Basket: £0.00
Basket: £0.00
Two-and-a-half-hour sessions (see calendar for dates and start times) during term time. These weekly untutored pottery classes are ideal for experienced potters looking to work independently on their projects in our fully-equipped studio spaces. We have a wide variety of dates and times available – please see the calendar below for the latest availability. PLEASE NOTE: If you’re a beginner looking to try out pottery but aren’t too sure where to start, please book one of our tutored classes rather than these untutored sessions. Your workshop fee includes use of our facilities, including clay and a wide variety of tools. If you would like to have your work fired there is an additional charge, calculated based on the weight of the piece. Please speak to a member of staff if you require assistance working this out. Click here for tutored classes.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Pottery & Glaze Studios
This magnetic bond still holds after more than 40 years of attempted escapes and still loved for their total in-yer-face originality, the contrast between the dead pan humour of Barrett and mad onstage antics of Otway are hilarious to watch. John’s lyrical genius and Willy’s outstanding musicianship (he seems to play almost every stringed instrument known to man, plus a few hybrids of his own making!) Ever keen to add a new dimension to the show, Willy has a new addition to his array of instruments. Beware the Moose Homp!!. Willy’s interest in making instruments began when he commandeered two guitars made by his dad in 1965. One from an old guitar neck and a scaffold plank which became affectionally known as the Les Dawson, and the other branded the Mk1 Schitstik electric slide of similar pedigree. These instruments were used on many of the early tracks, including Really Free and Racing Cars) Was the Last Straw Tour of 2017 to be the end? Willy’s remark “this will be the last time that many of you will see us together again” was often hastily misinterpreted as the final throw of the dice, but the reason given “it’s not us packing up, it’s you lot dying off, you know who you are!” is often overlooked by eager scribes. And so the rumours abound. For any Otway/Barrett virgins out there who don’t know what to expect, be prepared for everything from bare-chested theremin playing to wah wah wheelie bin as the duo jump from one hit and 40 near misses to another: An amazing and irreverent performance by two master entertainers.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Saturdays (10am-12.30pm) during term time. SATURDAY UNTUTORED CLASS | 10am-12.30pm (Term-time) Whether you’re a beginner starting out or you’ve been coming to Life drawing classes for years; all are welcome at the Saturday Morning Life Drawing. We are an untutored group that gives members the opportunity to work with highly professional models in various poses. The class runs in 2 halves with a coffee break in between. The first includes 5, 10, 15 minute poses and the second is a long singular pose. We are a group made up of people who simply enjoy life drawing and although the class not tutored, there is plenty of help on hand from within the group, with tips, hints and the odd extra medium, if you need it. Our aim is to give the opportunity to experience life drawing and develop skills in an supportive environment. Why not come along and give it a try. WHAT TO BRING (Both Sessions) While easels and drawing boards are provided, attendees are asked to bring your own mediums but what you use it down to you. E.g. pencil, charcoal, inks or paints on paper, canvas or panels (a good range is available from the QPAC shop).
Queens Park Arts Centre
Painting Studio
Mondays (10am-12.30pm) & Thursdays (7pm-9.30pm) during term time. A weekly workshop ideal for anyone with a passion for the art of contemporary jewellery. Whether a complete beginner or a practiced jeweller, this friendly drop-in class allows students aged 16+ to direct their own learning and create beautiful, unique pieces. Our experienced tutor Susie Upstone will help guide you through the design and making process – be sure to bring a sketchbook and pens to jot down your ideas! We provide all the tools you need, however raw materials such as metal and gems must be purchased by students. Susie will be able to advise on what you’ll need for your project (including the necessary PPE), and where to source it.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Craft Studio
Mondays (10am-12.30pm) during term time. An untutored weekly workshop for recorder players keen to perform as part of a group. The recorder is wonderfully fun to play, and this class aims to revive our enjoyment of an easy yet undervalued instrument. Even if you haven’t picked one up for years, come along and enjoy rediscovering your skills in this untutored group.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Rehearsal Studio
Mondays - 30min glaze sessions at 4.30pm and 5.15pm ABOUT THE WORKSHOP Suitable for ages 7-11 Join tutor Emma Legon for this fantastic arty activity. These sessions give students the opportunity to glaze work created during the school holiday classes, or the weekly afterschool making sessions. All materials are provided, including firing for the finished, glazed piece. Please Note: Each 30min slot allows enough time to glaze one finished piece. If you have multiple pieces to fire, please book one session per piece.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Glaze Studio
Mondays (4.30pm-7pm) during term time. This class will show you the simple and basic techniques of Tapestry, and share the enjoyment of creative weaving. You can create an interesting woven tapestry piece of fabricated wall art in a very short time, using just about anything to weave with from wool, wire and fabric to hard things like twigs or leaves. You can experiment with different materials to make the wall art you desire for your home, learning simple aspects of colour theory to help chose the right colours for your project. Once you have developed the basic skills, you can design your own abstract pattern in landscape or portrait. WHAT TO BRING: Most materials can be provided for your first session, however regular attendees should bring the following: -A old picture frame (minus glass) - A4 or larger -A flat piece of wood slightly wider than the frame -String -Knitting wool, wire, fabric, etc to weave with -Plastic Needles -Plastic Fork
Queens Park Arts Centre
Textile Studio
Mondays (7pm-9.30pm) during term time. This workshop is ideal for anyone with an interest in painting with oils, whether a practised hand or a beginner exploring the medium for the first time. Tutor Michael Navarro is a local artist who has been working for several years in various media, predominately oils. His works range from landscapes to pop art and murals. Our painting studio has easels, painting boards and other communal facilities. We also have an art shop selling paints, paper and brushes, if you don’t have them already. Michael will be happy to advise on what resources you need to get started.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Painting Studio
Tuesdays 10am during term time Improve your skills in portraiture with drawing and painting in acrylics. You will be working from a mixture of photographs and live sitters, and exploring materials from charcoal to paint. Come and try our new weekly workshop that will suit all levels, beginners and improvers particularly welcome! ABOUT THE TUTOR John has been drawing and painting for 30 years with West Wycombe Art, alongside a career in kitchen design. WHAT TO BRING Basic drawing materials (charcoal and paper) will be provided, however you may need to buy further materials as you progress and John will be on hand to advise on this. If you have any queries before you come along, please contact John on johneasterling4@gmail.com.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Painting Studio
Tuesdays (10am -12:30pm) & Wednesdays (7pm-9.30pm) during term time. PLEASE NOTE: These sessions are for wood turning at the lathe. If you would like to book a general woodwork session (running on the same dates / times), please click here. What Will I Learn? These sessions aim to improve your ability in working with wood and fulfilling your ambition in creating a product of your choice under the guidance of the tutor. During the sessions you will work on a project of your own choice so that your own level of skill increases and you finish with a completed item. You will be encouraged and instructed in the use of electrical powered hand tools. The room is equipped with a woodturning lathes so there will be an opportunity to learn or to continue some woodturning. During the sessions learners will: - Select materials and tools appropriate to the chosen task. - Show how materials are cut, shaped and formed, to designed tolerances. - Use design briefs to guide design thinking. - Practice skills to complete other projects at home. - Observe health & safety issues concerning woodworking. Is This For Me? These sessions are for those with a general interest in woodwork and who have a project in mind. It is suitable for all levels of ability and will be taught on an individual basis. During the sessions, the tutor will provide small group demonstrations and individual support to ensure that learners can work at their own level and at their own pace. What Do I Need To Bring? Please bring a pencil and project idea(s). These will be discussed and, by the end of your first session, a plan will be drawn up including a cutting list and some idea of the cost. Learners will need to provide their own materials, which can’t be stored at the centre, and brought to each session. The use of different materials will be discussed relative to their cost eg. bookcase made from MDF will be much cheaper to make than one of solid oak. It depends on your choice as to how much you spend. How will I know that my skills have improved? At the start, you will decide (with help from your tutor) what you want to get out of the course. There will be regular opportunities to review your progress and at the end of the course you will have the chance to reflect on what you have learnt and how your skills have improved.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Woodwork Studio
Tuesdays 11am to 11:45am during term time ABOUT THE WORKSHOP Bollywood dance is a style of dance that is heavily influenced by music and culture originated in Bollywood films. This class delivers a Bollywood dance workout session to ladies to encourage physical activity and have fun at the same time. Dance to beats of hottest Bollywood songs and enjoy. It is a fantastic workout with a feel-good factor. It is also a great way to make new friends and socialise. Bollywood dancing is a full-body workout which helps in working both the upper and the lower body at the same time. Bollywood dance is not only an art form but also a physical activity that supports good physical health and mental wellbeing. It’s dancing for everyone from all walks of life – whether you have never danced before or a seasoned dancer, older or younger, you’re sure to find fun in Bollywood dancing. The class is open to ladies only and will be suitable for 18 years - adult. People of all cultures and nationalities are welcome to join. ABOUT THE TUTOR Supriya More is trained in Kathak - North Indian classical dance, Bharatnatyam and different styles of folk dances. She is passionately interested in dance and have been since childhood and believes that dance is the best form of exercise which not only improves physical health but also mental wellbeing. She has experience in delivering Bollywood dance sessions, which includes delivery of innovative forms of dancing mixed with exercises. She has experience in teaching dance to beginners as well as advanced levels to different age groups of people. She has delivered professional performances in Vienna, Austria, India as well as the UK at cultural events and large functions. She has also trained young people and adults to deliver dance performances on stage at annual celebrations, gatherings and social functions. WHAT TO BRING Wear comfortable clothes and bring water along. Please note, the workshop will take place in the Centre’s dance studio and participants will be barefoot. This workshop is supported by Aylesbury Town Council.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Dance Studio
Tuesdays during term time at 12:30pm Come and try authentic Classical Hatha Yoga, which can support both physical and mental wellbeing. Sessions will incorporate warming up and stretching, yoga posture and breathing practices, as well as elements of relaxation, meditation and chanting. As a practice, Hatha yoga sessions integrates gentle to moderate physical exercise with mindfulness and awareness, encouraging your attention to shift from ‘doing’ to just ‘being’. We welcome complete beginners as well as those with some yoga experience. ABOUT THE TUTOR Helena has been teaching Yoga in various forms since 1985. She completed her Instructor Training in Classical Vivekenanda Yoga 1998 under the Indian Institute. Helena also has interests in Qigong, Tai Chi and Complementary Therapy. As a teacher at Queens Park she runs further sessions in Tai Chi Qigong and Yoga.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Rehearsal Studio
Tuesdays (1pm-3.30pm) during term time. A weekly workshop designed as an opportunity for artists to get together and work on projects of their choosing in the friendly, creative, and inspiring environment of the QPAC painting studio. Attendees can be of any level of ability, from novices to very experienced artists. All forms of media are welcome, including charcoal, pencil, pastel, watercolours, acrylics and oils. Though not a formally-tutored class, this open studio session is a chance to learn from fellow artists, share your work and discuss your art form. We have easels, drawing boards and other communal resources, plus an on-site art shop stocked with paints, pencils, charcoal, paper and brushes.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Painting Studio
Tuesdays, 4.30pm-5.30pm during term time. ABOUT THE WORKSHOP Afterschool Art Club is a weekly art session for 7-11 year-olds where we'll: - Make art and take it home - Paint, draw, print, sculpt and try new skills - And enjoy ourselves! Be sure to bring a water bottle and an apron with you. We look forward to welcoming you!
Queens Park Arts Centre
Craft Studio
Mondays 10am & Tuesdays 4.30pm A weekly two-and-a-half-hour untutored ceramics session for experienced potters looking to decorate their work in our glaze studio. We have a good variety of glazes and slips available to use. Students wishing to apply their own glaze recipes (or any not in stock at QPAC) should have a chat with our Technician before decorating their work to make sure the glaze(s) are suitable for our firing temperatures. There is a small charge for glaze firing, which is calculated by weight of the finished piece. Please speak to a member of staff if you require assistance working this out.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Glaze Studio
Tuesdays 4.45pm-5.45pm during term time. ABOUT THE WORKSHOP Suitable for ages 7-11 Join tutor Laura Peacock for this fantastic afterschool arty activity. Learn the key techniques of pottery and create a brand new work of art every week. All materials are included in the workshop price, including firing for your finished piece. Please bring a water bottle and an apron / old shirt. Please note - these sessions are for making only. If you wish to glaze your work, please book a dedicated glazing session separately.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Pottery Studio
Wednesdays (10am-12pm) during term time. Release your creativity in this weekly workshop open to all levels of experience, from complete beginners to professional painters. Students are welcome to work on any subject they please in whichever medium they prefer, whether oils, acrylics, watercolours, pastels, charcoal, pencil or mixed media. Anyone just starting out in painting & drawing can seek advice from tutor Anne Bennison, whilst those with more experience are welcome to work at their own pace. The painting studio has plenty of easels and drawing boards. Materials such as paints, paper, pencils and brushes are available at the QPAC art shop.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Painting Studio
Wednesdays (Advanced Class, 10am-12.30pm) during term time. This class is ideal for patchwork students looking for a space to work on their projects. Our Textile Studio is the perfect place to meet fellow needle-workers and textile artists. As well as progressing your project, these sessions off the chance to discuss your work with others and share ideas and inspiration. Students should bring their own sewing machine with them when attending a class – we have plenty of room to accommodate students working on projects large and small!
