Turn The Tide Festival
Programme 2022
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Old Time Sailors
Travel back to the 19th century and witness an astounding performance unmatched in this musical genre, with this 17-strong flashmob musical show. Every member of the audience receives a copy of the Sunday Sailor newspaper which includes song lyrics in order to sing along and become a Sailor! Their crew is composed of 17 musicians playing over 30 songs fully unplugged to ensure the most authentic experience - prepare to sing and dance! This show will include intermissions to relax and have dinner with friends and family. Food will be served by Dymchurch's very own Day of Syn - bring 'yer own Grog!
Megan Swann
In 2021, Megan became the first woman and youngest ever person to be elected as President of The Magic Circle, the world's most prestigious magic society. She is also a Member of The Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star, the highest degree a member of the society can achieve. Megan has won several awards for her performances. In September 2018, she won the International Brotherhood of Magicians’ British Ring Stage competition, and was also awarded the Conventioneers Trophy for originality, recognising the creativity she shows in her magic. Megan is especially proud of the magic society she co-founded and ran at university. As President, her passion and dedication to magic led the society to being acknowledged as one of the best on campus, and several students went on to become Members of The Magic Circle themselves.
Chicken Shed Zeppelin
Five piece Brighton bluegrass band. Purveyors of the finest in old-time, dance-ya-socks off, banjo thrashing hillbilly mountain music!!
Jack Day
Originally from South Australia, Jack Day is based in London where he has worked in the music industry for many years. He has toured extensively and performed on every continent except Antarctica. His performing experience encompasses West End musicals, Academy-Award-winning films, grand opera, oratorio, concert performances, cabaret, corporate and sports events and street theatre. With his unique blend of great singing, a little clowning and a touch of magic, Jack has established himself as one of Britain’s most interesting corporate entertainers. If you have listened to Andrea Bocelli, watched Buster Keaton and been enthralled by the magic of Tommy Cooper you will love Jack Day.
Richard Handley
A leading clown, comic actor and puppeteer. His shows feature hilarious, interactive and visual comedy rooted in the Commedia Del'Arte tradition. His repetoire includes street theatre, walkabout characters, children's shows, cabaret, corporate, and workshops. Richard has performed in more than 21 countries around the globe.
Captain Barnacle
Captain Barnacle the Bristol pirate will be performing a pirate pantomime for all ages. It features table top puppetry, lots of pirate props, buckets of silliness and comedy, plus lashings of audience participation.
Murder? I Hardly Know Her!
As seen at The Edinburgh Fringe, UCL's infamous sketch group present a short play like no other - a murder in an escape room! Absurd characters, ingenious one-liners and canny inspectors leave you dying for more! "Brilliantly funny" ***** (Derek Awards)
Turn The Tide Festival Programme 2022
Friday 21 October
Hidden Treasure Micropub
18.30 Michael James Parker – Big Performance Poet
Michael is the crowd-energising host of Brighton’s Hammer and Tongue Poetry Slam amongst many
other things. He inspires and engages, thrills and enthuses his audience with words, passion and
endless energy. "'Michael James Parker's kaleidoscopic poetry and compelling hallucinogenic narratives drag us into worlds we did not even suspect exist. A brilliant and unique performer. Book him.' Joelle Taylor, Artistic Director of SLAMbassadors UK and champion of the art
The Ocean Inn - Comedy
20.00 - 21.00 UCL Graters present ‘Murder? I hardly know her’
Think Cambridge Footlights but from the University of Central London. UCL premier sketch comedy group perform their 2021 Edinburgh fringe set. "A murder in an escape room? Inconvenient for the victim, perhaps, but very handy for inspectors who wish to keep their suspects in one place. Killer sketches and absurdist characters that you leave you dying for more!"
Saturday 22 October
Dymchurch Village Hall
10.00 – 17.00 Pollinator Pot Project
Be a pollinator pot hero! Sow your own wildflowers in tiny pots to take home for your garden. Check out the video at turnthetidefestival.org/pollinator-pot-project.
10.00 – 12.00 Pottery workshop
Always popular - lead by local artist and sculptor Andrew Ashton.
12.00 Richard Handley
A leading clown, comic actor and puppeteer, his show features hilarious, interactive and visual comedy rooted in the Commedia Del’Arte tradition. His repertoire includes street theatre and walkabout characters, and he has performed in 21 countries and now comes to the fifth continent!
13.00 Fencing with Tenterden Swords
Back by popular demand these wonderful folk had us lunging and parrying like swashbuckling sailors last time. If you missed your chance – here’s another!
14.00 Face painting workshop
Here’s a fantastic chance to beat those face painting queues at every event. Do it yourself after being shown the tricks of the trade by face painter to the stars Claire Brookwell.
14.00 Historical tour of Dymchurch
Local archaeologist Chris Cole will run an historical tour of Dymchurch, meet him watching the fencing and set off…..
