The Davenham Players

A Warwickshire Testimony by April de Angelis
2022-05-11 19:30 - 22:00, 2022-05-10 19:30 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | Davenham Theatre, 59 Church Street, Northwich, CW9 8NF, United Kingdom
DAVENHAM PLAYERS PRESENT
A WARWICKSHIRE TESTIMONY by APRIL DE ANGELIS
Directed by Paulette Anderson
By arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd.
Set in two different twentieth century eras in the same Warwickshire landscape:-
In the past, the big house, the servant class, the close-knit family ties of a bygone generation. Was it a rural idyll or claustrophobic hellhole?
In the present, there’s big business and incomers, no shops and no locals, where nothing stays the same for five minutes. For better or worse?
April De Angelis’s funny and compassionate play powerfully illustrates a rapidly changing way of life, focusing on the loves, traumas and disputes of a Midlands family throughout the twentieth century.
Paulette Anderson has assembled a cast of a dozen for this entertaining play and is pleased that she has been able to cast several new members in our first full-length post-Covid production.
It’s going to be a full-on drama in Davenham Players style, so make sure you save the dates 10th-14th May in your diary.
Tickets @ £10 can be booked now online via the DAN website or by phone on 01606 259596.

Davenham Writers' Group
2022-05-09 19:30 - 22:00, 2022-03-14 19:30 - 22:00, 2022-02-14 19:30 - 22:00
Davenham Writers Group – Monthly Meeting
Come on down to the monthly Writing group at Davenham Theatre run by Flick Goodman. Whether you are a writer or a performer you are welcome to come to this relaxed group.
If you have written something and you want it read out loud, want to flex those writing muscles with a few short exercises, or want to try writing for the first time, this friendly group welcomes all levels.
For more details you can contact Flick here

Play Reading Social
2022-05-05 19:30 - 21:30, 2022-04-07 19:30 - 21:30, 2022-03-03 19:30 - 21:30, 2022-02-03 19:30 - 21:30, 2021-12-02 19:30 - 21:30
Would you like to

Try your hand at reading a part out loud
Help Davenham Players find good play scripts
Come along for a social and meet us and other drama people
Have a quiet cup of tea and biscuits and listen

You can do all of these things if you come along to the theatre at 7:30pm each first Thursday of the month. Just turn up and Dee will do the rest. Tea and biscuits free for members. Small contribution for non-members.
CONTACT DEE FOR MORE INFORMATION here

Jazz Mike Hall Octet - Boplicity
2022-04-28 19:30 - 22:00
Mike Hall was Musical and Artistic Director at the Royal Northern College of Music Big Band for 20 years. He then decided to channel his love of larger jazz groups into an the formation of an octet – Boplicity
The initial core of the band`s repertoire was along the lines of the West Coast jazz groups of the 1950s; Dave Pell, Gerry Mulligan et al. Mike is now starting to write his own arrangements, the latest one being a recreation of five movements of Billy Strayhorn’s re-writing of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite!
The core of the group is Mike`s regular jazz quartet;
Eryl Roberts on drums
Ed Harrison on double bass and….
Andy Hulme on guitar
…who are all very busy musicians in the jazz arena while the others playing brass and saxophone are all great players in their own right.
Bookings can be made via email jazz@davenham.co or telephone Harry on 07717 224 238 / 01606 74502 Doors open 7.30pm music at 8pm.Tickets £15 on the door
If you are suffering from Covid symptoms please do not attend and in any case advise us if you are unable to attend for any reason.
From JAZZ@DAVENHAM TEAM
GREAT GIGS
FABULOUS BANDS
Click to see the full Jazz Programme
SPONSORED BY TATTON BREWERY
www.tattonbrewery.co.uk

An Evening with Spitting Feathers
2022-04-23 19:00 - 22:30
Spitting Feathers is a popular Northwich-based covers band with an experienced line-up featuring strong male and female lead vocals, backed by keyboards, guitars, bass and drums. The evening is likely to include songs from Fleetwood Mac, Bryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen, REM and Status Quo through to Tina Turner, Stereophonics, Blondie, Ed Sheeran and Sam Fender, performed in their own style and sometimes with the occasional surprises thrown in!
Band members will tell the story of how the band has evolved over the years and will play songs which represent various stages of the band’s development. This will be followed a more chilled acoustic set which will showcase the band’s vocal and instrumental versatility. To round off the evening, an upbeat set will encourage audience members to get involved ……. Maybe even dance!
Find out more at our website https://www.spittingfeathersmusic.co.uk/about and like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SpittingFeathersUK
Doors/bar open 7.00pm for a prompt 7.30pm start – Tickets £10
Phone reservations via our ticket line on 01606 259596

