hazlitt theatre whats on spring 2014 web

Spring Season 2014January – May

FAMILYCOMEDYTHEATREMUSICVISUAL ARTSCOMMUNITYDANCEFILM

Box Office: 01622 758611Hazlitt Art Centre: www.hazlittartscentre.co.uk

Great People, Great Place, Great Opportunity

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The Hazlitt Arts Centre is operated by Parkwood Theatres working in partnership with Maidstone Borough Council. Every endeavour is made to ensure that all the information in this publication is correct at the time of going to press. However, it may be necessary to make alterations to the advertised: programme, prices, times, and discounts.

Welcome To A New SeasonWelcome to the Hazlitt Arts Centre’s new season, packed full of exciting shows to lift the heart, energise the soul and most definitely put a little ‘spring’ in your step!

Our Hazlitt Youth Theatre for members aged between 6- 18 yrs is growing from strength to strength and we are pleased to be able to offer another term of fantastic workshops, shows and regular weekly sessions for all aspiring young performers. If you want to improve your confidence, hone your theatrical skills and have fun, then there is no better place to start your journey!

In addition to our popular Ceroc sessions we will be add-ing new classes led by qualified tutors in Zumba and Ballroom to help you ‘keep dancing.’

Don’t forget to keep in touch with all the latest news from the Hazlitt Arts Centre by signing up to receive our e- newsletter on the website, or by following us on Twitter and liking us on Facebook.

Great People, Great Place, Great Opportunity

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ContentsDon’t miss

Forthcoming Events 4-21

Comedy Nights 22

Theatre Trips 23

Groups & Workshops 24

Maidstone Film Society 25

Dance and Coming Soon 26

How to Find Us 27

Calendar 28

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How To BookBook by phone: 01622 758611

Book online: www.hazlittartscentre.co.uk

Book in person:Box Office, The Hazlitt Arts Centre, Earl Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1PL

The Hazlitt Arts Centre Box Office 10am- 5.30pm (Mon- Sat)

Keep in touch with the latest from the Hazlitt Arts Centre

@HACMaidstone

facebook.com/HazlittArtsCentre

The Sooty Show • Tue 15th April

Choose Your Own Documentary • Fri 28th March

Gyles Brandreth • Sat 15th February

The Table • Fri 14th February

Please recycle this brochure after use (or pass it on to a friend)

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AC/DC UK

AC/DC UK captures the onstage magic of one of the highest grossing bands of all time! Playing great AC/DC rock anthems like ‘Highway to Hell’ and ‘Back in Black’, and with an epic rock’n’roll atmosphere, it’s a show not to be missed!

TICKETS: £18 CONCESSIONS: £17

Fri 31st January • 7.30pmHazlitt Theatre

The show that stormed into the finals of Britain’s Got Talent is back flying like a bat out of hell to celebrate an astounding 18 years of shock’n’roll!Inspired by the long lost movie ‘London after Midnight’, the show is packed with murderous twists and turns through 1665 plague ridden London, intermingled with the most daring, bizarre and beautiful circus acts.

Demon dwarfs, dare devils, sword swallowers and hair hangers- join the almighty cast and devil driven rock’n’roll music of Dr Haze and The Interceptors from Hell for a hair-raising night out!

TICKETS: £18CONCESSIONS: £15

Thurs 30th January • 7.30pmHazlitt Theatre

Circus of Horrors

‘Like The Rocky Horror Show on acid’- Amanda Holden

‘Freaking Awesome’- The Sun

‘Completely wowed the audience’- The Daily Mail

Re-Take That

This is the northern hemisphere’s biggest, best and most authentic tribute to one of pop’s greatest bands so get ready for superb sound, dramatic lighting and dynamic dance routines. The show is wall to wall with breathtaking versions of all the greatest hits including: Pray, Million Love Songs, How Deep Is Your Love, Could It Be Magic, It Only Takes A Minute, Babe, Take That Beatles Medley, Back For Good, Everything Changes, Relight My Fire, Shine, Patience, Never Forget, Shame, The Flood and many more. Now also featuring the excellent Peter Owen as Robbie, this amazing band continues to bring the unforgettable magic of Take That to audiences. Catch them while you can - you won’t be disappointed! ‘Brilliant !...the attention to detail is amazing !’ - Jason Orange


Sat 8th February • 7.30pmHazlitt Theatre

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‘Beckett meets Tommy Cooper... Brilliantly Funny’

- Time Out****

The Table

Moses is a cantankerous 2ft high puppet, with a cardboard head, who lives on a table. And he’s got a problem. He is fed up of performing fairy tales and children’s parties- he’s an artist! He’s a serious puppet! So tonight, for one show only, the table is his and he is going to perform an epic story.

