NORDEN FARM CENTRE i ARTS ISSUE 2 AUTUMN 2000 Amazing new Centre for the Arts opens its doors! The unique new Norden Farm Centre for the Arts opens its doors in September 2000, bringing the very best facilities and a programme of events representing every art form to Maidenhead. A three-month-tong Opening Festive, which includes glitering Gala Celobration Evenings, marks tho opening of the £8 milion Contre which wil have a national profile, Norden Farm includes a state-of the art, ultra-tlexible 25 seat main theatre, 80-seat studip theatre; visual arts exhibition gallery; multimedia suite; and workshop/rehearsal facilites. Stunning architecture and a serias of unique visual art installations are complemented by a fusion of hi-tech facies and restoration of lsted buildings to create a Centre for the Arts that puts the customer first The Long Barn Bistro restaurant and Café Bar will both be open to the publi, offering a complete drinking and eating ‘experiance whatever time of day or evening. From mid-Septomber onwards, this fantastic new venue will be ‘open throughout the day, Tuesday - Sunday. A full year-round programme of events ranges from ground-brasking drama to world-leading classical musicians; five readings by top poets and novelists to ward-winning films; and includes full programmes of both educational ntiatives and children's events, For more details, to book tickets, orto order your froo 8 on 01628 788997 or visit us at brochure, contact the Box Of www.nordenfarm.org Stars join a spec! celebration {A dazaling line-up of names will perform at Norden Farm Centre forthe Arts’ Gala Celebration Evenings, on Friday 18 and Saturday 14 October. Michae! Parkinson will help compere the celebrations, introducing performances by stars such as dancer Wayne Sleep, comedians Barry Cryer and Earl Okin; top |azz singers Salona Jones and Shelia Ferguson; and the Laurie Holloway Tio, who will accompany internationally-renowmned singer Marion Montgomery There will also be special musical and comedy performances by Ronnie Corbet, Kenny Lynch; Rolf Harris and Val Doonican {all appearances are engagements permiting). The opening celebratior will include & ceremony with appearances from personalities such as Claire Rayner, Raymond Baxter and Michael Barratt, along with guests representing the Arts Council and Souther Arts These celebration Gala Evenings bring tayether @ unique array of star names (with yt more performers to be announced!) to mark the opening of Norden Farm, and as @ ‘major cherity event holdin association with the Montgomery/Holloway Trust. Tickets and furt {rom the Box Office on 01628 783997.Welcome hope that you will share our excitement With the grand opening of Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, But most of all that you till share tn the great apening programme jes? We look forward to weleoming you to our new Centre, whethor its for a performance or exhibition, a drink or meal in our stylish new Café Bar or Long Barn Bistro, for one of the many participatory activities, or just to take a look at this wnigue new Centre for the Arts. ‘We have four key aims at Norden Farm — excellence, aecess, edtication and FUN! Do come and sample the Norden Farm experience, we have a building that will amaze you and a range of events to offer something for every age, Our friendly box office team van give you any further information you need ‘on our Autumn programme, or ‘seek ont our web site on wwwe-nordenfarm.org. We're not just celebrating the official ‘opening in style ~ we are committed to making every time you visit Norden Farm a special occasion, Come anit find out what its all about! Best Wishes ‘Oavid Hill Director Exposing dance talent! Norden Farms own youth dance group Norden Exposure ~ recertly presented its frst ever show as part ofan exciting dance double bil Norden Exposure performed The Game, a vibrant piece based | on the board game Cluedo, and Who Decided?, a fusion of dance, text and film, including a series of scenes filmed at Maidenhead train station when the group surprised commuters by breaking into dance on the platform The 15-strong group works with Richard Knight, from Norden Farm's resident professional dance company Realm Dance, and experienced professional practitioner Vietoria Udall. Richard also choreagraphed and danced an exciting new = piece of his own, Beyond Further, in the performance.) Look out for more exciting contemporary dance at a) Norden Farm throughout the year. Meet the team Robert Davidson — Long Barn Peer c mere Whether you are sitting down to dinner in the Long Barn Bistro or ‘enjoying a drink or snack in the Café Bar ~ its Robert Davidson's job to ‘ensure your needs are more then catered for! ‘And with