We’re pleased to announce that the first film to be shown as part of our Stag Little Saturdays will be Charlotte’s Web, the endearing tale of a spider who saves a pig from slaughter. Based on the classic book by EB White, the animated feature film adaptation was released in 1973, and it’s this original version that the Stag is pleased to bring back to the silver screen for the enjoyment of a new generation.

The film will begin at 10.30am on Saturday May 12 and accompanying adults go free (maximum ratio of one adult per three children).  

Our cloaked critic takes on Avengers Assemble, and once again, his opinion is of uncharacteristically sunny disposition. Who’s been feeding Sir Nunnos the laughing gas, we want to know? You can read Sir Nunnos’ latest review here. Don’t forget to follow him on Twitter @SirNunnos

Since we introduced our mystery film critic some weeks ago, Sir Nunnos has had many forthright opinions on the latest-release movies we show here at the Stag. A visitor to the cinema last week was prompted to come after reading one of Sir Nunnos’ reviews. Here’s what she had to say after watching Salmon Fishing in the Yemen:

“We LOVED the film. I forwarded the review to the friend I was coming with and she said how much she had enjoyed the review too. We both very much enjoyed the film and felt that some critics had been rather harsh on it, notably on Radio 4's Front Row.

Kristin Scott Thomas was a hoot, a real monster of a character who jumped off the screen. I thought the other characters were subtle and beautifully acted and there was such a warmth between the three way relationship of the sheikh, Dr Jones and Harriet.

I saw the review on your own website, which I searched on Google. I live locally.

Our whole experience at the Stag was very positive. We bought a drink in the cafe, where we had nice service and got a discount and were able to take our drinks into the cinema.

Well done!”

You can now catch up with Sir Nunnos and his reviews by following him on Twitter @SirNunnos

We don’t like to blow our own trumpet, but we do like to acknowledge the praise our team gets for providing a fantastic service in a fantastic venue. Here are some kind words for the Stag team, received last week:

“I recently hired your cinema for a private event on April 22 for a short film I had made. I would like to say a huge thank you. Please praise your amazing staff! For every enquiry and phone call we made, Tony and other staff members were more than helpful and did everything they could to help manage the event. It made us feel liked they cared and wanted it to run smoothly, and were more than happy to spend time testing our DVD etc.

Mike was on duty on the actual evening and was very helpful. Everyone who came was really impressed.

I wouldn't hesitate to use your venue again! We need something like you in Maidstone. Many thanks!”

Andrew Eyre, newly-appointed General Manager at the Stag Community Arts Centre, talked through his vision for the future in a press interview last week. The community will remain at the heart of everything the Stag does, he pointed out, as will ensuring ambitious plans are achieved within budget

The Stag’s new General Manager, Andrew Eyre, was interviewed last week by Sevenoaks newspaper, The Chronicle. Stability and continuity from the management team are the watchwords of the day, Andrew stressed throughout the conversation with a senior journalist, which lasted more than an hour. The interview included comments from Councillor Simon Raikes, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Stag. The full interview can be read in today's Chronicle.

“People needn’t go to London, Tunbridge Wells or Bluewater for high-quality entertainment,” Andrew said. “People can walk locally.”

He emphasised the latest-release films shown at the Stag’s cinema and the mix of high-quality amateur dramatics productions and professional national touring shows which tread the boards at the Stag Theatre.

When pressed about new goals and projects, Andrew maintained that the Stag would push for gradual improvement in all aspects while remaining within its budget. “But we do have ambition,” he said. He was keen to point out that the Stag wouldn’t exist at all if the local authority hadn’t been ambitious in setting up a charity to run the operation, but said that “the Stag mustn’t be a burden on the taxpayer. It must succeed without subsidy, and will be self-financing by 2015.”

This is surely welcome news to hard-hit residents and local authorities alike in light of last week’s announcement of a double-dip recession, and compares favourably against other entertainment venues elsewhere in Kent which rely on millions in local authority funding.

It’s not fanciful surmise either to aim to be completely self-financing. “We have a three year track record now that proves that the Stag can flourish within its current charitable business model and amidst a recession,” said Cllr Raikes.

Much more was discussed about the future of the Stag. To read the full story, make sure you don’t miss your copy of The Chronicle, available today from various retailers.  

thisiskent.co.uk

A recent study from Finland shows that visiting the  theatre can improve a person’s quality of life. The survey, conducted by TINFO (Theatre Info Finland), reveals that theatre-goers believe that a good performance increases their quality of life “very much” or “quite a lot”.

Almost a quarter of the respondents would be in favour or raising government subsidies to lower ticket prices. The research found that Finnish theatre-goers reckoned 22 Euros was a reasonable price to pay for a theatre ticket, or 31 Euros for an opera ticket.

The Finns really ought to take a look across the water to Sevenoaks. Die Fledermaus, directed by Olivier- and Tony-nominated Terry John Bates, rolls into town next month and ticket prices range from £10 to £25. Forget merely reasonable – the Stag brings you outstanding value for money and the highest-quality entertainment. Now that really is a combination designed to improve your quality of life.

Please note that this week’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream has been postponed until July. Please check the Stag website regularly for updates.

Please be aware that there will be building work starting today at the Stag Community Arts Centre, to create a brand new youth café. The youth café will offer young people a safe environment after school and during school holidays. The work is expected to be completed next month.

The third annual Sevenoaks Business Show was hosted by the Stag Community Arts Centre in the Plaza Suite, on March 29 2012. The show is an initiative of the Sevenoaks and District Chamber of Commerce and the Sevenoaks town Partnership, and was sponsored by Tonbridge Audi. You can view the official show video here.

Andrew Eyre has been appointed as the General Manager of the Stag Community Arts Centre. He takes up the post as of Monday April 23 2012 and will replace outgoing CEO, Linda Larter MBE 

The Trustees of the Stag Community Arts Centre are pleased to announce that Andrew Eyre has been appointed as the General Manager of the Stag. Andrew will be responsible for day-to-day running of the charity, and will report directly to the charity’s Board of Trustees.

“Andrew has been deeply involved with the Stag from its inception in 2009,” comments Cllr Raikes, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “Both I and the Board of Trustees are delighted that Andrew proved to be the best candidate for the position, following a rigorous, two-stage recruitment process which considered more than a dozen candidates. We are exceptionally grateful to Linda for her hard work in building the successful operation that is today’s Stag and the community of Sevenoaks indeed owes her a debt of gratitude. We are confident that Linda has laid strong foundations and set in place a framework for the future to enable Andrew to successfully build upon for the next stage of the Stag’s development.”

Notes for editors  

1.       Interviews are available, depending on availability. Please contact Ross Ringham in the first instance for more details or to schedule interviews.   

2.        The Stag Community Arts Centre is a charity and is overseen by the Charities Commission.

Our very own mystery film critic, reviews Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. The film is currently showing at the Stag Community Arts Centre cinema, so why not pop along and see if you agree with the rating? You can read the full review here: Salmon Fishing In The Yemen

We’re delighted to announce the launch of a brand new Saturday morning cinema club for kids. May 12 will see the first of our Stag Little Saturdays.

