THE Phoenix Theatre and Arts Centre has released the programme for this year's 2007 Whitehill and Bordon Arts Festival. This is the second year of the festival organised by the Phoenix Theatre. Phoenix director Jane Dawes said: "There are 10 days of events for people of all ages to enjoy and will be a celebration of the wide and varied artistic talents within the local community. "This is our 25th year as an organisation, so it is also a celebration for us." The events kick off with Sugar & Spice – a fast moving musical revue-on June 29 and 30. It will be compiled and directed by Jane Dawes and the show is a mixture of hilarious sketches and well known songs, many of which are from popular musicals and should prove a fun start to the festival. There will also be a classic performance of Flora's Peverel, a play written by local writer and historian John Owen Smith, about the life of Flora Thompson. This will be performed by Headley Theatre Club on Friday, July 6. A musical evening to enjoy will be Bordon Rhapsody, presented by local musician Des Boddington, appearing together with other professional musicians and some of his pupils on Saturday, July 7. There will be plenty of entertainment to involve young people – Phoenix Kid's Drama will present We Go Together – inspired by the musical, Grease, on Monday, July 2. Also, Phoenix Youth Theatre will present Mars Bars, Mars Bars and More Mars Bars by Laura Jones on Wednesday, July 4, which was the winning entry in the recent young writers' competition. On Tuesday, July 3 the Dramability mixed ability youth group present their version of A Midsummer Night's Dream and on Thursday, July 5 there is a Young Musician's Showcase to celebrate the work of local young talented music students. There are many other events, not forgetting the Bordon Garrison Church Fete on Saturday, June 20 and the Party in the Park – with live music from a selection of bands on Sunday, July 1. There are also art exhibitions running at the Phoenix and at Mill Chase Community College as well as dance and drama displays by the Hilary Bishop Schools of Dance and Drama at Pinewood Village Hall. Whitehill and Bordon will be a happening place over those 10 days! For further information and programme details call 01420 472664, or visit the website http://www.phoenixarts.co.uk">www.phoenixarts.co.uk The festival is supported by Whitehill Town Council, Hampshire County Council as well as being a partnership funded organisation of East Hampshire District Council.
