Reap the rewards of the new season with a bumper crop of cultural highlights, tasty treats, back-to-school tips and more!
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SEPTEMBER 2022
Last of the summer wine Up-and-coming vineyards to discover in East Anglia A night less ordinary Incredible staycation destinations for a weekend getaway
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REAP THE REWARDS OF THE NEW SEASON WITH A BUMPER CROP OF CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS, TASTY TREATS, BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIPS AND MORE!
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A change of pace
EDITORIAL Editor in chief Nicola Foley 01223 499459
fter a summer of splashing about at the Lido, frequenting festivals and frolicking by the river, September inevitably brings a gear shift. The nights will draw in, the air will (probably?) cool, the students will return and Cambridge will be gripped by a busy ‘back to school’ energy, as it is every autumn. If you’re already sad to say goodbye to summer, I hope this issue lifts your spirits with news of all the amazing events and exciting openings heading our way in coming weeks. The local culture scene is springing to life, serving up cracking comedy, gigs galore and dynamic theatre – plus Open Cambridge, a celebration of our city’s hidden gems and unique heritage. Kicking off on 9 September, it’s a chance to discover secret nature reserves, majestic libraries, incredible architecture and fascinating stories of the past. Find out more in this month’s Culture Club, from page 7. This month’s Savour & Sip brings news of a Latin American restaurant, a recent addition to the street food scene and a new home for Amélie – one of our favourite indie eateries! Elisha celebrates the arrival of blackberry season, sharing tips for constructing a world-beating crumble, while Miriam heads off on a journey of vinous discovery, meeting the local winemakers putting East Anglia on the map. There’s also interviews with Game of Thrones star Anton Lesser and local author Lorraine Brown to seek out. Enjoy the issue and see you next month!
Cambridge Edition Magazine Bright Publishing Ltd, Bright House, 82 High Street, Sawston, Cambridgeshire CB22 3HJ, 01223 499450, cambsedition.co.uk • All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of the publishers. • Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Cambridge Edition or Bright Publishing Ltd, which do not accept any liability for loss or damage. • Every effort has been made to ensure all information is correct. • Cambridge Edition is a free publication that is distributed in Cambridge and the surrounding area. nicolafoley@bright-publishing.com Assistant editor Miriam Balanescu Editorial assistant Alex Fice Editorial director Roger Payne Chief sub editor Alex Bell Deputy chief sub editor Matthew Winney Sub editor Harriet Williams ADVERTISING Sales director Sam Scott-Smith 01223 499457 samscott-smith@bright-publishing.com Ad manager Maria Francis 01223 492240 mariafrancis@bright-publishing.com CONTRIBUTORS DESIGN & PRODUCTION Senior designer Lucy Woolcomb lucywoolcomb@bright-publishing.com Ad production Man-Wai Wong & Kieran Bitten MANAGING DIRECTORS Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck Mark Box, Charlotte Griffiths, Anna Taylor & Elisha Young
EDITOR IN CHIEF
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Contents
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04 Starters Our favourite Instagram pics of the month, plus brilliant buys from local indies 07 Culture Club Art, theatre, interviews, book picks, cinema hits, street-style portraits and other highlights 35 Enter the Dragon Get ready to mess about by the river, with the return of the Dragon Boat Festival! 37 Charity Spotlight We learn more about the inspiring work of Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust 39 Savour & Sip Incredible East Anglian vineyards, the finest afternoon tea in town – and more 57 Staycations Special In need of R&R? Check out these sensational holiday spots just a stone’s throw away
64 Eco Cambridge Local filmmaker Colin Ramsay tells us about his documentary, Six Inches of Soil 67 Education Edition Our annual back-to-school special, featuring expert insight and practical advice 86 Property After a frantic summer, we take a look at what’s next for the Cambridge housing market 90 Interiors: Trend Report Fancy a fresh look for the new season? Local experts weigh in on the next big trends 97 Edition Loves Gorgeous home accessories to add a touch of pink to your interiors 98 Gardens Anna celebrates her favourite time of year and shares the essential autumn jobs
Illustration by Lucy Woolcomb, inspired by an Instagram photo by @lionadicru_photo
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LOCAL LIFE
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LOCAL LIFE
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THIS MONTH’S MUST-HAVES FROM LOCAL INDIES
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1. The Mini Sophie bag, £385, The Cambridge Satchel Company A new addition to the collection, this leather bag is cute as a button and comes in a range of colours, including blush pink 2. Gold crocodile effect envelope card purse, £14, The Manor Gift Shop Love a bit of bling? This croc-effect metallic purse is a sure-fire winner! 3. Workshop jacket, £260, Laird Hatters A versatile chambray denim jacket from Laird Hatters’ new clothing brand, Laird Utility 4. Noah sweatshirt by Sugarhill, £54, Lilac Rose We love the leopard-print lightning bolt detailing on this sweatshirt – and the lilac is bang on trend, too 5. Blue hand charm earrings, £137, Ark Make a statement with these colourful earrings, handmade in Buenos Aires 6. Nuedvia skirt, £70, Iris & Violet A perfect transitional piece to see you through to autumn, this floaty skirt will pair with a classic T-shirt or cosy knit
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Culture Club
DIVE IN! Artist Ray Young invites you to take the plunge in a fully immersive show like no other, on 22 September (page 9)
INTO THE BLUE calm the waters
AS WE VENTURE INTO A BRAND-NEW SEASON OF SHOWS, EXPECT AQUATIC ACTS, MARVELLOUS MUSIC AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING PERFORMANCES
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CULTURE CLUB Arts & Culture THE MUST-SEE EVENTS AROUND CAMBRIDGE THIS MONTH
14-15 Sep
Waterworks The Junction brings us two water-based productions this month, as part of its new autumn season. Fountain (:) Live combines live dance improvisation, poetry and film within a digitally created watery environment, to represent oceanic passages and the impact of overseas colonisation on Black existences. Featuring dance artists Alexandrina Hemsley, Rickay Hewitt-Martin, Rudzani Moleya and Shahada Nantaba, the work is durational and performed in one-hour loops, exploring tidal cycles of repair, loss, joy and intimacy. The audience is invited to enter and leave the space at any time – dive in on 14 and 15 September. For a fully immersive experience, jump in at the deep end with Bodies on 22 September, a sound and performance installation set in the pool at Abbey Leisure Complex in Cambridge. You’ll be invited to don your swimming gear for a sensory experience of discovery and rest, lasting around 50 minutes. Presented by Ray Young, Bodies continues the artist’s investigation into water as a figure in our conversations on climate justice. junction.co.uk
