This weekend is August Bank Holiday – the earliest date it can be, as the last Monday in August is the 25th. That means a full four months to the next national day off, which is – eek – Christmas! So, you might want to make the most of this weekend. Here’s a sample of what’s going on across the region.
The Great Gatsby in St Albans
A new adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s story sets a cabaret bar in the remains of the Roman Theatre of Verulamium. It’s 1920s America and a troupe of performers take to the stage for their final performance: the rise and fall of the legendary Gatsby.
The characters become entangled in mysterious millionaire Gatsby’s pathological pursuit of his former lover Daisy Buchanan, with fatal consequences. Audiences are immersed in the hedonistic roaring 20s world of excess, fantasy, and “the great American Dream” as it collides with corruption, tragedy and the superficiality of wealth.
Performed to a live jazz underscore, the production considers themes of unattainable dreams, social class, gender, and race. The Great Gatsby runs until Sunday 24 August and tickets start at £15. The theatre has introduced premium, covered seating.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, presented by OVO. Adapted by Mark O’Sullivan. Director Kelly Ann Stewart. The Roman Theatre of Verulamium, Bluehouse Hill, St Albans, AL3 6AE
Lost English histories in Colchester
There’s an intriguing exhibition at The Minories in Colchester. This is based around accidental discoveries by a cultural heritage consultancy and is the result of six years of research. Number in Time and Space: Exploring Plato’s Fifth Element reveals the forgotten meaning and significance of geometric shapes, motifs and proportions in British art and architecture spanning 2,000 years.
As well as antiquities, the exhibition includes commissioned work by a variety of artists, including Jacob Chandler, Dave Shrimpton, Caroline Weidman, and Shay Shani. Their materials range across wood, glass, bronze and gold. The consultancy, Byrga Geniht, advises historic houses, palaces and churches across England.
The exhibition is free, and is open from 10:00 to 16:00 on Wednesday 20 to Sunday 24 August, and again Wednesday 27 to Sunday 31 August. The Minories, 74 High Street, Colchester, CO1 1UE.
Small village, big art exhibition
Dennington is a small village with enough professional and upcoming artists living in and around it to mount an annual exhibition. With around a dozen exhibitors, works include paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography and ceramics. Prices range from a few pounds to several thousand.
This year’s exhibition again runs throughout the Bank Holiday weekend Saturday 23 to Monday 25 August, 10:00 – 16:00. It’s at Dennington Village Hall on Framlingham Road, IP13 8DD. The postcode is the same as The Neathouse coffee shop, which is on the opposite side of the road and round a bend. What three words is minority.worlds,detonated.
Bookings open for National Heritage Open Days
Events don’t happen until Friday 12 to Sunday 21 September, but it’s worth checking out the Heritage Open Days website now, in case you need to book for something you would like to go to. You can narrow your search down by county or town.
For example, Open Cambridge has already opened bookings for its events as part of Heritage Open Days. Highlights of their events include:
Remembering Cambridgeshire’s Far East soldiers in World War Two – and sharing their experiences: for a talk exploring experiences of over 2000 Cambridgeshire soldiers who were sent last minute by Churchill to the failed defence of Singapore in WWII. Friday 12 September, free, pre-booking required.
Decode the Secret Life of Plants – Behind the Scenes at the Sainsbury Laboratory & RHS Chelsea Flower Show Exhibit Blooming Numbers. There are interactive activities, you can explore cutting-edge plant science and see highlights from the medal-winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show exhibit Blooming Numbers. 2 sessions on Sunday 14 September, free, pre-booking required.
Jane Austen at King’s: To mark two hundred and fifty years since the birth of novelist Jane Austen, King’s College Library and Archives are hosting an exhibition showcasing first and early editions of the author’s much-loved novels, alongside the autograph manuscript of her unfinished novel Sanditon and treasures highlighting the Austen family’s connection with the College. Wednesday 17 September, free, booking not required.
Beach day
And if none of these events tempt you, East Anglia’s coastline offers plenty of alternatives. From the vast sands of Norfolk and Suffolk to Essex’s bustling seaside resorts, there’s a beach for every mood – perfect for making the most of the late-summer sunshine!
§
If you’re organising an event we’d like to hear about it. If you’ve been to an event or read a book, etc., and would like to write a review, please get in touch. The only requirement is that it is still available. Plays, films, books, museums, art galleries, podcasts, TV programmes – tell us your views about it in 800 words or fewer. Contact kate_viscardi@eastangliabylines.co.uk
More from East Anglia Bylines