Unique and very funny, this is improvised puppetry like you have never seen before. Our table-top philosopher explains the nature of puppetry, has disagreements with his puppeteers, shows off his dancing skills, examines the bible and has an unfortunate mishap with an invisible running machine. Along the way he gains a theatre full of fans who then watch his painful attempts to rescue his show from chaos.

www.blindsummit.com www.housetheatre.org.uk


Fri 14th February • 8pmExchange Studio

‘Blind Summit once again prove that when you’re

working in miniature you don’t have to think small’

- The Guardian****

Fringe First Award Winner 2011Winner of the Grand Prix at Kontrapunkt Festival Poland 2013

Sing-a-long Sounds of Wartime

Featuring all the hits of WW1 & WW2, including The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Dame Vera Lynn, George Formby and Max Bygraves. These acts gave up their time to entertain troops around Europe and keep up morale! This show is a tribute to the people and heroes of Great Britain. Come along for a good old sing song!TICKETS: £13

Thurs 6th February • 7.30pm • Hazlitt Theatre

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Gyles Brandreth: Looking for Happiness

When Gyles Brandreth set out to find the secret of ‘How to be Happy’ he started in Las Vegas and ended up in the psychiatrist’s chair. What he discovered about who gets to be happy and how, plus other useful lessons picked up from Frank Sinatra, Frankie Howerd, and The Queen among others, all of which provide the essence of a unique one-man show that will make you laugh and could change your life.www.gylesbrandreth.net www.oscarwildemurdermysteries.com

TICKETS: £17

Sat 15th February • 8pmHazlitt Theatre

Tomten

When all is quiet on the farm, when everyone is asleep, when the snow covers the ground and stars twinkle in the frosty sky -that’s when Tomten wakes up. He looks after everyone on the farm while they are sleeping. No one has ever seen the Tomten, but sometimes you can see his footprints in the snow. That’s how you know he is real.Tomten has seen generations come, and generations go. But where do they come from, and where do they go? A deep riddle plays on Tomten’s mind…One thing he knows for sure is that spring is coming; soon cows will be grazing in the fields and swallows singing in the trees again.Full of delightful farm characters and Swedish charm, Viktor Rydberg’s well-loved poem is brought to life in a new puppetry show for children 3+.

www.oldsaw.co.uk@_oldsawwww.facebook.com/oldsawtheatre

TICKETS: £8.50 CONCESSIONS: £6.50

Sun 16th February • 2pm & 5pmHazlitt Theatre

‘...a delight for [children] 3+’ -Reviews Gate

‘Hypnotically charming...very talented children’s artists indeed.’ - A Younger Theatre

An Evening of Mediumship

Tony Stockwell

Medium, teacher, author and psychic detective. Tony Stockwell takes every opportunity to develop and demonstrate his mediumistic ability. Reuniting relatives with their departed loved ones, and always striving to push boundaries, Tony wants each message from the other side to be as perfect as possible, to prove beyond doubt that our spirits are eternal and are able to communicate with us.

Spirit communication is part of Tony’s belief though differing opinions exist as to the validity of mediumship.Those attending any demonstration must be aware that Spirit Communication will be attempted and should you choose to attend you will be willing to take part in this experimentwww.msdc.org.uk

Hire - A MSDC event

TICKETS: £18

Wed 19th February8pm • Hazlitt Theatre

Location: Hazlitt Theatre

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The Jungle Book

Riverbank Productions bring Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale to life with an exciting adaptation for families and children aged 4-9. In the Indian jungle, man cub Mowgli, is brought up by wolves and befriends Bhagheera the panther and Baloo the bear. Mowgli must avoid the playful monkeys, Shere Kahn, the dangerous tiger and Kaa the snake. With original catchy, sing -along music, comedy and audience participation, our four talented performers present a show guaranteed to please all ages.


Thurs 20th February • 2.30pmHazlitt Theatre

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Stephen K Amos is: The Spokesman

Fresh from the Edinburgh Festival, Amos is hitting the road with a brand new show for 2013/14 and sharing with the UK the show which has been a smash hit success across Australia and New Zealand!

Expect an evening of fun, warmth, big laughs and audience interaction from the master of feel-good comedy.

Live At The Apollo (BBC1), Have I Got News For You (BBC 1), Life: An Idiots Guide (Radio 4)

Listen out for Series 3 of Life: An Idiot’s Guide – Coming to Radio 4 soon!

TICKETS: £16

Sat 22nd February • 8pm • Hazlitt Theatre

‘It was all fabulous. But it was when riffing with the audience that Amos truly excelled. With a packedvenue ready on his side, Amos drew people into his routines; his finely honed sensibility turned innocent remarks into comedy gold’ – Herald Sun

‘If laughter is the best medicine, then Amos should be prescribed

by the NHS for his formidable

healing powers’– London Evening

Standard.

‘The warmest comic around, able to riff off a crowd and make them feel good about themselves...’ - The Sunday Times

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Just So Stories

In their highly acclaimed production of The Just So Stories, Red Table Theatre brings four of Rudyard Kipling’s best beloved tales to vivid life through discovered play.Four talented young actors use umbrellas, pots, pans, socks, cushions, tennis balls, lampshades, and much more to create fantastical creatures and worlds, leading their audience on an unforgettable interactive and song-filled journey from Pusat Tasek - the Heart of the Sea - to the banks of the great grey-green Limpopo River.