almost 20 years’ experience in tho business, he is dedicated to aiving al vistors to Norden Farm a seemorabe eating and drinking experience "We are catering for a wide variety of people who wal be using the Cafe Bar and Long Barn Bistro at diferent times of the day and night, and we intend to sive thom al friendly, first class service, choice, value-for-money and Auelity food and drink” he said Robert's career in catering began in his native Notth-East. Gorn in ‘Mitdlesborough ie trained as a chef ‘atone of the region's leading hotels, rising te becorne Head Chef of the 70- seater restaurant. He then went back to college, gaining a National Diploma in Hotel and Catering Management. Robert moved south in his management rote for Gardner ‘Merehant, running a variety of Fastaurants and food and drink apprations. He has managed the restaurant at London Zoo and worked for upmarket caterers Ring and Brymer, managing bangueting-style ‘events at Astot, Kempton and other facecourses. He joined Norden Farm having Set up and then rune ‘rostaurant and café in Bracknel. Away trom Work Robert is equally active; his hobbies include off-shore sailing and Walking the family's two dalmations, Married with two daughters, aged 20 and 15, he also ‘enjoys theatre and films — which ‘makes Notdien Farm the ideal workplace! to book tickets call the BoxEducation Experiences Music and drama students will gt the chance to work closely with professionals in the coming months thanks tothe latest initiatives in Norden Farm's ongoing programme of educational projacts. AS and A Level students can work intensively with Norden Farm resident company the Kokoro Contemporary Music Ensemble, an internaly-renowned group comprising some of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra's finest musicians. ‘This extended project, which runs between October 2000 and February 2001, involves two complementary programas, ‘Musie and Storytelling’ and ‘Composing for dramatic scenes’ Drama and theatre students can work vith 157performance group from 8~ 16 November. This project involves drama ‘workshops for GCSE and AYAS level students, exploring the work of Brecht and Stanisiavski end experimenting with devising and physical theatre styles Further information and booking details are available from the Box Office on 01628 788997 or at www.nordenfarm.org ‘A week long celebration featuring the work of some ofthe outstanding local arts groups 2s part of our Opening Festiva. The Local Arts Gala Performances on the fvenings af 21 and 22 September feature performances from the Grimm Players, Maidenhead Drama Guild, the Society of Recorder Players, Maidenhead Poetry Guild, Southwsoad Plano Trio, Maidenhead Operatic Society, Windsor and Maidenhead Symphony Orchestra, the Tuesday Singers, Maidenhead Musical Comedy Society and Maidenhead Players, Special celebratory exhibitions will present the work of Maidenhead Camera Club, Meidenhead Painting Club and Windsor and Maidenhead Embroiderer's Guild. On 23, September, Maidonhead's own acapella 9r0up, Voices in Harmony, will be in concert with saxophone group Opus 6 (On 19 Soptember we wil be screening the results ofthe Altwoad School Video Project ‘8 documentary charting Norden Farm's development aver the past four years. Office (01628) 788997 or visi An unforgettable Christmas show! A truly memorable and magical Christmas is in store with Norden Farm's special Christmas Show - The Saow Queen. ‘Adapted from the Hans Christian Andersen story and directed by Greg Banks, The Snow Queen's the frst major professional theatre production ‘commissioned and staged for Norden Farm and performed in the Courtyard Thestre Itis getto be a fast-moving, yet enchanting production, featuring ive ‘music, song, lots of movement — and some stunning visual effects. In true Christmas Show tradition, it will feature twelve local youngsters alongside the team of professional actors. Grog Banks, whose recent award- winning production of Tirna-Nog enjoyed a successful run on Broadway, is very excited about the show. Puppet Power It was a fun-packed summer for the children. who took part in Norden Farm's varied programme of special activities. AAs well os the established, highly popular two weeks of circus activities, Norden Farm also hosted poetry and printing workshops. Make a Puppet Week culminated in a parade of these Giant puppets in Maidenhead town centre as part of the Royal Borough's “Maidenhead and the Movies’ initiative. Norden Farm's fabulous film programme includes an autumn half term children’s cinema week featuring Chicken Run, The Iron Giant, Tarzan and ‘The Tigger Movie. "We have kept much ofthe dream-ike, ‘maginatve and megical quattes ofthe story butt wil also bee very