Author: Suzanne Hawkes

Luke Wright JOY

Luke Wright JOY

Thursday 8 May 2025, 7:30pm

Following the smash hit success of his Silver Jubilee show (“the best thing he’s done and that’s saying something.” ★★★★★ Telegraph) Luke Wright returns with a new set poems that get to grips with the idea of JOY. Is it possible, as a 42 year old to feel pure unbridled happiness, and what does it look like?

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Shirley Smart Trio

Shirley Smart Trio

Friday 26 Jul 2024, 7:30pm

Acknowledged as one of the UK’s most versatile and creative cellists, trailblazing cellist and composer Shirley Smart is equally at home and well versed in jazz, folk, Middle Eastern and World Music, as well as classical, and her music draws upon this rich tapestry of influences.
Drawing on a background of 10 years living in Jerusalem and working with the overlapping worlds of jazz, Arabic, Turkish and North African music, her trio brings these influences together in an evening of vibrant melodies, grooves, swing and lively improvisation.

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Take Three Poets

Take Three Poets

Friday 28th June 2024 7:30 pm

A chance to meet three local authors who have all published work  – Virginia Betts, Sophia Michaels & Antony Johae –  and enjoy some of their poetry.
Suzanne Hawkes will be asking some questions and the poets will be performing some of their work. 

Antony Johae (b. 1937 Chiswick, Middlesex) has a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature

Quiet and good natured, Sophia Michaels’s humble upbringing deep in the Suffolk countryside shaped a steely determination to encourage others and make a difference.

Virginia Betts is hugley prolific – at any time working on at least three books while teaching and performing.  She has a diverse way of looking at the world and her work reflects this.

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Inspiration or experience? How to develop your story idea

Inspiration or experience? How to develop your story idea

Sun 30th June 2024 10am – 4pm

Do you have an idea for a story, but don’t know where to start? Or perhaps you’ve begun, but aren’t sure how to continue? This could be the workshop for you!

Orwell Writers will be presenting a fun and informal day for beginners and experienced writers alike.

During the morning we will consider and discuss the basic elements that constitute a good strong story. The first part of the afternoon will be spent writing a short piece to a given prompt. The second part of the afternoon will give the opportunity to read/share work, with focus on discussion and constructive feedback.

Teas/coffees/soft drinks will be available to purchase. Bring your own lunch.

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Martin Newell and the Hosepipe Band

Martin Newell and the Hosepipe Band

Wednesday 26 June 2024, 7:00pm – 9:00pm

This year’s show, as well as featuring the usual Hosepipe Band / Newell stage favourites will include poems from the Hythe Poetry Project.
Some years ago, Martin Newell was commissioned to cover a number of hoardings at Colchester Hythe Station with poetry and other writings. These still remain on display today. The Hythe port area was the historical ‘engine room’ of Colchester. It is an ancient if somewhat unsung area of the city, which prompted what Martin now considers some of his best work. All the poems in the show will by accompanied by original music composed and played by the Hosepipe Band.

In addition to writing poetry and songs, Martin Newell is a regular columnist for the East Anglian Daily Times and has released several volumes of poetry (often in collaboration with the artist James Dodds).

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Quattro Amici

Quattro Amici

Saturday 22nd June 2024 7:30pm

THE WELCOME RETURN OF QUATTRO AMICI 
This acclaimed quartet presents an evening of music to suit all tastes. Natasha Bennett (soprano), Fiona Morris (alto), Gerry Bremner (tenor), and Howard Brooks (bass) perform a selection of beautiful songs from Delibes and Bizet via Gilbert and Sullivan and Cole Porter to Abba, Queen and the Beatles!
Accompanied by Joe Richardson on keyboards

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Paul Higgs – Shades of Miles

Paul Higgs – Shades of Miles

Sunday 16 Jun 2024, 7:30pm

Paul Higgs tribute to Miles Davis
Ace trumpeter Paul Higgs plays with a sublime tone and breathtaking technique. He has performed with Johnny Dankworth, Lulu, Tony Hatch, John Williams, Peggy Lee and Nancy Wilson. He has also performed in major concert venues around the world, and
receives standing ovations on a regular basis.
Paul is renowned for his magical sound and exceptional skill. His great sensitivity, high energy and his own skill as a composer make him a superb proponent of Miles Davis’s music.

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DB-Infusion

DB-Infusion

Saturday 1st June 2024, 7:30PM

Danny Berdichevsky’s Infusion is a dynamic, high-energy instrumental band which blends jazz-rock fusion with elements from Latin, Flamenco, Classical, Middle Eastern and African music to produce a rich, melodic and highly original sound.
DB-Infusion features:
Danny Berdichevsky guitar
Gonzalo Carrera Keys
Alvin Burrell bass
Ollie Usiskin drums

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