Sun 23rd February • 2.30pmHazlitt Theatre

Miles Jupp

Miles Jupp - actor, writer and comedian - is discussing/ranting/describing: himself, you, domestic imprisonment, fatherhood, having to have opinions, hot drinks, the bloody government, bad balance, housing, ill health, the ageing process, navigation, other people’s pants and, inevitably, a number of other things.Bits of it will be quite mild-mannered, and some of it will probably be a tad on the stroppy side.It’s a man, standing on a stage, facing an audience, talking about some things and ultimately aiming to cover the cost of his white goods.

www.milesjupp.co.uk


Thurs 27th February • 7.30pmHazlitt Theatre

The Bootleg Shadows

For anyone who loves the sounds of the 60’s - and enjoys a few laughs on the way – ‘The Bootleg Shadows’ perform a unique tribute that has audiences humming the tunes and doing the Shadows’ famous ‘walk’ long after they have left the theatre. Remember fantastic hits such as Apache, Dance On, Wonderful Land, Kon-Tiki, Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, FBI, Foot Tapper, Atlantis and many more. ‘The Bootleg Shadows’ bring the unforgettable sound of ‘The Shadows’ back to life with amazing accuracy and attention to detail.

TICKETS: £18 CONCESSIONS: £16.50

Hire- A Bootleg Shadows event

Sat 1st March • 7.30pm • Hazlitt Theatre

‘Someone you could listen to forever on almost any subject’- The British Comedy Guide****

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Following the massive success of ‘Grease’ last year, the Stage Theatre Society is back with this award winning musical comedy. Long before MAD MEN, there was another story of power, sex, ambition, greed…but this one has a better back-beat. J. Pierrepont Finch climbs the corporate ladder by stepping off the ledge from his window-washing job and into the high-powered offices of a company he plans to run in a matter of days. He’ll do it by following the rules of a ‘how-to’ manual, breaking some hearts and stepping on some toes along the way. Show stopping songs and dazzling dance numbers are at the heart of this classic big-time Broadway musical.

Hire- A Stage Theatre Society event

TICKETS: £8.50-£11Group tickets 10+ call 07770 758426

Wed 5th- Sat 8th March • 7.30pm and 2.30pm Saturday MatineeThursday is a signedperformance • Hazlitt Theatre

The Only Way is Downton

Straight from the West End, impressionist Luke Kempner, collides a mimicked account of the world’s most loved period drama, with modern reality show The Only Way is Essex with hilarious results. As celebrities begin appearing at the Abbey, cultures clash and eras pulverize in this brilliant parody. Playing a total of 32 characters, Kempers quick-switching versatility is not to be missed!


‘Remarkable, tour de force one-man show. If this doesn’t prove a wow in Edinburgh and beyond, then I’m Dame Maggie Smith.’- **** Daily Telegraph

‘The energizer bunny of impressionists.’ - The Huffington Post

‘A fine impressionist, giving a splendid display of Downtonry.’ - Stephen Fry

Sat 8th March • 8pmExchange Studio

‘A tightly written and performed mash-up of the

saga with modern TV hits… an affectionate spoof ’

****- Independent on Sunday

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The Reduced Shakespeare Company presents: The Bible:The Complete Word of God (abridged)

The Good Book Just Got Better!Yes, it’s an affectionate, irreverent roller coaster ride from fig leaves to final judgment as the bad boys of abridgement tackle the great theological questions: Did Adam and Eve have navels? Did Moses really look like Charlton Heston? And why isn’t the word ‘phonetic’ spelt the way it sounds?Whether you are Catholic or Protestant, Muslim or Jew, Atheist or Jedi, you will be tickled by the RSC’s romp through old time religion.

‘This is a trio of incredible comedians, blessed with a rare sense of timing and rapport. The laughs come like a flood. Before you finish laughing at the first joke, you find yourself laughing at the next one.’ Ma’ariv News – Jerusalem


Wed 12th March • 7.30pmHazlitt Theatre

Andy Fairweather Low and The Low Riders: Zone-O-Tone UK Tour

Andy Fairweather Low’s pedigree is the stuff rock dreams are made of. He first came to prominence as the lead singer in Amen Corner.Since the early days Andy has gone on to work with Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix,

David Crosby, The Band, Elton John, Roger Waters, Richard and Linda Thompson, Dave Gilmour, The Who, BB King and Joe Cocker to name but a few.Andy and the band return to the Hazlitt Arts Centre at the end of another successful year opening shows for Eric Clapton and promoting the release of their new album Zone-O-ToneThis show is a unique and superlative musical evening. Book early to see the legend with his band The Low Riders Dave Bronze (Bass & Vocals), Paul Beavis (Drums) and Nick Pentelow (Sax & Clarinet).


Sun 9th March • 7.30pm • Hazlitt Theatre

‘It’s wacky! It’s zany! And a little profaney.’- Sister MaryAnne Walsh, Arlington Catholic Herald

Make a Scene Join the Hazlitt Youth Theatre where the spotlight’s on you to grow your talent.

