Boris and Santa!

What do Mayor Boris and Santa have in common? Click this link (http://www.freshnetworks.com/blog/2010/12/social-santas-and-christmas-fun/) to find out. Enjoy!

From Mischief to Medicine Cabinets: Spring Season at Laban Theatre

Shake off winter with an exhilarating programme of dance at Laban Theatre this spring. Marvel at the anatomy defying choreography of Wayne McGregor Random Dance, enjoy a spellbinding show for all the family with Theatre-Rites and Arthur Pita’s Mischief, dig deep into your medical cabinets with a thought-provoking new work from dANTE or dIE, and delve into the depths of our justice system with a celebrated production from Jasmin Vardimon Company. There’s also the chance to catch exciting new work by acclaimed artists Angela Woodhouse & Caroline Broadhead, Stephanie Schober and Charles Linehan Company.

Opening the season in true theatrical style, Jasmin Vardimon Company presents Justitia (January 20). Staged on an impressive revolving set in a film-like replay of events, the audience plays witness to a gripping crime story from different perspectives - at the crime scene, in the court house, inside an intimate group therapy room - discovering new realities as a series of secrets unfolds. Performed by a company of nine international dancers, Justitia is punctuated with provocative and insightful humour, treating us to a generous helping of Vardimon’s unique brand of highly acute physical theatre - fiercely athletic, daring and beautifully detailed.

Between (January 24 & 25) is the premiere of a stunning new performance installation by dance artist Angela Woodhouse and Jerwood award winning textile artist Caroline Broadhead, following the success of their critically-acclaimed collaborations Sighted and Sighted 2. Through the interplay of dance, materials and light, Woodhouse and Broadhead generate highly charged and atmospheric audience experiences. Between explores the tension between visual spectacle and the hunger for intimacy. Inhabited by three performers and up to forty viewers who move freely around the space, the work is performed in silence and interrogates what it is to experience dance performance. The work is made in collaboration with performers Stine Nilsen (Co-Artistic Director of Candoco Dance Company), David McCormick (DV8 Physical Theatre, Richard Alston Dance Company) and Martina Conti.

For the perfect half-term treat for all the family, look no further than Mischief (February 19 & 20), the award winning show from renowned children’s theatre company Theatre-Rites and innovative choreographer Arthur Pita. Bursting with energy and fun, it’s a fantastic mix of dance, visual art, puppetry, music, and playful clowning. As multi-coloured lines of foam are transformed into an abstract forest, seven dancers take the audience on a magical journey through a wonderland of colour, shapes and surprises. Accompanied by live music and song, it’s designed to appeal to the over-fives, and adults who haven’t entirely mislaid their inner child! Following two highly successful tours in 2007 and 2009, the Laban Theatre dates give London audiences another chance to be enthralled by this popular show before it tours to Barcelona and New York.

Side Effects (March 1) by dANTE or dIE is a playful new dance theatre piece that dissects our medical histories and urges us to investigate what's in our medicine cabinet. Inspired by the fact that the average UK citizen takes 14,000 pills in a lifetime, Side Effects is performed by five dancers between the ages of 20 and 75 who slide between life threatening illnesses to hangovers, questioning how aware we are of what medicine is, how it works and how it can shape the person you are. Side Effects is a unique collaboration with The School of Pharmacy, developed from a 20 minute piece that the company performed at The Place as part of Resolution! 2010 and The Linbury Studio as part of The Royal Opera House Firsts ’10 Season.

Groundbreaking Wayne McGregor

Random Dance returns to Laban Theatre with its latest feast for the senses, F.A.R. (9 & 10 March). McGregor is one of the most in-demand choreographers of his generation (“If any artist has defined the decade - it’s Wayne McGregor” – The Times) and this is a great chance to catch his work in an intimate setting. Inspired by the controversial Age of Enlightenment, F.A.R. explores an era that first placed ‘a body in question’. Ten incredible dancers confront the distortions, sensuality and feeling of the 18th century’s searing contemporary sensibility to a new, haunting score by the critically-acclaimed composer Ben Frost. Staged in a mesmerising environment of shadow and light, object and film, F.A.R. binds cutting edge design with awe-inspiring choreography.

Stephanie Schober & Dance Company will premiere an intriguing new work that draws inspiration from Tom Johnson's minimalist music composition, Abundant Numbers (16 & 17 March). This will be Schober’s first work with live music, and she has been working with accordionist Camilla Barratt-Due and dancers Keir Patrick and Lise Manavit. Johnson’s composition is based on mathematical principles of accumulating materials, providing a rigorous medium for the performers to share the stage and their materials in surprising ways. The as-yet untitled piece has been commissioned by Laban Theatre and The Garrick Charitable Trust, with support from Arts Council England.