Queens Park Arts Centre
Textile Studio
Wednesdays (2pm-4pm) during term time. This weekly workshop will cover learning a tune and improvising around it, as well as analysis of the chords and scales. Bring along your own instrument and music stand and you'll have a chance to study the following musical types - New Orleans jazz, Swing, Bepop, Blues, Latin. The class is led by volunteer Rick Atkins. Rick is a jazz enthusiast wants to share his love of the genre with others. Rick plays guitar in the Sound Force Big Band. You can contact Rick on 07960 985 188 or email ratkins161@gmail.com PLEASE NOTE: owing to government guidelines regarding COVID-19, there will be some alterations to this class in terms of instruments used and performance practices. Please contact Rick via the details above for more information.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Rehearsal Studio
Wednesdays (4.30pm-6pm) during term time. A weekly workshop designed to inspire and nurture young emerging artists and makers, led by Laura Peacock. Students ages 13+ are welcome attend, whether a complete beginner or a practiced hand. You’ll learn how to design and create your very own ceramic works of art, be it a mug, bowl, plate, vase or sculpture – perfect for your portfolio or just for fun! Full guidance is offered to students to help them develop their projects. Your workshop fee includes use of our facilities, including clay and a wide variety of tools. If you would like to have your work fired there is an additional charge, calculated based on the weight of the piece. Charlie will be on hand to assist when working this out.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Pottery & Glaze Studios
Wednesdays (7pm-9pm) during term time. Guitar Club caters for those wishing to improve their acoustic guitar skills with fellow players in an informal, supportive environment. Taking a song-based approach to workshops, the club aims to practice and refine each number to performance standard, encouraging all to participate and develop their skills. This class is aimed at improving players with knowledge of the basic open chords. For more information email christopheryoxall@outlook.com or nicolaegray@hotmail.com
Queens Park Arts Centre
Rehearsal Studio
Wednesdays (7pm-9.30pm) during term time. ABOUT THE WORKSHOP Knitting club is open to all knitters, it is led by an expert tutor who will be able to help you with any knitting problems and assist you in the development of new knitting techniques. This inspirational knitting group is suitable for anyone with knitting skills from basic to advanced, able to bring their own knitting projects to work on during the evening. If you are a complete knitting beginner, please see our fantastic Monday evening Beginners -Improvers Knitting courses, where you can learn all the basic skills that you need to join the knitting club. WHAT TO BRING Please bring your knitting or knitting supplies, including pattern or projects that you need help with. Complete beginner knitting packs containing everything you need to get started can be purcahsed directly from the tutor. Email ahcreative95@gmail.com for details. ABOUT THE TUTOR Amanda Hutcherson is an expert knitter with an advanced adult teaching qualifications (MA Academic practice, PGCE and 10 years university lecturer experience). Amanda is looking forward to working with you as you develop your knitting skills from beginner, intermediate or advanced level.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Textile Studio
Tuesdays (10am -12:30pm) & Wednesdays (7pm-9.30pm) during term time. PLEASE NOTE: These sessions are for general woodwork only - if you would like to book a session wood turning on the lathe, (running on the same dates / times), please here. What Will I Learn? These sessions aim to improve your ability in working with wood and fulfilling your ambition in creating a product of your choice under the guidance of the tutor. During the sessions you will work on a project of your own choice so that your own level of skill increases and you finish with a completed item. You will be encouraged and instructed in the use of electrical powered hand tools. The room is equipped with a woodturning lathes so there will be an opportunity to learn or to continue some woodturning. During the sessions learners will: - Select materials and tools appropriate to the chosen task. - Show how materials are cut, shaped and formed, to designed tolerances. - Use design briefs to guide design thinking. - Practice skills to complete other projects at home. - Observe health & safety issues concerning woodworking. Is This For Me? These sessions are for those with a general interest in woodwork and who have a project in mind. It is suitable for all levels of ability and will be taught on an individual basis. During the sessions, the tutor will provide small group demonstrations and individual support to ensure that learners can work at their own level and at their own pace. What Do I Need To Bring? Please bring a pencil and project idea(s). These will be discussed and, by the end of your first session, a plan will be drawn up including a cutting list and some idea of the cost. Learners will need to provide their own materials, which can’t be stored at the centre, and brought to each session. The use of different materials will be discussed relative to their cost eg. bookcase made from MDF will be much cheaper to make than one of solid oak. It depends on your choice as to how much you spend. How will I know that my skills have improved? At the start, you will decide (with help from your tutor) what you want to get out of the course. There will be regular opportunities to review your progress and at the end of the course you will have the chance to reflect on what you have learnt and how your skills have improved.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Woodwork Studio
Thursdays (10am-12.30pm) during term time. This is a friendly, welcoming and supportive group, where students can bring their own creative project to work on, share ideas and “leave the world behind”. A great way to meet like-minded people. Group members explore at a variety of crafts, including silk painting, felt making, papier mache, tie dye, fabric painting, marbling, glass painting, collage, dought craft and more! Members of the group pursue their own projects in a happy, relaxed atmosphere. If there's a particular craft you'd like to try then let the group know and they'll see if they can help or advise. The group is facilitated by Irene Scott, who has been involved in arts & crafts (and QPAC) for 40 years, and has a broad knowledge of many different craft activities, including those mentioned above.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Craft Studio
Thursdays (10am-12.30pm) during term time. Explore and develop your creativity as a member of this friendly weekly workshop. Work from reference photographs in your chosen media (e.g. pencil, charcoal, acrylics). The group also do occasional projects to encourage exploration of techniques and development of skills by looking at the work of different artists (e.g. Picasso, Matisse, Fedden, Van Gogh) or through more specific themes such as perspective. Themes are set approximately every 3 weeks and you may work from your own photograph or those provided by the tutor. Suitable for all levels including beginners. Bring your own materials. The painting studio has plenty of easels and drawing boards. Additional materials such as paints, paper and brushes are available to buy from the QPAC art shop. Tutor Amanda Curbishley joined QPAC as a member of this group in 2002 and has gone on to exhibit and sell work at local exhibitions. She wants to share the enjoyment she has from painting and encourage others to develop their skills.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Painting Studio
Thursdays (10am-12.30pm) during term time. This untutored weekly workshop is perfect for woodcarvers with enough experience to direct their own learning, offering a chance to work on projects alongside likeminded artists and makers. The group isn’t suited to beginners, however if you’ve had experience of woodcarving before and want to continue the art in a supportive atmosphere then this is the group for you. Students are welcome to use the communal facilities in the QPAC woodwork studio, however must bring their own timber and carving tools. Casual clothes and stout shoes recommended!
Queens Park Arts Centre
Woodwork Studio
Thursdays, 11.30am-12.30pm, during term time. ABOUT THE WORKSHOP In this workshop you will experience the peace and tranquillity which lies within us through different guided meditation techniques. You will also learn some easy yogic exercises, chants and breathing techniques that will help you to settle down and prepare yourself for meditation. This workshop welcomes beginners. WHAT TO BRING - Mat / yoga mat / cushion if one wish to sit on the floor - A bottle of drinking water - Small towel We request you to pre-book your seat.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Dance Studio
Untutored class running Thursdays during term time, 1.30pm-4pm. This informal, social class gives lacemakers a chance to work independently on their own projects, whilst sharing their skills with likeminded artists and makers. Equipment needed: a lace pillow, bobbins, pins and thread plus a pricking or pattern.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Textile Studio
5-week course running for five consecutive 1-hour sessions from the start time listed below. A series of five afternoon workshops introducing students to Tai Chi Qigong. Each week you will learn different sections of this traditional Chinese practise of flowing movement and postures. Helena will introduce new variations as you go along. Qigong is beneficial for both mental and physical health, and particularly works on your flexibility and strength. Practising Taichi Qigong can also improve your circulation, balance and co-ordination and on the other hand aids mental focus, too. Moderate level of exercise, suitable both for complete beginners, as well as improvers who have done some Tai Chi or Qigong before. COURSE DATES 15 June 22 June 29 June 6 July 20 July ABOUT THE TUTOR Helena has been teaching Health Qigong since qualifying under the British Health Qigong Association in 2011. Helena also has an interest in Complementary Therapy and is an experienced Yoga teacher. As a teacher at Queens Park she runs further sessions in Yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Rehearsal Studio
Thursdays 5.30pm-6.30pm, during term time. Click here for term dates. ABOUT THE WORKSHOP Mindfulness yoga incorporates the practice of mindfulness within the practice and is conducive for students physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. The class includes warm up, joint loosening, stretching, yoga poses, breathing practices (pranayama) meditation and relaxation. ABOUT THE TUTOR Helena is a yoga teacher trained in classical Hatha yoga, and a minded yoga therapist and teen yoga instructor. She has been teaching yoga since 1998 mainly within NHS settings until she retired in 2015. Since her retirement, Helena has been teaching in various community settings and, for the last two years since lockdown, has been teaching her classes via Zoom. WHAT TO BRING Please bring a yoga mat with you. You may also wish to bring additional cushions for support, and/or a blanket / shawl.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Rehearsal Studio
Monday-Thursday (see below for timings) during term time. PLEASE NOTE (23/11/21): The Tuesday afternoon class will be running as untutored until further notice. Pottery is one of the most popular activities at QPAC. We run classes throughout the week, giving students access to our fully-equipped studio spaces to learn and develop their skills in ceramics - whether sculpting, working at the wheel, or using hand-building techniques such as coiling. Our tutored drop-in classes are perfect for complete beginners as well as those developing their talents. Our experienced tutors will offer demonstrations, advice and guidance to help you develop your own projects, from the design stage through to the final glazing process. Your workshop fee includes use of our facilities, including clay and a wide variety of tools. If you would like to have your work fired there is an additional charge, calculated based on the weight of the piece. Our tutors will be on hand to assist when working this out. Here is a timetable of our regular drop-in workshops: Day / Time Tutor Tue – 10am-12.30pm Helen Neighbour Tue – 2pm-4.30pm Untutored (Temporary) Tue – 7pm-9.30pm Laura Peacock Wed – 10am-12.30pm Gill Brown Wed – 7pm-9.30pm Patrick Hayward Thu – 10am-12.30pm Jenny Hay (Sculpture & Handbuilding) Thu – 7pm-9.30pm Charlie Butters Click here for untutored classes.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Pottery & Glaze Studios
Fridays during term time, 10am-11.30am This is a self-guided group comprising members with a skillset ranging from basic to experienced. Prospective attendees should have their own clarinet (Bb), be able to find their way around the instrument with at least basic skills and be able to read music notation to a basic level as a minimum. The group does not aim to teach attendees from scratch but there is sufficient skill within the members to help players to develop their abilities as required. Playing in a group is the best way to advance your capabilities regardless of whatever level you start. We have capable semi/professional music leaders within the group able to guide us, and musical pieces are chosen by consensus.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Rehearsal Studio
Come and take your potter's wheel driving test in the this fun and friendly one-day class. This class is ideal for students working at all different levels of ceramics. Whether a first-timer looking to get to grips with clay, or a more experienced potter wanting to explore new shapes and forms (e.g. bowls, bottles, plats, faceting and external decoration), our tutor is here to help! Your course fee includes the cost of firing for two pieces.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Pottery Studio
Saturdays 10:30am during term time. ABOUT THE WORKSHOP Chinese for Beginners...it’s not as hard as you think! It is as easy as ABC and 123, when you know the basic tools. You'd be surprised what you can learn in only 2 hours a week. This weekly drop-in class offers students the opportunity to learn Mandarin Chinese language, working at a beginner level. Students will also be able to learn about calligraphy. This is a great chance for anyone with an interest in linguistics to being learning a new language. ABOUT THE TUTOR Jay is a multi-linguist who has studied in Beijing and volunteered for QPAC for several years, working with students in workshops, attending events, and helping run front of house during performances. He's now bringing his expertise in languages to students as a tutor. WHAT TO BRING - A notepad - A pen or pencil
Queens Park Arts Centre
Textile Studio