For ages 6-18, HYT is here to develop your confidence, skills, and knowledge for the most exciting industry on earth. Not only will you be led by an industry professional, you will make great friends and produce and perform your very own shows.

There are three HYT terms per year - Spring, Summer and Autumn. Annual Membership Fee (payable once a year) £5, One term’s Fee (HYT Workshops) £60.

Monday and Tuesday5pm- 7pm (11- 14yrs)7.15pm- 9.15pm (14/15- 18yrs

Wednesday and Thursday4pm- 5pm (6-8yrs)5pm- 6.30pm (9-11yrs)

Saturday10am-11am (6-8yrs)11am-12.30pm (9-11yrs)

What are you waiting for? For more information call 01622 686958 or visit www.hazlittartscentre.co.uk

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‘HYT has become one of the most important aspects of my life. Since I joined 6 years ago I have become

a much more confident person. Everyone there is so friendly, and it doesn’t matter what age you are,

everyone enjoys each other’s company. I truly believe I have made my own little family at Hazlitt!’

- Honor Saunders, HYT Member

‘There is nowhere else locally that has given me the great opportunities to perform on stage and in such a professional environment. I love being a

member of HYT, such a brilliant place to be’. - Laura Fawcett, Current Member

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The ELO Experience A tribute to Jeff Lynne & The Electric Light Orchestra

Mr Blue Sky Tour featuring the fabulous ELO Experience. The Official UK No 1 Tribute Show 2013

40 years on, and the music of Jeff Lynne and the Electric Light Orchestra is still regularly played on radio stations throughout the world. This show is currently touring UK theatres bringing these great songs back to the live stage. Currently wowing audiences up and down the country, this show is not to be missed

Read reviews and comments at www.elotribute.com

TICKETS: £20

Fri 14th March • 7.30pmHazlitt Theatre

The Crickettes

Zoe Mcculloch is back with a fabulous new all-girl band The Crickettes. The band is the only all-girl instrumental rock guitar band in the UK. Bringing great instrumentals to new audiences and keeping the legacy of instrumental guitar alive. Relive the nostalgic memories of the 60s when guitar instrumental dominated the charts!

An evening of great music from legendary bands including: The Shadows, The Venture and The Spotnicks plus many more.

Hire- A Crickettes event

TICKETS: £15SPECIAL OFFER: FREE TICKET to under 16s when accompanied by a full paying adult.

Sat 15th March • 7.30pmHazlitt Theatre

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Jesus Christ Superstar

Airbrush Productions bring the epic rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar to the Hazlitt stage by special arrangement with the Really Useful Group. With a multi award-winning rock score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar tells the story of the last 7 days of Jesus of Nazareth. Featuring the hits ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Could We Start Again Please’ and the title song ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, this spectacular show brings to life the most famous story of all time.

Hire- An Airbrush production

TICKETS: £12 WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY £14 FRIDAY & SATURDAYCONCESSIONS: WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY £10,FRIDAY & SATURDAY £12

Wed 19th - Sat 22nd March • 7.30pmHazlitt Theatre

Andrew Lawrence: There is No Escape

As seen on BBC1’s Live At The Apollo, star of his own BBC Radio 4 series How Did We End Up Like This? Andrew Lawrence presents his latest stand-up show of all new material.

‘Anyone who gives this spikily inventive performer the time of day will realise they’re in the presence of an A-list talent.’ The Guardian

www.andrewlawrencecomedy.co.uk www.twitter.com/andrewlawrence


Sat 22nd March • 8pmExchange Studio

‘Few people have caught the irritated, misanthropic mood of the moment better than this supreme misfit; the only wonder is that it’s taking Lawrence so long to become a national institution.’ – The Telegraph

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Old MacDonald Had a Farm - By Steven Lee

Old MacDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O.But Old MacDonald’s animals have gone missing!Can you help a friendly scientist and his amazing time machine get them back for him?

Written especially for parents to enjoy with their children, this fun filled farmyard tale brings to life all the best loved characters from the original nursery rhyme along with a magical medley of games, giggles and sing along songs including Heads, Shoulders Knees and Toes, She’ll Be Coming Round The Mountain and of course Old MacDonald Had A Farm.

‘A brilliant production that adults and older children will love just as much as the young ones’ – The Guide

TICKETS: £10.50CONCESSIONS: £9.50FAMILY OF 4 - £36

Sun 23rd March • 2.30pmHazlitt Theatre

Choose Your Own Documentary

A mysterious diary, a film crew and an incredible true story. Inspired by the Choose Your Own Adventure books of the 1980s, you determine Nathan’s fate in a unique and compelling interactive experience - part stand-up storytelling, part film documentary.By using keypads to vote, every twist and turn is in your hands. With over 1500 paths and multiple endings where will the story lead? Who can help you discover the truth behind the diary’s pages and the identity of its mysterious writer?


