Every year a magical Christmas grotto springs up in Lauderdale House as the man himself (Father Christmas, Santa Claus, Père Noël, Saint Nick) pays us a special seasonal visit. Kids of all ages can come along to meet him!
Select a half-hour slot. Within your booked time slot, children will take it in turns to meet Father Christmas with the adults accompanying them.
£11 per child, parents go free.
‘One of London’s top five Santas’ (Time Out)
Every year a magical Christmas grotto springs up in Lauderdale House as the man himself (Father Christmas, Santa Claus, Père Noël, Saint Nick) pays us a special seasonal visit. Kids of all ages can come along to meet him!
Select a half-hour slot. Within your booked time slot, children will take it in turns to meet Father Christmas with the adults accompanying them.
£11 per child, parents go free.
‘One of London’s top five Santas’ (Time Out)
Children’s Drawing & Painting Classes
Our children’s art classes run on a termly basis, providing children aged 5-8 with an introduction to the basics of drawing and painting.
Each week children will build on their skills learnt in previous weeks, developing their confidence and ability.
Taught by experienced, supportive, and friendly teacher Aynur Erdal, this class is the perfect opportunity to introduce your child to the world of art.
We welcome any students wishing to join after the beginning of the term and charge a pro rata rate of £17.50 per class until the end of the term. Please contact the office on 020 8348 8716 to book or if you have any queries about the class.
You are also welcome to book an initial trial class at £17.50 ahead of booking the whole term- please call on 020 8348 8716, and we will be happy to help.
Take a break on a Tuesday lunchtime and enjoy 45 minutes of gorgeous classical music performed live by our resident pianist Stephen Hose upstairs in the beautiful Long Gallery overlooking Waterlow Park.
Stephen trained at the Royal Academy of Music where he held a Vaughan Williams scholarship, and has worked extensively as a Musical Director, conductor and pianist in London and regional theatre. He has played at most of the London concert halls and has performed in France and Germany. He is currently Pianist in Residence at Lauderdale House, Highgate.
Projects abroad have ranged from the English Theater of Frankfurt to The Lost Colony at the 2,000 seat outdoor theatre on Roanoke Island, USA. TV work has included being the pianist on Channel 4 ‘s Titanic, The Mission, accompanist for The Choir, and 5 years as Musical Associate/Director for TV productions of Christmas Glory. He was Chorus Master for Jessye Norman’s Ellington’s Sacred Songs at the Barbican Theatre and Epidavros, Greece.
His work as Music Director for OperaUK has included Barber of Seville, Cosi fan Tutte, La Traviata, the Merry Widow, Olé and El Amore Brujo. For Merry Opera work includes La Traviata, The Magic Flute, Kiss Me, Figaro!, The Barber of Seville and La Belle Hélène (aka Troy Boy). He has also conducted over 50 performances of their unique staged Messiah.
Blood Gold and Oil
by Jan Woolf
From the Arab revolt of the First World War, a modern hero is constructed: the complex, flawed figure of Lawrence of Arabia. His legacy is as conflicted as his psyche. Brilliant military commander? Agent of British Imperialism? Vulnerable fantasist? Freedom Fighter?
Set in the present day, as an exhibition of the genuine archaeological finds is set up in a museum, the ghost of Lawrence is summoned through the passions of the archaeologist. Yet reality and agency reside in the more grounded figure who thinks about the future rather than the past.
In Blood Gold and Oil ghost and love stories combine, as Lawrence seeks a release from guilt and fame.
Written for the 20th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, Jan Woolf fuses activism with creativity. She started the play while writer in residence with The Great Arab Revolt archaeological dig in Jordan in 2013 where she ‘dug a play out of the desert.’
Performances: 25-29 April at 19:30, 30 April at 16:00
Running Time: TBC
Triggers and advisories:
● References to suicide and self harm
Blood Gold and Oil
by Jan Woolf
From the Arab revolt of the First World War, a modern hero is constructed: the complex, flawed figure of Lawrence of Arabia. His legacy is as conflicted as his psyche. Brilliant military commander? Agent of British Imperialism? Vulnerable fantasist? Freedom Fighter?
