AN INDEPENDENT, FREE MONTHLY GUIDE TO MUSIC, ART, ISSUE 57 | Dec 2019 THEATRE, COMEDY, LITERATURE & FILM IN STROUD. GOODONPAPER.INFO

ISSUE #57

Inside: Alex Box and Hattie Rupert Brett Ryder Briggs Russell

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Mermaid Chunky | Billy Arthur | Christmas Arts and Crafts Markets | 2019 Music Releases Cover: Artwork by Alex Merry Alex Artwork by Cover:

#57 | Dec 2019

EDITOR Advertising/Editorial/Listings: Alex Hobbis [email protected]

DESIGN Artwork and Design: EDITOR’S Adam Hinks [email protected]

ONLINE FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM NOTE goodonpaper.info /GoodOnPaperStroud @GoodOnPaper_ @GoodOnPaperStroud Welcome to issue 57 of Good On Paper – PRINTED BY: your free monthly guide to music concerts, art Tewkesbury Printing Company exhibitions, theatre productions, comedy shows, film screenings and literature events in Stroud… SPONSORED BY: Big announcement this month! We have just launched the line-up and tickets for our annual Good On Paper Party which returns for its fifth edition on Saturday 1st February 2020! This time we head over to Thrupp to take over Stroud Brewery’s epic new canal-side venue for live music with the Giffords Chartered Tax Advisers Circus Band, Maja Lena and Dave Ayre’s Nonoscopic Ensemble, spoken www.chrismattostax.co.uk word/comedy stage by Hip Yak Poetry Shack, DJ sets from Alex Box and stroudbrewery.co.uk collingridgelaw.co.uk chrismattostax.co.uk Derrick McLean, GOP covers exhibition, film screenings, food pop-ups and more spread across three floors…

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04 LITERATURE #57 | Dec 2019

Some things were meant to be. Words, And so to Alex Box and Brett Ryder. This international artist and celebrated ALEX pictures, song, play and film, all these illustrator have collaborated to produce what is arguably one of creative elements in the world we live in the most endearing and important children’s books of our time. BOX & today form something, mean something. The Butterfly Boy is a universal tale They are, in a word, vital. Because life of overcoming fear. Told through the eyes of a small boy who swallows a BRETT without art is simply flat. From the caterpillar, it takes the normal storytime tales and recasts childhood characters moment we were born, humans have who have, traditionally, always been portrayed for their fearful attributes. RYDER sought things to intrigue us, curious Think foxes and spiders, the tales of them turned as this wondrous little By NIkki Owen creatures as we are, beginning as book takes your hand and asks you children to develop an innate curiosity. If to question your perceptions, and, like any well-structured children’s book, you can teach children through beautifully guides you to a better understanding of the world and your own emotions. inspiring words and pictures what life is The book is stunning and profound, about, what it means to live and feel and but what makes it stand out is the made-for-the-page combination of think and care, well then, art has done its Alex Box’s words with Brett Ryder’s stunning and at times, Dali-esque job. And then we turn the page and the drawings. “We’ve known each other a work begins all over again. long time,” Box tells me when I meet to interview her and Brett in Stroud. “We used to be together when we were 19 to 23 years old, and we’ve always stayed friends.” Their solid history clearly plays in the creation of this #57 | Dec 2019 LITERATURE 05

enchanting book. This is a friendship The Washington Post and so many a story layered with characters that she says, reminiscing. “It brought the not only of mutual understanding but more. Meanwhile, Box, as an artist of are longing to live beyond the page. story to life and that’s why this book is of life and the magical perspective the face and body, is renowned for For Brett, it was an important part of so important because Brett takes the all that involves. Both Brett and experimental and often surreal beauty being a parent, creating this book. “As characters and has flown with it. And in Alex each have their own respective looks, and she is a regular contributor parents,” he says, “we both felt that his pictures, there’s something different families and partners now, and still, to publications including Vogue, W the quality of books available, which every time, and that’s essential as to their collaborations continue, and magazine, The New York Times, offered both incredible imagery and why the book connects with people.” even their children all meet up as part Numero, Another Magazine, Dazed intelligent creative stories, were few of this wonderful meeting of minds. & Confused, i-D, and many more. and far between. These unmet needs The beautifully produced hardback Celebrity clients have included Lady were the motivation to create our book is available to pre-order now “We were both at university together,” Gaga, Kate Moss, Frank Ocean, Sienna own, immersive, expressive worlds at thebutterflyboy.com and further Brett tells me, his voice as animated Miller and Courtney Love, and working that both adults and children will publishing plans are now underway, as his (award-winning) artwork, Alex’s as a make-up director for international want to return to again and again.” potentially including the crowdfunding face studious and engaged when fashion shows, Alex has also created site, Unbound. But for Alex and Brett, he talks. “Alex has always been very some of the iconic looks seen in the The Butterfly Boy, as a result, is a story it’s all about the journey. “We’ve come positive, and so I just get on with it. catwalk collections by Gareth Pugh, which hails from a more simple time, a this far with the integrity,” Alex says. She is the reason this whole book Karl Lagerfeld, Alexander McQueen, time when tales on the pages of a book “The design is the key all the way was completed because she is so Vivienne Westwood and Chanel. were made to be shared and discussed, through to the reader experience.” positive. I’ve always had a realistic tales crafted stay in your head long head on. It’s a beautiful book.” A recent post of Box working with her after you’ve read the words. “I do In true fearless style, a style so son in her arms went viral and into the think the sustainability ethic of books acutely depicted in The Butterfly Both Ryder and Box are renowned in millions and struck a chord with so is important,” Alex tells me. “Things Boy, a style that indeed defines what their fields. Brett studied at Camberwell many of her fan base that is mothers need to be around for a long time and life is truly about, Brett agrees. “At College of Arts and St Martin’s College and creatives. So, given all this together handed down. They are precious. There the end of the day, this is not about and is one of the early original pioneers with the vital importance of the written is care involved in it all. The Butterfly us. It’s about creating something of mixed media digital illustration. His word and how it influences our children Boy does feel like it’s from a different magical for someone else.” portfolio is full of artwork produced in today’s busy modern, social-media- time. It uses words a child may have to for both editorial and advertising driven world, what sparked the true ask parents about and what that does Nikki Owen is an author and campaigns, including The Economist, idea for The Butterfly Boy? Alex is that, as a parent, you are imparting writer. Her third and final book in The Times, The Telegraph, Coca-Cola, smiles. “The seed of inspiration for The knowledge, you are communicating.” the Project Trilogy – The Girl Who Dr Stuart’s Teas, The Economist, Butterfly Boy came from a bedtime Box recalls how her mother used to put Ran (Harper Collins), is out now. Fortnum & Mason, Glastonbury Festival, story Brett dreamt up one night for on voices when she read her a bedtime Harper Collins, The London Symphony Follow her on twitter @nikkiwriter his children.” It was Alex who then story and how that’s stayed in Alex's and nikkiowenauthor.com Orchestra, The New York Times, took that original idea and developed head ever since. “I loved the voices,” 06 LITERATURE/SPOKEN WORD/COMEDY LISTINGS #57 | Dec 2019

museuminthepark.org.uk conversations from Andrew Wood, TETBURY GOODS SHED LITERATURE Charles Landry and other invited LISTINGS OPEN HOUSE speakers. The WORD project by the WEDS 18TH artist Andrew Wood is unusual. It has Rachel Joyce SUN 1ST been been extremely popular and ALE HOUSE has, at times, attracted controversy Rachel Joyce is the author of the Story Party Stroud and debate. It is a combination of Sunday Times and international MON 16TH Stroud’s only regular event where deadpan humour, irony and visual wit bestsellers ‘The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry’, ‘Perfect’, ‘The Love Piranha Poetry Christmas Cracker: ordinary people share extraordinary laced with cheek and fun. Starting Casey Bailey, Tanya Feasey, Clive true stories from their own lives. A in 2017 a new word has appeared Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy’, Oseman, Jospehine Lay handful of storytellers deliver their every 2 to 3 weeks. This book brings ‘The Music Shop’ and a collection of interlinked short stories, ‘A Snow Casey Bailey: A writer, performer and prepared stories, plus open mic together all 40 words to date, all Garden & Other Stories’. Her books educator, born and raised in Nechells, slot for stories emerging from the captured by the brilliant photographs have been translated into thirty-six Birmingham. Casey’s poetry has been audience on the day. An afternoon of Guy de Lotz and the stories behind languages and two are in development commissioned by many organisations, of connection and celebration of our them. The Words have become an for film…7:30pm £7 including the BBC for The Ballad of humanity, in an intimate space with everyday feature of life in Stroud. 7pm a warm and supportive audience. All The Peaky Blinders. Tanya Feasey: £4adv/£5otd shed-arts.co.uk Gloucester based poet who has welcome. Star Anise Arts Cafe open sva.org.uk performed all around Gloucester. afterwards for chat and refreshments. Tanya's poetry is described as 3pm £5 (suggested donation to cover COMEDY entertaining as it is tactless, and for event costs) email storypartystroud@ NEW BREWERY ARTS CENTRE LISTINGS some reason Tanya is quite pleased gmail.com for further info CIRENCESTER by this. Clive Oseman: A multi slam facebook.com/storypartystroud THE CROWN AND SCEPTRE winning spoken word artist, a proud SAT 7TH Brummie based in Swindon. A typical THE PRINCE ALBERT Christmas Calligraphy set is a blend of serious, humorous THURS 19TH A fun one day workshop to try your and just plain crazy material. Probably the Best Comedy Night in hand at various basic scripts for use Josephine Lay: Lay has published WEDS 4TH the World! on all manner of seasonal items. You two collections of poetry 'Inside Meet the Prospective MPs will use dip pens, fine liners, brushes Lots of new talent on display at this Reality' and 'Unravelling'. She hosts With just over a week until the country and card prints with seasonal coloured monthly comedy night with Richard 'Squawkers' at the Sober Parrot in goes to the polls for the fourth time inks and paints to create a range of James headlining all kept in order by Cheltenham and is Poet in Residence in nine years - if you are in doubt cards, tags, and unique wrappings. A the inimitable Gavin Pond…8pm Free at Cheltenham Library. Host: Gary about the various representatives, lively and productive day with plenty to Death. 7:30pm Free crownandsceptrestroud.com want to ask a question or confused take home. 10am-4pm £85 about the whole thing please come THE MUSEUM IN THE PARK along and get some answers to your FRI 13TH NAILSWORTH COMMUNITY questions. Confirmed for the night Modern Calligraphy Baubles WORKSHOP THURS 5TH are: David Drew (Labour), Molly Scott Cato (Green Party), Glen Gogerly During the session, key modern FRI 20TH Poetry at the Museum in the Park calligraphy basics will be covered; (Libertarian UK Party), Siobhan Baillie Comedy Night Christmas Special Maria Stadnicka launches her new (Conservatives) and Desi Latimer how to use the essential tools, mark book ‘Somnia’ with a reading at The (Brexit Party). 7pm Free making drills, and alphabet practices The hugely popular comedy night at Museum. ‘Somnia’, published by before moving on to whole words. Nailsworth Community Workshop Knives Forks and Spoons Press, theprincealbertstroud.co.uk Emma from Emerald Paper Design will returns for a Christmas special in is an ambitious book in tune both be giving demonstrations each step the unique setting of the workshop with its own language and imagery ST. MARY MAGDALENE CHURCH of the way, as well as being on hand with comedians from the South West and with the social upheavals and for individual guidance. As Christmas Comedy circuit including Nick Hill, change which mark our times. Ian SAT 21ST is approaching this workshop with James O’Donoghue, Alf (from last Seed, reviewing ‘Somnia’, called it, conclude with you adding your newly year’s Britain’s Got Talent) and more Thomas Saves Christmas: A “one of the best books of poetry I’ve developed calligraphy to a Christmas TBA! As ever Gavin Pond will be MC. Christmas Story with Music read this year.” Mike Ferguson, in bauble. 10am-12pm £50 There will also be songs, poems, a his review, referred to Maria’s “calm A unique and enchanting evening bar and Christmas snacks! £5adv creativity in conveying … horrors and featuring a specially written story newbreweryarts.org.uk from [email protected]. abstractions.” Caroline Shaw’s new about Thomas the Tank Engine - uk/£7otd pamphlet, ‘Brute Swan’ is brilliantly by local authors Katie Fforde and titled: the poems have a lasting Jane Gordon-Cumming. Narrated practicalintelligence.org.uk beauty about them, even a serenity, by BBC Radio Gloucestershire’s but they work hard below the surface, Dominic Cotter, with music from and when they confront ill-treatment the Thames Head Singers. 7pm and abuse they are little short of brutal £10adults/£3children from the Sub themselves. Maria and Caroline will Rooms, the Prince Albert or otd (if be joined by artist and performer Uta still available!) Parking at Stroud NEWSFLASH! Baldauf and by poets David Clarke, Rugby Club with a free shuttle bus. All Adam Horovitz and Philip Rush. proceeds to Rodborough Church. FLASHNEWS! 7:30pm Free rodboroughparishchurch.org.uk Duffle Vintage Outfitters will be THURS 5TH acting as a new hub for Good On Afternoon Talk: Diana Humphrey and STROUD BREWERY Paper! So if you are a stockist with Fred Ward – Galanty no issues left, or a reader and can't THURS 5TH Thursday afternoon talk on Galanty find a copy head over to our friend Brewery Book Club – the Story of Lost Victorian street Patrick's shop on John Street (next entertainment illustrated with After a great deal of interest was to SVA /opposite Falafel Mama) spectacular ‘slides', a genuine Galanty expressed within the local community, show to watch and shadow puppets a monthly Book Club has been Mon-Sat 10am - 6:30pm and 11am to handle. 2pm £5 (incl tea, coffee and arranged at the new Stroud Brewery - 6pm on Sundays to grab a few biscuits) Bar. The group meet every 1st more/a copy… Thursday of the month at 7pm. It SUN 8TH is an open group and everyone is You can also sign up to our Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol welcome to come along and join in the Supporters Subscription Service to Dramatic Reading discussion. This month’s read TBC! get a copy delivered through your Gather around the fireplace and hear stroudbrewery.co.uk door or a digital version for phone/ how the mean and miserly Ebenezer laptop lovers... Scrooge was transformed after SVA JOHN STREET GALLERY encountering the ghosts of Christmas goodonpaper.info/subscribe Past, Present and Yet to Come. Steven SUN 15TH Deproost performs a condensed but Long live the printed word. faithful version of this well-loved, Andrew Wood: The Word haunting tale. Unsuitable for young An evening to celebrate the children or the faint of heart. 3pm Free book launch of the WORD with #57 | Dec 2019 MUSIC 07