Fri 28th March • 8pmExchange Studio

‘PTC productions are fast, slick, colourful, thoroughly entertaining and above all brilliant fun’ – What’s On Stage

‘A deeply moving testimony to the small choices we all make in our lives and the profound effects they can have’ - The Scotsman

Winner: The Scotsman Fringe First Award 2013

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The Willington Players Present Agatha Christie’s: Cards on the Table

Mr Shaitana, a wealthy collector of snuff boxes and other objets d’art, invites Superintendent Battle of Scotland Yard and crime novelist Ariadne Oliver, to a dinner party to view his special collection. As all the guests play bridge after dinner, Shaitana is daringly murdered by someone at the party. Battle sets out to solve the crime, aided of course, by the eager Mrs Oliver, who begins with psychological deductions from the bridge score cards. After many red herrings, skeletons in the cupboard and two more deaths, Battle lays his cards on the table.

‘As a puzzle, this murder mystery constantly teases, frustrates and surprises’ – The Daily Telegraph

Hire - A Willington Players production


Tues 1st - Sat 5th April • 7.30pmHazlitt Theatre

Maidstone Operatic Presents: Half a Sixpence

Half a Sixpence is based on ‘Kipps’ by H G Wells. Set around 1900, and concerned with the English class system, it tells the story of a young drapers’ assistant in Folkestone who suddenly inherits a huge sum of money. Breaking hearts and learning valuable lessons along the way. Join him on his journey to balance greed, happiness and love.

Hire- A Maidstone Operatic production

TICKETS: £12- £16

Mon 7 - Sat 12 April • 7.30pm • Saturday Matinee 2.30pm • Hazlitt Theatre

By arrangement with Samuel French Ltd.

‘This production looks and feels

absolutely right’- Worthing Herald

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Vienna Festival Ballet celebrating their 34th Anniversary presentsSwan Lake Music by Tchaikovsky

Swan Lake is the most popular ballet in the world. It’s the ballet that captures like no other the full range of human emotions - from hope to despair, from terror to tenderness, from melancholy to ecstasy.

One of the best known love stories, performed by the ever popular Vienna Festival Ballet. Lavish costumes, stunning scenery, international stars, and the glorious music from Tchaikovsky make this a night not to be missed.

Hire- A Vienna Festival Ballet event

TICKETS: £20, FAMILY TICKET £67*CONCESSIONS: £17

*2 ADULTS 2 CHILDREN

Sun 13th April • 2pm • Hazlitt Theatre

‘Vienna Festival Ballet, with its talented array of young artistes, ensures you won’t see dancers going through

the motions’- Oxford Times

‘A real treat for the children and a dose of

nostalgia for the parents’ - The Stage

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The Sooty Show 2014

Izzy Wizzy let’s get busy! Direct from Citv, Sooty heads into town in a fabulous new show to delight the entire family. Joining the nation’s favourite bear will be Sweep, Soo and Sooty’s TV Partner Richard Cadell -who will be attempting to keep Sooty from getting up to mischief! Boy will he have his hands full! There’s also a chance to meet Richard and Sooty after the show. A spectacular mix of magic, music and mess - guaranteed giggles for Sooty Fans old and new!

TICKETS: £13 & £11

Tue 15th April • 11am & 2.30pm • Hazlitt Theatre

‘A real treat for the children and a dose of nostalgia for the parents’ - The Stage

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The Hilton Hall Dance Academy Presents: #Dance

#Dance promises to fuse the very best of dance! See ballet, contemporary and tap performed with passion, panache, talent and technique!During the Academy’s long and illustrious history training the very best young dancers, it has brought inspiration and enjoyment together with a unique signature style to a host of audiences.

Hire- A Hilton Hall Academy event

TICKETS: £12

Tickets are available from Hilton Hall Dance Academy on: 01622 755049 (office open from 4pm Mon - Sat). A transaction fee will be charged when paying by Credit/Debit Cards

Thurs 17th- Sat 19th April •7pm, Sat 19 - 3pm Matinee •Hazlitt Theatre

Squashbox Theatre presents: Curious Creatures

Expect to meet curious creatures of all shapes and sizes: from performing fleas, skateboarding snails and gymnastic gerbils to an irritable alligator, an over-excited elephant, and a very intelligent orang-utan!

Using puppets, comedy, slapstick and live music - plus lots of amazing natural history facts - Squashbox Theatre will uncover the mysteries of the animal kingdom.

Suitable for children aged 5+ and their families.

(No animals were harmed in the making of this show. But several puppets were mildly traumatised.)


Sun 20th April • 2.30pmHazlitt Theatre

Our Friends the Enemy

The Western Front, Christmas 1914: lights appear from the German trenches and soldiers meet between the firing lines. The events which follow are the most astounding stories of the Great War told through the eyes of one soldier. Private James Boyce takes us on a magical, haunting journey through the events surrounding the Christmas truce.


Wed 23rd April • 7.30pmExchange Studio

**** ‘A haunting and powerful work’ – The Scottish Daily Mail

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Rock It!

A whirlwind of a night, ROCK IT! is two hours of the greatest Rock n’ Roll hits of the 20th century!

