Street, Chatham ME4 4AS 01634 338338Wed 6 May 7.30pm: LEE NELSON Back with a brand new show. £20medwayticketslive.co.uk

HAZLITT THEATREEarl Street, Maidstone ME14 1PL 01622 758611EXCHANGE STUDIO: Fri 8 May 9pm: CHRISTIAN O’CONNELL: BREAKING DAD Debut stand-up tour. With Matt Brown. £12 inc £1 booking fee. parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

MARLOWE THEATREThe Friars, Canterbury CT1 2AS 01227 787787Tue 5 May 7.30pm: PAUL MERTON’S IMPRO CHUMS who create a comedy show based on suggestions from the audience! Adult themes/language. £21. Wed 6 May 7.30pm: DYLAN MORAN: OFF THE HOOK Stand-up of the first order. Adult themes and language. £25, concs £23MARLOWE STUDIO: Sat 30 May 8pm: THE MARLOWE COMEDY CABARET - JARLATH REGAN with SUZY BENNET, ROBIN MORGAN + HAYLEY ELLIS. Adult themes. £13marlowetheatre.com (booking fees apply)

THEATRE

IAN HARRISON - GUITAR LESSONS• 15 years teaching / playing experience throughout

the UK, Europe and US• Emphasis on enjoyment, lessons individually

tailored to help you become the guitarist you want to be!

• All ages and abilities welcome• First lesson at introductory rate,

discounts available for block bookings• Fully CRB/DBS checked• Member of Registry of Guitar Tutors

0784 7023 330 [email protected] www.ianharrisonguitar.com

We meet, mainly in silence, every Sunday

10.30-11.30am

EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO COME AND SIT WITH US.

www.westkentquakers.org.ukE: [email protected]: 07774 557011 (text preferred)

Quaker Meeting House, Northgate, Rochester ME1 1LS

Rochester Quakers

B E T T YBLUE EYES

VALLEY PARK SCHOOL Presentsby exclusive permission of sir Cameron Mackintosh

The Hazlitt Theatre

Monday 13 July - Thursday 16 July 2015

at 7.30pm

Box Office: 01622 758611

Book by

RON COWEN & DANIEL LIPMAN

Music by Lyrics by

GEORGE STILES ANTHONY DREWE

Based on the HANDMADE film ‘A PRIVATE FUNCTION’ and the original story by

Alan Bennett and Malcolm Mowbray

Adapted from the Screenplay byALAN BENNETT

Originally produced in London by CAMERON MACKINTOSH

This amateur production is licensed by Josef Weinberger Ltd on behalf of Music Theatre International and Cameron Mackintosh Ltd

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

ARTIZEN @ Equal Earth 15 High Street, Gravesend DA11 OBQ 01474 247973Sat 2 May-31 May: GRAVESHAM AND BEYOND Photographic Exhibition by Rich C Images. facebook.com/artiZenn

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 5pmSat 9 May-Sun 23 Aug: Special Exhibitions Room: Eduardo Paolozzi’s General Dynamic F.U.N. & photographs of S.E.England by Tony Ray Jones. Pay What You Can.To Sun 31 May: LETTING IN THE LIGHT: Ben Sands, printmaker. Free entrythebeaney.co.uk

BELOW 65 GALLERYGilbert & Clark Frame and Print 65 High Street, Maidstone ME14 1SR01622 685146 Free entryOpen 9.30am-4.30pm Mon-Sat Fri 1 May-Sat 30 May: SUZIE DAFFORN Award-winning Maidstone artist exploring themes of nature through drawing and printmaking. (suziedafforn.com).gilbertandclark.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. francis-iles.com

GUILDHALL MUSEUM High Street, Rochester ME1 1PY 01634 332680Open Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. Free entry. To 21 June: SPENCELAYH Terrific Rochester-born artist. To 11 Sept: GREAT EXPECTATIONS: The Seaton Tool Chest and

film by Adam Chodzko. guildhallmuseumrochester.co.uk

HISTORIC DOCKYARD CHATHAMChatham Maritime ME4 4TYSun 24 May-Mon 1 Jun 10am-5pm: UNIVERSITY OF KENT FINE ART DEGREE SHOW 2015 Works by 40 emerging artists graduating from the BA and MA Fine Art programmes. Free entry

HUGUENOT MUSEUM95 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX 01634 789347Opens Wed-Sat 10am-5pm + Bank Hol Mon. Rochester’s newest museum! Opens 13 May. See Main Feature. £4, concs £3, family £10, under 5s free. huguenotmuseum.org

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 Free entrySat 16 May-Thu 21 June: PUMP LANE – OUT OF THE BLUE Artworks by Rainham’s Pump Lane Group of artists. Freemuseum.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 entrySat 2 –Thu 14 May (1pm): MERRY, MOODY AND MEAN - Sophie Jongman

and Peter Reeds. A show by two popular Nucleus resident artists. Preview: 1 May 6-8pm, all welcome. Sat 16-Thu 28 May (1pm): VISIONS - Roger Mortimer. Passion, colour and vision. Preview: 15 May 6-8pm, all welcome. Sat 30 May-Thu 4 June (1pm): ENCOUNTERING OTHERNESS West Kent College, various artists. Preview: 29 May 6-8pm, all welcome. nucleusarts.com