Saturday 17 June and Sunday 25 June 11am - 1pm ABOUT THE WORKSHOP Create a felted wool brooch. Focus will be on blending coloured wools, designing and shaping the brooch, incorporating fabric and attaching brooch pin as well as safety whilst felting. You will get to take home your completed project at the end of the session! Suitable for beginners. All materials are supplied. Please bring a photo to work from if you wish but this is not necessary. ABOUT THE TUTOR Marie is a self-taught fibre artist with a passion for wool crafts. There’s always something new to learn! Marie enjoys participating in art fairs and exhibitions. These include MS Centre Pop Up Art Weekend, Longwick School Art Show, Sally Evans Events, Oxfordshire Art Weeks, Bucks Art Weeks, Thame Art Crawl & Chiltern Made Craft Fair.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Textile Studio
Saturday 17 June 8PM Join Aidan the Wizard as he makes his debut performance at QPAC's Limelight Theatre with a brand-new 'work in progress' magic and mind reading show. In this hilarious and jaw-dropping show, audience members will put Aidan to the test in a once-in-a-lifetime experience to find out if it's really possible to read minds - live on stage. Nobody really knows what's going to happen in these shows...except that secrets will fly, minds will be blown and we’ll all have a good laugh in the process. Not suitable for under 15's.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
This workshop runs on selected dates during term time - see below for upcoming dates. ABOUT THE WORKSHOP Come along and learn to ring on this unique and historic collection of handbells representing the work of many bell foundries. The workshops are open to all adults. The workshop will cover: (a) how to make music with handbells. (b) how to read a series of numbers and how these translate into music. (c) the art and pleasure of ringing as part of a group. (d) a brief history of the unique set of bells and their origins and (e) a brief history of the Launton Handbell Ringers. ABOUT THE TUTORS The Launton Handbell Ringers were formed 70 years ago and so have vast knowledge of ringing handbells in the “four-in-hand” style. The team Leader has been with the team for 67 years and two other members of the team also have 50+ years ringing knowledge.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Rehearsal Studio
Tuesdays - 30min glaze sessions at 4.45pm and 5.30pm ABOUT THE WORKSHOP Suitable for ages 7-11 Join tutor Laura Peacock for this fantastic arty activity. These sessions give students the opportunity to glaze work created during the weekly afterschool making sessions. All materials are provided, including firing for the finished, glazed piece. Please Note: Each 30min slot allows enough time to glaze one finished piece. If you have multiple pieces to fire, please book one session per piece.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Glaze Studio
Unbound Theatre's riotously-funny sleuthing audio sitcom jumps from recording studio to stage. In Victorian London there is one man people turn to when faced with an impossible mystery. The Great Detective himself, Sherlock Holmes. And when Holmes is too busy to help, Inspector Murder takes up the mantle! Come and revel in the fantastically funny misadventures of the second-best consulting detective agency, including the eponymous Inspector, his fellow sleuth Laura Norder, their genius inventor and bondsman Luc Vercluse, and thoroughly unhinged housekeeper Constance Urveillence. Join the cast and crew as they perform a live reading of two episodes from the show's furst season, including an infamous misadventure aboard a speeding train... Suitable for ages 16+
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
A one-day class running 10am-4pm on the dates listed below. ABOUT THE WORKSHOP A one-day introductory workshop creating art that can work to enhance your house or garden. Tony will guide you through the ‘How to do’ approach using a range of materials. Looking through some samples of finished pieces the emphasis will then be on experimentation, sharing and exploring ideas and personal approaches, to help us and give momentum to the process of creating new work. The focus will not be on rushing to finish a first piece, but more importantly give us understanding of how to bring about a confident conclusion. We live in a material world and a culture wedded to waste, potential and possibilities are everywhere, waiting to be reinvented and used, our vision reawakened to new ways of seeing. ABOUT THE TUTOR Tony Moody has been a practicing artist and maker for over 30 years. Discovering a love of paint early in life he went on to train in ceramics and now is focusing on making Garden Art; using clay and other materials to produce his uniquely colourful sculptures and ceramic collages. Each piece of work is a one-off and tells a story about time and place. Whether a full-size wall, several metres long and high, or a small 50 cms panel each piece in some way reflects his interests in nature, history and place. They embed a language wedded to the understanding and celebration of materials and the love of careful artisan processes. WHAT TO BRING Materials are supplied by the tutor and include cement board and a basic range of ceramic mosaic pieces, glass beads, stone, marbles, buttons and beads etc. Feel free to bring along small items of personal interest that you might like to include in your work.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Glaze Studio
2-week course running two consecutive 2-hour sessions from the start time listed below. ABOUT THE CLASS This course will give you the practical skills and knowledge to create and produce your own designs using the exciting medium of block printing. You will learn all the basics and be able to produce your own original design on paper and/or fabric and bring your creative ideas to life. You will develop your design awareness and learn the art of block printing. You will explore the fundamentals of block printing, using your own sources of inspiration and by developing your own creative process so you can be empowered to start your own block printing projects at home. You will be taught step-by-step how to create designs that can be applied to a range of projects including cards, prints, wrapping paper, cushions, wallpaper, lampshades, napkins and tablecloths. Discovering colour, print and pattern in a relaxed and friendly workshop. If you have a passion for art, have a project you would like to work through or simply want to gain some new ideas for your home, come along to this two week course and have some fun. ABOUT THE TUTOR Julie is a very experienced creative Lecturer of 19 years. She studied interior design 22 years ago and has been passionate about interiors ever since. Julie is an experienced practitioner in Interior Design and has also worked and taught within the theatre industry in set design. This is a fun and friendly course and half time biscuits will be provided! WHAT TO BRING Sketchbook, tracing paper, pen, pencil and colour pencils. Some other materials will be provided. Once the main project has been decided upon, you will be advised what to bring.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Painting Studio
A night with the Skamungas is a night not to be missed! If you thought you didn’t like ska and reggae this band might well change your mind, or even your life, with their infectious enthusiasm and unique take on those instantly recognisable ska and reggae standards. Expect a musical jaunt through the history of ska and reggae – do you know the difference? From 60s Caribbean artists such as Desmond Dekker, Toots and the Maytals, and Jimmy Cliff, through the 70s with Dave and Ansell Collins and the wonderful songs of 80s bands Madness, The Selecter, The Specials, and Bad Manners. Then on to the 90s and Reel Big Fish, and more recently, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra and Paolo Nutini. Just to name a few! And that’s not all. The band in ska/reggae tradition takes classic pop and rock songs and feeds them through the Skamungas machine to be performed as though always intended as ska or reggae numbers. Their ska rendition of Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” is a particular favourite as is “These Boots Were Made for Walking”, yes, the Nancy Sinatra number! In 2017 some very talented musicians from across the Home Counties came together to do something different. Skamungas was formed and rapidly achieved a great live reputation evidenced by headlining Astonbury 2017, their first festival, and Live In The Park 2018 in Aylesbury before 10,000+ people. The band was selected from hundreds of contenders to play PennFest 2018, on the bill with the likes of Kaiser Chiefs, Feeder and Manic Street Preachers. 2019 was a triumph of sell out dates, the band now playing far and wide across Southern England, continuing to headline festivals and being courted by ever bigger venues and clubs stretching from the south coast up through London to the Midlands. With a terrific brass section of trombone and tenor sax, driving drums and bass, rhythmic guitar and keyboards, harmonised backing vocals and a lead vocalist to die for, Skamungas is set to achieve even greater things. Please note, this will be a seated gig. Skamungas Follow Skamungas on Facebook.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Mondays 4.45pm-5.45pm during term time. ABOUT THE WORKSHOP Suitable for ages 7-11 Join tutor Emma Bowden for this fantastic afterschool arty activity. Learn the key techniques of pottery and create a brand new work of art every week. All materials are included in the workshop price, including firing for your finished piece. Please bring a water bottle and an apron / old shirt. Please note - these sessions are for making only. If you wish to glaze your work, please book a dedicated glazing session separately.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Pottery Studio
A brand new regular comedy night at the Limelight Theatre. See below for upcoming dates / line-ups. FRIDAY 12 MAY (Doors 7pm, Show starts 8pm) STEVE WILLIAMS KATE MARTIN TREVOR BICKLES * FRIDAY 30 JUNE (Doors 7pm, Show starts 8pm) JAVIER JARQUIN JAMES COOK RAE LLOYD * FRIDAY 28 JULY (Doors 7pm, Show starts 8pm) MARLON DAVIS DAMAN BAMRAH MARY FLANIGAN * PLEASE NOTE: All line-ups are subject to change
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
The KT Bush Band were formed in 1977 and featured Brian Bath on guitar, Del Palmer on bass, Vic King on drums and a young female singer called Kate Bush. The band gigged throughout London and the South of the U.K. playing many of Kate’s original tunes alongside some classic covers, and Brian went on not only to perform on four of her early hit albums, but also the original Tour Of Life, Kate’s only ever tour. Now the band are back, with original member Brian Bath at the helm and featuring Steve Bevan on bass, Emily Francis on keyboards, Pete Turtle on drums and the sensational Sallie-Anne Hurst on vocals. Classic Kate Bush songs are the order of the day, alongside a few never-heard-before originals from back in the day, all intertwined with entertaining and sometimes hilarious anecdotes from the gentlemen that were there to help launch Kate’s hugely successful career back in the day. A show not to be missed - this is not a tribute band. This is The KT Bush Band.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Come and take your potter's wheel driving test in the this fun and friendly one-day class. This class is ideal for students working at all different levels of ceramics. Whether a first-timer looking to get to grips with clay, or a more experienced potter wanting to explore new shapes and forms (e.g. bowls, bottles, plats, faceting and external decoration), our tutor is here to help! Your course fee includes the cost of firing for two pieces.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Pottery Studio
Book Club meets once a month - see calendar below for latest dates and book titles. ABOUT THE CLASS This is a friendly reading group who read and talk about one book each month. Attendees take turns to choose the book and come up with discussion questions, then chair the group. Books chosen in the past have ranged from classics such as Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte and The Rainbow by DH Lawrence, to modern fiction such as Atonement by Ian McEwan and We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lionel The club covers different fictional genres and have also discussed other genres of writing such as autobiography and short stories. Attendees will need to have obtained and read a copy of the book chosen for that month. Newcomers are welcome to come to class without having read the book to give it a try! ABOUT THE TUTOR Laura first began running the bookclub at QPAC in 2002 after leaving her job as an English teacher. This enabled her to pursue her love of literature by facilitating classes of willing adults without having to do any marking! In 2005, she embarked on an M.A. in English Literature which she completed shortly before the birth of her daughter in 2007. From 2005 members of the bookclub have taken turns to run the group either in pairs or individually which has been a great success. Laura is on hand to help if needed. CLASS FEEDBACK “Always enjoyable with plenty of lively discussion by class members.” “Joining a book club introduced me to a variety of different genres which I wouldn’t normally read” “When running the book club everyone is very supportive, and although it may seem daunting to do, it isn’t” 2023 DATES 8 June - “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus 13 July - "What a carve up!" by Jonathon Coe
Queens Park Arts Centre
Gallery
Unbound Theatre present their latest Shakespeare tour, bringing the Bard’s work to audiences across Buckinghamshire! When former lovers Beatrice and Benedick are reunited in Messina, a merry war begins. At the same time, Count Claudio is about to meet the love of his life - but not everyone in the city wishes the union well... This brand-new production of Shakespeare’s iconic comedy is perfect for fans of the Bard as well as those a bit suspicious of Shakespeare! Had a bad experience with his plays at school? Can’t deal with another show full of men in tights? This is the show for you! The production will debut for two nights here at QPAC before heading out and about on tour, including dates at Waddesdon Manor and Wycombe Museum. Click here to book for touring performances.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
In a brand-new format for 2023, multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer will be joined by exquisite singer and bass player Miranda Sykes, solo performer, and frequent collaborator with Show of Hands. Completing the line-up is highly accomplished drummer 'AMA-UK Instrumentalist of the Year 2020' Sian Monaghan. The Phil Beer Trio promises an exciting evening of combined talent & musicianship - not to be missed! www.showofhands.co.uk