Get ready to experience the ‘time-space continuum,’ as the stars of the past are transported through time and brought back to the future!

Elvis, Eddie, Buddy, Ritchie, Shakey, Cliff, & ‘Billy’ – they’ll all be there filling the evening with their own electric brand of great music!

So, if you’re a fan of Rock ‘n Roll, and if you love these legendary idols of the past, then come and enjoy a fantastic night’s entertainment!


Thursday 14 February 1895 was the triumphant opening night of The Importance of Being Earnest and the

zenith of Oscar Wilde’s career. Less than 100 days later, he found himself a

common prisoner sentenced to two years hard labour.

But what happened during the trials and what did Wilde say? Was he harshly

treated or the author of his own downfall? Using transcripts from the original trials

and Wilde’s own sparkling words, we can feel what it was like to be in the company of a flawed genius - as this less than ideal husband was suddenly reduced to a man

of no importance.

‘The truth is rarely pure and never simple’ - Oscar Wilde


Sat 3rd May • 7.30pmExchange Studio

Sat 26th April • 7.30pm Hazlitt Theatre

Comedy Nights Join us for a season of comedy class

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Mike Gunn, Ivo Graham & Andrew Ryan

Prepare for an evening of wit, disbelief, and side-splitting gags. With an eclectic mix of talent, join the dark and cynical Mike Gynn, the awkward youth Ivo Graham and the charming Irish storyteller Andrew Ryan, for a great comedy gig!

TICKETS: £10

Wed 8th January

Andre Vincent, Ian Cognito & Matt Rees

Comedy veteran Andre Vincent, brings his brash observational humour to the stage! Alongside the loud and brazen Ian Cognito and hilarious newcomer Matt Rees you’ll be holding your sides for a ripper of an evening.

TICKETS: £10

Wed 5th February

James Acaster Marlon Davis & Paul McCaffrey

Described as ‘‘One of the sharpest comic minds to have emerged in recent years’ (The Guardian), James Acaster is here with a whole host of topics to get what they’ve got coming to them! Joined by the charming wit and winning smile of Marlon Davis and Paul McCaffrey’s warm, anecdotal stand-up, you’re sure to have a great evening of comedy genius.

TICKETS: £10

Wed 5th March

Ben Norris, Joe Bor & Sara Pascoe (from Live at the Apollo)

‘A wonderful disgrace of a human being,’ is one of the ways in which Ben Norris has been described. Appearing on shows like Mock the Week and Never Mind the Buzzcocks, he’s sure to have you crying with laughter alongside the hysterically observational Joe Bor and Live at the Apollo star Sara Pascoe.

TICKETS: £10

Wed 2nd April

*Line up may be subject to change*

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The Phantom of The Opera

Far beneath the majesty and splendour of the Paris Opera House, hides the Phantom in a shadowy existence. Shamed by his physical appearance and feared by all, the love he holds for his beautiful protégée Christine Daaé is so strong that even her heart cannot resist. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s mesmerising score along with jaw-dropping scenery and breathtaking special effects, magically combine to bring this tragic love story to life at each performance.

TICKETS: £49.75

Thurs 16th January • Matinee SpecialCoach leaves Hazlitt 12 Noon

Wicked

Climb aboard our broomstick/coach and brighten up these long February nights with a trip to see this spectacular lavish musical. Wicked tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two girls who first meet as sorcery students. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. We guarantee an unforgettable, enchanting experience that is not to be missed!

‘One of The Most Popular West End Musicals Ever’ - Evening Standard

TICKETS: £57

Tues 4th February • Coach leaves Hazlitt 5pm

I Can’t Sing - The X Factor Musical

‘Think You Know The X Factor? Think Again....Irreverent, mischievous and yet strangely touching. Go behind the microphones and under the judges’ desks at the biggest show on earth, as I CAN’T SING! exposes the (allegedly) true story behind The X Factor – a gloriously twisted tale of naked ambition, heartache, hunchbacks and a talking dog.Written by BAFTA award-winning comedian Harry Hill, I Can’t Sing! is co-produced by the patron saint of fame himself, Simon Cowell. What are you waiting for?

TICKETS: £59.50

Thurs 27th March • Coach leaves Hazlitt 5pm

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Groups and Workshops

Hazlitt Writers’ Group

Hazlitt ChoirKeep Calm and Sing!The Hazlitt Choir are a friendly, community choir based at the Hazlitt Arts Centre. We are always on the lookout for new voices to join us on a Wednesday evening when we sing a mixture of musical theatre, light pop and anything else that takes our fancy! No audition necessary – just come along to the Hazlitt and try out your harmonies!For further information please contact Natalie Price:[email protected]

Join other writers with an interest in poetry for monthly sessions geared towards improving your writing technique and confidence.Poetry – second Monday of the monthPlaces are limited for each session so book early.For further information please contact Georgie Grassom: [email protected]

If you are interested in any of the groups of workshops below, please contact us on: 01622 758611TICKETS: £6, SEASON TICKET £20

7.30pm

Hazlitt Arts Centre’s PLAY IN A WEEK half term workshop The Tales of Dr. Seuss

Join us at the Hazlitt Arts Centre for a week-long workshop that will result in a fantastic performance of The Tales of Dr. Seuss. Calling all 6 -10yrs who fancy a trip into the magical world of such characters as The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, the Whos of Whoville and many more besides. Each participant will spend the week rehearsing with a professional director and get to show off their hard work at the end of the week with a magnificent production.

