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We are delighted to inform you that the sellout show of Rise of the Empress will be performed at The Quarry Theatre, St Luke's on 4th April, 7pm start.
Please see the link below to book your tickets.
Supported by
Concept Events
#rote
#BLM
#realtalk
#blackandbritish
#haviandmeri
#StillWeRise
#todaywerise
#whitewomenstears
#musicallies
#MoneyTrail
#haitihistorymatters
#slaveownerscomp
#BlackHistoryMatters
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We are delighted to inform you that the sellout show of Rise of the Empress will be performed at The Quarry Theatre at St Luke's on Thursday 4th April, 7pm start.
Please see the link below to book your tickets.
Supported by
Concept Events
#rote
#BLM
#realtalk
#blackandbritish
#haviandmeri
#StillWeRise
#todaywerise
#whitewomenstears
#musicallies
#MoneyTrail
#haitihistorymatters
#slaveownerscomp
#BlackHistoryMatters
#nomorenwords
#CodeSwitching
#racialgatekeepers
#racialsterotyping
#blackandmarginalised
#GeorgeFloyd
Rise of The Empress - Quarry Theatre
quarrytheatre.ticketsolve.com
By Nairobi Thompson & Sharon DeLeonardis Step into a world of thought-provoking discussion and captivating storytelling with our groundbreaking…
Thank you to Royal & Derngate for giving SpectaculArts CEO the opportunity to director this wonderful show Send Me the Pillow to commentate the 75th Windrush anniversary.
Send Me The Pillow - Windrush 75
Discover the journey of the HMS Empire Windrush, histories tied to Northampton’s Windrush generation and a recorded performance of Send Me The Pillow by exploring here: www.windrushnorthampton.co.uk. Simply click on the map's numbered points, the links on the boat, and the seagulls.
Send Me The Pillow - part verbatim, part theatre and part musical, watch the wonderful multicultural Royal & Derngate Community Choir, joined by additional singers and actors from the local community, in this brand new show inspired by local people and the impact of Windrush.
Directed by Sharon De Leonardis (Spectacularts) and created with Musical Director Gareth Fuller (Northants Sings Out) artist Weekes Baptiste, and co-devised and co-written by Nairobi Thompson (Almost British) this is a opportunity for all members of the community to celebrate, discuss, learn and reflect together.
youtu.be/Fv696yRh8Rc
Have your say Bedford.....what is your cultural vision for Bedford?
www.1degreeeast.com/?fbclid=IwAR0SkQLCa746x1FfijiLZ31oF_WQWow204Ls4-ziucMWs6lyTt-cjded5oE
Theatre Producers | 1DegreeEast | England
www.1degreeeast.com
1DegreeEast is a producer-led arts organisation that supports artists, producers, and programmers to create ambitious, high quality theatre, dance and outdoor events and festivals.
And some of the reviews for Rise of The Empress are in.....
The Place Theatre
Royal & Derngate
We have been overwhelmed with the response to the Rise Of Empress, opening night sold out, taking the audience through a roller coaster of emotions, tears, laughter and the cold hard facts.
We appreciate everyone that came on the journey with us, I know I have grown as a person from this experience and we can only hope that if it changes just one person, we achieved what we set out to do, walking in our shoes just for a moment.....
We hope to be able to perform again at the Royal and Derngate Theatre 🎭 as soon as they are ready to host us ❤️🙏🏾. We’ll keep you posted…
The Place Theatre
@royalderngate
#NairobiThompson #BrokenBeatPoet #BLM #RiseOfTheEmpress #RoTE #Poet247 #SpectaculARTS #EyesSeeYou
We are thrilled to let you know that the opening night of the Rise of the Empress is sold out!
Thank you to Alex Pope from BBC for this wonderful article.
Black women's Bedford show aims to cause 'positive change'
www.bbc.co.uk
The creator and co-writer says "we want to be the black friend that you can talk to".We are so pleased to announce that the opening night for Rise of the Empress is sold out. Now it's time for the final tweaks on the set......curtains up at 7.30pm.
Performance is this Friday, doors open at 7pm.
Photos from Bedford Borough Council's post
With almost half the tickets already sold, you might might need to hurry to book your tickets......
Scan the QR code to take you straight to ticket sales...
www.theplacetheatre.org.uk
Rise of the Empress
Step into a world of thought-provoking discussion and captivating storytelling with our groundbreaking play, “Rise of the Empress." Immerse yourself in an engaging narrative of discovery that digs deep into the lives, experiences, and perspectives of two Black women navigating the world as they know it and the world they would like to see.