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SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE On the music scene this month… FOLK If this year’s Cambridge Folk Festival has left you with an appetite for more, then you won’t want to miss the following gigs. Lisa O’Neill comes to the Junction on 17 September, performing a collection of songs that beautifully fuse themes of love, loss and heartache with tales from the past. On 24 September, the Junction’s New Routes series returns for a cabaret-style evening of acoustic, folk and roots, offering the chance to see Aoife Scott, plus Karen Macwhinnie and Friends. At the same venue on 26 September, Siobhan Miller showcases her talent for blending the sounds of indie and alternative with folk and traditional influences. INDIE The Portland has plenty to offer in the way of indie gigs this month, giving centre stage to rising Cambridge-based bands and established international acts alike. On 9 September, Cambridge-born rock group Goldblume return to launch their second album, while on 27 September, Ivor Novello Award-winning artist Scott Matthews addresses universal truths via an expanded sonic palette. Other gigs to look out for at the Portland include Luke Sital-Singh on 29 September, offering tunes from upcoming album Dressing Like a Stranger , followed by Canadian indie-rock group The Dears on 30 September. Also look out for updates on social media from The Blue Moon and Tall Trees for your fix of original alt music. SKA September also sees the return of the Cambridge Ska Festival, with a vibrant line-up that includes Brummie band The Equators, local legends Big 10, fresh faces RudeSix – whose unique blend of feisty female vocals with Ska and Reggae rhythms has seized the attention of older and younger generations – and FrontLine Sound System, featuring DJ Johnny Gunman and guests. Catch them at the Junction on 24 September. JAZZ Saffron Hall hosts Foyer Jazz on 16 September, drawing people in with its winning formula of laid-back vibes, tasty street food and live music – this time from international singer-songwriter Katriona Taylor. Expect powerful melodies, tender lyrics and smoky, soulful vocals from this charismatic and accomplished musician. THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC This month sees an array of melodious offerings – from the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Santtu-Matias Rouvali (above centre), to The Equators (bottom left)
24 Sep
CLASSICAL On 19 September at the Corn Exchange, a world- class show by the Philharmonia Orchestra awaits, with performances of Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No.2 and Sibelius’ Symphony No.2 . On 24 September at West Road Concert Hall, the East Anglia Chamber Orchestra returns to Cambridge for a repertoire of Vaughan Williams and Sibelius, with a stand-out rendition of Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No.2 by Sasha Grynyuk. Finally, on 30 September at Saffron Hall, Recomposed by Matt Richter: Vivaldi – Four Seasons .
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CULTURE CLUB
GABRIELLE: 30 YEARS OF DREAMING 23 OCTOBER 2023, 7.30PM, CAMBRIDGE CORN EXCHANGE, FROM £31.50 A key contributor to the soundtrack of the noughties, Gabrielle comes to Cambridge next autumn.
ALEX FICE FINDS OUT WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS YEAR’S LUCKY DIP OF AMATEUR THEATRE AT THE ADC CAMBRIDGE FESTIVAL OF DRAMA POT-LUCK PERFORMANCES
the festival adjudicator will provide some constructive feedback, sharing what they thought went well, and what could be improved. This year’s eagle-eyed assessor is Nancy Heath, who has worked in theatre as a director and as a secondary school drama teacher. She’ll be keeping the score, following a meticulous marking system. On the final night of the festival, after the second of the two Saturday sessions, awards will be given to the plays that have landed first, second and third place. Prizes will also be handed out for best individual performance, best supporting performance, best technical achievement, best new play and the adjudicator’s award. Anything goes, with the potential for just one of the plays to scoop all eight prizes. What makes the festival so engaging for the audience is that you’re never quite sure what you’re going to watch on any given night. This year’s programme is already available to peruse on the ADC website, but gives very little indication as to what each play is about. “It’s a bit like pot luck; you never quite know what you’re going to get!” says Trish. “We read the plays beforehand, but it’s very much like a fringe festival in the sense that you don’t know how they’re going to be performed or which ones will stand out. “We hope that audiences will be inspired to go and do something new. It’s great if you get somebody who performs a play in a really innovative way. Of course, sometimes it doesn’t work, but most of the time it does.” For more information, visit camdramfest.org.uk , and get your tickets from adctheatre.com
An annual celebration of amateur theatre, Cambridge Festival of Drama has been on the scene for over half a century. The Cambridge Drama Festival, as it was officially known then, was founded in 1969 and took place at the ADC Theatre for its first five years, before moving to the Mumford Theatre at Anglia Ruskin University. Now back at the ADC – a venue that helped launch the careers of Emma Thompson, Rachel Weisz, Tom Hiddleston and other famous faces – the festival runs from 15 to 17 September, spotlighting eight plays performed by actors and drama groups from Cambridgeshire and its surrounding counties. Spread over three days, each set of performances will feature two to three plays composed of just one act. Some are taken from full-length works, while the majority were designed for this compact format. “Over the years, we’ve had some amazing experimental theatre, which you probably wouldn’t be able to see locally as a full-length play – the budget just wouldn’t allow it,” says Trish Peroni, chair of Cambridge Festival of Drama. “I think it’s a real eye-opener for groups if they take advantage; it offers the opportunity to do something they wouldn’t normally, on the main stage, for a commercial audience. “The single-act format is interesting, as it means there’s less time to get the message across,” she notes. “You have to make sure every detail is pertinent, and that the characters develop very quickly – they have to come on stage with all guns blazing.” Each play is interspersed with a 15-minute interval, allowing for a quick set change. At the end of the evening,
17 Sep
GARETH MALONE: SING-ALONG- A-GARETH 8 DECEMBER, 7.30PM, CAMBRIDGE CORN EXCHANGE, FROM £28 This charismatic choir conductor leads a group singalong in an uplifting and collaborative concert.
