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WELCOME

A Note From Our Theatre Manager I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Braintree Arts Theatre’s 8th Season Brochure. We can’t quite believe that we are on eight already. The time certainly has flown since our opening in 2011 and we have seen many faces come and go through our doors.

Some of my personal highlights of this season include our front cover: Peter Howarth Unplugged. Peter is the lead singer of and long-time backing vocalist with . We also have the fantastic Sing-A-Long-A . We are very lucky to get the sing-a-long-a team back with their new show, which shows the Disney hit film Frozen with all the words on screen so that you can sing-a-long.

We wouldn’t be able to continue without the support of our loyal customers and I would like to take the time to thank each and every person that comes to see our shows.

Lewis Clark Theatre Manager Introducing New Discounts and Ticket Offers Family Ticket Offer

We are pleased to offer discounted tickets for groups or families for several of our Family shows. This applies to groups of four and all four tickets must be purchased at the same time. Look for the Family Ticket offer for participating shows.

Early Bird Booking Special

Purchase tickets before 31 November 2014 and receive 10% off! Some exclusions apply. Does not include shows featured in our previous brochures, Events, Community shows or Panto. Visit our website for full details.

Comedy Night Offer

Buy two tickets and get the third 1/2 price on all Comedy Nights! All three tickets must be for the same Comedy Night and be purchased at the same time.

Group Discounts

Group discounts (including school groups) are offered on ALL SHOWS! Ring our friendly Box Office team to discuss all group and student booking discounts. braintreeartstheatre.com facebook.com/braintreeartstheatre

CONTENTS

LIVE MUSIC 2-7

CABARET 8

STAND-UP 9-10

COMEDY THEATRE 11

THEATRE 12-13

FAMILY 14-16

COMMUNITY 17

Box Office Information Opening times (phone and walk-ins) Phone number: 01376 556 354 Monday-Friday: 11am-4pm Email: [email protected] Saturday: 2 hours before scheduled performances Sunday: Closed Address: Braintree Arts Theatre, Notley Road, Braintree, Essex CM7 1WY

Online Bookings You can find show information, view seating plans and book tickets to any of our shows 24 hours a day by visiting our website www.braintreeartstheatre.com

Stay Connected Keeping up to date with Braintree Arts Theatre has never been easier! ‘Like’ us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and receive the latest news, show information and deals from Braintree Arts Theatre. You can also receive information straight to your inbox by signing up to our email list on our website.

twitter.com/BATheatre facebook.com/braintreeartstheatre www.braintreeartstheatre.com box office: 01376 556 354 box office: 01376 556 354 1 twitter.com/BATheatre

LIVE MUSIC

A Night of Dirty Dancing The Ultimate Tribute show 26 March, 7:30pm

No film has captured the hearts of a generation like Dirty Dancing. Relive the passion, indulge in the romance and celebrate the greatest movie soundtrack of all time. Recast and re-scripted for 2015, it’s all down to Kellerman’s end of season show. Revel in the moments you loved, the memories you made and music that’s resonated throughout the years: She’s Like the Wind, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Hey Baby, Wipeout, Do You Love Me, Be My Baby, Hungry Eyes and, of course, the Oscar-winning (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.

Don’t be the one sitting in the corner. Immerse yourself in the timeless, theatrical treat. Take a trip back to the summer of ’63, relive Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey’s sizzling performance in the ultimate coming of age romance.

Please note this show is not affiliated with ‘Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage’ currently on tour in the UK and worldwide. www.easytheatres.com Promoter reserves the right to alter programme

Tickets: £19, £16 conc 2 braintreeartstheatre.com facebook.com/braintreeartstheatre

LIVE MUSIC

Voodoo Room: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix and Cream 13 March, 7:30pm

A Celebration Of HENDRIX & CREAM

The UK music scene of the late sixties was a melting pot of styles from which Classic Blues/Rock emerged.

At the forefront of this movement were ‘Cream’ and ‘The Jimi Hendrix Experience.’

Paying homage to these first ‘Super Groups’ are ‘Voodoo Room,’ an exciting classic power trio featuring some of the UK’s finest musicians.

