Out & About Winter 2019

After the pantos are done, venues take time out for a spot of maintenance, but they’re soon back in the new year with a fresh programme. NWN arts editor TRISH LEE picks a contemporary take on Shakespeare, physical theatre combined with lyrical British Sign Language, a cool evening with a couple of hot British blues veterans and a stunning wildlife photography show. See NWN’S N2 arts and entertainment for weekly arts news and reviews. Pick of the ARTS

New year blues Paul Jones & Dave Kelly Arlington Arts Friday, January 31 www.arlington-arts.com

The Blues seems more popular today than it has ever been. Young musicians still cut their teeth on its enticing, 12-bar appeal, but its real rewards, true virtuosity only come with age. Founder members of The Blues Band Paul Jones and Dave Kelly’s roots go way back. As well as their own original material, they not only know and perform the work of the greats, ranging from Howling’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker through to Sonny Boy Williamson – they actually played alongside them and enjoyed their friendship. After more than a quarter century as presenter of his BBC Radio 2 R&B show, as a thrilling singer and harmonica maestro, what Paul Jones doesn’t know about the blues can be written on a pinhead. The same can be said about Europe’s leading bluesman, Dave Kelly. He’s played with them all, including legends such as James Burton and Buddy Guy. If you’re a true blues fan, everything you need is here in this live acoustic set.

Actions speak louder than words Extraordinary Wall of Silence Corn Exchange, Newbury Wednesday, February 5 and Thursday, February 6 www.cornexchangenew.com Ad Infinitum combine the company’s signature style of physical storytelling with the beauty of British Sign Language. The Bristol-based international ensemble create socio-political theatre aimed to provoke, move and inspire through their innovative storytelling and bold experimental style, and make something completely different with each new production. Catch them at the Corn Exchange, when they perform Extraordinary Wall of Silence – a bilingual performance in BSL and English. Helen, Alan and Graham are told they are impaired and need fixing. Connecting through a shared past they are transported to one pivotal moment in 1880 when a dangerous ideology was born: one that would impair the way the world views deaf people for over a century – three coming-of-age stories, united in a struggle against violence, ignorance and oppression.

Picture credit Alex Brenner

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O&A AUTUMN 2019