It seems incredible that we have now been open and running a successful community arts centre in Honiton for nearly three years, and what a pleasure and joy it has been to provide entertainment for a huge cross section of the community and for those beyond. Some have even told us that The Beehive was the reason for them choosing to settle in Honiton, as they wanted to be able to walk down the road to go to the cinema, theatre and any assortment of live music gigs and comedy events.
We had a great year in 2016 with some terrific shows, several sell outs and some pretty close to the max like Police Dog Hogan, Mad Dog Mcrea, Henning Wehn, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, the live screening of the Royal Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”, Bridget Jones’ Baby and of course the ever popular Honiton Community Theatre co. production of “Peter Pan”.
Huge thanks must be said for our wonderful team of friendly fab volunteers and staff, to Honiton Town Council for providing this community resource and also to the board of directors for steering this mammoth undertaking and giving so very much of their time and expertise towards The Beehive.
Well, for 2017 we aim for even more sell outs and are already well on the way with ‘Aladdin’ in February half term, ‘Ralph McTell & Wizz Jones’ on Feb 10th. ‘Sound of The Sirens’ has just gone on sale (7th April) they are sure to sell very quickly along with ‘The Noble Jacks’ (31st March) who were definitely the best live act at Chagstock last summer! Jethro has already sold out, sorry folks!
Personally I can’t wait for Wille & the Bandits coming for their new album launch “Steal” on 21st Jan, the album has had great reviews and these immensely talented, versatile musicians are fantastic live, they are also joined by Blackballed ( front man is Marshall Gill, New Model Army guitarist, loads of lovely naughty energy!)
I love a bit of ascerbic wit too, so am really looking forward to Observer food critic, presenter of R4 Kitchen Cabinet & Master Chef Judge, Jay Rayner’s comic show ‘The 10 Food Commandments’ followed by a Q&A session on the 4th March (although I’m rather terrified at providing his supper!)
A return visit from the fabulous Welsh band, ‘Rusty Shackle’ is definitely a go to gig, they were brilliant last year, it was fantastic to see so many people loving them.(14th April)
Also so delighted to have the amazing David Mynne (founder member of Cornwall’s legendary Kneehigh Theatre) performing ‘The ODYSSEY! Its Greek stuff…’(18th March) all the good bits with the boring stuff removed. A compact piece of theatre magic. David Mynne’s skill with just a few simple props, a rubber face and clear and concise storytelling will fill the Beehive with drama, delight and hysterical laughter!
On the 1st of April we have ‘No Finer Life’ by Graham Harvey, (Agricultural Story Editor of The Archers for 20years and writer of more than 600 episodes), who brings to the stage the true tale of an unlikely Cotswold hero and an enduring romance. The play is set in the Oxfordshire countryside at the end of World War Two, rich in tradition and full of vivid, memorable characters. But this is no nostalgic, bucolic ramble! The show also features new live music composed and performed by Alastair Collingwood, who has written scores for numerous TV & theatre shows,
Graham Harvey will be taking part in an after-show conversation – included in the ticket price – where he will discuss the issues in the play…and all things Ambridge!
Our Science ‘Festival of the Imagination’ was such a success last year, with splendid feedback from families and folk of all ages that we are having another this year on May 5th and 6th so be sure to add this to your diary dates. There will once again be lots of activities and exciting things to discover with interesting talks and displays culminating in a very special scientific family show on the Saturday night by the brilliant Tangram theatre Company: THE ELEMENT IN THE ROOM: A RADIOACTIVE MUSICAL COMEDY ABOUT THE DEATH AND LIFE OF MARIE CURIE. The Times ★★★★ “Utterly accessible and engaging on multiple levels… I was tickled and unexpectedly touched”. I can’t wait!
Add to all this some truly wondrous Folk gigs with top quality artistes like Miranda Sykes & Rex Preston, Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman along with The Phil Beer Band and then some great tribute bands Like The Darkside of Pink Floyd and The Beach Boy’s Story Not to mention our Royal Opera House Live streaming and Oscar contender films like ‘La La land’,‘Lion’ and ‘Manchester By The Sea’ then hopefully we will have a bit of something for everyone!
Please do keep an eye on our website or pop in, as new events are added all the time. Here’s wishing and hoping for a tremendous year for all from everyone at The Beehive.
Wendy