HATTIE BRIGGS By Sarah Phaedre Watson

When I arranged to sit down with Although she was brought up in tours. She’s been rewarded with She’s an introspective writer - her Hattie Briggs ahead of her gig at The a family with a love of music - the critically-acclaimed albums, received lyrics focus heavily on feelings and Sub Rooms I wasn’t quite sure what soundtrack to her childhood were the national airplay across BBC Radios emotion - which have won her fans to expect. The story of the young mellow strains of James Taylor and 1, 2, and 6, and in 2017 she was far beyond the folk community. And musician being spotted busking at Eva Cassidy - and despite playing named the first ever winner of Fender underpinning all of that is a voice that Paddington Station by Alfie Boe is the multiple musical instruments and Undiscovered Artist of the Year in masterfully soars across her perfectly stuff of legend… singing in a choir as a youngster, 2017. This woman is a force to be crafted songs. Hattie never considered pursuing reckoned with, and her place at the For those unfamiliar with the tale - a career in music. “I suffered from music industry’s table is absolutely no What’s next, I ask - where do you world-famous English tenor and actor terrible nerves whenever I performed accident. go after performing as part of a Alfie paused to listen to Hattie singing in front of anyone,” she explains. sell-out show to over 5,000 people in the bustling train station, before “I’d get up to sing a song or two but I can’t help but wonder why she is at one of the UK’s most prestigious contacting her through her Instagram I never really enjoyed it.” And yet in back playing in Stroud when she’s venues - Wembley Arena? “Well of page and inviting her to join him on 2014 at the age of 22, two years into more familiar with playing gigs like O2 course the next step is naturally my his 21 date UK tour this summer, studying Russian at Oxford University Shepherd's Bush Empire? (I also can’t gig in Stroud,” she gently jokes before which culminated in a sell-out show the singer made the brave decision to help starting to feel excruciatingly becoming serious again. “Really I at The Royal Albert Hall. Describing quit her degree to concentrate on her aware that she’s achieved all of want to focus on my songwriting, their chance encounter during an musical career. So what happened? this, while I struggle to turn up to an maybe working on some more interview with the BBC Alfie was “I started gigging with friends, playing appointment on time…). “Although collaborations.” filled with praise: "I found her busking in small venues - sometimes to just I’m not originally from Stroud the town Although Hattie is noncommittal, at Paddington Station and she's a dozen or so people, and I was has been incredibly generous to me, relaxed about what the future holds incredible, she's very very cool." hooked,” she said. “As I started to it’s supported me all the way through one thing’s for sure; this woman perform more the nerves fell away and my journey,” she answers. “From the I’m keen to learn more about this cool knows exactly what she wants. I found that music - performing and musicians I’ve performed with, to the rising star, she’s been a familiar name And with her talent and unfaltering songwriting - began to take over my venues who have booked me over the on the Stroud music circuit for over drive - I’ve got no doubt that she will life. I had no choice but to pursue it years, the town has been really kind 5 years now, but I’ve never really met achieve it. really.” to me and there are fans who have her before. Obviously I ensure that I turned out to see me at every single As she picks up her guitar and says get off on the right foot by being late There’s a romanticism to Hattie’s story, gig I’ve played too. It feels like a full her goodbyes I’m finding myself for our interview. which gives the singer-songwriter a circle - I want to thank them, show agreeing with Alfie Boe - Hattie Briggs delicious humility, but I get the distinct them what I’ve been up to - a gig at Arriving to meet her in the Sub Rooms really is very, very cool. And I’m left impression that underneath her The Subs is my way of doing that.” - a good ten minutes after the agreed struggling to remember where I put my understated demeanor lies a steely time - in a flurry of apologies I’m car keys… determination - her success is more Unsurprisingly, given her reputation, relieved to find the singer seemingly talent and headlining grabbing than a series of fortunate events. Hattie performs at the Sub Rooms on unflustered, reassured by her relaxed success, news of her return to Stroud Sunday 8th December, for further info smile and reassurances. I buy her It’s clear that her talent is boundless has resulted in just a handful of tickets and to buy tickets visit thesubrooms. a coffee in a nearby cafe to make - alongside her beautiful, sculptured remaining for her gig at the historic co.uk For news, releases and updates amends and, collecting at least some voice she plays at least three venue. But for those who have yet to visit hattiebriggs.co.uk of my dignity, we talk about how her instruments, despite having very little see her perform what can they expect relatively brief career has led to such formal training - but what drives her from the songstress? extraordinary success in such a short is a relentless creative fire, an almost amount of time. obsessive attitude to hard work, and a Despite her hardcore folk fans her No one knows what Sarah Phaedre determination to succeed. style is hard to define - the singer, Watson really does, she spends time What strikes me is, aside from songwriter and multi-instrumentalist gallivanting off to Africa to make films, the stars aligning and bringing the Since her decision to leave one of cites Joni Mitchell, Foy Vance, writing for various publications, or superstar to rest in front of her guitar the most prestigious universities in Goldfrapp and Jeff Buckley as her passionately supporting community case on that auspicious day, Hattie’s the world Hattie has clocked up an influences and her music brings arts and events. She certainly gets success is no accident. It’s the impressive average of 100 gigs per together pop, folk and electronic about a bit culmination of a golden triangle of year as part of UK and worldwide influences. talent, drive, and a razor sharp mind. 08 MUSIC #57 | Dec 2019

MERMAID CHUNKY By Sean Roe Darkest Night 2018 by Simon Pizzey by Night 2018 Darkest