In April, Laban Theatre welcomes Charles Linehan Company with two new works, The Fault Index and The Clearing (April 27). Since 1994, the company has been winning audiences over with its understated style – The Guardian has described Linehan “one of our classiest choreographers”. The Fault Index is a celebration of isolated events - a series of connected and unconnected incidents are presented in a different order for each performance. In The Clearing, slow transformations evolve within a complex weave of interlocking melodies, off-rhythms and beautiful sonorities. Featuring a specially commissioned score by Richard Skelton, The Clearing is performed by four dancers including Linehan’s long-term collaborators Rahel Vonmoos and Greig Cooke.

For information on all Laban Theatre performances and to book tickets, please see www.trinitylaban.ac.uk/labantheatre or call 020 8469 9500.

Trinity Laban Announces Honorary Fellows

Akram Khan MBE, Alan Britten CBE, Anna Jattkowski-Hudson, and Robin Kiel MBE have received Honorary Fellowships from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in recognition of their outstanding efforts and unique contributions to the arts. The awards were presented at the Trinity Laban music graduation ceremony on December 8 in the Old Royal Naval College Chapel in Greenwich.

Akram Khan MBE is one of the most acclaimed choreographers of his generation working in Britain today. Born in London into a family of Bangladeshi origin, he studied with the renowned kathak dancer and teacher Sri Pratap Pawar. In 2000 he launched Akram Khan Dance Company with producer Farooq Chaudhry, which has provided him with a platform for innovation and a diverse range of work through collaboration with artists from other disciplines. Akram Khan Dance Company has performed to packed houses as part of Trinity Laban’s Laban Theatre public performance dance programme.

Alan Britten CBE became the first chair of the English Tourism Council in 1999. A former Trinity College of Music and Trinity Laban board member, he is a trustee of Trinity Laban, and President of the Friends of Aldeburgh Music – the year-round performance centre which supports artists at all stages in their careers by providing inspirational and relaxed spaces in which to create new work.

Trinity Laban alumnus Anna Jattkowski-Hudson currently works as Registrar at Rockford College – an independent liberal arts higher education provider in Illinois, USA. She is a popular figure at Trinity Laban having spent 10 years working at Trinity College of Music and Trinity Laban, first as Curriculum Manager and then as Academic Registrar.

Robin Kiel MBE, who studied the bassoon and composition at Trinity, has been a lifelong advocate for the performing arts. He played a major role in the development and promotion of the Government’s national Music and Dance Scheme which provides exceptionally talented children and young people access to high quality dance and music education through hubs including Trinity Laban’s Centre of Advanced Training and Saturday school Junior Trinity. In 2008, Robin was appointed MBE for his work in this important area of provision for talented young musicians and dancers.

Chairman of the Trinity Laban Board of Governors Sir Robert Scott comments: “We are delighted to welcome Akram, Alan, Anna and Robin as Trinity Laban Honorary Fellows. Each of them stands out for their unique accomplishments in the fields of performing arts and arts education. It is inspirational for our students to see examples of people who have – through vision, dedication and hard work – achieved so much.”

Trinity College London also presented honorary awards under the licence of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance during the graduation ceremony. Professor Charles Alderson was appointed Honorary Fellow (Hon FTCL) for his extensive services to the College and the arts. Robin Popplesdorf and Glyndwr Jones became Honorary Members (Hon TCL) in recognition of their commitment and dedication to the Institution.

This Saturday At Blackheath Halls

SATURDAY 4 DECEMBER 3PM

Aladdin and his mates like mucking about down at the market place. His Mum, Mrs Din, dreams of being more than just a school dinner lady. A TV chef perhaps? Then Aladdin claps eyes on the beautiful Princess Badou and his heart beats to a new tune. At the same time, an enchanting stranger enters his life and promises riches beyond belief - turning the existence of Aladdin and his mum upside down.

Meanwhile at the Palace, the Sultan announces the forthcoming wedding of his daughter Badou to the Grand Vizier's son, Twit.

Can Aladdin win his Princess? Will Mrs Din cook anything eatable? Will the Genie of the Ring get off the loo in time? Shall the Sorcerer gain the upper hand, as well as the biggest? And can the Grand Vizier solve the mystery of that lamp?