Set in the present day, as an exhibition of the genuine archaeological finds is set up in a museum, the ghost of Lawrence is summoned through the passions of the archaeologist. Yet reality and agency reside in the more grounded figure who thinks about the future rather than the past.
In Blood Gold and Oil ghost and love stories combine, as Lawrence seeks a release from guilt and fame.
Written for the 20th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, Jan Woolf fuses activism with creativity. She started the play while writer in residence with The Great Arab Revolt archaeological dig in Jordan in 2013 where she ‘dug a play out of the desert.’
Performances: 25-29 April at 19:30, 30 April at 16:00
Running Time: TBC
Triggers and advisories:
● References to suicide and self harm
Blood Gold and Oil
by Jan Woolf
From the Arab revolt of the First World War, a modern hero is constructed: the complex, flawed figure of Lawrence of Arabia. His legacy is as conflicted as his psyche. Brilliant military commander? Agent of British Imperialism? Vulnerable fantasist? Freedom Fighter?
Set in the present day, as an exhibition of the genuine archaeological finds is set up in a museum, the ghost of Lawrence is summoned through the passions of the archaeologist. Yet reality and agency reside in the more grounded figure who thinks about the future rather than the past.
In Blood Gold and Oil ghost and love stories combine, as Lawrence seeks a release from guilt and fame.
Written for the 20th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, Jan Woolf fuses activism with creativity. She started the play while writer in residence with The Great Arab Revolt archaeological dig in Jordan in 2013 where she ‘dug a play out of the desert.’
Performances: 25-29 April at 19:30, 30 April at 16:00
Running Time: TBC
Triggers and advisories:
● References to suicide and self harm
Blood Gold and Oil
by Jan Woolf
From the Arab revolt of the First World War, a modern hero is constructed: the complex, flawed figure of Lawrence of Arabia. His legacy is as conflicted as his psyche. Brilliant military commander? Agent of British Imperialism? Vulnerable fantasist? Freedom Fighter?
Set in the present day, as an exhibition of the genuine archaeological finds is set up in a museum, the ghost of Lawrence is summoned through the passions of the archaeologist. Yet reality and agency reside in the more grounded figure who thinks about the future rather than the past.
In Blood Gold and Oil ghost and love stories combine, as Lawrence seeks a release from guilt and fame.
Written for the 20th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, Jan Woolf fuses activism with creativity. She started the play while writer in residence with The Great Arab Revolt archaeological dig in Jordan in 2013 where she ‘dug a play out of the desert.’
Performances: 25-29 April at 19:30, 30 April at 16:00
Running Time: TBC
Triggers and advisories:
● References to suicide and self harm
Blood Gold and Oil
by Jan Woolf
From the Arab revolt of the First World War, a modern hero is constructed: the complex, flawed figure of Lawrence of Arabia. His legacy is as conflicted as his psyche. Brilliant military commander? Agent of British Imperialism? Vulnerable fantasist? Freedom Fighter?
Set in the present day, as an exhibition of the genuine archaeological finds is set up in a museum, the ghost of Lawrence is summoned through the passions of the archaeologist. Yet reality and agency reside in the more grounded figure who thinks about the future rather than the past.
In Blood Gold and Oil ghost and love stories combine, as Lawrence seeks a release from guilt and fame.
Written for the 20th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, Jan Woolf fuses activism with creativity. She started the play while writer in residence with The Great Arab Revolt archaeological dig in Jordan in 2013 where she ‘dug a play out of the desert.’
Performances: 25-29 April at 19:30, 30 April at 16:00
Running Time: TBC
Triggers and advisories:
● References to suicide and self harm
Blood Gold and Oil
by Jan Woolf
From the Arab revolt of the First World War, a modern hero is constructed: the complex, flawed figure of Lawrence of Arabia. His legacy is as conflicted as his psyche. Brilliant military commander? Agent of British Imperialism? Vulnerable fantasist? Freedom Fighter?
Set in the present day, as an exhibition of the genuine archaeological finds is set up in a museum, the ghost of Lawrence is summoned through the passions of the archaeologist. Yet reality and agency reside in the more grounded figure who thinks about the future rather than the past.
In Blood Gold and Oil ghost and love stories combine, as Lawrence seeks a release from guilt and fame.