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Unbound Theatre present their latest Shakespeare tour, bringing the Bard’s work to audiences across Buckinghamshire! PLEASE NOTE: If you would like to book for the two performances at QPAC's Limelight Theatre on 14-15 July, please click here. When former lovers Beatrice and Benedick are reunited in Messina, a merry war begins. At the same time, Count Claudio is about to meet the love of his life - but not everyone in the city wishes the union well... This brand-new production of Shakespeare’s iconic comedy is perfect for fans of the Bard as well as those a bit suspicious of Shakespeare! Had a bad experience with his plays at school? Can’t deal with another show full of men in tights? This is the show for you! Tour Schedule: Fri 14 Jul - Queens Park Arts Centre (7.30pm - click here to book) Sat 15 Jul - Queens Park Arts Centre (7.30pm - click here to book) Sun 16 Jul - Wycombe Museum (1.30pm - click here to book) Fri 21 Jul - Nag's Head, Great Missenden (7.30pm - free entry) Sat 22 Jul - Buckingham Library (2pm - book via calendar below) Sun 23 Jul - Waddesdon Manor (2pm - free with grounds admission) Fri 28 Jul - Sunneyhill Barn, Rowsham (7.30pm - book via calendar below) Sun 30 Jul - King's Head, Aylesbury (2pm - free entry)
Queens Park Arts Centre
External Events
Join us for the return of the QPAC Open Mic Night. Step onto the Limelight Theatre stage and share your talent with an appreciative crowd. Whether a musician, a magician, a comedian, a singer, a dancer, an actor or an all-rounder - all are welcome. Or - if you're happy away from the footlights - graba drink from the Limelight bar and come and enjoy a night of great local talent. Each act gets a 10-minute slot. Cost of Entry is £5 for audience members and £3 for performers. PLEASE NOTE: Acoustic acts only. A jack cable will be provided for electro-acoustic intruments. If bringing your own backing music, please have it available as an mp3 file on a USB stick, CD, or phone/tablet with a headphone socket.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Sunday 30 July 10am-4pm Price: £25 / £20 members - includes all materials Punch needle art is a form of embroidery, similar to rug making. Equipment includes a needle punch tool, embroidery ring, monks’ cloths, yarn, and a few other materials. At this one-off special workshop, you'll be able to make up to four modern, environmentally conscious coasters during this session and take them home! Suitable for age 16 years plus. Limited capacity places must be booked in advance. ABOUT THE TUTOR Mixed-media artist from Buckinghamshire, Zeena Morris, employs various textile techniques, such as tufting, beading and hand stitching, to produce intriguing textures. Zeena, who is half Jamaican and half Indian, decided to use her work to raise awareness of environmental issues, after seeing the coral reefs being destroyed while visiting her family in Jamaica. Zeena finds inspiration in her surroundings, her accompanying exhibition at Queens Park Arts Centre showcases work inspired by the environment.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Textile Studio
Saturday 23 & 30 September 10am - 12.30pm ABOUT THE WORKSHOP Looking to learn a new skill this Autumn? Join our learn to knit socks Knitting Class (some basic knitting skills required) Enjoy this great opportunity to learn how to knit socks on circular needles! Having an expert teacher and a structured class can be very helpful in learning new techniques. To ensure you have enough time to learn all the required skills, it's important to come prepared and make the most of the class and some knitting experience will be needed. You need to be able to cast on your knitting, work knit and purl stitches, increase and decrease for shaping and cast off your knitting, your teacher will assist you with the special techniques needed for sock knitting. All materials are provided, and the class size is small to ensure individual attention. So why not sign up today and discover the joy of knitting your pair of cosy socks! ABOUT THE TUTOR Amanda is a lifelong, talented knitter with advanced qualifications in adult education. A background in healthcare and student mentorship adds to her understanding of your individual support and learning needs. WHAT TO BRING All materials are provided. A choice of colourful yarns, knitting needles, and decorations for your socks will all be available in these fabulous, fun knitting sessions. For any questions, please email Amanda on amanda@knittingcreative.com www.knittingcreative.com
Queens Park Arts Centre
Textile Studio
Come and seee the band live to witness a show which will take you back to the late seventies and early eighties when The Jam played as one of the most iconic and influential bands in music history. If you like The Jam then you will love A Band Called Malice and are guaranteed to have an unforgettable evening for all the right reasons! In 2017, A Band Called Malice was formed when frontman Andy Coultas decided to create a new band. A band to recreate the sound of The Jam with the attitude and feel of the original line up. Finding musicians to do this was not an easy task as the people in the band had to be of exceptional standard, able to sing, able to commit, love The Jam, and of course be fit and agile enough to reproduce the live performance of Weller, Foxton and Buckler. Andy turned to Jo Adams from Their Music Rocks, a promotional agency, and together they searched fior the right band members and, after a year of auditions and rehearsals, they finally settled on the superb line up to make up A Band Called Malice.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
John Young is the front man for Lifesigns, a band fast establishing itself as one of the current leaders in new progressive rock, pop and jazz fusion. John’s solo show is a mixture of music and stories through the years from when he first started touring the world with Uli Jon Roth’s Electric Sun back in 1985 through to 2023 with Lifesigns. Over the years he has worked with: Asia, John Wetton, The Scorpions, Bonnie Tyler, Paul Rodgers and the Law, Roy Wood, Fish, Electric Sun, Mammoth, The Strawbs, Greenslade and Lucio Battisti to name but a few, as well as guesting with Ringo & George, Robert Plant & Jimmy Page and many more. John has won both the PROG Magazine Keyboard player of the year for 2021 and the last Classic Rock Society keyboard player of the year award in 2017. Lifesigns also featured heavily in critics' top 10s for their recent album Altitude and were voted by many as the best band on Cruise to the Edge in 2022. When you think that other acts included Marillion, the Alan Parsons Project, Simon Phillips, Transatlantic and the Frank Zappa Band… that’s quite an honour. Music will range from John’s solo career through to the music of Lifesigns. Listen on YouTube and on Lifesigns website
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
From the age of 9, John Otway knew he wanted to be a pop star. But even at that young age, having listened to his sister's Beatles and Stones records, he knew he would never be able to do what they do. However, when his sister got the latest Bob Dylan album, he knew there was a place for him and he set about learning how to play guitar. Otway had to wait until 1977 and the rise of punk before his dream of fame and fortune would finally become a reality. Having caught the eye of the producers of the BBC's Old Grey Whistle Test, Otway's performance on that show would grab the attention of the watching audience. Otway, ever the showman, decided to jump on to the amplifier of his colleague during a performance of Bob Lind's Cheryl's Going Home. (Un)fortunately for Otway, he misjudged his leap and sent Wild Willy Barrett’s amplifier tumbling as he crashed down straddling the box under the amp. The full force of the impact was absorbed by the most tender part of his body, but in doing this one simple act of recklessness and his wanton disregard for his own safety, Otway was the talk of everyone who watched that evening's programme. Not only did he see a surge in his audiences, sales of Otway's sixth single, the halfspoken love song Really Free increased dramatically and reached number 27 in the UK Singles Chart. An appearance on the BBC's flagship music programme Top of the Pops, where Otway & Barrett were introduced by Elton John later, Otway was finally a star. It would however, be his greatest success for some time. Despite numerous attempts to get back into the charts, Otway would have to wait 25 years for his next taste of chart success. In the intervening years, Otway would become an actor; write an autobiography (Cor Baby That’s Really Me: Rock and Roll’s Greatest Failure); perform sold out shows at London’s Astoria and Royal Albert Hall; make regular appearances at both Glastonbury and Edinburgh Festivals; and write the nation’s seventh favourite lyric of all-time (beating Bob Dylan and Paul Simon in the process). In 2002, Otway achieved what he desired the most – a second hit. A concerted publicity campaign saw Otway reach number 9 with the disco pastiche Bunsen Burner and a second appearance on Top of the Pops. Despite this success, a planned world tour collapsed, but Otway continued to gig extensively around the UK either with his band, as a duo with Wild Willy Barrett or solo. A follow-up autobiography was penned in 2010 and titled: I Did It Otway: Regrets I’ve Had a Few. To celebrate his 60th birthday in 2012, Otway produced his debut movie titled Otway the Movie: The Story of Rock n Roll’s Greatest Failure. A screening for producers was held at London’s Leicester Square with the final scenes from the movie filmed on the red carpet and edited into the film as the audience were watching. The film was then taken to Cannes Film Festival and a 50-date tour of cinemas in both the UK and North America. It was subsequently voted the 2nd best film of the year in a poll of its readers conducted by The Guardian newspaper. Following a successful Kickstarter campaign, Otway took his band to the Caribbean island of Montserrat to record a new album. The album would be the first to be recorded on the island by an international artist since The Rolling Stones recorded Steel Wheels in 1989. Produced by Grammy-award winner Chris Birkett and recorded at Olveston House – the former home of Sir George Martin, it was released to critical acclaim in May 2017.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Saturday 7 Oct 8PM The BBs Rock and Soul band. A nine-piece cover band playing everything from Otis Reading, Sam Cook, The Stones, Amy Winehouse to Michael Jackson and many, many more classic tunes. Put on your dancing shoes for a great night out!
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
“…If I’d closed my eyes, I would have thought it was The Beatles…fantastic!” Review from 2019 Friars Club show at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre. Described by The British Beatles Fan club as “definitely not your average Beatles band”, since 2013 The Dung Beatles have carved out a unique reputation for performing the music of The Beatles with authenticity, passion and raw energy to sell-out audiences around the UK. Today, live shows draw on an incredible repertoire of over a hundred songs, including both hits and rarely heard album tracks, that have also made the band popular guests on BBC. “A must-see band for all Beatles fans”.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Saturday 21 Oct 8PM Raised in the leafy Buckinghamshire town of Aylesbury, England, "Mr" Paul Adams is a Texas born singer/ songwriter and entertainer, and proud member of the British Country Music Association. He is signed to BFS Records. When asked to describe his sound, followers of his music define it as unique! A subtle, yet soulful blend of the generations. His influences stem from Contemporary and Classic Country Music to American Rock 'n' Roll, 'Swinging' Sixties and 60s American Soul and even Britpop 90s! Listen closely and you'll hear echoes of Lennon, Kershaw, Gallagher, Morissette, Cash and Stapleton - among others. Performing locally, nationally and internationally, Paul has played some famous stages, including London's Troubadour and Nashville's Bluebird Café. Paul is raw and alternative and brings us something we've long forgotten, but have always missed. “Mr” Paul Adams and his band of local legends will be performing tracks from Paul’s popular album release “Tomorrow Is Not Guaranteed” along with unheard and unreleased tracks.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Saturday 4 Nov 7.30PM Track Dogs are two Irishmen, an Englishman and an American, whose artistic name derives from the dark subterranean world of New York’s subway system. Formed in the Autumn of 2006 in Madrid, around the eclectic line-up of acoustic guitar, electric bass, trumpet and cajón, over the years they have added banjo, ukulele and mandolin as well as honing their four part vocal harmonies, now very much an integral part of their sound. Well-established in Spain where they are based, they are surprising music lovers everywhere with 'sun-shiny songs thriving on dark themes behind irresistible rhythms'. After a fortuitous invitation to the Costa del Folk festival in Ibiza they have teamed up with Firebrand Music in the UK and have released a 23 track live album with Show of Hands from their 2022 UK tour “The Dog Show Sessions”. Show of Hands recently announced the band will be joining them for their next performance at the Royal Albert Hall on April 10th. With 7 albums under their belts their versatile and accessible style allows Track Dogs to be at home in festivals as diverse as Americana Music Madrid, Electric Picnic, Grand Northern Ukulele Festival, Shrewsbury Folk Festival, Folk Alliance Intl, Cork Jazz Festival or even Trafalgar Square’s Saint Patrick’s Day super stage.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
A Celebration of the Music of Coldplay; capturing the sound and energy of one of the biggest bands in the world. Featuring the hits and many surprises for all fans of Coldplay. -- “Brilliant musicians! Great Sound! Thank you so much.” - Sara Shipp “Great Evening Will certainly come again!” - Di Humber “You guys were IMMENSE.” - Raptorneet “Great evening and well done for recreating the Coldplay sound.” - Mark Baber
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
DISCOUNT PERFORMANCES: Fri 8 Dec (7.30pm), Sat 9 Dec (5.30pm) & Fri 15 Dec (7.30pm) SIGNED PERFORMANCES: Sat 9 Dec (1pm) & Fri 29 Dec (7.30pm) RELAXED PERFORMANCE: Sun 17 Dec (5:30pm) Directed by Erika Sanderson | Written by Dario Knight | Music by Stephen J Davies Second star to the right and straight on 'til morning! Queens Park Arts Centre celebrates the 40th birthday of its Limelight Theatre by staging a magical pantomime adventure with Peter Pan. Some years have passed since Wendy Darling and her brothers said goodbye to Peter Pan. Now he’s back! Magic is disappearing from Neverland. Peter needs Wendy’s help – but neither of them is quite the person the other remembers. Only Christmas itself can restore the magic, but is it already too late? Alongside a cast of pratfalling pirates, lively Lost Boys and wonderful Wild Girls, Peter and Wendy embark on a magical adventure – but a terrifying foe lurks in the shadows. This year’s pantomime show is packed full of rib-tickling slapstick routines, amazing dances and songs, and beautiful handmade sets, costumes, props and puppets from the artists and makers of Queens Park Arts Centre. The show is produced by Queens Park’s in-house storytelling company Unbound, and once again features amazing dance routines choreographed and performed by SDSD. Show Run-time (incl. interval): 2hrs Praise for previous Queens Park pantomimes: "Truly brilliant, we laughed ourselves silly." "It was stunning - the professionals couldn't out-do you." "Absolutely fantastic. My children loved it and will be talking about it for quite a long time to come. Thanks to all the cast & crew who made it such a brilliant night."
