It’s the last two weeks of the Sydenham Arts Festival 2010 Summer Season and additional performances have been added for the popular theatrical production, The Three Musketeers!  Be sure not to miss the swashbuckling action set in the beautiful garden of The Dolphin Pub!

Wednesday 1 (tonight), Thursday 2, Friday 3, Sunday 5*, Wednesday 8*, Thursday 9* and Friday 10* September; 8 pm – The Three Musketeers at The Dolphin. Spontaneous Productions follow up their sell-out shows, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Sherlock Holmes & the Curse of the Werewolf, with this swashbuckling, open-air version of Dumas’ classic.  Performed by a cast of locally-based professional actors, expect swordplay, romance, thrills and intrigue.   Tickets £10/£8 concs.  Not suitable for children under 7.  *Extra dates added due to popular demand.

Tuesday 7 September, 8pm at the Tudor Livesey Hall, Bell Green and Saturday 11 September, 8pm at St John’s Church, Penge – Blitz, presented by Alexandra Carter, with Serge Pachnine (accordion) and Christopher Lucas (actor).  The 70th anniversary of the London Blitz is marked by songs of the era, readings drawn from local contributors and film extracts from the Imperial War Museum archives.  Tickets £8/£5 concs.

Wednesday 8 September, 7.30pm – Barbershop Belles are Upstairs at The Hob. This female à capella vocal quartet perform a wide repertoire covering over five decades of pop, musicals and film music. www.barbershopbelles.com

Box Office:  Kirkdale Bookshop (during shop hours only) (8778 4701) or Book online at www.sydenhamartsfestival.com.

Compiled by Pat Trembath

Just over two weeks to go with our 2010 Summer Season! Featuring a rich variety of entertainment, which has been the trademark of the festival this year.

Wednesday 25, Thursday 26, Friday 27 and Tuesday 31* August; Wednesday 1, Thursday 2, Friday 3 and Sunday 5* September; 8 pm – The Three Musketeers at The Dolphin. Spontaneous Productions follow up their sell-out shows, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Sherlock Holmes & the Curse of the Werewolf, with this swashbuckling, open-air version of Dumas’ classic.  Performed by a cast of locally-based professional actors, expect swordplay, romance, thrills and intrigue.   Tickets £10/£8 concs.  Not suitable for children under 7.  *Extra dates added due to popular demand.

Tuesday 7 September, 8pm at the Tudor Livesey Hall, Bell Green and Saturday 11 September, 8pm at St John’s Church, Penge – Blitz, presented by Alexandra Carter, with Serge Pachnine (accordion) and Christopher Lucas (actor).  The 70^th anniversary of the London Blitz is marked by songs of the era, readings drawn from local contributors and film extracts from the Imperial War Museum archives.  Tickets £8/£5 concs.

Wednesday 8 September, 7.30pm – Barbershop Belles are Upstairs at The Hob. This female à capella vocal quartet perform a wide repertoire covering over five decades of pop, musicals and film music. www.barbershopbelles.com

The exhibition “The Annexe“ by artists Mark Hill and Kate Shipp, an extension of their ‘Recycled House’, continues at Kirkdale Bookshop until the end of August.

Box Office:  Kirkdale Bookshop (during shop hours only) (8778 4701) or Book online at www.sydenhamartsfestival.com.

Compiled by Pat Trembath

The third week of August sees The Search for Love (Upstairs at The Hob) and The Three Musketeers (in the garden of the Dolphin) already in full swing. If you haven’t bought your tickets yet you may miss out on these popular shows, which play to packed audiences…

Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 August, 6.30pm – The Search for Love is Upstairs at the Hob.  After last year’s sell-out success Bottomline Theatre return to the Sydenham Arts Festival, this time with a little magic for all the family!  Inside are the people of the city, the people who live boxed-in in boxes of boxes, boxes that we seldom glimpse and spy into but here we can! Into their haves and have nots, their bits and their bobs… Encounter a world of chitter chatter chokey chukkle choot, a place of fun magic and laughter. Come and join us for an enchanting experience enjoyed by all… They’re waiting… Do you think you’re ready? Tickets £8/£4 concs – family friendly.