17th-22nd February • 10.30am3.30pm • Performance on Saturday 5pm

TICKETS: £75 (INCLUDES 2 TICKETS TO THE PERFORMANCE)

ADDITIONAL TICKETS: £5 CONTACT THE BOX OFFICE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE: 01622 758611

TICKETS: £40 PER TERM

Membership Prices for 12 films:SINGLE £24 COUPLES £42CONCESSIONS £19

Films start at 8pm on Mondays in the Hazlitt Theatre

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Maidstone Film Society

Amour

Michael Haneke is never afraid to face up to life’s uncomfortable truths and in the award-winning Amour, he turns his lens on growing old and the inevitability of death. Two giants of French cinema, Emanuelle Riva and Jean-Louis Trintingnant play elderly music teachers who find their lives going awry after a seemingly trivial incident. This is a love story, told with compassion, tenderness, and the director’s trademark perceptiveness.

Mon 6th JanuaryFrance/Germany/Austria127 mins • Cert: 12A

Searching for Sugar Man

Sixto Rodriguez was a Detroit construction worker who got into music. In the age old story, he won critical acclaim with his first two LPs, but sales were poor and he rose without trace. All except, that is in South Africa where his anti-establishment lyrics won him a loyal following. This affectionate drama-documentary is about the pilgrimage made by two of his fans to find out what really happened to the one they called Sugar Man.

Mon 27th January Sweden/UK • 86 mins Cert: 12A

The Hunt

In a small Danish village, bad news travels fast, especially when it concerns accusations of child abuse against a teacher. In the blink of an eye, a pillar of the community turns into a villain, shunned by relatives and those he thought were friends. Claustrophobic, powerful, but with a nice line in gallows humour, Thomas Vinterburg’s taut thriller holds the prejudices of ordinary people up to the light, and finds them wanting.

Mon 10th February Denmark • 115 minsCert: 15

Beasts of the Southern Wild

In The Bathtub, things are different. The Bathtub is a semi-flooded area of land that exists offshore of New Orleans, ignored by many and loved only by its inhabitants. In this desolation lives 6-year-old Hushpuppy, a girl with an almost prescient grasp of the natural world. Magical fantasy or post-Katrina allegory? You decide. ‘They think we’re all gonna drown down here. But we ain’t going nowhere.’

Mon 24th FebruaryUSA • 93 minsCert: 12A

No

1988: General Pinochet has ruled Chile as Dictator for fifteen years. The USA insists that the country hold a referendum, which the ruling party think will be a rubber-stamp exercise in a climate of increasing prosperity. The left wing opposition are all for a boycott, but some of them have other ideas. This clever retelling of Chile’s tentative steps towards democracy blends drama and documentary footage to great effect.

Mon 24th March Chile/USA • 118 mins Cert: 15

A Classic Film

A classic film chosen by the members of the society.

Mon 28th April

Hire - Maidstone Film Society Events

Learn to dance with

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CEROC

Join in the unique style which is easy to learn and great fun. Besides this, it’s a fantastic way to keep fit and a very sociable way to spend an evening. One of the other great things about Ceroc is that there’s no need to come with a partner. Our teaching method means everyone changes partners during the class.

Hire- A Ceroc event

PRICE: £8 FOR THE WHOLE EVENING INCLUDING 2 CLASSES AND OVER AN HOUR OF DANCING

Every Thursday: Beginners 8pm, Intermediate Class

8.50pm, Freestyle 9.30-11pm

Dance

The Searchers

When you think of The Searchers you think of the distinctive jangling sound of the twelve string guitar and the rich harmonies embellishing their immaculate vocals which have without doubt assured The Searchers of a lasting place the history of popular music throughout the world. Join the Legendary band and enjoy the huge spectrum of hits you love! Coming Soon!

TICKETS: £19.50 CONCESSIONS: £18.50

Sat 24 May • 7.30pmHazlitt Theatre

The Fureys & Davey Arthur

The FUREYS & Davey Arthur have been entertaining audiences worldwide for 36 years. They are

responsible for some of the most stirring music ever to capture the public imagination with hits like ‘I will love you’, ‘When you were sweet 16’, and ‘The Green

Fields of France’. Their folk / middle-of-the-road based songs and music has received standing ovations in

some of the biggest concert halls in the world. A FUREYS concert is always a night to remember.


Sun 11 May • 7.30pm • Hazlitt Theatre

Coming Soon...