Stag Little Saturdays will have a 10.30am screening on the second Saturday of each month and will show a film from bygone days suitable for children. Mums and dads, relive your childhood films and introduce your children to screen classics they may never have seen before on the big screen.

What’s more, adults go free (all children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Free entry is limited to one adult per three

children).

You can have your say about which film we should screen by emailing us directly at: marketing@stagsevenoaks.co.uk

• Stag Little Saturdays kicks off May 12 at 10.30am
• Classic children’s feature film
• Parents go free

Please note that the Cupcake Masterclass due to take place on Wednesday April 25 has now been cancelled. Please contact Bella’s Cupcakes for more information or to book the next class.

Team building exercises for staff at Sevenoaks' Pizza Express included the Stag Community Arts Centre today. Two groups from the well-known restaurant arrived unannounced at the Stag on a scavenger-type hunt. One group posed for photographs in the main entrance. The second group went a little further and acted out a 30-second rendition of Romeo and Juliet, complete with red rose and beautiful lead actress.

"This impromptu performance adds weight to the assertion that the Stag really is for the community," comments Ross Ringham, Marketing Manager at the Stag. "While we must ensure that a qualified member of staff is always present when people are using the stage, we try to accommodate all requests for using the Stag, however unusual! All the more so when there's pizza involved..."

If you want tickets to the spectacular production of the theatre classic, Midsummer Night’s Dream, by the Stag Youth Theatre, you’ll have to hurry: one performance is already fully booked

One of Shakespeare’s most enduring and popular works will be performed next week at the Stag Community Arts Centre by the talented members of the Stag Youth Theatre (SYT). The tale of lovers, magic and mayhem will unfold during a two-night run at the theatre, delighting audiences and showcasing the considerable abilities of the 30 strong company who are aged between 11 and 17.  

But you’ll have to hurry if you’d like a seat: the Friday afternoon matinee is already fully booked!

“Following the huge success of the Stag Youth Theatre's modern interpretation of Romeo and Juliet, Romeo 4 Juliet, which incorporated film and live theatre, SYT presents a more classical production of A Midsummer Night's Dream,” comments Jamie Alexander Wilson, Director at SYT.

He continues: “What’s more, we’re delighted to welcome many of the local primary schools to the theatre to showcase to the young people of Sevenoaks what their peers are doing and to offer inspiration for budding performers.”

Expect boundless energy, passion and true dramatic flair as the talented youngsters bring the one of the bard’s funniest tales to life. The strength of SYT productions is becoming manifest. Said The Sevenoaks Chronicle of a recent SYT performance, “A professional polish rarely afforded to youngsters...”

“The Stag is a charity and one of our principal goals is to engage the community in the arts through educational activity,” comments Linda Larter MBE, Chief Executive at the Stag. “The Stag Youth Theatre offers young people a thorough and comprehensive grounding in performing arts which would be a credit to any drama school.”

“The Stag Youth Theatre benefits from the extraordinary professionalism of both Jamie Alexander Wilson and Simon Cossons, who are responsible for creating the professional pantomime at the Stag each Christmas,” says Ross Ringham, Marketing Manager at the Stag. “The programme offers youngsters not only the opportunity to perform on the main stage at the Stag, with professional production values of the highest standards, but it also offers them a unique working relationship with two of the most talented artistic professionals currently working in the UK.”

Notes for editors

1. 1.        Tickets are £5 and are available from the Stag Box Office. Performances still available are Thursday 26 and Friday 27 April at 7.30pm.  
2. 2.        Interviews with the cast and production company are available, depending on availability. All interviews must include comment from the Stag, supplied Ross Ringham. Please contact Ross Ringham in the first instance for more details or to schedule interviews.
3. 3.        Press and VIPs are invited to special performance of the production on Friday 27 April. Please contact Ross Ringham in the first instance for details of the invitation, including eligibility and availability.
4. Stag Youth Theatre workshop run every Monday during term time, for young people aged seven to 18 years old. The workshops are for young people who want to learn more about acting, theatre, film and television, develop their skills and confidence, meet new people and have fun. Alongside weekly workshops, members have the chance to take part in SYT productions, such as Limit To Your Love and the acclaimed Juliet 4 Romeo. SYT also runs theatre trips for members, most recently to The Woman In Black, Wicked and Blood Brothers.

7 to 10 years old: 4.30pm to 5.30pm

11 to 13 years old: 5.30pm to 7pm

14 to 18 years old: 7.15pm to 8.45pm

Course Fee £80 (10 weeks)

1. Prospective members may attend the first session for free on Monday 16 April 2012. www.stagyouththeatre.com
2. The Stag’s Christmas pantomime Aladdin will be produced by Magic Beans Productions and this year stars Boyzone singer Shane Lynch, Olivier Award-winner Tony Haygarth and Britain’s Got Talent TV celebrities, Twist and Pulse.

Please note that the preview screenings of Avengers Assemble, announced in yesterday’s What’s On Screen, will not be taking place. We still hope to bring the film to the Stag on general release. Please check the Stag website regularly for updated information. 

Stag Community Arts Centre

Job vacancy

Job specification (April 2012; full job description below)

Position:                              Cleaner (Casual)

Hours:                                  Flexible rota (to cover holidays and sickness)

Hourly Pay:                        £6.50 per hour

Responsible to:                Caretaker

To apply for this position please contact:

Danielle Chapman, Secretary to CEO

Secretary@stagsevenoaks.co.uk

01732 451 548

Job Description: Cleaner 

Daily Tasks

• To vacuum the cinema, Box Office, bar and upstairs foyer
• Sweep and mop lower foyer and behind sweetie counter
• Clean and polish surfaces, glass and banisters in the FoH area
• Empty all waste bins in the building if required
• Clean toilets and replace toilet roll and paper towels
• Take all recycling out to the bins
• Report anything in need of repair or replacement to the appropriate person
• Keep your cleaning area and space clean and tidy at all time and your cleaning materials safely stored
• Be flexible to work extra hours if required

Weekly Tasks

• To sweep and mop the lift
• Polish mirrors and internal windows (front doors)
• Vacuum disabled access passage and clean glass
• Sweep and mop lower and upper stock rooms
• Sweep and mop all fire exit stair wells
• Dust
• Old costume store (vacuum and empty rubbish)

Other tasks (as necessary)

Plaza Suite

• Sweep and mop main room
• Sweep and mop kitchen
• Clean toilets and replace toilet roll
• Vacuum reception/foyer areas
• Empty rubbish
• Sweep and mop bar
• Clean internal glass (door and windows)

Theatre

• Vacuum auditorium
• Polish banisters
• Remove any rubbish
• Pick up stray glasses

Stage

• Empty rubbish
• Vacuum stage door area including stairs
• Clean internal glass

Dressing rooms

• Clean toilets
• Sweep and mop/vacuum
• Polish mirrors
• Clean surfaces
• Clean toilets and replace toilet roll
• Clean showers
• Vacuum corridors
• Empty rubbish

Orchestra Pit

• Vacuum
• Empty rubbish

Comedians Terry Alderton and Stephen K Amos will headline a special two-date Outside the Box comedy club in July at the Stag Community Arts Centre

Outside the Box comedy club continues to go from strength to strength, and comedic stars Terry Alderton and Stephen K Amos are set to join the list of celebrity jokers to tread the boards at the Stag Community Arts Centre.