They deliver a high energy show with the virtuosity that is at the heart of this incredible music.

The band formed in 2012 and already the word on the street is “Voodoo Room” are a must see!

NO WIGS NO PANTOMIME. Just great music played by great musicians!! www.voodoo-room.com ‘INCREDIBLE MUSICIANS!’ - Neneh Cherry. ’10/10 SUPERB!’ - Classic Blues Mag

Tickets: £12, £10 conc box office: 01376 556 354 3 twitter.com/BATheatre

LIVE MUSIC

Johnny Cash: Revisited Braintree Male Voice Choir & The Sweeting Swing Band

25 April, 7:30pm 9 May, 7:30pm

Johnny Cash Revisited is a Come and hear the award-winning semi-biographical show illustrating the Braintree Male Voice Choir’s new 2015 transition of Johnny Cash from being a Spring Concert and their exciting new young gospel singer from Dyess Arkansas, programme of music. They are joined by into the legendary recording artist known the ever-popular Sweeting Swing Band. as ‘THE MAN IN BLACK’. Rick McKay and A great evening of entertainment can special guest Jodie McKay paying tribute be enjoyed with these two admired to Johnny Cash and June Carter with their performing groups on stage. band “Starkville City” to bring you a two hour uplifting show full of Country Music, The much acclaimed Male Voice Choir Rock ‘n’ Roll and Rockabilly classics! has received reviews such as: “They entertained with often breath-taking “The attention to detail is striking. I would harmonies and delightful visual effects”; recommend Johnny Cash Revisited to “The Male Voice Choir hit the musical anyone from die hard old Johnny Cash jackpot”; and “ …. they achieved some fans, to newcomers who want to hear the articulate phrasing, as well as beautifully real deal.” controlled harmonies and dynamics”. The Choir, now in its 44th year, numbers Dave Roe: Bassist with Johnny Cash & The 45 members and produces a unique and Tennessee Three – 1991-2003 uplifting sound, not to be missed. Tickets: £16, £15 conc. The Sweeting Swing Band, traditionally a nine-piece group, was founded in 1987 by Phil Sweeting. The core of the Band’s musical catalogue comprises 1940s Big Band classics, but these are supplemented by traditional dances

Tickets: £12, £10 conc. Family Ticket £32.50 4 braintreeartstheatre.com facebook.com/braintreeartstheatre

LIVE MUSIC

BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY Featuring The Eastcoast Boys Celebrating the music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons 16 May, 7.30pm

The Eastcoast Boys are coming to Braintree!

If you have seen this show before you won’t need reminding that this is one of the best nights of the year. Now with a few new songs and one or two more surprises!

This great feel-good show features four phenomenal singers and a fantastic live band recreating the iconic sound of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Lots of fun… and dancing in the aisles encouraged!!

If you enjoyed Jersey Boys, then you’ll LOVE this show!

Frankie Valli & the Seasons had a string of hits beginning with the classic number one, Sherry in 1962. After a further run of hits, My Eyes Adored You hit number one on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1975 followed by the theme song from the 1978 film Grease, which also went to number one.

This fantastic show features many well known hits from both sides of the Atlantic: ‘Sherry’, ‘Grease Is The Word’, ‘Bye Bye Baby’, ‘Beggin’, ‘Silence is Golden’, ‘Working My Way Back to You’ ‘December 63 (Oh What a Night)’, plus many, many more…. A night not to be missed.

Tickets: £18, £16.50 conc. box office: 01376 556 354 5 twitter.com/BATheatre

LIVE MUSIC

Kai McKenzie: The World’s Simon & Garfunkel – Through Leading Tribute to Michael the Years Bublé 22 May, 7:30pm 13 June, 7:30pm

Kai McKenzie is undoubtedly the UK’s most Written and Performed by Bookends authentic representation of Michael Bublé Following a sell-out run at the Edinburgh With a great range, powerful delivery and Festival Fringe, receiving 4 stars from a rich, mature, silky tone, Kai continues to Broadway Baby, the show is a moving and wow audiences worldwide with his near powerful live performance and multimedia identical vocals. show that takes a chronological journey through the friendship and career of Simon Featuring such favourites as ‘Cry Me & Garfunkel. A River’, ‘Home’, ‘Feeling Good’ and ‘Haven’t Met You Yet’ and including songs Following a BBC Radio tour the show was from his latest #1 album To Be Loved, hear describe as a “must see” with Bookends Kai’s Bublé experience for yourself and being labelled as the most authentic prepare to be amazed by an evening of sounding tribute to the music of the the best in swinging entertainment. American Simon & Garfunkel.

