There’s still a week to go of this year’s Newbury Spring Festival – it runs until 23 May – so if you haven’t already attended an event this year do have a look at their website to see what’s available – whatever your musical tastes you won’t be disappointed. After all, it is one of the most magical music extravaganzas in the country – and right here on our doorstep.
It’s not even all about music. I booked my ticket some weeks ago for Poetry of the Great War which was performed at the West Berkshire Museum.
A friend and I ventured forth on what seemed to be the wettest day of May and as we had a couple of hours to while away before the event, we had lunch at the charming Tea Shop on the Canal, followed by a half hour enjoying some of the displays at the West Berkshire Museum itself – my friend’s first visit and on her list for a return very soon to see more. We particularly enjoyed the photographic exhibition where we were able to vote for our favourite (and that was a difficult choice as there was lots of entries from some very talented young photographers).
On to the performance – for one day only, but the third of the day – of Poetry of the Great War. Two actors marched on in uniform and stood silently, heads bowed, as Elgar’s Sospiri played, setting the scene.
The two young men, Ewan Somers and Dominic Rye from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, took the parts of two war poets: Wilfred Owen, killed in action at the age of 25, just one week before the signing of the Armistice; and Siegfried Sassoon, who survived the war, was decorated for his bravery on the Western Front and died when he was 80.
Their readings of the works of the soldiers was admirable and moving in the extreme, with my favourite, if that is the right word, being Sassoon’s Does It Matter? (Look it up: it’s beautiful.)
Just a couple of tasters of things during the next week:
• From Page To Screen on Tuesday 19 May – at Englefield House at Theale, best-selling author Robert Harris talks about how some of his books have been transferred to film.
• Till The Clouds Roll By on Thursday 21 May – with performances at both Sydmonton Court, Ecchinswell and Audley Inglewood, Kintbury, the Swell Party Company pay tribute to Jerome Kern, with songs from such great musicals as Showboat.
• Ronnie Scott's All Stars on Friday 22 May – also at the Corn Exchange, this celebrates the music and history of one of the world's most famous jazz venues, with classic jazz from many of the jazz greats.
• Kit & McConnel on Saturday 23 May – performing at the Corn Exchange, many people will already know how hilarious this comedy duo are.
Check out www.newburyspringfestival.org.uk for lots more too!
Biddy x
No comments:
Post a Comment