Acting Group
2022-04-18 19:30 - 21:30, 2022-03-21 19:30 - 21:30, 2022-02-21 19:30 - 21:30
Our Acting Group at the theatre on the 3rd Monday of every month gives anyone a chance to get up and have a go at some acting! There will be scripts, games and some friendly faces. No pressure, just play. Run by Tom Barry. Give it a try!
Free for members. £1 for non-members

Davenham Writers' Group CANCELLED OWING TO ILLNESS
2022-04-11 19:30 - 22:00
Davenham Writers Group – Monthly Meeting
Flic Goodman has unfortunately had to CANCEL tonight’s Writers’ Group (11th April) owing to illness.
Come on down to the monthly Writing group at Davenham Theatre run by Flick Goodman. Whether you are a writer or a performer you are welcome to come to this relaxed group.
If you have written something and you want it read out loud, want to flex those writing muscles with a few short exercises, or want to try writing for the first time, this friendly group welcomes all levels.
For more details you can contact Flick here

Jazz Alex Clarke Quartet
2022-03-31 19:30 - 22:00
Photo credit Jim Milson
Band Line-up:
Alex Clarke – sax
Andrzej Baranek – keyboards
Ed Harrison – bass
Gaz Hughes – drums
As a finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020, winner of the Rising Star category in the 2019 British Jazz Awards and nominee in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2021, Alex is known to be one of the most in-demand and versatile young saxophonists emerging on the British jazz scene.
Praised for her extensive repertoire list and intelligent ear for harmony, she brings a youthful, intuitive approach which sounds authentic in a variety of musical settings from New Orleans to bebop. Alex’s sound is steeped in the tradition of jazz; her deep respect for the heritage of the music can be heard in a swinging, melodic approach reminiscent of Scott Hamilton and Lester Young, with strong influences of Phil Woods and Cannonball Adderley.
Back in 2018, Alex released her debut album “Mirage”, and in 2019, recorded an album with acclaimed jazz, blues and country vocalist/pianist TJ Johnson – with whom she works regularly – entitled “Songs from the Jazz Country”. As well as leading her own projects, Alex has performed alongside many notable names such as Gilad Atzmon, Greg Abate, Clark Tracey and Art Themen.”
Further details can be found at http://www.alexclarkejazz.co.uk/bio.
Bookings can be made via email jazz@davenham.co or telephone Harry on 07717 224 238 / 01606 74502 Doors open 7.30pm music at 8pm.Tickets £12 on the door
If you are suffering from Covid symptoms please do not attend and in any case advise us if you are unable to attend for any reason.
From JAZZ@DAVENHAM TEAM
GREAT GIGS
FABULOUS BANDS
Click to see the full Jazz Programme
SPONSORED BY TATTON BREWERY
www.tattonbrewery.co.uk

Folk Ivan Campo
2022-03-28 20:00 - 23:00
Making their Davenham Theatre debut toward the close of March are the popular electric /acoustic set up Ivan Campo.
Having met in the city of Preston whilst studying contemporary music at the University of Central Lancashire, English folk-pop trio Ivan Campo have released several albums / ep’s over the years, their latest album being ‘Season Of The King’ [2017] with a further single offering ‘The Girl Who Dreamed’ [2020]; a search on youtube will bring up both plus several other enchanting folk / pop songs.
With an impressive back story that includes four studio sessions for BBC 6Music and having their song ‘The Great Procrastinator’ featured on TV series Skins, ‘The Girl Who Dreamed’ sees them return in stellar form. With its light and uplifting aesthetic that combined wistful guitar hooks and sweeping vocals, their newest delight is sure to brighten the day of anyone who hears it.
https://www.mysticsons.com/article/getting-know-ivan-campo#.YbDQFtDP1PY©
Opening the night will be Widnes born singer-songwriter Greg Oldfield – previously in Great and Lady Soul, releasing several singles on Virgin Records. He is known for lyrics that often refer to his home town, and was a member of the Smoking Dragons project, writing much of the music.
Given the situation regarding Covid – ticket sales will be limited to under 50% of normal capacity to ensure social distancing can be maintained – all requirements stated by Government at the time of the show will be implemented.
Tickets available locally from Andrew Whalley txt 07510 853589 or on line via https://www.wegottickets.com/event/533167

