As the leaves are beginning to fall and the nights are drawing in thoughts inevitably turn to Christmas and the New Year ahead. December at Cornerstone brings lots of seasonal treats. Our family Christmas show this year is The Night Before Christmas. Running between Tuesday 10 and Tuesday 24 December it has a beautiful set, amazing puppetry, super costumes, exciting effects and joyful music. Jam-packed full of festive delight it will enthral those aged from 3 to 103! Nativity In Creakbottom and Christmas Time provide wonderful evenings of comedy theatre, ideal as a Christmas outing for grandparents and grandchildren aged 10 and over. And on a different note, our Crafty Christmas Shopping and Music Evening on 5 December offers the opportunity to browse and buy unique items from ten of our favourite local craft artists, whilst enjoying live music from pianist extraordinaire Louisa Revolta.
Cornerstone and the cafe bar will be closed over the Christmas period from 25 December to 6 January inclusive.
Our performance year will kick off on Saturday 18 January with The Chairman’s Charity Gig which has become an annual event at Cornerstone and, this year, features Rebecca Poole and her band. Rebecca hails from Nettlebed, has performed at the Albert Hall and is a regular at Ronnie Scott’s. Her music is a contemporary re-telling of the vintage songs of the jazz age. All profits will go to the Chairman of South Oxfordshire District Council’s chosen charities – The Children’s Multiple Sclerosis Centre and The Oxford Heart Centre Heartfelt Appeal.
Other January treats in store are the ever popular Pam Ayres, who comes to Cornerstone with all new material, following the publication of her latest book of poetry. And an affectionate and fantastically funny homage to the greatest comedy act Britain has ever seen, in our comedy theatre performance Eric and Little Ern.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
With every good wish from the Cornerstone team for a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
What’s on in December 2013
Sun 1 Christmas Cushion Concert Children’s: Music 2pm
A festive way to introduce your children to a classical instrument and a good excuse – as if you needed one – to have a dance yourself! Expect a few Christmas surprises too. Ages 2+.
Thu 5 Crafty Christmas Shopping & Music Evening from 6pm
Ten of our favourite local craft artists provide a unique opportunity to buy a wide range of original pieces. Festive live music from Louisa Revolta. FREE entry.
Sat 7 Nativity in Creakbottom Theatre: Comedy 7pm
When theatrical scouts come from ‘that London’ to Creakbottom, in deepest Suffolk, the local All-Male Amateur Dramatics Society has an unprecedented opportunity to display its undiscovered genius and new production, ‘The Birth of Jesus’! Physical comedy, music and banter. Ages 10+, family tickets available.
Tue 10 to Tue 24The Night Before Christmas Theatre: Cornerstone Family Christmas Show
It’s the night before Christmas. As Emily stands at the window wishing excitedly for Christmas to come, a little mouse called Eddie sets off in search of Father Christmas to ask why only humans get presents. Beautiful set, amazing puppetry, super costumes, exciting effects, joyful music and full of festive delight for all the family. Please call Box Office or see web site for dates and times of performances and schools performances. Ages 3+, family tickets available.
Fri 13 Christmas Time Theatre: Comedy 8pm
Charlie and Toby are feeling low on Christmas Day. Incarcerated at Her Majesty’s Pleasure they cheer themselves up enacting all the Christmas favourites including Dickens, pantomime, musicals, Christmas dinner and films. Ages 10+, family tickets available.
Sat 14 Gospel Singing: One-Off Workshop 5-7pm
A special opportunity to learn from CK Gospel Choir prior to their 8pm show, covering gospel style, harmony and teaching two new songs for performance. For both new and experienced singers.
CK Gospel Choir: Christmas 8pm
Twelve piece, gospel singing, group including band with festive tunes and classic favourites. Finalist on The Voice UK, Ruth Brown, is one of their sopranos.
Thu 19 4 Girls 4 Harps By Candlelight Music : Festive Classical 7.30pm
Traditional carols, specially arranged for harp, some traditional harp tunes and audience sing-a-long encouraged, all in the soft glow of candlelight. Family tickets available.
Fri 20 Norma Waterson and Eliza Carthy with The Gift Band Music: Festive Folk 8pm
Mother and daughter Norma and Eliza celebrate the release of their first ever duo CD in this festive concert. Six-piece band including Martin Carthy play traditional classics.
Sun 22 Chris Newman and Máire Ní Chathasaigh Music: Festive Folk 7pm
This new Christmas show features a breath-taking blend of traditional Irish music, swing jazz and bluegrass plus festive favourites given a fresh voice.
Sun 1 to Sun 22 Clair Chinnery: Unruly Objects Exhibition (runs 14 November-22 December)
Oxford-based artist and academic Clair Chinnery has a background in sculpture but works regularly across and between traditional media boundaries. This exhibition presents a range of two and three-dimensional artworks evoking historic, institutional and domestic environments. FREE entry to the gallery. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 11am-4pm. Closed Monday.
CORNERSTONE ARTS CENTRE, 25 Station Road, Didcot, OX11 7NE
Box Office: 01235 515144 Web site: http://www.cornerstone-arts.org