Mermaid Chunky have been What made you decide to form M: Without it being like…Oh, here you So I think it will balance out. Mermaid Chunky? are…bitch. charming audiences in Stroud F: Whatever kind over sexuality is and London for the last few M: Well we had the name and we F: We’re being like, ‘oh we’ve put this expressed in all the other acts, we're years with their idiosyncratic wanted to do something really whole event on for you sun and it’s not going to neutralize that with complete blend of afrobeat, rap, post energetic. Freya had this drive after a passive aggressive thing…It’s really anti sexuality…just layers upon layers graduating from Uni to curate a like, it’s a really nice thing…’ Because of wool. punk and performance art - musical group playing synthy African that’s how you’ve got to work with the M: We will be playing with some special totally unique and always a joy rhythms and to keep her musical sun. guests including Boss Morris, Katie to behold. I (sort of) managed experimentation rolling. M: Yeah it’s true, the sun is quite Vacara, Flo Pond, but you will not be to catch up with them and F: Yes that's true. Also we both just powerful really. I mean, in the end, it’s able to recognise them because of the attempted to make sense of really clicked when we played together going to kill us. wool situation. their linguistic shenanigans. in other bands and orchestras…It was F: Yes. F: Also a replica stone circle made of quite obvious that we needed a project Here is a heavenly redacted sculptural altars is being created by of our own to mess around and do our M: But you know…cutting to the dream I had of an interview artists Holly English, Kate Merry, Kaoru own thing. chase…the Darkest Night chase… with Moina Leahy (saxophone, Blackstone, Lorraine Robbins and It’s about cleaning out the dark and So, do you prefer working as a duo? Mair Hughes. Each sculptural altar will recorder, wind-up toys, welcoming in the light of the New Year. represent a different myth or folklore robotic cat, vocals) and Freya F: On so many levels musically it’s so That's what we will be celebrating on around the winter solstice. Tate (synth, drum machine, much easier to make when you've just the 20th December. got two people. M: Kate Merry's will be on Miss Piggy's percussion, keys, vocals)… F: It’s about people coming together. seasonal affective disorder. M: I think working in a duo really It's about collaboration. So, we are How did the two of you meet? feeds our spontaneity, as Colin Firth going to have a parade that starts Have you missed anything out? would say in Mama Mia 1. When up at the SVA at the beginning of the M: There will then be some amazing Freya: I met Moina, properly, for the first we're practicing we don't talk that night. It's going to be a dark, mystic films and walk about performance time in Brighton. She came to visit a much about what’s happening and the procession. contributed by Verity Monroe, May friend of a friend Lorna Bamsey. Me and structure and stuff do we? my boyfriend at the time used to argue M: Before the parade, up at SVA, there Darbyshire, Rowan Kelly, Ruby Kester, about who understood Moina's humour F: We just don't think about structure. will be a welcoming ceremony involving Ella Clifton Gould, Rochelle Johns, dressing up, maybe as something kind Ismiah Martin, Lova Ranung, Alexis the most. He'd say 'I think I really get Do you hope to expand the band - or of grotesque, sexy and pagan. Bertolli and Coumba Samba. That's the Moina, I think I really understand what do you prefer using guest players? end of the name dropping. she's saying, you know, it's really F: Yep. These preparation rituals will be F: No. We don't want to expand the obscure, like no one else gets it but I led by Megan Crua, Sean Heather and F: Oh but...last but not least, everyone's band. We know you want to join in, do’. I used to think that that was stupid Lucia Coppola. favourite DJ Verity Monroe will also be we know you think its fun. We don't and I knew much more about it than playing the most danciest dance tracks care, this is some kind of joke…What So...once the parade is over the rest he did. at the end of the night, celebrating the we really love is special guests. Very of the event will take place in the arrival of the new-born sun… Moina: I feel honoured. Couples special. Goods Shed? fighting over me. It's all I've ever Mermaid Chunky are in the middle of M: Ursula Esor, the drummer from F: Yes, which includes 'Cum Dine With wanted. So yeah we met in Brighton. recording their debut EP with producer Snapped Ankles, she's amazing to play Me', Flo Grellier's feast of sex. This Lots of great floating around there. I Capitol K who has worked with the likes with - Also amazing poet of Stroud performance piece has grown out of a was running away from school. of The Comet Is Coming, Rozi Plain Ruby Kester and trumpeter Flo Pond. short film Flo made around her Saint and Flamingods. For news and updates Freya: Oh you were supposed to be in Martins graduate collection this year, F: We have also worked with Yoshino follow the band on facebook.com/ school? Hey! Just do what you want which features Mermaid Chunky's track Shigihara from Yama Warashi, plus mermaidchunky Moina! You also tried to get me a job… 'These Girls'. For this upcoming solstice queen drummer Evie Skinner and artist performance, she'll be collaborating Darkest Night takes place on Friday Moina: Yes. Isobel Harper. with renowned writer Siofra Dromgoole. 20th, visit sva.org.uk for further info. Freya: I got systematically rejected by In December you’ll be curating The The piece will be exploring women and all the kooky shops in Brighton and you Darkest Night at the Goods Shed. their relationships with food and sex, just kept saying you can do it. Can you explain the concept behind allowing their pleasure to take up space Sean Roe runs Sound Records with Moina: Yes. But remember the knife the event and the multitude of on stage. Tom Monobrow (facebook.com/ collaborators you’ll be working with? soundrecordsstroud). He is also an grinders Freya, they liked you. And will Mermaid Chunky be artist and musician and member How did you come up with the F: So the Winter Solstice is the shortest performing? day of the year…The whole idea is to of Wool Heads – a new musical name? M: Me and Freya are performing too. spiritually accept, without resentment, collaboration with performance artist We'll be up to our eyebrows in wool… M/F: It’s a type of wolf that we like! the slow gradual return of the sun. Uta Baldauf. #57 | Dec 2019 MUSIC 09

The last year or so has seen a steady influx of albums and ep’s released by Stroud based musicians and here are some of our favourite records you may have missed or not listened to yet – 2019 we recommend you lend thine ears to them… MUSIC RELEASES

THE ACHIEVERS - The Lost Arc LEVERET - Diversions Recorded mostly ‘live in the studio’ over two days Five years since they first hit the road together, folk in early May 2019 the Lost Arc is as much of an super-trio Leveret return with their fourth album, event as it is an album – it marks the arrival of the Diversions. In contrast to the self-penned Inventions Achievers as a new force in British Blues and Roots (2017), Diversions features exclusively traditional songwriting. The fruits of an educated co-writing material, unearthed from archives, manuscripts and brotherhood. The Lost Arc is deliberately loose, tunebooks and reinvigorated in Leveret's signature quirky and intimate. Instantly catchy and irreverent, style. It's a collection of tunes which, though the 10 tracks whizz by in 30 soulful fat-free minutes. unassuming on the page, take on a whole new life in Leveret's hands. theachieversuk.com leveretband.com

FADER - In Shadow SIMON MCCORRY - Border Land In Shadow is the second album from Fader, a duo consisting of Neil Arthur (Blancmange/Near Future) A rich combination of field recordings, adept and Benge, whose work includes his own solo loop-based cello compositions and atmospheric albums, co-production with Gazelle Twin, plus being improvisations that explore the rich sonic possibilities a member of three other critically acclaimed bands of the cello through a host of treatments and effects Wrangler, Creep Show and John Foxx and the chains. The results are diverse, from the droning Maths. These unsung heroes of underground minimal stillness and devastating harmonic simplicity of electronic music seem to be revelling in Fader's Spheric to the abstract microtonal atmospheres of Not outsider status as they offer a deeply personal album One Thing, Border Land recalls post classical work of subtle heartbreak and slow-burning pop songs. from greats such as A Silver Mt Zion at their most plaintive, and Stars of The Lid at their most majestic…. facebook.com/WeAreFader simonmccorry.com

GRASSCOURT - Connect Part 1 ORBURY COMMON - A collection of songs taken from the same recording Building the Goddess Temple sessions as last year’s debut single (‘Come Alive’ b/w Building the Goddess Temple is the second EP by ‘Stones Upon My Chest’). Part one takes listeners the collaborative project of Emlyn Bainbridge and on a journey through self-reflection, relationships, Josh Day-Jones, electronic artists united by a mutual déjà vu and sandwiches, via a mishmash of acoustic curiosity for supernatural fanatisicm and British instruments, hypnotic synths, bass grooves and nostalgia. Released digitally on the 22nd December vocal harmonies. Recorded, produced and mixed (this year’s winter solstice), it will also be re-interpreted in Tom’s attic studio, the tracks are all staples of the as a live soundtrack to a ritual performance by artist Grasscourt live set, which has seen the band’s line- Dougal Kirkland, at Labyrinth: A Solstice Celebration up expand to five members. at Studio 18. facebook.com/grasscourtband orburycommon.bandcamp.com

GRASSCOURT - Connect Part 2 THE PIRATE SHIP QUINTET - Emitter The second EP in a series of three, by 360° makers The third album by the instrumental ensemble features of kaleidoscopic electro-acoustic audio-visual a number of collaborators including Emily Hall wonderment Grasscourt, AKA Tom Percival and Matt (Bedroom Community) adding the voices of the Stroud Lacey. Featuring four brand new tracks, the EP was Fringe Choir to ‘Companion’ and ‘Wreath’. Further again released as part of Lost Map’s PostMap Club vocal performances come from soloists Blythe Pepino subscription service –snail-mail postcards stamped (Mesadorm) and singer-songwriter Emily Barker. The with unique download codes. title track ‘Emitter’ showcases celebrated saxophonist facebook.com/grasscourtband Andrew Hayes (Run Logan Run/Tezeta), whose bright jazz flourishes and rending wails add a deeply plaintive touch and the band’s cellist Sandy Bartai delivers the sombre laments that are the calling-card of the group. JACOB AND DRINKWATER - This Old River facebook.com/thepirateshipquintet The debut full length album by Tobias Ben Jacob and Lukas Drinkwater following 2015’s Burning Low EP and Live at Hope Hall in 2016. The duo’s dynamic and emotionally charged live show with all its energy, THE RED PROPELLERS - No Film In The musical chemistry and spontaneity has drawn Camera comparisons with the virtuosic pairing of john Martyn New 11 track album following a string of EP’s and and Danny Thompson. Jacob's sweeping vocals 2018’s The Fragility of Love: Collected Works. The Red never fail to captivate, delivering many a spine- Propellers are a Stroud/Bristol post punk ensemble tingling moment; the fluidity and precision of his inspired by the Velvet Underground and the late 1970’s finger-picking underpinned by Drinkwater's nimbly New York City punk scene featuring the unique vocals rhythmic double bass; at times sweetly soaring, of poet/singer James Dick. haunting, percussive and driving, the layers of depth facebook.com/TheRedPropellers a perfect counterfoil. jacobanddrinkwater.com

MARRY WATERSON & EMILY BARKER - LENSMEN - Diving Bells EP A Window To Other Ways The new EP by Lensmen features four tracks each English folk royalty meets Australian soul in this unique separately released throughout 2019. Formed in collaboration, an album of fly-on-the-wall observations 2016 their explorations draw influences from post of the contradictions and disconnections of modern punk, new wave, art rock and psychedelia. They life. No strangers to collaboration, Waterson and have been likened to luminaries such as Magazine, Barker discovered an immediate kinship when they Captain Beefhart, Bauhaus, Joy Division, Nick started writing together. The intriguing combination Cave with momentary lapses into Richard Hawley, of Waterson's poetic lyrics and Barker's eclectic Tindersticks and Radio/Motor/Portis-head. musicality has been shaped in the studio by musical polymath Adem Ilhan. facebook.com/lensmen101 marrywaterson.com / emilybarker.com 10 MUSIC LISTINGS #57 | Dec 2019

