SpArC Theatre

NTLIVE: NYE
2024-05-09 19:00 - 21:30 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
National Theatre Live Nye
A new play by Tim Price
Directed by Rufus Norris
Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan in a surreal and spectacular journey through the life and
legacy of the man who transformed Britain’s welfare state and created the NHS.
Confronted with death, Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan’s deepest memories lead him on a
mind-bending journey back through his life; from childhood to mining underground,
Parliament and fights with Churchill.
Written by Tim Price and directed by Rufus Norris (Small Island), this epic new Welsh
fantasia will be broadcast live from the National Theatre.

THE ROYAL OPERA: CARMEN (Bizet)
2024-05-01 18:45 - 22:25 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
New production from The Royal Opera of Bizet’s CARMEN
Aigul Akmetshina performs the title role in Damiano Michieletto’s sizzling new production of Bizet’s ever-popular opera
Live in cinemas: Wednesday 1 May 2024, 6.45pm BST
Damiano Michieletto’s sizzling new production evokes all the passion and heat of Bizet’s score, which features Carmen’s sultry Habanera and the rousing Toreador song. Antonello Manacorda conducts an exciting international cast, with Aigul Akhmetshina performing the title role.
Running time 220 minutes (including one interval)
Sung in French with English subtitles

.Music Georges Bizet
Conductor Antonello Manacorda
Director Damiano Michieletto
Set Designer Paolo Fantin
Costume Designer Carla Teti
Lighting Designer Alessandro Carletti
Carmen Aigul Akhmetshina
Don José Piotr Beczala
Micaëla Olga Kulchynska
Escamillo Kostas Smoriginas
Zuniga Blaise Malaba
Moralès Grisha Martirosyan
Frasquita Sarah Dufresne
Mercédès Gabrielė Kupšytė
Dancaïro Pierre Doyen
Remendado Vincent Ordonneau
Royal Opera Chorus
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
Co-production with Teatro Real, Madrid and La Scala, Milan

FILM: The Nettle Dress
2024-04-25 19:00 - 20:15 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
After the death of his beloved wife, textile artist Allan Brown embarks on a seven-year endeavor to weave a hand-spun dress from stinging nettles foraged in the woods surrounding his home. To honour his beloved. A modern day Fairytale and hymn to the healing power of nature and slow craft

⋆⋆⋆⋆ A husband’s grief becomes a thing of beauty in lyrical documentary. Dylan Howitt’s moving film follows textile artist Allan Brown as he painstakingly weaves a dress from foraged nettles after the death of his wife. The Guardian

8.4 IMDB
“This is not merely a film about a man making a dress, it is about coming to terms with loss, the strength of family and friendship, and the beauty in slowing the world down enough to appreciate life itself and not how fleeting it can be.” Joyzine.org
‘Slow cinema examines craft and time. Documenting the ancient methods of spinning and weaving plants mirrors the human ‘ The Financial Times

Afternoon Film: Typist Artist Pirate King (12A)
2024-04-16 14:00 - 15:45 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
TYPIST ARTIST PIRATE KING puts forgotten artist Audrey Amiss on the map. Inspired by her extensive archive of diaries, letters and art, the film weaves real events into an imagined journey as Audrey goes on a road trip with her psychiatric nurse. From acclaimed British filmmaker, Carol Morley, this dark and funny exploration of the growing friendship between two women as they hit the road in an electric car looking for reconciliation, is filled with adventure, humour and compassion.
6.0 IMDB
★★★★”Carol Morley’s warm and sympathetic film imagines the artist, whose mental illness curtailed her ambitions, on a tragicomic road trip to exhibit her work.” The Guardian
Supported by the Friends of Bishop’s Castle Community, Care Home and Hospital.Tea and biscuits £1,
No stairs, tables & chairs,
Hearing loop,
Free Dial–a-ride bus service from Bishops Castle and Lydbury North please phone 01588 638350
All Tickets £4 Accompanying Carers FREE