Stephen K Amos is one of the nation’s most-loved comedians. Of Nigerian descent, he is currently the host of BBC Radio 4’s Life: An Idiot’s Guide. He has performed for royalty, is a regular on the international comedy circuit and regularly writes new comedy shows.

Stephen returns to the Stag after having performed at the venue last year.

Terry Alderton never seems to be off our screens. He has performed, among many other appearances, on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Sky 1’s The Match, numerous BBC shows including A Question of Sport, Channel 5’s The Comedy Store, The Jonathan Ross Show and his own Capital FM radio show.

Not just a comedian, Terry has acted in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and numerous TV shows (including Holby City, The Bill, London’s Burning and Waking the Dead).

The Sunday Times calls him “masterful”, McIntyre calls him “sensational” and Frank Skinner says Terry’s is “one of the best live shows I’ve seen”. Terry, too, has appeared previously at the Stag as part of the line-up for last year’s St George’s Day Gala.

Outside the Box regularly welcomes the biggest, funniest and most famous faces to the Stag in Sevenoaks. In April, Russell Kane and Milton Jones headlined the club; Greg Davies appeared in March.

The initial line-ups for the next three months are below (please note that comedy club line-ups are subject to change).

May 3

Raymond And Mr Timpkins

Tom Craine

Stefano Paolini

Steve Hall

Maff Brown

June 14

Jarred Christmas

Sean Collins

David Whitney             

Geoff Whiting

Maff Brown

July 5

Terry Alderton

Elis James

Isy Suttie

Maff brown

Jul 19

Stephen K Amos

Parade of This

Notes for editors

1. Outside the Box comedy club is the brainchild of British comedian Maff Brown and was launched in 2006. The Guardian named the club “the fourth best comedy club in the UK” in 2009.

Interviews with the comedians mentioned are available, depending on availability. All interviews must include comment from both Maff Brown of Outside the Box and Ross Ringham of the Stag. Please contact Ross Ringham in the first instance for more details or to schedule interviews.

The Stag’s redesigned What’s On brochure arrived today - and it looks fab!

The guide covers events at the Stag Community Arts Centre from May to August inclusive. The revamped format offers easier reader navigation, consistent treatments across all events, and new colour-coded icons to help you identify quickly the events that interest you.

The printed booklet can be picked up from the Stag Box Office this weekend and will also be available soon at selected outlets around Sevenoaks.

For the first time, the What’s On guide is available as a downloadable PDF too. The guide can be accessed directly from the Stag website homepage – simply click “Download What’s On”.

Those who have registered to receive What’s On by mail will receive a copy in the post next week.  

Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the retro A3 wall planner which accompanies this issue of What’s On, which will also be available from the Stag Box Office later this month.

Last week’s Outside the Box comedy club was a sell-out success once again. A last minute line-up change saw the usual five comedians increased to six. Milton Jones and Russell Kane headlined the show alongside Jeff Innocent, Rob Rouse, Lee Hurst and regular host, Maff Brown. Six world-class comedians for just £15 – now that’s value for money!

While we try to satisfy most riders for our famous performers, we couldn’t help the comedian who wanted a certain fast food outlet symbolised by a large golden letter. He settled for a well-known sandwich chain instead!

Outside the Box takes place every first Thursday at the Stag Community Arts Centre, and with fantastic line-ups every month, early booking is recommended.

Our very own mystery film critic, reviews Mirror Mirror. The film is currently showing at the Stag Community Arts Centre cinema, so why not pop along and see if you agree with the rating? You can read the full review here:

Mirror Mirror Review

Please note that as of April 1 2012, prices at the Stag have increased. This includes hire charges, cinema ticket prices and kiosk prices of drinks and confectionary. Please see applicable website sections for more information or enquire at the Box Office.

For more information please click here...
 

We’re excited to announce that Russell Kane will be joining the line-up of top comedians performing at Outside the Box on Thursday April 5 2012!

If you don’t know who Russell Kane is, you must have been living under a rock for the past few years. Quite literally the most energetic comedian working the circuit today, his rocket-fuelled performances can be seen on countless TV screens and festival appearances.

Russell will be joining Milton Jones, Rob Rouse, Lee Hurst, Jeff Innocent and Maff Jones as part of a super-saver line-up. And there’s no extra to pay. So that’s £15 to see six world-class comedians, right here at the Stag. Unbeatable value and the top names in comedy? It must be the Stag.

For more information please click here...
 

Please note that the headline act for Outside the Box comedy club on Thursday April 5 will be Milton Jones, not Patrick Monahan as previously stated.

And boy, are we excited to have him here. Milton Jones is a multi-award winning comedian. You’ll have seen him on BBC’s Mock the Week or Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow, or for those of you with an educated auditory palette, you’ll be excited to know that he has recently had his ninth radio series commissioned for BBC Radio 4.

Milton is the current Chortle website “Headliner of the Year”. The Times calls him the “King of the surreal one-liners” and The Guardian describes him as “Sultan of the surreal”.

 Milton lines up alongside comedic heavyweights Lee Hurst, Rob Rouse, Jeff Innocent and of course, resident host, Maff Brown. All for just £15? That’s right – unbeatable value. Have you booked your tickets yet?

For more information please click here...
 

Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party, Michael Fallon MP, opened yesterday’s third annual Sevenoaks Business Show, along with Director at the Sevenoaks and District Chamber of Commerce, Mark Tuvey, and Mayor of Sevenoaks, Councillor Margaret Crabtree. The show was so successful that next year’s event has already been announced. It will take place on Thursday March 21, 2013. 

Exhibitors and delegates alike expressed their delight as the third annual Sevenoaks Business Show swung into action yesterday. The event took place from 10am to 4pm and was hosted in the Plaza Suite at the Stag Community Arts Centre. Dignitaries including the Mayor of Sevenoaks and the Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party were among the hundreds of delegates who thronged the event, an opportunity to forge strong business relationships between businesses operating in and around Sevenoaks.

The event incorporated free workshop-style seminars, free food and live jazz music, along with 23 exhibitors. The show was an initiative of the Sevenoaks and District Chamber of Commerce and the Sevenoaks Town Partnership, and organised by the marketing team at the Stag.

Many improvements over last year’s show were welcomed by all, such as the professional hall layout which included suspended graphics boards, high-quality show guides and leaflets, digital delegate packs and information systems, online presentation summaries and integration of social media coverage.  