In this powerful production, the stage becomes a canvas upon which the stories, struggles, and triumphs of Black women unfold. Through a series of moving conversations, heartfelt monologues, and authentic interactions, "Rise of the Empress" brings the complexities of being Black and female in contemporary Britain to life.
Everyone is invited to journey alongside our cast as they explore the intersections of race, gender, heritage, and culture. Audiences will be drawn into the intimate conversations, where laughter, tears, and candid moments of vulnerability create an immersive experience that resonates with the human spirit.
Through the eyes and voices of these characters, "Rise of the Empress" provides a safe space to discuss important themes such as belonging, heritage, self-discovery, and resilience. The play invites you to question preconceived notions, challenge stereotypes, and broaden your understanding of the diverse narratives that make up the vibrant tapestry of Black British life.
This Friday The Place Theatre please visit their website to book your tickets.
Power In Discussion
This event is taking place next week Tuesday at Bedfordshire University of Bedfordshire at the Luton campus from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Guest speaker Nairobi Thompson.
FREE event but you will need to register
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/windrush-75-hidden-histories-by-nairobi-thompson-tickets-722297119127?aff=...
Windrush 75: Hidden Histories by Nairobi Thompson
www.eventbrite.co.uk
Join us for Windrush 75, a vibrant celebration honouring the 75th anniversary of the Windrush generation, on October 24, 2023, at 2:30 PM!
Rehearsals are in hand for Rise of the Empress and great to be at The Place Theatre.
The debut of this performance is next Friday 27th October, door open at 7.pm and shows starts at 7.30pm. You can book your tickets via www.theplacetheatre.org.uk
We will have our heads down in rehearsals from here out, so don't look for us. We have a full script to memorise.
Friday 27th October, small audience so don't delay get your tickets today....!!!!
The Place Theatre
www.theplacebedford.org.uk/shows/rise-of-the-empress/
As promised a video of the gorgeous Nairobi Thompson who performed at the launch of the book "Tallawah, generation Windrush"
32 poems based of facts, we need to think outside the box to educate us all.
Thank you to the amazing and inspiring singer/songwriter VV Brown, who was this weeks guest:
Click the links below to listen in on the conversation.
www.mixcloud.com/In2beats/in2beats-1065fm-listen-again-06-10-2023-14pm/
www.mixcloud.com/In2beats/in2beats-1065fm-listen-again-06-10-2023-15pm/
www.mixcloud.com/In2beats/in2beats-1065fm-listen-again-06-10-2023-16pm/
In2Beats 106.5FM - Listen Again - 06-10-2023 - 14PM
www.mixcloud.com
Listen to In2Beats 106.5FM - Listen Again - 06-10-2023 - 14PM by In2beats
VV Brown will be on the Eyes See You show today In2Beats 106.5 Fm 2pm to 5pm.
Here is a clip of one of her videos Black British 🥰
Tomorrow's guest on In2Beats 106.5 Fm Eyes See You show is VV Brown:
Following a six-year hiatus, artist, writer, producer and activist V V Brown will release her much anticipated , socially, politically and emotionally charged new album, *Am I British Yet?* on October 27 th .
Released via her own YOY Records label, the project was launched in March this year with the provocative, uncompromising single “Black British”, a song which
started a conversation on Black British identity, a conversation which V V has continued to speak passionately, intelligently and forcefully around via her music, essays and videos.
Unwavering in her commitment to creating music that is a true reflection of herself in the present moment, this album marks a profound moment in her career.
V V Brown has always followed her artistic instincts and on this new record she explores what it means to be Black and British in today’s society. This exploration of identity is wrapped in an innovative fusion of music, poetry, ideas. Collaborating with Black British poets from across the country, V V has crafted an album that is not only a musical journey but also a profound exploration of identity. Each poet contributes their unique stories and experiences, resulting in a truly diverse and deeply personal album.
The album is constructed around tracks like "Black British," "Twisted," "Marginalized," "No
Fear," and "History" and these songs serve as the backdrop for the thought-provoking narratives presented by the poets. "Am I British Yet?" delves into the complex questions surrounding identity and what it truly means to be British, especially for the Black
community.