THE ROYAL BALLET: MACMILLAN CELEBRATED
2024-04-14 14:00 - 17:15 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
MACMILLAN CELEBRATED
via Satellite
The Royal Ballet celebrates the breadth of Principal Choreographer Kenneth MacMillan’s one-act ballets.
Choreography Kenneth Macmillan
Danses Concertantes, commissioned by Ninette de Valois in 1955, was MacMillan’s first major work. An early sign of the incredible artistic output that would follow, the work’s critical success spurred MacMillan to abandon performing in favour of choreography.
It is followed by Different Drummer, MacMillan’s complex and haunting balletic interpretation of Woyzeck, Georg Büchner’s play about a soldier’s descent into madness.
The mixed programme concludes with Requiem, his 1976 work for Stuttgart Ballet, created in memory of its late artistic director, MacMillan’s friend and former Royal Ballet dancer and choreographer John Cranko.
Running time 195 minutes (including two intervals)
Danses Concertantes
Music Igor Stravinsky
Designer Nicholas Georgiadis
Lighting Designer John B. Read
Different Drummer
Music Anton Webern/ Arnold Schoenberg
Set designs Kenneth Macmillan
Costume designs Yolanda Sonnabend in association with Peter Farley
Lighting design John B. Read
Requiem
Music Gabriel Fauré
Designs Yolanda Sonnabend in association with Peter Farley
Lighting design John B. Read

Conductor Koen Kessels
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
Please Note new ticket prices: £15 ADULT £5 CHILD/ STUDENT

FILM: Anatomy of a Fall (15)
2024-04-11 19:00 - 21:30 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
Bishop’s Castle Film Society Choice
A woman is suspected of murder after her husband’s death; their half-blind son faces a moral dilemma as the main witness.
7.8 IMDB

★★★★★ “a sparkling intellectual thriller that lingers for day. Justine Triet’s breathtaking new film unpicks the aftermath of a fatal accident in the Alps. Did the victim fall – or were they pushed?”

★★★★ “Sandra Hüller compels as an author accused of her husband’s murderThere’s a bracing and chilly high-mindedness about Justine Triet’s psychothriller, about a suspicious death whose only reliable witness happens to be blind.” The Guardian
★★★★ “Sandra Hüller is a one-woman puzzle box in this stunning courtroom thriller.” The Independent
Winner of the Palme d’Or

LIVE MUSIC : Sam & the Hot Rods
2024-03-29 19:30 - 21:30 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
FUNDRAISER FOR THE SpArC SWIMMING POOL CAMPAIGN
Welding hot rock and cowboy pop onto a 6 piece band held together by duct tape and glory, Sam and the Hot Rods are a cheeky and introspective dive into songs that go exactly where you want them to.
For Fans of Eels, Lou Reed, Ezra Furman, The Rolling Stones
+ Support to be announced and more fun fundraising things!

Live Theatre: Learning to Fly
2024-03-21 19:30 - 20:40 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
A new show from James Rowland featuring his captivating mix of theatre, comedy and music.
LEARNING TO FLY sees James tell the story of a remarkable friendship he made when he was a lonely, unhappy teenager with the scary old lady who lived in the spooky house on his street.
It’s about connection, no matter what the obstacles; about love’s eternal struggle with time; about music and its ability to heal.
It’s also about her last wish: to get high once before she dies.
Uplifting, big hearted and hilarious
‘He delivers his story with grace and self-deprecating humour’ **** – The Times
‘A riveting, remarkable hour of theatre…’ ***** – The Guardian
www.attictheatrecompany.com
Age range: 14+

