Tuesday's pick: Charlie Dark - Have Box Will Travel

There can't be too many villages in England fortunate enough to have a place like the Sir John Moore Foundation on their doorsteps.

At a time when rural communities nationwide are striuggling to keep hold of their pubs and post offices, Appleby Magna is blessed with a venue that delivers an eclectic programme of music, comedy, theatre and film which wouldn't be out of place in a town 50 times bigger.

"The Sir John Moore Foundation shows what can be achieved on limited resources with enthusiasm, ideas and commitment," said the judges who handed the managers a Heritage Award for their museum earlier this year. 

Yeah, it's got a museum too. And all this for a village with a population you easily fit seat in De Montfort Hall, with half the seats to spare. 

 

Tonight is a pretty typical example of their imaginative programming.

It's a performance of Charlie Dark's semi-autobiographical one-man-show, Have Box Will Travel, a funny, heartwarming rites-of-passage tale of a life in hip-hop.

Dark explores his own past in story that begins in our hero's bedroom in Peckham and winds up on the international DJ circuit.

"90 minutes with real soul," said the Guardian. "Acted with obvious passion and rich technical skill," said The Stage. "Dark is a performer of such enormous natural charm that resistance is useless," said The Times.

And it all takes place in a Grade I listed building, designed by Christopher Wren. With a smashing bar.

Info

Tickets range from £5 to £10. Sir John Moore Foundation is at Top Street, Appleby Magna. Ring 01530 273 629.