Norden Farm fights back with strong new season

22nd August 2011

Norden Farm announces its Autumn season, proving why the multi-facility arts centre is invaluable to the community.

The autumn season is shaping up to be one of the best yet, with big names, rising talent, and some innovative new events. The season has been programmed to cement Norden Farm’s status as the premier arts and entertainment provider in Maidenhead and beyond.

Norden Farm will be welcoming some of the top names on the comedy circuit for exclusive warm-up gigs. Acts including Chris Addison and Omid Djalili will perform with us before nationwide tours. The programme also includes rising stars of the comedy scene. James Mullinger grew up in Maidenhead; he has performed with Jimmy Carr and Robin Ince. Canadian stand-up Tom Stade has appeared on Channel 4’s Stand-Up for the Week and Tony Law is known for his off-the-wall style.

The Autumn season sees a wealth of much-loved stars and personalities coming through the doors at Norden Farm. Gyles Brandeth will be recounting the thrills and spills of his political and show business career. BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music DJ Mark Radcliffe presents an evening of acoustic songs and stories. He has most recently been on our TV screens covering Glastonbury for the BBC.

Singer-songwriter Beverley Craven brings a stripped-back set, performing with her saxophonist. She is best known for a string of hits including Promise Me and Holding On.

Norden Farm prides itself on being a family-friendly venue; with a buggy park, children’s menu and books to entertain the little ones. There’s an exciting range of family activities this Half Term. Our engaging family shows include classics Thumbelina and The Elves and the Shoemaker. There are also animation workshops for older children and morning films for parents.

As always, music comes in all genres. Old Sledge are a bluegrass band from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. 24 Pesos are a compelling young blues act. They are influenced by Ray Charles, Howlin Wolf and James Brown.

Violinist Christian Garrick joins the Pendulum Jazz Orchestra. He is one of the top jazz instrumentalists on the scene and has played with artists including Dame Cleo Laine and Dolly Parton. Classical pianist Ashley Fripp plays a programme including Haydn, Rachmaninov and Liszt. He has given solo recitals at prestigious venues such as the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, Wigmore Hall.

Christmas promises to be a very jolly affair at Norden Farm this year. Once again, we are co-producing our Christmas show with theatre company Slot Machine. After last year’s hit show One Snowy Night, they return with the enchanting Miki, based on the book by Stephen Mackey. The winter wonderland adventure stars Miki, Polar Bear and Penguin. It is an inspiring story about friendship and courage.

Comedy is also high on the agenda this Christmas, with our Christmas Comedy Club. The evenings combine a buffet followed by performances from three top comedians, compéred by an MC. Confirmed acts include star of ITV1’s Show Me The Funny Patrick Monahan; Graham Norton’s head writer Jo Caulfield and Sony Award winning James Sherwood. It promises to be a great start to the Christmas festivities.

In another string to its bow, Norden Farm is opening the doors for weddings. Both the Long Barn and the Courtyard Theatre are registered wedding venues. The 18^th century Long Barn is the perfect setting for an intimate ceremony while the Courtyard offers a unique chance to get married on stage.

Other reasons you might visit Norden Farm include our recording facilities, meeting room hire and array of classes for adults and children. New to the Autumn season are Design and Create your own Fascinator, Sunday Morning Yoga and Introduction to Technical Theatre.

Norden Farm hopes to welcome many familiar and new faces from the local area over the next few months for this great new season.

Ends

Notes to editors

An Autumn Harvest of Jazz with the Pendulum Jazz Orchestra (with Christian Garrick) – Friday 30 September 8pm

Omid Djalili – Saturday 1 October 8pm (sold out)

Lunchtime Concert with Ashley Fripp – Sunday 2 October 11.45am

Old Sledge – Tuesday 4 October 8pm

James Mullinger – Friday 7 October 8pm

Beverley Craven – Saturday 8 October 8pm

24Pesos – Friday 14 October 8pm

Thumbelina – Tuesday 25 – Wednesday 26 October 11am and 2.30pm

The Elves and The Shoemaker – Thursday 27 October 11am and 2.30pm