15.00 Pennyless
If you haven’t come across these talented performers around the village – here’s your chance to see them up close and personal.
15.30 Jack Day
There is much more to Jack Day then his regular opera singing at Covent Garden. Come and see how he combines a little clowning and a touch of magic with his vocal skills, and you will understand how he has become one of Britain’s most interesting corporate entertainers.
16.00 Megan Swan
The world’s most prestigious magic society is The Magic Circle. Megan Swan is the first woman, and youngest ever, president. Award-winning Megan' s Green Magic Show is lighthearted with an environmental twist - we love the sound of this and can't wait to see it! Check out https://www.meganswann.co.uk/green-magic for more info.
17.00 Pirate Panto
Capain Barnacle (AKA Chris Brown) sails here from Bristol to deliver this extraordinary show for all ages. With tabletop puppetry, pirate props and lashings of ludicrous audience participation – x marks the spot, come drop your anchor!
18.00 – 21.00 Old Time Sailors
If you do one thing this weekend, it’s this! With 17 charismatic, carousing crew – these unique flashmob performers will drag and dunk you into the 19 th century. There’ll be singing, dancing, waving of tankards and, oh yes, lots of that aaaaarg! There be grub too, provided by Dymchurch's very own Day of Syn volunteers. Steaming bowls of Vegetable Casserole (Vegan/Gluten Free) Sausage Casserole (vegetarian and meat options available) served with a hunk of bread for riotous dipping. You bring the grog though! All proceeds to the Day of Syn - suggested donation of £4 adults/£2 child.
Peter Sloper Room - Dymchurch Village Hall
12.00 – 16.00 Community Arts Studio and Exhibition
A variety of short, fun, drop-in art worskhops hosted by amazing artists Dee Taylor, David Alderman, Phillipa Dutton, Alex Boican, Leigh Leopald Wolfmann, Claire Brookwell & David Jones See below for details.
The Ship
14.00 Jack Day
Roving opera supremo - prepare to be amazed!
The Ocean Inn
22.00 Chicken Shed Zepplin
Purveyors of the finest in old-time, dance-ya-socks off, banjo thrashing hillbilly mountain music.
Sunday 23 October
Dymchurch Village Hall
10.00 – 15.00 Pollinator Pot Project
Be a pollinator pot hero! Sow your own wildflowers in tiny pots to take home for your garden. Check out the video (coming soon)
10.00 – 12.00 Mosaic workshop
Artists Philippa and Clake will tease out the creativity from within your very soul.
12.00 Pirate Panto
If you missed Captain Barnacle yesterday (check there for details), then ere’s yer last chance mehearties!
12.00 – 14.00 (Outside) Archery
Once again Dymchurch’s very own champion shooter, Doug Fuller, provides the ever-popular chance to have a go at this ancient and impressive sport. We can’t thank him enough.
13.00 Betty Townsend School of Dance
For many – this is the highlight of the festival, our local dance heroes – whose hits have included dancing an indoor firework display – return with their interpretation of The Sea. Mermaids and Urchins welcome.
13.30 - 15.30 Circus Skills & Hula Hoop Workshop
Join Laura Davis has combined circus and flow arts into her dance training and will guide anyone of any age or ability through hula hoop, poi, diablo, juggling and more. Come and have a go!
14.30 Didgeridoo workshop
Sandy Lawson has played and taught for over 20 years. He's performed with Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and Groove Armada – here’s your one chance to have a go with the best. Breath in and……
15.30 Mazaika duo
The Mazaika Duo is a perfect, yet totally unconventional marriage of violin, accordion and voice, with performances full of fun, excitement and virtuosity, with emotional depth and musical subtlety. Their twinkling humour, rapport with the audience and with each other gives the audience an intoxicating experience which they will not easily forget. Mazaika can take you on a troika into the heart of Russia, where you will experience the joy and sorrow of Russian folk and Gypsy songs and the fiery passion of the gypsy violin. The sold out the Purcell Rooms on London’s South Bank three times – so let’s all turn out for this showstopper!
16.30 ACD-arts – East African music and dance
ACD-arts is a World Music and Dance group that specializes in both contemporary and traditional African Music especially from East Africa. Blending African and Western instruments, their music, energetic dancing and colourful costumes will get both young and old dancing and clapping to a fusion of African rhythms, Soca, Khalimba, Lingala, Soukous, Zomba and drumming. We dare you to sit still!
Peter Sloper Room - Dymchurch Village Hall
12.00 – 16.00 Community Arts Studio and Exhibition
A variety of short, fun, drop-in art worskhops hosted by amazing artists Dee Taylor, David Alderman, Phillipa Dutton, Alex Boican, Leigh Leopald Wolfmann, Claire Brookwell & David Jones See below for details.
St Peter & and St Paul’s Church
15.00 The Marsh Choir
Our local and massive community choir singing rock and pop songs. The Flock that Rocks - always a joyous occasion!