pm, late licence… the interval there will be music from Records MUSIC Spain and Italy. Victoria’s beautiful FRI 27TH setting for two choirs of Salve, THE PRINCE ALBERT LISTINGS Xmas Punk Night: Chinese Burn, the Regina; lively music by Flecha; a Lone Sharks traditional Christmas tune from Sicily SUN 1ST/8TH/15TH/22ND/29TH Punk night returns to the Crown and and organ music played by Julian Christmas Carols Sceptre with Stroud’s favourite punk Elloway, ending with Monteverdi’s ALE HOUSE Carols every Sunday lunchtime rockers Chinese Burn and the South wonderfully varied setting of Ave, in December leading up to the West’s pop punk kings the Lone maris stella from his Vespers of 1610. FRI 6TH Christmas! The carol singers plunder Sharks. 8:30pm Free 7:30pm £12adv online/£15otd Thee Ones words and tunes from books and The most solid of grooves, R&B, TUES 31ST cappellasingers.co.uk recordings and perform them in a soul and movable Jazzy instrumental unique Stroud fashion. There are no New Year’s Eve nuggets from long-standing Stroud LANSDOWN HALL auditions, you just turn up…12pm musical denizens. 8:30pm Free Open all day from noon till very late… Free Tickets available from the bar! FRI 6TH FRI 13TH SUN 1ST crownandsceptrestroud.com Just Dance Stroud The Whiteshillbillies Sheelanagig Just Dance is created for people to Stroud based band playing good A quintet with a well-stocked GALGOS LATINO come together - to just dance. Come armoury of stringed instruments – time folk, bluegrass and rock covers and dance with us to good music, in in their own acoustic style. 8:30pm guitar, fiddle, double bass – added THURS 5TH good company, in a beautiful space, with the rhythmic energy of flute Free with a great sound system. No Abraham Carmona and drums and a bagful of joint- teachings, just inspirations. 7:30pm THURS 19TH Dinner and live music with Flamenco jumping tunes, these boys create £10 (suggested donation) Dave Ayre Trio singer and guitarist Abraham a real dynamic which is inherent in Carmona. 7:30pm £25 (three course Double bass wizard Dave Ayre and SAT 7TH both their furious dance medleys as set meal with a glass of house wine) well as their interestingly arranged his trio returns to the Ale House for The Revolution Will Be Harmonized book via [email protected] original pieces. Putting the groove another exceptional evening of top A one day harmony singing quality jazz…8:30pm Free into a selection of traditional and WEDS 18TH workshop with Brighton based original European Folk music dating choral composer and Natural Voice FRI 20TH Jack Flint from medieval times to present day, mover and shaker, Kirsty Martin. Mid-week escape with live music by it’s difficult – nay, impossible – for Jamie Thyer and the Worried Men As well as bringing a taste of her Jack Flint. Enjoy dinner and sneaky your limbs to remain stationary The Worried Men have toured the UK Revolutionary Ballads, Kirsty will be cocktail! Have your music requests when you’re within earshot of them and Europe non-stop…Performed at bringing some short, simple funky ready for Jack to bring your favourite in full flight. 8:30pm £10adv from countless festival…and these road protest chants, hot off the Extinction tune to life. 8pm ticketweb, the Prince Albert, Trading tested veterans have only just begun! Rebellion press. Kirsty is a song Post or Sound Records/£12otd 8:30pm Free FRI 20TH carrier for XR and has been teaching some of her bespoke XR chants at MON 2ND FRI 27TH Mid-Life Crisis Xmas the October UpRising in London. All Singing Group Lewis Clarke The Mid Life Crisis DJ collective rebellious rhythmites warmly invited!' bringing you the best eclectic mix of Amy leads a small and welcome Bristol based live musician/writer Please bring lunch to share…10am- the finest tunes around, guaranteed group round the fire. Sometimes Lewis Clark and his band the 4pm £30adv/£37advconcs to keep you dancin' til the early stories are told and all very friendly. Essentials. Original compositions from brownpapertickets. hours. This event is free so get there 8pm Free and little heard of folk, soul and blues com/£35otd/£32concs early, as this is a night you don't want gems. 8:30pm Free THURS 5TH to miss!! 9pm Free SAT 7TH Open Mic TUES 31ST Kundali Clubbing: Calling in the TUES 31ST Ken Wood and the Mixers Winter Wild Open Mic returns...All welcome to New Years with Bongo Mondo sing, read, juggle or make people Red hot rhythm and blues severed Kundalini Yoga, Kundalini Dance, Welcome the New Year Galgos Latino laugh. All PA provided and help for up by Ken Wood and his ramshackle (Super) Conscious Clubbing, Gong style with Bongo Mondo! Dress to the new or inexperienced. The Albert troop of minstrels. 8:30pm Free Resonance. Bliss Cafe offering impress. Book now! £35 (dinner and delightful snacks and drinks, opens try and encourage your original work, party – 7:30pm) £10 (party only – after the Yoga. 7pm £20 from but the odd cover is fine. Although, THE CROWN AND SCEPTRE 10pm) Contact [email protected] ticketsource.co.uk no Pink Floyd or Crowded House! for tickets. 8:30pm Free FRI 6TH lansdownhall.org Shady Past galgos.co.uk FRI 6TH Revved Up Rock n Roll. 8:30pm Free LITTLE VIC Troyka HOLY TRINITY CHURCH A stormy mixture of traditional and THURS 12TH MINCHINHAMPTON SUN 8TH original songs and rhythms from the Open Mic Night Barney’s Live Music: Mike Silver former Yugoslavia and the Balkans SAT 14TH with brushes of Klezmer and the Hosted by Stroud’s own Americana Monthly music club at the Little Middle East. Now with an expanded troubadour the Rev. Stretch. All Patsy Gamble: Music of Vic, with special guest plus floor Remembrance and Reflection line up, with a lot of friends and welcome! 8pm Free spots. This month’s guest is Mike musicians guesting along the way, Music of Remembrance and Silver…7:45pm Free (suggested Troyka will keep your heart warm and FRI 13TH Reflection with celebrated donation £4) Off Script saxophonist Patsy Gamble including your toes tapping by soaring clarinet, rich violin and rhythm-hopping guitar, Authentic bluesy rock with mix of ‘In Remembrance’ a suite for soprano facebook.com/BarneysLiveMusic all held together by infectious double originals and covers. 8:30pm Free saxophone and church organ with bass and percussion. 8:30pm Free organist Julian Elloway followed by THE OLD CONVENT SAT 14TH acoustic jazz and blues with John SAT 7TH Clive Fest Broomhall (keyboards) and Muddy SAT 21ST Manninen (guitar, ex Wishbone Ash) Rita Lynch Featuring Thee Pulsations with Festive Fling 7:30pm £10 One of Bristol’s brightest talents. special guests…8:30pm Free Monobrow and Wild Boar Gin Guilty of playing visceral, passionate THURS 19TH Lounge present a night of fine music, gigs packed with her tunes; songs FRI 20TH wonderous cocktails, amazing The Capella Singers: Christmas that deal with the wider world Crooked Stylus: Crooked Equinox North and South lighting and dangerous dancing. and changing political landscape Their last event sold out so grab DJ night with Darius and Friends. The Capella Singers Christmas but filtered through the impact tickets quickly! This time there are 8pm Free concert this year begins with a events have on all of us. Her album special guests in the form of Sound selection of choral music from Backwards is an excellent piece of SAT 21ST of the Sunken Foal and Jasper Kirton Scandinavia. They will be joined by work and was released through her so it’s shaping up to be a brilliant Christmas Cocktail Party Julian Elloway, who will play piano very own label Shy Girl Records last night...Expect a varied but fun music Christmas Cocktail Party! From 7:30 solos from Finland and Iceland. After year. 8:30pm Free policy. 8pm £8adv (only!) from Sound The Crown & Sceptre’s 1s2 BRISTOL ENSEMBLE

Champagne, Martini’s, - Absinthe & Cocktails TeaTimeConcerts 1s2

Christ Church, Nailsworth Sunday 8 December at 3pm TICKETS STRICTLY Zelenka Trio Sonata No 5 in F major £ 7.50 BLACK Vivaldi Chamber Concerto in D, RV 95 AT THE BAR TIE AND Zelenka Trio Sonata No 6 in C minor WITH A FREE Vivaldi Chamber Concerto in F, RV 99 GLASS OF COCKTAIL FIZZ ON ENTRY DRESSES A Baroque programme featuring bright and lively music by the Czech composer Zelenka Saturday 21ST December alongside sparkling chamber concertos by Vivaldi, performed by the professional from 7:30pm with Carrages at Midnight musicians of the Bristol Ensemble. TICKETS £10 on the door www.bristolensemble.com 12 MUSIC LISTINGS #57 | Dec 2019

SUN 8TH FRI 20TH voyage, criss-crossing the boudaries Stroud Dub Club Beans on Toast Kay J Pearson, Lazarus Kane of classical, jazz, folk and world Stroud Dub Club with Studio 18 music….7:30pm SOLD OUT!! Katy J Pearson combines a unique presents Green King Soundsystem with Selectas Threebagsfull, Yaksha, voice with a knack for melodies stlaurencefuture.org.uk WEDS 11TH that lodge themselves in your brain. Lewis Bennett and Matt Utopian. Pictish Trail, Matthew Lacey Having first explored songwriting as MCs and singers 001 Speng Bond, STROUD BREWERY Mr Melody, Singing Sistas, plus Do not miss this svelte, intelligent, one half of dream-pop duo Ardyn, special guests…9pm £10 from adorable balladeer, trapped inside her new solo project casts a more SAT 7TH Trading Post, online or otd the body of an oversized, oft-bearded intimate light upon her distinctive vocals, whilst also refining her EmberOak folk ogre. Something of a sonic FRI 20TH hermit, Pictish Trail spent a good few portrayal of the wondrous world EmberOak began performing their Indecency years tucked away in his caravan on around her. Her songs convey a blend of folk and rock-influenced the Hebridean Isle of Eigg, feverishly glorious nostalgia, refreshingly acoustic music together in the Indecency returns to Studio 18 for working on the follow up to his at odds with the rush and fury of summer of 2019. The duo's mix of another night of substantial sounds critically-acclaimed double album of modern life. Lazarus Kane is an guitar-accompanied vocal harmonies to kick off the weekend solstice DIY electronic folk-tinged croft pop, American enigma currently residing in and influences ranging from grunge celebration. This time, Bristol-based released in 2014. A mesmerising the UK. Check out the debut single to jazz create an eclectic and producer and DJ, Borai, joins the line psychedelic opus about death and ‘Narcissus’ – ‘a wonderfully disco- engaging setlist and memorable up, bringing an effusive energy to any the after-life, Future Echoes won the drenched number with the soulful performance. 8pm Free number of styles from dancehall to public vote for Scottish Album of cocksure vibe of Prince but hemmed dubstep through to house and jungle. SAT 14TH the Year in 2017, and sent Pictish on beautifully with a Primal Scream edge Also music from Vivian (live), Kiia, an two-year tour cycle – including – thelineofbestfit.com’ 8:30pm Free Big Joe Bone ASTRYD (live), Concept13 b2b ZØ. international tour dates supporting Big Joe Bone" (A.K.A. Danny Wilson) 9pm £5otd SAT 21ST Belle and Sebastian, British Sea plays what he calls "Blues-Grass" Power, Malcolm Middleton and KT Albino Tarantino music.....a mix of Delta Blues, THE SUB ROOMS Tunstall, as well as appearances at Stroud based Latin Blues band. Bluegrass, Oldtime, Gospel and Glastonbury, Field Day and Green Imagine a night out with Tom Waits Hillbilly music utilizing his raspy SUN 8TH Man. Support from Matthew Lacey and Ry Cooder to see Santana vocals, hard driving harmonica Hattie Briggs (formerly of Grasscourt, OLO Worms playing at The Buena Vista Social rhythms, bottleneck slide guitar Hattie returns for a very special and Delifinger) returning with his Club…Come early and enjoy the playing (on steel bodied resonator homecoming gig from a hugely latest solo offerings. Finger picked winter solstice. 8:30pm Free guitars) and finger-picking skills on 5 successful tour with Alfie Boe. Alfie guitar, wonky synths and delicate string banjos.....all held together by a famously invited Hattie to open his drums shaped around imagined tales SUN 22ND very heavy stomping boot! 8pm Free show on 21 dates of his tour after he of failure, regret and the inevitable The Three Elvises spotted her busking in London. 8pm passing of time… All Food Bank SAT 21ST Not one, not two, but three Elvises in £6.50-£16.50 donors bringing donations on the one night! 8:30pm Free Lewis Clark night will be eligible for the Pictish Bristol based live musician/writer FRI 13TH Trail goody bag raffle!!! 8:30pm Free SAT 28TH Lewis Clark and his band The Doreen Doreen Essentials. Original compositions 12 Hour Disco Fundraiser They’re back! The ultimate party FRI 13TH and little heard of folk, soul and blues DJ Anna Jacob is raising money band, Doreen Doreen return to the Mustard Brass Band gems. 8pm Free for the British and Irish Heart Sub Rooms for their annual christmas Bristol based New Orleans Style Foundations with guest DJs over the party! Put on your glad rags, grab Brass-band with a local twist and a TUES 24TH day. In Memory of Ingela Jacob. your feather boa and get ready for an big sense of fun. Every gig’s a party Christmas Eve at Stroud Brewery unmissable night of some of the best for them, and everyone’s invited! TUES 31ST Come along for a mince pie and a (and funniest) cover versions you will Mustard Madness!!! 8:30pm Free New Year’s Eve Party: The Albert pint with friends and family, there will ever hear.8pm £16.50-£18.50 Takes on the Twenties December be delicious seasonal homemade SAT 14TH With a wide girth of how you want bar snacks, mulled wine along with SAT 14TH Hotsteppas to translate the theme, but Gangsta, carols and The Dave Ayre Band to Johnny Coppin: All On A Winter’s An energetic 8-piece reggae band Divas, Flappers and Cheeky Peakys get you into the Christmas Spirit…. Night who offer a roots reggae sound are all more than acceptable. Three One of England’s finest singer- SAT 28TH infused with a modern dub edge DJ areas with DUBBU, Fidel Cutstro, songwriters presents a popular and a sprinkling of funk and latin Graham D, three bars, Silent Disco Steve Ferbrache annual concert with a mix of carols influence. Established in late 2016, and lots of extras. The friendliest Local musician who plays cover and songs old and new, together the band have quickly gained most fun time guaranteed. Without versions of classic songs from the with stories and folklore. There’ll be momentum through supporting the doubt the best night in town. Strictly 50s-00s using just his acoustic guitar material from ‘All On A Winter’s Night’ likes of The Wailers and Mungo’s Hifi over 18s. Local earlybirds tickets and voice, as well as a wide variety of and three other Christmas albums. , and performing at many UK music from the pub… music from stomping blues to classic With Paul Burgess and Dik Cadbury, festivals, including Boomtown, Secret folk/country/rock covers. Expect to special guests, and images by Martin Garden Party and One Love. 8:30pm theprincealbertstroud.co.uk hear some Credence, Neil Young, Fry. 7:30pm £9.50-£17.50 Free John Martyn, Tom Waits, Howlin’ SOUND RECORDS Wolf and many more. 8pm Free SUN 15TH SUN 15TH Chalford Band Christmas Concert The Magic Lantern, Pete Roe SAT 7TH – 28TH TUES 31ST There’s nothing like the sound of a EP launch: 'The Life That I Have'. In Store DJ Sets Past Present Future: Stroud Brewery brass band at Christmas, so why not NYE Everyone who comes to the show Sound Records continues their join Chalford Band for their annual will get an exclusive pre-release copy in store live DJ performances As the present time takes us through Christmas concert at The Subs. Led of the EP! The Magic Lantern is the throughout the month on Saturdays to the next decade, the Stroud by MD Steve Tubb, the programme musical moniker of Jamie Doe, an 1-3pm. Sat 7th Tim Spencer/14th – Brewery Time machine will take you includes traditional favourites artist dedicated to remedying the 28th TBA… Free on a journey through the years. This interspersed with original brass band anxiety and fear present in everyone. new year’s you can party on three pieces. A fun night for young and Born in Australia before moving to facebook.com/ different levels (of the brewery) and old, and a great way to kick start the the UK at 12, he is a part of a thriving soundrecordsstroud through three different decades, Christmas festivities. 7:30pm £7.50 scene of contemporary musicians 1920, 2020 and 2120! 3 floors, 3 from [email protected] or living in London who sit across and ST LAURENCE CHURCH levels, 300 hundred years to party! 077722931929 between genres from folk to jazz, Full line up incl. live music and DJ’s to go about things their own way. SUN 22ND announced soon! thesubrooms.co.uk Support comes from the inimitable Le Page Ensemble stroudbrewery.co.uk Stroud dwelling singer-songwriter SVA Pete Roe. 8pm £8 from ticketweb, The Le Page Ensemble, directed by violinist David Le Page, present a the Prince Albert, Trading Post or STUDIO 18 WEDS 4TH/11TH/18TH/25TH Sound Records £8 night of extraordinary live music for Funk-In Sessions Christmas. The finest professional FRI 13TH musicians will take you on a musical Best live Funk Jam in town ...FUNK festive fun at

