Featured Events in Bruton in May 2024 (July Updated)

Experience an enlightening talk on the interplay between music and noise in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' by Andrew O' Sullivan, the esteemed Head of English at Downside School. With a background in English Literature and choral scholarship from Trinity College, Cambridge, Andrew O'Sullivan brings a wealth of knowledge to this discussion. Having taught at prestigious institutions such as Haberdashers' Boys' School and Wells Cathedral School, his expertise is unparalleled. Following this talk, immerse yourself in the magic of 'The Tempest' at a captivating production by The Festival Players, featuring Judi Dench as the patron and directed by Michael Dyer. Held on Saturday, 15th of June in Lamyatt, this performance promises an evening of enchantment. Enjoy picnics starting from 5:30 pm, with the show commencing at 7 pm. Don't miss this opportunity to witness Shakespeare's masterpiece come to life in the picturesque setting of Lamyatt. This event is part of the Shakespeare in Lamyatt series, offering a unique cultural experience in Bruton.

Experience an unforgettable evening with award-winning author, comedian, and playwright Viv Groskop at "One Ukrainian Summer: an Evening with Viv Groskop." Taking place in Bruton at At the Chapel on May 20, 2024, this event will delve into Groskop's memoir, "One Ukrainian Summer," chronicling her journey of love and self-discovery in the former USSR. With a backdrop of the post-Cold War era and the aftermath of the Berlin Wall's fall, Groskop reflects on the optimism of that time and the stark realities of today's world. Through a poignant and humorous narrative, she invites audiences to explore the essence of a unique historical moment. Viv Groskop, known for her insightful works like "The Anna Karenina Fix" and "How to Own the Room," brings a wealth of experience with two Masters degrees in Russian Studies and a background as a former judge of the International Booker Prize. All proceeds from the event will support PEN International, aiding writers at risk. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with Groskop's captivating storytelling and thought-provoking insights. Secure your ticket for £11.29 and be part of this enlightening evening at At the Chapel in Bruton.

The work of Phyllida Barlow (1944 – 2023) will take over Hauser & Wirth Somerset in a celebration of the British artist’s transformative approach to sculpture, marking the 10th anniversary of the arts center that was inaugurated by Barlow’s solo exhibition ‘GIG’ in 2014. The landmark exhibition, curated by Frances Morris, draws on her close working relationship with the artist during her lifetime. ‘Phyllida Barlow. unscripted’ will explore the evolution of Barlow’s formal and expressive vocabulary, bringing together singular sculptures, installations, studio maquettes and drawings from her extensive career, some of which will be on public view for the first time. ‘Over the last 10 years, Phyllida Barlow kept her fans and followers on the edge of their seats as she brought new and ever more audacious projects to life in venues across the world. Unfolding as a running commentary on the tragedies and absurdities of our time, each work formed part of an ongoing and intensely experimental investigation into the techniques and materials of art making, seeking visual equivalents to her own personal experience of living and looking.’—Frances Morris Over a career that spanned six decades, Barlow took inspiration from her surroundings to create imposing installations that can be at once menacing and playful. Barlow’s restless invented forms stretch the limits of mass, volume and height as they block, straddle and balance precariously. The audience is challenged into a new relationship with the sculptural object, the gallery environment and the world beyond. Barlow exhibited extensively across institutions internationally, including: Museum of Contemporary Art, Toronto, Canada (2023); Public Art Fund, New York NY (2023); Chillida Leku, Hernani, Spain (2023); Sprengel Museum, Hanover, Germany (2022); ARTIST ROOMS, Tate Modern, London, UK (2021); Haus der Kunst, Munich, Germany (2021); The Royal Academy of Arts, London, UK (2019); La Biennale di Venezia, British Pavilion, Venice, Italy (2017); Kunsthalle Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland (2016); Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas TX (2015); Duveen Commission at Tate Britain, London, UK (2014). In 2022, Barlow was awarded the Niedersächsische Sparkassenstiftung’s Kurt Schwitters Prize. Alongside the exhibition, Hauser & Wirth Learning will launch a new Education Lab, ‘Open Art School’, in partnership with Bath Spa University. Taking Barlow’s life-long engagement with arts education and notably her ethos of there being ‘no right or wrong way’ to be creative, the Education Lab will draw on the latest thinking within creative pedagogy and experimental learning. ‘Open Art School’ will provide an interactive space for new ideas, experiments and working methods, inviting a multitude of voices and communities to engage through making. In addition, the gallery’s summer artist residency program will welcome guest artists, Jessie Flood-Paddock, Young In Hong, Jack Killick and Hamish Pearch, to spend time living and working in Somerset. Selected by curator Frances Morris, and in the spirit of Phyllida Barlow, the artists will be invited to seek inspiration from the exhibition, landscape and architecture of Somerset, as well as conversations that develop between the group.

