Celebrate at The Shed this November

Karen Neville

Bordon

There’s plenty to celebrate at The Shed this November, with a fireworks bonanza, a cosy comedy club and a Remembrance Day afternoon, plus Saturday Markets and Christmas Wreath workshops

The Shed has a sparkling selection lined up with some real fireworks throughout November with the return of the Cube Comedy Club as well as live music, quiz nights and the ever popular markets.

The venue offers the perfect backdrop for evenings of laughs and fantastic community events.

The Cube Comedy Club, 2nd November, 8pm

We’re back with a bang this November and continue to bring you the best of the best from the UK comedy circuit. This month features Matt Price, Eva Bindeman and Joey Page.

Eva Bindeman is a Bristol based, North East Comic bringing a warm, conversational sense of humour with a twist of the unexpected and named Funny Women “one to watch” in 2022.

Joey Page has been hailed as the future of stand up and is storming the circuit with his trail blazing brand of ‘Indie Comedy’ that’s surreal and inventive and has gained a big following during his time as support act for Noel Fielding on tour.

‘Conversations with Criminals’ podcast host Matt Price interacts with a crowd in a way that makes everyone in the room feel good. Matt’s stories are from the wilder side of life but surprisingly easy to relate to.

Firework Extravaganza, November 4th, 5-9pm

Get ready to light up the night sky with a FREE Firework Display on November 4th, with a night of dazzling lights, delicious treats, and fairground rides.

Head to Parade Square for a spectacular night of jaw-dropping fireworks at Whitehill and Bordon, with gates opening at 5pm and the breath-taking display commencing at 7pm, this event is not to be missed.

There will also be an array of exciting fairground rides for all ages. And when hunger strikes, indulge in mouth-watering meals from a selection of food trucks, offering sizzling burgers, hot dogs, delicious hog roasts, and a variety of sweet treats including donuts, waffles, and crepes.

Remembrance Sunday with Stephanie Bell, November 12th, 12-2pm

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies of the 1940s as Stephanie Bell takes the stage gracing us with not one, but two captivating sets of music, each lasting 45 minutes. Absolutely free with no need to book, this is the perfect way to get the family together for an afternoon of remembrance and celebration.

Throughout November there are also the popular Saturday Markets on 11th and 25th November, as well as a Christmas Wreath Workshop at Bud Hut, where guests can learn how to create a stunning moss-based wreath adorned with seasonal natural accessories.

You can find the full line-up of all upcoming events at The Shed here: theshedwb.com/shed-events

Cube comedy and quiz nights

Karen Neville

Bordon

Kate Lucas, Louise Atkinson and Howard Read are on the bill for comedy at the Cube at The Shed in Bordon in October

The Shed has a truly top selection lined up throughout October with the return of the Cube Comedy Club as well as quiz nights and markets.

The venue offers the perfect backdrop for evenings of belly laughs and fantastic community events.

The Cube Comedy 5th October at 8:00pm

This month’s comedy delights include Kate Lucas, Louise Atkinson and Howard Read.

Kate Lucas is an award-winning musical comedian and is known for her razor sharp and deliciously dark songs.

Louise Atkinson has quickly established herself on the comedy scene as one of the ones to watch for the future, and is said to have a strong flavour of Victoria Wood!

Howard Read is a comic, writer, animator and actor, in that order. He is best known for being one half (and the other half), of the Big Howard, Little Howard, the world’s first human cartoon double-act.

Tickets are £13.50 and can be bought on The Shed website.

Quiz nights at The Shed

On October 5th and 17th The Shed’s popular bar will be running quiz nights to test your brains every other Tuesday.

The Tap at The Shed’s quiz nights are only £1 entry per person with teams up to six. Winner takes the pot and there’s a chance to win a £25 bar voucher! Always a fun night out, just message Tap @ The Shed via their social media to book – Facebook.

Throughout October there are also the popular Saturday Markets on 14th and 28th, as well as a Halloween themed craft session with Daisy’s Craft room to try with the little ones, and of course top films at the Ticket Cinema.

You can find the full line-up of all upcoming Saturday Night at The Shed acts on the events page – Upcoming Events at The Shed.