16.00 Martin Ledner & the Haunted Folk
Something local and traditional – performing original songs, ballads and shanties in a twisted visceral style. Featuring the myth, legends and history of the local area including an ode to Romney Marsh. They’re in the right place then.
17.00 Trouvere – medieval minstrels
Paul Leigh and Gill Page play a fascinating array of instruments recreating the middle age music from the time of the crusades. They look stunning too - unique is such an understatement, we hope everyone runs into them over the weekend.
17.45 Sandy Lawson
Don't miss the chance to see this didjeridu genius perform - he was so good last time that we just HAD to have him back!!
18.30 – 20.30 Graffiti Classics
16 strings, 8 dancing feet and 4 voices with 1 aim: to make classical music wickedly funny and fantastically exhilarating. Graffiti Classics bursts the boundaries of the traditional string quartet with its hilarious all-singing, all-dancing musical comedy cabaret show. “A cabaret that will leave you wanting more” Daily Mail. Interval drinks will be served.
Around the village during the weekend
Community Arts Studio and Exhibition (Peter Sloper Room)
A series of short, accessible drop-in art workshops for all ages! Come and have a go at something different and meet some fantastic real-life artists!
SATURDAY 22nd October
12.00 Alex Boican
13.00 David Alderman
14.00 Face Painting Workshop - Top tips from face painter to the stars Claire Brookwell.
15.00 Leigh Leopald Wolffmann
SUNDAY 23rd October
12.00 tbc
13.00 Crepe Paper flowers with Phillippa Dutton
14.00 Pirate Drawing with Dee Taylor. Painter & exhibiting artist in Folkestone’s Creative Quarter.
15.00 David Jones
Plus...
The ever horrible and yet delightfully cuddly Trolls, watch out for snot and worse.
Pirate expert and all-round wonder Chris Brown.
Pennyless – fiddle, guitar and joy combined.
The Magpie – the beautiful enigmatic storyteller with wings, if you meet him, you’ll know it.
Richard Handley – the term clown does not do his talent justice!
Giant Bubble-Blowing Stilt-Walking Sally!
Friends of Dymchurch Martello Tower 24 will open the tower 2 – 4 Saturday.
Trouvere – medieval minstrels.
Tenterden Swords
Come and have a go at fencing with instructors from Tenterden Swords.
Mosaic Workshop
Create your own beautiful mosaic to take home and keep. Led by Phillippa Duttonn and Clarke.
The Trolls
Watch out for them about the village!
Facepainting Workshop with Claire Brookwell
Details coming soon
The Pollinator Pot Project
You can make a difference! Sow seeds of change with this short & simple drop-in workshop that helps you to grow real wildflowers in your own back garden and feed our tiny pollinator friends.
Graffiti Classics
Comedy Cabaret String Quartet
16 strings, 8 dancing feet and 4 voices with 1 aim: to make classical music wickedly funny and fantastically exhilarating. Graffiti Classics bursts the boundaries of the traditional String Quartet with its hilarious all-singing, all-dancing musical comedy cabaret show.
“A cabaret that will leave you wanting more” Daily Mail
ACD-Arts
A World Music and Dance organisation that specialises in both contemporary and traditional African Music especially from East Africa. Providing entertainment and performance accompanied with a creative blend of live African and Western instruments.
Their music, energetic dancing and colourful costumes will get both young and old dancing and clapping to a fusion of African rythms, soca, khalimba, lingala, soukous, zomba and may be the occasional drummer or storytelling act. They have played at West Minster Abbey, Royal Albert Hall, Earl’s Court, Gywl Wales Millennium Centre and the Royal Geographical Society to name just a few, and now they're going to be right here in Dymchurch!
Trouvere
Trouvere are medieval musicians Paul Leigh and Gill Page. Their particular love is for the music of the high middle ages - the time of the crusades and of the arts of courtly love - and they enjoy rediscovering, recreating and re-interpreting the magnificent music of these times on a fascinating array of instruments.
The Marsh Choir
A massive community choir who sing rock and pop songs. The choir have groups dotted around the Marsh who perform collectively comprising some 400 members. Always aiming for ambitious song arrangements they have become known as 'The Flock That Rocks!"
Captain Barnacle
Captain Barnacle the Bristol pirate will be performing a pirate pantomime for all ages. It features table top puppetry, lots of pirate props, buckets of silliness and comedy, plus lashings of audience participation.
Sandy Lawson
He's played alongside Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and Patrick Dawes of Groove Armada - Sandy is a didjeridu genius and he's here to help you learn the basics!
Pennyless
Wandering folk minstrels that will make your feet dance with joy! Catch them if you can doing impromptu gigs at various venues across Dymchurch.
Michael J Parker
Impromptu Performance Poet Extraordianaire!
Betty Townsend School of Dance
Pottery Workshop
With local sculptor Andrew Ashton - details tbc.
The Trolls
Watch out, watch out, the Trolls are about..!
The Magpie
Details coming soon
The Pollinator Pot Project
Details coming soon