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Maidstone Area Arts Council
For those MAAC members, and several who might be quite new to membership, an invitation to read through what’s on offer in the Autumn Quarter of 2008 might encourage them to offer contributions for future issues. There is never any problem filling the columns available with events staged by MAAC members. Our invitation is to newcomers to use this valuable promoter of the arts in the Borough. Let them be assured that it serves to not only put ‘bums on seats’ but also to more importantly invite the response that ‘oh my gosh, I didn’t know that was on. Now I do. Let’s go’. Pride of place this autumn goes to the Am Drammers ~ Detling Players and the Willington Players. Both are staging well known productions, DPs ‘The Railway Children’ and the WPs ‘Stepping Out’. Both production companies abound with talent both on and behind stage and will deliver memorable family entertainment. The accolades are usually afforded to the actors and actresses, who will no doubt conjure up the magic of both of these productions. But mention has to be made to the hidden heroes and heroines of an AmDram Company – the set makers, the costumerers, lighting, sound and makeup, yet alone properties and front of house. In our bigger venues these are provided, but let no member of an audience fail to appreciate these hidden assets. Well done to non-actors everywhere! The Choral Union deserves our every best wish as they launch their new season under a new Director, Martin Hindmarsh. May he be able to build upon the solid foundations left behind by Jeffery Vaughan-Martin (who we will see exploring new musical pastures in the Borough), and further develop the Choral Union’s talents. Haydn’s Creation will be a joy to behold, and their Christmas Concert is always a good excuse to stretch your lungs with popular seasonal carols. Close inspection of one or two of the MAAC member organisations staging musical performances invites your attention. The Concert programmes of the Sutton Valance Music Society in October and November are simply breath-taking in quality and diversity. By carefully courting young artists supported by sponsorship, they have assembled some ‘near-London standard’ of talent to their platform. These performances are a ‘must-go-to’, and where possible, we have included a SatNav postal code to guide you to the auditorium! Another intimate concert platform in the Borough is Bradbourne House at East Malling, a very high class venue. Stephen Hatfield and his Team from the East Malling Research Station Music Club have assembled a diverse and talented list of performers worthy of your support. Intimacy, civility and friendliness are the hallmarks of these occasions, usually tempting one to go back again and again. If you really want to reduce your carbon footprint and be fully eco-friendly, don’t go to London, share a car with a friend, travel locally, purchase a modest priced ticket and simply immerse yourself in the local arts. Although you will be 100% ‘green’, it is you who will be the envy of city slickers unable to share our artistic offer. Click here to see the Autumn 2008 events |