NQ’s official culture vulture shares some of the upcoming events he has circled in his calendar…
February 9 – Jazzetry at The Ark
Previously, Jazzetry was scheduled for December 10 but had to be rescheduled because of the great British weather. Wind, snow and ice came at the least opportune moment. Nonetheless, it’s happening at The Ark which is this lovely little venue on the river in Midsummer Meadows in Northampton.
Poetry, jazz and cool vibes.
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/FFFDDG
February 12 – One Night Stanza at University of Northampton
The One Night Stanza is a monthly open-mic night hosted by the Rumour Quill at the University of Northampton. It takes place in the Student Union bar at Avenue Campus on the second Monday of every month. The event is run by students but all different types of poets and storytellers have turned up to shares their stories, poems and odes. From local poets like Justin Thyme (known for Raising the Awen and The Bardic Picnic) and Kezzabelle Ambler (Kettering’s Weaving Words) to Luton’s MP Yamfam (founder of Soul Food Poetry)
The Rumour Quill is a cohort of English-Creative Writing students who all study at Avenue Campus. Many of these students are in their second year bogged with assignments but still make time to practice their craft. Whether your forte is poetry or prose, come down and share your words.
Our next open-mic is on February 12 at the Student Union bar at the University of Northampton on St George’s Avenue. If you want to perform send a message to me, Tre Ventour, on Facebook or The Rumour Quill Society Facebook page or just turn up and ask.
February 16 – Gin & Jazz at The Artist Table
Gin seems to have become relevant again; and jazz seems to be getting popular again too, like some kind of jazz renaissance has taken root. Well that’s the aura on Guildhall Road anyway – where my Auntie Nicola’s café bar, The Artist Table will be playing host to Vidal Montgomery and his jazz band. Omar Puente is guest performing. I was at the last one and it was amazing. Not to be missed.
February – March at The Royal & Derngate
“To be, or not to be: that is the question” penned the bard umpteen years ago and now The RSC’s rendition of Hamlet is hitting Northampton’s Royal & Derngate on February 27 for a five-day run before moving on. I’ll be there on Press Night. Look forward.
https://www.royalandderngate.co.uk/whats-on/hamlet-2017/
Dates: February 27 – March 3
After producing The Grapes of Wrath last year, the theatre are hosting Of Mice and Men. Who knows? Perhaps next year we might see a stage adaptation of East of Eden, completing the John Steinbeck Trilogy here in Northampton.
Dates: February 5 – February 10
https://www.royalandderngate.co.uk/whats-on/of-mice-and-men/
I’m a sucker for a bit of Agatha Christie. After watching David Suchet as the famed detective Hercule Poirot, and then seeing theatre veteran Kenneth Branagh succeed in the very same role, you could throw anything with Agatha Christie’s name on it at me and I’d watch / read it.
Next in the Royal & Derngate’s Made in Northampton season is Love From a Stranger, based on the novel by Agatha Christie. Electric with suspense with your textbook Christie twist, this is an edge of your seat crime thriller by innovative theatre maker Lucy Bailey.
https://www.royalandderngate.co.uk/whats-on/love-from-a-stranger/
The Errol Flynn Filmhouse – Classic Cinema
The Errol Flynn Filmhouse on the Derngate is showing Oliver! (1968) and the David Lean masterpiece Brief Encounter (1945).
Brief Encounter is a heart-breaking story. Laura Jesson accidentally meets Alex Harvey at a train station on her way home. Both married with children, they begin to question their own happiness with their respective partners. When their chance encounter turns into a regular meeting, things escalate.
http://www.errolflynnfilmhouse.com/films/brief-encounter/
Oliver! (1968) turns fifty years old this year. Directed by Carol Reed (The Third Man), Oliver! is one of my favourite musicals and I’m overjoyed that I will be able to see it on the big screen, Shani Wallis’ epic performance included. Based on the novel by Charles Dickens, I don’t think there’s a child alive who, much akin to the name Harry Potter has not heard the name Oliver Twist, and that iconic line: “Please sir, I want some more”.
http://www.errolflynnfilmhouse.com/films/oliver/
Soul Food Poetry at Foodies Rocks
Soul Food Poetry is an organisation who put on poetry events. At the moment, we (yes, I’m part of it too) have events in London, Bedford and Luton. Soon, we will have our first event in Amsterdam. I performed in Bedford with organisation on January 26 and I’m off to Amsterdam on Saturday to support with their event on February 8.
However, it’s on Saturday, March 31 that Soul Food Poetry hits Northampton. Foodies Rocks on Derngate have kindly accept us into their arms in housing our first ever Northampton event. Doors open at 19:15 on the night. Proceedings kick off at 19:30. There’s seven poets, a band, a DJ, and our host MP Yamfam – a poet from Luton with a business head, a man who has created something special with his team. America has Button Poetry but we in the UK hope to make Soul Food Poetry the UK equivalent.
Tickets start at £8.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/knock-knock-northampton-march-tickets-42311903041