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Friday 16 Feb 8PM Legends of Motown is a tribute show jam packed with all of Motown’s biggest hits, with stunning vocals and amazing live band, celebrating the music of the iconic and timeless Motown era.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Two-and-a-half-hour sessions (see calendar for dates and start times) during term time. These weekly untutored pottery classes are ideal for experienced potters looking to work independently on their projects in our fully-equipped studio spaces. We have a wide variety of dates and times available – please see the calendar below for the latest availability. PLEASE NOTE: If you’re a beginner looking to try out pottery but aren’t too sure where to start, please book one of our tutored classes rather than these untutored sessions. Your workshop fee includes use of our facilities, including clay and a wide variety of tools. If you would like to have your work fired there is an additional charge, calculated based on the weight of the piece. Please speak to a member of staff if you require assistance working this out. Click here for tutored classes.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Pottery & Glaze Studios
This magnetic bond still holds after more than 40 years of attempted escapes and still loved for their total in-yer-face originality, the contrast between the dead pan humour of Barrett and mad onstage antics of Otway are hilarious to watch. John’s lyrical genius and Willy’s outstanding musicianship (he seems to play almost every stringed instrument known to man, plus a few hybrids of his own making!) Ever keen to add a new dimension to the show, Willy has a new addition to his array of instruments. Beware the Moose Homp!!. Willy’s interest in making instruments began when he commandeered two guitars made by his dad in 1965. One from an old guitar neck and a scaffold plank which became affectionally known as the Les Dawson, and the other branded the Mk1 Schitstik electric slide of similar pedigree. These instruments were used on many of the early tracks, including Really Free and Racing Cars) Was the Last Straw Tour of 2017 to be the end? Willy’s remark “this will be the last time that many of you will see us together again” was often hastily misinterpreted as the final throw of the dice, but the reason given “it’s not us packing up, it’s you lot dying off, you know who you are!” is often overlooked by eager scribes. And so the rumours abound. For any Otway/Barrett virgins out there who don’t know what to expect, be prepared for everything from bare-chested theremin playing to wah wah wheelie bin as the duo jump from one hit and 40 near misses to another: An amazing and irreverent performance by two master entertainers.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Saturdays (10am-12.30pm) during term time. SATURDAY UNTUTORED CLASS | 10am-12.30pm (Term-time) Whether you’re a beginner starting out or you’ve been coming to Life drawing classes for years; all are welcome at the Saturday Morning Life Drawing. We are an untutored group that gives members the opportunity to work with highly professional models in various poses. The class runs in 2 halves with a coffee break in between. The first includes 5, 10, 15 minute poses and the second is a long singular pose. We are a group made up of people who simply enjoy life drawing and although the class not tutored, there is plenty of help on hand from within the group, with tips, hints and the odd extra medium, if you need it. Our aim is to give the opportunity to experience life drawing and develop skills in an supportive environment. Why not come along and give it a try. WHAT TO BRING (Both Sessions) While easels and drawing boards are provided, attendees are asked to bring your own mediums but what you use it down to you. E.g. pencil, charcoal, inks or paints on paper, canvas or panels (a good range is available from the QPAC shop).
Queens Park Arts Centre
Painting Studio
Mondays (10am-12.30pm) & Thursdays (7pm-9.30pm) during term time. A weekly workshop ideal for anyone with a passion for the art of contemporary jewellery. Whether a complete beginner or a practiced jeweller, this friendly drop-in class allows students aged 16+ to direct their own learning and create beautiful, unique pieces. Our experienced tutor Susie Upstone will help guide you through the design and making process – be sure to bring a sketchbook and pens to jot down your ideas! We provide all the tools you need, however raw materials such as metal and gems must be purchased by students. Susie will be able to advise on what you’ll need for your project (including the necessary PPE), and where to source it.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Craft Studio
Mondays (10am-12.30pm) during term time. An untutored weekly workshop for recorder players keen to perform as part of a group. The recorder is wonderfully fun to play, and this class aims to revive our enjoyment of an easy yet undervalued instrument. Even if you haven’t picked one up for years, come along and enjoy rediscovering your skills in this untutored group.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Rehearsal Studio
Mondays - 30min glaze sessions at 4.30pm and 5.15pm ABOUT THE WORKSHOP Suitable for ages 7-11 Join tutor Emma Legon for this fantastic arty activity. These sessions give students the opportunity to glaze work created during the school holiday classes, or the weekly afterschool making sessions. All materials are provided, including firing for the finished, glazed piece. Please Note: Each 30min slot allows enough time to glaze one finished piece. If you have multiple pieces to fire, please book one session per piece.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Glaze Studio
Mondays (4.30pm-7pm) during term time. This class will show you the simple and basic techniques of Tapestry, and share the enjoyment of creative weaving. You can create an interesting woven tapestry piece of fabricated wall art in a very short time, using just about anything to weave with from wool, wire and fabric to hard things like twigs or leaves. You can experiment with different materials to make the wall art you desire for your home, learning simple aspects of colour theory to help chose the right colours for your project. Once you have developed the basic skills, you can design your own abstract pattern in landscape or portrait. WHAT TO BRING: Most materials can be provided for your first session, however regular attendees should bring the following: -A old picture frame (minus glass) - A4 or larger -A flat piece of wood slightly wider than the frame -String -Knitting wool, wire, fabric, etc to weave with -Plastic Needles -Plastic Fork
Queens Park Arts Centre
Textile Studio
Mondays (7pm-9.30pm) during term time. This workshop is ideal for anyone with an interest in painting with oils, whether a practised hand or a beginner exploring the medium for the first time. Tutor Michael Navarro is a local artist who has been working for several years in various media, predominately oils. His works range from landscapes to pop art and murals. Our painting studio has easels, painting boards and other communal facilities. We also have an art shop selling paints, paper and brushes, if you don’t have them already. Michael will be happy to advise on what resources you need to get started.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Painting Studio
Tuesdays 10am during term time Improve your skills in portraiture with drawing and painting in acrylics. You will be working from a mixture of photographs and live sitters, and exploring materials from charcoal to paint. Come and try our new weekly workshop that will suit all levels, beginners and improvers particularly welcome! ABOUT THE TUTOR John has been drawing and painting for 30 years with West Wycombe Art, alongside a career in kitchen design. WHAT TO BRING Basic drawing materials (charcoal and paper) will be provided, however you may need to buy further materials as you progress and John will be on hand to advise on this. If you have any queries before you come along, please contact John on johneasterling4@gmail.com.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Painting Studio
Tuesdays (10am -12:30pm) & Wednesdays (7pm-9.30pm) during term time. PLEASE NOTE: These sessions are for wood turning at the lathe. If you would like to book a general woodwork session (running on the same dates / times), please click here. What Will I Learn? These sessions aim to improve your ability in working with wood and fulfilling your ambition in creating a product of your choice under the guidance of the tutor. During the sessions you will work on a project of your own choice so that your own level of skill increases and you finish with a completed item. You will be encouraged and instructed in the use of electrical powered hand tools. The room is equipped with a woodturning lathes so there will be an opportunity to learn or to continue some woodturning. During the sessions learners will: - Select materials and tools appropriate to the chosen task. - Show how materials are cut, shaped and formed, to designed tolerances. - Use design briefs to guide design thinking. - Practice skills to complete other projects at home. - Observe health & safety issues concerning woodworking. Is This For Me? These sessions are for those with a general interest in woodwork and who have a project in mind. It is suitable for all levels of ability and will be taught on an individual basis. During the sessions, the tutor will provide small group demonstrations and individual support to ensure that learners can work at their own level and at their own pace. What Do I Need To Bring? Please bring a pencil and project idea(s). These will be discussed and, by the end of your first session, a plan will be drawn up including a cutting list and some idea of the cost. Learners will need to provide their own materials, which can’t be stored at the centre, and brought to each session. The use of different materials will be discussed relative to their cost eg. bookcase made from MDF will be much cheaper to make than one of solid oak. It depends on your choice as to how much you spend. How will I know that my skills have improved? At the start, you will decide (with help from your tutor) what you want to get out of the course. There will be regular opportunities to review your progress and at the end of the course you will have the chance to reflect on what you have learnt and how your skills have improved.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Woodwork Studio
Tuesdays 11am to 11:45am during term time ABOUT THE WORKSHOP Bollywood dance is a style of dance that is heavily influenced by music and culture originated in Bollywood films. This class delivers a Bollywood dance workout session to ladies to encourage physical activity and have fun at the same time. Dance to beats of hottest Bollywood songs and enjoy. It is a fantastic workout with a feel-good factor. It is also a great way to make new friends and socialise. Bollywood dancing is a full-body workout which helps in working both the upper and the lower body at the same time. Bollywood dance is not only an art form but also a physical activity that supports good physical health and mental wellbeing. It’s dancing for everyone from all walks of life – whether you have never danced before or a seasoned dancer, older or younger, you’re sure to find fun in Bollywood dancing. The class is open to ladies only and will be suitable for 18 years - adult. People of all cultures and nationalities are welcome to join. ABOUT THE TUTOR Supriya More is trained in Kathak - North Indian classical dance, Bharatnatyam and different styles of folk dances. She is passionately interested in dance and have been since childhood and believes that dance is the best form of exercise which not only improves physical health but also mental wellbeing. She has experience in delivering Bollywood dance sessions, which includes delivery of innovative forms of dancing mixed with exercises. She has experience in teaching dance to beginners as well as advanced levels to different age groups of people. She has delivered professional performances in Vienna, Austria, India as well as the UK at cultural events and large functions. She has also trained young people and adults to deliver dance performances on stage at annual celebrations, gatherings and social functions. WHAT TO BRING Wear comfortable clothes and bring water along. Please note, the workshop will take place in the Centre’s dance studio and participants will be barefoot. This workshop is supported by Aylesbury Town Council.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Dance Studio
Tuesdays during term time at 12:30pm Come and try authentic Classical Hatha Yoga, which can support both physical and mental wellbeing. Sessions will incorporate warming up and stretching, yoga posture and breathing practices, as well as elements of relaxation, meditation and chanting. As a practice, Hatha yoga sessions integrates gentle to moderate physical exercise with mindfulness and awareness, encouraging your attention to shift from ‘doing’ to just ‘being’. We welcome complete beginners as well as those with some yoga experience. ABOUT THE TUTOR Helena has been teaching Yoga in various forms since 1985. She completed her Instructor Training in Classical Vivekenanda Yoga 1998 under the Indian Institute. Helena also has interests in Qigong, Tai Chi and Complementary Therapy. As a teacher at Queens Park she runs further sessions in Tai Chi Qigong and Yoga.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Rehearsal Studio
Tuesdays (1pm-3.30pm) during term time. A weekly workshop designed as an opportunity for artists to get together and work on projects of their choosing in the friendly, creative, and inspiring environment of the QPAC painting studio. Attendees can be of any level of ability, from novices to very experienced artists. All forms of media are welcome, including charcoal, pencil, pastel, watercolours, acrylics and oils. Though not a formally-tutored class, this open studio session is a chance to learn from fellow artists, share your work and discuss your art form. We have easels, drawing boards and other communal resources, plus an on-site art shop stocked with paints, pencils, charcoal, paper and brushes.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Painting Studio
Tuesdays, 4.30pm-5.30pm during term time. ABOUT THE WORKSHOP Afterschool Art Club is a weekly art session for 7-11 year-olds where we'll: - Make art and take it home - Paint, draw, print, sculpt and try new skills - And enjoy ourselves! Be sure to bring a water bottle and an apron with you. We look forward to welcoming you!
Queens Park Arts Centre
Craft Studio
Mondays 10am & Tuesdays 4.30pm A weekly two-and-a-half-hour untutored ceramics session for experienced potters looking to decorate their work in our glaze studio. We have a good variety of glazes and slips available to use. Students wishing to apply their own glaze recipes (or any not in stock at QPAC) should have a chat with our Technician before decorating their work to make sure the glaze(s) are suitable for our firing temperatures. There is a small charge for glaze firing, which is calculated by weight of the finished piece. Please speak to a member of staff if you require assistance working this out.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Glaze Studio
Tuesdays 4.45pm-5.45pm during term time. ABOUT THE WORKSHOP Suitable for ages 7-11 Join tutor Laura Peacock for this fantastic afterschool arty activity. Learn the key techniques of pottery and create a brand new work of art every week. All materials are included in the workshop price, including firing for your finished piece. Please bring a water bottle and an apron / old shirt. Please note - these sessions are for making only. If you wish to glaze your work, please book a dedicated glazing session separately.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Pottery Studio
Wednesdays (10am-12pm) during term time. Release your creativity in this weekly workshop open to all levels of experience, from complete beginners to professional painters. Students are welcome to work on any subject they please in whichever medium they prefer, whether oils, acrylics, watercolours, pastels, charcoal, pencil or mixed media. Anyone just starting out in painting & drawing can seek advice from tutor Anne Bennison, whilst those with more experience are welcome to work at their own pace. The painting studio has plenty of easels and drawing boards. Materials such as paints, paper, pencils and brushes are available at the QPAC art shop.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Painting Studio
Wednesdays (Advanced Class, 10am-12.30pm) during term time. This class is ideal for patchwork students looking for a space to work on their projects. Our Textile Studio is the perfect place to meet fellow needle-workers and textile artists. As well as progressing your project, these sessions off the chance to discuss your work with others and share ideas and inspiration. Students should bring their own sewing machine with them when attending a class – we have plenty of room to accommodate students working on projects large and small!
