Presented by Freedom Academy
Join professional actors and choreographers in fun-packed workshops as they show you all the skills it takes to be a Musical Theatre performer. Children will learn routines, songs and scenes from popular West End musicals. All you need is bags of energy and lots of enthusiasm!
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An exhibition of outstanding book covers by innovative designers, from graffiti artists and tattooists to traditional landscape paintings, and a talk by Coralie Bickford-Smith, Senior Book Designer for Penguin. This acclaimed designer is well known for her beautiful and sumptuous covers, and will share her knowledge, enthusiasm and love of this under–appreciated art form.
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A celebratory evening of live soul and jazz music with guest artists and DJ ShiLove. Renowned for her outstandingly expressive voice and great stage presence, Lorna sings with passion, spontaneity and utter joy! Lorna has worked with people as diverse as Rod Stewart and producer Luc Besson.
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Who will it be this week who reads gripping tales to your youngest children at Kirkdale Bookshop? Come and find out!
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Discover your artistic side! Bring an old t-shirt and make your mark on it — paint, draw, print and decorate — anything goes! Experienced artists will be on hand to demonstrate a variety of exciting skills. Come and meet our host, TV’s Kirsten O’Brien (SMart, CBBC)
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with BAFTA award-winning playwright Roy Williams. Budding playwrights aged between 14-20 – see your work performed by professional actors. Roy Williams will lead a one-day workshop for those interested in developing their playwriting skills.The workshop explores plot development, conflict as drama, scene structure, character, dialogue, scene setting and subtext.
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A fun day out for all the family, featuring live music, dance and drama performances, children’s activities, specialist workshops – from play-writing to DJing, as well as a wide selection of market stalls showcasing the best art, craft and produce that the local area has to offer! Refreshments and delicious food available all day.
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led by Laban Dance Centre.
A Community Day of Dance packed full of FREE fun and creative dance activities for all ages.
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Formed in 2008, with members playing soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxes, the Incredible Sax Band’s music is a mix of styles – mostly jazz, featuring improvised solos, ranging from traditional via funky to 30s style ‘light jazz’. They will be playing arranged pieces as well as compositions by band members and colleagues. After playing this
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Andrew Motion, the Poet Laureate from 1999 to 2009, introduces his latest book Laurels and Donkeys, a collection of war poems presenting scenes from conflicts of the 20th & 21st centuries – from the First World War to the wars in Iraq andAfghanistan. They provoke both shock at what Wilfred Owen called ‘the pity of war’ and dismay at its recurrence.
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Family Fun Day in Home Park – In Association with Friends of Home Park. The festival kicks off its opening weekend with five fabulous hours of free family fun, entertainment and activities at Home Park. Celebrate our third year with live music from around the world, theatre, clowning, children’s arts workshops and sports, craft stalls, teenage techno bus, and more!
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Lloyd Langford: The Cold Hard Facts of Life & Phil Nichol: The Simple Hour.
LLOYD LANGFORD is a regular panellist on Ask Rhod Gilbert and has written material for Live at the Apollo & Never Mind The Buzzcocks. PHIL NICHOL is a truly unique performer, an acclaimed actor, award-winning comedian, producer, presenter, writer and musician.
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Leading British cellist and Sydenham resident Katherine Jenkinson performs a recital of works for solo cello including J.S.Bach’s First Suite and the Second Suite by former Sydenham composer Thomas Hyde. Teas and coffee will be available at the venue before and after the concert. Suitable for all ages.
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A showing of short films made by local young people, including Envy, filmed during last year’s Sydenham Arts Festival Summer Season. To submit a film please contact Melissa Knight at Sydenham and Forest Hill Youth Forum. Hosted by film-maker Joyce Treasure.
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The company that brought you last year’s Alice in Wonderland Tea-Party and The Three Musketeers return with a brand new adaptation of this classic. Join Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad in their magical adventures in the Wild Wood. Featuring some very well-known songs and a few surprises, don’t forget to watch out for the Weasels!
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An Illustrated Talk by Gavin Stamp
Gavin Stamp, an architectural historian, will discuss London examples from his latest book, Lost Victorian Britain, illustrating the many fine Victorian buildings demolished in the 20th century – some by war or accident (eg Crystal Palace) but most through anti-Victorian prejudice.
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with Joe Golby & Keith Wallis
Ever wondered how the amazing fights for The Matrix or Pirates of the Caribbean were created and filmed? Well here is your chance to find out with experienced fight & combat choreographers. Discover the tricks of the trade in a fun and exhilarating workshop.
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The company that brought you last year’s Alice in Wonderland Tea-Party and The Three Musketeers return with a brand new adaptation of this classic. Join Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad in their magical adventures in the Wild Wood. Featuring some very well-known songs and a few surprises, don’t forget to watch out for the Weasels!
