Archive for January, 2011

Drugs in Britain

Saturday, January 29th, 2011

Wellcome Collection

Cocaine and cannabis, opium and morphine, all legally available in every high-steet pharmacy. Nineteenth Century London was a drug- addled and dissolute culture.

The Wellcome Collection hosts a special event examining the History of Drugs in Britain.

FRIDAY: MAGIC LANTERN PERFORMANCE, 19.00-21.00

Immerse yourself in the era at an evening of authentic Victorian entertainment. The evening will include a performance of the marvellous Magic Lantern with piano accompaniment, a complimentary drinks reception so you can get to know your fellow guests and a chance to enjoy the ‘High Society’ exhibition away from the crowds.

SATURDAY: TALKS AND DISCUSSIONS, 10.30-17.30

It is the 19th century. The advances of science, combined with unfettered global trade, are making drugs stronger, more available and more dangerous than ever before. Something must be done – but what?

Join experts from the worlds of history, literature and pharmacology to explore the drug-addled Victorian metropolis in a series of fascinating talks. Our speakers include ‘High Society’ curator and writer Mike Jay; Stuart Anderson, Associate Dean at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; and historians Louise Foxcroft and Michael Neve.

This event is now sold out.

£30 full price/£20 concession for both days, including drinks on Friday evening and lunch, tea and coffee on Saturday.

£5 early bird discount on top-price tickets – if you book by Friday 21 January.

Please call 020 7611 2222   to book.

To accompany the Wellcome Collection ’High Society‘ exhibition.

Call Mr Robeson and support the cause

Wednesday, January 12th, 2011

flyer for Call Mr Robeson, Technis Theatre London NW1

Writer and performer Tayo Aluko is to donate proceeds from five performances of his award-winning play, Call Mr Robeson, to London-based organisations which represent the kind of causes that Paul Robeson supported. The beneficiaries are Anti-Slavery International, Fairtrade London, Stop the War Coalition, Think Global (Development Education Association) and Crossroads Women.

“Paul Robeson was an international superstar who decided to use his fame to champion causes that promoted peace, equality and justice around the world”  Mr Aluko explained. “Despite suffering at the hands of the establishment because of his beliefs, his story is very inspiring and I would like to think he would approve of money being raised for such causes today, as they often struggle for funding.”

Call Mr. Robeson has been awarded 5 Stars on no less than six occasions by Fringe festival reviewers. This is a truly remarkable and most memorable work. “I struggle desperately to find words that can truly express my feelings for this production and as such, I urge you, from somewhere within me that I haven’t been in touch with for a long time, to go and experience it for yourself.” (Three Weeks, Brighton Fringe 2010). Another described the performance as “Never less than utterly believable… stirring and moving.. a comforting and entertaining journey” (British Theatre Guide, Edinburgh Fringe 2010).

Call Mr. Robeson. A life, with songs.

Written and Performed by Tayo Aluko, with Michael Conliffe.

Theatro Technis, 26 Crowndale Road, London, NW1 1TT.  Box Office: 0207 387 6617.

Tuesday 4th January to Sunday 23th January 2011 (except Mondays) £10/£8. (2 for 1 on 4th, 6th, 11th and 18th)

Fundraising Performances

4th January Anti-Slavery International

5th January: Fairtrade London

6th January: Stop the War Coalition

11th January: Think Global

18th January: Crossroads Women