“The show was designed to be a scaled-up version of the Chamber’s monthly networking event,” explains Rebecca Harrison, manager of the event. “Although we wanted to take inspiration and draw themes from larger, successful events, we wanted to adapt these to be relevant and more personal for this local event. The focus of the show was, after all, the power of localism. The Sevenoaks Business Show is designed to offer a platform to enable businesses to boost their bottom lines through key connections.”

“The Sevenoaks Business Show has been such a success that we can already announce the date of next year’s event and we already have exhibitors confirmed,” says Mark Tuvey. “We’re very much looking forward to bringing the community together again on March 21 2013 and we are confident that the fourth show will once again attract the right mix of sponsors, exhibitors and delegates.”

Notes for editors

The Sevenoaks Business Show is an initiative of the Sevenoaks and District Chamber of Commerce and the Sevenoaks Town Partnership. Day to day operations and organisation was handled by the marketing team at the Stag; the show manager was Rebecca Harrison.

For more information please click here...
 

International celebrity Shane Lynch of Boyzone joins Britain’s Got Talent finalists Twist and Pulse and Olivier-nominated actor Tony Haygarth in the star-studded cast of this year’s Christmas pantomime, Aladdin, at the Stag Community Arts Centre

Ahead of Boyzone’s 20^th anniversary tour next year, Irish superstar Shane Lynch will be starring as the villain Abanazar in this year’s Christmas pantomime Aladdin at the Stag Community Arts Centre, Sevenoaks. Shane will be joined by acting heavyweight, the Olivier-nominated Tony Haygarth, whose acting credits include The Tempest at the National Theatre and numerous TV and film roles, and Twist and Pulse, the dancing duo who infuse comedy into street dance and who are best known for their performances on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent. There will truly be something for everyone this Christmas at the Stag.

Boyzone is rightly regarded as one of the biggest bands in history. The group has sold more than 20 million records since 1993, notched up 18 top-10 singles and six number one spots. When he’s not recording or touring with Boyzone, Shane is a professional racing car driver and has acted in pantomimes for the past few years. He also owns his own clothing range and a recently launched vodka brand.

“I’ve grown up around pantomime,” Shane explains. “I have five sisters who were involved in stage school and plays. I enjoy pantomime, especially at Christmas time. It’s a real family event, it’s something for the kids, and I’m a family man, so it’s great.”

When the going gets tough, the tough get into pantomime. Shane has a reputation for being the bad boy of Boyzone, but the role of panto baddie is new to him. Imposing, 6ft 4 and heavily tattooed, Shane is looking forward to the challenge of trying a new role. “I’ve always been cast as the prince,” he comments. “I’m not a trained actor, so I haven’t had the chance to explore different roles. But my appearance lends itself to the villain, so it seems like a natural step. It will no doubt be a challenge, but the only way to try something is to jump straight into it.”

Tony Haygarth will make his pantomime return this year as the Emperor of China. Tony appeared in the Stag’s Christmas panto in 2009 and 2010, but was forced to miss last year’s production through illness. “Pantomime is fantastic in that it allows you to really enjoy yourself on stage,” he says. “The more you’re honestly laughing about the comedy on stage, the more the audience gets carried along with you. And the Sevenoaks audiences are so willing to be carried along with you.”

Tony’s portfolio stretches over decades of film, TV and theatre roles, and includes literature analysis and self-penned poetry collections. Just a few highlights from his eclectic span of work are a year in Emmerdale, the starring role in Where The Heart Is, Chicken Run, The Bill, Casualty and Midsomer Murders.

Making their pantomime debut this year will be dancing sensations Twist and Pulse, finalists on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent. They will be bringing their special brand of “streetomedy” – a combination of street dancing and comedy – to the stage in the role of bungling policemen Ping and Pong. “We just love to make people laugh,” the pair say. “We’ll be able to make these roles our own and inspire young people in Sevenoaks too.”

Jamie Alexander Wilson, producer at Magic Beans Productions, which stages the pantomime, comments: "It's easy to forget that, until 2009, there had been no professional pantomime in Sevenoaks for years. However, the Stag has since earned a reputation for staging one of the best Christmas pantomimes in the region. Our audiences challenge us to come back each year with bigger, better shows. We've attracted star names and talented performers to Sevenoaks over the past four years, but this year, I think the line-up will take people by surprise. Shane Lynch is a huge billing for Sevenoaks. On his own, he would be a big draw, but combined with Twist and Pulse, Tony Haygarth, Jasette Amos, Robert Pearce and Ant Payne, we’re confident that this ridiculously talented cast will bring Chistmas magic to Sevenoaks this year. I'm very excited about getting on with writing a script for them!"

The parts of Aladdin and Princess Jasmine will be cast through the Stag’s now-famous X-Factor style audition competition, which attracts entrants from across the UK, and each year provides talented performers with their professional break. You'll be able to follow the whole process by watching the online TV series The Panto Factor, presented by Twist and Pulse, in September.

"The Panto Factor provides a genuine chance for anyone, anywhere, who wants to be a professional performer, to get an audition for a great role and a paid job,” explains Magic Beans’ Jamie, who runs the competition. “In the last three years, the competition and subsequent panto roles have launched the careers of very talented people. The 2011 Panto Factor winner Laura-Jane Matthewson, who landed her first professional role playing Fairy in Mother Goose [the 2011 Christmas pantomime at the Stag], has already been booked to play Fairy by another producer for this Christmas. This year,The Panto Factor will be the biggest it's ever been. The two winners, who will be cast as Aladdin and Princess Jasmine, will be joining an amazing production."

“While the Stag remains committed to offering accessibility for all members of the community, professional performances form an extremely important part of our calendar,” says Linda Larter, MBE, Chief Executive at the Stag. “We’re very proud of all the productions that come through our doors, but we are all particularly excited that the Stag is growing in stature in the performing world to the extent that we see international celebrities such as Shane Lynch treading the boards here. The rising star of the Stag is boosted immeasurably by Jamie and his team, not just through their ambitious and visionary productions, but also through the extensive behind-the-scenes work they put into youth outreach work and supporting the Stag in often-unsung ways.”

Ticket prices for Aladdin are £17 for adults, £15 for concessions and £11.50 for school performances. More than 1000 tickets for the pantomime have already gone, so speedy booking is advised if you want to see Aladdin this Christmas.

For more information please click here...
 

If a picture paints a thousand words, then you’ll find all you need to express your love on Mothers’ Day at the Sevenoaks Arts and Crafts Fair. Nothing quite says “I thought of you” like a handmade gift, so don’t miss the fair on Thursday March 15

Brimful of locally-produced, hand-crafted gifts, the Sevenoaks Arts and Crafts fair returns to the Plaza Suite, at the Stag Community Arts Centre, on Thursday March 15.

Among the stalls of returning exhibitors will be glass jewellery, drawstring bags and satchels made from “pre-loved” recycled or repurposed materials, coasters formed from melted glass, contemporary photography and prints and lino prints. New this year will be vintage bunting, homemade flavoured cheeses, handmade soaps, cupcake bouquets and glazed clay gifts. Entry is completely free and refreshments will be available.   