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with Gale Burns
Come and write with the help of Festival Poet Gale Burns. Learn in a friendly setting, with writing prompts, editing skills, and the inspiration of published work.
Even read your work at A Fiesta of Poetry.
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with Sally Earlam
Make a pretty beaded bracelet and take it home afterwards. Drop-in session, no need to book.
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The company that brought you last year’s Alice in Wonderland Tea-Party and The Three Musketeers return with a brand new adaptation of this classic. Join Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad in their magical adventures in the Wild Wood. Featuring some very well-known songs and a few surprises, don’t forget to watch out for the Weasels!
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with Dr Anne Craven
This lecture explores performances of operatic singers of the early 20th century, bringing musical history alive. It will also investigate performance practices and interpretations as revealed by recordings, which can help enhance your experience of recorded and live performances.
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Marta Arbonés (soprano) and Maria-Neus Devesa (piano)
Catalan soprano Marta Arbonés, with accompanist Maria-Neus Devesa, perform operatic arias imitating the nightingale in a programme of trills, roulades, runs and all sorts of ornamentations, showing how closely the human voice can imitate the seductive song of the nightingale.
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Stand-up comedy competition for new acts
It began in 1988 and has become the longest running best comedy newcomer award in Great Britain. The finals are held every August at The Gilded Balloon during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, past winners include Dylan Moran, Lee Mack, Peter Kay, and David O’Doherty.
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This is a rare chance to see an authentic and riveting tribute to the Blues Brothers by one of the most impressive show bands in London. Featuring punchy horns and driving rhythm section, join us for an evening of high energy! DETAILS Date: Thursday 7th July Start time: 7.30pm Venue: St Christopher’s Hospice – 51-59 Lawrie
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Turn up, perform and have fun! All performance experiences welcome. A community theatre event for all Scratch Play is an evening of vignettes and short scenes presented with minimal preparation in a workshop atmosphere comprising of monologues, duologues and scenes for multiple voice. All texts and script material that will be used will be sent
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Let us transport you to India for a night: experience the music and dance of this fascinating country’s rich cultural heritage here in Sydenham! Bollywood films and music have been capturing the world’s hearts for many years now and, aficionado or not, here is your chance to come along and sample some of the best
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presented by Freedom Academy. If you’ve always wanted to act on the big or small screen then this is the workshop for you! Professional actor Stephen Henry has appeared in numerous films, television series and advertisements. He will guide students through all the technical terminology and techniques to develop the naturalistic skill of acting for camera.
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presented by GewGaw Children’s Theatre. If you turn right, walk up to the top of the hill and then stop… look straight ahead… just behind the trees… can you see it? That strange looking house. Do you know who lives there…? Spend an evening in the company of Cedric Hatworthy Esq, late of this parish. But don’t touch his things, that’s what started all the trouble…
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A practical workshop on family history by Susan Walker.The TV programme Who Do You Think You Are? has inspired many people to start exploring their family story. Whether you are thinking about it or have already started researching your family tree, this session led by amateur genealogist Susan Walker will help that exciting journey.
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An evening of exciting and totally original drama, from the next generation of great playwrights! Enjoy these platform performances of fresh, hot-off-the-press, ‘5 minute playlets’ – the fruits of Roy Williams’ playwriting workshop – performed by professional actors.
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Who will it be this week who reads gripping tales to your youngest children at Kirkdale Bookshop? Come and find out!
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Open Houses and Studios 2011 This summer more than sixty artists from Sydenham, Forest Hill and further afield will showcase their work during the last two weekends of the festival. We aim to bring the visual arts to your doorstep with exhibitions in cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops. During the last two years Artists’ Trail
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Workshop leader Isabelle Adams Anyone who enjoys singing is invited to add their voice to this ‘pop up choir’. No need to read music, sing on your own or perform ̶ come along and sing in a group just for the sheer enjoyment of it. Explore songs from all over the world with Isabelle Adams,
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An Evening of Music from Russia and Beyond Again the Dolphin hosts Balalaika, an evening of traditional music from Russia and Eastern Europe. A quintet with Justin Bateman, one of the few balalaika players performing in Britain; Nigel Austen on bayan, the Russian version of an accordion; Adam Gaiman on acoustic guitar, Lucie Holden on
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Open Houses and Studios 2011 This summer more than sixty artists from Sydenham, Forest Hill and further afield will showcase their work during the last two weekends of the festival. We aim to bring the visual arts to your doorstep with exhibitions in cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops. During the last two years Artists’ Trail
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presented by Raise the Roof Choir Directed by Melanie Harrold, hosted by the Horniman Museum An end of term concert by Raise the Roof singers will be followed by a ‘spontaneous’ flash mob version of Good Vibrations. Audience and singers of all levels of ability are invited to join in. DETAILS Date: Sunday 10th July
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Stephen Carlin: Guilty Bystander & Bridget Christie: Housewife Surrealist STEPHEN CARLIN – GUILTY BYSTANDER BBC Radio favourite and overlord of hyper-pedantic comedy brings his brand new show to the Fringe. ‘Ready to become at the very least a cult favourite among fans of the sharper end of stand-up’ (The Guardian) BRIDGET CHRISTIE – HOUSEWIFE SURREALIST
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Have you ever made a short film? Now’s the time to dust it off and submit it for inclusion in an open access screening night. We’re interested in all types of films from animation to drama, documentary or even old super 8 home movies. To submit a film please contact Colette Rouhier at colfive@yahoo.co.uk. DETAILS
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Musical conductor Melanie Harrold This exciting performance combines poetry and song in celebration of love in its many guises. The Choir will be singing songs from all genres, including folk, pop and standards. There will be songs to sing to, songs to laugh with and songs that will make you shed a tear or two
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A Talk by Steve Grindlay This fascinating talk will take us into the eight or more cinemas and performance spaces that were once licensed for public entertainment in Sydenham and Forest Hill. In these spaces we will also meet amateur dramatics groups and actors, both stage and screen, all of whom had strong links with
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with Joe Golby & Keith Wallis
Ever wondered how the amazing fights for The Matrix or Pirates of the Caribbean were created and filmed? Well here is your chance to find out with experienced fight & combat choreographers. Discover the tricks of the trade in a fun and exhilarating workshop.
