Regeneration

Black Ram's Love's Labours Rocked! - Monday 30th August 2010
Black Ram Theatre Company's hugely enjoyable production on Wednesday 25 August was a mix of Shakespeare and High School Musical - rather more Love's Labours Rocked than Love's Labour's Lost.

Whereas the Branagh film used 1930s music, this production features pop songs from the 50s to Lady Gaga. A haunting line like 'Did not I dance with you in Brabant once?' falls oddly at the high school prom. You have to remind yourself that the popular blonde over there is the princess of France. But, after the initial raising of eyebrows, it works well. The story of the young men who abjure women for three years of study, until these girls turn up, is timeless.

One critic called the play 'a feast of language'. The delete button accounts for chunks of it, with even the 'greasy Joan' epilogue being replaced by a Buddy-like finale. But what remains, like Berowne's 'And I, forsooth, in love!' speech, is acted with relish. The masquerade of Muscovites, even when acted in leather jackets and shades, has something about it.

With no programme available I could not identify the actors; but was impressed by their commitment, speaking and singing. I could imagine William Shakespeare doing high fives in his grave.
Basil Abbott

Anna Mudeka Band - a force of nature - Tuesday 29th June 2010
Anna Mudeka took the Diss Corn Hall by storm on Saturday night. For a few precious hours an audience of about 150 felt the seductive power of authentic African music. Anna started performing in her native Zimbabwe at the age of six and has been professional since she was 14. Based now in Norfolk, she tours Europe and has played festivals like Womad. So there was much anticipation.

But nothing could have prepared us for this force of nature. Backed by a slick band with fine drummers, Anna and her co-singer belted out a succession of songs that got the audience on the balls of their feet. The singers, too, were dancing as they sang. It was a riot in the nicest sense. Amazingly, there’s another chance to see this fine singer at Saturday’s Wow Festival in Burston (www.wow-arts.co.uk or 01379 651476). Alternatively, or as well, the Corn Hall is showing the great animated film, Fantastic Mr Fox, as a 5pm Saturday matinée. So much to see, so much time.

Redecoration of the Assembly Hall to start in two weeks - Monday 14th June 2010
Contractors have been appointed to start redecoration work in the Corn Hall's Assembly Room on Monday, 28 June. The rich red and deep plumb shades will give the main space a warm, welcoming and classic new look.

The redecoration will also include the hanging of specialist acoustic panels which will vastly improve the sound quality for the full range of events now held at the Corn Hall.

Further work to upgrade the toilet facilities is due to start in August and should be completed around November.

We have some wonderful events lined up for the autumn so we have devised a plan to keep The Corn Hall open throughout the work. There's bound to be the odd bit of disruption but we know you'll think it's worth it.