• Free admission for all
• Displays and gifts available to take away from 25 local artists and artisans
• Original and printed art, cards, jewellery and ceramics – not to mention scrumptious cakes and cheeses (which you might be tempted to keep for yourself!)
• Don’t forget the date: Thursday March 15 2012, from 10.30am to 4pm

For more information please click here...
 

To celebrate 90 years of the Sevenoaks Players, the theatrical society will be staging the madcap Broadway version of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic, The Pirates of Penzanze, at the Stag Community Arts Centre. This hilarious version of the well-loved operetta features accident-prone pirates, hapless policemen, and the original score (which includes additions from two other Gilbert and Sullivan classics, Ruddigore and HMS Pinafore).

The performances will feature the Councillor Simon Raikes, the new Chairman of the board of Trustees of the Stag, who has been an enthusiastic member of the Players since his late teens. At the helm of the production is director Keith Neville. Additional crew members include musical director Ian Skipper and choreographer Jess McEwen. 

The production will run from Wednesday March 28 to Saturday March 31 with shows each night at 7.30pm. there will be a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

For further information please visit www.sevenoaks-players.co.uk 

For more information please click here...
 

Yesterday’s Sevenoaks Wedding Fair attracted 24 exhibitors, 60 brides and more than 150 delegates. The event, which took place in the Plaza Suite at the Stag Community Arts Centre, was such a success that a second fair is planned for later in 2012 

The Sevenoaks Wedding Fair took place on Sunday February 26 in the Plaza Suite, part of the Stag Community Arts Centre. Doors opened at 12pm and the show finished at 4pm. In total, 24 exhibitors welcomed 60 brides and more than 150 visitors to the show over the course of the four hours, better connecting the local community and offering valuable insight into planning what can easily become a quagmire of considerations.

The fair was presented by Inspired Weddings and Events, and boasted free admission for all, a glass of bubbly on arrival and a complimentary goody bag containing a free copy of Your Kent Wedding magazine, an exhibition programme and entry into prize draws and competitions. The show proved so successful that the company is considering hosting another fair later in the autumn.

“The exhibitors were all really happy and we felt that everything ran very smoothly. All in all, it was a very successful event, especially in light of the local competition,” comments Davina Foord, Managing Director at Inspired Weddings and Events.

The 24 exhibitors included toastmasters, photographers, wine merchants, wedding planners, cake makers, classic cars, florists, stationers and bridal dress designers.

“Getting married is such a minefield so it was really great to get to talk to a range of local wedding suppliers…and to grab a glass or two of champagne and a cupcake!” commented one bride. Another said, “The dresses were amazing”, and yet another commented on the Plaza Suite itself: “The venue looks stunning, like a real wedding wonderland!”

The Stag has a license for wedding ceremonies, so if you’ve ever wanted to get married on stage, this is the place for you. The Plaza Suite makes an ideal venue for wedding receptions, with professional audio and lighting, a fully-equipped kitchen facility and separate bar area and enough room to seat more than 80 people for banqueting.

For more information please click here...
 

Contemporary theatre is very much alive in Sevenoaks. Last week’s Juliet 4 Romeo combined Shakespearean acting, audience interaction and cinematography to showcase the considerable talents of the Stag Youth Theatre.

Shakespeare was introduced to experimental theatre in last week’s production of Juliet 4 Romeo, a contemporary reworking of the classic tragedy which fused cinematography, audience interaction and devised and promenade theatre. The work has been hailed as “dramatic”, “awe-inspiring”, “magical” and “spine-tingling”. It is all the more impressive when it is revealed that all the actors are aged under 16.

Romeo and Juliet, the late 16^th century tale of teenage love, jealously, loss and reconciliation, continues to remain as relevant for today’s audiences as it was 500 years ago. It is a piece which showcases the extraordinary longevity and malleability of the playwright’s work, with innumerable interpretations through the years.

Last week, the Sevenoaks community celebrated the achievements of Sevenoaks’ young people with a powerful retelling of the story. Juliet 4 Romeo was first staged last year at the Stag Community Arts Centre, and proved to be such a success that it has returned for a second year. 

“Members of the Stag Youth Theatre appeared in Juliet 4 Romeo back in October,” explains producer Jamie Alexander Wilson. “We were really pleased to be asked to revive the production for a special performance last week. It's a particularly challenging piece for the cast, and it took a lot of work to put together, so to get a second chance to perform the piece was really exciting. We're delighted that the audience enjoyed it so much.”

Last Friday’s performance was a VIP event to demonstrate the commitment of the Stag in bringing the arts to young people. In attendance were Mayor of Sevenoaks, Councillor Margaret Crabtree, patrons of the Stag, members of the board of trustees (including the new Chairman of the Board, Councillor Simon Raikes), Sevenoaks district councillors and member of the local business community.

The show was split into three parts: for part one, the theatre was transformed into a cinema for a pre-recorded film sequence in contemporary language and dress. The audience was then led onto the stage for part two, where the pivotal “ballroom scene” was acted out in and around the audience. Romeo made his way through the spectators to meet Juliet for the first time and the audience became part of the fabric of the performance. Part three moved the audience into the seldom-seen bleacher seating, and all watched with baited breath as the young actors seamlessly transitioned into original Shakespearean verse, acting by candlelight. The chilling double suicide of the denouement was haunting, and instead of a final curtain call, the curtains opened onto the deserted and darkened main auditorium. The audience was left speechless.   

The performance was so popular that it sold out before Friday. Additional tickets had to be released to accommodate the VIPs. A post-show reception allowed the audience to congratulate the young cast on their polished performance. A further talking point was the traditional Spanish food at the reception, provided by local restaurant El Matador.

“The Stag is a charity and one of our principal goals is to engage the community in the arts through educational activity,” comments Linda Larter MBE, Chief Executive at the Stag. “The Stag Youth Theatre offers young people a thorough and comprehensive grounding in performing arts which would be a credit to any drama school.”

“There is a debate raging in artistic circles about ‘safe’ shows with broad commercial appeal replacing newer, more edgy and experimental theatre arts, and the potential subsequent impact on the next generation of writers, performers and audiences,” comments Ross Ringham, Marketing Manager at the Stag. “The Stag Youth Theatre bucks that trend with this gritty and compelling production, which borrows from cinema, traditional theatre, contemporary linguistic interpretation and kinetic audience engagement. Juliet 4 Romeo shows that the Stag fully supports, not just young people, but the development of the art of theatre.”

For more information please click here...
 

The Stag Community Arts Centre is pleased to announce that Councillor Simon Raikes is now Chair of the Board Trustees.

 Councillor Raikes takes over from former Chair, Councillor Andrew Eyre, and took up his new position on Monday February 13, 2012. He has previously held office as Mayor of Sevenoaks and is a regular performer with the Sevenoaks Players.

