thecourtNovember/December 2016

The Design of Things to Come ready to open its doors in

Festive Frolics /// THE COURT THIS Events Listings /// Join us at the Earl’s Court CHRISTMAS /// Great things to do & see Christmas Illuminations Christmas community Your bi-monthly digest of the Keeping events for all best of the area Life Local thecourt Better by

The Design Museum opens the doors to its Kensington High Street home on November 24. An extraordinary addition to the Kensington Cultural Quarter, the museum houses a large, permanent, free-entry exhibition, as well as hosts designers-in-residence and a kaleidoscope of special exhibitions throughout the year. The Court caught up with its Deputy Director, Alice Black, to discover in what directions the museum will take us.

What do you hope for the future of the museum? I want to see the museum firmly established as the leading Design Museum in the world. I want people to come to us to understand the world around them, how it is changing, and how they can contribute to making it a better place. Our exhibitions, talks and learning activities are asking important questions about how we use come here to establish themselves to refugee camps around the world the resources that we have, and how from other countries. They enjoy to provide better living conditions we can tackle pressing issues – from the great design education, amazing for displaced populations. The world the refugee crisis, to water shortages networks and creativity which exist around us is both fascinating and to digital futures. a stadium with the number of people in Britain. We need to make sure complex; the Design Museum shines keen to attend! we preserve this fragile ecosystem. a light on our world and offers ways to Do you feel design awareness is more Currently we are concerned about tackle the multiple challenges we face. widespread these days? Is there room for new talent in the changes in the secondary school There is certainly more awareness design? curriculum which demote design Opening weekend extended of design today, if only exemplified Of course, is there a limit to human and artistic disciplines. At the Design hours Thu 24-Sat 26 November, by the increased number of design creativity? Our designers in residence Museum, we will continue to deliver 10am-8pm; Opens daily thereafter, exhibitions around. In the capital, programme focuses on young design hands on learning activity, geared at 10am-6pm (last admission 5pm); Somerset House, the Barbican, the practitioners, and seeks to give them a all learners – from school children free entry to permanent exhibition, V&A are all actively programming platform for exploration and a leg up to adults – to help inspire the next visit designmuseum.org for advance design and architecture exhibitions. in their professional lives. One of our generation of designers. tickets to other exhibitions or contact And on our screens, we have an first designers in residence, Asif Kahn the Bookings Office (Mon-Fri, 10am- increasing number of programmes is now making his mark globally, with Are there any distinct trends in 6pm) on +44 20 3862 5937 or +44 20 dedicated to design in our homes, from a number of Olympic commissions design this year emerging from the 3862 5900 A 224-238 Kensington Grand Designs to home renovation – he has also just been selected as competition? High Street, W8 6AG; W projects. The Design Museum has the architect for the new Museum of This year there is a real move towards designmuseum.org witnessed this rise in interest, with London as part of a team with Stanton socially conscious, community an ever growing attendance at our Williams. engagement projects. Better Shelter, a Self-guided visits for learning exhibitions, talks and learning project realized in collaboration with groups The Design Museum welcomes programmes. My personal highlight? How much do you rely on artists and the Ikea Foundation, is a meaningful schools, colleges and universities for When Jonathan Ive came to the designers from abroad? Or is home response to the refugee crisis that self-guided visits to all exhibitions. Design Museum last November to talk grown design in a good place? we are facing today. Using Ikea’s flat See designmuseum.org/learning/self- to a raptured audience about his work We see design as borderless, many pack technology, an easy to assemble guided-visits-for-learning-groups for at Apple. I think we could have filled designers working in Britain have and well-designed shelter can be sent details thecourt To view The Court online go to Special thanks to: This Festive Issue is kindly For Editorial, Advertorial, www.thecourt.london & Facebook at Contributors Brian Scudder, sponsored by: Printed by: Produced by: Advertising, Business www.facebook.com/welovethecourt Camilla Nelson, Simon Capital and Counties Digital & Social Solutions, Brooks, Sharon Robinson, email us on Sara Rogers, Linda Wade and www.rapidity.com [email protected] The Court Jamie Coronna. Community or 07484 679458 Keeping Life Local