Suitable for ages 5 - 11 years

TICKETS £7

Do something different this Christmas

Christmas Star Party

The Christmas star party at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich offers a unique festive experience for families. The programme includes Christmas Stars planetarium show, a chance to look at the Moon through a gigantic telescope, an opportunity to use small telescopes in the Meridian Courtyard and time to stand on the Prime Meridian of the world and take in the amazing view. This includes hot chocolate, mulled wine, mince pies and other festive treats while in the courtyard. Christmas attire or accessories are a must for adults and children alike.

Please note: If adverse weather conditions prevent viewing through the telescopes, an alternative programme will be offered. We are not able to offer refunds under such circumstances.

Location:Royal Observatory Greenwich; Courtyard; 28-inch Telescope; Planetarium

Who's it for?: Family (over-5s); Adults; Young people

Dates:17th Dec 2010 - 18th Dec 2010

Times:17.25, 17.30, 18.45, 18.50

Fee:£20: per person  £70: family ticket*

Event type: The Royal Observatory in Greenwich

Booking: Booking required. Debit / Credit Card only

Online: www.nmm.ac.uk/tickets

(Tel: 020 8312 6608)

The Bookings office is open 10.00-16.00

* Family ticket = 2 adults, 2 children OR 1 adult, 3 children.

GRAMMY AWARD-WINNER IMOGEN HEAP TO PERFORM WITH DOCKLANDS SINFONIA

Love The Earth – featuring Imogen Heap

Friday 3rd December 2010, 7:30pm
St Anne’s Church, Three Colt Street, Limehouse, London E14 7HP

Grammy award-winning singer songwriter Imogen Heap will make a guest appearance at Docklands Sinfonia next concert on Friday December 3rd.

The world-famous artist will conduct the orchestra for the second performance of a groundbreaking new film project called ‘Love The Earth’ (lovetheearthfilm.org). The orchestra was honoured to have been involved in the Love The Earth world premiere at Imogen’s sell-out Royal Albert Hall concert on Friday 5th November. The performance, which was met with a standing ovation from the audience, was also streamed live over the internet in high definition to over 480,000 people worldwide.

Love The Earth is a concept film from Imogen Heap and Thomas Ermacora which involves the crowd-sourcing of video footage to create a nature film. The film will be screened at the concert while Docklands Sinfonia perform the score live under Imogen’s baton.

Spencer Down, Docklands Sinfonia’s founder and musical director, said: “We are honoured and excited that such a phenomenal artist is performing with the orchestra.

“Love The Earth is a breathtaking film. It is a testament to Imogen’s immense talent that she wrote her stunning orchestral score in under three months while performing a world tour.”

Imogen added: “'I adore the Docklands Sinfonia! I'd never conducted in my life and it was a dream come true to conduct my first orchestral piece at the Royal Albert Hall. I was grinning from ear to ear.

“The orchestra will be fond in my heart forever. I am so looking forward to doing it all again at their concert on December 3rd."

Imogen is an innovative and eclectic British musician. Her latest album Ellipse earned her a Grammy (Best Engineered Album) and Ivor Novello award. Her graceful tunes such as her signature track "Hide & Seek" populate movies and TV shows from The O.C. to the Chronicles of Narnia. She is also well-known for her use of the web and social networking to communicate with her loyal fan base.

Docklands Sinfonia, which was only formed in January last year, has already achieved stunning success with a BBC1 performance and a number of sell-out concerts with major classical artists. In June 2010, Docklands Sinfonia was rated as one of London’s top five non-professional orchestras by the respected industry magazine ‘Classical Music’.

Tickets are selling fast for the concert, which takes place at the Hawksmoor-designed St Anne’s church in Limehouse and starts at 7:30pm. The orchestra will also be performing Sibelius Symphony No.2 with conductor Spencer Down.

Tickets, costing £15, can be booked directly from the orchestra’s website at www.docklandssinfonia.co.uk or from the Docklands Sinfonia box office on 07827 568992 or info@docklandssinfonia.co.uk.

MILITARY BAND PLAN LOCAL CAROL CONCERT

Residents of south east London and north east Kent can soon get well and truly into the Christmas spirit with a festive carol concert featuring the renowned Royal Artillery Orchestra. The concert on the evening of Saturday 18 December will take place in the atmospheric setting of Firepower The Royal Artillery Museum in the historic Royal Arsenal, Woolwich. Traditional Christmas carols will be performed and the audience will be welcome to join in or just listen and enjoy the festive entertainment.

The concert will start at 7pm, tickets cost £5 seated, £3 standing and can be pre-booked on 0208 312 7123. The concert will last about 90 minutes and the Museum Cafe Bistro will be open afterwards for seasonal treats and supper - reservations can be made.

Firepower, The Royal Artillery Museum, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, SE18 6ST