Written for the 20th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, Jan Woolf fuses activism with creativity. She started the play while writer in residence with The Great Arab Revolt archaeological dig in Jordan in 2013 where she ‘dug a play out of the desert.’
Performances: 25-29 April at 19:30, 30 April at 16:00
Running Time: TBC
Triggers and advisories:
● References to suicide and self harm
Jazz in the House is back! Programmed by Blow the Fuse for the first time, we kick off our spring season with Small Print, featuring Norma Winstone.
An off-shoot of acclaimed group ‘The Printmakers’, the members of Small Print have played with the likes of John Taylor, Kenny Wheeler and Vince Mendoza, to name a few! Featuring singer Norma Winstone, pianist Nikki Iles and Mark Lockheart on saxophone, join us in the beautiful, informal setting of Lauderdale House as we kick off the new season of Jazz in the House with an unforgettable evening of music.
Tickets:
Standard £15.50
Unwaged Concession £12.50
(This concession applies to guests with disabilities and those not in work. There are no senior concessions for Jazz in the House)
Under 35s Concession £8
Doors open at 7:30pm
Deputy London Mayor Joanne McCartney (our London Assembly Member) will be the guest speaker at our AGM 2023. We have asked her to focus on how the Mayor and the GLA are addressing the Climate Emergency and making London greener. Do join us at 7pm on Monday 15 May at Lauderdale House.
John Etheridge and Art Themen have often appeared together in recent years. Neither musician needs much introduction – Etheridge, one of UK’s most eminent guitarists and Themen, a doyen of saxophone over a career of six decades.
Together with Pete Whittaker and George Double they draw from the bluesier end of jazz. Groovy, spiky and lyrical by turns. Mature and vigorous music making!
Performers:
John Etheridge – Guitar
Art Themen – Saxophone
Pete Whittaker – Organ
George Double – Drums
Tickets:
Standard £15.50
Unwaged Concession £12.50
(This concession applies to guests with disabilities and those not in work. There are no senior concessions for Jazz in the House)
Under 35s Concession £8
Limited numbers!
Doors open at 7:30pm
Night Light is a 1-hour, 3-act, fast-paced, conversational comedy. 3 children in their mid-20s put off growing up until they’re forced to let go of each other’s hands and pass on the night light.
Our Irish duo Robyn and Rian take on the harsh realities of living in central London, Randy attempts to write his way out of his situation, and Laura tries to teach them all there is more to life than nerf gun fights, in-jokes and a mattress that wasn’t built for three.
Directed by Tom Chandler (Juliet & Romeo).
About Giggle Riot Theatre:
Founded in 2021 by Tom Chandler, Tom Inman and Maeve O’Haire in response to a stunted industry and a world in desperate need of a few good laughs. The core formed from alumni of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts – NYC.
“If all the world’s a stage, as Shakespeare himself says- then these are some of the finest young actors to grace it.” – The Reviews Hub
Age Guidance: 16+
Running Time: 70 minutes (no interval)
Strong language and sexual references
Night Light is a 1-hour, 3-act, fast-paced, conversational comedy. 3 children in their mid-20s put off growing up until they’re forced to let go of each other’s hands and pass on the night light.
Our Irish duo Robyn and Rian take on the harsh realities of living in central London, Randy attempts to write his way out of his situation, and Laura tries to teach them all there is more to life than nerf gun fights, in-jokes and a mattress that wasn’t built for three.
Directed by Tom Chandler (Juliet & Romeo).
About Giggle Riot Theatre:
Founded in 2021 by Tom Chandler, Tom Inman and Maeve O’Haire in response to a stunted industry and a world in desperate need of a few good laughs. The core formed from alumni of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts – NYC.
“If all the world’s a stage, as Shakespeare himself says- then these are some of the finest young actors to grace it.” – The Reviews Hub
Age Guidance: 16+
Running Time: 70 minutes (no interval)
Strong language and sexual references
Night Light is a 1-hour, 3-act, fast-paced, conversational comedy. 3 children in their mid-20s put off growing up until they’re forced to let go of each other’s hands and pass on the night light.
Our Irish duo Robyn and Rian take on the harsh realities of living in central London, Randy attempts to write his way out of his situation, and Laura tries to teach them all there is more to life than nerf gun fights, in-jokes and a mattress that wasn’t built for three.