In a departure from the conventional, Brown has chosen not to embark on a traditional tour to promote the album. Instead, she is collaborating with the Arts Council on a ground-breaking project which will feature a carefully curated exhibition that mirrors the sentiments and themes explored in the album. It's a courageous move, and once again shows the artist’s commitment to pushing boundaries.
This time it feels different for V V. She isn’t chasing chart positions or concerning herself with algorithms. "Am I British Yet?" is a creative project meant for people to discover in their own time, while she navigates the realms of making music while balancing motherhood and family life.
Tune in tomorrow from 2pm to 5pm.
This was our show reel for the Make the Difference awards❤️🙏🏽
What an honour to be nominated as community group of the year, at the Make a Difference awards, to be one of the 4 organisations shortlisted was truly a privilege. The winner of our category went to Frist Responders and Military Co Responders, well you can't compete with real life savers. I didn't realise that we were the runner up as the award was dropped of yesterday to see we got highly recommended 👌🏽
So good to hear all the amazing work being carried out In Bedfordshire by some amazing individuals and organisations.
@BBC Bedfordshire 3 Counties awards ceremony last week Tuesday, Thank you to Corey Walker for nominating SpectaculArts.
Thank you to all of the SpectaculArts team 🙌 Special mention to Mrs Stephanie Hawes as a proud sponsor of SpectaculArts who was able to join us for the evening meeting her radio favourites.
Together we can make a difference.
First mentoring session completed at St Thomas More school, helping black students to know their history, Gain confidence, learn how to transition from school to university and the work place and a lot more!
15 students and they were great, engaged and asking questions, they left the session with an extra bounce in their step.
We running sessions there for the next 5 weeks, if you have a child at this school and think they could benefit? Please tell them to contact the Head of sixth form, I won't be taking on any more students after next week.
Investing in the next generation is key!
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Following on from the successful show of Send Me The Pillow, we are excited to present our next collaboration, Rise of the Empress.
This show has been co-written by Spectacularts CEO Sharon De Leonardis with Author and spoken word artist Nairobi Thompson.
Tickets are on sale now and already selling. This play is for EVERYONE. Come along to watch 2 beautiful characters share their experiences of being Black and British. You will laugh, you will cry, you will learn!
fb.me/e/1m1Lg55ag
Royal & Derngate
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As a CIC organisation we rely on our supports and sponsors on donations to keep up the education on race equality.
You can head to our website to make a donation, thank you in advance for your donation every penny counts, which goes directly on projects and DOES NOT go to pay anyone that works or volunteers for SpectaculArts, true community working🙏🏾
Follow the link below to make a donation.
www.spectacularts.co.Uk
Popular sports club makes urgent appeal for premises - Bedford Independent
Popular sports club makes urgent appeal for premises - Bedford Independent
www.bedfordindependent.co.uk
A hugely popular and inspirational Bedford-based sports club is appealing for help to find their 'forever home' after a catalogue of...
Tomorrow I will be back on the radio, talking about what I have been doing for the last 3 weeks.
Giving gratitude and thanks to those that inspire us and being pushed out of our comfort zones. The growth is real.
So lock in with me tomorrow on In2Beats 106.5 Fm from 2pm to 5pm, for that Friday Funk energy
I missed you✌🏾
Thanks to my sponsors Concept Events FIGHT KLUB® Bedford Herd
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Thank you to Royal and Derngate Theatre for the Chance to bring such a meaningful production to Northampton. Send Me The Pillow.
The Royal & Derngate Royal Derngate Choir Rdcc where amazing, with a cast of actors and musicians supporting. Choir lead by Gareth Fuller
A big thank you to everyone that attended and a special mention to Bedford Caribbean community members, 17 of you made the trip from Bedford to attend. Over 700 people attended the 2 shows, which we never imagined such a big audience 🙏🏾
A massive thank you to the script writers Weekes Baptiste and Nairobi Thompson for creating such a wonderful script and the research.
An information yet joyous performance and I hope that we get to perform this piece again 🙏🏾
Thank to everyone from Royal and Derngate Northampton who worked on this show with us, we all went on a journey of learning, emotions, empowerment and best of all a sense of together we can help to educate ❤️🙏🏾
#windrush75 #UnityInTheCommunity #spectacularts #EyesSeeYou #25thMarch
Photos from Royal & Derngate's post
ACCM UK another year has gone and the Bedford African Event is back again on the 15th July. Looking forward to seeing you again and many more new faces. Be there on the Harpur Square!! #Community #bedford #Africa #entertainment #culture
Photos from Bedford Borough Council's post
Timeline photosYour community, your choice! 🙏
The voting has now opened for your chosen charity, if you could comment down below which charity you have chosen out of the four showcased throughout this week.