More on this event →
An evening of short plays and sketches by The Brothers Kaufman, presented by Spontaneous Productions Directed by Jonathan Kaufman, original music by Julian Kaufman Ocelot Gymkhana – the show they couldn’t kill – is back! A selection of the Bros Kaufman’s very best, award-winning short plays and sketches. Weird, mildly amusing, ‘generally funny’ (Time Out),
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with Gale Burns Chat About Your Poem with Resident Poet Gale Burns, just for the price of a drink. To book a time email josgale@jgdburns.org.uk DETAILS Date: Tuesday 12th July Start time: arranged times from 6pm Finish time: 8pm Venue: The Wimpy Restaurant – 89 Sydenham Road, Sydenham SE26 5UA Tickets: FREE EVENT Website: www.galeburns.co.uk Categories:
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Some of the hottest singer-songwriters in SE London perform acoustic sets in one of Sydenham’s premier music venues. Offering an impressive lineup of excellent, original music, artists (at time of going to press) include Rosalind Parker (last year’s lead in the acclaimed ‘Three Musketeers’), celtic folk star, Rachel Cardy, Manny Hawks (recently seen at the
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The Italian Job, preceded by Live Music For one night only, Sydenham Arts Festival will transform Mayow Park into an open-air cinema and music venue. Following 2009’s screening of The Bride of Frankenstein and last year’s Fantastic Mr Fox, this year film fans will see the original 1969 version of classic British crime caper The
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Bird Radio is the solo show of Mikey Kirkpatrick, a composer and multi-instrumentalist who “…loops flutes, bones, a red kick drum suitcase and his own very un-ethereal vocals to create an intensely curious mash-up between electronic music and traditional folk tales. The piping, grunting intro to new single ‘Who Killed Cock Robin’… will give you
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with Dr Duncan Reekie Dr Duncan Reekie, local filmmaker, performer and author of the acclaimed Subversion: The Definitive History of Underground Cinema will give a talk on the London short film scene including spectacular video excerpts DETAILS Date: Thursday 14th July Start time: 7.30pm Finish time: Venue: The Hob Upstairs – 7 Devonshire Rd, Forest Hill SE23
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Conducted by John Holland A free concert of wind band music from and inspired by France, featuring works by Maurice Ravel, Haydn Wood, Guy Woolfenden and more. A free French-style buffet will be available after the concert and there will be a retiring collection for the church. Lambeth Wind Orchestra, established in 2008, is a
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Come and hear cutting edge work, and even read your own! Hosted by Festival Poet Gale Burns, this celebration of the poetic word boasts top readings from Wasafiri New Writing winner Rowyda Amin, Global Poetry Ambassador Dzifa Benson, and Shuffle poet Gale Burns. A wonderful evening! To read, just turn up at 7pm. DETAILS Date: Thursday 14th July
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A unique collaboration between local theatre companies and Sydenham Arts Festival, the Pop Up Theatre Project brings live theatre into the high street. Audiences will be invited to sample innovative theatrical experiences in empty shops and premises, specially converted into performance spaces.