Directed by Tom Chandler (Juliet & Romeo).
About Giggle Riot Theatre:
Founded in 2021 by Tom Chandler, Tom Inman and Maeve O’Haire in response to a stunted industry and a world in desperate need of a few good laughs. The core formed from alumni of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts – NYC.
“If all the world’s a stage, as Shakespeare himself says- then these are some of the finest young actors to grace it.” – The Reviews Hub
Age Guidance: 16+
Running Time: 70 minutes (no interval)
Strong language and sexual references
Alan Barnes and Dave Newton have been playing and recording together for over 40 years! With Andrew Cleyndert and Matt Fishwick completing the line-up, we can’t wait to welcome this world-class quartet.
Alan Barnes is a prolific international performer, composer, arranger, bandleader and touring soloist. He is best known for his work on clarinet, alto and baritone sax, where he combines a formidable virtuosity with a musical expression and collaborative spirit that have few peers. Alan’s unique musicianship, indefatigable touring, and warm rapport with audiences have made him uniquely popular in British jazz. He has received over 25 British Jazz Awards, most recently in 2014 for clarinet, and has twice been made BBC Jazz Musician of the Year.
David Newton was voted best Jazz Pianist in the British Jazz awards for the thirteenth time in 2014 and was made a Fellow of Leeds College of Music in 2003. His reputation as an accompanist is unparalleled, and he has featured on numerous recordings since the mid-80s.
Performers:
Alan Barnes – Saxophones/Clarinet
Dave Newton – Piano
Andrew Cleyndert – Bass
Matt Fishwick – Drums
Standard £15.50
Unwaged Concession £12.50
(This concession applies to guests with disabilities and those not in work. There are no senior concessions for Jazz in the House)
Under 35s Concession £8
Limited numbers!
Doors open at 7:30pm
Night Light is a 1-hour, 3-act, fast-paced, conversational comedy. 3 children in their mid-20s put off growing up until they’re forced to let go of each other’s hands and pass on the night light.
Our Irish duo Robyn and Rian take on the harsh realities of living in central London, Randy attempts to write his way out of his situation, and Laura tries to teach them all there is more to life than nerf gun fights, in-jokes and a mattress that wasn’t built for three.
Directed by Tom Chandler (Juliet & Romeo).
About Giggle Riot Theatre:
Founded in 2021 by Tom Chandler, Tom Inman and Maeve O’Haire in response to a stunted industry and a world in desperate need of a few good laughs. The core formed from alumni of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts – NYC.
“If all the world’s a stage, as Shakespeare himself says- then these are some of the finest young actors to grace it.” – The Reviews Hub
Age Guidance: 16+
Running Time: 70 minutes (no interval)
Strong language and sexual references
Night Light is a 1-hour, 3-act, fast-paced, conversational comedy. 3 children in their mid-20s put off growing up until they’re forced to let go of each other’s hands and pass on the night light.
Our Irish duo Robyn and Rian take on the harsh realities of living in central London, Randy attempts to write his way out of his situation, and Laura tries to teach them all there is more to life than nerf gun fights, in-jokes and a mattress that wasn’t built for three.
Directed by Tom Chandler (Juliet & Romeo).
About Giggle Riot Theatre:
Founded in 2021 by Tom Chandler, Tom Inman and Maeve O’Haire in response to a stunted industry and a world in desperate need of a few good laughs. The core formed from alumni of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts – NYC.
“If all the world’s a stage, as Shakespeare himself says- then these are some of the finest young actors to grace it.” – The Reviews Hub
Age Guidance: 16+
Running Time: 70 minutes (no interval)
Strong language and sexual references
Night Light is a 1-hour, 3-act, fast-paced, conversational comedy. 3 children in their mid-20s put off growing up until they’re forced to let go of each other’s hands and pass on the night light.
Our Irish duo Robyn and Rian take on the harsh realities of living in central London, Randy attempts to write his way out of his situation, and Laura tries to teach them all there is more to life than nerf gun fights, in-jokes and a mattress that wasn’t built for three.
Directed by Tom Chandler (Juliet & Romeo).