The perfect place to The subs celebrate with friends, family and colleagues

The Big Christmas Wine Festival Enjoy over 50 wines, fizz, ports and gins to taste with The Stroud Wine Company's massive wine tasting event. Sat 23 Nov, 7pm - 9.30pm. Tickets £12 Sub Rooms Christmas Market Dozens of stalls jammed with gift ideas from wonderful independent businesses in Stroud. Fun children's workshops available on the day too. Sun 1 Dec, 11am - 4pm. Free entry Goodwill Evening at The Subs This year's special celebrations include our wonderful pantomime stars turning on our beautiful Christmas lights. Fri 6 Dec, from 4pm. Free entry Hattie Briggs & Guests Hattie returns for a very special homecoming gig from a hugely successful tour with Alfie Boe. Sun 8 Dec, 8pm. Tickets from £6.50 Doreen Doreen Dance the night away with some of the best (and funniest) cover versions including Abba, Queen and Britney Spears. Fri 13 Dec, 9pm. Tickets from £16.50 Johnny Coppin: All on a Winter's Night One of England's finest singer-songwriters presents carols and songs old and new, together with stories and folklore. Sat 14 Dec, 7.30pm. Tickets from £9.50 Jack and the Beanstalk Join The Voice's Kade Smith as Jack, BBC's Allo Allo comedy legend Sue Hodge as the hilarious Fairy Cucumber and the rest of the star- studded cast for a fun-filled pantomime for all the family. Sat 21 - Tues 24 Dec. Tickets from £12.75

Visit thesubrooms.co.uk for more information and to book tickets online or call our box office on 01453 796880.

14 MUSIC LISTINGS #57 | Dec 2019

Only...Nothing but the Funk! All are Footshooter and and Patrick 7:30pm £5 from Yew Tree Stores, within moments of listening. This welcome to listen or perform! Every McMahon at John Street - Afrobeat, members of the choir or otd is warm, intelligent music which Wednesday night. 8pm £1otd (John Jazz, House, Broken Beat, Latin, is enhanced in performance by Street) Rare Groove with Myogeniks (Netil kingsstanleyvillagehall.org.uk a backdrop of video and still Radio), Footshooter (YAM Records, projections. The band offers an WEDS 4TH/11TH/18TH/25TH Rhythm Section, Balamii Radio) plus CHANTRY CENTRE DURSLEY evening of dusky soundscapes all Flamenco Workshop Girl Clan DJs on the second floor the way through to seriously hi- Open it to anyone interested to learn at John Street Studios and Lucia SAT 28TH tempo tunes. 7:30pm £12/£9concs/ about flamenco in general so anyone Copolla in the gallery. 8-11pm Goods Dursley DJ Collective £10friends/£8concs/£15 can join either clapping, playing cajon Shed/10pm till late John Street Anyone is welcome to play their prema.org.uk or singing. Contributions welcome. £10-£20 music, whatever ability, format and all Every Weds (term time only) 7:30pm genres, as long as you can dance to sva.org.uk (John Street) it! Otherwise come along and dance UNDER THE EDGE ARTS WOTTON the night away with great music, UNDER EDGE FRI 6TH CHRIST CHURCH NAILSWORTH licensed bar and friendly people… Snazzback Presents: Hippo - EP SAT 7TH Launch Show SUN 8TH chantrycentre.org Keith Christmas Hippo is an electronic jazz trio based Bristol Ensemble Tea Time Concerts Between 1969 and 1974 Keith in Bristol UK. Following the release A Baroque programme featuring PAINSWICK CENTRE Christmas recorded 5 vinyl albums, of the 'Binary Diet' EP on November bright and lively trio sonatas by the played 3 tracks on David Bowie’s 15th, Hippo are taking their music on Czech composer Zelenka alongside WEDS 11TH first album and was booked for the the road. A future jazz vision buried sparkling chamber concertos by Peter Knight and John Spiers first ever Glastonbury festival. He in a nest of beefy electronics and Vivaldi, performed by the professional Virtuoso Fiddler and Melodeon released his latest CD ‘Crazy Dancing bouncing rhythms. Saxophones, musicians of the Bristol Ensemble. Maestro come together to bring Days’ in December 2016 - early synthesizers and drums go in, hippo 3pm £10otd you a show that, in addition to their versions of 8 songs that were posted comes out. 6pmdoors/9pmstart £pay mainstream material, also includes on the internet have been played bristolensemble.com what you can (John Street) some beautiful but lesser known over 50,000 times, 15,000 of them carols and wassailing songs from the an appeal for tolerance to refugees, THURS 12TH ST GEORGES CHURCH English tradition. A Yuletide treat not ‘Cross the Water’. 8pm £11.50/£9.50 Stroud Jazz Session: Steve Franks NAILSWORTH to be missed. 7:30pm £16 Steve Franks xmas extravaganza SAT 21ST - Steve has arranged several xmas FRI 20TH painswickcentre.com DJ Paul Spence pieces and shall bring them for jazz- Stroud Choral Society and the Shake off the festive season construction and jazz-hancement. Minpins: Carol Concert PREMA ARTS CENTRE ULEY madness and get down to some 8pm £5otd/£3musicians (John Street) A Christmas Celebration with British serious tunes with DJ Paul Spence. and European Christmas music FRI 6TH Afro Funk Soul Disco Latino Flares SAT 14TH including less familiar pieces by Fishclaw Tie dye Halternecks Strobes Thick Sam Baileys Stadium tour Smoke and YOU on the dance floor! Gloucestershire composers Sir Flshclaw’s music may be tricky to 8pm £9.50 The first ever with DJ Zuzu, Holy Hubert Parry and Herbert Howells define but it’s shockingly easy to Funk, Live art, Contempory Sax, , readings and audience carols. become smitten with their sound Spoken word performance and 7:30pm £15/£5under 18’s/under 12’s utea.org.uk Clowns! All the weirdness and free genius that is “Sam, Sam, Sam Bailey and his entourage... come stroudchoral.org and be part of this extraordinary immersive cabaret experience!” 7pm ST MARY’S CHURCH PAINSWICK £7-£10 (Goods Shed) SAT 7TH FRI 20TH Celebration of Christmas Darkest Night #3 Celebration of Christmas hosted An audiovisual extravaganza in by Cotswold Dogs and Cats Home celebration of the longest, darkest, patron actress Lisa Maxwell who craziest night of the year ... the one will be joined by friends from screen and only ... Winter Solstice. Expect and stage including performances grotesque, sexy pagan dress up. from Lesley Joseph, Clive Mantle, Expect pantomime. Expect vertigo Julia Hills, Stirling Gallacher, Judy queen pole dancing. Expect erotic Holt , Carla Mendonca and The feasts of velvet and pearls. Expect Gloucestershire Police Male Voice Miss Piggy's seasonal affective Choir.£7adult/£4child/£21x2adults disorder. Expect dark, joyous alters + x2children via Eventbrite. Dogs on and rituals. Expect multiple layers leads are very welcome. All proceeds of wool. Expect bassy rhythms and will be used to help vulnerable treacly croonings. Artist line up: animals in the community. Mermaid Chunky, Pearl Whip-Kill, Davy and Kristin McGuire, Boss stmaryspainswick.org.uk Morris, Lucis Coppola, Megan Crua, Sean Heather, Milligan Beaumont, KINGS STANLEY VILLAGE HALL Kate Merry, Holly English, Lorraine Robbins, Mair Hughes, Kaoru SUN 15TH Blackstone, May Darbyshire, Moina The Stanley Singers: Christmas Moin, Freya Tate, Verity Monroe, Belles Rowan Kelly, Ella Clifton-Gould, Ruby A selection of festive songs, carols Kester, Lova Ranung, Ismiah Martin, and popular songs by the Stanley Rochelle Johns, Alexis Bertolli and Singers. Expect beautiful and Coumba Samba. Arrive at 7:30pm surprising harmonies as well as at SVA to begin the journey…(John songs to make you smile, in an Street + Goods Shed) £6-£10 evening of music specially arranged for this popular three-part female SAT 21ST choir by their musical director, Barrie SVA Christmas party Cooper. A prize-winning pianist, Live music with Round Up #2 Barrie will also be entertaining with a Ishmael Ensemble and Waldo’s Gift musical interlude during the concert. at the Goods Shed plus Footshooter All proceeds from the concert will be Presents #007 : Myogeniks, donated to the charity Street Pastors. #57 | Dec 2019 FILM 15