2 Trippin’ The Lights Fantastic

Free Wassail (mulled English see the area that we live and work cider), Weihnachtsstollen (German in come alive with light. This is Christmas fruit cake), and locally an event for all the community to sourced sausages – all provided enjoy,” says Jamie Coronna, local by the stalwart stall holders of the business owner and event organiser. Earl’s Court Farmers’ Market – will The custom made Christmas give the 2nd Earl’s Court Christmas trees, with their thousands of mini Illuminations a distinctively ancient lights, will add a special festive feel this year. Taking place at the twinkle from Cromwell Road to corner of Kenway Road and Earl’s Old Brompton Road, along the full Court Road, the festive frolics start length of the Earl’s Court Road. This at 5.15pm on December 1. local initiative has been realised Add in the angelic tones of the with the support of Capco, the Royal Our Lady of Victories’ School Choir, Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and we will have you feeling super- and Transport for London. Christmasy in no time. Last year these local cherubs captured our The 2nd Earl’s Court Christmas hearts. Illuminations event is free of charge “At around 6pm, 25 seven-foot and all are welcome. Date: December 1 Christmas trees will illuminate the Time: 5.15-7.30pm Location: Corner of Earl’s Court Road. It is so lovely to Kenway Road and Earl’s Court Road

Eastern Happenings

This Autumn, Earl’s Court and its environs have their eyes and ears firmly fixed on Eastern culture

Residents were treated to a sublime concert of Sufi-inspired music at St Cuthbert’s Church on October 29. The famous poetry of the Sufi mystic Hitchcock’s Historic Cinema Under Threat Rumi was the source of inspiration, featuring the oud (or short necked Stars like Benedict Cumberbatch, Sir have declared their intention to lute to a Western audience), oboe Ian McKellan and Queen guitarist demolish the building, first opened in and cello. The recital was part of Brian May have already spoken up 1926, in the coming weeks. the Music for the Seasons concerts on its behalf. But despite this, and in In 2015, the council refused which take place four times a year at spite of 28,000 K&C residents rallying planning permission for a scheme St Cuthbert’s. The next concert will together in support of the Odeon High which would have seen a new cinema, feature music inspired by the Russian- Street Kensington, this stunning art- 63 luxury flats – including a large French artist Chagall, also influenced exciting music events at Rich Mix in deco cinema is still under imminent penthouse and 20 ‘affordable’ homes – by the East. Shoreditch. threat of demolition by property built on the site. The annual Kensington and And finally, it has been announced developers. In February of this year, however, Chelsea Nour Festival of Middle that Leighton House in , Neither this wave of local outrage, following an appeal by the developers, Eastern and North African culture home of the famous and stunning nor the fact that it was Alfred that decision was overturned. – featuring music, art, theatre, Arab Hall, is about to undergo major Hitchcock’s local cinema (where “Which means,” said Mr Oliver, puppetry, story telling and talks in works courtesy of the Lottery Fund. he premiered his own films), have “that time is running out for the venues around the Earl’s Court area The moment you step into the house convinced to extend Kensington Odeon.” – got underway on 22 October, with you are transported to a far away time protection to this cultural landmark. He added, “In a city in which the internationally famous trumpeter and place with beautiful 14th, 16th In a bid to maintain at least the an alarming number of ‘Assets of Amir El Saffar playing at the Royal and 17th century tiles, mosaics, lattice facia and part of the building as a local Community Value’ are disappearing Albert hall. There is still a chance work from Damascus, a wonderful cultural centre, celebrated interior or being transformed into luxury to catch important events until 6 golden domed ceiling, beautiful designer Guy Oliver, of the Friends of homes, losing the Odeon would be November, including at the Mosaic fountain and stunning garden. It is a The Kensington Odeon, is trying to another major blow, not just to Earl’s Rooms on Earl’s Court Road. lovely place to while away a Sunday form a consortium to purchase the Court’s identity as a community which The Nour Festival music afternoon. Keep an eye on The Court site. proudly cherishes and supports the programme this year was put together listings (see pages 5-7) for events If he is not able to do so, however, arts, but also to London’s cultural by Arts Canteen, known for its regularly held there. the developers, Minerva-Delancey, landscape.”