Queens Park Arts Centre
Textile Studio
Wednesdays (2pm-4pm) during term time. This weekly workshop will cover learning a tune and improvising around it, as well as analysis of the chords and scales. Bring along your own instrument and music stand and you'll have a chance to study the following musical types - New Orleans jazz, Swing, Bepop, Blues, Latin. The class is led by volunteer Rick Atkins. Rick is a jazz enthusiast wants to share his love of the genre with others. Rick plays guitar in the Sound Force Big Band. You can contact Rick on 07960 985 188 or email ratkins161@gmail.com PLEASE NOTE: owing to government guidelines regarding COVID-19, there will be some alterations to this class in terms of instruments used and performance practices. Please contact Rick via the details above for more information.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Rehearsal Studio
Wednesdays (4.30pm-6pm) during term time. A weekly workshop designed to inspire and nurture young emerging artists and makers, led by Laura Peacock. Students ages 13+ are welcome attend, whether a complete beginner or a practiced hand. You’ll learn how to design and create your very own ceramic works of art, be it a mug, bowl, plate, vase or sculpture – perfect for your portfolio or just for fun! Full guidance is offered to students to help them develop their projects. Your workshop fee includes use of our facilities, including clay and a wide variety of tools. If you would like to have your work fired there is an additional charge, calculated based on the weight of the piece. Charlie will be on hand to assist when working this out.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Pottery & Glaze Studios
Wednesdays (7pm-9pm) during term time. Guitar Club caters for those wishing to improve their acoustic guitar skills with fellow players in an informal, supportive environment. Taking a song-based approach to workshops, the club aims to practice and refine each number to performance standard, encouraging all to participate and develop their skills. This class is aimed at improving players with knowledge of the basic open chords. For more information email christopheryoxall@outlook.com or nicolaegray@hotmail.com
Queens Park Arts Centre
Rehearsal Studio
Wednesdays (7pm-9.30pm) during term time. ABOUT THE WORKSHOP Knitting club is open to all knitters, it is led by an expert tutor who will be able to help you with any knitting problems and assist you in the development of new knitting techniques. This inspirational knitting group is suitable for anyone with knitting skills from basic to advanced, able to bring their own knitting projects to work on during the evening. If you are a complete knitting beginner, please see our fantastic Monday evening Beginners -Improvers Knitting courses, where you can learn all the basic skills that you need to join the knitting club. WHAT TO BRING Please bring your knitting or knitting supplies, including pattern or projects that you need help with. Complete beginner knitting packs containing everything you need to get started can be purcahsed directly from the tutor. Email ahcreative95@gmail.com for details. ABOUT THE TUTOR Amanda Hutcherson is an expert knitter with an advanced adult teaching qualifications (MA Academic practice, PGCE and 10 years university lecturer experience). Amanda is looking forward to working with you as you develop your knitting skills from beginner, intermediate or advanced level.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Textile Studio
Tuesdays (10am -12:30pm) & Wednesdays (7pm-9.30pm) during term time. PLEASE NOTE: These sessions are for general woodwork only - if you would like to book a session wood turning on the lathe, (running on the same dates / times), please here. What Will I Learn? These sessions aim to improve your ability in working with wood and fulfilling your ambition in creating a product of your choice under the guidance of the tutor. During the sessions you will work on a project of your own choice so that your own level of skill increases and you finish with a completed item. You will be encouraged and instructed in the use of electrical powered hand tools. The room is equipped with a woodturning lathes so there will be an opportunity to learn or to continue some woodturning. During the sessions learners will: - Select materials and tools appropriate to the chosen task. - Show how materials are cut, shaped and formed, to designed tolerances. - Use design briefs to guide design thinking. - Practice skills to complete other projects at home. - Observe health & safety issues concerning woodworking. Is This For Me? These sessions are for those with a general interest in woodwork and who have a project in mind. It is suitable for all levels of ability and will be taught on an individual basis. During the sessions, the tutor will provide small group demonstrations and individual support to ensure that learners can work at their own level and at their own pace. What Do I Need To Bring? Please bring a pencil and project idea(s). These will be discussed and, by the end of your first session, a plan will be drawn up including a cutting list and some idea of the cost. Learners will need to provide their own materials, which can’t be stored at the centre, and brought to each session. The use of different materials will be discussed relative to their cost eg. bookcase made from MDF will be much cheaper to make than one of solid oak. It depends on your choice as to how much you spend. How will I know that my skills have improved? At the start, you will decide (with help from your tutor) what you want to get out of the course. There will be regular opportunities to review your progress and at the end of the course you will have the chance to reflect on what you have learnt and how your skills have improved.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Woodwork Studio
Thursdays (10am-12.30pm) during term time. This is a friendly, welcoming and supportive group, where students can bring their own creative project to work on, share ideas and “leave the world behind”. A great way to meet like-minded people. Group members explore at a variety of crafts, including silk painting, felt making, papier mache, tie dye, fabric painting, marbling, glass painting, collage, dought craft and more! Members of the group pursue their own projects in a happy, relaxed atmosphere. If there's a particular craft you'd like to try then let the group know and they'll see if they can help or advise. The group is facilitated by Irene Scott, who has been involved in arts & crafts (and QPAC) for 40 years, and has a broad knowledge of many different craft activities, including those mentioned above.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Craft Studio
Thursdays (10am-12.30pm) during term time. Explore and develop your creativity as a member of this friendly weekly workshop. Work from reference photographs in your chosen media (e.g. pencil, charcoal, acrylics). The group also do occasional projects to encourage exploration of techniques and development of skills by looking at the work of different artists (e.g. Picasso, Matisse, Fedden, Van Gogh) or through more specific themes such as perspective. Themes are set approximately every 3 weeks and you may work from your own photograph or those provided by the tutor. Suitable for all levels including beginners. Bring your own materials. The painting studio has plenty of easels and drawing boards. Additional materials such as paints, paper and brushes are available to buy from the QPAC art shop. Tutor Amanda Curbishley joined QPAC as a member of this group in 2002 and has gone on to exhibit and sell work at local exhibitions. She wants to share the enjoyment she has from painting and encourage others to develop their skills.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Painting Studio
Thursdays (10am-12.30pm) during term time. This untutored weekly workshop is perfect for woodcarvers with enough experience to direct their own learning, offering a chance to work on projects alongside likeminded artists and makers. The group isn’t suited to beginners, however if you’ve had experience of woodcarving before and want to continue the art in a supportive atmosphere then this is the group for you. Students are welcome to use the communal facilities in the QPAC woodwork studio, however must bring their own timber and carving tools. Casual clothes and stout shoes recommended!
Queens Park Arts Centre
Woodwork Studio
Thursdays, 11.30am-12.30pm, during term time. ABOUT THE WORKSHOP In this workshop you will experience the peace and tranquillity which lies within us through different guided meditation techniques. You will also learn some easy yogic exercises, chants and breathing techniques that will help you to settle down and prepare yourself for meditation. This workshop welcomes beginners. WHAT TO BRING - Mat / yoga mat / cushion if one wish to sit on the floor - A bottle of drinking water - Small towel We request you to pre-book your seat.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Dance Studio
Untutored class running Thursdays during term time, 1.30pm-4pm. This informal, social class gives lacemakers a chance to work independently on their own projects, whilst sharing their skills with likeminded artists and makers. Equipment needed: a lace pillow, bobbins, pins and thread plus a pricking or pattern.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Textile Studio
5-week course running for five consecutive 1-hour sessions from the start time listed below. A series of five afternoon workshops introducing students to Tai Chi Qigong. Each week you will learn different sections of this traditional Chinese practise of flowing movement and postures. Helena will introduce new variations as you go along. Qigong is beneficial for both mental and physical health, and particularly works on your flexibility and strength. Practising Taichi Qigong can also improve your circulation, balance and co-ordination and on the other hand aids mental focus, too. Moderate level of exercise, suitable both for complete beginners, as well as improvers who have done some Tai Chi or Qigong before. COURSE DATES 15 June 22 June 29 June 6 July 20 July ABOUT THE TUTOR Helena has been teaching Health Qigong since qualifying under the British Health Qigong Association in 2011. Helena also has an interest in Complementary Therapy and is an experienced Yoga teacher. As a teacher at Queens Park she runs further sessions in Yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Rehearsal Studio
Thursdays 5.30pm-6.30pm, during term time. Click here for term dates. ABOUT THE WORKSHOP Mindfulness yoga incorporates the practice of mindfulness within the practice and is conducive for students physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. The class includes warm up, joint loosening, stretching, yoga poses, breathing practices (pranayama) meditation and relaxation. ABOUT THE TUTOR Helena is a yoga teacher trained in classical Hatha yoga, and a minded yoga therapist and teen yoga instructor. She has been teaching yoga since 1998 mainly within NHS settings until she retired in 2015. Since her retirement, Helena has been teaching in various community settings and, for the last two years since lockdown, has been teaching her classes via Zoom. WHAT TO BRING Please bring a yoga mat with you. You may also wish to bring additional cushions for support, and/or a blanket / shawl.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Rehearsal Studio
Monday-Thursday (see below for timings) during term time. PLEASE NOTE (23/11/21): The Tuesday afternoon class will be running as untutored until further notice. Pottery is one of the most popular activities at QPAC. We run classes throughout the week, giving students access to our fully-equipped studio spaces to learn and develop their skills in ceramics - whether sculpting, working at the wheel, or using hand-building techniques such as coiling. Our tutored drop-in classes are perfect for complete beginners as well as those developing their talents. Our experienced tutors will offer demonstrations, advice and guidance to help you develop your own projects, from the design stage through to the final glazing process. Your workshop fee includes use of our facilities, including clay and a wide variety of tools. If you would like to have your work fired there is an additional charge, calculated based on the weight of the piece. Our tutors will be on hand to assist when working this out. Here is a timetable of our regular drop-in workshops: Day / Time Tutor Tue – 10am-12.30pm Helen Neighbour Tue – 2pm-4.30pm Untutored (Temporary) Tue – 7pm-9.30pm Laura Peacock Wed – 10am-12.30pm Gill Brown Wed – 7pm-9.30pm Patrick Hayward Thu – 10am-12.30pm Jenny Hay (Sculpture & Handbuilding) Thu – 7pm-9.30pm Charlie Butters Click here for untutored classes.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Pottery & Glaze Studios
Fridays during term time, 10am-11.30am This is a self-guided group comprising members with a skillset ranging from basic to experienced. Prospective attendees should have their own clarinet (Bb), be able to find their way around the instrument with at least basic skills and be able to read music notation to a basic level as a minimum. The group does not aim to teach attendees from scratch but there is sufficient skill within the members to help players to develop their abilities as required. Playing in a group is the best way to advance your capabilities regardless of whatever level you start. We have capable semi/professional music leaders within the group able to guide us, and musical pieces are chosen by consensus.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Rehearsal Studio
Come and take your potter's wheel driving test in the this fun and friendly one-day class. This class is ideal for students working at all different levels of ceramics. Whether a first-timer looking to get to grips with clay, or a more experienced potter wanting to explore new shapes and forms (e.g. bowls, bottles, plats, faceting and external decoration), our tutor is here to help! Your course fee includes the cost of firing for two pieces.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Pottery Studio
Saturdays 10:30am during term time. ABOUT THE WORKSHOP Chinese for Beginners...it’s not as hard as you think! It is as easy as ABC and 123, when you know the basic tools. You'd be surprised what you can learn in only 2 hours a week. This weekly drop-in class offers students the opportunity to learn Mandarin Chinese language, working at a beginner level. Students will also be able to learn about calligraphy. This is a great chance for anyone with an interest in linguistics to being learning a new language. ABOUT THE TUTOR Jay is a multi-linguist who has studied in Beijing and volunteered for QPAC for several years, working with students in workshops, attending events, and helping run front of house during performances. He's now bringing his expertise in languages to students as a tutor. WHAT TO BRING - A notepad - A pen or pencil
Queens Park Arts Centre
Textile Studio