Live Theatre : The Three Billy Pigs
2024-02-29 11:00 - 14:30 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
11am show
1.30pm Show
A wonderful opportunity for young children to experience thew magic of theatre
Once upon a time there were three little pigs . . .
. . . and now it is time for them to leave home. They set off to build their dream houses in the green field on the other side of the river. But then these homes are put to the test by a misunderstood wolf who has a little bit of a problem.
And who is the grumpy person who lives under the bridge?
The Three Billy Pigs from Noisy Oyster is for children of 3 years and over. The show blends two classic fairy tales The Three Little Pigs and The Three Billy Goats Gruff with beautifully crafted puppets, light hearted story telling, live music and a little bit of eco-awareness in a pig stylie.
45mins with a chance to meet the puppets afterward!
‘The Three Pigs meets Grand Designs; I love it!’ Terry Pinto – PAAD – chartered architect
This is offered to all the local primary schools but it is open to the public as well.
Audience Feedback
‘Awesome show!’!
‘Fabulous piece of storytelling’
‘A lovely show which captivated the entire audience, young and old – with an eco message to boot!’
‘Wonderful, very inspiring and quite magical’
‘Well worth the money. Would definitely recommend it and would love to see it again’
‘Very interactive, entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable. Well worth the money’
‘Very good puppetry and loved the music. Loved the adult humour in with the children’s jokes’
‘Fantastic set and great instrumentation’
‘Fabulous piece of storytelling’
‘Brilliant, it was a marvellous!’ – Evie Aged 4

Documentary Film: STRAY (2020)
2024-02-15 19:00 - 20:15 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
Bishop’s Castle Film Society Choice.
Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival
★★★★”Exquisite dog’s eye view of Istanbul” The Guardian
Behind the scenes of the film that gives us a street dog’s perspective
(Not to be confused with 2023 film Strays)
Director Elizabeth Lo tells us about the experience of working with the unconventional stars of her debut feature: the stray dogs of Istanbul.

Shot over the course of three years, festival hit Stray follows the lives of street dogs Zeytin, Nazar and Kartal as they navigate contemporary Istanbul. We are also given an insight into the harsh realities of Syrian refugee children, who interact with the dogs, their experiences often overlapping and leading to a compassionate bond.

It goes without saying that there is no shortage of differences between dogs and humans, but we do inhabit the same spaces. Stray is a documentary that deconstructs the invisible barriers between both worlds, allowing us to explore urban Turkey in a uniquely and perspective-altering way.

The Castle Players Present: Cinderella & The Pantomime Thief
2024-02-09 19:00 - 2024-02-10 19:00 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
Friday 9th February 7pm
Saturday 10th February 2.30pm
Saturday 10th February 7pm
The Castle Players Present: Cinderella & The Pantomime Thief
In a Strange turn of events Abanazar has lost his magic ring and know one seems to know where it is… or do they?
The Prince is still looking for Cinderella but her sisters won’t have it! Buttons is trying to keep law and order but Wiggle and The Witch aren’t helping at all! And has anyone seen Robin Hood? Come and see how the story unfolds …
…with bags of fun and laughs plus a !
Adults £7.50 Child/ Student £5 Family £20

Family Christmas Crafts
2023-12-21 10:00 - 12:00 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
Liz at SpArC Theatre and Dan & Cath from Going Wild in Bishop’s Castle are teaming for a festive family making session.
Come and Make festive decorations from natural and recycled materials.
We will be making a few different things more details to come about what .
Under 7’s should have a wiling helper.
Activities suitable for Ages 4 and up

LIVE THEATRE: 42 Crowns -Shropshire Drama Company
2023-11-09 20:00 - 21:20 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
42 Crowns is performed by four actors and a musician and delivered through a combination of rhyming verse, songs, readings and poetry. It is a wry and quirky observation of the activities of our kings and queens during the reign of various regal houses; such as the Plantagenets, Tudors, Stuarts and Windsors; since 1066 and up to the incumbent monarch Charles III – 42 in total.
Written by Shropshire Drama Company member Michele Rowland-Jones as 41 Crowns to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee in 2021.
, it was re written as 42 Crowns and performed earlier this year to mark the coronation of King Charles. This autumn’s short tour will celebrate the King’s 75th birthday.
” A dash through all the members of the Royal Family – not in a patriot flag-waving way. At the same time it is not Royal-bashing. It has extracts of poetry, song with a professional guitarist, bits of speeches (Henry V (Shakespeare), Queen Victoria (her diaries)) all woven together to make a fun/interesting evening. I’ve taken my mother (70s) and my children (twice) and they all enjoyed it. I’d say its in the wheelhouse of Horrible Histories.”

