Main Feature

W&BA takes a look at the Future for Theatres in our Area.

After the Prime Minister announced last week that Theatres can reopen with social distancing in place from the beginning of August, W&BA have been wondering what this will mean for some of the local venues we’ve worked with over the years. Like us, many of these venues are very small organisations who rely heavily on ticket sales to stay afloat. They are also vital creative honeypots, responsible for keeping creatives from all areas of the Arts connected both with each other and their audiences.

In June, Conservative MP and former actor Gile Watling shared his thoughts with The Guardian. “People are beginning to understand just how valuable this is, and how much in danger it is. And how historically important it is.” He shared his fears that, without government funding and guidance, many theatres across the UK are facing the prospect of shutting down.

The theatres in the Waveney and Blyth areas have been sharing their own varied experiences and plans recently, with some beginning to explore how they’re hoping to open in the coming months.

At present, The Cut in Halesworth has a series of online events scheduled, though physical events will begin again in September. The Fisher Theatre in Bungay are looking at a soft opening from September onwards too, “with local and in-house activities and events to reconnect with our community and audiences.” In the meantime, they are “planning and implementing procedures and facilities to support our safe opening in accordance with government guidance.” They’re also working with Upshoot Theatre Company who regularly produce work at the Fisher Theatre, to promote their Garden Theatre performances. These will take place in Bungay and Halesworth in mid September, with the aim of “reconnecting our community with the joys of live performance.”

Sadly, by contrast, the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft published an announcement last week, stating that, as a result of lockdown and a ‘catastrophic’ drop in their income, “we have reached the conclusion that we have no choice but to reduce our overheads and scale back our operation. We have had to make the incredibly hard decision to begin a period of redundancy consultation with our staff.” In the announcement they thanked all their supporters, including Lowestoft Town Council and the Arts Council, and assured us that “The Marina Theatre Trust remains committed to playing a key role in the cultural life of Lowestoft. We will be a different organisation when we emerge into a very different landscape, but we want to be able to offer our audiences the very best entertainment we can. As soon as we can re-open safely and economically, we will welcome back our community.” You can read the statement in full here.

Meanwhile, The Seagull Theatre have started to take small steps toward opening with their much loved ‘Memory Cafe’ for anymore living with dementia and their carers. After the first cafe event on Wednesday 15th July they wrote, “Today felt….normal and it was good. We were so pleased to welcome back our lovely families for memory cafe.” The next session will be on 29th July from 10.30am until midday. The Seagull has also been changing and updating their website, so take a look at the improvements they’ve made.

Across the opposite side of our area, The Bank in Eye have given us an uplifting update on their plans: “We are working hard in the background to come back fitter and stronger!” They’ve been running online events on Thursday evenings and have been making the most of lockdown by working out plans to become “a carbon-neutral building and influence others in our community to follow suit.” They have also partnered with Suffolk Mind to “address unmet needs in our community for those whose situation was poor before Covid-19 but worsened during shut down.”

Our ‘friendly Bank Manager’ Peter said The Bank plans to reopen on 9th Sept for their Art group and Knit & Natter Craft group. “Before then we plan to reconfigure the Main Hall to provide more flexible space by replacing the stage with a lower demountable version. The coffee station will be moved to allow one large exhibition wall. Our meeting room and office will be upgraded to accommodate private hire and space a possible resident artist.” He added “As ever, we are always seeking more participation particularly from Artists who have organisational skills, perhaps someone reading this fancies a Residency or Art Director role?” We’re excited to see all these exciting plans come to life in the future.

Further uplifting news has reached us from The Corn Hall in Diss, which has just celebrated its 10th birthday. In their newsletter, they expressed thanks to all their supporters for making donations, renewing memberships and sending messages of support.

During lockdown The Corn Hall has installed safety elements including perspex screens in the Box Office and Cafe, and multiple hand sanitiser stations. They said “We are initially planning to run many events in cabaret-style which will allow for family and household bubble groups. We’ll give more details on this soon.” Meanwhile, on 24th July until the end of August the Corn Hall is hosting a ‘Welcome Back’ exhibition. Curator David Case said “Although the Corn Hall is not fully up and running yet, we thought we would welcome our audience back with a ‘taster’ of the rescheduled shows we have coming up.” Thankfully many of the live shows which had to be cancelled have now been rescheduled. You can view their programme of events here.

We’ll be keeping an eye on how all these venues and others fair over the coming months and will continue to keep our members and our newsletter subscribers up to date.

If you are part of a local theatre venue in our area, please consider signing up as a Member Organisation. With the support of your membership, we can share your reopening plans and direct your message to our culture-interested audience in the locality. We’ll promote your events across our social media platforms and in our fortnightly newsletter.

To all the theatres opening soon, break a leg!