physical ‘and spectacular-ooking production. tis ‘a show designaafor the whole family with original music and a lot of energy? ho ssi Local youngsters, aged between eight ‘and 17, wil play @ major role. They will ‘work in two teams, each covering half the performances ~ and wil be ‘ehoarsing in earnest alongside the professional toam. Greg has worked extensively with both the musical director and designer previously ~ and they are planning @ very special production, “The Snow Queenis all about growing up and retaining beautiful childhood friendships when you become an adult It is a fantastic story and willbe lots of fun, | hope audiences willbe thrilled with the production they see at Norden Farm: The Snow Queen runs from 19 December until § January. For tickets ‘and further information please contact the Box Office ‘on 01628 788997 or at ‘www nordenfarm.org.uk t www.nordenfarm.orgDining and drinking in style Classic food served in the fabulous surroundings ofa beautifully restored 18th Century long barn. That’s the promise of Maidenhead's exciting new high quality restaurant ~the Long Barn Bistro at Norden cane = — ‘The Long Barn Bistro offers fina food prepared using the freshest ingredients, ‘with an interesting, wide-ranging menu complemented by an excellent selection of ‘wines. It aims to provide a quality, value-for ‘money menu, offering choice to suit all tastes, including vegetarian dishes and childrens options. Both pre and post-show diners will be able to enjoy a relaxed meal, with full waited servicg, within a friendly atmosphere. A two- course pre-show daily special menu will be availabe from 8pm for those arriving early fora performance. And the full menu will be availabe throughout the evening, also allowing post-show diners to round off their evening in style, The Long Barn Bistro is also open every day atlunehtime from 12, making ita perfect setting for business junches and relaxed meals with family and friends, You can reserve a table through the Box. Office on 01628 788997. Norden Farm’ stylish Caté Bar nat only features a moder, striking design, but also istho ste of the ‘Poured Wall art installation. ‘ith plenty of standing and seating room, is 8 great place to meet friends throughout the day, and for pre or post-show drinks The fully livensed bar serves a range of draught and bottled beers; an excellent selection of wine {including bythe glass) along with different {ruit jus and flavoured mineral waters. ‘The Café Baris also the ideal setting for a coffee ltry an expresso, cappuccino or café latte) and a bite to eat. The enticing solection includes sandwiches, snacks and delicious cakes ~ avaiable from 11am to ‘pm, Tuasday - Sunday. A Stunning Vision From the moment you first see Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, you'l notice the stunning visual arts installations that help meke the Centre unique. Leading artists were commissioned at the cutset of the building to work on several diverse projects and their work is certain to make a big impact on visitor. Outside the building you'l immediately be ‘greeted by the sive end elegance of the courtyard, where contrasting materials have been used to form shapes and surfaces that ‘merge into each ather, continuing into the building SPECIAL OFFER Pee RU ae eu eae ratcd PTO race Have you got the brochure? $39 not, please complete and return ths form to Nordon Farm Centro forthe Ars, FREEPOST (SCESH46), MAIDENHEAD, SLB 4SX Pontes [Pessina innate a ate apt eee ed th dros Ran Fam Chesca tou aetna rae aasrwiton mich ne i ug treed Box Office (01628) 788997 www.nordenfarm.org Inside the Café Bar is the striking and dramatic Poured Wall, which is dasigned to reflect Norden Farm's original existance as @ ‘working farm, The Poured Wallis pigmented plastor and powered paint ‘These installations wore designed by leading visual ast Lize Gough Daniels. Later inthe year, the unique video art installation ‘Deep Theatre" will move into action. This exciting project inks lve video {rom five different cameras placed ‘throughout the cents. Real-time images will be projected onto e chalk wall, with a spacial viewing slot sited close tothe main entrance. The team of specialist artists working on this projactis Julia Manheim, Hans Peter Kuhn, and Anna Heinrich and Leon Palmer. The commissions were managed by Artpoint Trust. A fantastic programme of film starts at Norden Farm on September 17 with Shakespeare jn Love. Among the many exciting and varied highlights of the season are Angela's Ashes, Life is Beautiful, Topsy- Tun, Hilary and Jackie, The Cider House Rules, East is East, The End of the Attar, American Beauty and Cinema Paradiso PORE Norden Farma Contre HTRE forthe Ans ‘Atwood ART Maderhend S64