Kai recently had the honour of singing with Opening at the start of their career and Michael Bublé at the O2 in London. ending at the much publicised breakup the show features hits such as The Sound of Kai is also an award winning producer; Silence, Mrs. Robinson, The Boxer and the achieving a platinum disc award from Walt unforgettable Bridge Over Troubled Water. Disney Records in 2009.

“I HAVE WATCHED ALL YOUR VIDEOS WITH Tickets: £14, £12 conc. MY MUM, IT’S SO COOL!” – Michael Bublé

Tickets: £18, £16.50 conc.

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LIVE MUSIC

Peter Howarth: Unplugged Purple Zeppelin: The Ultimate Rock Tribute Show!

20 June, 7:30pm 18 July, 7:30pm

Peter is The Hollies’ lead singer, a long time Purple Zeppelin are proud to pay tribute singer and guitarist with Cliff Richard and to the two greatest Rock Bands of all time, star of the London West End Show, The Roy Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin. Orbison Story Many years have passed since the last An intimate solo UNPLUGGED performance UK gigs from the classic line-ups of both and a rare opportunity to experience bands. Whether you were lucky enough to Peter’s amazing vocal talent and superb have seen the originals live or not, Purple acoustic guitar arrangements of THE Zeppelin will take you back to the magic, HOLLIES, CLIFF RICHARD and ROY ORBISON the excitement and the sheer raw energy hits, including: He Ain’t Heavy He’s My generated by those incredible musicians. Brother, , , Devil Woman, Carrie, Pretty In a “full on” two and a half hour show Woman, Blue Bayou and more. With special you’ll hear more than 30 classic songs – guest, the popular singer/songwriter, basically THE BEST BITS, ALL OF THE TIME! Michael Armstrong, performing a selection of his own compositions, plus songs by Purple Zeppelin are four talented and artists who inspire him. versatile musicians with decades of playing between them, comprising thousands of sessions and gigs both in the UK and Tickets: £14, £12 conc. overseas, selling out venues up and down the country. However, this is much more than just a great band performing all the ‘Greatest Hits’ - it’s a theatrical insight into these two giants of rock, complete with special effects, onstage ‘artistic differences’ and even some audience participation!

Tickets: £16, £14 conc. box office: 01376 556 354 7 twitter.com/BATheatre

CABARET

Transparency 13 Febuary, 7:30pm

What were you thinking before you started reading this?

What if we told you that we already knew?

Join professional Mentalists Jack Blackbourn and Luke Ensey for an evening like no other. An insight into the workings of the human mind.

Interested, intrigued?

We told you we know what you’re thinking......

Welcome to Transparency

Tickets: £10, £8 conc. 8 braintreeartstheatre.com facebook.com/braintreeartstheatre twitter.com/BATheatre

STAND UP

box office: 01376 556 354 braintreeartstheatre.com 9 twitter.com/BATheatre

STAND UP

Patrick Monahan Adventures In Monahan Land. 11 April 2015, 8pm

Energetically witty, charming family show from the Irish/Iranian festival favourite renowned for his superb anecdotes. Playful audience interaction. Recently seen on ITV’s ‘SPLASH!’, ‘FAKE REACTION’ and CELEBRITY SQUARES’.

‘An adventure through the strange and hilarious products of his mind’. ***** Broadwaybaby

‘Hilarious without being outrageous’ ***** 3 Weeks

‘There isn’t a comic quite like him’ *****New Current

‘The same mix of control and on-stage charisma as a young Alan Davies **** The Herald

Tickets: £12, £10 Conc.

