Hi Everyone

I was recently unlucky enough to watch a coffee advert in which two hipster types (wasn't paying complete attention, but I'm guessing they were probably called Mungo or Orson) investigate the source of some noise in their neighbourhood.  Their inquisitive nature took them to a launderette, inside they encounter a jamboree taking place.  By contrast, the only unusual thing that I, your humble narrator, have seen in the launderette is usually when all the dryers are actually working...

In other news, we have a full weekend at the Rising Sun to tell you about!

Friday sees some hot thespian action courtesy of STRIKE UP THEATRE!

StrikeUp Forum Theatre is a space for Actors & Writers to collaborate on new work. Every month, one new script from an emerging writer will be selected for development. Scripts may be full plays or extracts, for 3 - 4 Actors, up to 15 minutes in length. Following an ensemble-based physical warm-up, Actors will be split into 3 groups, each with a different rehearsal brief:

Company A will work with the Writer, delivering the script close to its imagined life.

Company B will work with StrikeUp Artistic Director, Rachel Mary, rehearsing the script in StrikeUp's trademark fast-paced physical style.

Company C will be furnished with props, music and a 'wildcard' stimulus, and charged with developing their own interpretation. This can include all, some, or none of the original lines of the script, and may simply draw inspiration from the text.

For the last part, all three interpretations will be performed back for a lively debate that will spill into the bar afterwards, with the opportunity to network for further development.

We're open at 7.30pm and it'll cost you £15 on the night (Please contact rachel@strikeuptheatre.co.uk for availability)

On Saturday SCARLET VIXENS present BURLESQUE ROULETTE

The Scarlet Vixens are back at their original home, the Rising Sun Arts Centre, with a show not to be missed!

Not even the Vixens themselves know how this show will go as everything is randomly generated with a playlist on shuffle! We'll bring our costumes, hit the stage and then make up an act depending on whatever plays. The ultimate test of creativity. Will they succeed or fail hilariously?

Tickets are £10 in advance and £12 on the door. Our VIP package is £15 and includes a glass of fizz on arrival and a guaranteed front-row seat with table and nibbles. What are you waiting for? These shows sell out fast so be sure to get your tickets before it's too late!

Sunday brings another helping of OPEN PAGE/OPEN STAGE

A monthly collaborative event for writers, artists, musicians, and everyone in between! The premise is an extension of the traditional ‘open mic’, however, the focus is on words and collaboration. We want people to come and showcase their art in a safe and comfortable environment. If you’re an artist, bring your work early on so we can hang it around. If you write – poetry, prose, songs, plays – bring a piece or an excerpt. Actors – come and practice for auditions! If you play an instrument, bring it along! Think of the evening as a cross-creative spectrum jam night.

We’re open at 7pm and it’s absolutely FREE!

That’s everything for another week, just to remind you that we are, as always, at 30 Silver Street, Reading, RG1 2ST (If you pop it into your satnav or Google, we shall magically appear!)