Wednesday 18, Thursday 19 and Friday 20 August, 8 pm – The Three Musketeers at The Dolphin.  Spontaneous Productions follow up their sell-out shows, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Sherlock Holmes and the Curse of the Werewolf, with this swashbuckling, open-air version of Dumas’ classic.  Performed by a cast of locally-based professional actors, expect swordplay, romance, thrills and intrigue.  Tickets £10/£8 concs.  Not suitable for children under 7.  (Further performances 25 – 27 August and 1 – 3 September.)

Saturday 21 August – Acoustic Night at the Golden Lion has been cancelled.

Monday 23 August, 2-4 pm – Mothers and Children’s Jewellery-making Workshop at Alhambra Home and Garden.  Make a beaded necklace and matching earrings with the ladies from Bizou.  £35 for mother/daughter includes materials.  To book, contact Alhambra Home and Garden on 3147 6385. For further information visit www.alhambrahome.co.uk.

The exhibition “The Annexe“ by artists Mark Hill and Kate Shipp, an extension of their ‘Recycled House’, continues at Kirkdale Bookshop until the end of August.

Box Office:  Kirkdale Bookshop (8778 4701) or Book online at www.sydenhamartsfestival.com. 

Compiled by Pat Trembath

It’s mid-August and over the next 10 days there is a large variety of events to look forward to and enjoy.  Fingers crossed for fine, warm weather especially for the open-air events taking place during this coming period.

Thursday 12 August, 2 – 6pm – Home Park Family Fun Day presented by Friends of Home Park.  A fun-filled afternoon of arts, organised sports and fun activities for families and young children all within the small but perfectly formed Home Park.  Refreshments will be available. Free event. For further information visit www.homepark.wordpress.com.

Thursday 12 August, 6 – 10.30pm – Immediately following the Family Fun day in Home Park there will be live performance by local acts and a Free Film Show (starting around 8pm) presented by Friends of Home Park and Treasure Films.  For one balmy night only, Home Park will play host to another fabulous open-air cinema film night.  A short film made by local young people will be followed at 9pm by the screening of the blockbuster movie “Fantastic Mr Fox”, a film chosen by the young film makers.  For further information visit www.youtube.com/treasurefilmz.

Thursday 12 August, 7pm – Eugene and the Chairs (Drama Workshop) presented by Green Frog Theatre Company at Sydenham Library.An exciting children’s workshop, exploring physical theatre, lifting, balancing and working without words.  The workshop (suitable for 8-12 year-olds) can be booked through Sydenham Library.  Free event.

Friday 13 August, 7pm – Eugene and the Chairs (Show) presented by Green Frog Theatre Company at Sydenham Library. An innovative, hilarious and sometimes moving new show using an imaginative mixture of physical theatre and European languages.  The show is suitable for all ages – free event, donations invited. 

Saturday 14 August, 7.30 – 11.30pm – Jazz Café with Dancing at Holy Trinity Church Centre, Sydenham Park.  The Autumn Leaves Jazz Band present an evening of entertainment with jazz music and dancing, café food and a licensed bar.  Come dressed in costume if you wish; any decade will do!  Tickets £5 (does not include food or drinks).

Sunday 15 August, 2.30pm and Tuesday 17, Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 August, 6.30pm – The Search for Love is Upstairs at the Hob.  After last year’s sell-out success Bottomline Theatre return to the Sydenham Arts Festival, this time with a little magic for all the family!  Inside are the people of the city, the people who live boxed-in in boxes of boxes, boxes that we seldom glimpse and spy into but here we can! Into their haves and have nots, their bits and their bobs… Encounter a world of chitter chatter chokey chukkle choot, a place of fun magic and laughter. Come and join us for an enchanting experience enjoyed by all… They’re waiting… Do you think you’re ready? Tickets £8/£4 concs – family friendly.

Wednesday 18, Thursday 19, Friday 20 August, 8 pm at The Dolphin – The Three Musketeers.  Spontaneous Productions follow up their sell-out shows, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Sherlock Holmes and the Curse of the Werewolf, with this swashbuckling, open-air version of Dumas’ classic.  Performed by a cast of locally-based professional actors, expect swordplay, romance, thrills and intrigue.   Tickets £10/£8 concs.  Not suitable for children under 7.  (Further performances 25 – 27 August and 1 – 3 September.)

The exhibition “The Annexe“ by artists Mark Hill and Kate Shipp, an extension of their ‘Recycled House’, continues at Kirkdale Bookshop until the end of August.