Audition - Bouncers by John Godber
2022-03-02 19:30 - 21:30
Mike Kelsall is coming to Davenham to direct Bouncers by John Godber to be staged 20th to 24th September 2022. In preparation, Mike is holding, on two consecutive nights, a readthrough and an audition for the play. Wednesday 2nd March is the audition.
ALL regardless of age, gender are welcome to come to one or both nights to find out about the play. However, Mike is looking for four men with playing age between 20 and 60, as the script states.
ABOUT THE PLAY
Step back in time to the world of 1980’s nightlife!
Remember preparing to head out at the weekend with ‘the lads’ or ‘the girls’.. the anticipation of the evening ahead and the trepidation when you arrived at the doors of the nightclub in case you got turned away by the men in black?
But did you ever give any thought to the lives those gruff men lead, the things they see, the worries they have and the fantasies they lose themselves in?
Set ‘up north’, Bouncers by John Godber, is a comedy, stacked with humour and pathos. It’s a 4-handed play where the actors perform multiple roles.
Don’t be shy coming forward – we anticipate a good turnout!

Readthrough - Bouncers by John Godber
2022-03-01 19:30 - 21:30
Mike Kelsall is coming to Davenham to direct Bouncers by John Godber to be staged 20th to 24th September 2022. In preparation, Mike is holding, on two consecutive nights, this readthrough and an audition for the play. Tuesday 1st March is the readthrough.
ALL regardless of age, gender are welcome to come to one or both nights to find out about the play. However, Mike is looking for four men with playing age between 20 and 60, as the script states.
ABOUT THE PLAY
Step back in time to the world of 1980’s nightlife!
Remember preparing to head out at the weekend with ‘the lads’ or ‘the girls’.. the anticipation of the evening ahead and the trepidation when you arrived at the doors of the nightclub in case you got turned away by the men in black?
But did you ever give any thought to the lives those gruff men lead, the things they see, the worries they have and the fantasies they lose themselves in?
Set ‘up north’, Bouncers by John Godber, is a comedy, stacked with humour and pathos. It’s a 4-handed play where the actors perform multiple roles.
Don’t be shy coming forward – we anticipate a good turnout!

Jazz Emma Johnson's Gravy Boat
2022-02-24 19:30 - 22:00
Photo Credits: Maria Altzamora, Elle Jones
Emma Johnson’s Gravy Boat is a contemporary, cinematic jazz quintet led by Leeds based saxophonist and composer Emma Johnson.
Emma’s writing displays a contemporary sound rooted by infectious melodies and the group have been described as demonstrating a “strong and joyful bond, immediately apparent in their sound”. Gravy Boat is a band that aspires to write and perform melodic, accessible jazz that anyone can enjoy.
Gravy Boat play ‘a relaxed, melodic and distinctive style of contemporary jazz’.
A recent review on Bebop Spoken Here noted: ‘Johnson gets a great sound on tenor and has a technique to match. Not one of those in your face players but someone whose solos build gradually and logically, with a natural lyricism reminiscent of Coltrane.’
The band were selected for the Jazz North Northern Line scheme for the year 2019 and have performed at many prominent festivals including Marsden, Manchester and Lancaster Jazz Festivals.
Emma has been awarded a Peter Whittingham Development Award and thanks to the support of Help Musicians UK, the band have released their debut album Worry Not to much acclaim this year.
LINE-UP
Saxophone – Emma Johnson
Guitar – Fergus Vickers
Piano – Richard Jones
Double Bass – Angus Milne
Drums – Steve Hanley
Bookings can be made via email jazz@davenham.co or telephone Harry on 07717 224 238 / 01606 74502 Doors open 7.30pm music at 8pm.Tickets £12 on the door
If you are suffering from Covid symptoms please do not attend and in any case advise us if you are unable to attend for any reason.
From JAZZ@DAVENHAM TEAM
GREAT GIGS
FABULOUS BANDS
Click to see the full Jazz Programme
SPONSORED BY TATTON BREWERY
www.tattonbrewery.co.uk