Experience a supportive and enlightening gathering at the upcoming Perimenopause Circle in Bruton. Taking place at At the Chapel on May 7, 2024, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded women navigating the perimenopausal phase. Led by Bean, a knowledgeable nutritional therapist, attendees will explore the mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects of perimenopause in a safe and understanding environment. By joining this circle of sisterhood, participants can gain valuable insights, compassion, and confidence, ultimately transforming their perception of this important life stage. Tickets for this empowering event are priced at £11.55, providing access to a space where women can feel better equipped and empowered during this transitional time. Don't miss this chance to discover the transformative potential that perimenopause and menopause can offer.

Emerald Jazz Trio, led by the talented Kelly Dale on vocals, Pete Maxfield on double bass, and Paul Chousmer on piano, is a remarkable local jazz band based in Bruton. Their performances in the intimate clubroom at At the Chapel are not to be missed. With a unique twist, the trio captivates audiences with their exceptional renditions of American Songbook standards, from the iconic tunes made famous by Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, and Billie Holiday, to more contemporary classics by Norah Jones, Aretha Franklin, and Nina Simone. Kelly Dale's rich and smooth vocals, paired with Pete Maxfield's award-winning double bass skills and Paul Chousmer's mastery of the piano, create a truly mesmerizing and unforgettable experience. The event is scheduled for May 9, 2024, at At the Chapel in Bruton, with tickets priced at an affordable £11.29. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the brilliance of Emerald Jazz Trio as they take you on a captivating musical journey through the ages.

Discover the artistry of John Singer Sargent, the renowned portrait artist of the late 19th century, in a captivating film directed by David Bickerstaff. Delve into the allure of Sargent's 'swagger' portraits, which showcase his mastery in capturing the essence of his subjects through their attire and presentation. This cinematic exploration, produced by Exhibition on Screen, features insights from curators, fashion experts, and influencers, shedding light on Sargent's enduring influence on art, culture, and fashion. Filmed at prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Tate Britain, London, this exhibition offers a glimpse into Sargent's ability to depict personalities, power dynamics, and gender roles during a transformative cultural era. Admire 50 of Sargent's exquisite paintings alongside the opulent clothing and accessories worn by his affluent sitters, transporting viewers into the artist's world. Witness the evolution of public identity and artistic expression as Sargent's brushstrokes reveal a timeless truth. Step into a realm of glamour, scandal, and self-expression that defined an era through the lens of a visionary painter. Immerse yourself in this unique portrayal of John Singer Sargent's genius, capturing the spirit of a dynamic age. Experience this enriching event at At the Chapel in Bruton on May 23, 2024, beginning at 7pm, with tickets priced at £11.29.

Experience the grand opening of ‘Phyllida Barlow. unscripted’ at Hauser & Wirth Somerset, as they mark their 10th anniversary with a special exhibition. Visit the gallery and garden between 12 – 5 pm and indulge in complimentary food and beverages at the farmyard. The renowned Roth Bar is set to unveil as a unique artwork and functioning bar within the Threshing Barn, offering additional refreshments for purchase throughout the day. Dive into the new Education Lab, ‘Open Art School,’ a collaborative initiative with Bath Spa University, inspired by Barlow’s belief in creativity without boundaries. Engage in interactive activities led by artists and academics, exploring fresh ideas and experimental methods. Admission is free, but early registration is recommended, with donations encouraged for the 2023 – 2024 charity partner, Bruton Community Library. Limited parking is available, so consider walking or using public transport. Witness the legacy of Phyllida Barlow in this captivating exhibition, showcasing her distinctive sculptural style from Saturday 25 May 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025 at Hauser & Wirth Somerset.