3 thecourt

Hidden Gem #1 London’s only winery just made your Christmas brighter

Did you know that you are a stone’s fermentation tanks with precision throw away from the sole winery temperature control and 90 oak in London? Tucked down a little barrels from forests and producers alleyway in SW6, London Cru across France. All wines are made in follows the city’s tradition of small batches: 600 cases at most and fine wine trade, innovation and sometimes as few as 80, as is the case eccentricity to bring wine-making with Rosaville Rd - the latest Rosé to the heart of the capital. Grapes made from Barbera grapes, using the are hand selected to showcase traditional Saignee method. new European vineyards, and are As a unique Christmas gift, transported carefully to London London Cru offers tours and tastings London Cru Competition where they are nurtured into great of the winery, or a full Winemaker wines. After just two vintages, for a Day experience, where guests London Cru has partnered with The Court to offer you the chance to win two tickets to its ‘Winemaker for the Day’ event – worth £250. The winemaker day is hugely London Cru wines have won IWC have the opportunity to taste, smell popular: guests are tutored in the winemaking and blending processes, fed and medals, great critical acclaim, and and blend wines, perfecting their watered at lunchtime at local gastro-pub The Atlas across the road, and then given have been selected by numerous own personal blend. And of course, the chance to blend their own wine to take home. The session finishes with a tasting Michelin star restaurants and London Cru’s award-winning wines of London Cru wines – a perfect send-off! serious London eateries. are both a generous Christmas gift To enter, email [email protected] with 100 words on why you think you deserve The winery stands just on the and the perfect accompaniment to this Christmas treat. The best entry will be published in our next edition! side of Old Brompton your seasonal fare. (Browse to www. Connect with London Cru on the web: londoncru.co.uk; on Facebook: fb.com/ Cemetary. It houses state-of-the-art londoncru.co.uk for details). LDNCRU, and on Twitter: @LDNCRU

Hidden Gem #2 Lebanese food doesn’t come any better than this

St Cuthbert’s Day Centre And Plan Zheroes Feeding People In Need In a city filled with excellent Arab Traditional yakhnes such as eateries, Meejana has had its work Kibbeh Labaniyeh and Kharouf Ouzi Local charity St. Cuthbert’s Centre kilograms of salads from an upscale cut out as a relative newcomer to the (Lamb Shank with Ouzi Rice) sit serves free and subsidised hot meals, cafe on Brompton Road. Stephen West London dining scene. But the alongside house specialities such as Monday to Friday, to people who are Milton, Manager of St Cuthbert’s Old Brompton Road restaurant (at Djej Meejana (12-spiced chicken). living on the poverty line. The charity Centre said, “We are excited to be number 241 to be precise) stands out Desserts include baklawa, artisan ice provided meals for more than 750 working with Plan Zheroes. Not only with some of the highest quality and creams and homemade crepes. people last year, who visited the centre will it help us to save money on our most diverse food you can imagine. The wine list has been hand- 13,000 times. food budget and offer a more varied It has one of the widest selection picked to compliment the food, Given a limited budget, St and nutritious menu, which improves of mezze available. Traditional and there is something for every Cuthbert’s has begun working with health and wellbeing, but we also feel favourites such as hummus, palette, from the Lebanese house another local charity, Plan Zheroes we are doing something positive for moutabbal and tabbouleh jostle for red through to classics such as – the heroes of zero food waste – to the environment by rescuing good attention with more exotic dishes such Chateau Talbot. Meejana offers source good food that businesses food from going to waste.’’ as frogs’ legs and lamb sweetbreads wines from many Lebanese cannot sell and would otherwise that hark back to a French Colonial producers, as well as classics from be sent to landfill. By joining Plan To get involved with St Cuthbert’s past. There is also an exceptional the old world and new. Zheroes’ free network, St Cuthbert’s Day Centre, email dropin@ selection of ‘family dishes’ drawn from now receives notifications about stcuthbertscentre.org.uk. the owner’s experience of dining with Address: 241 Old Brompton Road, surplus food donations from local To help Plan Zheroes with its mission her own Lebanese family, which is a London. SW5 9HP Call: 020 7835 businesses by email. It recently to put surplus food to better use, email genuine rarity in the capital. 0050 Email: [email protected] accepted its first donation of eight [email protected]

4 thecourt Calendar November & December For further listings details, please check www.thecourt.london and with the venue or organiser to confirm dates and times. All listings correct at time of going to press. If you’d like to see your event below, please send listings in the same format to [email protected].