LIVE & LOCAL: Shades of the Past
2023-10-19 19:30 - 21:15 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
By very popular demand we are delighted we have persuaded our friends from the past are coming back to Bishop’s Castle for one more evening thanks to David and Janet Preshous and The SOUTH-WEST SHROPSHIRE HISTORICAL & ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
To make this evening even more special there will be a performance of The Charter Song by John Kirkpatrick commissioned for the Charter Celebrations and performed by singers from local choirs and singing groups.
‘Shades from the Past – an Invitation to meet men and women who have shaped our town’s history’
Fascinating characters from the past brought to life by local people.
Including
Egwin Shakehead, who bequeathed the land. d. 794
Wild Edric (Edric Sylvaticus), Marcher warlord / Lady Godda.
Bishop Cantilupe 1275 restoring the ruined castle.
John Fitzalan (Clun), who captured the castle 1263
Edmund Plowden, who may have engineered the Charter 1573
Robert Clive, who sought to control the town. Walcot 1763
Mary Morgan, m. Louis Hetet, d. 1875. NZ connection.
Albert Howard, pioneer of organic farming 1873 – 1947.
Georgina Jackson / Charlotte Burne, Words & Folklore.
Lily Chitty, archaeologist OBE, FSA, 1893 – 1979.
Mary Webb, who knew BC as Mallard’s Keep (Seven for a Secret).
Dora Skillett, hostile poetess !
CELEBRATING 450th ANNIVERSARY OF THE GRANTING OF BISHOP’S CASTLE’S CHARTER QUEEN ELIZABETH I
All profits from the evening to local causes.
Charter song 7.30pm
£10 under 18’s free

Live Mid Wales Opera : Beatrice and Benedict (Berlioz)
2023-10-13 19:30 - 21:30 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
We are delighted to be hosting the Opening night of Mid Wales Opera’s production of Berlioz – Beatrice and Benedict (based on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing)
Beatrice and Benedict are both determined to stay single. Beatrice is a woman who despises men (especially Benedict) and Benedict can’t abide women (particularly Beatrice). That is until their friends plot to bring them together and they both ‘accidentally’ overhear whispers of each other’s unrequited passion; the spark of love is ignited by gossip and quickly becomes a blazing wildfire.
Berlioz’s final opera sets to music the wild and illogical whirlwind of falling in love, bringing a rich warmth of invention to Shakespeare that virtually no other composer has achieved. Indeed, Berlioz’s life-long passion for Shakespeare is evident throughout his miraculous score, radiant with love and sparkling with energy, and including the famous central nocturne duet, perhaps the most beautiful thing Berlioz ever wrote.
Sung and spoken in English
Berlioz – Beatrice and Benedict (yn seiliedig ar Much Ado About Nothing Shakespeare)
Cenir yn Saesneg
Mae Beatrice a Benedict ill dau yn benderfynol o aros yn sengl. Mae Beatrice yn fenyw sy’n casáu dynion (yn enwedig Benedict) ac ni all Benedict oddef merched (yn enwedig Beatrice). Hynny yw, nes bod eu ffrindiau’n cynllwynio i ddod â nhw at ei gilydd a’r ddau, yn ‘ddamweiniol’, yn gorglywed sibrydion am angerdd y naill at y llall; mae gwreichion cariad yn cael eu tanio gan glecs ac yn datblygu’n gyflym yn dân gwyllt tanbaid.
Mae angerdd oes Berlioz dros Shakespeare yn amlwg drwy gydol ei sgôr wyrthiol, yn pelydru gyda chariad ac yn pefrio ag egni, ac yn cynnwys y ddeuawd nosol, ganolog enwog, y darn harddaf a ysgrifennodd Berlioz erioed efallai.