How our members are staying creative

This is a strange time for us all, but here at Waveney & Blyth Arts we’re working hard to keep our members connected and uplifted during isolation. We wanted to share with you what we’ve all been doing to help stay creative while we ride out the pandemic.

If you’d like to share what you’ve been doing with us, please tag us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, or send an email to newsletter@waveneyandblytharts.com

Resources from Waveney & Blyth Arts

Creativity in the Time of Corona
Our marketing officer, Hatty Leith, has put together a list of great websites that offer free resources to help keep you entertained while you’re stuck at home. Learn a new skill, play games with the kids or find some mental health support. Have a look and see what inspires you.

Fortnightly Creative Prompts
Our Area Reps are keeping us creative by sharing creative prompts in our newsletter every fortnight. Members and non-members are invited to share with us their outcomes and creative experimentations in response to each of these prompts, to be shared in the following newsletter.

Special Edition Newsletter
Our latest newsletter was a little different due to the lack of events to promote, so instead we’ve used it as a platform to share what our members have been doing at home. If you missed it, you can view it via the link above. If you like it, be sure to sign up to our newsletters by scrolling to the bottom of this page and filling in your email address in the footer.

From our members…

From Andy Maule

Andy Maule shares his newly finished recycled brick garden creation in lockdown.

“I thought you might be interested in the completion (in lockdown) of this long term project. Following my obsession for creative-making the project has involved recycling bricks (from a past building project) and, more notably, moulded bricks rescued from the demolition of Mattishall First School in 2010/11.” Read the full article and see more photos here.

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From Trevor Mills

“In some ways it has been nice to slow down and have time to do creative things without feeling guilty about spending time on arts and crafts. I’ve spent time walking at Carlton marshes nature reserve which inspired me to carve these birds from laminated plywood.”

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From Connie Flynn

W&BA member Connie reflects on her past work and sees connections with current feelings of being in lockdown.

“As an artist, the time in lockdown isolation could be a time to make new work, that is if we are able to separate our thoughts from the current situation and focus on our practice. It may not be easy as there are many unknowns for the future with regards to the arts, artists and arts organisations. Due to the uncertainty I have used some of the time to reflect on previous projects, exhibitions and work made. The definition of ‘isolation’ is isolating or being isolated. We now know what lockdown isolation means to us through our direct experiences.

While reflecting, I returned to 2015 where I was the Artist in Residence for a month at Sumburgh Lighthouse in Shetland, this residency meant staying at the lighthouse. The textile work made then formed an exhibition titled, ‘Finders Keepers Tales in Textiles!’ which has been touring. One piece which particularly relates to the current time is ‘The Keepers Apron’ a cream cotton apron dyed blue representing the sea, with hand stitched words in contrasting white thread. The apron represents a list of criteria taken from a 1960 Northern Lighthouse Board Job Specification for Lighthouse Keepers, one being ‘able to live in isolation’. The isolating role of a lighthouse keepers in the past was part of a chosen job for a period of time. Just as the keepers were able to live and work in isolation, some of us are now beginning to return to work after lockdown, I am reminded we through circumstance and not choice have experienced our own isolation.”

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From our Poets

We’ve received some beautiful poems from a few of our creative members, so we’ve created a poetry page to share these with you. Many thanks to Sean O’Loughlin and Ivor Murrell who have contributed to this page. You can read their poems on the Poetry in Lockdown page.

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From Sian O’Keeffe

As our studios were closed to us at Butley Mills Studios, I have produced a number of works from the confines of my home, in the centre of Woodbridge, where the birdsong has been loud and strong. I make work from any materials that come to hand. A shop in the Thoroughfare had thrown out upholstery fabric sample books, for the gleaning of those with an interest. I had with me at home, stainless steel cable ties. Combining the two, I embarked upon a number of site-specific responses to my immediate environment. This is one of the interventions I made with the Lilac tree that grows outside the front of my home, on the street. My palette came from the fabric samples, the metallic cable ties accorded with the overhead telecom wires of the street. More images can be found on my instagram: @sian_okeeffe.

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From Stephen Worrall

While clearing our his garden shed, Stephen Worrall has been trying to see ordinary everyday things in a new way. ‘Seen again with new eyes’ is an article he has written about this process, along with some of his sculptural responses as he repurposes found gardening materials. You can see his sculptures and read about it here.

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From Gen Doy

From early April, Gen had planned to be in Italy. When her trip was cancelled she started to create a series of ‘Virus Drawings’ based on works she had seen on previous trips to Italy. You can see all of her images here.

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From Meg Amsden

Starring and filmed by otters in the wild triggering trail cameras. Many hours of film clips collected and sorted by the Suffolk Otter Group (U.K), and edited and assembled, with advice from Nicky Rowbottom, by Meg Amsden, with her original drawings and additional sound recordings. In memory of our much missed and admired mentor Richard Woolnough.