Saturday 17 June and Sunday 25 June 11am - 1pm ABOUT THE WORKSHOP Create a felted wool brooch. Focus will be on blending coloured wools, designing and shaping the brooch, incorporating fabric and attaching brooch pin as well as safety whilst felting. You will get to take home your completed project at the end of the session! Suitable for beginners. All materials are supplied. Please bring a photo to work from if you wish but this is not necessary. ABOUT THE TUTOR Marie is a self-taught fibre artist with a passion for wool crafts. There’s always something new to learn! Marie enjoys participating in art fairs and exhibitions. These include MS Centre Pop Up Art Weekend, Longwick School Art Show, Sally Evans Events, Oxfordshire Art Weeks, Bucks Art Weeks, Thame Art Crawl & Chiltern Made Craft Fair.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Textile Studio
Saturday 17 June 8PM Join Aidan the Wizard as he makes his debut performance at QPAC's Limelight Theatre with a brand-new 'work in progress' magic and mind reading show. In this hilarious and jaw-dropping show, audience members will put Aidan to the test in a once-in-a-lifetime experience to find out if it's really possible to read minds - live on stage. Nobody really knows what's going to happen in these shows...except that secrets will fly, minds will be blown and we’ll all have a good laugh in the process. Not suitable for under 15's.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
This workshop runs on selected dates during term time - see below for upcoming dates. ABOUT THE WORKSHOP Come along and learn to ring on this unique and historic collection of handbells representing the work of many bell foundries. The workshops are open to all adults. The workshop will cover: (a) how to make music with handbells. (b) how to read a series of numbers and how these translate into music. (c) the art and pleasure of ringing as part of a group. (d) a brief history of the unique set of bells and their origins and (e) a brief history of the Launton Handbell Ringers. ABOUT THE TUTORS The Launton Handbell Ringers were formed 70 years ago and so have vast knowledge of ringing handbells in the “four-in-hand” style. The team Leader has been with the team for 67 years and two other members of the team also have 50+ years ringing knowledge.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Rehearsal Studio
Tuesdays - 30min glaze sessions at 4.45pm and 5.30pm ABOUT THE WORKSHOP Suitable for ages 7-11 Join tutor Laura Peacock for this fantastic arty activity. These sessions give students the opportunity to glaze work created during the weekly afterschool making sessions. All materials are provided, including firing for the finished, glazed piece. Please Note: Each 30min slot allows enough time to glaze one finished piece. If you have multiple pieces to fire, please book one session per piece.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Glaze Studio
Unbound Theatre's riotously-funny sleuthing audio sitcom jumps from recording studio to stage. In Victorian London there is one man people turn to when faced with an impossible mystery. The Great Detective himself, Sherlock Holmes. And when Holmes is too busy to help, Inspector Murder takes up the mantle! Come and revel in the fantastically funny misadventures of the second-best consulting detective agency, including the eponymous Inspector, his fellow sleuth Laura Norder, their genius inventor and bondsman Luc Vercluse, and thoroughly unhinged housekeeper Constance Urveillence. Join the cast and crew as they perform a live reading of two episodes from the show's furst season, including an infamous misadventure aboard a speeding train... Suitable for ages 16+
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
A one-day class running 10am-4pm on the dates listed below. ABOUT THE WORKSHOP A one-day introductory workshop creating art that can work to enhance your house or garden. Tony will guide you through the ‘How to do’ approach using a range of materials. Looking through some samples of finished pieces the emphasis will then be on experimentation, sharing and exploring ideas and personal approaches, to help us and give momentum to the process of creating new work. The focus will not be on rushing to finish a first piece, but more importantly give us understanding of how to bring about a confident conclusion. We live in a material world and a culture wedded to waste, potential and possibilities are everywhere, waiting to be reinvented and used, our vision reawakened to new ways of seeing. ABOUT THE TUTOR Tony Moody has been a practicing artist and maker for over 30 years. Discovering a love of paint early in life he went on to train in ceramics and now is focusing on making Garden Art; using clay and other materials to produce his uniquely colourful sculptures and ceramic collages. Each piece of work is a one-off and tells a story about time and place. Whether a full-size wall, several metres long and high, or a small 50 cms panel each piece in some way reflects his interests in nature, history and place. They embed a language wedded to the understanding and celebration of materials and the love of careful artisan processes. WHAT TO BRING Materials are supplied by the tutor and include cement board and a basic range of ceramic mosaic pieces, glass beads, stone, marbles, buttons and beads etc. Feel free to bring along small items of personal interest that you might like to include in your work.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Glaze Studio
2-week course running two consecutive 2-hour sessions from the start time listed below. ABOUT THE CLASS This course will give you the practical skills and knowledge to create and produce your own designs using the exciting medium of block printing. You will learn all the basics and be able to produce your own original design on paper and/or fabric and bring your creative ideas to life. You will develop your design awareness and learn the art of block printing. You will explore the fundamentals of block printing, using your own sources of inspiration and by developing your own creative process so you can be empowered to start your own block printing projects at home. You will be taught step-by-step how to create designs that can be applied to a range of projects including cards, prints, wrapping paper, cushions, wallpaper, lampshades, napkins and tablecloths. Discovering colour, print and pattern in a relaxed and friendly workshop. If you have a passion for art, have a project you would like to work through or simply want to gain some new ideas for your home, come along to this two week course and have some fun. ABOUT THE TUTOR Julie is a very experienced creative Lecturer of 19 years. She studied interior design 22 years ago and has been passionate about interiors ever since. Julie is an experienced practitioner in Interior Design and has also worked and taught within the theatre industry in set design. This is a fun and friendly course and half time biscuits will be provided! WHAT TO BRING Sketchbook, tracing paper, pen, pencil and colour pencils. Some other materials will be provided. Once the main project has been decided upon, you will be advised what to bring.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Painting Studio
A night with the Skamungas is a night not to be missed! If you thought you didn’t like ska and reggae this band might well change your mind, or even your life, with their infectious enthusiasm and unique take on those instantly recognisable ska and reggae standards. Expect a musical jaunt through the history of ska and reggae – do you know the difference? From 60s Caribbean artists such as Desmond Dekker, Toots and the Maytals, and Jimmy Cliff, through the 70s with Dave and Ansell Collins and the wonderful songs of 80s bands Madness, The Selecter, The Specials, and Bad Manners. Then on to the 90s and Reel Big Fish, and more recently, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra and Paolo Nutini. Just to name a few! And that’s not all. The band in ska/reggae tradition takes classic pop and rock songs and feeds them through the Skamungas machine to be performed as though always intended as ska or reggae numbers. Their ska rendition of Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” is a particular favourite as is “These Boots Were Made for Walking”, yes, the Nancy Sinatra number! In 2017 some very talented musicians from across the Home Counties came together to do something different. Skamungas was formed and rapidly achieved a great live reputation evidenced by headlining Astonbury 2017, their first festival, and Live In The Park 2018 in Aylesbury before 10,000+ people. The band was selected from hundreds of contenders to play PennFest 2018, on the bill with the likes of Kaiser Chiefs, Feeder and Manic Street Preachers. 2019 was a triumph of sell out dates, the band now playing far and wide across Southern England, continuing to headline festivals and being courted by ever bigger venues and clubs stretching from the south coast up through London to the Midlands. With a terrific brass section of trombone and tenor sax, driving drums and bass, rhythmic guitar and keyboards, harmonised backing vocals and a lead vocalist to die for, Skamungas is set to achieve even greater things. Please note, this will be a seated gig. Skamungas Follow Skamungas on Facebook.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Mondays 4.45pm-5.45pm during term time. ABOUT THE WORKSHOP Suitable for ages 7-11 Join tutor Emma Bowden for this fantastic afterschool arty activity. Learn the key techniques of pottery and create a brand new work of art every week. All materials are included in the workshop price, including firing for your finished piece. Please bring a water bottle and an apron / old shirt. Please note - these sessions are for making only. If you wish to glaze your work, please book a dedicated glazing session separately.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Pottery Studio
A brand new regular comedy night at the Limelight Theatre. See below for upcoming dates / line-ups. FRIDAY 12 MAY (Doors 7pm, Show starts 8pm) STEVE WILLIAMS KATE MARTIN TREVOR BICKLES * FRIDAY 30 JUNE (Doors 7pm, Show starts 8pm) JAVIER JARQUIN JAMES COOK RAE LLOYD * FRIDAY 28 JULY (Doors 7pm, Show starts 8pm) MARLON DAVIS DAMAN BAMRAH MARY FLANIGAN * PLEASE NOTE: All line-ups are subject to change
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
The KT Bush Band were formed in 1977 and featured Brian Bath on guitar, Del Palmer on bass, Vic King on drums and a young female singer called Kate Bush. The band gigged throughout London and the South of the U.K. playing many of Kate’s original tunes alongside some classic covers, and Brian went on not only to perform on four of her early hit albums, but also the original Tour Of Life, Kate’s only ever tour. Now the band are back, with original member Brian Bath at the helm and featuring Steve Bevan on bass, Emily Francis on keyboards, Pete Turtle on drums and the sensational Sallie-Anne Hurst on vocals. Classic Kate Bush songs are the order of the day, alongside a few never-heard-before originals from back in the day, all intertwined with entertaining and sometimes hilarious anecdotes from the gentlemen that were there to help launch Kate’s hugely successful career back in the day. A show not to be missed - this is not a tribute band. This is The KT Bush Band.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Come and take your potter's wheel driving test in the this fun and friendly one-day class. This class is ideal for students working at all different levels of ceramics. Whether a first-timer looking to get to grips with clay, or a more experienced potter wanting to explore new shapes and forms (e.g. bowls, bottles, plats, faceting and external decoration), our tutor is here to help! Your course fee includes the cost of firing for two pieces.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Pottery Studio
Book Club meets once a month - see calendar below for latest dates and book titles. ABOUT THE CLASS This is a friendly reading group who read and talk about one book each month. Attendees take turns to choose the book and come up with discussion questions, then chair the group. Books chosen in the past have ranged from classics such as Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte and The Rainbow by DH Lawrence, to modern fiction such as Atonement by Ian McEwan and We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lionel The club covers different fictional genres and have also discussed other genres of writing such as autobiography and short stories. Attendees will need to have obtained and read a copy of the book chosen for that month. Newcomers are welcome to come to class without having read the book to give it a try! ABOUT THE TUTOR Laura first began running the bookclub at QPAC in 2002 after leaving her job as an English teacher. This enabled her to pursue her love of literature by facilitating classes of willing adults without having to do any marking! In 2005, she embarked on an M.A. in English Literature which she completed shortly before the birth of her daughter in 2007. From 2005 members of the bookclub have taken turns to run the group either in pairs or individually which has been a great success. Laura is on hand to help if needed. CLASS FEEDBACK “Always enjoyable with plenty of lively discussion by class members.” “Joining a book club introduced me to a variety of different genres which I wouldn’t normally read” “When running the book club everyone is very supportive, and although it may seem daunting to do, it isn’t” 2023 DATES 8 June - “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus 13 July - "What a carve up!" by Jonathon Coe
Queens Park Arts Centre
Gallery
Unbound Theatre present their latest Shakespeare tour, bringing the Bard’s work to audiences across Buckinghamshire! When former lovers Beatrice and Benedick are reunited in Messina, a merry war begins. At the same time, Count Claudio is about to meet the love of his life - but not everyone in the city wishes the union well... This brand-new production of Shakespeare’s iconic comedy is perfect for fans of the Bard as well as those a bit suspicious of Shakespeare! Had a bad experience with his plays at school? Can’t deal with another show full of men in tights? This is the show for you! The production will debut for two nights here at QPAC before heading out and about on tour, including dates at Waddesdon Manor and Wycombe Museum. Click here to book for touring performances.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
In a brand-new format for 2023, multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer will be joined by exquisite singer and bass player Miranda Sykes, solo performer, and frequent collaborator with Show of Hands. Completing the line-up is highly accomplished drummer 'AMA-UK Instrumentalist of the Year 2020' Sian Monaghan. The Phil Beer Trio promises an exciting evening of combined talent & musicianship - not to be missed! www.showofhands.co.uk
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Unbound Theatre present their latest Shakespeare tour, bringing the Bard’s work to audiences across Buckinghamshire! PLEASE NOTE: If you would like to book for the two performances at QPAC's Limelight Theatre on 14-15 July, please click here. When former lovers Beatrice and Benedick are reunited in Messina, a merry war begins. At the same time, Count Claudio is about to meet the love of his life - but not everyone in the city wishes the union well... This brand-new production of Shakespeare’s iconic comedy is perfect for fans of the Bard as well as those a bit suspicious of Shakespeare! Had a bad experience with his plays at school? Can’t deal with another show full of men in tights? This is the show for you! Tour Schedule: Fri 14 Jul - Queens Park Arts Centre (7.30pm - click here to book) Sat 15 Jul - Queens Park Arts Centre (7.30pm - click here to book) Sun 16 Jul - Wycombe Museum (1.30pm - click here to book) Fri 21 Jul - Nag's Head, Great Missenden (7.30pm - free entry) Sat 22 Jul - Buckingham Library (2pm - book via calendar below) Sun 23 Jul - Waddesdon Manor (2pm - free with grounds admission) Fri 28 Jul - Sunneyhill Barn, Rowsham (7.30pm - book via calendar below) Sun 30 Jul - King's Head, Aylesbury (2pm - free entry)