Both Sides Now - SOLD OUT
2022-02-11 19:30 - 22:00
Both Sides Now
The Joni Mitchell – Blue 50th Anniversary Concert
NOTE: THIS EVENT IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT BUT YOU COULD ASK TO GO ON THE WAITING LIST
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Joni’s breakthrough album Blue, which featured such iconic songs as A Case Of You, River, Carey and of course the title track. With that in mind, material from Blue will be prominently featured in this year’s concerts.
The music of Joni Mitchell is celebrated in this performance of some of her best-loved songs. As Joni reaches her landmark 75th year, these concerts are also by way of an extended celebration of her life and work.
The Joni Mitchell Songbook draws on a three-decade journey of incredible creativity, from folk singer to mainstream rock artist, as well as an abiding love affair with jazz.
Featuring Big Yellow Taxi (her most covered song), River and A Case of You (both from the breakthrough album Blue), the radio hits of Help Me and Free Man In Paris (from double-platinum Court and Spark) and the jazz-infused stylings of In France They Kiss On Main St (The Hissing of Summer Lawns) and Coyote (Hejira).
Both Sides Now is a five-piece band showcasing the outstanding voice of Sarah Miller. During its debut year of 2018, the band played at some of the UK’s leading music venues. The musicians’ CVs include such notable names as Don Felder of the Eagles, Badly Drawn Boy, Ruby Turner and Corinne Bailey Rae.
BSN are a a group of Joni superfans dedicated to keeping her music in the live arena.

http://www.jonitribute.com
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=duTMkFyiBwE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifHsxG7V1ZI
NOTE: THIS EVENT IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT BUT YOU COULD ASK TO GO ON THE WAITING LIST
Bookings can be made via email jazz@davenham.co or telephone Harry on 07717 224 238 / 01606 74502
Doors open 7.30pm music at 8pm
Tickets £12 on the door
If you are suffering from Covid symptoms please do not attend and in any case advise us if you are unable to attend for any reason.
From JAZZ@DAVENHAM TEAM – GREAT GIGS FABULOUS BANDS SPONSORED BY TATTON BREWERY www.tattonbrewery.co.uk

Jazz Lucy Lockwood
2022-01-27 19:30 - 22:00
Lucy Lockwood is a vibrant and exuberant Jazz and Blues vocalist. Working mainly with standards, traditional jazz and the American songbook, Lucy has a special focus on scat vocal improvisation, with an attack that doesn’t shy into a breathy corner. Lucy is inspired by those who work with their voice as instrument – and takes cues from male blues shouters and horn instrumentalists as much as the smooth tones of the female leading lights . A full palette of sound that braves the risk of promoting full expression over twee standards of ‘pretty’ sound.
LINE-UP
Lucy Lockwood – Vocals
Grant Russell – Bass
Colin Lamont – Drums
George King – Keys
Sax player to be confirmed
Bookings can be made via email jazz@davenham.co or telephone Harry on 07717 224 238 / 01606 74502 Doors open 7.30pm music at 8pm.Tickets £12 on the door
If you are suffering from Covid symptoms please do not attend and in any case advise us if you are unable to attend for any reason.
From JAZZ@DAVENHAM TEAM
GREAT GIGS
FABULOUS BANDS
SPONSORED BY TATTON BREWERY
www.tattonbrewery.co.uk

Audition for our May play
2022-01-25 19:30 - 22:00, 2022-01-24 19:30 - 22:00
Paulette Anderson is holding an open audition for the next Davenham Players production she will direct to be performed on stage in week beginning 9th May. Auditions are being held on two successive nights 24th and 25th January, to help people find a free evening.
All welcome – not just actors; we will be looking for a full production team including backstage, marketing, design, costumes, set construction. Just turn up at the theatre at 7:30pm.
The May production is to be ‘A Warwickshire Testimony ‘ 10-14th May, directed by Paulette Anderson. Auditions for this are on 24th and 25th Jan. This is a tale of a Warwickshire village from the 1920s to the 1960’s seen through the eyes of its inhabitants. It has parts for young and old, male and female .
Please contact me if you are interested in reading for a part or just come along .
Thankyou
Paulette

Drama Games Night
2022-01-20 19:30 - 22:00
I can’t tell you anything about this fun evening because I don’t know myself. But Sheila always comes up with something entertaining.
Just come along to find out. Members free. Otherwise £1 donation for refreshments.