You can see another of Meg’s wonderful videos over on our Early Bird Sound Map page where she has recorded an ‘avian opera’ from her bathroom window!  Recorded on an H5 recorder with clippy mics hung from the window, and combined with 6 photos shot two days later. Wear headphones if you have them for full effect.

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From Connie Flynn

Waveney and Blyth Arts member Connie Flynn who moved to Norfolk just over a month ago has been busy settling in as well as hand stitching in isolation. This work in progress is titled ‘Safe Sewing at Home’. It is part of a larger body of work which she hopes to exhibit in Norfolk at some point in the future.

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From Ann Follows

“For exercise and enjoyment, I am walking in the Blyth river path daily. It is only a footpath and field from my house. There is a  walk along both sides of the river Blyth from Wenhaston to Blythburgh. It is a wild life delight with otter, hare, curlews, swans, herons all regular sights beyond the seed head tufts of the reeds. I took this photo from the footpath just for you, to show you why Blythburgh Church is known as the ‘Cathedral in the marsh’. Beyond the church, the Blyth river meets the sea in a magnificent estuary.”

 

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From Ian Lomas

“I have been attempting to take a photo showing star trails for a local competition. I have a good camera but had to buy a (cheap from eBay) timer device so that I could take a series of 5 minute exposures.
My first attempt was a disaster, I left the VR (vibration reduction) facility switched on and it just thought the camera was shaking. My second was even worse as I did the novice mistake of leaving the camera lens cap on. The third was OK and the photo scored the highest mark in the competition.”

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From Simon Raven

‘A Fable for our Times’ is an alternative take on the story of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden.

“As a W&BA member I’m probably known, if I’m known for anything, as someone who makes odd creations out of the detritus of everyday activity – more ‘play’ than ‘art’.  However, in my down-time I’ve always had another life as an occasional writer, although nothing yet for publication. What follows is one such piece from several years ago which I’ve recently revised.  I wanted to take this opportunity to put it out there in a public space for friends and others to read and pass upon it their dispassionate judgement.

It was intended to be conversational in style, amusing in tone, and maybe even contain a whiff of profundity.  Think of it as a comedic stand-up sketch such as you might listen to on the weekday BBC Radio 4 6.30pm slot. Does it succeed at any level?  Is it in bad taste? Did it make you chuckle? Any suggestions as to how the writing might be improved? What do you think? Read the PDF here: Fable for Our Times, and perhaps contact me direct at simon@thefen.org with any comments or advice.” 

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From Melinda Appleby

“Yesterday I popped out for the first time to my nearest shop – a farm shop. Not the sort of farm shop groaning with 50 different relishes and jams, exotic chocolates and luxury biscuits. But a shed on a small holding where the farmer sells his own home grown fruit and veg, plus some extras he buys in from the wholesalers. There is no calculator in sight and you help yourself to the veg…” Read more of Melinda’s musings on our blog post, Getting Creative: Food for the Senses

Being isolated at home can be tough, but there are lots of free resources out there to help us all cope and connect creatively.

We’ve been on the look out for activities, workshops and inspiration that will help uplift our members and help us stay connected during this difficult time. Below is a list of free resources that we think you’ll like, including fun activities to do with the kids, creative workshops where you can learn or hone skills and mental health advice. Click the orange titles to be sent to each activity. We hope you have fun!

You can also check out what our creative W&BA members have been up to over on our new page, Finding Silver Linings.

 

Get Creative or Learn a New Skill:

Norwich Writing Centre
Free workshops and writing resources
Whether you’re new to writing or want to polish your skills, the National Centre for Writing has something for you. Get top tips from successful authors, tutorials on character writing, world building and self publishing. These workshops cover all types of writing, including writing for games, scripts, businesses and children. Our marketing officer is excited to have just signed up for Writing Science Fiction: World Building, a self-paced course taught by Ian Nettleton.

Chatterpack
Online learning, music, arts and culture
Chatterpack has created an extensive list of free online resources to tackle boredom. Learn a language, take a tour of a museum or watch a concert all from the comfort of your own home. This webpage is full of great things to do. Resources include virtual tours, online learning, nature, music, arts and culture, literature, general entertainment and mental health links.

Gardening Breaks
Short gardening activities you can do while isolated
To stay healthy and productive it’s important to take regular screen breaks, move around and see daylight. Gardening is the perfect way to keep fit at home. Getting out into the garden, getting some fresh air and daylight, will boost your mood. Gardener’s World has compiled a list of easy things to do while you’re stuck at home, to help you make the most of those breaks from work. All the jobs can be done now, without leaving the safety of your home and garden, and for some you don’t even need a garden.

 

Read, Watch or Listen:

National Theatre At Home
Watch live performances from home for free
The National Theatre are releasing a live online stream of a performance every Thursday evening, so you can watch at home. Its completely free, so you can view something you might not normally have gone to see. If you miss the live stream, don’t worry! Each show is available to watch on the National Theatre’s YouTube Channel for one week after the live performance. There is also an option to send a donation as thanks.

