A new social club is coming to Stoke-on-Trent and residents can have a say on the acts on offer.
The Oasis Social Club is a new concept by artist Rebecca Davies. The club will pop up in Portland Street, Cobridge, in June, as part of the Appetite arts programme for Stoke-on-Trent, and will be a place to meet friends, debate issues and have a good laugh.
Rebecca will take on the role of club secretary but her character and the club’s acts will be decided by local people.
Residents are being invited to attend a series of workshops at which the club secretary’s persona and the club’s programme will be discussed.
“We did this in London and I became Mavis Davis an East End barrow girl,” explained Rebecca who has family ties with North Staffordshire. “But this is the first time that we’ll be working extensively with the public and I’m excited about that.
“There’s a tradition of social clubs in Stoke-on-Trent. Their role, along with local pubs, were important in providing a place to socialise and come together as a community.
“I am aware that there’s also a history of strong female characters in Stoke-on-Trent as women have always played a significant role in the workforce of the pottery industry,” added Rebecca who revealed: “My mum is from Newcastle-under-Lyme and I grew up with oatcakes!”
“I’ve already begun meeting local groups and through the workshops we will shape my character and bring together a club committee.”
Forthcoming workshops:
· Thursday, 21 May, 11am to 1pm, Cobridge Coronation Club
· Thursday, 21 May, 2pm to 5pm, Cobridge Coronation Club
· Friday, 22 May, 11am to 1pm, Cobridge Coronation Club
· Saturday, 23 May, 11am to 1pm, Cobridge Coronation Club
· Saturday, 23 May, 6pm to 8pm, Cobridge Coronation Club
To get involved contact Kat Boon at Appetite on 01782 381373 or email [email protected].
ENDS
The Oasis Social Club comes to Stoke-on-Trent, watch Rebecca Davies as Mavis Davis – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5zh4AaTSbw
For media enquiries contact Nigel Howle by telephone on 0776 2043436 or email [email protected].
Notes to Editors:
Appetite is the Creative People and Places programme taking place in Stoke-on-Trent from 2013 to 2016. Appetite aims to get more people in Stoke-on-Trent to experience and be inspired by the arts. This investment in the arts and cultural sector of the area aims to mobilise and strengthen the skills, knowledge and infrastructure that already exists within the area and provide unprecedented opportunities for more people to see, make and influence more art in the city.
The Appetite programme is funded by Arts Council England and is led by the New Vic Theatre in partnership with B Arts, Brighter Futures, Partners in Creative Learning and Staffordshire University. It is supported by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Visit the Appetite website at www.appetitestoke.co.uk