About Giggle Riot Theatre:
Founded in 2021 by Tom Chandler, Tom Inman and Maeve O’Haire in response to a stunted industry and a world in desperate need of a few good laughs. The core formed from alumni of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts – NYC.
“If all the world’s a stage, as Shakespeare himself says- then these are some of the finest young actors to grace it.” – The Reviews Hub
Age Guidance: 16+
Running Time: 70 minutes (no interval)
Strong language and sexual references
Night Light is a 1-hour, 3-act, fast-paced, conversational comedy. 3 children in their mid-20s put off growing up until they’re forced to let go of each other’s hands and pass on the night light.
Our Irish duo Robyn and Rian take on the harsh realities of living in central London, Randy attempts to write his way out of his situation, and Laura tries to teach them all there is more to life than nerf gun fights, in-jokes and a mattress that wasn’t built for three.
Directed by Tom Chandler (Juliet & Romeo).
About Giggle Riot Theatre:
Founded in 2021 by Tom Chandler, Tom Inman and Maeve O’Haire in response to a stunted industry and a world in desperate need of a few good laughs. The core formed from alumni of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts – NYC.
“If all the world’s a stage, as Shakespeare himself says- then these are some of the finest young actors to grace it.” – The Reviews Hub
Age Guidance: 16+
Running Time: 70 minutes (no interval)
Strong language and sexual references
Night Light is a 1-hour, 3-act, fast-paced, conversational comedy. 3 children in their mid-20s put off growing up until they’re forced to let go of each other’s hands and pass on the night light.
Our Irish duo Robyn and Rian take on the harsh realities of living in central London, Randy attempts to write his way out of his situation, and Laura tries to teach them all there is more to life than nerf gun fights, in-jokes and a mattress that wasn’t built for three.
Directed by Tom Chandler (Juliet & Romeo).
About Giggle Riot Theatre:
Founded in 2021 by Tom Chandler, Tom Inman and Maeve O’Haire in response to a stunted industry and a world in desperate need of a few good laughs. The core formed from alumni of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts – NYC.
“If all the world’s a stage, as Shakespeare himself says- then these are some of the finest young actors to grace it.” – The Reviews Hub
Age Guidance: 16+
Running Time: 70 minutes (no interval)
Strong language and sexual references
Night Light is a 1-hour, 3-act, fast-paced, conversational comedy. 3 children in their mid-20s put off growing up until they’re forced to let go of each other’s hands and pass on the night light.
Our Irish duo Robyn and Rian take on the harsh realities of living in central London, Randy attempts to write his way out of his situation, and Laura tries to teach them all there is more to life than nerf gun fights, in-jokes and a mattress that wasn’t built for three.
Directed by Tom Chandler (Juliet & Romeo).
About Giggle Riot Theatre:
Founded in 2021 by Tom Chandler, Tom Inman and Maeve O’Haire in response to a stunted industry and a world in desperate need of a few good laughs. The core formed from alumni of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts – NYC.
“If all the world’s a stage, as Shakespeare himself says- then these are some of the finest young actors to grace it.” – The Reviews Hub
Age Guidance: 16+
Running Time: 70 minutes (no interval)
Strong language and sexual references
Maggie Jennings: Verdance at the Highgate Gallery
These vibrant drawings and paintings from nature are active celebrations of the energy and urgency of life, and life’s transformation and decay. They develop themes from Jennings successful show at Highgate Gallery 5 years ago. The shock of Covid lockdown caused the artist to experience both claustrophobia and a liberating freedom from established routine. She spent time sketching her garden’s wild proliferation; the mass and tangle of plant growth studied up-close giving rise to a wealth of visual information, resulting in some paintings being worked like tapestry. These shown alongside her delicate prints of individual plant studies.
Wednesdays to Fridays 13:00-17:00, Saturdays 11:00-16:00 Sundays 11:00-17:00, Mondays & Tuesdays Closed
Private View: Friday 09 June 2023 18:00-20:30
Night Light is a 1-hour, 3-act, fast-paced, conversational comedy. 3 children in their mid-20s put off growing up until they’re forced to let go of each other’s hands and pass on the night light.