ADAM KAY: THIS IS GOING TO HURT… MORE 6 NOVEMBER, 7.30PM, CAMBRIDGE CORN EXCHANGE, FROM £28 Comedian and author Adam Kay shares NHS horror stories, with spoof songs and a dose of lethal humour.
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CULTURE CLUB
OPEN CAMBRIDGE
ASTOUNDING INVENTIONS Open Cambridge returns from 9-18 September, offering ten days of free walks,
there’s more to Cambridge University Farm than first meets the eye on an exclusive tour on 10 September, or venture beyond the gates of Magdalene College for a one-off tour of the Pepys Library and Robert Cripps’ Art Collection exhibition on 11 September. If you have a penchant for the peculiar, don’t miss the Green Badge Guide walk – ‘Cambridge, the irrelevant and the irreverent’ – on 11-12 or 17-18 September, which will introduce you to some of Cambridge’s lesser- known characters, as well as unusual facts and stories about the city. Or, if the history of banned books is more your bag, don’t miss the exhibition at the Whipple Library from 12-17 September, which puts a spotlight on tomes that were once kept from the public. “This is just a small selection of what’s on offer,” says Open Cambridge manager Hannah Jackson. “There is such a huge breadth of events that should appeal to residents and tourists alike. I would encourage checking out the programme and booking events as soon as possible, as many get filled up very quickly. We’re very much looking forward to welcoming everyone to this year’s Open Cambridge.” opencambridge.cam.ac.uk
talks, tours and online events aimed at celebrating local history and culture, with a focus on 2022’s theme of ‘Astounding Inventions’. The festival forms part of the national initiative Heritage Open Days, bringing together tens of thousands of volunteers and organisers to host free events in their local community. A hotbed of ingenuity and technical innovation over the centuries, Cambridge is well-placed when it comes to putting the spotlight on groundbreaking inventions created in the UK. To pay homage to this year’s theme, the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Cambridge will hold an event on 15 September that looks at the technologies contributing to global food security, some of which were invented in Cambridge and now play a vital part in ensuring we have food on our plates. There will also be plenty of opportunities to delve behind the scenes and explore places that aren’t often open to the public, such as the Grade I-listed Leper Chapel – one of Cambridge’s oldest buildings – which opens its doors on 18 September. Discover why
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Don’t Miss! FROM THE HISTORICAL, TO THE MUSICAL AND THE LITERARY – ENJOY THESE TOP SHOWS
AN EVENING WITH GRAHAM NORTON 26 September, 7.30pm,
BATTLE OF BRITAIN AIR SHOW 10 & 11 September, 8am-6pm, IWM Duxford, £45
STEPHEN HOUGH 20 September, 7.30pm, The Leys School, £25 A unique opportunity to see world-renowned concert pianist Sir Stephen Hough CBE perform, featuring a repertoire that includes pieces by Debussy, Liszt and more. The event is aimed at inspiring young students, with free entry for under 18s.
Cambridge Corn Exchange, from £28 Join Graham Norton, master of candid commentaries, as he launches his latest novel, Forever Home . He’ll discuss writing and answer questions – with a few anecdotes thrown in!
The 40s will be brought to life at Duxford’s final air show of the summer, with vintage aircraft and stories of RAF Duxford. Expect big bands, living history and loop the loops!