 “The role of the Chair of the Board is very important to the Stag, which runs as a charity,” says Linda Larter MBE, Chief Executive at the Stag. “The management team at the Stag works very closely with the Board, and especially the Chair. We’re delighted to welcome Simon, especially as he already has such a keen interest in the performing arts.”

For more information on Councillor Raikes please click here.

For more information please click here...
 

Twist and Pulse half term dance workshops have been postponed until further notice.

Please check back soon for updates.

For more information please click here...
 

Was the question popped this Valentine’s? Whether you are the bride-to-be, the future groom, or the parents funding the big white day, the Sevenoaks Wedding Fair is a must-attend event. It offers everything you need to plan a wedding for any budget and taste and, most importantly, introduce you to business people local to Sevenoaks for that personal touch 

Have you ever thought about getting married on stage? If you haven’t, take a stroll around the Stag Community Arts Centre, which has a license for wedding ceremonies. That’s just one of the highlights of the Sevenoaks Wedding Fair, taking place on Sunday February 26 in the Plaza Suite, part of the Stag complex. Doors open at 12pm and the show finishes at 4pm.  

Presented by Inspired Weddings and Events, the fair is designed to make the task of creating that perfect day easier by introducing you to the finest local and regional wedding suppliers, all under one roof. Features of the day include:

• Free admission for all. Future brides, grooms and their guests will receive a glass of fizz on arrival, a complimentary goody bag containing a free copy of Your Kent Wedding magazine, an exhibition programme and entry into prize draws and competitions 
• Sample the most divine wedding cakes and the finest of wines for the special celebration

• Spectacular bridal fashion will be on show. There will even be dresses to take home on the day if you fall in love at first sight!
• The magnificent Plaza Suite will be dressed to impress for the occasion, offering an idea for a very different sort of wedding and reception venue
• Be wowed by the most amazing wedding photography

• View the most impressive wedding cars to transport you to your venue of choice in perfect style. Don’t be surprised if you lose the boys here

• Take a look at exquisite hand-made stationary - and for crafty brides, have a go at creating your own bespoke stationary and favours, using your own complimentary kit
• Don’t forget the date: Sunday 26 February 2012, from 12pm to 4pm

Unlike other regional wedding events, entry to the Sevenoaks Wedding Fair is completely free and the focus is on suppliers local to Sevenoaks. Support the Sevenoaks community by popping along – even if it’s just for an hour and a glass of something bubbly!

Notes for editors

1. The Sevenoaks Wedding Fair will take place on Sunday February 26 2012, from 12pm to 4pm.

1. For more information on the Sevenoaks Wedding Fair, please visit the event website at www.thesevenoaksweddingfair.co.uk 
2. Inspired Weddings and Events is a wedding events company based in Chislehurst, Kent and specialises in wedding fairs and exhibitions in Kent, Essex and South East London. For more information please visit www.inspiredweddingsandevents.co.uk  or contact Davina Foord at info@inspiredweddingsandevents.co.uk or 07992 108 750.
3. The Stag Community Arts Centre is licensed to hold weddings and civil partnerships. For more information on the wedding services provided please request a copy of the wedding brochure available or pick one up at the show.  

For more information please click here...
 

A fundraising event last weekend at the Stag Community Arts Centre for the Mayor of Sevenoaks went ahead successfully despite the heavy snowfall. Dignitaries from across Kent attended the event and were stirred, not shaken, by the incredible performance.    

Bond girls are made of strong stuff. A James Bond-themed charity fundraiser by Mayor of Sevenoaks Councillor Margaret Crabtree, which took place at the Stag Community Arts Centre last Saturday, proved a roaring success by raising £1,630 for two nominated charities - despite sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall.

The production raised money for the Mayor’s two chosen charities: the New School at West Heath (Princess Diana’s former school and now a charity supporting traumatised children) and the Spring House Family Support Centre (which helps parents and is based at Sevenoaks Hospital).

The event featured four “Bond girls” – professional singers – who worked through the entire repertoire of Bond theme songs, accompanied by an eight-piece orchestra. An after-show drinks reception was held for dignitaries and VIPs from across Kent who attended.

From Bond With Love is a themed event created by MBP Theatrical, sister company to Magic Beans Productions, which produces the annual Christmas pantomime at the Stag. It is available to hire for corporate entertainment or charity fundraisers and was provided free of charge for this occasion.

"This was a most impressive, entertaining show with very talented singers who, together with the dancers and orchestra, provided us with a most enjoyable evening of Bond songs and who very generously gave their services free,” comments Mayor Crabtree. She continues: “Congratulations and thanks to Jamie Alexander Wilson and Magic Beans Production for producing this very professional show and for generously giving the proceeds to my charities: The New School at West Heath and The Spring House Family Centre, which is very much appreciated."

Jamie Alexander Wilson, producer at both MBP Theatrical and Magic Beans Productions, says: "From Bond With Love was premiered at the Stag for the Mayor of Sevenoaks, and we're thrilled that the show raised so much for the two mayoral charities. Feedback from the evening has been really positive, and we are now developing a version of the show for corporate events, private functions and charity fund raisers".

Linda Larter MBE, Chief Executive at the Stag, says: “We were very pleased to be able to support the Mayor and these very worthy, local charities. The Stag – itself a charity – is extremely well supported by the local community and we’re delighted to give back wherever we can.”

Notes for editors 

More information on the production, along with a promotional video for the show, filmed live on the night of the fundraiser, can be found at: www.frombondwithlove.co.uk. Professional photography of the event was offered without cost by Russell Harper Photography.

For more information please click here...
 

As of February 10 2012, the Stag Community Arts Centre has moved its screen advertising contract to Pearl and Dean. In addition to benefits to the cinema itself, the new arrangement will afford local businesses the opportunity to advertise on the Stag’s two cinema screens. The Stag cinema enjoys attendance well above the national average by percentage, offering advertisers much better bang for their buck than in many other cinemas.

Box Office and Cinema Manager Tony McEwen comments, “We’d like to thank Digital Cinema Media, which supplied our cinema advertising since the building re-opened in 2009. Our new contract with Pearl and Dean will mean that local enterprises will be able to advertise for the first time before feature films, which will prove an invaluable marketing resource to those entities. We’re very much looking forward to developing our relationship both with Pearl and Dean and with the businesses that we will help promote through cinema advertising.”

Interested parties should contact the Tony McEwen at tony.mcewen@stagsevenoaks.co.uk in the first instance

For more information please click here...
 

Positive staff appointments at the Stag Community Arts Centre continue this week with the announcement that Karen Nott has been appointed as Stag Booking and Administration Officer, after a 25-year love affair with the centre.

Karen, whose time at the Stag has included stints as a volunteer, is responsible for maintaining the bookings diary, issuing contracts and liaising with hirers.

“I started work in the old box office in August 1987 as a part-timer,” Karen recalls. She went on to become a teacher but continued her relationship with the stage as a deputy stage manager for amateur dramatics companies.