Our Irish duo Robyn and Rian take on the harsh realities of living in central London, Randy attempts to write his way out of his situation, and Laura tries to teach them all there is more to life than nerf gun fights, in-jokes and a mattress that wasn’t built for three.
Directed by Tom Chandler (Juliet & Romeo).
About Giggle Riot Theatre:
Founded in 2021 by Tom Chandler, Tom Inman and Maeve O’Haire in response to a stunted industry and a world in desperate need of a few good laughs. The core formed from alumni of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts – NYC.
“If all the world’s a stage, as Shakespeare himself says- then these are some of the finest young actors to grace it.” – The Reviews Hub
Age Guidance: 16+
Running Time: 70 minutes (no interval)
Strong language and sexual references
Maggie Jennings: Verdance at the Highgate Gallery
These vibrant drawings and paintings from nature are active celebrations of the energy and urgency of life, and life’s transformation and decay. They develop themes from Jennings successful show at Highgate Gallery 5 years ago. The shock of Covid lockdown caused the artist to experience both claustrophobia and a liberating freedom from established routine. She spent time sketching her garden’s wild proliferation; the mass and tangle of plant growth studied up-close giving rise to a wealth of visual information, resulting in some paintings being worked like tapestry. These shown alongside her delicate prints of individual plant studies.
Wednesdays to Fridays 13:00-17:00, Saturdays 11:00-16:00 Sundays 11:00-17:00, Mondays & Tuesdays Closed
Private View: Friday 09 June 2023 18:00-20:30
Save the date for this wonderful event.
Night Light is a 1-hour, 3-act, fast-paced, conversational comedy. 3 children in their mid-20s put off growing up until they’re forced to let go of each other’s hands and pass on the night light.
Our Irish duo Robyn and Rian take on the harsh realities of living in central London, Randy attempts to write his way out of his situation, and Laura tries to teach them all there is more to life than nerf gun fights, in-jokes and a mattress that wasn’t built for three.
Directed by Tom Chandler (Juliet & Romeo).
About Giggle Riot Theatre:
Founded in 2021 by Tom Chandler, Tom Inman and Maeve O’Haire in response to a stunted industry and a world in desperate need of a few good laughs. The core formed from alumni of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts – NYC.
“If all the world’s a stage, as Shakespeare himself says- then these are some of the finest young actors to grace it.” – The Reviews Hub
Age Guidance: 16+
Running Time: 70 minutes (no interval)
Strong language and sexual references
Maggie Jennings: Verdance at the Highgate Gallery
These vibrant drawings and paintings from nature are active celebrations of the energy and urgency of life, and life’s transformation and decay. They develop themes from Jennings successful show at Highgate Gallery 5 years ago. The shock of Covid lockdown caused the artist to experience both claustrophobia and a liberating freedom from established routine. She spent time sketching her garden’s wild proliferation; the mass and tangle of plant growth studied up-close giving rise to a wealth of visual information, resulting in some paintings being worked like tapestry. These shown alongside her delicate prints of individual plant studies.
Wednesdays to Fridays 13:00-17:00, Saturdays 11:00-16:00 Sundays 11:00-17:00, Mondays & Tuesdays Closed
Private View: Friday 09 June 2023 18:00-20:30
Maggie Jennings: Verdance at the Highgate Gallery
These vibrant drawings and paintings from nature are active celebrations of the energy and urgency of life, and life’s transformation and decay. They develop themes from Jennings successful show at Highgate Gallery 5 years ago. The shock of Covid lockdown caused the artist to experience both claustrophobia and a liberating freedom from established routine. She spent time sketching her garden’s wild proliferation; the mass and tangle of plant growth studied up-close giving rise to a wealth of visual information, resulting in some paintings being worked like tapestry. These shown alongside her delicate prints of individual plant studies.
Wednesdays to Fridays 13:00-17:00, Saturdays 11:00-16:00 Sundays 11:00-17:00, Mondays & Tuesdays Closed
Private View: Friday 09 June 2023 18:00-20:30
Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution and LUX present Psychosomatic, a film performance by Richard Layzell as part of the Highgate Festival
Psychosomatic is a new work by artist Richard Layzell, his first feature length film and his 101st performance, using material gathered over a seven-year research period including as creative ecologist based at LUX in Waterlow Park.