Box Office:  Kirkdale Bookshop (8778 4701) or Book online at www.sydenhamartsfestival.com.

Compiled by Pat Trembath

With school holidays now in full flow there’s a plethora of events coming up in the next 10 days, with plenty of activities for young people to enjoy and take part in.

Saturday 7 August, 10am – 4pm – Beach at the Bookshop.  Once again the pavement outside Kirkdale Bookshop is transformed into a tropical beach, complete with palm trees and sand, with storytelling for children at 10.30am and 11.30 am and a few surprises!  Free event.

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 August, 11am – midnight – From Jamaica with Love presented by Bickles Banana Tree at The Two Half’s. Come and celebrate Jamaican culture.  Enjoy authentic Jamaican cuisine, participate in or just watch a traditional dance, sport a new hairstyle, or simply observe… no problem!  Free event.

Tuesday 10 August, 2.30 – 4pm – Eugene and the Chairs (Children’s Workshop) presented by Green Frog Theatre Company at Sydenham Library/Home Park (weather permitting). An innovative, hilarious and sometimes moving new show using an imaginative mixture of physical theatre and European languages, an exciting workshop exploring physical theatre, lifting, balancing and working without words.  The Children’s Workshop (free) is suitable for 8 to 12 year olds and can be booked directly through Sydenham Library.

Thursday 12 August, 2 – 6pm – Home Park Family Fun Day presented by Friends of Home Park.  A fun-filled afternoon of arts, organised sports and fun activities for families and young children all within the small but perfectly formed Home Park.  Refreshments will be available. Free event. For further information visit www.homepark.wordpress.com.

Thursday 12 August, 6 – 10.30pm – Immediately following the Family Fun day in Home Park there will be live performance by local acts and a Free Film Show (starting around 8pm) presented by Friends of Home Park and Treasure Films.  For one balmy night only, Home Park will play host to another fabulous open-air cinema film night.  A short film made by local young people will be followed at 9pm by the screening of the blockbuster movie “Fantastic Mr Fox”, a film chosen by the young film makers.  For further information visit www.youtube.com/treasurefilmz.

Thursday 12 and Friday 13 August, 7pm – Eugene and the Chairs (Show) presented by Green Frog Theatre Company at Sydenham Library. For details – see 10 August.  The show is suitable for all ages – free event, donations invited.

Saturday 14 August, 7.30 – 11.30pm – Jazz Café with Dancing at Holy Trinity Church Centre, Sydenham Park.  The Autumn Leaves Jazz Band present an evening of entertainment with jazz music and dancing, café food and a licensed bar.  Come dressed in costume if you wish; any decade will do!  Tickets £5 (does not include food or drinks).

The exhibition “The Annexe“ by artists Mark Hill and Kate Shipp, an extension of their ‘Recycled House’, continues at Kirkdale Bookshop until the end of August.

Box Office:  Kirkdale Bookshop (8778 4701) or Book online at www.sydenhamartsfestival.com.

Compiled by Pat Trembath

As July draws to its close the Sydenham Arts Festival continues into August providing a wide variety of entertainment for all ages.

Thursday 29 July, 8pm – Karl Edrik Memorial Comedy Gig – Upstairs at the Hob.  Karl Edrik – Sydenham legend, ex-lawyer, ex-con, stand up comedian, Bottom in Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Dolphin – sadly passed away in March.  Join his comedy friends for a night to remember! £9/£7 concs.

Friday 30 July, 8pm – Sydenham Unsigned at Tudor Livesey Hall.  Cancelled due to insufficient interest from local musical talent. If you bought tickets for this event, please contact Tudor Livesey Hall (if you bought them from there) otherwise our Box Office (020 8778 4701) to receive a refund for purchased tickets. We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Saturday 31 July, 2 – 6pm – Summer Family Day on the Tudor Livesey Hall Bowling Green presented by Family Disco Dayz.  A fantastic outdoor festival dance party for all the family featuring dance tent with live DJs, choreography and dance games for children, bouncy castle, arts workshops, craft stalls and a chill-out zone.  Refreshments, BBQ and licensed bar.  Extra surprises on the day!  £3.50 (in advance), £5 on the day (non-walking babies FREE).