Karen returned to the Box Office in January 2009 and began volunteering regularly in April that year. “I came in every Saturday until I was given a part-time job,” she says. The Stag enjoys the support of more than 150 volunteers who give up their time regularly to keep the centre operating.

“in the past 25 years, I’ve seen so many changes,” Karen says. “When I was first here, the Box Office was just a shed where the kiosk is now! I’ve also seen the multi-million pound Plaza Suite project, the introduction of digital cinema, facilities to enable disabled access and lots more. The Stag is a vibrant, ever-changing environment – and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in the next 25 years here!”

For more information please click here...
 

Video arrives at the Stag Community Arts Centre in the form of backstage, blog-style film footage. The first video to be uploaded to the Stag’s YouTube page is of a band rehearsal for this week’s Journey to the Throne, a celebration of the Queen’s Jubilee.

“We are in the enviable position of enjoying a wealth of creative arts on the stage every week, and video is the perfect way to capture it,” explains Ross Ringham, Marketing Manager at the Stag. “We want to offer people an insider’s view of the workings of the Stag and how productions are put together, and ‘bloggy’ multimedia is a great place to start.”

Look out for regular video updates including interviews and exclusive backstage footage from the Stag on its YouTube channel and on Twitter.

View Here

For more information please click here...
 

A new, permanent marketing team at the Stag Community Arts Centre aims to enhance recent achievements by attracting new hirers and new visitors. Fresh approaches to traditional and new media will allow for greater interaction with the local community and will put the Stag firmly on the map as a beacon of excellence and education for the arts  

The Stag Community Arts Centre is building on recent success and planning for the future by introducing a new-look, permanent marketing department. The centre welcomes Ross Ringham, who took up the position as Marketing Manager on Monday January 16 2012. The department also includes Rebecca Harrison, who began work in the post as temporary Marketing Assistant as part of the Future Jobs Fund last year, and who was offered a permanent position on Monday January 20 2012.

The remit of the new department is to drive forward marketing and communication activities to allow the Stag to better connect with and inform the local community, to attract new visitors to the centre by reaching untapped audience segments, and to rationalise marketing operations to ensure that the department works at optimum efficiency.

Having spent the past three years project managing magazine launches and associated platforms, Ringham brings a love of both offline and online communications, a flair for inventive ideas and keen commercial awareness. Top of his priority list are a revamp of the popular What’s On guide to add more editorial sections and achieve a cleaner aesthetic, launching an associated wall planner, bringing uniformity to exterior and interior displays, ramping up online media presence (including Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and e-newsletters) and implementing new analytical systems to offer transparent and demonstrable evidence of the impact of marketing campaigns.  

“It can be hard to demonstrate the effectiveness of marketing in a purely balance sheet format,” Ringham explains. “We can’t show direct income revenue generation because ticket sales figures and hiring contracts are recorded by other departments. In tough economic times and especially for a charity, which must work within very limited budgets, sometimes the need for a full time marketing department can be questioned. But in a world where people are bombarded with information every day, the Stag must be proactive in attracting both regular and new visitors – and that is the responsibility of the marketing department.”

Ringham points out that his plans for the marketing department extend far beyond booking adverts and printing posters. “The Stag offers this department a wonderful, broad approach which embraces marketing in its widest form,” he says. “That will encompass everything from direct marketing (including closely monitored campaigns to drive higher footfall, attracting nationally known shows and producing fresh and appealing communications channels) to market research (which will require a data-first approach to tracking how visitors are finding out about the Stag) to brand management (spanning press relations activity, networking events and ensuring consistency and on-target messaging of all external communications across the entire organisation).”

The Stag continues to demonstrate its commitment to the community by offering Harrison a full-time, permanent position.

“I completed my Bachelor’s degree in film and media broadcasting at Kingston University in 2010 and had to enter the world of work amidst the worst economic downturn of recent history,” says Harrison. “The downturn in the number of jobs coupled with employers who only want to hire people with experience has made it virtually impossible for many people my age to find employment.” 

Harrison was offered a six-month position at the Stag in January 2010 as part of the now-defunct Future Jobs Fund, a government scheme which enabled the unemployed to get back to work. The Stag championed the programme and, through it, has successfully propelled 18 former unemployed people into fulfilling careers. Many still work at the Stag.

“I was grateful for the opportunity to work at the Stag,” Harrison continues, “and I’m excited at the prospect of being a part of the continued growth of marketing operations here.”

“The Stag embraces the community at all levels,” says Linda Larter MBE, Chief Executive at the Stag. “The centre is not just about the arts or entertainment: it’s about employment and local economic development too, including creating jobs and creating wealth for the local area. In fact, there are more than 150 volunteers who contribute their time without pay, without whom the Stag would not be able to operate. We’re grateful to all our volunteers and delighted to be able to give back to the community by creating jobs whenever we can.”  

Notes for editors

The Future Jobs Fun closed for new applicants in March 2011.

For more information please click here...
 

Please note that the March 16 performance by John Otway has been replaced by Emily Barker. Information about the new event can be found as normal on the appropriate listings page on this website. Please call the Box Office with any queries.

For more information please click here...
 

A working party, comprising youths from the Sevenoaks area and Chief Executive at the Stag Community Arts Centre, Linda Larter MBE, will meet today to start to decide how the new £150,000 Sevenoaks Youth Café will be equipped    

Young people have been campaigning for nearly 20 years for a safe venue to meet at, free of charge, in the centre of Sevenoaks. The Sevenoaks Youth Café, due to be constructed this year in the basement of the Stag Community Arts Centre, will offer just such a facility to youths aged 11 to 18 (or 11 to 25 for those with special needs). A working party, made up of youths from the local area and senior management at the Stag, will ensure that the interior fit-out of the café will meet the expectations of Sevenoaks’ young people.

The Stag is already used by many young people, through an array of youth theatre dance workshops, dedicated under-18s music gigs and more. The situation of the café within the Stag complex will offer users an easy link to other events already taking place on site. A £150,000 refurbishment of the basement is required in order to accommodate the café.

The working party will decide how the budget for interior equipment can best be used, and will consider options such as a pool table, computers, audio systems and TV. Furniture, interior decoration, a programme of activity and a code of conduct are also on the agenda.

“The café will be open after school and during school holidays, when young people most need somewhere to go,” says Linda Larter MBE, Chief Executive at the Stag Community Arts Centre. “During school hours, the venue will be used by other youth-related groups.”

There will be offices for qualified youth workers on site too, which will offer young people direct access to private advice and support. More than 23% of the population of Sevenoaks is aged under 18 and there is no dedicated youth centre nearby, which is cited as a principal reason for growing incidents of anti-social behaviour in the town. The café will provide young people a place to meet where they feel comfortable and safe, where they can do homework or socialise with friends, as well as neutral ground for youth workers to engage with young people.

The realisation of the project has been made possible through a £150,000 grant from the Ibstock Cory Environmental Trust, which will cover the costs of the extensive remodelling. As part of the new centre, an exterior ramp for better disabled access will be installed. The grant has been crucial to the viability of the project.