Psychosomatic follows an intuitive approach to ecology and art practice, where expectations are confounded and accidents become central to the narrative. As this unfolds, through the voice of Kino Paxton, a (fictional) maverick environmentalist, so does the incalculable grief and loss of First Nations peoples in their relationship to land and the natural world, with their holistic philosophy that predates the Deep Ecology of Arne Naess (Norway) and the Fragments of Heraclitus (Ancient Greece).
Geographies linked to these two philosophers are also explored: the site of the first ever eco-action at Mardalsfossen and the birthplace of Heraclitus in Ephesus. A chance hearing of composer Hollis Taylor speaking on the World Service about the song of the pied butcherbird leads to a meeting in Alice Springs. Oranges drop from street trees in Selcuk outside a supermarket that has no oranges, while the two oranges left as offerings to Artemis at the temple should have been pomegranates. The slope elevates the automobile to a higher plane, up where the action is, and in Montreal the highway concrete crumbles and falls onto car roofs.
There’s an enormity to the scale of this work that’s both impressive and absurd. And this reach was never envisaged at the start. Beginning in the back streets of New Malden in 2017 and concluding with a return visit to Ephesus in 2022, the film crosses five continents, and becomes a record of the artist as traveller, performer, photographer, and hearer of voices.
To mark the upcoming screening of ‘Psychosomatic’, we are pleased to bring back Layzell’s 2021 film ‘Marvell Park’ online for a month.
Tracking the extraordinary ups and downs of 2020, ‘Marvell Park’ is a playful and personal meditation on a state of being, of how to move and interact with nature and the space of the park in a time when the world was so tangibly in flux. It takes a long view of the changing seasons and the puzzling activities of humans and other wildlife.
Richard Layzell has worked with most of the major UK public galleries and museums. He is a writer, performer, sculptor, filmmaker and the author of Enhanced Performance (ed Deborah Levy) and Cream Pages (ed Joshua Sofaer). After an extended period as an artist in industry, in the role of ‘visionaire’, he fed this experience back into the public sector, working with many diverse communities nationally and internationally.
www.thenaming.org @Layzell_Paxton
Maggie Jennings: Verdance at the Highgate Gallery
These vibrant drawings and paintings from nature are active celebrations of the energy and urgency of life, and life’s transformation and decay. They develop themes from Jennings successful show at Highgate Gallery 5 years ago. The shock of Covid lockdown caused the artist to experience both claustrophobia and a liberating freedom from established routine. She spent time sketching her garden’s wild proliferation; the mass and tangle of plant growth studied up-close giving rise to a wealth of visual information, resulting in some paintings being worked like tapestry. These shown alongside her delicate prints of individual plant studies.
Wednesdays to Fridays 13:00-17:00, Saturdays 11:00-16:00 Sundays 11:00-17:00, Mondays & Tuesdays Closed
Private View: Friday 09 June 2023 18:00-20:30
Join us for a special, outdoor edition of Jazz in the House on our Tea Lawn!
Picnic make absorbing and life affirming music. Join Deirdre Cartwright, Annie Whitehead, Alison Rayner and Winston Clifford for some inspirational, upbeat jazz with South African, Latin and Reggae influences.
Performers:
Deirdre Cartwright – Guitar
Annie Whitehead – Trombone
Alison Rayner – Bass
Winston Clifford – Drums
Tickets:
Tea Lawn £15.50 per person
Bench £60
(Group of 4)
Picnic Table £90
(Group of 6)
Unwaged Concession £12.50
(This concession applies to guests with disabilities and those not in work. There are no senior concessions for Jazz in the House)
Doors open at 7pm
Maggie Jennings: Verdance at the Highgate Gallery
These vibrant drawings and paintings from nature are active celebrations of the energy and urgency of life, and life’s transformation and decay. They develop themes from Jennings successful show at Highgate Gallery 5 years ago. The shock of Covid lockdown caused the artist to experience both claustrophobia and a liberating freedom from established routine. She spent time sketching her garden’s wild proliferation; the mass and tangle of plant growth studied up-close giving rise to a wealth of visual information, resulting in some paintings being worked like tapestry. These shown alongside her delicate prints of individual plant studies.
