January 2018
A big day out with Peter Rabbit™ at Kew Gardens
15/01/18 15:55 Filed in: What's On
Friday 30 March – Sunday 15 April 2018
Join Peter Rabbit and all his furry friends on a botanical bunny adventure this Easter at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Visitors can expect an exciting activity-packed day out with games, crafts and storytelling inspired by Beatrix Potter’s iconic tales.• First Peter Rabbit themed Easter festival at Kew Gardens
• Activity workshops, games, and crafts
• An interactive trail inspiring children to connect with nature
Children will be delighted by the exquisite illustrated world of Peter Rabbit set against the stunning landscape of Kew Gardens. Spring will be well and truly underway and the Gardens will be filled with the dazzling colour of blooming crocuses, daffodils and magnolias. The Easter extravaganza will celebrate the beauty of nature at Kew and encourage visitors of all ages to explore the wonderful world of fruit, vegetables and other edible plants, whilst learning about how they are grown.
From Kew’s beautiful Secluded Garden, visitors will follow a Peter Rabbit trail to find activity pop-ups for all ages. A trip to Mr McGregor’s potting shed will encourage visitors plant their very own seeds to take home and nurture. Elsewhere, youngsters can choose which Peter Rabbit character they’d like to be for the day and make some fuzzy bunny ears to match.
Around the festival hub, children and adults will also be able to get stuck into all sorts of giant food card games, while the hilarious veggie consequences workshop will offer the chance to create incredible monster vegetables. Special Peter Rabbit selfie boards will offer the chance to take fun souvenir snaps of the day out.
Visitors can also pop into Kew’s incredible Kitchen Garden nearby, to admire the amazing display of colourful fruit and veg grown by Kew’s very own kitchen gardeners.
What’s more, there will be a variety of delicious Easter culinary offerings available at the festival hub, as well as Peter Rabbit gifts and goodies available in the Kew shop.
Gina Koutsika, Head of Visitor Programmes, Events and Exhibitions says: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Penguin Ventures to produce a brand new and truly magical Peter Rabbit™ themed festival at Kew Gardens. I am sure our interactive trail and activities will delight visitors of all ages and will encourage families to learn more about the science behind the fruit and veg that Peter Rabbit so loves to eat.”
Thomas Merrington, Creative Director, Penguin Ventures says: “Peter Rabbit is synonymous with mischief and garden adventures and will be perfectly at home in the beautiful setting of Kew Gardens. We can’t wait to see young fans and their families enjoy the fantastic activities that Kew has planned with Peter this Easter.”
Admission to the festival is included in the general entrance ticket to the Gardens (Adult - £17.00, child - £5.00).
Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in West Sussex, will also be hosting its own Easter festival, Peter Rabbit™ Goes Wild.
Visit www.kew.org and watch out for more information in the coming months.
Beasts, Battles and the Easter Bunny at Penshurst Place and Gardens!
11/01/18 12:07 Filed in: What's On
Winners of the Kent Tourism Award for Best Family Day out
Penshurst Place and Gardens reopens on 10th February, with an action-packed calendar of events in-store for visitors.Families will be happy to hear that lots of their favourite activities are making a return, including bushcraft skills, crafts, storytelling and falconry displays. There are also several exciting new events in the pipeline, including a Junk Orchestra for Father's Day, a mini beast safari with the Kent Wildlife Trust during Glorious Gardens weekend, and a Hands on History event on Armed Forces Day to commemorate WWI. And, of course, there’s plenty to keep children entertained through the school holidays, including an Enchanted Gardens Trail this half-term.
Upcoming events include:
February Half Term
10th – 18th February, 10.30am – dusk
Explore the Enchanted Gardens Trail to discover the magical forest dwellers who have descended from the parkland. Winding through the 11 acres of formal gardens, the trail is sure to delight children and adults alike. Each character along the trail will reveal a clue to help you unlock a hidden message. Can you discover all the clues to solve the puzzle? Visitors will also be able to enjoy all that Penshurst Place has to offer, including the giant adventure playground and Toy Museum.
