Riffs Bar Comedy Nights

Lydia Rickards, herself a stand up, decided to make a night happen in Swindon. Where though? In the middle of nowhere (Purton) lies a pub that has the magnetism of a imploded star pulling people to it despite its tiny size. Often a venue for hard rock, folk or singer song-writer evenings, a comedy night was something different for Riffs bar.

Beginning in November, on the third Thursday of every month Lydia brings in a selection of stand ups from far and wide. Wayne the Weird from Southampton was the most recent headliner with his intriguing take on the art of escape (perhaps he was banned from the magic circle after developing it?), whilst other acts are more classic stand up; storytellers, one liners, self-deprecators and alt-poets make Riffs their nest once a month. 

Turn outs are usually between 20 and 40, which being in the middle of nowhere is nothing to scoff at. Rest assured, there’s space for you and your date. Some people might say “Why come to Swindon from Stroud, Cirencester or Cheltenham?” but the good fortune is you don’t even have to enter dirty Swindon and it’s magic roundabout, as you can easily by-pass and drive down a country lane.

Get your sat-nav and set it to SN4 8EQ and prepare to be amazed. Often a designated driver is a must, but you’ve got mates surely? Make a night of it, some of the acts you’ll see now won’t be doing free entries for much longer.

http://www.riffsbar.com/

01793 778304

https://www.facebook.com/RiffsComedyClub

Five Mile House-You Can Put Your Money on it for Race Week

Five Mile House is now under new management. The beloved 16^th century building with two bars and five rooms to drink in (plus a marquee coming soon) is serving a new menu and winning over all who pass through. Hikers, locals (not many) and drivers find it a respite on the A417 10 miles from Cheltenham. When the town will be packed during race week, and restaurants often fully booked, the Five Mile House which had a good reputation with the Irish over the last few years is now keen to let everyone know it’s live and kicking.

Great dishes for all tastes, vegetarians can indulge in Goats Cheese and soup, whilst the meat eaters will not have a problem with the kitchen staffs high level of skill. New landlord Martin Thomas picked up the pub bug in London after retiring, only to find working in pubs for a hobby was a great way to meet people and was really a lifestyle choice. After helping his friends earn a buck, he decided to go in himself.

Finding a place in the countryside wasn’t easy, but “If I’d known the reaction would have been like this I’d bite your hand off to get it”. The plush pub with creeping vines is known for its cider festival, and is well liked by cricket and rugby teams. Those wanting to place a bet on the horses will be glad to know they won’t be eating any; all the ingredients are locally sourced.

Ales make up a large amount of the beer on tap, but Amstel and Carlsberg are there for the lager lovers. There is a snug as you go in suitable for about 8 people, whilst past the bar area is room for some thirty more dispersed between the two dining rooms. It doesn’t end with that, a little walk down stairs sees a gorgeous room with upright piano suitable for 12, and even in the cellar 15 more could be seated.

Though the marquee won’t be in action during race week, it won’t be long before it is up and giving space for events (weddings, gigs, parties or just a regular night). Used as a wardrobe tent for “Shakespeare in Love”, what else will go in within it’s confines? It looks like a lot! As spring comes former singer Martin says “I’m keen to make it a place where bands come to start of the beginning of a tour”. What more can we want in a venue?

http://www.fivemilehouse.co.uk/

01285 821432    |    martin@thomasm.fsnet.co.uk

Phoenix Festival 2013

The Phoenix Festival is coming to Cirencester Abbey Grounds on the 29th and 30th of June 2013. Johnathan Hughes and Clare Bartlett, together with the Youth Town Council/Ozone are making the festival happen. Over the next few months we’ll be guiding you in their progress. Jonathan Hughes is the man behind the Jubilee festival and free hugs in town, so who better than to ask about how to include more people in the project.