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Cambridge Music Festival Maestro at work TIME TO FACE THE MUSIC: JUSTIN LEE TALKS TO ALEX FICE ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF EXPERIENCING LIVE PERFORMANCES AHEAD OF THIS YEAR’S FESTIVITIES – AND WHAT TREATS LIE IN STORE
Cambridge is a city of music. Whether you’re hitting up the Corn Exchange to see the latest visiting artist, or stepping into one of the colleges to listen to choral evensong in a candlelit chapel, there are opportunities for musical encounters around every corner. “I remember doing some research when I started this role in 2012,” says Justin Lee, director of Cambridge Music Festival (CMF). “I worked out there were over 600 classical concerts happening in Cambridge in one year. About 8-10% were professional, so there’s a lot of amateur and student music-making happening. Cambridge Music Festival aims to add to the higher-quality end of things.” The festival distinguishes itself by offering the chance to hear extraordinary music, performed by artists who are exceptional within their field. There are some huge names to look out for, including pianist Jan Lisiecki, who despite being under 30, has held a major recording contract for over ten years, and has been performing professionally for almost 20. He will play works by Beethoven and Mozart, alongside the Academy of St Martin in the Fields on 30 September. Later in autumn, world- class cellist Steven Isserlis returns to CMF, along with Connie Shih, for a performance of deeply romantic works by Mendelssohn, Chopin and more on 8 November. We can also look forward to appearances by the sensational Sheku Kanneh-Mason, BBC Young Musician Martin James Bartlett and tenor Ben Johnson, winner of the audience prize at the Cardiff Singer of the World in 2013. As well as enticing quality acts, the festival also takes pride in its innovative programming – providing the chance to hear music you might not find anywhere else. One such work is 8 Hands , a highly anticipated performance written for four pianists, with compositions by Bushra El-Turk, Unsuk Chin, Anna Meredith, Graham Fitkin and others. “We like to introduce audiences to music that is slightly unusual, such as 8 Hands , which is really attractive, dramatic and visually impressive to watch,” enthuses Justin.
Another novel addition to the programme is a sound and light projection on the side of the Senate House, accompanied by a pre-recorded rendition of Camille Saint-Saëns’ musical suite, Carnival of the Animals , by the illustrious Kanneh- Mason family. The splendid white walls of the landmark building will be bathed in colour, with animalesque animations by light installation specialists Novak, based on artworks created by local schoolchildren during workshops with artist Hilary Cox Condron. The hope is that these children will have an opportunity to tread its cobbled streets and see their work in shining lights. More broadly, the festival aims to open up seemingly inaccessible spaces. “I walk past colleges and look in through the gates, and see all these beautiful squares with lawns and stunning architecture, but I won’t go in unless I have good reason to,” observes Justin. “I think a lot of people feel that way.” Vitally, CMF aims to draw people to Cambridge’s centre and engage them in spectacular music, performed live. Having made the conscious decision not to move online during the pandemic, this year’s festival will be entirely in person, and Justin is looking forward to gathering alongside people once more. “I cannot emphasise enough the importance of experiencing music live, in the presence of others. When you hear live music, you physically feel it. It can cast a really magical atmosphere.” To see the programme and book tickets, head to cambridgemusicfestival.co.uk
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Autumn Concert Series A destination for cultural exchange just five miles from Cambridge, Stapleford Granary is staking a claim as the home of exceptional live music outside the city centre. Surrounded by golden fields that sweep up towards the Gog Magog Hills, it exudes an aura of calm. The Granary’s autumn concert series offers a giddying selection of live music to enjoy in this tranquil setting, with performances from established artists, alongside younger musicians paving the way for the next generation of talent. “There’s something especially nice about returning to the Granary’s beautiful concert hall in the autumn,” says Kate Romano, Stapleford Granary CEO. “As the nights start to close in, I find myself drawn back to that wonderfully intimate space – the smell of the Douglas fir wood, the cosy, yellow brick walls – to experience an unforgettable thrill. As one of our audience members said, ‘it’s the best place for the best live music’.” Pianist Cordelia Williams (below) will open the season on 9 September with a programme of Mozart, Schubert, Tomkins, Schumann and Evans. This is followed by a performance from the Gesualdo Six on 16 September, which will trace the evolution of the Italian madrigal. Closing the month is talented trumpeter Laura Jurd and her brass-fuelled party band, with a performance that renews Celtic folk traditions. In October, you can look forward to a fusion of music from the Balkans and North America by folk band Dallahan, on the first of the month. The Apollo Saxophone Quartet offers a brilliantly unique concert on 7 October that showcases new soundtracks created in response to some of the quirkiest silent films from the Georges Méliès era, performed in time to images on a screen. On 14 October, don’t miss the Norwegian Espen Eriksen Trio, as they perform a stunning blend of lyrical and ambient jazz, while on 22 October, much-loved pianist Martin Roscoe offers a glorious set of Haydn, Mozart, Brahms and Beethoven. The Granary’s Sunday lunchtime concerts have also grown in popularity, and with the opening of its cafe, there’s never been a better time to plan a visit. Look out for saxophonist Mark Crooks on 18 September, cellist Gemma Rosefield with pianist Nicola Eimer on 25 September, and the innovative Liam Noble Trio on 9 October. staplefordgranary.org.uk STAPLEFORD GRANARY
IN THE FAMILY Cambridge Music Festival promises stunning soundscapes, with appearances from the likes of Sheku Kanneh-Mason (above)
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THE HEONG GALLERY UNWRAPPING ARIADNE WRAPPED If you’ve taken the train to or from Cambridge in the last month or so, you may have spotted an intriguing addition outside the station. Gavin Turk’s Ariadne Wrapped is a life-size sculpture of a reclining figure in bronze, wrapped in a cloth, which recalls Giorgio de Chirico’s sculptural homage to the Cretan princess of Greek mythology. For him, Ariadne became a symbol of displacement, travel and migration – fitting themes for Station Square. The latest exhibition at the Heong Gallery, Gavin Turk: In Search of Ariadne – which opens at the end of September – will tell the story of this striking new artwork through a series of drawings, prints and sculptures. Feeling thespian WAITING IN THE WINGS THIS MONTH IN THEATRE: A HANDBAG STEALS THE SHOW, SUPPORTING CHARACTERS TAKE THE LEADING ROLE AND THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE BARES ALL Award-winning director Denzel Westley- Sanderson’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest is a must-see at Cambridge Arts Theatre this month. Running from 20 to 24 September, this contemporary adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s revered masterpiece about dysfunctional families, class, gender and sexuality offers a bold retelling that’s rich in satire, laugh-out-loud moments and a pin-drop plot-twist that reaffirms its status as a classic. At the ADC from 27 September to 1 October, experience the unseen bits from
SALLY-ANNE HAYWARD EVER SO NICE 3 September, 8pm, Cambridge Junction, £13.50 VIR DAS WANTED 5 September, 7.30pm, Cambridge Junction, £26 THE BEST IN COMEDY 17 September, 8pm, West Road Concert Hall, £26 ROB NEWMAN LIVE ON STAGE 19 September, 7.30pm, Cambridge Junction, £20.50 GLENN MOORE WILL YOU STILL NEED ME, WILL YOU STILL FEED ME, GLENN I’M SIXTY MOORE 30 September, 8pm, Cambridge Junction, £13.50 NOT TO MISS
Hamlet according to Tom Stoppard’s off-the-wall tragicomedy Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead . Listed by The New York Times as one of the top 20 plays ever written, this absurdist show follows courtiers Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, as they try to make sense of the perplexing events that unfold during their doomed visit to Denmark. Looking ahead to October, one show to clear diary space for is Cambridge Theatre Company’s production of Calendar Girls , about a group of Yorkshire women who decide to shake up their WI’s fundraising initiatives with a nude calendar. Inspired by the remarkable true story that sent sparks around the world and led to a record- breaking film, the stage version introduces catchy tunes by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth for an uproarious evening of hilarity, music and carefully positioned objects! See it at the Great Hall at the Leys from 25 to 29 October.