Wednesdays to Fridays 13:00-17:00, Saturdays 11:00-16:00 Sundays 11:00-17:00, Mondays & Tuesdays Closed
Private View: Friday 09 June 2023 18:00-20:30
Maggie Jennings: Verdance at the Highgate Gallery
These vibrant drawings and paintings from nature are active celebrations of the energy and urgency of life, and life’s transformation and decay. They develop themes from Jennings successful show at Highgate Gallery 5 years ago. The shock of Covid lockdown caused the artist to experience both claustrophobia and a liberating freedom from established routine. She spent time sketching her garden’s wild proliferation; the mass and tangle of plant growth studied up-close giving rise to a wealth of visual information, resulting in some paintings being worked like tapestry. These shown alongside her delicate prints of individual plant studies.
Wednesdays to Fridays 13:00-17:00, Saturdays 11:00-16:00 Sundays 11:00-17:00, Mondays & Tuesdays Closed
Private View: Friday 09 June 2023 18:00-20:30
Maggie Jennings: Verdance at the Highgate Gallery
These vibrant drawings and paintings from nature are active celebrations of the energy and urgency of life, and life’s transformation and decay. They develop themes from Jennings successful show at Highgate Gallery 5 years ago. The shock of Covid lockdown caused the artist to experience both claustrophobia and a liberating freedom from established routine. She spent time sketching her garden’s wild proliferation; the mass and tangle of plant growth studied up-close giving rise to a wealth of visual information, resulting in some paintings being worked like tapestry. These shown alongside her delicate prints of individual plant studies.
Wednesdays to Fridays 13:00-17:00, Saturdays 11:00-16:00 Sundays 11:00-17:00, Mondays & Tuesdays Closed
Private View: Friday 09 June 2023 18:00-20:30
Maggie Jennings: Verdance at the Highgate Gallery
These vibrant drawings and paintings from nature are active celebrations of the energy and urgency of life, and life’s transformation and decay. They develop themes from Jennings successful show at Highgate Gallery 5 years ago. The shock of Covid lockdown caused the artist to experience both claustrophobia and a liberating freedom from established routine. She spent time sketching her garden’s wild proliferation; the mass and tangle of plant growth studied up-close giving rise to a wealth of visual information, resulting in some paintings being worked like tapestry. These shown alongside her delicate prints of individual plant studies.
Wednesdays to Fridays 13:00-17:00, Saturdays 11:00-16:00 Sundays 11:00-17:00, Mondays & Tuesdays Closed
Private View: Friday 09 June 2023 18:00-20:30
Maggie Jennings: Verdance at the Highgate Gallery
These vibrant drawings and paintings from nature are active celebrations of the energy and urgency of life, and life’s transformation and decay. They develop themes from Jennings successful show at Highgate Gallery 5 years ago. The shock of Covid lockdown caused the artist to experience both claustrophobia and a liberating freedom from established routine. She spent time sketching her garden’s wild proliferation; the mass and tangle of plant growth studied up-close giving rise to a wealth of visual information, resulting in some paintings being worked like tapestry. These shown alongside her delicate prints of individual plant studies.
Wednesdays to Fridays 13:00-17:00, Saturdays 11:00-16:00 Sundays 11:00-17:00, Mondays & Tuesdays Closed
Private View: Friday 09 June 2023 18:00-20:30
Laura Jurd and Corrie Dick (of the Mercury Prize-nominated band Dinosaur) join Liam Noble and Ruth Goller for a stunning evening of Jazz in the House!
Composer-performer Laura Jurd’s distinct voice as an improvising trumpet player is at the heart of everything she creates. Her music celebrates and innovates the rich traditions of jazz and folk music, whilst often reflecting her love of The Beatles and Stravinsky to name two notable influences. Her compositions dig into something primal, earthy and human, whilst taking twists and turns that both invite surprise and evoke the inevitable.
Performers:
Laura Jurd – Trumpet
Liam Noble – Piano
Ruth Goller – Bass
Corrie Dick – Drums
Tickets:
Standard £15.50
Unwaged Concession £12.50
(This concession applies to guests with disabilities and those not in work. There are no senior concessions for Jazz in the House)
Under 35s Concession £8
Limited numbers!
Doors open at 7:30pm