BILLY ARTHUR By Carolyn Carswell

At 17 I was busy using my sister’s and Tom until they were absolutely and then we found out it had been and let me film it… I think that us having provisional driving licence to sneak sick of me…” Everybody has to start commissioned.” such a close relationship – and me into the students’ union, drink Malibu somewhere, right? making the film about him as his brother and coke and boogie to Beanie Man. The recent BAFTA nomination comes ¬– was one of the things that made it so But that was the North in the nineties, As the name suggests, Blood Sugar as quite a surprise, not least to Billy. personal.” and this is Stroud in 2019 where teens Brothers was inspired by Billy’s younger “I honestly still can’t believe it. Cat channel their creativity towards far more brother Alfie, now aged 14, who was Lewis, who owns Nine Lives Media, So what’s next for Billy? Awards worthwhile pursuits. Like documentary diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at an thought the film was really good. So she nomination aside, he has big plans to film-making. early age. “As he’s grown I’ve seen submitted it – and we found out a week tackle weighty topics. “I’m interested him struggle with everyone else’s ago that it had been shortlisted down to in projects that bring more attention to Billy Arthur, 17 year old Marling misconceptions about the condition. the final 10.” the problems we face – especially in the pupil-slash-director is channelling People say things like, ‘why doesn’t elderly community in rural areas. We’re his own particular brand of creativity he just cut sugar out of his diet?’ and But as an A-Level student studying also working on a project about refugee – documentary filmmaking – with it’s just been really frustrating seeing Drama, History and Spanish, there’s resettlement in the UK – showing the laser-like precision. Owner of his own him having to deal with this condition still a seemingly insurmountable pile journey of real people in real life, and production house, Enderley Pictures, – having to inject and finger-prick to of schoolwork, revision and exams the challenges they face when they his recent film ‘Blood Sugar Brothers’ test ¬– whilst all of these people have to get through on top of the budding move to a different country.” (made in collaboration with Nine Lives no idea what it’s like. I decided this film career. Have his teachers been Media for CBBC) has recently been was a story I really wanted to tell,” Billy supportive? “Obviously it’s great when it There’s a genuine empathy to Billy nominated for a BAFTA award. explains. goes well… although at times it’s been that will no doubt guide him through a hard to convince them of the juggle. But successful storytelling career. Billy has been producing films from an So just how do you make the leap from yes, there are some amazing teachers early age. But by his own admission, home-video-hobbyist to pitching to who have supported me no end.” For further information on Blood they haven’t all been award-worthy. “My the professionals? “I didn’t have the Sugar Brothers, news and trailers visit older brother Jamie bought a cheap slightest idea of how to go about it”, The film itself is a joy; an enthusiastic enderley.pictures camera when I was about 10 or 11,” he admits. “I said, ‘I’ve got this idea…’ and eye-opening look at the realities of Billy says. “He showed me that there and did a little taster tape of Alfie – but living with diabetes in a poorer country. was this button you could press and it it was with Sunny Kang (from Nine Although Billy may be the brains behind Carolyn Carswell is a Copywriter would record a video. I was enthralled. Lives Media) who came up with the the camera, Alfie is a complete natural based in Whiteshill, Stroud. I started making these little films – the idea of going to India to shoot it. When in front of it. “This was a scary journey Need words? Get in touch: most horrific videos you’ve ever seen we pitched it to CBBC it was the most for him to be part of” Billy says. “For copywritercarolyn.com – doing pranks on my brothers Alfie nerve-wracking two weeks of my life… him to open his life as much as he did 16 THEATRE/DANCE/FILM LISTINGS #57 | Dec 2019

and prompts you as you dance. + x2children via Eventbrite. Dogs on Stroud Film Society Presents: Pond THEATRE/ Committee Band: Described as “A large leads are very welcome. All proceeds Life DANCE and powerful body – too complicated will be used to help vulnerable animals Based on the play by Richard Cameron. to itemise. They are a scene-stealing, in the community. Set in a small Yorkshire village during headlining, barnstorming ceilidh band.” LISTINGS stmaryspainswick.org.uk 1994. Young Trevor (Tom Varey) hears 8pm £6.50 - £13.50 stories of a giant carp being spotted in decoy ponds just outside the village. COTSWOLD PLAYHOUSE SAT 21ST – TUES 24TH BARN THEATRE CIRENCESTER Trevor and his friends set off on a fishing Jack and the Beanstalk SAT 7TH trip, however the time spent together Fe-Fi-Fo-Fum….Following last THURS 28TH NOV – SAT 4TH JAN turns into a heartfelt rumination into Black Dog Productions and Apricity year’s success, That’s Entertainment A Christmas Carol what they believe their future could Theatre: There’s Nothing There be. These film makers are the natural Productions in association with The Sub A Christmas Carol closes the year What is there to do when you’re stuck Rooms arrives once again with another successors to Ken Loach and Mike in a cabin in the middle of the woods? with a magical original Barn Theatre Leigh with their telling of the plight of brand new Panto extravaganza! BBC`s interpretation of a Dickens classic. Read a book? Play some Scrabble? Allo Allo Comedy Legend Sue Hodge the working class. 7:30pm £6 Hide from the monsters lurking outside Set to an original score and reworked returns as the hilarious Fairy Cucumber script the familiar tale is woven into a in the dark? When their holiday in a fun-filled pantomime for all the stroudfilmsociety.org becomes a living nightmare, six friends spellbinding production that stays true family. Together with a professional to the core moral thread of the original find themselves fighting for their lives. SVA cast including the London Palladium`s story and is sure to enchant a family With night closing in and paranoia Christopher Marlowe as Dame Trott, tightening its grip, even familiar people audience in a brilliant heart-warming alongside the villainous Fleshcreep and Christmas spectacular. SUN 1ST begin to feel like strangers. When fear Jack and Jill as they provide the fun, twists everything out of recognition, Berliner Zeitgeist Presents: Wings of laughter and amazement of a traditional barntheatre.org.uk Desire what do you believe? Who can you pantomime with a modern twist. With trust? Join critically-acclaimed Black a special appearance by Daisy the Wings of Desire (German: Der Himmel Dog Productions and Apricity Theatre Cow, live music and full supporting cast über Berlin, lit. ‘Heaven Over Berlin’) is for this chilling, heart-stopping new including local Ballyhoo Dance School, FILM a 1987 romantic fantasy film directed show. Sometimes night is darkest with this is a GIANT of a PANTOMIME not by Wim Wenders. The film is about the lights on. 7:30pm £12 to be missed! Sat/Sun/Mon 1pm and LISTINGS invisible, immortal angels who populate 4:30pm/Tues 11am £12.75- £19.50 Berlin and listen to the thoughts of cotswoldplayhouse.co.uk its human inhabitants, comforting thesubrooms.co.uk LANSDOWN HALL the distressed. Even though the city THE SUB ROOMS is densely populated, many of the ST MARY’S CHURCH PAINSWICK SUN 8TH people are isolated or estranged SAT 7TH Lansdown Film Club Presents: RGB from their loved ones. 6pm £4 from SVA/£5online/£6otd (Goods Shed) Ceilidh: Committee Band SAT 7TH At the age of 84, U.S. Supreme Court Come and try English Ceilidh. It’s a Celebration of Christmas Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has sva.org.uk developed a breath- taking legal legacy lively, energetic, and upbeat version of Celebration of Christmas hosted by while becoming an unexpected pop English barn or country dancing. It is Cotswold Dogs and Cats Home patron ARKELL COMMUNITY CENTRE culture icon. But without a definitive fast, friendly, great fun and a wonderful actress Lisa Maxwell who will be joined Ginsburg biography, the unique NAILSWORTH way to meet new people. The music by friends from screen and stage personal journey of this diminutive, quiet is from a variety of traditions including including performances from Lesley warrior’s rise to the nation’s highest FRI 6TH folk, roots, jazz and rock. You don’t Joseph, Clive Mantle, Julia Hills, Stirling court has been largely unknown, even need to bring a partner and it doesn’t Gallacher, Judy Holt , Carla Mendonca Nailsworth Film Club Presents: Faces to some of her biggest fans – until matter if you haven’t done it before. and The Gloucestershire Police Male Places now. RBG is a revelatory documentary The caller walks through every dance Voice Choir.£7adult/£4child/£21x2adults A beautiful documentary film in which exploring Ginsburg‘s exceptional an odd but evenly-matched couple, life and career from Betsy West and legendary 90-year-old director Agnes Julie Cohen, and co-produced by Varda and 35-year-old French street Storyville Films and CNN Films. 7:30pm artist JR, team up to travel around £6/£5concs/£3under 18’s/£2 annual France creating remarkable and moving membership 11th January 2020 portraits of the local people they lansdownhall.org meet. Their unusual relationship veers S RO from 7:00 p.m. between moments of collective joy and T UD great personal poignancy. 7:30pm £6 Dancing, music, song, drama, OPEN HOUSE storytelling, spectacle and … nailsworthfilmclub.co.uk WAS SAILthe unexpected. THURS 12TH ReVels