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(LIVE) MUSIC TO ONE’S EARS Sparkling wedding, classy cocktail night or corporate event? Whatever you’re hosting, Bespoke Party Bands has your music sorted
estled just off Newmarket Road, Bespoke Party Bands – pioneered by duo Heloise and Mike – has been wave-making
on the Cambridge music scene. Since opening at Rhinocorn Studio in 2017, the organisation has become a hotbed for talent, enticing artists into the space and sending bands out to light up events across Cambridgeshire, creating stellar performances from start to finish. When Heloise – with a background in marketing and business development – met Mike, the idea for tailor-making music was hatched. “I have always wanted to run my own business,” says Heloise. “When I met Mike, an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, we put our brains together.” TEAM SPIRIT From first enquiries to final gig, Heloise is with you every step of the way. “We don’t just book and send bands out – we actually create them,” she urges. “There’s always an opportunity to see bands before you book.” The company’s treasure trove of musicians have long-standing relationships with the founders. Many are Cambridge- based, so it’s easy to nip by for a taster of their sound before snapping them up. The tight-knit team starts with the client, event and venue, then summons the bands, kicks off rehearsals, arranges music and stacks up a setlist. As an agency with its own music studio, Bespoke Party Bands provides all the support, equipment and resources required to put on a great performance.
RETRO Five-piece band Dance Away will make you do just that, with their brand of throwback pop hits and mash-ups
ALL EARS Unlike other agencies, every client has a chance to listen in. Filling in the gap between client and artist – from the moment you choose the band to the day of the gig – customisation is key for this boutique live music agency. “It is not a cookie-cutter service,” says Heloise. With genres spanning funk to indie rock, jazz to dance, the team welcomes your collaboration throughout. Booking with Bespoke Party Bands is an exciting way to match music to your event.
CORPORATE EVENTS
For a work do, soul or smooth jazz may be just the thing. Bands are designed to work best within specific venues and communication is kept open from the beginning. A setlist is individually created to suit the atmosphere of each event, from more sophisticated affairs to a chance for colleagues to let their hair down. There are no backing tracks: everything is live. Many musicians are local, so it’s a mere skip and jump to play in venues across the county.
WEDDINGS Dance your wedding night away to some ceilidh or fill the floor with club sax. If you’re planning your first dance, then Heloise, Mike and the team are on call to run through rehearsals and arrange the song according to choreography – ensuring all goes seamlessly on the day. Starting to plan? Stop by for regular wedding showcases to sample the music and sip on a glass of fizz – or meet them at The Orator’s Wedding Fair on 4 September.
GIG THINGS AHEAD
To see Bespoke Party Bands in action, don’t miss monthly performances at The Fellows House, including 24 September, for all flavours of sound – from soul to funk. The team has recently taken over brunch on Sundays at The Orator, which promises to be a fun-filled parade of big tunes and tasty bites.
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FROM THE SMALL TO BIG SCREEN, HERE ARE SEPTEMBER’S ON-SCREEN ESSENTIALS ON THE BOX
SCREEN TIME
INTO THE BLUE
See Level BEFORE OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL ARRIVES ASHORE, MIRIAM BALANESCU SPEAKS TO FEATURED FILMMAKER WILL REDDAWAY Reaching
The journey – and documentary – aim to raise awareness of sea welfare. At the same time, a crucial part of water photography is keeping both yourself and your camera safe. “My experience is from sea level to ten feet – we’re not going any deeper than that,” Will laughs. “I’ve always said, since I started putting the camera in protective housing and taking it into the sea, one day I’m going to flood this house and drown a camera! That’ll be a sad day, but you have to accept it will happen. “I always wear a helmet, because you’ve
ast year, Devon-born Brendon Prince became the first person to paddleboard around the entirety of mainland Britain – a journey that lasted 141 days. Although the water safety campaigner was in the spotlight, surf photographer Will Reddaway was behind the camera with him every step of the way. “My parents are old-school surfers,” Will explains. “I got given a camera by my grandad when I was 14 and started taking photos. Eventually, the two loves married.” The photographer
has snapped everything from South West Water to paddleboard yoga. While the profession is niche, Will insists: “There are a lot more surf photographers out there than you think.” Meanwhile, Brendon – founder of
When a hurricane traps six teenagers in a secluded mansion, full-blown chaos ensues. A stacked cast includes Rachel Sennott and Myha’la Herrold. Where to Watch: Light Cinema, BODIES BODIES BODIES
got surfboards and fins flying past your face,” Will continues. “Sometimes, I wear swim fins to keep afloat. A big camera feels heavy on land, but there’s a lot of air and it’s quite buoyant. To counter
One day I’m going to flood this house!
