4th July 2008 - 25th August 2008
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There are a few firsts and extended events this year. Last year we reintroduced open air theatre with a very successful production of A Mid Summer Nights Dream, so this year we have gone for three productions; an innovative and exciting adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Neverland The Peter Pan Musical (a magical, spellbinding musical extravaganza), and to finish, Tales of the Old North, a show filled with fantasy, fairytales and black magic. An exciting line up for all the family to enjoy! In addition to the open air theatre we have a fabulous line up of top shows in the Colour House Theatre, including late night theatre for the first time. We have four 1 hour shows throughout July opening with a hilarious musical comedy, Under The Knife, a great take on the world of cosmetic surgery! In August we have longer shows finishing with a double bill of two new shows, The Cage Birds and Lord Buckley. Im also delighted to welcome back all our favourite jazz artists for the ever popular series of free Friday night jazz concerts, in particular Tony O'Malley who launches this years festival on Friday 4th July. In addition, and another first, we have programmed a superb season of free weekend lunchtime jazz sessions running throughout July and August from 1pm - 4pm on both Saturdays and Sundays. The blues this year (Blues at the Mills) starts a day earlier on Thursday 21st August, a bonus for all you Blues lovers out there! Our Comedy line up (Slaughterville at the Watermill) is possibly the strongest weve had to date, with 4 Edinburgh preview nights and 3 stand up shows. We bring you a top quality gathering of some of the best comedians on the circuit today, guaranteeing lots of laughter along the way. To complement the festival's music theme we have programmed a couple of delightful chamber concerts (Sunday Evening Music Among Friends). Probably the most exciting thing for me to report this year is regarding Kidsfest. After last years tremendous launch we have been chosen by Merton Council, in association with "Go South Go", to host their celebration party of the 2012 Olympics coming to London. This takes place on Sunday 24th August, and a truly wonderful and memorable day is in store for all the little ones. This will be a day where children will take centre stage and like last year the whole day is totally free and one most definitely not to be missed! Abbeyfest as always depends so much on sponsorship and I would like to thank the site owners, Office Estates, for their continued support. They really understand the philosophy of Abbeyfest and have become integral to the event taking place. Also special thanks to Merton Council who have come on board this year and made such an impact to ensure the success of Kidsfest. To our media partners Your Local Guardian. Thank you to Virgin Active for their continued support for the last 4 years. Thanks also to the Tandem Centre for upping their support and thanks again go to Samuel Estates, Coraider Services and Evon Print and finally a big thank you and warm welcome to our latest sponsor Shepherd Neame. Abbeyfest's success is down to more than just me. There are so many people who are integral in getting it on. I would like to thank Bob Brunning who always works wonders with limited funds to put together a superb Blues Festival. A very big thank you to Steve Ruby and his team at the 606 Club who from day one have been putting together fantastic Jazz line ups every year! Thanks to Brett Vincent who takes on the challenge of programming the comedy. Thanks to all the staff at Merton Abbey Mills for all their help and assistance. Thanks to Andy Wheeler, Conrad Thomas of Smooth C Entertainments and to all the volunteers and many friends. Thank you. Finally thank you, the public, for supporting Abbeyfest, Tell a friend, bring the whole family and enjoy one of ......... Peter Wallder Festival Director |
© Abbeyfest 2006, Merton Abbey Mills, SW19 2RD
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