A mid winter variety entertainment and celebration including: Ceilidh dancing Singers and bands FOR POSTAL Election of King Bean For all the latest information please and Queen Pea visit our website and Facebook page Cavalcade of Beasts www.stroudwassail20.com AND DIGITAL Indian classical, Can Can, SUBSCRIPTIONS Morris and Bangra Dance Tickets available from Stroud Boar’s Head Carol Subscription Rooms ticket office: Johnny Coppin finale 01453 VISIT: (Five Valleys Wassail) Expect the Unexpected… 760900 £11 in advance, PROBABLY THE MOST FUN YOU CAN HAVE IN JANUARY. £12.50 on the door GOODONPAPER.INFO

wassail20a4poster.indd 2 02/11/2019 17:41 #57 | Dec 2019 ARTS 17

CHRISTMAS ARTS & CRAFTS MARKETS + EXHIBITIONS 2019

CORNHILL MARKET PLACE Designer Maker Exhibition Carphone Warehouse Shop (3:30 – 6pm) carefully selected to join the fair. The An exhibition of high quality handmade weekend is always a great success and facebook.com/StroudGoodwillEvening WEDS 18TH – MON 23RD pieces of jewellery, glass, ceramics, is perfect for finding that unique, locally made, Christmas gift. 11am-5pm Stroud Farmers and Christmas prints, paintings and leather goods will be on sale. Come and meet the THE SUB ROOMS Markets victoriaworksstudios.co.uk makers including Lizzie Weir (Anatole Returning for the 8th year the Farmers Design), Karen Lilley, Ian Shearman, Clive and Christmas markets at the Cornhill SUN 1ST Barrett, Rema Jones and Nu Shearman. RUSKIN MILL NAILSWORTH Market Place will be packed full of Sub Rooms Christmas Market Commission a personalised piece, buy top quality makers and ethically that unique Christmas present and enjoy Come and browse dozens of stalls jam sound importers meaning there will SAT 7TH looking at beautiful art works. 10:30am packed full of gifts from some of the be something for everyone. Potters, Christmas Market – 4:30pm independent businesses from across Jewellers and soap makers will be the county. Grown-ups can also enjoy A treasure trove of beautiful, handmade alongside leatherwork, fine foods and minchinhamptonmarkethouse.co.uk a warming glass of mulled wine as they goods from makers and artists. Make artists. Unique gifts for those unique pick out their perfect Christmas presents, your own Christmas Wreath and Candles people in your life. Weds –Fri: Crafts, Gifts children can have fun in hour long in Ruskin Mill’s special workshop. THE PRINCE ALBERT and Food 9am-4pm/Sat-Mon: Stroud slime-making workshops courtesy of Silly Children’s Christmas Stories at 11am, Farmers Market 9am-2pm Science and their fantastic team! 11am 1pm and 3pm in the Festival Room. SAT 7TH – SUN 8TH 10am-4pm fresh-n-local.co.uk Crafts @ the Albert thesubrooms.co.uk rmt.org Crafts @ the Albert is about supporting GALLERY PANGOLIN local artists, crafters/makers to showcase SVA JOHN STREET GALLERY what they do. In this first one, there will KINGSHILL HOUSE SAT 16TH NOV – SAT 14TH DEC be glass makers, potters, ceramicists, FRI 6TH – SAT 14TH artists, a blacksmith, sewers and Christmas Cracker! The DIY Christmas Art Shop SUN 8TH more…11am-6pm This year their popular Christmas The DIY Christmas Art Shop is returning Christmas Craft Fair exhibition features bronze and silver facebook.com/craftsatthealbert to SVA in time for Good Will Evening. Browse a wonderful array of handmade sculpture, sculptors’ jewellery, limited Artists and makers across the district are goods and buy those last minute gifts edition prints and unique drawings by all invited to rattle their tins and sell their for friends and family plus carols from SHAMBLES MARKET of their regular gallery artists as well as wares. Cards and tree decorations are the Cam Jammers Ukulele group, blow some less familiar names. They also have small and ideal. Original artworks can your own glass bauble with Ben Gough a selection of art books and catalogues EVERY FRI AND SAT cover the shop walls and great under and join Jackie Ginley and learn the which make an ideal present. Mon-Fri Christmas Markets every Friday and the tree. Hand made ornaments are art of making your very own paper star 10am-6pm/Sat 10am-1pm. Saturday up to the 21st December ft. perfect on the shop table and make great following a traditional Danish paper over 25 regular stalls indoor and out stocking fillers. To be involved contact folding method. 11am – 3pm gallery-pangolin.com selling exciting gifts, original cards, fresh James Holliday castspace.info@gmail. foods and much more! Also open for com Weds-Sat 10am-3pm/Open for kingshillhouse.org.uk LANSDOWN HALL Stroud Goodwill Evening on Friday 6th Goodwill 6pm December from 8am till 9:30pm… UNDER THE EDGE ARTS WOTTON- sva.org.uk TUES 3RD – SUN 8TH shamblesmarketstroud.co.uk UNDER-EDGE Herb Tandree: Christmas Exhibition TRIXTER STUDIOS A colourful, festive exhibition of painted ST LAURENCE CHURCH SAT 7TH glass, paintings in pastel and oil and 3D Christmas Craft Fair pieces: mobiles, standing/flying figural SUN 8TH/FRI 13TH SUN 1ST – SUN 8TH DEC A wide variety of stalls offering a great cut-outs. Tues – Sat 10:30am-5pm/Sun Winter Open Days way to shop for locally made gifts 11am-2pm Stroud Community Christmas Tree Festival Paintings, prints, greetings cards, Saori including Christmas decorations, weaving and Arty Pilates! Plus cake, jewellery and cards. 10:30am-4pm lansdownhall.org This year's festival promises to be bigger free demonstrations and workshops. and better than ever before, with lots of Free (limited) parking behind Eagle Mill utea.org.uk THE MALTHOUSE COLLECTIVE new events and activities taking place Carpets or a walk along the canal to during festival week in support of the Bowbridge. Trixter Studios next to the main event. Visit the website for the full NEW BREWERY ARTS CENTRE SUN 8TH Bowbridge Arms pub (where you can get programme! lunch) 12-5pm CIRENCESTER Taste of Christmas stlaurencefuture.org.uk The Malthouse Collectives first ever facebook.com/trixterstudios SAT 2ND NOV – TUES 24TH DEC Taste of Christmas event for all the Crafted For Christmas family with two huge floors overflowing STROUD GOODWILL VICTORIA WORKS with beautifully presented antiques and Once a year, the New Brewery Arts Centre expand their wonderful Craft Shop vintage from 80 dealers, gorgeous hand FRI 6TH crafted gifts and art works from their SAT 30TH NOV – SUN 1ST DEC and take over the Gallery to bring you collection of Designer Makers as well Theme: WILD – Nature, Beasts, Made In Chalford the chance to buy unique hand crafted People jewellery, ceramics, prints, homewares, as a new Gift Room to peruse there's An annual charity Christmas fair, hosted glass, accessories and decorative items something for everyone. Plus live music, This Goodwill eve the streets of Stroud at Victoria Works Studios, Chalford. This from over 350 talented makers from drop in workshops and tasty treats! 2pm will again be filled with music and dance, year we are raising money for Chalford across the UK. So by giving the gift of a procession of lanterns and festive pop Village Shop and Allsorts Gloucestershire, craft, you are supporting craft makers themalthousecollective.co.uk up markets. Shops including Made in which support children with additional and, at the same time through profits Stroud, Fourteen Lifestyle and more will need and their families. The fair will made from sales, allowing New Brewery MINCHINHAMPTON MARKET be open until 9pm. The procession starts have a wonderful eclectic collection of Arts to bring craft to a wider audience. from 6pm at Subscription Rooms. The arts, crafts and object d’arte, some of HOUSE famous lantern making workshops will which have been created by residents at newbreweryarts.org.uk be held on Sat 30th Nov (Stroud Brewery Victoria Works Studios; others are from SAT 7TH – SUN 8TH 10am-4pm)/Sun 1st Lansdown Hall local artists and artisans who have been (10am-4pm), Mon 3rd – Thurs 5th Old 18 ARTS #57 | Dec 2019

RUPERT —RUSSELL By Paul Harper Rupert Russell, whose excellent processes. If this sounds like a the unique qualities of the town book of street photography is being dry, techie interest, he also talks and to get under the skin of the published this month by the History about the joy of taking pictures. people. His own sense of Stroud is Press, has come to photography As he talks, what he describes as as a refuge in the eye of a storm; a relatively late in his life. impatience begins to seem more home to a radical tradition; a place like excitement with the rapid where people make things happen; He has had a number of other feedback of the digital process, the a place that is open and tolerant; careers, as an actor and as the way that working quickly sharpens a bit of dirty realism set within the proprietor of his family’s dry- the senses and allows a certain staggering beauty of the five valleys cleaning business, previous to responsiveness that can lead to and the Cotswold Hills. It is clear taking up his camera in a serious happy accidents. His interest in that the book has been a labour of way. It was only when he turned the camera as an object evokes love. 40 and began to photograph his the allure that all tools have for the recently born first child that he craftsman. Rupert is enthusiastic None of the images are staged. committed himself to learning about the immersive process of He wants to capture people in more about the medium and to making and printing an image, and the moment, using only natural developing his skills. Having made he talks about photography as a light. He has to be observant and that shift, he now has a thriving way of looking at, and connecting spontaneous, and he has to be professional practice, which with, the world. As he puts it adept at approaching his subjects in includes a passion for sharing his himself “My love for photography is such a way as to make an authentic knowledge and experience with driven by a desire to connect with image that reveals something of others as a teacher as well as people and the environment - all the their personality. The results are running a commercial studio. wonderful things with whom I share naturalistic, and unforced. What is this astounding planet. I gain a deep striking in all the photographs is Although Rupert has little formal satisfaction, both intellectually and the sense of place. Rupert limited training, he has always been emotionally, when I take pictures.” himself largely to the pedestrianized interested in photography, attracted centre of the town. The locations initially by the technical discipline Being commissioned to produce are familiar, not always chosen and by his fascination with the the book, entitled simply ‘Stroud’, for their picturesque qualities and precision engineering of the is a kind of validation for Rupert’s unmistakably Stroudie: the Corn camera as much as the creative identity as a photographer as well Exchange, the laundrette at the top possibilities. He claims to lack as a celebration of the place where of the High Street, Bank Gardens, patience, preferring the speed of the he grew up and made his home. the commons, glimpsed between digital to slow traditional, analogue The brief was open – to capture the rooftops of the townscape. #57 | Dec 2019 ARTS 19

Whilst the settings are distinctly overlooked. In Rupert’s book present in the image, the focal point our attention is caught by the is always the people, picked out for particularity of the settings and the their character and the way that they vivid characters, and then we’re project a sense of imminent story, of drawn to look closer at a familiar an unfolding event, rich with narrative world, to see it through a fresh lens. possibility: a woman stands with an air of anticipation on the steps of Stroud, by Rupert Russell, is the Sub Rooms; a boisterous group published by The History Press of young people strike a pose in (thehistorypress.co.uk) on the 2nd of the Church Yard; a man waits with December. Visit rsdrphoto.co.uk for weary resignation for his washing to further information and examples of finish in the laundrette. Whilst many Rupert’s work. of the images are taken on the hoof as it where, snatched as they stand, Rupert will sometimes elicit a direct Paul Harper has a wide range of response from his subject. One experience of working in the arts. He strategy that he uses is to ask them was a founding director of Alias Arts a question, “… do you feel loved?” and is Vice-chair of the Forest of Dean They look directly into the camera Sculpture Trust. He currently combines – thoughtful, defiant, melancholic, writing, research and teaching with amused. All of the photographs are consultancy in the visual arts and suffused with affection – for the town crafts. and the people.