Arts Picturehouse When: 9 September
that, I often wear a weight belt.”
Above Water UK – was gearing up to get paddling. The pair crossed paths at Torbay Surf Life Saving Club, with Will taking shots for social media. When Brendon asked Will to accompany him, the photographer dived to new levels. “I started thinking it could be a documentary, but I’d never made one before,” Will says. “I’d never even made a short film – just promo videos. From saying yes to leaving, I had a month and a half. That was a lot of nights not sleeping, thinking: how am I going to do this?”
Along with support crew member Harry, the trio lived in two vans through Brendon’s seafaring. “I was sure someone was going to get punched in the face at some point,” Will recalls. But he was pleasantly surprised by the harmonious nature of the trip. Creating Circumnavigate , the final film, had its ups and downs. “We didn’t have showers in the vans. Some days, if we couldn’t find one, we’d jump in the sea with a bottle of shower gel,” Will recollects. Discovering stunning stretches of British coast was one of the highlights, though. Tides are turning for water filmmaking, says Will: “Because of the pandemic, sea swimming has exploded.” Perhaps this is why Ocean Film Festival, originally from Australia, has crossed seas to arrive in the UK. With seven films on the programme – focusing on subjects from tiger sharks to watercolour – the one-day event sets sail at Lady Mitchell Hall on 27 September, in
DON’T WORRY DARLING
In Olivia Wilde’s hotly anticipated film, a picture of marital happiness is shattered, as a wife (Florence Pugh) becomes suspicious of her husband’s (Harry Styles) office job. Where to Watch: Light Cinema,
ALL AT SEA Circumnavigate tells the story of Brendan Prince, paddleboarding round the UK to raise awareness about sea safety – catch this and more at the festival
support of the Marine Conservation Society and Surfers Against Sewage.
Vue, Arts Picturehouse When: 23 September
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SCREEN TIME
SEE HOW THEY RUN
Saoirse Ronan and Sam Rockwell star as uncouth sleuths in this ritzy whodunnit, alongside Ruth Wilson and Adrien Brody. Where to Watch: Light Cinema, Vue, Arts Picturehouse When: 9 September
CRIMES OF THE FUTURE
THE RINGS OF POWER Hot on the heels of House of the Dragon , the year’s second fantasy spin-off – this time taking on The Lord of the Rings – sees Morfydd Clark play an elven warrior battling land and sea. Where to Watch: Prime Video When: 2 September
Bohemian art meets body gore in David Cronenberg’s latest psychosexual thriller. Léa Seydoux and Viggo Mortensen play performance artists with a twist. Where to Watch: Mubi When: 9 September
Picturehouse Picks FROM OUTER SPACE TO UNSEEN FOOTAGE, FIND OUT WHAT’S IN STORE THIS MONTH OXIDE GHOSTS: THE BRASS EYE TAPES
STAR TREK DAY Get your intergalactic double bill on 8 September , starting lift-off with the first instalment of the film series, Star Trek: The Motion Picture , at 6pm. Dating back to 1979, this Robert Wise-directed odyssey begins as an unfathomable alien force heads for Earth. At 8.50pm, sequel Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan will rocket in, seeing Admiral Kirk contend with his nemesis.
THEATRE LIVE The cinema is a stage this September, as two eminent Shakespeare productions hit the big screen. First up is National Theatre Live’s Much Ado About Nothing on 8 September ,
A rare opportunity to catch this cult film in action, get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of iconic series Brass Eye . Hundreds of hours of Michael Cumming’s personal footage has been carefully sifted through to create a snapshot of the director’s two-year stint on the show, presented by Cumming himself on 7 September at 8.30pm.
sure to pluck at the heartstrings. For seconds, see the Royal Shakespeare
Company’s Richard III on 28 September , directed by bard master Gregory Doran and starring The Archers ’ Arthur Hughes.
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THE HOLY GRAIL
SET TO STAR IN ANTHONY MCCARTEN’S PAPAL PLAY THE TWO POPES, MIRIAM BALANESCU SPEAKS TO VENERATED ACTOR ANTON LESSER Cut from the Same Cloth
expressing something. Theatre has the benefit of allowing you to concentrate on the relationship. The scenery is better – because you make it up!” The Pope ’s 2019 cast is near intact, with director James Dacre reinstated, and lead Nicholas Woodeson taking up the mantle of Francis once again – although expect a reinvigorated feel. “I’m hearing the lines in my head in a slightly different way, with new ways of responding to them. I’m not sure whether that’s anything to do with what’s happened in the world between then and now, or if it’s simply having a fresh eye,” Anton reflects. “I’m excited to look at it again in rehearsal.” Anton is well-versed in playing real characters who hold jurisdiction. “Perhaps it’s because I’m good at pretending I know what I’m talking about – but I actually don’t,” Anton laughs, noting a possible subconscious thread linking one character to the next, as suggested in Jonathan Miller’s Subsequent Performances . “The real-life characters I’ve played, alive or dead, have all been in wonderful scripts – there’s an integrity to the work. My concern is not about whether I’m doing the right thing as regards to that living person; it’s serving the writing as well as possible.” With roots in theatre, beginning his career with the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 70s, Anton often looks forward to getting back to the stage. “When we did The Pope in Northampton, I hadn’t done a play for about ten years. As you get older, you start to question if you have the physical and mental capacity to do a big part. But when the scripts arrive, you think this is great, and your body starts to remember that lovely feeling of live interaction with an audience.” Anton is acting in Cambridge for the first time, so don’t miss this chance to see The Two Popes at the Arts Theatre, 27 September to 1 October.