AGM of the Davenham Players
2022-01-13 19:30 - 21:30
The Annual General Meeting is an essential obligation of our group as stated in our Constitution. Owing to the pandemic, we were unable to hold the 2019 AGM planned for 24th March 2020. As a temporary measure, reports were presented at a Committee meeting with the proviso that the AGM would take place as soon as to could be safely held.
NOTE THAT THE MEETING IS OPEN TO ANYONE BUT THAT ONLY PAID-UP OR HONORARY MEMBERS MAY VOTE.
THE MEETING HAS TO BE QUORATE, SO WE ASK MEMBERS TO COME ALONG IF AT ALL POSSIBLE
It is also now time for the 2020 AGM to take place, so we intend to get both AGMs done on the same evening.
The draft Agenda follows:-
1. Apologies for Absence and Roll Call by Secretary
2. Declarations of Interest
3. Chairman’s Welcome and Minutes of 2018 AGM held 4th March 2019
4. Matters Arising from 2018 AGM Minutes
5. Chairman’s Report 2019 and 2020
6. Treasurer’s Report 2019 and 2020
7. Election of Officers
8. Election of Trustees
9. Appointment of Independent Examiner of Accounts
10. Health and Safety
11. Any Other Business

Jazz Tom Seals
2021-12-16 19:30 - 22:00
GIG SOLD OUT!
Fresh from his sell-out “Let The Good Times Roll” Tour – Tom Seals, “quite possibly the future of
jazz and blues”, has the world at this fingertips. His virtuoso solo-ing, excellent improvisations
skills and distinctive voice have left top industry voices hailing him the UK’s finest boogie woogie
and blues pianist/vocalist.
Still only in his twenties, Seals is surely destined for greatness. Hot on the heels of sold-out shows
across the globe including London’s legendary Ronnie Scott’s, a stunning performance at Birdland
Jazz Club on Broadway in New York and sessions with Jools Holland, Tom Seals’ star is destined
to soar stratospherically in 2021 with the release of his debut album, own TV show and festival appearances worldwide.
Bookings can be made via email : jazz@davenham.co or telephone Harry on 07717 224238 01606 74502 Doors open at 7.30 music starts at 8pm.Tickets are £15 on the door (tbc)
If you are suffering from Covid symptoms please do not attend and in any case advise us if you are unable to attend for any reason.
From JAZZ@DAVENHAM TEAM
GREAT GIGS
FABULOUS BANDS
SPONSORED BY TATTON BREWERY
www.tattonbrewery.co.uk

Davenham Writers' Group
2021-12-13 20:00 - 22:00
Davenham Writer’s group meet once a month to try out and discuss different approaches to writing. You bring your note pad and pen and we get the ideas flowing and bring out the biscuits. All levels welcome at our friendly, no pressure group. Email Flick here to sign up.
Free to Davenham members, Non members £1
7.30pm, 20th September, 11th October, 8th November, 13th December

Jazz Apitos Pequeno
2021-11-25 19:30 - 22:00
Apitos Pequeno play Latin American-influenced jazz and are led by Dave Hassell, one of the UK’s finest drummers and percussionists.
Featuring saxophonist Andy Scott, leader of the nine sax-led Sax Assault and who has performed across Europe and Japan as leader of the Apollo Sax Quartet.
Other band members are
Paul Kilvington piano, Stevie Williams bass, Chris Manus conga
Bookings can be made via email : jazz@davenham.co or telephone Harry on 07717 224 238/ 01606 74502
Doors open at 7.30 music starts at 8pm.Tickets are £12 on the door.
If you are suffering from Covid symptoms please do not attend and in any case advise us if you are unable to attend for any reason.
From JAZZ@DAVENHAM TEAM
GREAT GIGS
FABULOUS BANDS
SPONSORED BY TATTON BREWERY
www.tattonbrewery.co.uk