ARTS : THE MAKING OF AN ICON FERHA FAROOQUI LEIGHTON HOUSE MUSUEM GALLERY 286 FRIDAY 4 NOVEMBER 2016 TO 2 APRIL TUESDAY 8 TO WEDNESDAY 30 2017 NOVEMBER A landmark exhibition for Leighton House This exhibition of recent work comprises a Museum, returning Leighton’s most famous series of ‘timescapes’ which aim to convey and celebrated work to the artist’s house and recent work, it takes the audience the shifting communities and disappearing from the Museo de Arte de Ponce in Puerto NOUR FESTIVAL OF ARTS on a journey through some of the artist’s landmarks of a particular part of East Rico. Frederic, Lord Leighton (1830-1896), AT VENUES ACROSS THE BOROUGH central concerns: issues of dual identities, London. was one of the pre-eminent artists of his TO SUNDAY 6 NOVEMBER multiplicity, and the potential for residing in Open Private Views: Tue 8 November, day. President of the Royal Academy Nour Festival illuminates the best in this ‘in-between’ space. 6.30-8.30pm, Thu 10 November, 6.30- from 1878 to 1896, he achieved great fame contemporary arts and culture from the Tue-Sat, 11am-6pm 226 Cromwell 8.30pm, Sun 13 November 12 midday-3pm; and influence as a figurehead for art in Middle East and North Africa, in venues Open A Road, SW5 0SW 0207 370 9990 Open Day Weds 12 midday-6pm, viewing late Victorian society; a period when art across the Royal Borough of Kensington T W mosaicrooms.org by appointment at other times A 286 Earl’s enjoyed unprecedented public interest and and Chelsea. Showcasing a broad spectrum Court Road SW6 9AS T 07747 807576/020 appreciation. of arts and culture – including film, food, WONDERLAB: THE STATOIL GALLERY 7370 2239 W gallery286.com Open Daily except Tues, 10am-5pm; £7/£5 music, literature, poetry, performance, SCIENCE MUSEUM A 12 Holland Park Road, W14 8LZ T 020 7471 urban development and visual art. Advance FROM WEDNESDAY 12 OCTOBER BRING ON THE BAROQUE! PAINTED 9153 W rbkc.gov.uk Booking essential. POTS BY CLAUDIA CLARE W See rbkc.gov.uk/nour/welcome for full A new interactive gallery. Revealing the beauty in the science and maths that GALLERY 286 FLAMING JUNE: TOURS OF THE HOUSE details shape our everyday lives, this unmissable Claudia Clare is known for her large-scale, & EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS experience will ignite your curiosity and stir slip-painted, earthenware jars depicting LEIGHTON HOUSE MUSEUM WHAT LANGUAGE DO YOU SPEAK your imagination, inspiring you to see the everyday scenes showing the impact of MONDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2016 6.30pm – STRANGER? BY KATIA KAMELI world around you differently. major events on the lives of ordinary people. CURATOR LED TOUR THE MOSAIC ROOMS Daily, 10am-6pm, £6-£8, discounts Open Days Weds 12 midday-6pm, viewing THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER 2016 12.30pm TO SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER Open available for families, groups Exhibition by appointment at other times A 286 Earl’s – PUBLIC GUIDED TOUR The Mosaic Rooms present the first UK A Road, SW7 2DD T 0870 870 4868 W Court Road SW6 9AS T 07747 807576/020 Entry £20/£15 A 12 Holland Park Road, W14 solo exhibition of French-Algerian artist sciencemuseum.org.uk 7370 2239 W gallery286.com 8LZ T 020 7471 9153 W rbkc.gov.uk Katia Kameli. Drawing together both new