Work on the refurbishment is due to start as soon as building regulations are approved and the café is due to be opened the first weekend in June.

Notes for editors

The Sevenoaks Town Council currently has a 25 year lease from the Sevenoaks District Council for the Stag Community Arts Centre, which sublets the premises at no cost and is run as a charity.

Click here to view the Youth Cafe plans.

For more information please click here...
 

The Stag Community Arts Centre welcomed more than 25,500 visitors in December 2011, the highest peak in audience attendance since it was opened three years ago. Its growing popularity will help to cement the charity’s future 

The festive spirit was clearly alive and well in Sevenoaks last year, despite economic woes. More than 25,500 people visited the Stag Community Arts Centre in December 2011 - the strongest box office performance at the centre since it was reopened in 2009. Visitors from Sevenoaks and beyond were drawn by high-quality entertainment (ranging from an exclusive pantomime, starring Lesley Grantham, live music and big names from the world of comedy), competitive prices and the centre’s very own winter wonderland.

All areas of the Stag saw marked improvement across the last quarter and last month of 2011. Cinema attendance in December last year was dramatically up year-on-year at 8,206 (from 5,286 in December 2010) as well as month-on-month (from 4,684 in November 2011). Attendance was boosted by screenings of big budget blockbusters such as Puss in Boots, Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows and The Help. Cinema attendance at the Stag now trumps the national average by percentage, which means that, despite its modest size, the Stag is performing better than large multiplexes.

“We are – like any cinema – affected by national and international film advertising campaigns, the opinions of noted film critics and the films released,” explains Tony McEwen, Box Office and Cinema Manager at the Stag, “Although the level of patronage is something we can’t entirely control, we do have a robust marketing strategy in place, which includes local advertising and our own exterior displays. Also, our confectionary is extremely competitively priced (popcorn is just £1) and our friendly staff make the community feel at home here. We’ve even been handing out tissues after sad films – try getting that level of service elsewhere!”

Theatre attendance continues to swell, too. Some 15,088 people visited the theatre in December 2011, which was a big jump from the previous year (12,011 in December 2010). The figures represent more than a three-fold increase in month-on-month attendance (4,424 in November 2011).

Much of December’s success is directly attributable to the Stag’s annual professional pantomime, which has broken its box office records as fast as it has set them, alongside amateur productions (such as Aladdin, which will be appearing at the end of January 2012).

“We can’t keep up with demand for panto tickets,” says Jamie Wilson, producer at Magic Beans Productions, which puts on the show. "In three years, we have seen the audience grow from nothing to 15,000 people. Recent figures released by the Arts Council suggest that regional theatre audiences have fallen by around 13% in the last two years. In the same period, the pantomime audience in Sevenoaks has increased by 80%. That's down to the quality of our shows, the support the town has shown the pantomimes, and the hard work of the management and staff at the Stag."  

An innovative new concept to the Stag drew significant attention. An artificial skating rink, which was constructed in the Stag’s alternative performance facility, the Plaza Suite, attracted 2,202 visitors, who could skate without getting cold or wet.

The Stag isn’t just an entertainment destination, however. Work to bring education about the arts into the community is a strong feature of the charity’s mission, and work here continues apace, too. In total, 10,346 young people were reached through programmes run by the Stag in the last quarter of 2011, an impressive achievement set against the 1,532 reached in the same period in 2009.

“The Stag Community Arts Centre continues to live up to its billing as the heart of the Sevenoaks community,” says chief Executive Linda Larter MBE. “Despite limited resources, the Stag takes its charitable goals very seriously. Thanks to strong commitment by the board of trustees and a dynamic team of staff and volunteers, there’s a real sense of ownership by all users and of community pride in the centre.”

Local businesses also benefit from higher attendance figures at the Stag. “Whether booking a table for a meal or booking a taxi to get home, visitors to the Stag tend to spend money outside of the centre too,” Larter continues. “The Stag is not just a champion for the arts, it is also an important economic driver in Sevenoaks. That is why it is vital that support of the charity continues, from the work of the volunteers to the generous donations of the sponsors.”

 Notes for editors

Please note that the figure of 25,500 visitors included in this report is drawn from box office records, which register tickets sold for the main theatre, the cinema, and some events held in the Plaza Suite (the alterative performance venue of the Stag). Visitor numbers were actually much higher, because some statistics (such as visitors seeking information, booking tickets, attending private functions held in the Plaza Suite or using the café) are not available.

For more information

If you have any queries regarding this press release, please contact:

Ross Ringham

Marketing Manager

01732 466 595

Ross.ringham@stagsevenoaks.co.uk

Rebecca Harrison

Marketing Assistant

Rebecca.harrison@stagsevenoaks.co.uk

 About the Stag Community Arts Centre

The Stag Community Arts Centre, located in Sevenoaks, Kent, was registered as charity on August 11 2010. First opened as a cinema in 1937, the centre now incorporates a 450-capacity theatre, two cinema screens, including a 3D screen, a café and a secondary, fully-equipped facility used for conferences, music and comedy gigs and other events. The Stag carries out extensive youth outreach work in the local area to bring the arts to all segments of the community. Patrons of the centre include Cheryl Baker, Graham Cole, Gloria Hunniford and Graham Webb MBE. The Stag Community Arts Centre is registered as a charity (1137420) and limited by guarantee (07090305) in England.  

For more information please click here...
 

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Stag Community Arts Centre, Councillor Andrew Eyre, resigned his post last week. His resignation was effective as of Friday January 20 2012.

As Chairman of the board, Eyre has overseen the impressive turn-around of the arts centre three years ago and its successful transformation to charitable status.

For more information please click here...
 

Tickets for the Coombe Bank gymnastics display, taking place February 1,  will be available to purchase on Wednesday January 25 from 12pm. Tickets may be purchased online or from the Box Office. Please note that tickets will not be available prior to this. Please direct all enquiries regarding tickets to the Box Office (01732 450 575).

For more information please click here...
 

The countdown to Christmas has begun! Friday 25th November saw 7,000 people flock to Sevenoaks to celebrate the switching on of the Christmas Lights, helped by a parade of 300 local school children, town Mayor, Cllr Crabtree and the celebrity cast of Mother Goose, the professional panto at The Stag Theatre this year.

For more information please click here...
 

Are you interested in seeing great films at the Stag for free?

 We are looking for volunteer cinema ushers – You will need to be over 16

 You can volunteer one evening per week or more if you wish

 The Stag Community Arts Centre is a registered charity. By working voluntary for a charity you can enhance your cv and we can provide you with a reference for future potential employment.

 If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Cinema Usher

Please contact the Cinema and Box Office Manager – Tony McEwen

Tony.mcewen@stagsevenoaks.co.uk

For more information please click here...
 

For more information please click here...
 

Customers who would like a wheelchair space in the theatre are asked to telephone the box office to book their seats. We would like to make your visit as comfortable as possible and our staff will be pleased to discuss your requirements. Tel: 01732 450175

For more information please click here...