LIVE: Little Bulb Theatre- Mountain Music
2023-10-06 19:30 - 21:00 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
The story of songs that leave and come back again.
When pioneers from the British Isles came to settle in the Appalachian Mountains they brought with them the invisible baggage of songs and reels from “the old country”.

​In this unique theatre spectacle/concert award winning Little Bulb create an unforgettable tapestry of culture, migration and history exploring the roots of what we now call country music and its impact on popular music today.
​Told in exquisite three part harmony and featuring fiddle, bass, guitar, banjo and mandolin, join us for a theatrical feast, of tales and songs.
“Each number effortlessly outdoes the previous one in overall effect, building to a captivating finale” – The Stage
www.farnhammaltings.com
Written and devised by the company Little Bulb TheatreMountain Music was made in collaboration with Farnham Maltings.
Directed by Alexander ScottQuilt Made by Brigitte Gillespie
Performed byClare BeresfordDominic ConwayMiriam GouldAlexander ScottShamira Turner
Jon Whitten
recommended for age 11+

Open Mic Night for Young Performers
2023-09-26 18:30 - 2023-12-19 20:30 (Europe/London) | The Underground, Public Hall, Station Street, Bishop's Castle, SY9 5AQ, United Kingdom
Open Mic Night for Young Performers
Host: Dunk Burns ( Fight the Bear / BLIX )
Turn up & play or support a mate
FREE ENTRY -DRY BAR— EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE TO BORROW
THE UNDERGROUND Bishop’s Castle (Side Gate The Public Hall)
For more info– liz@sparctheatre.co.uk

Funded by Bishop’s Castle Town Council ,Shropshire Council , AMP
Supported by Bishop’s Castle Community College, Enterprise House

WORKSHOP: CIRCUS SENSIBLE CIRCUS SKILLS
2023-07-31 10:30 - 15:30 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
Circus Sensible Circus Skills Workshop
Morning Session 10.30am-12.15
Afternoon Session 1.30- 3.15pm

Workshops include a Show/Demonstration of Circus Skills . Skills vary but can include Juggling with balls, scarves and clubs, Plate spinning, Poi, Devilstick, Chinese Diabolo, beginners Stilts, Feather balancing, Cigar boxes, Fun Wheels, Chinese ribbons etc.
Session 1:10.30-12.15ish demo/ performance 30 mins then 60- 70- mins workshop.with a short break
Session 2: 1.30-3.15ish demo/performance 30 mins the 60 -70mins workshop with a short break
” Circus Sensible are hired for 2 days of circus workshops and shows at our annual WAM Festival. Every year they are our biggest hit, with everyone learning new skills and feeling entertained. They engage really well with the crowd and are a pleasure to work with. We look forward to having you again next year!”
Circus Sensible specialise in running workshops for young people, at events and in schools.
Session will include demo/performance 30 mins then 60 -70mins workshop with a short break
Age 4+
Under 7’s should have an adult available if needed.
£8 per place or £20 for a family ticket of 3 children .
Wear comfortable clothes and bring a drink of water.
VISIT CIRCUS SENSIBLE WEBSITE

LIVE MUSIC: Des & Dan
2023-05-05 19:30 - 21:30 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
“Two of the UK’s best singer-songwriters reunite to bring their songs and stories to the stage.
Des Horsfall Has opened for Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, and Joe Ely over the years. His last record the critically -acclaimed “The Bastard’s Tin” featured members of Ronnie Lane’s Slim Chance and a duet with Pete Townsend.
MORE ABOUT DES
Dan Raza has toured with Joan Armatrading and his songs featured on Neil Young’s Living With War website. In recent years, he has also branched as radio broadcaster interviewing song writers such as Ron Sexsmith, Tom Paxton and James Mc Murtry.
MORE ABOUT DAN
Originally intoduced by legendary multi- instrumentalist Charlie Hart (Ronnie/IanDury/Eric Clapton), Des and Dan bonded over a love of the same kind of music and a life spent travelling with their guitars and songs from pubs to theatres all over the world.
Come and see them live to experience an intimate show of great stories and song.