5 YOU SAY YOU WANT A REVOLUTION? SATURDAY 26 NOVEMBER: KEVIN DAVY RECORDS AND REBELS 1966-1970 WHITE + GUESTS: Let the soul come out VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM with the smooth, warm and powerful musical TO FEBRUARY 2017 styling of French born musician Kevin Davy This major exhibition will explore the White. 8pm era-defining significance and impact of MONDAY 28 NOVEMBER: COFFEE the late 1960s, expressed through some HOUSE POETRY: ‘WHAT WE SHOULD of the greatest music and performances HAVE SAID’: Poetry, harmony & wit on a of the 20th century alongside fashion, film, roll… in the Troubadour’s unique words-&- design and political activism. The exhibition music rollercoaster featuring three poets: considers how the finished and unfinished Luke Kennard, Louis Jenkins, and Martina 1 - 11 November 2016 revolutions of the time changed the way we Evans. 7.30pm www.filmearlscourt.com live today and think about the future TUESDAY 29 NOVEMBER: Open Daily, 10am-4pm, Adult tickets £16, SONGWRITER’S SHOWCASE: CHRIS Film concessions available A Cromwell Road, TAVENER: Chris Tavener is a satirical Earl’s Court Film Festival 2016 SW7 2RL T 020 7942 2000 W vam.ac.uk singer-songwriter known for his comedy, witty lyrics and a folk sound. Having The Earl’s Court Film Festival 2016 is now officially on a roll at some of Earl’s Court’s most performed over 250 times, undertaken two iconic entertainment venues, so get online and book your tickets. Tickets are £10 or £5 MUSIC national tours and sold hundreds of copies concessions available. Go to www.filmEarl’scourt.com to order. Alternatively, you can call of a BBC 6 Music acclaimed EP in 2016 Toby Brown on 020 7370 4000 for festival details or to reserve your tickets. LEIGHTON HOUSE MUSEUM alone, he is one of the most hard-working FRIDAY 18 NOVEMBER: Late night + live musicians in the UK. 8pm The Troubadour - 1 November, 7.30pm music: Phelan Burgoyne Quartet THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER: THE Paul Simon, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix have all played here, so the team at FRIDAY 13 JANUARY: Late night + live TROUBADOR PRESENTS: ABSOLUTE The Troubadour are no stranger to hosting exceptional talent. Based on last year’s event, music: Katy Jungmann & Chris Jerome KINKS; The UK’s #1 Kinks Tribute Act. 8pm ECFF 2016 at The Troubadour is expected to be a sell out and thoroughly entertaining Visit the Museum and exhibition until MONDAY 12 DECEMBER: COFFEE screening and Q&A. Film buffs are unlikely to head home for cocoa once the credits roll. 9pm (last entry 8.30pm) with a free drink. HOUSE POETRY: HERE COMES THE The restaurant and bar upstairs are the perfect venue for your very own after-show party. Exhibition admission fee applies; tickets on NIGHT: Enjoy a little night-music, test your the door only. night-knowledge with our Hard Day’s Night The - 7 November, 7.30pm LOVE AWAKENED: AN EVENING not-too-literary prize-quiz and join in the The Finborough will host two screening nights at the theatre at the beginning of RECITAL OF MUSIC AND POETRY excitement of hearing who gets chosen as November, something we are excited about as last year’s screenings there were WEDNESDAY 23 NOVEMBER winning ‘Night-Poem’ of the Night. 7.30pm excellent. Audiences will enjoy a selection of shorts where Earl’s Court is truly the Open 7-9pm; doors open at 6.30pm; £35, Prices vary from £4 to £15 (cheaper in star, and where better to do this than in beating heart of the area’s theatre scene. 