Sydenham Arts Festival
After the first hectic week, it’s on to an even more hectic weekend with the start of the Artists Trail, the second part of Till the Boys Come Home, poetry, kid’s events and drama on the 202 bus!
SATURDAY 12
JEREMY STRONG
11am-1pm
ST BARTHOLOMEW’S PRIMARY SCHOOL
Tickets £5 (£2.50 concs). Family of four £12)
Laugh your socks off with Jeremy Strong! The renowned, award-winning author of Cartoon Kid, the Hundred Mile An Hour Dog and My Brother’s Famous Bottom will be reading from his books and signing copies after.
DISNEY’S THE LADY AND THE TRAMP
1-3pm
TRATTORIA RAFFAELE
SOLD OUT
A rare chance to watch this Disney favourite with the family and enjoy the iconic meatball date scene in the welcoming setting of Sydenham’s own fine Italian restaurant, Trattoria Raffaele. Included in the price is some delicious Italian cuisine.
Includes meatballs and garlic bread, before screening. Free jug of juice for table though alcohol must be paid for separately.
MAKING A POEM WORKSHOP
2-4pm
SYDENHAM SCHOOL
£12 ( £8 concs). 10 places
Come and write with the help of Festival Poet Gale Burns. Whether an old hand, or beginner, hone your skills in a friendly setting with writing prompts, editing skills, and the inspiration of published work. For adults and older teens, beginners and experienced alike. Book early, limited places.
TILL THE BOYS COME HOME PT 2: PACK UP YOUR TROUBLES
3-5pm
ST BART’S CHURCH, SYDENHAM ROAD & QUEENSTHORPE POCKET SQUARE
FREE EVENT (To reserve tickets please phone 020 3659 0551 or email boxoffice@sydenhamartsfestival.co.uk
1915 and the optimistic drive for recruits to join the colours intensifies. But soon news of the harsh reality of war begins to reach Sydenham…Attend a wedding, eavesdrop on military tribunals, join the debate on the morality of War, experience the thrill of a regimental band parade, take part in a training session for new recruits and even get measured for your uniform!
THE BEDLAM BUNCH INTERACTIVE ADVENTURES
4.30-6pm
ALBION MILLENNIUM GREEN
All tickets £4
Meet different characters from The Bedlam Bunch each day for crazy missions in our trademark promenade theatre style. Ben prepared to get on board, jump high and shout loud! These guys need all your help! Magic, riddles and games galore…
A FIESTA OF POETRY
5.30-7pm
SYDENHAM SCHOOL
Ticket £6 (£4 concs)
Continue your poetry day with a chance to hear cutting edge contemporary work and even read your own. Hosted by Festival Poet Gale Burns, this celebration of the poetic word boasts top readings from acclaimed British-Sri Lankan poet Jasmine Cooray and Crystal Palace poet and Forward Prize Nominee Matthew Caley. A wonderful evening of surprise poetic voices. If you want to read, turn up at 5pm.
BALALAIKA
8-11pm
THE DOLPHIN
FREE
Balalaika return for another night of Russian and klezmer music. It promises to be a night to remember with melodies to melt the heart and tunes to set feet stomping. Listen out for original takes on well-known tunes and fiery, full-on ensemble playing. Spontaneous dancing is expected.
HEGLEY & KAY
8.30pm-10.30pm
SYDENHAM SCHOOL
Back by popular demand, poet, comic, singer, songwriter and glasses-wearer John Hegley launches his latest book New and Selected Potatoes on the innocent of Sydenham: “Fabulously funny” says Time Out. Joined by Forward prize-winning Scottish poet Jackie Kay, reading from her latest Costa Nominated Fiere and her short-story collection Reality Reality “One of the liveliest talents of her generation” (The Sunday Telegraph).