Arts Council status for The Phoenix

Karen Neville

Bordon

The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre in Bordon has been awarded National Portfolio status receiving funding for the next three years

The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre has gained prestigious Arts Council status with the award of National Portfolio status.

Arts Council England announced earlier in November The Phoenix would be a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) and receive funding that is awarded less than 1,000 arts organisations across the country.

Funding for the next three years will provide the Bordon centre with a massive boost at a time when many organisations in the arts sector are struggling to survive.

The Phoenix has been chosen for this prestigious status due to its dedication and skill at bringing the arts into the local community and working with young people and disadvantaged groups.

Rob Allerston, Director of The Phoenix said: “With this decision Arts Council England has recognised the hard work of many and our drive to deliver community-focused arts in Whitehill& Bordon. Personally, I’m excited by the opportunities this will unlock and the creative voice it’ll offer to so many.”

Phil Gibby, Area Director, South West, Arts Council England said: “Arts Council England is delighted to be welcoming The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre into the 2023-26 National Portfolio. This welcoming venue is an important part of Hampshire’s cultural life, and we are pleased to be investing in it. The Phoenix has a strong track record of facilitating creative opportunities for local artists. As well as their programme of live events. This funding helps us to achieve the ambition of our ten-year strategy, Let’s Create, particularly around supporting people to develop their creative skills and potential.”

The announcement means it will receive revenue funding of £81,233 a year for three years. Bringing financial security to deliver the diverse mix of entertainment and community arts projects.

Cllr Richard Millard, Leader of East Hampshire District Council which supported the application, said: “We’re huge supporters of The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre and the incredible work they do, to bring art to the people of Whitehill & Bordon and the surrounding area.

“This is the first time East Hampshire has had a venue with NPO status and it will put the town, and the wider district, on the cultural map.

“I am thrilled we’ve been able to help Rob and his team put together a successful application against such fierce competition from arts venues of all sizes right across the country.”

Cllr Andy Tree, County Cllr and Leader of Whitehill Town Council, said: “This is a well-deserved reward for the hard work of all those involved in running The Phoenix and a great boost for the town of Whitehill & Bordon. This funding will enable an expansion of the issue-based work that is central to so much of their valuable contribution to the local community and further justifies the financial support that the town council has given through its Major Grand aid award. I’m very proud that Whitehill & Bordon will have the only organisation in East Hampshire with NPO status.”

With this year’s NPO designations, Arts Council England has focused on making certain as many people as possible – no matter where they come from or what their circumstances – can get hold of the very best of art and culture on their high streets and in the community spaces of their villages, towns and cities.

The latest round of funding will benefit art organisations, museums, and libraries in every corner of the country, with clear focus on ensuring that investment is concentrated in those places that, historically, have been undeserved.

Comedy and music at The Phoenix

Round & About

Bordon

Laugh with Harry Baker, marvel at the wit of The Noise Next Door and shout a resounding yes to YES PLEASE

The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre has plenty to tempt you out in October with comedy – and we all need a laugh now – and the sounds of a prog rock giant.

World Poetry Slam Champion Harry Baker’s heart and humour has been watched by millions online and allowed him to perform all over the world, until suddenly he couldn’t. From reviewing toilet seats online to writing falafel-based diss tracks for Chris Evans, he’s back on stage where he belongs with his most heartfelt, playful, unashamedly Harry Baker-y show yet, in fact he is totally Unashamed!
Catch him in action on Thursday, 13th October.

The following night it’s the turn of The Noise Next Door: Hometown Heroes. The quickest wits in comedy are coming to town with a side-splitting evening of hilarious off-the-cuff songs, scenes and characters. The stars of ‘Tonight at the Palladium’ (ITV1) will spin comedy gold out of all the things that YOU, the live audience, think are the best, worst and downright weirdest things about your hometown.

The Noise Next Door are 13-time sell-out veterans of The Edinburgh Fringe and have appeared on ‘The One Show’ (BBC One), ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ (ITV1), and ‘Roast Battle’ (Comedy Central). They have also appeared alongside the likes of Michael McIntyre, Katherine Ryan, Romesh Ranganathan and Harry Hill.