6 ticket price includes programme and interval advance online, see below) A 263-267 Old November screening is now sold out. glass of wine A 12 Holland Park Road, W14 Brompton Road, SW5 T 020 7370 1434 W 8LZ T 020 7471 9153 W rbkc.gov.uk troubadourlondon.com St. Cuthbert’s - 11 November, 7.30pm St. Cuthbert’s will host the Earl’s Court Film Festival’s Gala and Award Night. The church THE TROUBADOUR CLUB – LIVE MUSIC hosts many community and cultural events during the course of the year, but the Film VENUE Festival Gala is a very special evening, bringing together a wonderfully diverse audience, WEDNESDAY 2 NOVEMBER: Rob Picazo and giving the people of the area a superb chance to interact and get involved in a positive Rhythm & Blues singer and guitarist born in and productive cultural project. The Gothic Victorian architecture adds greatly to the Madrid. 8pm sense of drama and occasion. We can’t wait to see Suspense and Sci Fi short films from SATURDAY 5 NOVEMBER: Becca our perfectly padded pew, and for a suggested donation of just £5, the promised buffet Stevens Band: North Carolina bred, seems like an excellent deal. All food and beverage proceeds will be donated to Earl’s Brooklyn based singer/composer/multi- Court Community Trust (www.thecourt.london). This generous donation by Film Earl’s instrumentalist. 8pm Court, the festival organisers, helps to support arts and culture initiatives in our area, as WEDNESDAY 9 NOVEMBER: Blind well as part fund The Court, so don’t miss it. Boy Paxton: Paxton seems to effortlessly CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT embody the spirit of early music including ST MARY ABBOTS CHURCH, ragtime, 20s jazz and Dust Bowl–era blues, KENSINGTON delivering them through a dizzying display of WEDNESDAY 7 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE the white blackbird – cast off by all, hopping virtuosity on guitar, piano, banjo, and fiddle. In aid of the international children’s charity ST CUTHBERT’S CHURCH from glory to solitude, from joy to gloom. In 8.30pm Hope and Homes for Children. A special SATURDAY 10 DECEMBER this one woman show, Edith Vernes shifts FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER: TOLD evening of music and celebration followed by St Cuthbert’s hosts its annual Carol Service from one character to the next, taking us to wine and mince pies. AMERICANS: From the home of innovative in aid of charity. The retiring collection is the heart of this ‘road-movie’, funny, poetic Open 7-8.15pm; Ticket price £20 adults pop music – Nub Music – comes the Debut this year divided between the St Cuthbert and terribly modern. Performed in French £8 children A St Mary Abbots Church, EP from UK Experimental Jazz Collective Restoration Fund and the Mayor’s Charity with English subtitles. Kensington Church Street, W8 4LA T For Open Tues to Sats 8pm; £12-£18 A 153 Old ‘Told Americans’. An atmospheric, poetic for the year, the Kensington and Chelsea tickets call 01722 790111 or book online at W Brompton Road SW5 0LJ T 020 7835 2301 collection of themed moods which touch on Foundation, which helps local businesses, www.hopeandhomes.org W thedraytonarmstheatre.co.uk the political and social aspects of modern life schools and people create relationships with and how it affects the human condition. 8pm local charities. The service will last about MUSIC FOR CHRISTMAS an hour. MAGNIFICENCE BY HOWARD BRENTON SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER: Gerry LEIGTON HOUSE MUSEUM A St Cuthbert’s Church, 50 Philbeach FINBOROUGH THEATRE Jablonski & The Electric Band: Live music THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER Gardens, SW5 9EB TO SATURDAY 26 NOVEMBER that will put a swagger in your step and rock An evening of Christmas music and carol London, the early ‘70s. Poverty, ‘n’ roll in your soul! 8pm singing, introduced by musician and THEATRE homelessness, rising inequality, MONDAY 14 NOVEMBER TROUBADOR broadcaster Sandy Burnett, who will conduct unemployment, industrial disputes. Five COFFEE HOUSE POETRY: GUEST HOST the audience through a varied programme JE SUIS UN MERLE BLANC young activists squat a disused building and EDITION: First in a series of guest-hosts, of English and continental Christmas music DRAYTON ARMS THEATRE try to make a stand against it all. Troubadour associate Dom Bury selects/ performed by leading singers and musicians. TUESDAY 22 NOVEMBER - SATURDAY Open Tues to Sats evenings 7.30pm, Sun highlights what’s new in poetry. 