LIVE MUSIC: SIROM
2023-03-09 19:30 - 21:30 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
Širom Slovenian ‘imaginary folk’ instrumental trio. Handmade and global instrumentation meets fearless sound exploration
The intertwining of diverse musical approaches and tools, histories of sounds and unbridled musical imagination and craftmanship is the expansive guiding principle of the Širom trio, whose members stem from the regions of Prekmurje, Tolminsko and Kras.
More than a dozen instruments can be found in the repertoire of Iztok Koren, Samo Kutin and Ana Kravanja and at least as many given musical forms that can be perceived as an inspiration behind the character of this new ensemble. However, in their practice as well as experiencing they remain anchored in their creative process to an extent that allows them to avoid merely reflecting existing patterns. What this generates in an original, stylistically homogeneous form of expression that oscillates between a wide array of folk sounds and contemporary acoustic rock-style meditations. The end result is grounded yet still mystical minimalism. Širom’s music is contemplative, but can get harder when necessary, it is closer to being band- than chamber-like, to being street as opposed to urban in nature.
Each member of Širom also performs in a myriad of other bands and music projects, such as ŠKM banda, Hexenbrutal, Najoua, Samo Gromofon, and Horda grdih.

LIVE MUSIC : Sticky Wicket Swing Dance Night
2023-02-25 19:30 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
Bishop’s Castle Arts festival
“Sticky Wicket will be bringing a selection of fine musicians from his much acclaimed 17piece Swing Orchestra to be part of the 2023 Bishops Castle Arts Festival for a ‘Saturday night dance’ at SpArC Theatre on February 25th.
On the night the 7piece Swing Band with vocalist Linda Morris will be performing well known tunes from the Swing era with Jive and Rock ‘n Roll in there for good measure. Linda is in fact moving to Shropshire in the near future and is making her debut in Bishops Castle at this event.
We are thrilled to welcome Local swing band Anything Goes will kick the evening off with a set of Jive tunes to warm us up!
There will be a short beginners dance class included on the night for those non-dancers wishing to learn a few steps!”
On the night, Saxophones, Clarinet, Piano, Double Bass and Guitar will be well in evidence as will the fine percussion playing. All of these fine musicians will be featured during the evening, including Sticky of course, so come along, have some fun and dance the night away or just soak up the atmosphere.

SCRAPTASTIC SCRAP WORKSHOP
2023-02-24 14:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival
Come and get creative- load of recycled materials to make whatever you can dream up.
ALL Welcome! All Materials provided but you are welcome to bring your own as well!
Under 9’s must be accompanied by a willing helper!
No need to book just turn up!
FREE with donations to Bishops Castle Arts Festival

SOLD OUT John Kirkpatrick - Carolling & Crumpets
2022-12-03 19:30 - 21:30 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
SOLD OUT!
Please email liz@sparctheatre.co.uk to go on the waiting list for tickets.
We are delighted to welcome John to SpArC Theatre.
Taking its title from John’s unforgettable song telling the Nativity story from the point of view of the animals in the stable, this show is a heart-warming look at the timeless rituals found in the folklore and folk music of England at Midwinter.
This is also the official Launch of John’s new Album- Joy & Jubilation out on Fledg’ling Record Featuring members of Castle Carols who will join him on stage in the second half of the show and you can pick up a copy of the new record.
John peels away the commercial gloss of modern Christmas to reveal the powerful pagan urges that race through us all at this time of year, and the life and death struggle that is symbolised in so many traditional songs and customs.
And if that all sounds just a little too intense, then rest assured that the mysterious and murky goings-on in these magical songs of wassailing, wren-hunting, stirring the fire, and incessant feasting, all come dressed up in a glittering finery of toe-tapping tunes and cracking choruses. Add to the mixture a light-hearted smattering of hilarious original songs, a sprinkling of carols both familiar and unfamiliar, all stirred up with John’s usual panache and energy, and supported by his scintillating skill on a variety of squeeze-boxes, and you have an unbeatable recipe for having a rattling good sing, guaranteed to keep the spirits cheery and the cold at bay.