rom playing prime ministers in The Crown and A United Kingdom , to regal roles in Wolf Hall and The Hollow
Crown , Anton Lesser is no stranger to characters of authority. Renowned for screen appearances in the likes of Game of Thrones , Endeavour and Killing Eve , Anton will soon make his stage return as one of the most imperial figures of all. The Two Popes last ran as The Pope in 2019, and its popularity persists post- pandemic. “People are fascinated by a human being who has authority thrust upon them,” says Anton. “When you put a crown or mitre on their head, they become something other than human. It’s an enduring theme of all the great writers: what is it to be in authority, and does that authority persist even when the trappings are taken away? “As we go into a world where there are bigger problems common to us all, and we’re dealing with things on a global scale,” Anton continues, “institutions like monarchy must be continually re-examined as to their relevance and function. Whether they’re actually an expression of something that’s true, or something that’s been outdated. That’s why a series like The Crown is interesting, because it shines a light on what’s been a mystery, but is increasingly less mysterious as the world becomes more connected.” Hinging on conversations between Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis (then Cardinal Bergoglio) before the former’s resignation in 2013, Anthony McCarten’s original script soared to the big screen with Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce. “I remember watching the film and feeling two things,” says Anton. “Envious of the breadth of canvas – you can actually go to the places that Francis talks about in his past – but also happy that it’s a different genre, a different way of
DIVINE EXPERIENCE Anton relishes his work on the stage, where live interaction with an audience is a real buzz. With The Two Popes, the journey of the Catholic church gives him plenty to get his teeth into
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Book Club CAMBRIDGE EDITION IT’S ALL ABOUT WOMEN THIS MONTH, AS WE DIVE INTO A SELECTION OF FASCINATING FEMALE STORYLINES
WORDS BY CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS
YOU BE MOTHER BY MEG MASON
Originally published in 2017, this book from smash-hit author Meg Mason has been republished this summer to build on her new-found fame as the creator of the sublime Sorrow and Bliss . This new-old work is a sweeping epic that grabs your attention and refuses to let go, long after its conclusion. Covering motherhood, friendship, family dynamics, relationships, long-distance connections and the joys of cold-water swimming – it’s an ideal autumn read. Young Abi finds herself in Australia with three-week-old son Jude, having followed his Aussie father, Stu, across the world, determined to avoid the ex- council flat where she was raised by her mentally unwell mother Rae. Resolved to shed bad habits, yet also battling the demands of motherhood, she and Stu live in a meagrely furnished flat provided by his disapproving mother Elaine and quiet, gentle father Roger. To make ends meet, architecture student Stu takes on bar shifts, so Abi finds herself alone more often than not. While out on a walk and looking for somewhere to sit and feed Jude, she hops a fence into a lido, which is where she first meets 70-ish Phyllida – AKA Phil – who admires Jude from the pool and fills Abi with a rush of longing. Phil turns out to be Abi’s neighbour, and their subsequent meeting makes Abi feel as if “the knot in her stomach loosened for the first time in days, or weeks, or her entire life until that moment”. In the rush to be loved by Phil, Abi tells a tiny untruth which immediately ripples out and will no doubt have consequence. But for now, living moment-by- moment, it seems a small price to pay for Phil’s
ONE MORE PAGE This month, Charlotte reviews a host of memorable novels that are sure to draw you in
attention and care. This book is a love story in so many ways. Abi worshipping the tiny, helpless Jude; her immediate desire for Phil; and Phil’s mutual adoration of this utterly determined young mother. But it’s also about what grows in the absence of love, and how we cope with those gaps in our lives. There’s Abi’s heartbreakingly, all-too-real relationship with her mother, and the halting, stumbling connection between Abi and Stu. Then there’s Stu’s parents reforming the family unit around the surprise addition of two new members, and Phil’s grown-up family who’ve flown the nest. Full of poignant moments that will make you catch your breath, with tears springing to your eyes, this is absolutely stunning.