7.30 pm With opportunities for audience participation 03 DECEMBER Matinees at 3pm, Sat Matinees 3pm from SATURDAY 19 NOVEMBER: KATE in some of our best-loved carols, the evening Alfred de Musset, the author of 5 November; £14-£18 A 118 Finborough The Hallows is LOMAS THE HALLOWS: is a perfect way to starts your Christmas “Lorenzaccio” and “On ne badine pas avec Road SW10 9DE T 020 7244 7439 W an alternative three piece that specialises festivities. l’amour”, has just ended his passionate liaison finboroughtheatre.co.uk in melodic and atmospheric pop. Utilising Open 7.15-9.30pm; adults £20, children with George Sand. He doubts, he aches, he sequencing, sampling and sublime under 16 £10, ticket price includes a glass loses the plot… This highly entertaining tale VIBRANT 2016 - A FESTIVAL OF musicianship the band creates a sound that of wine A 12 Holland Park Road, W14 8LZ T throws us into his ups and downs in an utterly FINBOROUGH PLAYWRIGHTS is both original and beautifully nostalgic. 8pm 020 7471 9153 W rbkc.gov.uk farcical world. Musset is the merle blanc – Curated by Finborough Theatre Artistic 6 Director Neil McPherson BARONS COURT THEATRE FINBOROUGH THEATRE THE GOOD PERSON OF SZECHWAN BY SUNDAY 30 OCTOBER TO THURSDAY BERTOLT BRECHT 16 NOVEMBER TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER - SATURDAY 5 Now in its eighth year, the multi-award- NOVEMBER winning Finborough Theatre presents its CONCRETE ISLAND BY JG BALLARD annual celebration of new writing. This SATURDAY 5 NOVEMBER year’s festival also includes the Earl’s Court CINCINATUS BY VLADIMIR NABOKOV Film Festival 2016, and the European TUESDAY 8 NOVEMBER - SUNDAY 27 premiere of the After Orlando International NOVMEBER Theatre Action, 70 short plays inspired by THE IMPROVISED PANTOMIME BY VERY the Orlando nightclub shooting earlier this SERIOUS PEOPLE Season’s year. As always, this year’s festival features (for ages 15 and up) Greetings an eclectic and idiosyncratic selection of MONDAY 28 NOVEMBER - SATURDAY 3 staged readings of new works by UK and DECEMBER international playwrights, both established IOLANTHE BY GILBERT AND SULLIVAN & and new, discovered, developed or TUESDAY 6 DECEMBER - SUNDAY 18 Best Wishes championed by the Finborough Theatre. DECEMBER for 2017 Sun and Mon evenings 7.30pm, Thu Open Open 7.30pm/8pm/Matinees, check to everyone matinees 3pm; £5 except After Orlando website below for all times and details; International Theatre Action: tickets £2 £8/£10/£12/£16 A Curtains Up Pub, 28a living, working in, for each individual play A 118 Finborough Comeragh Road, W14 9HR T 020 8932 or visiting Earl’s Court Road SW10 9DE T 020 7244 7439 W 4747 W offwestend.com this festive season. finboroughtheatre.co.uk THE MAGIC CAVERN BARONS COURT THEATRE NOVEMBER & DECEMBER Richard Leigh opened at The Barons Court Theatre with ‘The Magic Cavern’ in 2002. From the It has become London’s longest running weekly theatrical magic show. Wherever you sit in this atmospheric venue, you are only a few feet away from the magic which happens literally under your very eyes. This show is interactive and suitable for all the family. (6 years to 106) Working Together for a Better Neighbourhood. Open Sun 13 & 20 November, 2.30pm; Sun Why not join us in the New Year? 11 & 18 December, 2.30pm, Wed 21, 2.30pm; Fri 23 at 2.30pm; Wed 28 at 2.30pm; Sunday Visit www.earlscourtsociety.org.uk for details. 1 January, 7pm; £9-£12 A Curtains Up Pub, 28a Comeragh Road, W14 9HR T Call the box office on 020 8932 4747 or book online at W www.falseimpressions.co.uk