A BIT ABOUT JOHN KIRKPATRICK
John Kirkpatrick was born in London, joined The Hammersmith Morris Men as a twelve-year-old in 1959, and has been dancing, singing, and playing his way round the English Folk Scene ever since. Becoming a virtuoso on various squeeze-boxes, he’s worked in all kinds of groups, bands, and duos, as well as extensively in the theatre. Widely respected as one of the foremost champions of English Traditional Music in all its forms, he is also a prolific creator of new work – whether songs, tunes, or The Shropshire Bedlams. John was awarded lifetime membership of The International Concertina Association in 2002, the English Folk Dance and Song Society’s Gold Badge in 2003, and last year was appointed an MBE for his contribution to English Folk Music.

Live Theatre: Jack Frost and the Search for Winter
2022-11-21 11:00 - 14:30 (Europe/London) | Sparc Theatre, Bishop's Castle, United Kingdom
Two chances to see this Fab show
11am Show
1.30pm Show
When temperatures drop and cold snaps come, that means only one thing: Jack Frost is here!
Jack Frost is a mischievous young boy with a frozen touch. His magic transforms the landscape and brings the colours of autumn and the chill of cold winter. He freezes the orange and red leaves, and covers the trees and ground with a glistening blanket of ice and snow.
But this year when winter comes around the snow begins to melt and along with it Jack’s extraordinary magic fades. With his powers lost he becomes just an ordinary boy.
In this wintery tale, Jack and his new found friend, search for winter and attempt to restore Jack’s special gift. Circling the globe they meet characters who share their own special shimmering seasonal winter magic, but will Jack’s magic return?
Join tutti frutti for this enchanting new play by poet and playwright Joseph Coelho with important environmental themes, a touch of wintery fun and original live music.
60mins Age 3+
For Discounts for Groups and schools contact liz@sparctheatre.co.uk

Live Theatre: The Syrian Baker from Farnham Maltings
2022-11-10 19:30 - 20:40 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
The Syrian Baker
Age range: 12+
With 5% of the world’s population on the move at any one time, desperate to get away from trouble, this is a story about two people deciding to go home despite the state of their country.
Told with affection, irrepressible humour and bread – because without bread nothing happens – the Syrian Baker is about knowing where you belong, how small actions can make the biggest difference and about how much we all have in common.
Written by Kevin Dyer and from the company that brought you Brilliance and The Iranian Feast, this is an evening in the company of friends with stories, freshly made bread, Syrian coffee and Mamoull like the ones from caffé plaza in Homs old town.
Winner of ‘Play of the Year’ at the Writers Guild of Great Britain Awards 2022
The Syrian Baker is the latest production from Farnham Maltings, and the first since the beginning of the pandemic. Written by Kevin Dyer and directed by Gavin Stride,

BLAST STORY TELLING: Kestrel Morton presents The Mountain of the Sun
2022-11-08 18:30 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
Kestrel Morton presents The Mountain of the Sun
BLAST! at the Under Ground – Bishops Castle ( side Gate Public Hall)
Tuesday 8th November 2022 6.30pm
An Amazing Young Storyteller!
A three-faced god and a golden feather, a whispering serpent and a monk’s pilgrimage, a sheep stealer, a hooligan and a change of heart, all watched over by old Granny Chaos. Kestrel Morton weaves a stitch-tongued spell of language, enchanting all who hear it to follow its fantastical thread; into creation myths and wonder tales; through parables and into true stories, dancing on the sharp knife edge between warnings and wonder in the wild world beyond the world.
“Kestrel is a dynamic and passionate performer with a unique vision. A must-see!” -Daniel Morden
Like a magpie’s nest full of shiny trinkets this story is expertly and subtly woven from a wide blend of sources; from traditional folk tales to anecdotes heard at parties; from daydreams in old ruins to visions in a dancer’s steps; this patchwork of narratives is sewn together with a needle of language so fine that the finished fabric appears whole and completely stitch-less.
“For each action there is an equal and opposite reaction.”