A Weekend for Mum
10th March, 12noon – 4pm: Children’s crafts & card making
11th March, 12noon – 4pm: Adult Pot Pourri
Children are invited to the Old Coach House on the 10th March for craft making. You’ll be helped to create a beautiful card to show mum just how much you love her. On the 11th, Jan Black is leading an adult craft session, where you’ll make pot pourri and lavender bags to take home.
Elizabeth I and the Armada: Ready the Battle Stations!
Saturday 17th March & Sunday 18th March, All Day
Journey back in time with Penshurst Place! (No time machine required ...) You’ll travel back to the 16th century, where members of staff are preparing for battle! This is a live-action event not to be missed.
The Easter Break
30th Mar – 15th Apr
10.30am – 6pm: Trails
12noon – 4pm: Crafts
The Easter Rabbit’s best springtime friend is hiding in the garden. But who could it be? You’ll need to find the clues on our giant Easter eggs to discover their identity!
April Fools Easter Storytelling
1st April, 1pm, 1.45pm & 2.30pm
It’s not just people who get tricked on April Fools Day! Younger children will love to watch Aardvark Productions’ tale about the Easter Rabbit and the funny prank he fell for.
Most activities are free with admission. Please visit www.penshurstplace.com for more information.
Guildford Shakespeare Company
11/01/18 11:36 Filed in: Theatre
ROMEO & JULIET 3 - 24 February 2018
The award-winning* Guildford Shakespeare Company open 2018 with a site-responsive production of Shakespeare’s ROMEO & JULIET, featuring HARRIET THORPE as the Nurse, staged in Surrey’s largest Georgian church, Holy Trinity Guildford.HARRIET THORPE is one of Britain's best loved actresses, best known for her roles in ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS, THE BRITTAS EMPIRE, FRENCH & SAUNDERS, THE COMIC STRIP, and feature films CALENDAR GIRLS and AB FAB THE MOVIE. Her theatre credits include West End hits WICKED and MAMMA MIA!, as well as numerous appearances at THE NATIONAL THEATRE, most recently in Richard Bean’s GREAT BRITAIN.
GSC, now in their 12th year, specialise in creating visceral and immersive theatre experiences in non-theatre venues. “The nurturing of new audiences for Shakespeare is at the core of our work” continued Co-Founder Matt Pinches, “and this production will be absolutely perfect for that, whether they are young or old; whilst still giving seasoned theatre-goers a very special version of this powerful story”.
Embracing the same period as the church itself (completed in 1764), this production will highlight the beauty of the church’s architecture, bringing the impact of Holy Trinity’s ecclesiastical spirit to the forefront: accentuating the play’s themes of duty, passion and sacrifice. The black and gold Victorian Rood-Screen will be utilised to create Georgian-style cameos whilst also providing the perfect framing for Juliet’s candle lit tomb in front of the alter.
The late-Georgian period was a time when women were beginning to find their own voices in a male-dominated world, with inspirational figures such as Mary Wollstonecraft, Jane Austen and Mary Shelley rising to prominence. “Juliet’s determination to find her own happiness amidst a family dominated by her father, and the strict moral codes of upper-class society, will be given a very powerful voice with this particular setting”.
The title roles will be played RICKY OAKLEY and LUCY PEARSON. Lucy last worked with the company in 2015, playing Alice in their promenade production of Alice in Wonderland, staged to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the book’s publication, and Guildford’s links to Lewis Carroll.
Director/Designer team CHARLOTTE CONQUEST (NATIONAL THEATRE, SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE) and NEIL IRISH (ENO, OPERA HOLLAND PARK, WATERMILL THEATRE) return to the company following their recent collaboration on GSC’s summer 5 STAR The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Joining them are MATT EATON (Sound Designer) and PETER HARRISON (Lighting). Original choral music is composed by MARY MCADAM.