Rupert points out that, in a sense, we are all photographers now, documenting our lives with our mobile devices. We record the prosaic details of our daily existence on our smartphones and construct our identities on Instagram. The photographic image is so profuse and commonplace that it is easily 20 ARTS LISTINGS #57 | Dec 2019

ARTS LISTINGS

ART OF CLAY unconsciously and is not concerned and welcome the rebirth of the sun. Artist, printmaker and tufter Jessie with a visual goal or predefined Culminating in DJ with licensed bar. James is based in Gloucestershire, Clay Sinclair subject matter, but rather a co- 7pm donations otd and will be exhibiting her new carpets Provocative post-pop paintings creation with spirit. Various universal in the John Street Gallery for one facebook.com/Studio18Stroud on Perspex by local/international symbols appear and reappear in her weekend only. Jessie is currently artist Clay Sinclair situated at 48 work, and these symbols in turn talk designing and making hand tufted High Street. Plus prints for those directly to how she works with tarot. THE SUB ROOMS rugs based on her cross stitch, prints on a budget and People's Republic This selection of work describes a and drawings under the name Studio of Stroud tat for those joining the very personal journey, that mirrors the FRI 29TH NOV – SAT 7TH DEC Tuft. Fri 10am-3pm (private view revolution. Open Mon – Fri 11am-5pm/ collective experience. 10am-5pm Deborah Roberts: Images from the 6-8pm)/Sat 9am-6pm/Sun 10am-5pm Sat 10am-5pm Stroud Valleys with Tuftin Q&A, short film plus tea and lansdownhall.org Photography celebrating the natural cake 2-3pm claysinclair.com beauty and unique character of the THE MUSEUM IN THE PARK area. Deborah's distinctive style and FRI 6TH – SAT 14TH DUFFLE VINTAGE humour runs throughout the exhibition, The DIY Christmas Art Shop SAT 9TH NOV – SUN 22ND DEC featuring recent work and photostories See Christmas Arts and Crafts + As well as stocking vintage furniture All Together Now – Tales of Unity: plus a retrospective of images Exhibitions feature on p17… and clothing Patrick’s shop acts as Cheltenham Illustration Awards 2019 created over the past 5 years. Prints, a revolving gallery for local artists This exhibition showcases a selection calendars, books and cards will be on SUN 15TH creating a unique and unconventional of work by some of the young sale throughout the exhibition. Mon- Andrew Wood: The Word exhibition space. Currently showing illustrators shortlisted for the 2019 Sat 9am-5pm/Sun 1st 11am-4pm/ works by Melvyn Warren-Smith, Awards. Student and emerging Goodwill Evening Fri 6th 5-8pm An evening to celebrate the Dan Rawlings, Steven Hubbard, Zoe illustrators were invited to make an book launch of the WORD with Heath, Susan Kester, Haruko Boot, illustration that uses narrative to thesubrooms.co.uk conversations from Andrew Wood, Nick Purcell, Jo Caslin and Emily celebrate our universal humanity and Charles Landry and other invited Seffar plus Lazy Dog Box guitars and speakers. The WORD project by the our collective experience; one that SVA JOHN STREET GALLERY Revelray custom guitars by Gordon celebrates illustration and storytelling artist Andrew Wood is unusual. It has Simpson. Mon –Sat 10am-6:30pm/ as dynamic influencers for unity and FRI 29TH NOV – SUN 1ST DEC been been extremely popular and Sun 10am-6pm has, at times, attracted controversy community.11am-4:30pm Studio Tuft and debate. It is a combination of facebook.com/dufflevintage museuminthepark.org.uk

FENCE GALLERY THE PRINCE ALBERT

Alyssa Dabbs Art SUN 1ST - TBA Fence Gallery is run by Alyssa Dabbs Beth Whittaker FOR ARTS and showcases her work. Alyssa is a Beth has her first public exhibition at Fine Artist from Cheltenham who has the Prince Albert leading up to Crafts sold work worldwide and has been AND CRAFTS @ the Albert event (see Christmas represented by a gallery internationally Arts and Crafts + Exhibitions feature and more recently in central London. on p17!). Beths’ artwork is beautifully Alyssa works on a large scale creating WORKSHOPS AND drawn studies of flowers and plants in abstract paintings that have been fantastically bright colours. shown in British Vogue. Open Fridays and Saturdays 10am-4pm theprincealbertstroud.co.uk COURSES VISIT: alyssadabbsart.com STUDIO 18

GALLERY PANGOLIN SAT 7TH Atelier The Sculpture Studio atelierstroud.co.uk thesculpturestudio.co.uk SAT 16TH NOV – SAT 14TH DEC Studio 18 Fundraising Art Auction Artists already involved with Studio Christmas Cracker! The Clay Loft Sit Select 18 are generously donating their work theclayloft.co.uk sitselect.org See Christmas Arts and Crafts + for auction in order to help Studio 18 Exhibitions feature on p17… complete the on-going build, which

will facilitate future projects and make Craft at the Centre Stroud College gallery-pangolin.com craftatthecentre.com sgscol.ac.uk the studios a truly awesome space for exhibitions, community projects, LANSDOWN HALL workshops and fabulous events. So Gloucestershire Printmaking Stroud Valley Artspace come along and find that perfect Cooperative sva.org.uk TUES 3RD – SUN 8TH solstice gift! 6pm (auction starts at gpchq.co.uk Herb Tandree: Christmas Exhibition 7pm) Studio3stroud A colourful, festive exhibition of Hawkwood College facebook.com/studio3stroud painted glass, paintings in pastel and SUN 22ND hawkwoodcollege.co.uk oil and 3D pieces: mobiles, standing/ Labyrinth: A Solstice Celebration Victoria Works Studio flying figural cut-outs. Tues – Sat Studio 18 invites you to an evening Imagine Therapeutic Arts victoriaworksstudios.co.uk 10:30am-5pm/Sun 11am-2pm of art, performance, ritual, music imagine-therapeutic-arts.co.uk and more to celebrate and reclaim New Brewery Arts TUES 10TH – SUN 15TH the ancient, cosmological origins of Make It Studios newbreweryarts.org.uk Beth Forrester: Unconscious Images Christmas; Winter Solstice. Weaving makeitstudios.com A series of work in different together various works by artists Prema Arts Centre mediums created by artist and Dougal Kirkland, Fiona Owen, Zachary Pegasus Art prema.org.uk intuitive tarot reader Beth Forrester. Walsh and Orbury Common to pegasusart.co.uk Beth is a spiritual artist who works guide us through the darkest night IMAGES FROM THE STROUD VALLEYS An exhibition by Deborah Roberts Workshops

Start the New Year by learning a craft in a friendly and STROUD SUBSCRIPTION ROOMS welcoming 29th November to 7th December 2019 environment Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm Sun 1st Dec 11am - 4pm Fri 6th Dec Stroud Goodwill Evening 5pm - 8pm

Prints, calendars, books and cards on sale throughout www.deborahroberts.biz www.thesubrooms.co.uk newbreweryarts.org.uk 01285 657181 22 ARTS LISTINGS #57 | Dec 2019

deadpan humour, irony and visual wit local accredited hand spinner, Wendy could be instrumental in their decline. Freya’s illustrations have a strong laced with cheek and fun. Starting McNamee. Covering a selection of Sheepscombe Primary School is sense of imagination and fun, in 2017…..a new word has appeared choices available to the hand spinner bisected by a public footpath which appealing to people of all ages with a every 2 to 3 weeks. This book brings in designing and creating yarn, and plays host to this exterior photography degree of playfulness and a fondness together all 40 words to date, all how this can affect the resulting yarn. exhibition which is accessible 7 days a for vintage motifs. Her designs are captured by the brilliant photographs Tues-Fri 9am-3pm/Sat-Sun 10am-3pm week during daylight hours. created using collaged papers and of Guy de Lotz and the stories behind watercolours to produce the original them. The Words have become an upperlockcafe.co.uk sheepscombeschool.co.uk illustrative design. And then digital everyday feature of life in Stroud. 7pm skills are deployed to manipulate, £4adv/£5otd RUSKIN MILL NAILSWORTH PREMA ARTS CENTRE ULEY create repeats and translate the drawn image into a format which is sva.org.uk TUES 26TH NOV – SUN 22ND DEC MON 4TH NOV – SAT 14TH DEC translatable to fabric. Valerie Dugan: Inspired By Nature Andy Walker prema.org.uk TRIXTER STUDIOS Valerie has exhibited in many shows Digital artist Andy Walker studied in the UK and abroad where she has art and photography. Fascinated by SUN 8TH/FRI 13TH won numerous awards. At the London colour, geometric shapes and tonal NEW BREWERY ARTS CENTRE Winter Open Days RHS Botanical Art Shows she has effects, his unique style developed, CIRENCESTER See Christmas Arts and Crafts + been awarded Three Silver Medals and by enhancing his own photography, Exhibitions feature on p17… a Silver Gilt Medal for her portrayal of using intensely coloured triangles. His SAT 2ND NOV – TUES 24TH DEC British wild orchids. Valerie has also portfolio ranges from impressionistic Crafted For Christmas facebook.com/trixterstudios shown with the Society of Women pieces to photo-realistic landscapes See Christmas Arts and Crafts + Artists. that appear purely pictorial from a Exhibitions feature on p17… UPPER LOCK CAFÉ distance, but which reveal thousands rmt.org of triangles upon closer inspection. newbreweryarts.org.uk SUN 1ST DEC – FRI 31ST JAN Phil Brain: Ornamental Metalwork SHEEPSCOMBE PRIMARY MON 4TH NOV – SAT 14TH DEC This small exhibition features the SCHOOL Emily Lou Holmes ornamental metalwork of Phil Brain, Emily is an illustrator from Clevedon SAT 2ND NOV – MON 2ND DEC designed to fit easily in the domestic who now lives and works in Bristol. environment, either inside or outdoors. Chasing Cuckoos: From Britain to She creates illustrations of local towns Pleased to be part of the revival of the Stroud Water Phil uses up-cycled and recycled Gabon and cities and retro inspired images. materials to create evocative pieces The UK’s cuckoo population has All her artwork is made up of digital Navigation, the Upper Lock Cafe is located by the canal at which find their inspiration in the fallen by 70% in the last 25 years. illustration, drawn on her iPad and natural world. Tues-Fri 9am-3pm/Sat- Birds migrate to Western Africa edited in photoshop. She is passionate Wallbridge. The cafe provides a welcome place to stop on the Sun 10am-3pm for the winter, where they inhabit about 60s & 70s aesthetics and an landscapes that are undergoing rapid avid collector of vintage fabrics and towpath between Eastington and Chalford. We offer warm SUN 1ST DEC – FRI 31ST JAN change. Local photojournalist Toby wallpapers to collage into her work. Wendy McNamee: Hand Spinning Smith followed a group of migrating hospitality & a vibrant and informal atmosphere, with a touch MON 4TH NOV – SAT 14TH DEC An informative, small scale exhibition cuckoos to Gabon, West Africa, to showcasing a sample of work by document and understand the social Freya Snow of the vintage about it. and environmental conditions that

We serve Italian coffee, tea, speciality brews, a range of delicious home-made cakes and a variety of hot food. We also provide some vegan & gluten-free. The cafe is open six days a week,

pegasusart.co.uk closed on Mondays. Well-behaved dogs are welcome.

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PEGASUS ART Finest Art Materials since 2005

Dec 1st 2019 to Jan 31st 2020… Gift Sets - Gift Vouchers - Stocking Fillers Luxury Gifts - Easels - Workshops Shop online or come & visit us!

Pegasus Art Shop Griffin Mill Stroud GL5 2AZ [email protected] 01453 886560 Present this Voucher to receive 10% www.pegasusart.co.uk off your food bill during December 2019…

Pleased to be part of the revival of the Stroud Water Navigation, the Upper Lock Cafe is located by the canal at Wallbridge. The cafe provides a welcome place to stop on the towpath between Eastington and Chalford. We offer warm hospitality & a vibrant and informal atmosphere, with a touch of the vintage about it.

We serve Italian coffee, tea, speciality brews, a range of delicious home-made cakes and a variety of hot food. We also provide some vegan & gluten-free. The cafe is open six days a week, closed on Mondays. Well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Find us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.

Dec 1st 2019 to Jan 31st 2020…

Present this Voucher to receive 10% off your food bill during December 2019…