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Unsigned Acts Plus Special Guests ‘The Woodentops’ Kicking off with an eclectic jamboree of local bands, battling it out to win your vote for Sydenham’s best unsigned act, you can expect a diversity of styles, from rock to pop, indie to psychedelic, punk to rap, garage to grunge and from goth to emo. Make your
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Flute Ensemble London will be performing festive “lollipops” on flutes, piccolos and alto & bass flutes. In the glorious setting of Dulwich Woodhouse, beside the ancient ‘Dulwich Woode’, which was designed c. 1850 by Sir Joseph Paxton, architect of the Crystal Palace. DETAILS Date: Friday 15th July Start time: 8pm Finish time: 9pm Venue: Dulwich
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presented by The Black Sheep directed by Cal McCrystal (The Mighty Boosh, Spymonkey, Cirque de Soleil) In this gloriously silly and hilariously entertaining show, the Reverend Andrew Jones will try his best to convert the lager-swilling luddites of South London to the drink of kings (and tramps) – wine! Explore the dark habit of the
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For the final weekend, the high street of Sydenham transforms into a cavalcade of free music, theatre and activities for all the family. Pavements are changed into stages and music venues, shop-fronts converted into playgrounds, empty premises become art galleries and theatre spaces, with buskers, performers and pavement artists along the whole street. And don’t
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Who will it be this week who reads gripping tales to your youngest children at Kirkdale Bookshop? Come and find out!
More on this event →
Open Houses and Studios 2011 This summer more than sixty artists from Sydenham, Forest Hill and further afield will showcase their work during the last two weekends of the festival. We aim to bring the visual arts to your doorstep with exhibitions in cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops. During the last two years Artists’ Trail
More on this event →
As part of the Street Celebration, the pavement outside the bookshop will become an artists’ quarter with painters, caricaturist Terry Christien, performance poets, children’s activities and live music with Peter Caesar. DETAILS Date: Saturday 16th July Start time: 11-1pm & 2pm-4pm Finish time: Venue: Kirkdale Bookshop – 272 Kirkdale, Sydenham SE26 4RS Tickets: FREE EVENT
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A unique collaboration between local theatre companies and Sydenham Arts Festival, the Pop Up Theatre Project brings live theatre into the high street. Audiences will be invited to sample innovative theatrical experiences in empty shops and premises, specially converted into performance spaces
More on this event →
Sydenham Film Club present Monsoon Wedding Garam Masala restaurant becomes a cinema with a screening of this much-loved Indian comedy drama. In modern day Delhi, the arrangements and celebrations for a spectacular wedding are disrupted by family secrets – and unexpected romance. A feel-good film that packs an emotional punch – in a warm and friendly restaurant
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presented by GewGaw Children’s Theatre. If you turn right, walk up to the top of the hill and then stop… look straight ahead… just behind the trees… can you see it? That strange looking house. Do you know who lives there…? Spend an evening in the company of Cedric Hatworthy Esq, late of this parish. But don’t touch his things, that’s what started all the trouble…
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A Talk by John Sutherland Have you ever wondered if Heathcliff was a murderer? Can Jane Eyre ever be happy? And who fed the Hound of the Baskervilles? Then you share the questing mind of John Sutherland, English Literature professor and author who believes literature should be fun. Casting his eye over some classic fiction
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Open Houses and Studios 2011 This summer more than sixty artists from Sydenham, Forest Hill and further afield will showcase their work during the last two weekends of the festival. We aim to bring the visual arts to your doorstep with exhibitions in cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops. During the last two years Artists’ Trail
More on this event →
by renowned international artists Randolph Matthews Randolph’s musical journey has taken him around the world, writing and performing with musicians from varied cultures and musical styles. These experiences have led him to create his own dynamic style: Vocalpercussion – drawing not only on the power of the voice, but also on Randolph’s mastery in fusing
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presented by GewGaw Children’s Theatre. If you turn right, walk up to the top of the hill and then stop… look straight ahead… just behind the trees… can you see it? That strange looking house. Do you know who lives there…? Spend an evening in the company of Cedric Hatworthy Esq, late of this parish. But don’t touch his things, that’s what started all the trouble…
More on this event →
World Music Artist Randolph Matthews presents Vocaliberation, an uplifting, fun and musically excellent exploration of vocal expression. Randolph’s strength lies not only in his powerful and silky voice, but in his mastery of fusing the styles of the globe and his ancestral roots of Africa and the Caribbean. This unpredictable and stimulating show embodies improvised
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Mary Bourke: Mary Mary Quite Contrary & Paul F Taylor: The Pauly Show MARY MARY QUITE CONTRARY Irish comic Mary Bourke presents her caustic, contrarian’s guide to life in the 21st century. Jokes, jokes, jokes, jokes and lots more jokes seriously there’s a lot of jokes. PAUL F TAYLOR – THE PAULY SHOW ‘Paul F Taylor is one of
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with Alex Carter and Serge Pachnine These festival favourites are back again this year with La Dolce Vita – a night of Neapolitan and popular Italian songs with a wonderful dinner at The Dolphin to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy – OK, it’s just because they like the music, the sunshine, the
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