Free entertainment and drama is back again for ten days straight at the 23rd annual Dulwich Festival. From May 6-15 there will be a variety of comedy, drama, music and art displays, writes Frances Berry…
The festival director Alpha Hopkins said: “We have a truly fantastic line-up of events for everyone to enjoy.”
Donna Maria, a maypole dancer who is participating in Dulwich Fair, said: “I just love it. There’s something about it that’s magical, it’s fun. It just works.”
Theatrics
Tangram Theatre Company, who have performed in more than 100 venues over the world, will encourage audience participation in Einstein: Relativitively Speaking. Saturday 7 May 7pm, £8-£12. The Great Hall, Alleyn’s School.
The international award winning puppeteers Garlic Theatre will tell a story about the secret life of shoes with their uniquely crafted puppets. Saturday 14 May 2.30pm, £5-£15. St Barnabus Parish Hall.
The audience will follow clues to a time travel riddle around Dulwich Park with The Multiple Myrtle Mysteries. Friday 6 May – Sunday 15 May, Free. Dulwich Park.
Talks
Health commentator and comedian Dr Phil Hammond is going to start a campaign to save the NHS with a “bidet revolution”. Monday 9 May 7.30pm, £10-£12. The Great Hall, Alleyn’s School.
Paul Ewen, author of Francis Plug: How to be an Author, will talk about the life of a modern author with the help of his fictional alter ego. Saturday 14 May 7.30pm, £6.00-£8.00. Belair House, Gallery Road.
Dulwich Village is holding a number of events to learn about the history of Christ’s Chapel, which was founded 400 years ago by Edward Alleyn.
Music
Three choirs will perform at the Festival of Choirs, including the 2015 Christmas number one winner Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Choir. Friday 13 May 8pm, £6. Holst Hall, Jags.
Scandinavian Soundaround will host a collaborative workshop for anyone who can play a scale. Saturday 7 May 11am, £8-£12.Linbury Room, Dulwich Picture Gallery.
Nuns and Roses will showcase medieval music with harp, bagpipes, percussion and medieval fiddle. Wednesday 11 May 7.30pm, £6-£20. Christ’s Chapel Dulwich.
Nedwardo and the Rumanauts are hosting a Latin American dance and music demonstration, with opportunity for the audience to join in on the dancefloor. Sunday 8 May 7pm-10pm, £10-£18.Grafton Dance School, 7 Village Way, Dulwich, SE21 7AW.
The soulful band Gerard and The Watchman will perform, supported by Oh Sister. Thursday 12 May 12 7.30pm, £10. Belair House, Gallery Road
Critically acclaimed musicians violinist Levon Chilingirian and pianist Carole Presland are playing Handle’s Sonata in D Major no 13, Grieg’s Sonata in C Minor Op 45 and Elgar’s Violin Sonata. Sunday 15 May 2.30pm, £6-£15. Old Library, Dulwich College.
Art
Louis Masai will live-paint at Syndenham Hill Wood for Dulwich’s outdoor gallery. They can see the finished creation during the final weekend of the festival. Friday 13 -15 May, Free. Old Railway Tunnel at Sydenham Hill Wood, Nature Reserve.
Walks
Early morning bird watching walk with the London Wildlife Trust through Sydenham Wood. Saturday 13 May 6am, £4.00-£6.00. Crescent Wood Road Gate.
Late night bat walks through Sydenham Hill Wood with the London Wildlife Trust to spot some wildlife. Friday 6 May 8.30pm, £5. Crescent Wood Road Gate.
Dulwich Festival Fair
Back for the 11th year running. The Dulwich Festival Fair is a wonderful day out for all the family; from bouncy castles to the EDT beer tent, handmade children’s t-shirts to homemade cakes, designer jewellery to local photography. Nibble delicious food and listen to the music on ‘The Goose is Out!’ Stage and enjoy a drink from the EDT beer tent as your children have their faces painted for free! Not forgetting the wonderful donkey rides! Sunday 8 May 11am – 4pm Goose Green, Free event