12-hour Playathon Launches New Brewhouse Season
Burton's own The Little Theatre Company will kick start the centre's September to December season with their fundraising 'Playathon 2008'. This is followed by another community event, the musical 'Hello Dolly' brought to the stage by The Mellow Dramatics before another charity event in the bar, 'Songs For Life', featuring popular music of the last 60 years from stage and screen, presented by local performers - 'Diversity'.
Storytelling features throughout the season and in September there will be a practical workshop for anyone hosting storytelling events and also a Storytelling Open Night where you can tell your own story if you wish. The evening also features Peter Chand with his unique blend of wit and passion.
Continuing into September is Concert for Albania featuring local duo 'The Gatecrashers' with MC local magician Paul Brown. The concert will also promote work done for an Albanian orphanage and proceeds from the evening will support this.
Tanya Hilton returns to the piano in the bar this autumn for It Takes Three, an evening of music in all styles, and professional theatre company Opus Theatre will bring Confessions of Honour to the auditorium. The production has a local angle as it tells the story of a World War Two Victoria Cross Veteran giving his medal to the Staffordshire Regiment at Whittington. On this special day, does a one-time antagonist, a German soldier, hold a secret that threatens to dramatically upset the day's events?
On Saturday, September 27th, everyone is invited to try out a range of cultural activities from Tai Chi to singing, breakdancing to painting in free taster sessions as part of the launch of the Cultural Olympiad. The event is designed to show the Olympic and Paralymic games are about more than sport, and cities stage a series of events to showcase the country's arts and culture to the rest of the world.
October starts with The South Derbyshire Dance Partnership presenting their showcase Two Nights Only, and continues with Aynsley Lister returning to the Brewhouse for another of his popular concerts.
Another musician - Lloyd Ryan, one of Britain's most accomplished drummers - brings Banging for Britain to Burton, not only drumming but talking about his 40 year career and his students including Phil Collins, Keef Hartley and Derrick McKenszie amongst others.
A Martial Arts Display featuring various arts disciplines will be presented by Paul Barnes in October, whilst The Midland Youth Ballet bring The Tales Of Beatrix Potter to the stage for their first event of the season.
Some of Stephanie Parrott's dancers also feature in Music and Dance presented by The Burton Concert Band with their conductor David Haines.
The musical 'I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change' is being presented by 3's Company this season. This lively musical comedy revue takes you on a rollercoaster ride through all aspects of love in the modern world.
November sees Cards for Good Causes back at the Brewhouse with their selection of Christmas Charity cards and back in the theatre the classic musical Fiddler on the Roof will be the autumn production from the Little Theatre Company.
The first of two school productions during season presents Violet Lane School performing Red Riding Hood and as well as another of the Storytelling Café returns in November, New Era Theatre Group will be performing their show We're Having Another Shout, a musical and dance revue. After last year's successful 'Something to Shout About', New Era bring excerpts from some of the best loved shows of Broadway and the West End.
December sees Shobnall Primary School perform their version of Mary Poppins and the Nadia Jane School of dance feature Showcase celebrating all forms of dance. Dance is also featured in Burton College's annual showcase Danceworks 8.
The Midland Youth ballet return for their final production of the year with Nutcracker and the season ends with Winter Wonderland presented by Coral Gould and friends, which includes seasonal stories and songs.
Throughout the season The Community Arts Team programme features not only the Storytelling Festival but also organising 'Making Connections' a Creative Arts Networking Event also Music For The Masses whilst continuing their work in the Borough.
Project Wired continues to provide a vast range of professional quality film and music production and workshops, while the Red Door offers courses and workshops in animation.
The galleries throughout the season continue to provide a diverse collection of exhibitions. Amy Burchell, Alistair Kennedy, Tamworth Society of Artists, Abbot Beyne School, Second Half, Burton Art Club and Vitor Azevedo are just some of the artists displaying work.
Draw a Crowd, celebrates the Big Draw campaign 2008 and everyone can be involved in a free workshop during October.
As well as the usual Drama and Creative Workshops and the funky street and break dancing workshops for girls on Wednesdays and boys on Thursdays, the Brewhouse is introducing two new workshops this season - Practical Woodwork for Home and Garden for people aged 18-years and upwards, and Creative Kids for 13 to 16-year-olds.
Councillor Bernard Peters, Deputy Leader for Health and Leisure, said: "Once again the Council's Arts team are supporting another exciting season at the Brewhouse, building on the high quality of productions provided already this year.
"The performances, workshops and exhibitions will appeal to a wide age range and there really is something for everyone in the new season brochure.
"I think congratulations should go out to the staff, volunteers and community groups at the Brewhouse for their continuing commitment to the people of Burton and surrounding area to deliver such high quality entertainment for the borough."
For your free copy of the brochure call in or telephone the Brewhouse Box Office on 01283 508100 Monday to Saturday.
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