Covering motherhood, friendship and the joys of cold-water swimming
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CULTURE CLUB
The Book of Goose is a dark, deeply affecting story of intense female connection, told as a retrospective by Agnès after she learns of the death of her brilliant childhood friend Fabienne. From the safe distance of Agnès’ new life in America, we discover that the two girls grew up in poverty together in rural France, spinning extravagant fantasy worlds as a means of escapism. Aged 13, they’re both obsessed with each other – or at least, Agnès is obsessed with Fabienne – spending most of their time together, despite the disapproval of Agnès’ parents. One afternoon, the girls concoct a bizarre plan to befriend the village’s recently widowed postmaster: the need for a reason to speak with him leads them to decide to write a book together and ask for his help. The resulting collection of macabre tales of village life is drawn from the girls’ memories and imaginations. Published under Agnès’ name, it's an unexpected success, transforming her into a child prodigy. Soon, she’s whisked away to Paris to meet the press – but can she keep up the illusion without her friend and, more importantly, does she want to? Dotted with observations on the duality of friendship, and how the most meaningful connections hold the potential to hurt the most, this is a thought-provoking and gripping read. The Book of Goose BY YIYUN LI
The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois BY HONORÉE FANONNE JEFFERS
Ailey Pearl Garfield spends each summer in the small town of Chicasetta, Georgia, where her maternal family has lived since her mother’s ancestors were first brought to America as slaves from Africa, nearly two centuries before. They survived against the odds to create a line of women leading to Ailey and her sisters – one wrestling with drug addiction, one a high- achieving doctor. To better know her present, teenage Ailey begins digging through her past, piecing together truths and trauma that explain why her world is the way it is. The novel jumps hundreds of years, dividing focus between the tale of Ailey’s ancestors finding their feet and forming connections with indigenous Native American tribes – also abused by white colonists
– while also telling the saga of Ailey, her sisters, their hard-working mother and tradition-focused grandmother. Taking a break while reading this extraordinary work of art is like coming up for air: you blink into the light, astounded by the centuries and content covered. It gives you a tiny sense of the weight of history, of ancestors who gave all so that you might succeed, of the unbearable pain of knowing of where one is from, of what went before, and how to live with that trauma every day. This book cannot be fully expressed in a few paragraphs – you’ll finish humbled by the distance covered, in awe of the author’s imagination, and grim-faced at the all-too-real truths about the history of America woven within the pages.
Not Safe For Work BY ISABEL KAPLAN
It is a depressing, universally acknowledged truth that a young female executive will – even in the most progressive of workplaces – at some point, be told how pretty she looks by a senior employee, or experience some other interaction that leaves her outwardly smiling and inwardly shuddering. Although Kaplan’s NSFW is set in Hollywood before the short- lived explosion caused by Me Too, many of the events and observations still ring grimly true today, and this book would make timely reading for any fresh-faced hopeful about to head off to seek their fortune. The unnamed 22-year-old Harvard graduate who leads us through this short novel is just starting out at a TV network; a few rungs off the bottom of the ladder, thanks to the influence of her mother – who happens to be a powerful entertainment lawyer. The narrator knows the rules of the game and settles into her desk job, hoping for more – but can she ever really succeed in this patriarchal microsociety, without selling out her feminist ideals?
WELCOME The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois is poet Fanonne Jeffers’ first novel, and NSFW is Kaplan’s debut adult book
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CULTURE CLUB
AS THE NEXT STOP ON THE JOURNEY OF THE PARIS CONNECTION AUTHOR LORRAINE BROWN ARRIVES, WE GET A GLIMPSE INTO HER SCRIBBLING LIFE
’m interested in what people can bring to a relationship that’s going to change someone else. We tend to be drawn to a certain type of relationship, which is connected to the past. If you’re always going for that same type of person, and it’s not quite working, what’s going to make you try something different – and what happens when you do? There’s going to be conflict and challenge, which is why I like exploring the ‘opposites attract’ trope. I also like the fake dating trope, which I’ve not explored in my books yet… My week is divided into two or three days of counselling, and the rest writing. I can’t imagine writing five days a week. It’s good to get out and have your brain stimulated by other stuff, meeting people and challenging yourself in different ways: going into central London for work, hearing conversations on the Tube or bus. I try to write in coffee shops, because I started out in Waterstones cafe, Hampstead. I’ll sit there for a few hours and nurse a cup of tea. I work best when it comes to deadlines, leaving it to the last minute. You need that rush of adrenaline. Around when The Paris Connection got traction, winning a competition with Penguin Random House, I started work on my diploma in psychodynamic counselling. I was able to see my characters in a completely different light. I now think: why are they like this? It makes them feel so
much more realistic. When I wrote Sorry I Missed You , I was working at the University of Cambridge in the student counselling department, seeing definite patterns when things have gone a bit wrong in childhood
FINDING SOLACE Pandemic life had a huge impact on Lorraine’s writing in Sorry I Missed You
– and the impact on how romantic relationships are navigated now.
In Sorry I Missed You , my male lead, Jack, is an actor (something I used to be). The idea of my protagonists being neighbours dawned on me before lockdown, but it was made even more urgent. I live in a block of flats, a bit like Jack and Rebecca, and became hyper-aware of everything my neighbours were doing, fascinated by what they were cooking or what time they went for their walk. I have to know a place well to set a book there. I started writing my third book during the pandemic and it’s set in Florence. I was struggling, because I’d only been there for half a day. As soon as I could, I went... and suddenly everything clicked. I would like to set something in Cambridge – it’s such a beautiful, romantic city. There’s this book on writing called Save the Cat! , which is quite Marmite in terms of how writers think about it. It helps you plot and craft the whole story, with various highs and lows, midpoints and finales. I signed up to do this US-based course, which started at 11pm. I plotted the entire novel during those three Saturdays in real
time. When I sat down to write, I’d only left myself two months – something to do with homeschooling. I reread Stephen King’s On Writing , where he says to just motor through the first draft. I thought, well, I’m short for time. seriously. It also toughens you up to feedback, which is something you get a lot of when you become published. The Paris Connection came out in the US and I remember seeing comments online about it not being very steamy. I thought: what does that mean? Then I read US romcoms and understood. Through TikTok, I’m reading the books that are really piquing people’s interest, hitting those markers. Seeing what they’re doing is helpful at the moment. My first writing course was ten weeks and it made me feel I was taking it
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