The Drip Action Theatre Trail is back, and Judy Upton, who has previously had plays produced by the Royal Court, The National Theatre and BBC Radio 4, is the star attraction.

Undone, the story of a woman afraid of buttons, will be performed daily, between August 23 and 30, at The Swan Hotel at 4pm.

It joins seven other new plays written for the festival, which will also be performed daily, including Sat Love, by Simon Brett, which will be on at Arundel Football Club at 11am, Therapy, by Dick Curran, at 28 High Street, at noon, and Self Assembly, by Jeffrey Mayhew, at St Mary's Hall at 1pm.

The Widow's Curves, by Maggie Ferrari, will be the 3pm daily play, at the India Gate, Mill Lane, and Jenny Pulling's Sour Grapes will be on at 57 Maltravers Street at 5pm. Fishing off each day at 6pm will be Ice, by Tonya James, to be performed at Prospekt, Tarrant Street.

Newly-formed Theatre Akimbo will be making its debut appearance at the festival, with Pearson Award winner Simon Stephens' compelling One Minute, a portrait of the many lives that are united in the moment it takes for a child to disappear.

Akimbo's artistic director, Glenda Harkess, said the festival was a "rich platform of artistic diversity that is so important to our cultural heritage and regional identity".

The play will run from August 25 to 30, in The Basement @ The Crossbush, Beefeater. For tickets, priced at £8, call 01903 885867.

For information on the Theatre Trail, tickets to which are available on the various doors and will cost £5 each, go to www.dripaction.co.uk


Bhundu Boys set to perform


ARUNDEL will meet Africa during the festival, with a rare appearance by the Bhundu Boys.

The legendary Zimbabweans, who have supported Madonna at Wembley Stadium three times, will play as part of Arundel's Fairtrade Party, at the Lido, Queen Street, on August 30 at 8pm.

Their music, which has been highly acclaimed both in Africa and across the world, has been described as uplifting jit, combining chimurenga with Western rock and roll.

The evening will see hot and cold food available, supplied by Pallant of Arundel, Absolutely Organics and Muriel and Dominique Chabenaud, and a licensed bar will serve Fairtrade wine.

Tickets are available on the door, on a first come first served basis. Organisers said: "Pay what you can afford, but come early to avoid disappointment."


Fun for all the family


TRADITIONAL fun for all the family, the Arundel Town Fair will make a welcome return on bank holiday Monday (August 25).

Tarrant Street, Cobbles and High Street will be closed to traffic, as the Rotary Club of Arundel Fair, featuring the town crier, will be offering up games and entertainment.

James Stewart, of Zimmer Stewart Gallery, and organiser of the town fair, said: "It is traditionally a day for carnivals and fairs, bringing together many events under one banner.

"In essence, the community is putting on a fun day for itself and visitors to enjoy."

A free early-morning swimming session is on offer, at Arundel Lido, in Queen Street, from 7.30am until 9.30am, and the BIG Arundel Walk will start at noon, from the Town Square, before making its way through Arundel Park and finishing at the football club, Mill Lane, in time for the Fairtrade Tea Party.

To register, free, call sponsors Christian Doyle Photography, 01903 885010.

Also at the football club, from 2pm, will be the Arundel Flower and Produce Show, with the prize-giving, by mayor Wendy Eve, at 3.30pm, and Highdown and Ferring Dog Club will put on an agility demonstration at 2.30pm, and a dog race at 3.30pm.

The annual marbles championship will be held at the club at 2pm, and West Chillington Brass Band will entertain all afternoon.

Back in the town centre, the waiters' race will start at 4pm in the High Street, and Northbrook College students will offer up some physical theatre at the cathedral, at 1pm for the families and 9.30pm for the more brave.

The day will be rounded off in style back at the football club, where a party, with bar and barbecue, and music from Bushas Mana and FeverKing, from 6pm.


The World Goes Round, say Arundel Players


SHOW-stopping songs and exciting dance routines, as well as razor-sharp wit and heart-felt sentimentality are all promised by the Arundel Players with their festival production, The World Goes Round.

A compilation of songs by John Kandar and Fred Ebb will include numbers from their hit shows, such as Cabaret and Chicago, as well as some lesser-known treats, such as Zorba and Kiss of the Spider Woman.

The show will run from August 24 to 30, at The Priory Playhouse, London Road, Arundel, with all shows starting at 7.45pm.
Tickets are £12 each and are available by calling 01243 782976.

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