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COMEDY THEATRE

Bleak House 6 March, 7:30pm

Join The Pantaloons Theatre Company for a fog-filled adventure in Victorian London.

When a dead body is discovered in Mr Krook’s Rag-and-Bone shop, a web of mysteries starts to untangle, with far-reaching consequences. Hilarious, tragic and romantic by turns, Dickens’ darkly comic masterpiece is retold by The Pantaloons in their own inimitable style.

A company of five actor-musicians bring the novel’s cast of over 50 characters to life in a thrilling tale of love, skulduggery and spontaneous combustion...

“Part alternative rock band, part thespian, part performance art, the result is wholly charming.” (The Times)

Tickets: £10, £8 Conc. box office: 01376 556 354 11 twitter.com/BATheatre

THEATRE

Teechers By John Godber Directed by Adrian McDougall

7 Febuary, 7.30pm

Blackeyed Theatre revives its highly-acclaimed production of John Godber’s classic comedy about life at a modern comprehensive for Mr Nixon, an unsuspecting new drama teacher. Fast-moving, inventive and highly entertaining, Teechers brings to life an array of terrifying teachers and hopeless pupils through the unique eyes of Salty, Gail and Hobby; three Year 11 students about to leave school for good.

Will Mr Nixon abandon his students for a green and pleasant private school? Who puts the bounce in Miss Prime, the PE teacher? Will Mrs Parry ever find her Koko? And why does everyone smell of spring onions?

Brought back to the stage by highly acclaimed Blackeyed Theatre with high energy, break-neck comedy and breathtaking ensemble performances, Teechers is a modern classic with something vital to say about education for the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’.

Tickets: £12, £10 conc.

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THEATRE

Above Bored The Unremarkable Death of Marilyn Monroe

5 March, 7:30pm 24 April, 7:30pm

A police interrogation room. A woman From Dyad Productions (Female Gothic, has been detained for questioning after Austen’s Women, I, Elizabeth, The Diaries of her boss is found dead in suspicious Adam and Eve). circumstances. In a room down the hall, her colleague also awaits an interview. Just Monroe as we’ve never seen her before: routine questions. Just routine. But what if alone in her bedroom, in dressing gown the monotony of routine was responsible for and slippers; no glitz, no glamour, no masks. pushing one of them over the edge? When Overdosed on pills, the woman behind does bored become bored to death? After the icon unravels her remarkable life and all, perhaps it’s not unusual for employees bares all, revealing a biting intelligence, a of an adhesive supply company to feel a frustrated talent and an imperfect body. little … stuck. This stark confessional (DiMaggio, Gable, Miller, her mother – it’s all here) offers a radical interpretation of this Hollywood Above Bored is the third show by Cornish legend and leads us, in real time, to the company ‘Owdyado Theatre, directed by very moment of her death. Simon Harvey (Kneehigh, o-region) Written and directed by Elton Townend Suggested audience age: 15 plus (Contains Jones. some strong language)

Tickets: £10, £8 conc. Tickets: £10, £8 conc.

box office: 01376 556 354 braintreeartstheatre.com13 twitter.com/BATheatre

FAMILY

Singalonga Productions are delighted to announce that Disney’s Frozen is the new Singalonga must see! A screening of Disney’s Frozen with lyrics on screen to help you sing along with Elsa and Anna. Introduced by a live host who will show you how to use your interactive fun pack and judge the fancy dress competition then just sit back and ‘Let it Go’! YOU the audience can be the stars!

Remember to dress up as your favourite character for the fancy dress parade and be a Snow Queen for the day or Olaf the snowman, the coolest iceman ever! 28 March, 11am & 3pm It’s the most popular comedy adventure to hit the big screen this year and, with the fairydust Tickets: £15, £10 Child of Singalonga added, you are guaranteed a £46, 2 Adults & 2 Children great time. Come on an epic journey to find Anna’s £33, 1 Adult & 2 Children sister Elsa, the Snow Queen and put an end to her icy spell.

Sooooo ‘do you wanna build a snowman…..?’

