The first ever Basingstoke Festival begins today (From Basingstoke Gazette)
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The first ever Basingstoke Festival begins today
12:00am Friday 22nd June 2012 in Leisure
The first ever Basingstoke Festival begins today
Basingstoke Festival
June 22 - July 15
Basingstokefestival.co.uk
@basingstokefestival
THE first ever Basingstoke Festival kicks off today.
It's a packed initial week, full of music, comedy, theatre, creative arts and family events too.
Join the critically acclaimed Proteans for Shakespeare's ultimate battle of the sexes, The Taming of the Shrew on June 22-23. The gloves are off and the heat is on in this wildly funny, fast, furious and swooningly romantic tale of a man, a woman and one heck of a temper!
Once again, The Proteans are praying for a fantastic summer as they present this outdoor production, where you are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy before the show and to stay afterwards to dance under the stars with cast members. Wear comfortable shoes, bring some warm clothes for when the sun goes down, and bring your brolly, just in case it rains!
Proteus will be providing a limited amount of chairs, however we advise audience members to bring their own to guarantee a seat.
The Philharmonia Orchestra return to The Anvil today with a special concert conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen. The orchestra will be joined by the Philharmonia chorus, soprano Kate Royal and mezzo-soprano Monica Groop.
The concert includes Mahler's spectacular Symphony no 2 (Resurrection), and the very first performance of a new piece from young British composer Joseph Phibbs, co-commissioned by Anvil Arts, Rivers to the Sea.
Comedian Phil Kay is on a fantastic triple bill at Central Studio tonight. To be at one of Phil's shows and expect stand-up would be a big mistake. Anything can happen and invariably does!
Phil's comedy is a unique blend of energy, improvisation and leaps of imagination that take his audience on a joyride they'll never forget. Even Phil has no idea what might happen when he unleashes his crazy brand of improvised comedy mayhem. He possesses the rare gift of creating a space where audiences feel like they are kids again, all taking part in a practical joke.
He's joined on the bill by Roger Monkhouse, one of the most original and distinctive acts on the comedy scene, and Sooz Kempner, who was recently named best newcomer at the 2010 UK comedy awards. Tickets are £10.
Fairfields will hold a traditional Indian folk art Rangoli workshop on Saturday, June 23 from 10am - 12.30pm. Rangolis are usually drawn to decorate courtyards, on the floor near the main doorway and walls of Indian houses, and places of worship. This hereditary art is coloured by the artist's own imagination and creativity, culminating into the wonderful designs that dazzle the guests and spectators.
Some of the events taking place in week one
June 22-23 - The Final Test, Haymarket
June 23-4 - junk sculptures, hoola hoop workshops
June 23 - mosaic festival of diversity, serenity summer fayre, rangoli Indian art workshop, Live and Unsigned
June 24 - historic town walk, punch's picnic, summer band concert in Eastrop Park, Pirates of Penzance picnic, vintage festival, Doug MacLeod, Andy Abraham, Girl With the Dragon Tattoo screening
June 25 - jewellery making workshop
June 27 - The Chieftains
Full details are online.