For more information visit >>> www.guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk
Horsham-based Born Free launches Ivory Amnesty
11/01/18 11:02 Filed in: News
Born Free
Following this week's blanket media coverage of Born Free Co-Founder, Virginia McKenna OBE’s, appeal to the Antiques Roadshow to cease featuring ivory items and the BBC’s decision to review its ivory policy, Born Free, the Horsham-based international wildlife conservation charity, has launched an Ivory Amnesty aimed at people who no longer wish to have any ivory items in their possession.Virginia McKenna said: “I am sure there are many thousands of people who have unwanted ivory in their possession. At home, in a cupboard, on the mantelpiece, on a desk, in a drawer? I am also sure that there are many who are uncertain what to do with it.
“It seems clear to me that the government is likely to bring in measures that would make the re-selling of most ivory items in the UK illegal. The possession of ivory artefacts will be permitted, but at Born Free we recognise that many people have ivory they no longer feel comfortable owning and would like someone to take it off their hands. Born Free’s Ivory Amnesty is the answer!”
Born Free is asking members of the public to send in their unwanted ivory, which they guarantee will be destroyed. Born Free promises never to allow the ivory, or any of the ivory it holds in trust, to be sold or traded. The amnesty starts today and will run until 28th February.
Born Free Co-Founder and President Will Travers OBE, said: “If you decide to send us your ivory, we will send you a certificate confirming receipt of your item and acknowledging the important decision that you have made.
“Millions of citizens in the UK and worldwide reject the notion of putting a commercial value on ivory. For them, and for Born Free, the days of trade are over.
If you are one of these people and you have unwanted ivory, join our Ivory Amnesty, make your position clear and, together, let’s consign the ivory trade to history books - where it belongs.”
Ivory items should be sent, preferably by recorded delivery, to: Born Free Foundation, Broadlands Business Campus, Langhurstwood Road, Horsham, RH12 4QP.
For further clarification please email info@bornfree.org.uk.
Will UK Government finally ban wild animal circuses?
11/01/18 10:30 Filed in: News
Animal Defenders International
ADI has welcomed reports today that a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses in England is finally to be progressed by the UK Government. If true, it signifies an end to years of inaction and more than a decade of promises by successive governments, during which ADI has time and again exposed animal suffering.Jan Creamer, President of Animal Defenders International, said: "Animal Defenders International welcomes the reports of government plans to finally put the ban on wild animals in circuses before Parliament. However, we remain cautious after so many broken promises over the years. "When parliamentary time allows" has often, it seems, been code for "it's not going to happen", yet the public wants an end to circus suffering and ADI's evidence has repeatedly shown that circus animals urgently need government action".
Due to the level of cross-party support, the Labour Government first promised to ban wild animals in circuses during the passage of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Following the shocking abuse of three elephants at the Great British Circus in 2009, exposed by ADI, a public consultation on the issue was launched by Defra. The results published in 2010 showed 94.5% supported a ban on wild animal acts and resulted in a commitment from the Labour Government before the General Election resulted in a Coalition Government.
In 2011, ADI exposed the terrible abuse of Anne the elephant at Bobby Roberts Super Circus, leading to backbench MPs demanding a ban, again with cross-party support. ADI’s shocking footage also led to a cruelty conviction for circus owner Bobby Roberts. With a commitment from the Coalition Government in 2012, legislation was drafted the following year but the bill has simply gathered dust. In the 2015 election 98% of MPs stood on a manifesto promise to ban wild animals in circuses. Repeated efforts by backbench MPs to bring in a ban through Private Member’s Bills have been thwarted by just a few MPs.