1. Keech Hospice
2. Impakt Housing & Support
3. Bedford Food Bank
4. Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends
The voting will be open until the 3rd August.
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The official Vendor List! 😎
We have an amazing line up this year with businesses coming from
📍Manchester, Luton, London, Leicester and even those from the land of Birmingham!
Do we love a brummy accent? 🤔
Come rain or shine the Bedford Eid Festival will be here with an open invite to ALL! 😊
More shine less rain hopefully ☀️
#bedford #bedfordshire #eid #eidfestival #bedfordevents #eidfestivities #bedford
#bedfordshire
Timeline photosYour community, your choice! 🙏
The voting has now opened for your chosen charity, if you could comment down below which charity you have chosen out of the four showcased throughout this week.
1. Keech Hospice
2. Impakt Housing & Support
3. Bedford Food Bank
4. Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends
The voting will be open until the 3rd August.
Join the Eid celebrations at Bedford's most popular family event, Bedford Eid Festival 2023! 🥳
Eat and shop at over 50 stalls, participate in games & activities, fun-fair rides and much more. Don't miss the ultimate family day out - now in our 7th year!
Free event, no need for tickets - see you all there! eidinbedford.co.uk
Brought to you by: Islamic Relief UK, My Next Car, Hannah Solicitors, SM Specialist Cars ltd, Havanna Cars Ltd, Sabeel Travels Ltd and Auto Select Bedford Limited
Supported by: Islam Bedford, Salam Bedford Scouts, and Eman Channel
#bedfordeidfestival #eidinbedford
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SpectaculArts CEO Sharon De Leonardis will be interviewed on In2Beats 106.5 Fm today at 12 pm, talking about her latest project Send Me The Pillow which will be performed Royal & Derngate
Tune in from 12pm
facebook.com/events/s/send-me-the-pillow-celebrating/646672533649735/
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people or changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.Photos from Bedford Community Policing Team's post
Looking for something to do tomorrow evening 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽
Join Yvonne Hercules for a musical journey through Black Femininity and its nuances referencing alternative folk, alternative soul, jazz and rock genres, as she showcases songs from her EP entitled ‘Olive’.
‘Olive’ is part inspired by the life & work of feminist activist Olive Morris and will be released 9th June 2023 on Trapped Animal Records. Yvonne will be joined by her band and will be performing the EP in full alongside interpretations of songs by prominent and unknown minority female artists + support performances from invited special guests.
This project is supported by Arts Council England.
For fans of Brittany Howard (Alabama Shakes), Moses Sumney & Bon Iver.
Yvonne Hercules is a singer-songwriter/artist & performer based in Cambridge UK. Her music has received nods from publications including Clash Magazine, The Line of Best Fit, Afropunk, and others and she has received support from PRS Foundation, Arts Council England towards her work.
Inspired by Folk, Blues, Rock & Soul, her songs are a culmination of these genres underpinned by honest, thought-provoking lyrics. She also draws on inspiration from visual mediums outside of music including art & film, with visual concepts often coinciding alongside her songs.
Yvonne will be embarking on a 5 date tour across the South East of England, including a performance at The Place Bedford
RUSH the hit Windrush musical as talked about at Feb Luton & Bedfordshire Windrush Award co host by John Smitt and Bob Baker is coming to The Grove Theatre, Dunstable 28th June, featuring hits by Bob Marley, Toots & Maytals, Desmond Dekker & more; narrated by comedian John Simmit & featuring the JA Reggae Band. “If a funky reggae party is your thing then beg, steal or borrow a ticket” STAGE TALK Magazine book now 🎟️ www.grovetheatre.co.uk/theatre-performances-28-06-2023 for Community updates contact:
Heritage Associates Bob Baker 07947 380426 Facebook Heritage Bob Baker
Photos from Bedford Italian Festival's post
ACCM UK once again we are having a Free Coffee Morning on 22nd June from 10 am till 12 pm. Come and enjoy table games and a chat in a friendly environment. Everyone welcome! #Bedford #fun #coffeemorning #gettoguether
The second round is now open for more applicants to apply for funding for small and one large project.
The project has to involve the High Street! Please see the website for details, application deadline is 30th June.
www.bedfordplayerstrust.org.uk/haz