AFTER OCTOBER BY RODNEY ACKLAND FINBOROUGH THEATRE TUESDAY 22 NOVEMBER TO THURSDAY 22 DECEMBER From the acclaimed writer of Absolute Hell and Before the Party, After October is Rodney Ackland’s most autobiographical play, both a bittersweet homage to the theatre and a fascinating portrait of an Hawkesdown House School impoverished family on the brink of a LOVE LEARNING glamorous new life. This rediscovery marks For boys the first Central London production since its ANNUAL COMMONWEALTH FAIR premiere in 1936. KENSINGTON TOWN HALL aged 3 to 8 Open Tue to Sat evenings at 7.30pm, Sun SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2016 years Matinees at 3pm, Sat Matinees 3pm from Colourful and vibrant stalls reflect the 3 December; £14-£18 A 118 Finborough richness and diversity of the Commonwealth Road SW10 9DE T 020 7244 7439 W providing visitors with a great experience – finboroughtheatre.co.uk from food to craft, music and entertainment, Endeavour the day provides an enriching journey Courage DR ANGELUS BY JAMES BRIDIE through many Commonwealth countries. FINBOROUGH THEATRE Open 11.30am; Free A Kensington Town Hall, Truth SUNDAYS, MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS, Hornton Street W8 7NX W www.rbkc.gov.uk 27-29 NOVEMBER, 4-6, 11-13, 18-20 DECEMBER THE LONDON HISTORY FESTIVAL 2016 On 25 March 1911, someone yelled ‘Fire’ on KENSINGTON CENTRAL LIBRARY the eighth floor of a factory in New York. MONDAY 14 TO THURSDAY 24 An emotional and heartfelt insight into the NOVEMBER lives of those who paid the ultimate price for The range of subjects runs from the relatively seeking a new life across the ocean. familiar WW1 to the exotic Silk Road. Speakers include Sophie Ambler, Peter 27 Edge Street, Kensington, London W8 7PN Open Sun and Mon evenings 7.30pm, Tue Telephone: 0207 727 9090 Email: [email protected] Frankopan, Sarah Gristwood, Dan Snow, matinees 2pm; £16/£18 A 118 Finborough www.hawkesdown.co.uk Road SW10 9DE T 020 7244 7439 W Hugh Sebag-Montefiore, Michael Jones, finboroughtheatre.co.uk Juliet Barker and Paul Lay. 7 month 6.30pm-7.30pm TERRIFIC TREES: ECOLOGY CENTRE SPITALFIELDS: THE HISTORY OF A NATION IN A HANDFUL OF STREETS BY Saturdays - IT training 10am-12 noon OPEN DAY DAN CRUICKSHANK (booking required) HOLLAND PARK ECOLOGY CENTRE FRIENDS OF ST CUTHBERT’S CHURCH AUTUMN LECTURE SATURDAY 10 DECEMBER TUESDAY 29 NOVEMBER CHILDREN WEEKLY EVENTS Come and celebrate National Tree Week Religious strife, civil conflict, waves of immigration, the rise and fall of industry, great Mondays - Baby Rhyme Time, 2-2.30pm; with us. Make decorations for tree dressing prosperity and grinding poverty – the handful of streets that constitute modern 2nd Monday of the month Chatterbooks and help the Conservation Volunteers with Spitalfields have witnessed all this and much more. In Spitalfields, one of Britain’s best- 3.45-4.45pm tree planting. loved historians tells the stories of the streets he has lived in for four decades. Thursdays - Children’s Storytime, 10- Open Drop-in 11am-3.30pm, Free Open 7.15pm; £10 (£8 Concessions and Friends) A St Cuthbert’s Church, 51 Philbeach 10.30am A Holland Park Ecology Centre, W8 6LU, Gardens, London SW5 9EB W saintcuthbert.org/friends Saturdays - Saturday Storyland, 10-10.40am; near the Adventure Playground E ecology. Story & Craft, 1st Saturday of the month [email protected] T 020 7938 8186 W 10.30-11.30am rbkc.gov.uk Open Kensington Central Library, Sessions, led by London Fine Art Studios A 210 Old Brompton Road London SW5 Phillimore Walk, W8 7RX; £5 per event (£3 founder and artist, Ann Whiteridge, consist 0BS T 020 7361 3010 W rbkc.gov.uk/ concessions) advance Booking essential T of a mixture of short exercises and longer libraries/news-and-events 020 7361 3010 W www.rbkc.gov.uk/libraries poses, with reference to the temporary or www.londonhistoryfestival.com exhibition. OUT AND ABOUT OPEN 1-4pm; £30, open to artists of all LECTURE: MY LOVE TO THE ACADEMY: levels A 12 Holland Park Road, W14 8LZ T SKATING LEIGHTON’S LAST WORKS 020 7471 9153 W rbkc.gov.uk NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM ICE RINK LEIGHTON HOUSE MUSEUM TO 8 JANUARY 2017 WEDNESDAY 16 NOVEMBEr THE MOON & NUDE: LIFE DRAWING Open times vary, but core hours 11am-9pm, Art historian Elizabeth Prettejohn explores THE CELLAR, THE FINBOROUGH ARMS closed 25 December; adults from £12.65, Flaming June and the other paintings in EVERY SUNDAY children from £8.80, families from £39.60 Leighton’s last Royal Academy submission, A relaxed evening of drawing, drinks and A Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD T 020 7942 featured in the upcoming exhibition. It music. Friendly untutored sessions for all YOUTH OUTREACH 5555 W nhm.ac.uk places Leighton’s paintings in the wider abilities. Materials available, no need to book. EARL’S COURT YOUTH CLUB context of the RA exhibitions of the 1890s. Open 6-8pm, £10 A 118 Finborough DAILY FUNGI FORAY Open 7-8.15pm, door opens at 6.30pm; £15, Road SW10 T 020 7244 7439 W Earl’s Court Youth Club works with young HOLLAND PARK ECOLOGY CENTRE includes access to museum & exhibition A finboroughtheatre.co.uk people aged 9 to 19 years old – and up SATURDAY 5 NOVEMBER 12 Holland Park Road, W14 8LZ T 020 7471 to 25 years old with disabilities. Activities Search the Wildlife Area and other 9153 W rbkc.gov.uk ADULT AND CHILDREN REGULAR include dance classes, digital art, design and enclosures with expert Mark Spencer from EVENTS printing, arts and crafts, cooking, football, the Natural History Museum to find the fungi LIFE - DRAWING IN LEIGHTON’S GRAND BROMPTON LIBRARY fitness, music production, studio engineering STUDIO ADULTS WEEKLY EVENTS on display at this time of year. Learn how courses, computer games, pool, table tennis LEIGHTON HOUSE MUSEUM Tuesdays - Book Break 10.30am-12.30pm; to identify common species and hopefully and more. TUESDAYS 15 NOVEMBER, 13 Over 50’s IT help session (drop in) 2pm- discover some great specimens. A 120 Ifield Road, SW10 9AFT 020 7373 DECEMBER 2016 4pm; Reading Group first Tuesday of the Open 2pm-4pm; Free, booking essential 7970 W Earl’scourtyouthclub.co.uk

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