In 2016, ADI revealed the miserable lives of Thomas Chipperfield’s lions and tigers, caged on the back of a truck and shut behind metal shutters at night and with restricted access to an outdoor exercise during the day. ADI also revealed suffering the same year at the winter quarters of Peter Jolly’s Circus. Appalling overcrowding, fighting between animals, a worker tormenting a camel, animals kept inside for days on end, and failure to comply with government regulations were documented.
Changing attitudes and awareness of animal suffering have seen the number of wild animal circuses in Britain plummet. Only two circuses with wild animals performed in England last year, Circus Mondao and Peter Jolly’s Circus.
Expert analysis of scientific evidence undertaken by Professor Stephen Harris at Bristol University in 2016, and commissioned by the Welsh Government, concluded, “The available scientific evidence indicates that captive wild animals in circuses and other travelling animal shows do not achieve their optimal welfare requirements.” The report stated that “Life for wild animals in travelling circuses…does not appear to constitute either a ‘good life’ or a ‘life worth living’”.
The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) has concluded “there is by no means the possibility that their [wild mammals in traveling circuses’] physiological, mental and social requirements can adequately be met.” while the British Veterinary Association concludes that “The welfare needs of non-domesticated, wild animals cannot be met within a travelling circus - in terms of housing or being able to express normal behaviour.”
Undercover investigations by ADI inside animal circuses in the UK, Europe, US, and South America have lifted the curtain on the abuse that goes on behind the scenes in circuses leading to bans in countries as diverse as Greece, Singapore, Costa Rica, Taiwan and Colombia. In Bolivia and Peru, ADI has completed major enforcement operations, with wildlife officials and police, tracking down every circus and rescuing all the animals – approaching 200 animals were rescued and relocated.
More than 40 countries around the world have introduced prohibitions on animals in circuses to date and opinion polls consistently show that the UK public remains overwhelmingly opposed to wild animal acts, with a high proportion against all animal acts. In November, Ireland introduced regulations prohibiting wild animal acts from 1 January 2018; in December Scotland unanimously voted in favour of legislation to ban and Wales indicated it will work with Defra and the Devolved Administrations to “consider cross-border issues” given the “strong support for a ban” following its consultation on mobile animal exhibits.
Reports of a ban in England come on the day New Jersey votes to become the first US state to ban wild animal acts. Over 80 US jurisdictions in 31 states have taken action to restrict such acts.
Given the constant travel and their temporary nature, circuses cannot provide animals with adequate facilities to keep them physically or psychologically healthy. Welfare is always compromised.
Cézanne - Portraits of Life
02/01/18 11:02 Filed in: What's On
In cinemas nationwide from January 23 2018 - From multi award-winning director Phil Grabsky
EXHIBITION ON SCREEN will welcome in the new year with the release of Cézanne - Portraits of Life, a brand new documentary exploring the life, art and legacy of the “father” of modern art, Paul Cézanne.Described by Picasso and Matisse as “the father of us all” Cézanne is considered one of the greatest artists of all time. Despite this, Cézanne remains somewhat unknown, somewhat misunderstood. Until now: this major new documentary film, Cézanne - Portraits of a Life, reveals the true man.
Produced by EXHIBITION ON SCREEN, the film series dedicated to bringing world class art and artists to cinemas worldwide, Cézanne - Portraits of a Life is based on an exhibition of Cézanne portraits that has travelled from the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, to the National Portrait Gallery in London and finally the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC.
Over his life Cézanne painted almost 1000 paintings, 160 of which were portraits. The exhibition, billed by art critics as ‘once in a lifetime’, brings together - for the first time - fifty of these portraits from private and public collections all around the world.
These portraits provide the backbone to the moving new cinematic film. As well as offering an unprecedented level of insight into the exhibition, the film features interviews with curators, art experts and his great-grandson Philippe Cézanne. The film, shot in 4k, also travels to Cézanne’s home and studio in Provence and by including correspondence from the artist, it successfully sheds new light on the life and work of this hugely influential artist.
For further information and details of screenings, visit exhibitiononscreen.com