The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre has plenty to tempt you out in October

Want some music? YES PLEASE you cry and luck for you YES PLEASE are up next on Saturday 15th. They are the UK’s leading tribute to YES, meticulously recreating the music of the Progressive-Rock giants. Their shows have received high praise from Yes fans and in 2019 they were honoured to be invited to perform at Roger Dean’s Exhibition of iconic Yes album artwork.

This year sees 50th anniversary celebrations of three ground-breaking albums which will be featured in the show including a complete performance of Close to the Edge.

Whether it’s hit singles like Owner of a Lonely Heart, Roundabout or Wonderous Stories, or an epic masterpiece, sit back and enjoy authentic sounds , full vocal harmonies and the rocky electricity of a vintage Yes performance!

Find out more

For more information or to book tickets for any of these shows go to www.phoenixarts.co.uk

Pizzeria Campana: A taste of Italy

Karen Neville

Bordon

A truly authentic pizza restaurant and take away opens on March 19th at The Shed, Bordon

Pizzeria Campana is not another pizza chain outlet but a real family business bringing the taste of Campania (the Italian region where Naples is located) into the heart of Bordon with traditional Italian pizzas.  

Gareth Turner, one of the Pizzeria Campana team is thrilled to be opening: “It started as a simple dream – to create a truly Italian style pizza oven stocked with wood, fired up and ready to bake a pizza, which has been lovingly handmade from a carefully crafted authentic recipe and topped with the finest, freshest ingredients.” 

“Open 7 days a week, for lunch and evening service, Pizzeria Campana will take you on a culinary trip to Italy. Our friendly family team members will be ready and waiting to bring the authentic Italian style pizza restaurant (collection and delivery) into the heart of Hampshire. 

Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company is delighted to announce this new opening on Saturday, 19th March. In recent months The Shed has also welcomed new food restaurants/takeaways The Shack and Stuff’d as well confectioner Sweet Treats to its unique, authentic shared experience. 

With a range of artisan treats, home cooked food, arts & crafts, creative workspaces and great local entertainment The Shed features an array of the best local makers and creators. 

There are Markets every Wednesday and on two Saturdays a month, plus entertainment at The Cube and host of major events throughout the year, so there’s so much more on offer than in your average shed. 

Pizzeria Campana opening times:

Mon – Wed: 11am-9pm
Thu – Sat: 11am-10:30pm
Sun: 11am-7:30pm 

For more information about The Shed, businesses and events, visit: www.theshedwb.com  

Tell us your local news here

Fortitude

Round & About

Bordon

Host of Radio 4 Extra’s Newsjack, Angela Barnes is touring her show. Peter Anderson chats to her.

Q: Your father was a large influence on your comedy; was humour and watching comedians part of your memories of growing up?
“He was. I grew up watching all the greats – Monty Python, Peter Cooke and Dudley Moore, Morecambe and Wise, then in addition to that, listening to the Radio 4 comedy programmes like Round the Horne and The Navy Lark.”

Q. Which comedians have inspired you?
“I think the late Linda Smith; she came from Kent just like me. When I heard her doing comedy on Radio 4 it was just like listening to one of my own family and it helped convince me that I could do it.”

Q. This show is about you turning 40. Have you set yourself any targets for the next ten years?
“I am not someone who believes in setting targets at all! As for my career, I would much rather live in the moment and enjoy the ride.”

Q. What is your technique for writing – are you disciplined and allocate a certain time each day or do you write when the Muse/ideas appear?
“I so cannot write to order; a blank sheet of paper or screen just freezes my brain. Don’t laugh: but I have a pad and pencil by my bed and soap crayons so I can write things on the tiles if I have an idea while I am in the shower…”

Q. How do you relax after a show?
“After a show, there is nothing like a three-hour drive to relax you, or if I am nearer home I just potter around catching up with the washing-up or maybe watch some television.”

Q. You are coming to the Phoenix Arts Centre; do you have any memories of performing here?
“Yes, it is a lovely little theatre. I came here when I was the warm-up for Alan Carr. After doing my piece, I dived into the dressing room and spent the rest of the evening playing with his two red setters, Bev and Janice.”

Angela Barnes will perform her show Fortitude at the Phoenix Arts Centre on Thursday, 10th May. Visit www.phoenixarts.co.uk  and at Putney Half Moon on Wednesday, 4th July, Visit www.halfmoon.co.uk and www.angelabarnescomedy.co.uk