“Bromford housing have been very helpful. There is some funding from the CDC and some businesses are helping out” states Jonathan. But the festival can be as big as the interest from the public. Already crawling with bands, to make it a welcoming even the chalets used in the Christmas market are being hired out to traders who wish to be in the park for the expected 3-4,000 strong audience.

Not only that but if someone has a set up that allows them to trade without requirement of a hut they can be considered. There is a rental fee and those interested should direct their interest to Clare Bartlett from Bromford housing.

Most wanted is interesting catering, bars and exotic traders who don’t currently do business in Cirencester. Sponsorship of the festival is possible, and those simply wishing to act as benefactors can make themselves known so bank details for the festival can be given and a donation made.

For more information contact: clare.bartlett@bromford.co.uk

Youtube interview with Mr Hughes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7MLWoTcnpo

Article about the Jubilee Festival

http://www.wiltsglosstandard.co.uk/news/9745405.Thousands_flock_to_Cirencester_for_jubilee_extravaganza/

Josh Widdicombe Review-Sundial Theatre Feb 2nd 2013

Josh was at the Sundial Theatre on the 2^nd of Feb and we of the Scene went down to watch. Recently Josh has been appearing on “The Last Legs With Adam Hills” and has his following. On the night 220 people were in the Sundial theatre, enjoying the opening act and getting ready for the main show. Families with teenage kids dotted the crowd as well as a broad segment of Cirencester’s demography. When a TV act comes to town best not to miss it!

Through the night we learned Josh didn’t quite get the part of a Hobbit in the most recent rendering, despite going for audition and being told he was just about tall enough. Whilst being amusing it was quite hard to pin point any joke Josh said, it was more a monologue with anecdotes and references to pop culture. Without the foil of a panel, Josh was the centre of attention far from his TV role. Hardcore Widdicombettes loved it, and so they should as it’s not likely he’ll be doing 200 seaters again sometime soon.

Art in the Cotswolds 1-Rob Clarke: Landscape Artist

Visit Rob Clarke's page: http://www.robclarke.yolasite.com

Cotswold Art Feature

Rob Clarke is a landscape artist based in Cheltenham, the big city of the Cotswolds. Growing up in the countryside in the south Cotswolds, Rob was surrounded by nature.

"I have always loved the natural world, and I have been keen on painting and drawing ever since I was a child. So it was only a matter of time before the two interests met." 

Landscape painting gave Rob a reason to go into the country without simply wondering. After a while of treating the art on a hobby basis, clients started appearing. Clearly many people share Rob's affinity with natural scenes. 

"People who commission work generally want paintings of a certain scene or locality, pictures of landscape have always been quite nostalgic things, so I totally get this."

It isn't good enough to be simply given a picture of a favourite beauty spot.

"I always visit the location, either with or without the client, because it's important to get a proper feel for the place. My commissions are rarely done on location, back in the studio I work from a mixture of sketches and photos."

Landscape art isn't Rob's only enterprise, "I became a self employed gardener 2 years ago, almost for the same reasons I took up walking and painting. I just can't be indoors, I need green space."

Despite not exhibiting currently, Rob is associated with Tewkesbury based art group "The Artdepot". In the spring/summer they will exhibit.

www.theartdepot.org

Lee Hurst Live Review: 'Too Scared to Leave the House' 19th January Sundial Theatre

Lee Hurst came to Cirencester to kick off the second half of his tour. Despite the heavy snow, a crowd of over 200 packed out the Sundial Theatre. The audience clearly showed their anticipation from the start of the night, and no one was to be disappointed, though some were picked on mercilessly-and love it. Getting to know the crowd is a part of Lee's show and he got out a few intimate nuggets from all rows. In the second half the audience put their fears on paper with some picked out at random and discussed. Because of this the show was guaranteed to be different each night. The snow had been coming down hard, but fortunately the work of the Ciren College volunteers made it possible for everyone to drive in and walk unhindered to the theatre.

Exclusive interview with Evan Burgess:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiiiA2NACMQ
https://www.facebook.com/TheCirencesterScene