Age recommendation: 5+ years

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FAMILY

The Wind in the Willows Hugless Douglas

21 March, 2:30pm 1 April, 11:30am & 2:30pm

Award-nominated Immersion Theatre and Hugless Douglas is a huggable, lovable the critically-acclaimed Cambridge Touring young brown bear who wakes up one Theatre join forces to present a spectacular morning in need of a hug. He tries to musical adaptation of the classic, “The find the perfect one, but none of them Wind in the Willows”. seem quite right. After all, there are so many different hugs to choose from. But Join the boat-loving Ratty, the sensible Douglas soon discovers that there’s only yet curious Mole, wise old Badger and one hug that will do - a big bear hug from the fantastically irrepressible Toad as they his mum! embark on the adventure of a lifetime culminating in a colourful battle with a pair Blunderbus is proud to present this of pick-pocketing weasels to save Toad delightful new show which comes to life Hall! with an irresistible blend of music, puppetry and high energy storytelling. Eye-catchingly elaborate costumes, toe-tapping music and larger than Little Cubs aged 3 - 7 years old will love life characters promise to capture the this heartwarming tale, but grown-up imagination of the youngest of audience bears will have lots of fun, too. members whilst the sheer nostalgic charm of this beloved story is guaranteed to take Join Douglas in this happy new show, full older generations on a glorious trip down of laughter, sing along songs and plenty of the riverbank onto memory lane. opportunities to join in!

The perfect treat for all the family! “Storytelling for young hearts and minds!” The List Tickets: £10, £8 conc. Tickets: £8, £5 conc. Family Ticket £32 Family Ticket £20 box office: 01376 556 354 15 twitter.com/BATheatre

FAMILY

The Case of the Curious My Pet Monster and Me Suitcase

8 April, 2:30pm 28 May, 11:30am & 2:30pm

At a small rural train station three people Sophie has always wanted a pet, - a furry arrive separately on the platform, waiting little friend to call her own. But she’s not to alight on the next train. Strangely, they allowed a hamster, because they are far all have the same suitcase. too small. She won’t be getting a kitten, because Dad’s got an allergy. She’s Time ticks by, the old tanoy announces the certainly not having a dog, because they train is delayed and the longer the three bark and dribble, and make far too much characters remain on the train station, mess. the more they start to experience rather unusual events. Mum would go mad!

Potty old porters, waitresses serving the One day, Sophie sets off to the shops and world’s worst sandwiches and the never buys herself something very special, - a ending lost and found department are only baby monster. A very BIG baby monster! the start of the adventure. As suitcases get But, this is when the trouble begins… muddled, we find ourselves immersed in a quest to discover who the three passengers Blunderbus is proud to present this monster may be and what they are up to. A show of a show which bursts to life with an bursting with fun and visual fantasy, waiting irresistible blend of music, puppetry and for a train will never be the same. high energy storytelling.

Little monsters aged 3 – 7, (and their Tickets: £8, £5 conc. grown-ups) will love this funny, heart-warming tale. Family Ticket £20 Tickets: £8, £5 conc. Family Ticket £20

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COMMUNITY

Macmillan Cancer Support Fundraising Evening An Evening with Ronnie Buckingham

12 March, 7.30pm

The Braintree Fundraising group for Macmillan Cancer Support would like to invite you to a night with Ronnie Buckingham.

Ronnie Buckingham is an acclaimed International celebrity medium. His unbelievable accuracy has made him one of the most successful mediums of our time, with both the media and private readings alike. There is an 11 month waiting list for private readings with Ronnie! Ronnie has appeared in a number of TV shows including 15 episodes of Mystic Challenge, The Grave of Robin Hood, Kilroy, RI:SE and numerous magazine articles in national and local papers such as Chat, Spirit & Destiny, and was selected by Universal film to be the medium to promote the DVD releases of the Demi Moore, Patrick Swayze film ‘Ghost’ .

