Major arts day hits the coast in February

The finishing touches are being put to a major arts day event which will hit Scarborough next weekend.

A line-up of ground-breaking theatre, brand new comedy and unmissable music has been arranged for Coastival’s Rather Splendid Day Out on Saturday 11th February.

Highlights will include the first part of a major theatre event which will eventually span the whole of North Yorkshire.

Award-winning theatre company Slung Low will stage Darkness at the Sun Court, the first of five pieces to be performed at arts festivals across North Yorkshire under the collective name Converging Paths. The performance will be held at the Scarborough Spa Sun court from 6pm.

Television and radio personality Craig Charles will be another big draw. Craig is taking time out from the filming of Red Dwarf series 10 to host four hours of funk/soul music from 10pm at the Scarborough Spa Grand Hall. This event also includes a performance by popular jazz/funk/soul band Nick Pride and the Pimptones.

The Comedy Gala evening is at the Scarborough Spa Theatre from 8pm. This will feature spoof world music band Mundo Jazz, off-beat and risqué musical comedian Desmond O’Connor, who will compere. Also on the bill are Abigail Collins, a “pint-sized comedy powerhouse” and leading light on the London Cabaret circuit and Monkey Poet, a blend of “brilliantly delivered poetry, juxtaposed with fast-paced stand-up”.

Theatre-lovers will be well served. First up will be Beach Hut Theatre presenting Stalked by Flowers at 1pm at Scarborough Library, described as a multi-media comedy thriller.

At 3pm at the University of Hull Scarborough Campus, Inspired by Charms is an exploration of charms, superstitions, fears, faeries and fantasies, performed by second year School of Arts and New Media Students.

Stacy Makishi takes to the stage, again at the University of Hull Scarborough Campus, at 4pm with her performance The Making of Bull: The True Story - a “fusion of physical theatre, music, film and text”.

Lost Property presents ‘Cracks’ is “a deviously cheek and unpredictable show” pushing the boundaries of reality and sanity to a new extreme. Unravelling the mysteries of a house for sale, this performance is at the Regency Room at the Spa at 5.15pm.

A marathon 10 and a half hours of live music will be on offer at the Acoustic Lounge at the Spa Vitadome from 12noon to 10.30pm. Acclaimed local band ISHKA will lead a host of local talent.

There will also be art, dance and music sessions and workshops for children and young people through the Rollercoastival February Fiesta.

Coastival organiser Wendy Clews said: “All is set for an excellent day of arts and entertainment in Scarborough on 11th February.

“We’ve packed more than 20 different events into what promises to be a memorable day in the town – we can’t wait!”