Norwich Book Hive
Spend £10 and receive a mystery book
The Book Hive in Norwich are offering to send out books they think are great to readers who want a good read without the pressure of choosing their own book. For £10 they’ll send you a ‘lucky dip’ book their staff recommends and for every £10 spent, they are making a £1 donation to Sir Norman Lamb’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund. Alternatively, tell them what books you like and for £45 they’ll send you 5 hand picked books.

Audible Stories
Listen to free audiobooks online
Audible are providing a catalogue of free audiobooks to entertain children and adults while schools are closed. There’s no filling in bank details or signing up to anything, just click the book you like from the link above and start listening. There are books for children, teenagers and literary classics like Jane Eyre, Frankenstein and Moby Dick. Maybe its time to listen to that classic you’ve always meant to read but never got round to it?

The Social Distancing Festival
Watch performances from all over the world
An artistic online community set up by a writer after his latest musical was cancelled on 13th March. The Social Distancing Festival was made to celebrate and showcase the work of the many artists around the world who have been affected by the need for social distancing. Watch a performance through live streaming or see videos of past performances.

The Art Channel
Go to an Art Exhibition at home
W&BA member Grace Adam and Joshua White introduce The Art Channel which films and reviews exhibitions of Contemporary Art. They aim to make art and exhibitions accessible for everyone.

 

Mental Health:

Norwich Mind
Help and guidance to keep you healthy
As well as your physical health, its important to keep track of your mental health during isolation. Mind has provided lots of useful information and ideas to help ease anxiety and stay healthy.

March Network
Home-based creative ways to support mental health
March Network have put together a huge list of creative activities you can take part in, including Mindful Crochet, The Feel Good Book Club, Learning Origami and Sofa Singers.

 

Support:

Suffolk Collaborative Communities
Weekly newsletter on community support
This is the first and second weekly newsletter from the Collaborative Communities Covid-19 Board and is designed to give you an update on the work of Suffolk partners to address the community challenges of Coronavirus. Includes information on volunteering, food banks and mental health support.

Home but not Alone Campaign
Suffolk good neighbours volunteering scheme
Community Action Suffolk are linking up volunteers with community groups around the county, ensuring that those who are isolated continue to get the practical help and support they need. If you are interested in volunteering, you can read more info in the link above, or register as a volunteer here.

Artists’ Hardship Fund
Raising money for self employed artists living in Norfolk
Curious Directive, a small theatre company in Norwich, has set up an online fundraiser to help provide donations to self employed artists whose income has been affected due to the need to isolate. They’re just over half way to their goal of £1000 so if you have a few pounds to spare, you could help support the cause and in turn support an artist in Norfolk.

 

Keep the Kids Entertained:

Wild Things Activity book
Creative activities to do in the garden at home
If you have young children and access to a safe outdoor area, the craft activities in this PDF booklet are the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Make a fairy badge with flower petals, or paint a magic wand! Let your children’s imaginations run wild.

British Dragonfly Association
Fun educational crafts for KS1 to 3
These free PDFs provide entertainment and education for Key Stages 1 to 3. Make your own dragonflies with household items, learn how to identify different dragonfly species, discover facts about the dragonfly food chain and have fun with printable colouring in sheets.

Woodland Trust
Ten nature activities kids can do from home
The Woodland Trust have put together some simple fun activities for children and adults to do while isolating. Make a loo roll bird feeder, ladybird potato stamps or write a short story. This article has lots of ideas to keep everyone entertained and in touch with nature.

Tate Kids Gallery
Free games, quizzes and art activities
The Tate have set up an art website for kids, providing some great games, fun educational quizzes and even a section where children can share their own artwork on the site. Get a tour of the Tate Britain from Jacquline Wilson and have fun playing on Tate Paint. I have a feeling this is going to be fun for adults too!

 

Support for Artists

Creative Industries Federation
Six months free membership for freelancers and micro businesses
The Creative Industries Federation represents and supports creative businesses in the UK. To help creatives who are being affected by the current situation, they are offering a free six month federation membership which provides access to their business resources, network of members and industry insights. Get access to funding opportunities and jobs boards, as well as giving your profile a little boost.

Arts Council England
Emergency funding package for individuals and organisations
Arts Council England are making £20 million of financial support available to artists, creative practitioners and freelancers so they can sustain themselves and their work in the coming months. A detailed timetable for this fund is due to be released on 30th March and potential applicants need to register on the application portal Grantium by Friday 3rd April.

 

We’ll update this page with new links as we find them, and we’d love for you to share what you’re doing to stay creative, using #WBA2020 or tagging us on social media. If you’ve found a great online resource that has helped you out, please email us about it so we can add it to this page.