Live Music : Clun Valley Jazz: Matt Ridley Quintet & Fergus McCredie’s Trio
2022-10-22 20:00 - 2022-11-26 20:00 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
For details and to book your reservations Text 07768 504322 or Email clunvalleyjazz@gmail.com
Saturday 22nd October Matt Ridley Quintet
Following on from two critically acclaimed albums on the Whirlwind Recordings label, accomplished bassist and composer Matt Ridley strikes out again with a new quintet featuring some rising stars of the UK jazz scene. Ridley is joined by his go-to drummer of 8 years, George Hart, longtime collaborator Ant Law, and the recent pairing of Tom Hewson on piano and the young Alex Hitchcock on saxophones. This gig heralds the arrival of a new clutch of compositions, which bear the Ridley hallmark memorable themes, pulsating grooves and plenty of space for improvisation.
Saturday 26th November 2022 the Fergus McCredie Trio
The 2022 Mercury Prize Nominations include Fergus McCredie’s Trio for his phenomenal album ‘Forrest Floor’.
FERGUS McCREADIE piano
DAVID BOWDEN bass
STEPHEN HENDERSON drums
“One can feel the love they have for their country’s natural beauty, for the waterfalls, the lakes, the mountains, and what it does to a human being who dwells there.” STEP TEMPEST
“The most beautiful music that can be heard in jazz at the moment” WrittenInMusic
£23.00 – clunvalleyjazz@gmail.com or Text 07768 504322 for booking

Live Cool Latin Tea Dance with The Little Rhythm Band
2022-09-25 15:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | SpArC Theatre
This event is now being merged with the Incredible Rhythm Band event on Saturday 24th September 8pm. The Latin Dance teacher will still be there to teach us some moves! Hope to see you there.
Afternoon Tea Dance- with The Little Rhythm Band and Sapa Dance School Latin dance Teacher
An afternoon of Cool latin Music and Salsa-
Opportunity to learn some Latin Dance. To a live Band -Everyone Welcome-join in or just watch and enjoy the music and Dancing.

LIVE MUSIC: The Incredible Rhythm Band
2022-09-24 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | Sparc Theatre, Bishop's Castle, United Kingdom
The Incredible Rhythm Band are back Live- Their sensational sold out performance in February has brought them back by popular demand.
We are now merging the Tea Dance event scheduled for Sun 25 Sept to create one joyous evening to lift spirits and get hips moving!
The Sapa Dance teacher Marcia Sarcina will be there to show us some moves on the night!
The Sounds of Santana, Tito Puente & other funky Latin grooves-
Featuring, Sticky Wicket, Peta Piper, (percussion Charlie ‘Carlos’ Mason (guitar), Mike Green bass, and Ted Bunting (Sax & Flute) ,Danny McCormack Keys with Harry Weston-Cotteral on percussion Dancing definitely permitted.
Lets spend a night with friends on and off the stage and have a great time
Tickets £15 Adults £8 children
More information coming soon!

Summer Street Dance
2022-08-01 09:30 - 16:00 UTC | Sparc Theatre, Brampton Rd, Bishops Castle, SY9 5AQ
It is back ! High energy, fun, creative street dance session with experienced dance teacher Anna Belyavin. Session for different age groups
BOOK PLACE FOR 4-6 Yrs 9.45am-11.15am SESSION
BOOK PLACE FOR 7-11 Yrs 2pm-4.pm SESSION
The session will include fun movement games, a taught routine and creative activities to create a fun routine to popular music.
The perfect chance to dance, express yourself and get creative.
Anna has taught dance and movement sessions across the county for over 10 years working with children, young people and adults in a variety of settings.
Wear comfortable clothing you can move in and soft shoes or trainers and water