Hazlitt Arts CentreEarl Street

Maidstone ME14 1PL

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Booking and AccessInformationBOOKING FEESIn order to ensure our booking fees are transparent please note the following information:-

A booking fee of £1 will be charged on each ticket, this fee directly supports the running costs of the Hazlitt Arts Centre. Ticket revenue is divided between many different parties and an increase in ticket prices may not necessarily benefit the theatre. By adding a small booking charge we ensure that every penny goes to supporting your theatre and ticket prices are kept to a minimum.

There is a transaction fee of £2 for all purchases.

We are happy to post your tickets out to you for £1 or you can choose to collect them from the box office.

IN PERSON: The Hazlitt Arts Centre, Earl Street Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1PL, Monday - Saturday from 10am- 5.30pm. (Box Office opens 1 hour prior to each performance in the Hazlitt Theatre and 30mins for performances in the Exchange Studio).

BY PHONE: 01622 758611, Monday - Saturday, 10am- 5.30pm

ONLINE: www.hazlittartscentre.co.uk

BY POST: Please indicate performance date, time, price and discounts (if applicable). Please make all cheques and postal orders payable to Parkwood Leisure Ltd. Please include your day and evening telephone number and email address.

METHODS OF PAYMENTCredit/ Debit CardsMastercard, Visa and Debit Cards all welcomePlease bring along the card used for booking.

RESERVATIONSTickets will be held for 7 days after which we reserve the right to release them for sale.

DISCOUNTSAlthough discounts apply in most cases, external promoters may on occasion excludecertain categories. Only one discount may be claimed per ticket.

Children under 16 years old

Over 60 people aged 60 and over

Students people over 16 and in full time education

Unemployed people in receipt of job seeker’s allowance, income support, working tax credit or housing benefit. Confirmation of eligibility may be asked for.

The Hazlitt Arts Centre reserves the right to introduce discounts and other price changes without notice. These will not apply to tickets already purchased before the announcement.

REFUND/EXCHANGE OF TICKETSIn the unlikely event of a performance being cancelled a full refund or exchange will be be offered.

THEATRE TOKENSTheatre Tokens are available for sale from the box office. All tokens are offered in a presentation card. These can not be redeemed against any show advertised as a ‘Hire’ or London Theatre Trips.

FREE MAILING LIST/ EMAIL ALERTSKeep in touch with what’s on at theHazlitt Arts Centre by joining the mailing list at the box office or keep up to date with all the news at www.hazlittartscentre.co.uk

ACCESSThe Hazlitt Arts Centre is committed to make the venue as accessible and enjoyable an experience for all patrons as possible.

DISABLED ACCESSAll our venues are wheelchair accessible and we also have our own wheelchair available for people who need assistance. Guide dogs are most welcome. There are parking bays for people with disabilities sited adjacent to the venue. We also have lift access to all of our venues located in Rose Yard.

Adapted toilet facilities are also available.

The Hazlitt Theatre and Exchange Studio both have an infra red sound enhancement system for use with or without a hearing aid. Please ask a member of the Front of House who will be happy to ensure that you have access to this.

BOOSTER SEATSThe Hazlitt has a limited number of booster seats available on a first come first served basis.

How to find usPARK & RIDELondon Road: (M20 Jnct 5)Sittingbourne Rd: (M20 Jnct 7)Willington Street: (A20 at Bearsted)Mon - Fri 7am - 6.30pmSat 8am - 6.30pm

NATIONAL RAILMaidstone East (nearest), Maidstone West and Maidstone Barracks are all within walking distance.

CARWe are easily accessible from the M20 and M2.

PARKINGAmple parking is available under the Fremlin Walk Shopping Centre (£1.50 for all evening parking from 7pm - 11.30pm). You may exit anytime after 11.30pm, as long as your car park ticket is accepted.

Hazlitt Theatre

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Calendar January 2014 – May 2014

HAZLITT THEATRE EXCHANGE STUDIO

LONDON THEATRE TRIPS

January30th Circus of Horrors31st AC/DC

February5th Comedy Night 14th The Table

February6th Sing-a-long Sounds of Wartime8th Re-Take That15th Gyles Brandreth: Looking for Happiness16th Tomten19th Tony Stockwell- An Evening of Mediumship20th The Jungle Book21st Rat Pack Spectacular22nd Stephen K Amos23rd Just So Stories27th Miles Jupp

March1st The Bootleg Shadows5th-8th How to Succeed in Business Without Really trying9th Andy Fairweather Low12th The Reduced Shakespeare Company14th The ELO Experience15th The Crickettes19th-22nd Jesus Christ Superstar23rd Old MacDonald Had a Farm

April1st-5th Agatha Christie: Cards on the Table7th-12th Half a Sixpence13th Swan Lake15th The Sooty Show17th-19th #Dance20th Curious Creatres26th Rock It!

March5th Comedy Night

8th The Only Way is Downton22nd Andrew Lawrence: There is No Escape28th Choose Your Own Documentary

April2nd Comedy Night 23rd Our Friends the Enemy

May3rd The Trials of Oscar Wilde

January8th Comedy Night

16th January The Phantom of the Opera

4th February Wicked

27th March I Can’t Sing- The X Factor Musical

hazlitt theatre whats on spring 2014 web

Documents