Out & About Spring 2018

Pick of the ARTS

Artists say

Cadaverous comedy as hysterical as historical

come on in…

Open Studios May 12 to June 3 www.open-studios.org.uk More than 100 local artists and makers open their studios and exhibitions free of charge through the May Open Studios scheme and are happy to talk about their creative process with visitors. They aim to make entering any art space a comfortable experience. Works are normally for sale, but there is no obligation to buy and the focus is on enjoying your visit. You can find out about them in the free illustrated directory available from the Corn Exchange, tourist information centres, libraries, town halls and museums across West Berkshire and North Hampshire. This lists an example and description of their work, directions to the studio and opening times. Plan your itinerary by visiting the INSIGHT exhibition at Arlington Arts, Snelsmore, a showcase of work by all participating artists, representing a diverse range of visual arts, including sculpture, paintings, drawings, textiles, glass, jewellery, metalwork and furniture making. There will also be group exhibitions at the Corn Exchange, Newbury library, West Berkshire Museum, The Watermill and West Berkshire Community Hospital and the opportunity to learn a new skill through hands-on workshops. What about a mosaic workshop, papier-mâché, ancient art from the orient, urban sketching, drawing people on location or a ceramic workshop?

Burke and Hare The Watermill, Bagnor, Tuesday, April 24 to Saturday, May 5 On tour Wednesday, April 18 to Saturday, May 26 www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 The Watermill is touring Tom Wentworth’s new stage adaptation of Burke and Hare to a village hall or arts centre near you. The show tells the story of Edinburgh’s infamous body snatchers, William Burke and William Hare. It’s 1828 and in the leading city for medical research, there’s a huge demand for bodies and an inconveniently low number of deaths. When Burke and Hare discover a money-making scheme far more lucrative than hosting lodgers, the more they begin to murder, the less they care. But for how long will they get away with it? Filled with dark humour, this new production tells the true story of the prolific pair of villains. Age guidance 12+ (parental discretion advised). Local tour dates: April 18 East Garston Village Hall Book online or 01635 46044 19 Aldworth Village Hall 07796 855315 or 0845 6342140 20 Aldbourne Memorial Hall 01672 540043 May 11 Pangbourne Village Hall Book online or 01635 46044 14 Finchampstead Memorial Hall 01189 733114 15 East Challow Village Hall 01235 763173 19 Highclere Village Hall 01635 254264 21 Bradfield Village Hall 0118 974492 22 Hampstead Norreys Village Hall 01635 201907 24 The Morrell Rooms, Streatley www.thegapfestival.org 25 Uffington Memorial Hall 01367 821016

Katy Stevens will be opening her studio at Doodles, Tadley

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