Saturday 7 August, 10am – 4pm – Beach at the Bookshop.  Once again the pavement outside Kirkdale Bookshop is transformed into a tropical beach, complete with palm trees and sand, with storytelling for children at 10.30am and 11.30 am and a few surprises!  Free event.

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 August, 11am – midnight – From Jamaica with Love at The Two Half’s. Come and celebrate Jamaican culture.  Enjoy authentic Jamaican cuisine, participate in or just watch a traditional dance, sport a new hairstyle, or simply observe… no problem!  Free event.

The exhibition “The Annexe“ by artists Mark Hill and Kate Shipp, an extension of their ‘Recycled House’, continues at Kirkdale Bookshop until the end of August.

Box Office:  Kirkdale Bookshop (8778 4701) or book online at www.sydenhamartsfestival.com

Compiled by Pat Trembath

The last week of July provides local residents with a wide variety of arts events with something for all ages and tastes – including the art exhibitions and the Artists’ Trail, poetry for all ages, and a choice of music and drama.  Rich pickings indeed!

Thursday 22 July, 7.30 – 9.30 pm A Fiesta of Poetry at the Golden Lion.  Come and hear first-class poetry and even read your own (if you wish to read, please turn up at 7 pm).  Hosted by last year’s Festival Poet-in-Residence, Gale Burns, joined by Orlaine Dee and Maggie Sullivan.  £6 adults/£4 concs.

Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 July – a second chance to catch up with some of the artists missed during last weekend’s Visual Arts Trail.  This weekend Havelock Walk Open Studios will also be open 11am – 5pm to provide an opportunity to visit some of the artists in this creative live/work hub which houses many artists producing works in a wide variety of media from painting to photography, sculpture, installation, printmaking, glassworks and ceramics.  See Visual Arts Trail broadsheet for full details, copies of which are available from Libraries and Kirkdale Bookshop.  Free.

Saturday 24 July, 3 – 4.30pm – Children’s Poetry Jamboree at Kirkdale Bookshop.  Come along and read your favourite poem or maybe one you have written.  Gale Burns will also be presenting the prize for the Poetry Competition. Free.

Saturday 24 – Tuesday 27 July, 7.30pm – London Bubble Theatre present The Sirens of Titan in Sydenham Wells Park.  London Bubble returns to Wells Park with The Sirens of Titan, as chosen by its fans!  Enjoy the experience of the best promenade show in South-east London!  Tickets £16/£8 concs  from www.londonbubble.org.uk or at the ‘door’.

Sunday 25 July, 4pm – The Colour of Deception – presented by Bickles Banana Tree Theatre at The Two Half’s. Marcus is an irascible law professor married to Olivia, a sculptress.  Abigail, a mature student, who is recently separated, wants Marcus to know that his wife is having an affair.  She has her reasons…. But Marcus doesn’t seem to care.  He has his reasons, too… Tickets £10 includes a 3-course Jamaican meal.  NB not suitable for children.

Sunday 25 July, 4.30pm – Jazz At The Dulwich Woodhouse.  Enjoy live music and monthly jazz on the last Sunday of the month in the large garden, with BBQ and bar. Check www.dulwichwoodhouse.com for details. Free.

Thursday 29 July, 8pm – Karl Edrik Memorial Comedy Gig – Upstairs at the Hob.  Karl Edrik – Sydenham legend, ex-lawyer, ex-con, stand up comedian, Bottom in Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Dolphin – sadly passed away in March.  Join his comedy friends for a night to remember! £9/£7 concs.

Friday 30 July, 8pm – Sydenham Unsigned at Tudor Livesey Hall.  Cancelled due to insufficient interest from local musical talent. If you bought tickets for this event, please contact Tudor Livesey Hall (if you bought them from there) otherwise our Box Office (020 8778 4701) to receive a refund for purchased tickets. We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Saturday 31 July, 2 – 6pm – Summer Family Day on the Tudor Livesey Hall Bowling Green presented by Family Disco Dayz.  A fantastic outdoor festival dance party for all the family featuring dance tent with live DJs, choreography and dance games for children, bouncy castle, arts workshops, craft stalls and a chill-out zone.  Refreshments, BBQ and licensed bar.  Extra surprises on the day!  £3.50 (in advance), £5 on the day (non-walking babies FREE).

The exhibition “The Annexe“ by artists Mark Hill and Kate Shipp, an extension of their ‘Recycled House’, continues at Kirkdale Bookshop until the end of August.

