We have loads of great shows, gigs and films coming up throughout the month so we asked some of our staff what they’re particularly looking forward to.
This month, Ruth Williams (Box Office Assistant) and Nick Wesson (Marketing & Press Officer) have picked out some events that have caught their eye.
Ruth Williams – Box Office Assistant
Penguinpig
Sat 5 May 11.30am & 2.30pm
Before I worked on Box Office I used to usher a lot of children’s shows, I had a little puppet friend who used to help me out so I’ve always loved shows with puppets. I watched the trailer for this and it just looks so sweet and charming. The interactive parts with singing and dancing look like a lot of fun for a Saturday afternoon.
An American in Paris – The Musical
Wed 16 May 7pm
The musical received so many five star reviews that it’s going to be really good to see this screened in our cinema. The film is wonderful with Gene Kelly at the peak of his powers. The dream sequence finale is not just an incredible dance set piece but also an amazing achievement visually with references to Rousseau and Renoir. It’s going be very interesting to see how they brought all the style and emotion of Paris to the stage. If you liked La La Land, come and see the story that inspired its whole tone and aesthetic. The musical’s run ended in the West End in January so this could be one of the last chances to see it.
Nuketown
Thu 24 May 7pm
Jack Dean has brought this show to ARC before and I’m really interested to see how it’s developed. It’s such a fascinating concept and it’s great to see an artist bringing a show with such scope and vision. Plus it’s interactive, so you get to join in with the Lego building too!
Nick Wesson – Marketing & Press Officer
Tez Ilyas: Teztify
Thu 10 May 8pm
I listen to a lot of Radio 4 (yeah, I know) and Tez’ shows on there last year were hilarious. Fifteen minute bursts of topical, close-to-the-edge humour interspersed with random bouts of silliness. There aren’t many tickets left for this one so I’m glad I got in there early as it’s going to be a great show. If you haven’t seen or heard him before then get on board with this because there’s every chance he’ll be a massive star in the years to come.
John Smith
Fri 11 May 8pm
When I found out that John Smith was playing, I have to admit that I hadn’t heard of him. It’s not the sort of name that stands out but I’ve done my research and, wow. He’s got a beautiful voice and plays the guitar wonderfully well. A quick dip into his back catalogue will show you just how good he is. Have a listen to Great Lakes on YouTube and then tell me you wouldn’t want to see him live. Chills down your spine type stuff. Also, he has lush hair and a quite magnificent beard. What more do you want?
The Songs of Leonard Cohen
Thu 24 May 8pm
This is a celebratory performance of Leonard Cohen songs by a guy called Keith James. A few years ago I was at Musicport festival in Whitby and Keith was doing a tribute show to Nick Drake. In my view, there are some artists that shouldn’t really be messed with and Nick Drake is one of those but Keith was absolutely mesmerising. Treating the songs with respect and love but also weaving in stories in between the songs about the creative process and Drake’s life.
Arguably, there’s even more to say about Leonard Cohen so this should be an absolute treat for those people who are fans already and a great introduction for those that aren’t.