Ronnie also has his own show on www.myspiritradio.com

Tickets: £12.50 each box office: 01376 556 354 17 twitter.com/BATheatre

BOOKING INFORMATION Box Office Accessibility

Opening Times (phone & walk-in) All areas in the building are fully accessible. Wheelchair spaces are available for our Monday-Friday 11am - 4pm performances so please let the box office Saturday 2 hours before know in advance if you wish to book one. scheduled performances Sunday Closed Cards Payment can be made by MasterCard, Phone Number Switch and Visa either in person, over the telephone and online. Please note there 01376 556 354 is a 50p charge per transaction for this service. Online

You can book your tickets online 24 hours a Cheques day at www.braintreeartstheatre.com Cheques should be made payable to Address Notley High School & Braintree Sixth Form.

Braintree Arts Theatre, Notley Road, Postage Braintree, CM7 1WY Tickets can also be posted out to you at a cost of 50p. Concessions Seating plan These are available on some shows for audience members over 60, students (NUS), children under 16, registered disabled patrons, Essex Carers Discount Card holders and registered unemployed. (Please bring proof of status when making your booking.) This does vary from show to show, so please do check with the box office when booking your tickets. Children under 18 months

Unfortunately we are unable to admit babes in arms. A ticket must be purchased for each individual, including young children. Refunds

Tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged once purchased, so please check that you are booking for the event that you wish to attend. Refunds will only be given if the show has been cancelled. We will try our very best to resell your tickets if the event is sold out.

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Finding us TRAVEL INFORMATION By car

Braintree Arts Theatre is located at the Notley High School & Braintree Sixth Form Campus on Notley Road, Braintree. Free parking is available at the theatre for approximately 250 cars and several coaches. Please see our website www.braintreeartstheatre.com for detailed instructions of how to get here if you are using a satnav. By bus

The number 21/21A bus stops and departs from the bus stop just outside of the theatre grounds. For times and destinations of these buses, please see our website. By train

The nearest train station to Braintree Arts Theatre is Braintree Railway Station, about 25 minutes walk away, situated on Station Approach.

Map

box office: 01376 556 354 19 twitter.com/BATheatre

FACILITIES

Café 6

With its warm and inviting environment, Café 6 is the perfect meeting point for a relaxed pre-show drink, cup of tea or cup of coffee and a cake. Our fully stocked bar offers a variety of wines, spirits, largers, ciders and local real ales.

The café bar is open 45 minutes before the start of the performance and during the interval.

Venue Hire

Our modern venue can hold up to 300 people in the main auditorium which has full projection and AV facilities. We also have several smaller seminar rooms each housing their own dedicated media facilities.

Situated on the outskirts of Braintree, Braintree Arts Theatre has free parking for 250 vehicles, with six dedicated disabled parking bays. Wheelchair access is also provided throughout the building. We are proud to offer all visiting companies and hirers free WI-FI.

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EVENTS DIARY February Show Page Sat 7 Feb Teechers 12 Fri 13 Feb Transparency 8 Fri 20 feb Comedy Night 9 March Thurs 5 Mar Above Bored 13 Fri 6 Mar Bleak House 11 Thurs 12 Mar MacMillian Fundraiser: Ronnie Buckingham 17 Fri 13 Mar Voodoo Room 3 Fri 20 Mar Comedy Night 9 Sat 21 Mar Wind in the Willows 15 Thur 26 Mar A Night of Dirty Dancing 2 Sat 28 Mar Sing-a-long-a Frozen 14 April Wed 1 April Hugless Douglas 15 Wed 8 April The Case of the Curious Suitcase 16 Sat 11 April Patrick Monahan 10 Fri 17 April Comedy Night 9 Fri 24 April The Unremarkable Death of Marilyn Monroe 13 Sat 25 April Johnny Cash Revisited 4 May Sat 9 May Braintree Male Voice Choir 4 Sat 16 May Big Girls Don’t Cry 5 Thur 21 May Comedy Night 9 Sat 22 May Kai McKenzie - Michael Bublé Tribute 6 Thur 28 May My Pet Monster and Me 16 June Sat 13 June Simon & Garfunkel: Through the Years - Bookends 6 Fri 19 June Comedy Night 9 Sat 20 June Peter Howarth Unplugged 7 July Fri 17 July Comedy Night 9 Sat 18 July Purple Zeppelin 7

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