Box Office:  Kirkdale Bookshop (8778 4701) or book online at www.sydenhamartsfestival.com

Compiled by Pat Trembath

Halfway through the 2010 season, the Sydenham Arts Festival continues to provide a wide selection of events showcasing the amazing variety of arts available locally. This coming weekend is also the start of the Visual Arts Exhibitions and Artists’ Trail.

Thursday 15 July 6-9 pm – Preview: Sisters – a group show of artists focusing on the theme of female identity at Alhambra Home and Garden. Admission Free.

Friday 16 July 7.30 pm – Oh Là Là! – French cabaret songs with chanteuse Alex Carter and accordionist Serge Pachnine at The Dolphin with a special bistro menu bringing a taste of Paris to Sydenham. Tickets £5 (excludes food).

Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 July, 11 am–5 pm – the first weekend of two Visual Arts Trail weekends in Sydenham and Forest Hill. Over 50 artists will be exhibiting their work in various venues including home studios and giving demonstrations, talks and workshops. See the Visual Arts Trail broadsheet, which can be picked up at local libraries and Kirkdale Bookshop, for specific dates, times and locations. Free.

Saturday 17 July, 3–5pm – Children’s Poetry Workshop at Kirkdale Bookshop, an interactive workshop with Orlaine Dee with sad poems, silly poems, happy poems and animal poems. Read and write some poems and play fun games to get your imagination working. Admission £3.

Wednesday 21 July, 7.30 – 8.45 pm – Trio L’Aria, at the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Church, Dacres Road. Love nestled as a nightingale amid the roses – 70 minutes of baroque and contemporary music inspired by nightingales with exciting young performers Marie Louise Werneburg (soprano), Karin Gunther (flute), Frank Schreiber (organ) followed by refreshments. Tickets £5.

Thursday 22 July, 7.30 – 9.30 pm – A Fiesta of Poetry at the Golden Lion. Come and hear first class poetry and even read your own (if you wish to read, please turn up at 7 pm). Hosted by last year’s Festival Poet-in-Residence, Gale Burns, joined by Orlaine Dee and Maggie Sullivan. £6 adults/£4 concs.

Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 July – a second weekend gives everyone another chance to catch up with some of the artists missed during the previous weekend’s Visual Arts Trail. Also this weekend Havelock Walk Open Studios will be open 11am -5pm to provide an opportunity to visit some of the artists in this creative live/work hub which houses many artists producing works in a wide variety of media from painting to photography, sculpture, installation, printmaking, glassworks and ceramics. See Visual Arts Trail broadsheet for full details. Free.

Saturday 24 July, 3–4.30pm – Children’s Poetry Jamboree at Kirkdale Bookshop. Come along and read your favourite poem or maybe one you have written. Gale Burns will also be presenting the prize for the festival poetry competition. Free.

Saturday 24 – Tuesday 27 July, 7.30pm – London Bubble Theatre Company presents The Sirens of Titan in Sydenham Wells Park. London Bubble returns to Wells Park with The Sirens of Titan, as chosen by its fans! Enjoy the experience of the best promenade show in South-east London! Tickets £16/£8 concs from www.londonbubble.org.uk or at the “door”.

Sunday 25 July, 4pm -The Colour of Deception – presented by Bickles Banana Tree Theatre at The Two Half’s. Marcus is an irascible law professor married to Olivia, a sculptress. Abigail, a mature student, who is recently separated, wants Marcus to know that his wife is having an affair. She has her reasons…. But Marcus doesn’t seem to care. He has his reasons, too… Tickets £10 includes a 3-course Jamaican meal. NB not suitable for children.

Sunday 25 July, 4.30pm – Jazz At The Dulwich Woodhouse. Enjoy live music and monthly jazz on the last Sunday of the month in the large garden, with BBQ and bar. Check www.dulwichwoodhouse.com for details. Free.

Information Item:

The exhibition “The Annexe” by artists Mark Hill and Kate Shipp, an extension of their ‘Recycled House’, continues at Kirkdale Bookshop until the end of August.

Compiled by Pat Trembath

Are you in the mood for walking this weekend? You don’t have to leave town… There is so much art to see while you’re about-and-about in Sydenham in July – see our Artists Trail pages for full information and guides

Festival chat – to be updated