We have a saying in our house.“Maybe it’s time to update my software.” It’s a gentle little prompt to myself that perhaps I’ve learnt something new. Maybe an opinion I’ve carried around for years needs another look. And actually, that’s one of the reasons creative spaces are such an important part of my life. Because I can sit in a room with people I might never meet in my everyday life. Listen to a story that isn’t mine. Hear an opinion I don’t necessarily share. Laugh at something unexpected. And occasionally leave thinking… Huh. I hadn’t thought of it like that. And as the nights draw in and we swap big outdoor adventures for cosy rooms, village halls and intimate stages, perhaps that’s exactly the right time to get together and try something different. Which is rather handy… because October is FULL of it. Welcome to the Fringe BingeYou might remember us mentioning this last month. Well, it’s here. This October we’re bringing a little collection of new, quirky, interesting theatre into the very intimate surroundings of The Old Library. Cornish artists. National artists. Shows fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe. And a collection of people with something interesting to say. All chosen because we think they’re worth taking a chance on. Right here in Bodmin. So, what question takes your fancy? What happens when you peek behind a closed door?
Salon du Chocolat — Scary Little GirlsChocolate and books. Two things that seem relatively harmless to me. But apparently that hasn’t always been the case. Salon du Chocolat celebrates the relationship between cocoa nibs and forbidden literature — with a hefty dose of comedy and music (personally that sounds like a pretty good reason to leave the house on a Friday night) And the people behind it are Scary Little Girls, a Cornish feminist theatre and production hub that has been part of Cornwall’s creative landscape for more than 25 years.
When do I become ‘a local’?
I ask myself this question a lot. I’ve lived here for 21 years. I’ve had my children here. Worked in Cornish towns. Built a life here. But…I was born in Devon where we do scones cream first. So if I moved back there tomorrow…would I be a local again? Would I still feel like one? And who gets to decide anyway? Local, by solo storyteller Liz Richardson, explores home, belonging — or not belonging — and letting go, taking us back to the 90s along the way. The programme promises the possibility of simultaneously laughing and crying, which sounds about right for a conversation about belonging. Whether you’re Cornish born and bred, arrived yesterday or somewhere in the complicated middle, I reckon it will get us talking.
Ready for a little Sunday afternoon dopamine hit?
We’ve got a theatre Double Bill coming for you from the creators of 2024’s ‘It’s the Economy, Stupid!?’ And with a start time of 4pm, you’ll still be home in time for tea. Copycat — Joe Sellman-LeevaFirst up is a show fresh from Edinburgh Fringe, Copycat asks questions about AI and rapid technological change, using impressions to look at its impact on art, democracy and trust. And to quote the reviews “a treat for those who are stuffed with entertainment and hungry for thought” (Don’t You) Forget About Me — Dylan HowelNext “ a humorous, thrilling show that has audiences doubting their own eyes” Part stage magic. Part comedy. Part storytelling. And a fresh take on a haunted-house story, exploring memory, how it shapes us and just how reliable it really is. Why not?
How do you fit a shark into a Library?
I refuse to believe that the movie JAWS is fifty years old. It definitely made a whole generation nervous of going into the sea. But it’s given inspiration to Cornish Company, Jam First Theatre and Smile You Son of a B**!** is their parody of JAWS made entirely from foolery, thin air and household items. If you’ve been to Theatre in the Woods and seen Scarlet Pimpernel or Around the World in 80 Days you might recognise one of the cast, Laurence Pears. This time he’s coming indoors. And bringing a shark. Sort of. Suitable for 12+ and full of comedy, mime and a little magic this show rounds off our Fringe Binge!
And here’s the Binge bit…If something above has caught your eye, here’s your excuse to take a chance on another one. Buy one full-price ticket to a Fringe Binge performance and you can see the others for £10 each. So choose the one you know you’ll like. Then perhaps choose one you know absolutely nothing about.
Meanwhile… remember this lot?
THE REVIEWS ARE IN FOR THE BODMINARTY!
Bless you Blisland for being such a wonderful audience – next up Look out Lostwithiel! The Bodminarty’s next Hopening Ceremony is at Lostwithiel Community Centre on Saturday 10 October at 7.30pm.
I love to be surprised…
I saw Grace Petrie perform in Plymouth in 2019 as a guest singer on The Guilty Feminist Podcast tour. Half a song in and you could hear a pin drop. By the end, the whole audience was with her. And by the time she finished the audience were on their feet with a standing ovation so intense I swear it nearly knocked her over. No-one looked more surprised than Grace. She’s a folk singer-songwriter whose work draws on life, love and politics, and whose live performances are known for their honesty, energy and connection with audiences. And now she’s coming to…Bodmin – I KNOW! Grace Petrie is appearing as part of the St Petroc’s Sessions, bringing another very different voice into another rather special local space. And this one comes with my personal recommendation.
A Peek at November….
Talking of people with a perspective… You’ll probably know Cornwall My Home. Well, in November, Cornish singer-songwriter Harry Glasson headlines our annual Cabaret Fundraiser at The Beat. But this time we don’t just get to hear Harry perform. We’re also giving you the chance to hear from him in a Q&A and ask him about his songs and his stories. And perhaps what several decades of writing about Cornwall have taught him. There will also be Robbie Gillett, The Bodminarty, more local performers, black tie, bubbly and all the usual Cabaret silliness.
One last question for you – What happens on the other side of the stage?
Every artist, wherever they are in their journey needs support and over the summer we worked with Nicole (add surname) Intern and asked her to talk with three artists who’ve developed work with us along the way to find out what support means to them. So if you’re interested in how ideas grow into events then take a look at the Blog post Nicole wrote.
In the meantime… come and update your software with us. See you soon, Lisa P |
