Category: Past Perfomances

An Evening with Louis de Bernieres

An Evening with Louis de Bernieres

Friday 12 Jul 2024, 7:30pm

Louis de Bernieres is an internationally acclaimed writer whose novel Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was made into a film.
He is also a talented poet and songwriter

He has written every book he ever intended to write when he started out in the nineties, but probably has a few more left in him. He intends to write more poetry and become more grumpy, reactionary and unreasonable as he gets older. He hopes to meet his end by being shot through the heart by a jealous lover at the age of ninety six

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Earl Okin

Earl Okin

Friday 5 Jul 2024, 7:30pm

Earl Okin is one of the world’s finest Jazz singers. In addition, he is probably the finest performer of Bossa Nova
outside of Brazil.
Though occasionally performing with a trio, he normally performs solo, accompanying himself at the guitar or piano as most appropriate for the song.
Last but not least, he’s renowned for his legendary ‘vocal trumpet’ solos.

Based in London, Earl has given concerts around the world in theatres, clubs and festivals, and regularly performs at London’s premier Jazz Club, Ronnie Scott’s
Over his career, he has worked alongside such legends as Adelaide Hall, Benny Carter, Stephane Grappelly,
Barney Kessel and Dame Cleo Laine among others. To sum him up – the perfect sophisticated Jazz vocal cabaret!

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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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