Queens Park Arts Centre
External Events
Join us for the return of the QPAC Open Mic Night. Step onto the Limelight Theatre stage and share your talent with an appreciative crowd. Whether a musician, a magician, a comedian, a singer, a dancer, an actor or an all-rounder - all are welcome. Or - if you're happy away from the footlights - graba drink from the Limelight bar and come and enjoy a night of great local talent. Each act gets a 10-minute slot. Cost of Entry is £5 for audience members and £3 for performers. PLEASE NOTE: Acoustic acts only. A jack cable will be provided for electro-acoustic intruments. If bringing your own backing music, please have it available as an mp3 file on a USB stick, CD, or phone/tablet with a headphone socket.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Sunday 30 July 10am-4pm Price: £25 / £20 members - includes all materials Punch needle art is a form of embroidery, similar to rug making. Equipment includes a needle punch tool, embroidery ring, monks’ cloths, yarn, and a few other materials. At this one-off special workshop, you'll be able to make up to four modern, environmentally conscious coasters during this session and take them home! Suitable for age 16 years plus. Limited capacity places must be booked in advance. ABOUT THE TUTOR Mixed-media artist from Buckinghamshire, Zeena Morris, employs various textile techniques, such as tufting, beading and hand stitching, to produce intriguing textures. Zeena, who is half Jamaican and half Indian, decided to use her work to raise awareness of environmental issues, after seeing the coral reefs being destroyed while visiting her family in Jamaica. Zeena finds inspiration in her surroundings, her accompanying exhibition at Queens Park Arts Centre showcases work inspired by the environment.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Textile Studio
Saturday 23 & 30 September 10am - 12.30pm ABOUT THE WORKSHOP Looking to learn a new skill this Autumn? Join our learn to knit socks Knitting Class (some basic knitting skills required) Enjoy this great opportunity to learn how to knit socks on circular needles! Having an expert teacher and a structured class can be very helpful in learning new techniques. To ensure you have enough time to learn all the required skills, it's important to come prepared and make the most of the class and some knitting experience will be needed. You need to be able to cast on your knitting, work knit and purl stitches, increase and decrease for shaping and cast off your knitting, your teacher will assist you with the special techniques needed for sock knitting. All materials are provided, and the class size is small to ensure individual attention. So why not sign up today and discover the joy of knitting your pair of cosy socks! ABOUT THE TUTOR Amanda is a lifelong, talented knitter with advanced qualifications in adult education. A background in healthcare and student mentorship adds to her understanding of your individual support and learning needs. WHAT TO BRING All materials are provided. A choice of colourful yarns, knitting needles, and decorations for your socks will all be available in these fabulous, fun knitting sessions. For any questions, please email Amanda on amanda@knittingcreative.com www.knittingcreative.com
Queens Park Arts Centre
Textile Studio
Come and seee the band live to witness a show which will take you back to the late seventies and early eighties when The Jam played as one of the most iconic and influential bands in music history. If you like The Jam then you will love A Band Called Malice and are guaranteed to have an unforgettable evening for all the right reasons! In 2017, A Band Called Malice was formed when frontman Andy Coultas decided to create a new band. A band to recreate the sound of The Jam with the attitude and feel of the original line up. Finding musicians to do this was not an easy task as the people in the band had to be of exceptional standard, able to sing, able to commit, love The Jam, and of course be fit and agile enough to reproduce the live performance of Weller, Foxton and Buckler. Andy turned to Jo Adams from Their Music Rocks, a promotional agency, and together they searched fior the right band members and, after a year of auditions and rehearsals, they finally settled on the superb line up to make up A Band Called Malice.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
John Young is the front man for Lifesigns, a band fast establishing itself as one of the current leaders in new progressive rock, pop and jazz fusion. John’s solo show is a mixture of music and stories through the years from when he first started touring the world with Uli Jon Roth’s Electric Sun back in 1985 through to 2023 with Lifesigns. Over the years he has worked with: Asia, John Wetton, The Scorpions, Bonnie Tyler, Paul Rodgers and the Law, Roy Wood, Fish, Electric Sun, Mammoth, The Strawbs, Greenslade and Lucio Battisti to name but a few, as well as guesting with Ringo & George, Robert Plant & Jimmy Page and many more. John has won both the PROG Magazine Keyboard player of the year for 2021 and the last Classic Rock Society keyboard player of the year award in 2017. Lifesigns also featured heavily in critics' top 10s for their recent album Altitude and were voted by many as the best band on Cruise to the Edge in 2022. When you think that other acts included Marillion, the Alan Parsons Project, Simon Phillips, Transatlantic and the Frank Zappa Band… that’s quite an honour. Music will range from John’s solo career through to the music of Lifesigns. Listen on YouTube and on Lifesigns website
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
From the age of 9, John Otway knew he wanted to be a pop star. But even at that young age, having listened to his sister's Beatles and Stones records, he knew he would never be able to do what they do. However, when his sister got the latest Bob Dylan album, he knew there was a place for him and he set about learning how to play guitar. Otway had to wait until 1977 and the rise of punk before his dream of fame and fortune would finally become a reality. Having caught the eye of the producers of the BBC's Old Grey Whistle Test, Otway's performance on that show would grab the attention of the watching audience. Otway, ever the showman, decided to jump on to the amplifier of his colleague during a performance of Bob Lind's Cheryl's Going Home. (Un)fortunately for Otway, he misjudged his leap and sent Wild Willy Barrett’s amplifier tumbling as he crashed down straddling the box under the amp. The full force of the impact was absorbed by the most tender part of his body, but in doing this one simple act of recklessness and his wanton disregard for his own safety, Otway was the talk of everyone who watched that evening's programme. Not only did he see a surge in his audiences, sales of Otway's sixth single, the halfspoken love song Really Free increased dramatically and reached number 27 in the UK Singles Chart. An appearance on the BBC's flagship music programme Top of the Pops, where Otway & Barrett were introduced by Elton John later, Otway was finally a star. It would however, be his greatest success for some time. Despite numerous attempts to get back into the charts, Otway would have to wait 25 years for his next taste of chart success. In the intervening years, Otway would become an actor; write an autobiography (Cor Baby That’s Really Me: Rock and Roll’s Greatest Failure); perform sold out shows at London’s Astoria and Royal Albert Hall; make regular appearances at both Glastonbury and Edinburgh Festivals; and write the nation’s seventh favourite lyric of all-time (beating Bob Dylan and Paul Simon in the process). In 2002, Otway achieved what he desired the most – a second hit. A concerted publicity campaign saw Otway reach number 9 with the disco pastiche Bunsen Burner and a second appearance on Top of the Pops. Despite this success, a planned world tour collapsed, but Otway continued to gig extensively around the UK either with his band, as a duo with Wild Willy Barrett or solo. A follow-up autobiography was penned in 2010 and titled: I Did It Otway: Regrets I’ve Had a Few. To celebrate his 60th birthday in 2012, Otway produced his debut movie titled Otway the Movie: The Story of Rock n Roll’s Greatest Failure. A screening for producers was held at London’s Leicester Square with the final scenes from the movie filmed on the red carpet and edited into the film as the audience were watching. The film was then taken to Cannes Film Festival and a 50-date tour of cinemas in both the UK and North America. It was subsequently voted the 2nd best film of the year in a poll of its readers conducted by The Guardian newspaper. Following a successful Kickstarter campaign, Otway took his band to the Caribbean island of Montserrat to record a new album. The album would be the first to be recorded on the island by an international artist since The Rolling Stones recorded Steel Wheels in 1989. Produced by Grammy-award winner Chris Birkett and recorded at Olveston House – the former home of Sir George Martin, it was released to critical acclaim in May 2017.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Saturday 7 Oct 8PM The BBs Rock and Soul band. A nine-piece cover band playing everything from Otis Reading, Sam Cook, The Stones, Amy Winehouse to Michael Jackson and many, many more classic tunes. Put on your dancing shoes for a great night out!
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
“…If I’d closed my eyes, I would have thought it was The Beatles…fantastic!” Review from 2019 Friars Club show at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre. Described by The British Beatles Fan club as “definitely not your average Beatles band”, since 2013 The Dung Beatles have carved out a unique reputation for performing the music of The Beatles with authenticity, passion and raw energy to sell-out audiences around the UK. Today, live shows draw on an incredible repertoire of over a hundred songs, including both hits and rarely heard album tracks, that have also made the band popular guests on BBC. “A must-see band for all Beatles fans”.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Saturday 21 Oct 8PM Raised in the leafy Buckinghamshire town of Aylesbury, England, "Mr" Paul Adams is a Texas born singer/ songwriter and entertainer, and proud member of the British Country Music Association. He is signed to BFS Records. When asked to describe his sound, followers of his music define it as unique! A subtle, yet soulful blend of the generations. His influences stem from Contemporary and Classic Country Music to American Rock 'n' Roll, 'Swinging' Sixties and 60s American Soul and even Britpop 90s! Listen closely and you'll hear echoes of Lennon, Kershaw, Gallagher, Morissette, Cash and Stapleton - among others. Performing locally, nationally and internationally, Paul has played some famous stages, including London's Troubadour and Nashville's Bluebird Café. Paul is raw and alternative and brings us something we've long forgotten, but have always missed. “Mr” Paul Adams and his band of local legends will be performing tracks from Paul’s popular album release “Tomorrow Is Not Guaranteed” along with unheard and unreleased tracks.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Saturday 4 Nov 7.30PM Track Dogs are two Irishmen, an Englishman and an American, whose artistic name derives from the dark subterranean world of New York’s subway system. Formed in the Autumn of 2006 in Madrid, around the eclectic line-up of acoustic guitar, electric bass, trumpet and cajón, over the years they have added banjo, ukulele and mandolin as well as honing their four part vocal harmonies, now very much an integral part of their sound. Well-established in Spain where they are based, they are surprising music lovers everywhere with 'sun-shiny songs thriving on dark themes behind irresistible rhythms'. After a fortuitous invitation to the Costa del Folk festival in Ibiza they have teamed up with Firebrand Music in the UK and have released a 23 track live album with Show of Hands from their 2022 UK tour “The Dog Show Sessions”. Show of Hands recently announced the band will be joining them for their next performance at the Royal Albert Hall on April 10th. With 7 albums under their belts their versatile and accessible style allows Track Dogs to be at home in festivals as diverse as Americana Music Madrid, Electric Picnic, Grand Northern Ukulele Festival, Shrewsbury Folk Festival, Folk Alliance Intl, Cork Jazz Festival or even Trafalgar Square’s Saint Patrick’s Day super stage.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
A Celebration of the Music of Coldplay; capturing the sound and energy of one of the biggest bands in the world. Featuring the hits and many surprises for all fans of Coldplay. -- “Brilliant musicians! Great Sound! Thank you so much.” - Sara Shipp “Great Evening Will certainly come again!” - Di Humber “You guys were IMMENSE.” - Raptorneet “Great evening and well done for recreating the Coldplay sound.” - Mark Baber
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
DISCOUNT PERFORMANCES: Fri 8 Dec (7.30pm), Sat 9 Dec (5.30pm) & Fri 15 Dec (7.30pm) SIGNED PERFORMANCES: Sat 9 Dec (1pm) & Fri 29 Dec (7.30pm) RELAXED PERFORMANCE: Sun 17 Dec (5:30pm) Directed by Erika Sanderson | Written by Dario Knight | Music by Stephen J Davies Second star to the right and straight on 'til morning! Queens Park Arts Centre celebrates the 40th birthday of its Limelight Theatre by staging a magical pantomime adventure with Peter Pan. Some years have passed since Wendy Darling and her brothers said goodbye to Peter Pan. Now he’s back! Magic is disappearing from Neverland. Peter needs Wendy’s help – but neither of them is quite the person the other remembers. Only Christmas itself can restore the magic, but is it already too late? Alongside a cast of pratfalling pirates, lively Lost Boys and wonderful Wild Girls, Peter and Wendy embark on a magical adventure – but a terrifying foe lurks in the shadows. This year’s pantomime show is packed full of rib-tickling slapstick routines, amazing dances and songs, and beautiful handmade sets, costumes, props and puppets from the artists and makers of Queens Park Arts Centre. The show is produced by Queens Park’s in-house storytelling company Unbound, and once again features amazing dance routines choreographed and performed by SDSD. Show Run-time (incl. interval): 2hrs Praise for previous Queens Park pantomimes: "Truly brilliant, we laughed ourselves silly." "It was stunning - the professionals couldn't out-do you." "Absolutely fantastic. My children loved it and will be talking about it for quite a long time to come. Thanks to all the cast & crew who made it such a brilliant night."
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
Friday 16 Feb 8PM Legends of Motown is a tribute show jam packed with all of Motown’s biggest hits, with stunning vocals and amazing live band, celebrating the music of the iconic and timeless Motown era.
Queens Park Arts Centre
Limelight Theatre
2023 All rights reserved. Powered by