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

PILGRIM’S WAY ARTISTS18TH ANNUAL SUMMER EXHIBITION Tithe Barn Lenham, Maidstone ME17 2QD. Fri 15 -Mon 25 May 10am-6pm daily. Works by 30 Kent painters, potters and sculptors. Free entry and car park. See The Artist’s Space. pilgrimswayartists.org.uk

ROCHESTER ART GALLERY & CRAFT CASEMedway Visitor Information Centre, 95 High Street, Rochester ME1 1LX 01634 338319 Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10.30am-5.00pm Free entryTo Sun 31 May: DATA Fascinating selection of works exploring systems of knowledge and information. DATA DADA REMIX FREE Drop-in workshopsSat 23 May 10.30am - 12.30pm & 1.30 - 3.30pm Join artist Jane Pitt in the Art Gallery to have fun mixing up words and pictures in this creative cut outs session inspired by the exhibition.

Drop in, suitable for all ages and accompanied children age 7+

ROYAL ENGINEERS MUSEUMPrince Arthur Road, Gillingham ME7 1UROpen Tue-Fri 9am-5pm; Sat, Sun & Bank Hol: 11.30am-5pmFrom Tue 28 Apr- 13 July: THROUGH OUR EYES KAB Art Group with Wendy Daws. See feature p. 20. FRONT 1914-18: The Great War in 3D. Extraordinary photographs. See p12. Normal admission charges apply. re-museum.co.uk

SUN PIER HOUSEMedway Street, Chatham ME4 4HF 01634 401549Open Tue-Sun 10am - 4pm Closed Mon. Tue 5 May-Sun 31 May: WALL, FLOOR AND TABLE: ENZO MARRA Award-winning Marra’s paintings examine aspects of the art world; here showing works examining the ordinarily hidden processes of painting itself. Preview 9 May 6pm – 9pm, all welcome.sunpierhouse.co.uk

ST ANDREWS ARTS CENTRERoyal Pier Rd Gravesend DA12 2BD. Free entrySat 9 & Sun 10 May 10am - 5pm : SOUND & VISION a creative event of art sculpture musicians. Sat 16 & Sun 17 May 11am-5pm: DUEL ASPECT Character illustrations and oil paintings by Hannah Jerome & Justine Bateman. Preview 15 May 7.30pm with live music.Sun 24 & Mon 25 May 11am - 5pm: ACTIVE ARTISTS Watch 8 local artists work. Preview Sat 23 May 7 - 9pm

STEPHEN OLIVER STUDIO & GALLERYOrchards Shopping Centre, High Street Dartford DA1 1DN01322 278674 Open Thu-Sun 10am-4pm; Sat to 5pmExhibition celebrating 150 years of Alice in Wonderland.stephen-oliver-art.co.uk

VISUAL ART

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

PILGRIMS WAY ARTISTS

EXHIBITION

TITHE BARN LENHAM KENT ME17 2QD

15 - 25 MAY 2015 10am - 6pm DAILY

www.pilgrimswayartists.org.uk CONTACT: 01233 770425 or 01622 863554

ART

Painting in watercolour is a constant challenge. It is a two dimensional medium of communication used to represent a personal and unique multi-dimensional inspiration.

Approaches to painting in watercolour are many and varied, as exemplified by the leading artists of the tradition both past and present. Impressionism appeals to me and I find every new subject exciting, tantamount to an energy driving me to produce a piece of art.

An impressionistic style facilitates the import of mood and enables artistic licence to convey an impression of light, atmosphere and feel of the subject at a point in time. Important from my standpoint is to paint a good picture which communicates how I felt and involves the viewer in my experience, creating a memorable impression.

Peter Robson is the Featured Artist in the 18th Annual Summer Exhibition from the highly respected Pilgrims Way Artists, held at the Tithe Barn, Lenham ME17 2QD.

The exhibition runs 15 – 25 May, open 10am-6pm daily (to 4pm on 25 May). Tel: 01233 770425 or 01622 863554. Free entry and car park. Good disabled access.

pilgrimswayartists.org.uk

THE ARTIST’S SPACE

Magic of Venice LightBY PETER ROBSON

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

�e Guildhall Museum

Half Term Fossil Fever23 May: Fossil Roadshow.Free. Drop-in 10.00-16.00

26 & 27 May: Cast a fossil in plaster with Wendy Daws.£2 per child. Drop-in 10.00-15.30

25 & 28 May: Make a Plasticine fossilFree. Drop-in 10.00-15.30

29 May: Look for prehistoric animals and do our quiz!Free. Drop-in 10.00-15.30

Dinosaur and Fossil activities for 5-11 year-olds

Coming13 and 14 June

2015

www.fusefestival.org.uk

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