Whoops! March is whizzing by, we’ve already had two great shows with La La Land a sell out and the fab Jay Rayner serving up a great audio visual treat with his 10 Food Commandments.
Next up is a brand new initiative, on Tuesday 7th March Emma Kennedy and Gill Amos are welcoming anyone who wishes to come along to The Beehive café 7-9pm for the first in a series of ‘Death Cafes’ At a Death Café people meet in a safe, welcoming space to have a cuppa and cake whilst talking about mortality and all that goes with it. The aim is to overcome the taboo of talking about death, to share experience and listen to others. It’s not morbid and Death Cafés can be very life affirming, sometimes there is sadness but they are supportive and even enjoyable! There is no agenda, anyone trying to lead discussions to any conclusion or sell anything. It is a respectful, supportive and confidential space and a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session. More information can be found at www.deathcafe.com
Sue Kings’ lovely, friendly folk night is in the bar Wednesday 8th March and there are some great local singers appearing, this is free and anyone is welcome to come and listen or to play.
We are expecting a rip roaring evening with ‘Jethro’ on Friday, which is sold out, then Sat 11th at 7.30pm ‘Sweet Honi’ choir and the brilliant brass quintet, ‘Brass Warriors’ are collaborating to produce an amazing selection of songs, medleys and unusual arrangements for Andrew Hague’s last concert as the choir’s MD and conductor. Tickets are going very quickly so I’d advise you to book.
The incredibly talented Dave Mynne (founder member of Kneehigh theatre co.) is bringing his one man show-The Odyssey-(Greek Stuff)-without the boring bits, to The Beehive Sat 18th 7.30pm. Do NOT miss this! It is extremely funny, fabulous theatre and if you only see one show this year, this should be it!
Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman return to The Beehive Sat 25th March at 8pm supported by Kitty Mcfarlane. They were so fab last time they came we had to get them back! Twice recent winners of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Duo – 2016 & 2013 – the couple’s intimacy and strength of passion on stage have won them many fans and an enviable reputation as ‘Songwriters par excellence’- (fRoots), whose greatly varied original songs cover such subjects as wicked mermaids, Norwegian legends, and a lonely whale.
Kitty also launched her touring career from The Beehive when we invited her to support Kathryn & Sean in 2015, she has been gigging, singing and song writing ever since so we are delighted that she is coming back.
On Thursday 30th March at 7.15pm Puccini’s ‘MADAMA BUTTERFLY’ will be streamed live from the Royal Opera House, it is one of the most popular of all operas, with ravishing music and a heart-breaking story of a loving geisha deserted by a callous American husband. Much loved soprano Ermonela Jaho sings the title role for the first time at Covent Garden, in Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier’s stunningly beautiful production. Sung in Italian with English subtitles.
Other screenings at The Beehive cinema include ‘Lion’ on 17th March at 7.30pm starring Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman, which is selling quickly. On Friday 24th ‘Jackie’ is a powerful depiction of the days immediately following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, seen through the eyes of his widow, flawlessly portrayed by Natalie Portman.
Personally I can’t wait for Friday 31st March as the Noble Jacks who are a rip-roaring Alt-Folk band with roof raising energy, are coming to Honiton. These lads are going places, they were fantastic at Chagstock last summer with their mixture of folky footstompin’ rhythms and engaging lyricism. The band encompasses heartfelt, yet uptempo songs showcasing fiddle, blues harmonica and big anthem toplines. We also have the lovely local singer songwriter Adam Sweet as the support act, so a great night in store for all!
For a complete contrast, on Saturday 1st April 7.30pm we have ‘No Finer Life’, a play written by Graham Harvey (Agricultural Story Editor of The Archers and writer of more than 600 episodes),which brings to the stage the true tale of an unlikely Cotswold hero and an enduring romance. What inspires a young Somerset land girl to set off in search of a bestselling author in the darkest days of war? The story moves between the 1940s and the current day, reflecting that the love of the countryside, the need to protect it and issues of national identity, are timeless.
The show features new live music composed and performed by Alastair Collingwood, who has written scores for numerous theatre and TV shows. Graham Harvey will be taking part in an after-show conversation – where he will discuss the issues in the play…and all things Ambridge!
What a lovely selection, I’m enjoying March already! Do join us at The Beehive and to see more info check out our website www.beehivehoniton.co.uk where you can often see trailers, pop in & grab a flyer or join our database for our monthly newsletter and any updates.
Happy times! Wendy
