My Order

On the evening of March 31, 1943, legendary lyricist Lorenz Hart confronts his shattered self-confidence in Sardi’s bar as his former collaborator Richard Rodgers celebrates the opening night of his ground-breaking hit musical “Oklahoma!”.

Directed by: Richard Linklater

Written by:  Robert Kaplow

Starring: Ethan Hawke

Margaret Qualley

Bobby Cannavale

Andrew Scott

Ethan Hawke deserves to finally win an Oscar in one of 2025's best films – Daily Express

Dear Flavel Friends and Supporters,

                                                   

FLAVEL FOREVER

WHO WE ARE

Twenty years ago, we were part of a determined and enthusiastic group which founded the Flavel Arts and Community Centre. Our vision was to provide a centre in the heart of our community so that residents and visitors could enjoy high quality entertainment, a library, café and a meeting place for local groups. For the last 20 years we have provided this service week on week, throughout the year. The successful purpose-built home for The Flavel is considered an essential part of Dartmouth community life with its provision of high quality and varied programmes that entertain, educate, and connect people, in what is a geographically isolated town.

OUR POSITION:

Our position is a charity with no support from government or local council. All charities are experiencing challenging times, now and in recent years, and The Flavel is not alone in facing financial difficulties. Grants, once readily available, that supported smaller venues like our own have been focussed elsewhere. Our customer base is affected by the societal changes brought about by Covid, austerity, global uncertainty and how we now access entertainment through streaming.

THE FUTURE

It is urgent now to future proof The Flavel for the next generation; we owe that to them. The building needs to be more contemporary and accessible. We also face the consequences of 20 years of regular use in terms of upkeep and a legacy of old equipment and facilities.

We are kindly asking you to support us by either £150 a year for the next five years or £15 a month for the same period to the Flavel Forever Supporters Fund. This is the equivalent of a cup of coffee a week and if we reach our target of 500 of you giving us this support, we will together ensure that the Flavel continues to be here for ourselves and the next generation. Flavel Forever Supporters will be entered into a monthly draw for a prize and invited to our annual Flavel Forever Supporters Party, among other initiatives being developed.

We are confident that the Trustee Board have an ambitious plan to prepare for the future and you will soon hear about these projects such as installing solar panels to reduce energy costs and help us towards reaching net zero targets, growing the Café area footprint to give greater access to this well used area, and attract new audiences whilst retaining all that is good, to this community space.

To donate:

A regular Standing Order for £15/month or £150/year (Flavel Centre Trust. Account Number: 33008523 Sort code: 52- 30-20  Ref: Your Full Name –FOREVER)

A donation form can also be downloaded here : FORM DOWNLOAD

We would be very grateful if you can set up a regular contribution to Flavel FOREVER as detailed above, but if you would prefer to make a one-off donation you can do that by clicking on the green circle below.

Yours sincerely

RAY Bridges and  JOHN Mitchell. ( Flavel Founders)

B..B…B….BEETHOVEN with John Suchet (extraordinary stories behind the music you will hear in the 2026 international Classical Series)

John Suchet, the Flavel’s Honorary Patron, talks about the Beethoven pieces in the 2026 International Classical Series. Not a detailed analysis but rather a fascinating insight into how these

pieces came to be written – the personalities behind the music.

A regular presenter on Classic FM, John is an acknowledged authority on Ludwig van Beethoven and has written 8 books so far......

John’s talk follows the usual Friday format: an hour’s talk followed by a glass of wine in convivial company.

Friday 30th January 2026

Tickets £15, includes a complimentary glass of wine or soft drink after the talk

Concerts in the series are:

Friday 6th March 

Tamsin Waley-Cohen (violin) & George Fu (piano)

Friday 26th June

Martin Roscoe (piano)

Friday 20 November

Alexander Ullman (piano)

Are you interested in becoming a ‘Classical Supporter’ for a concert or concerts in the 2026 series? For full details of the scheme please contact Helen Deakin on 01803 835882

Friday@TheFlavel

Love and Loss in Wartime Dartmouth

A unique event based on the diaries and photographs of Jo Healy, a WREN in Dartmouth from 1941-43

In words taken from Jo’s diaries, her son Pete tells how Jo fell in love with Dartmouth RN patrol boat skipper, Mark Reid. Their relationship lasted three short months before Mark's boat was lost on the celebrated St. Nazaire Raid in 1942.

The story centres around Jo's diary and detailed research by Pete into Mark's naval career and the St Nazaire raid itself. Jo’s diary entries will be read by Torquay actor Viv Watt who knew Jo well.

Jo’s diaries are a unique record of wartime Dartmouth, and her photo albums contain a wonderful mix of official MOD photographs, with candid photos taken by Jo and her friends.  

This is a first chance to see and hear a moving and very personal account of love and loss in wartime Dartmouth.

£15 includes a glass of wine

HELENA CLEWS: LIFE DRAWING CLASSES

(max 30 participants)

Drawing boards will be provided

£115 for block of 5 classes to include complimentary hot drinks and biscuits

Wednesday 7 January

Wednesday 14 January

Wednesday 21 January

Wednesday 28 January

Wednesday 11 February

10-12.30am

Book your place and join in on the hugely successful life drawing workshops at the Flavel. It's a wonderful opportunity to draw alongside Helena and practice one of the fundamental skills of art.

The workshops are for all abilities. Helena will be available to provide individual feedback and help as necessary. The sessions are divided into the first part of short poses, ranging from 1 - 20-minute poses, a short break and then one long pose for around 55 minutes.

Information on what you need:

Please bring materials that you would like to draw with; ideally some charcoal (compressed and willow), coloured soft pastels, soft pencil (2B or softer) and a rubber. If you have your own paper/sketchbook then please bring that too.

and sheets of A2 cartridge paper is available to buy in cash on the day - 4 sheets for £1. There will also be some basic materials available on the day in exchange for a cash donation.

The Royal Opera

LA TRAVIATA

(sung in Italian with subtitles)

At one of her lavish parties, celebrated Parisan courtesan Violetta is introduced to Alfredo Germont. The two fall madly in love, and though hesitant to leave behind her life of luxury and freedom, Violetta follows her heart. But the young couple’s happiness is short-lived, as the harsh realities of life soon come knocking.

As intimate as it is sumptuous, La traviata features some of opera’s most famous melodies, and is a star vehicle for its leading soprano role sung by Ermonela Jaho. In director Richard Eyre’s world of seductive grandeur, the tender and devastating beauty at the centre of Verdi’s opera shines bright.

Cast:  

Violetta Valéry ERMONELA JAHO

Alfredo Germont GIOVANNI SALA

Giorgio Germont ALEKSEI ISAEV

Annina VEENA AKAMA-MAKIA

Creatives:

Music GIUSEPPE VERDI

Conductor ANTONELLO MANACORDA

Director RICHARD EYRE

Wednesday 14th January

Tickets £18 under 18 £11  

Hamlet  

by William Shakespeare

Directed by Robert Hastie

 

Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.

Trapped between duty and doubt, surrounded by power and privilege, young Prince Hamlet dares to ask the ultimate question – you know the one.

National Theatre Deputy Artistic Director, Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Operation Mincemeat) directs this sharp, stylish and darkly funny reimagining

Dartmouth Theatre Company present Shrek The Musical JR.

 

Dartmouth Theatre Company presents its production of Shrek The Musical JR. at The Flavel Arts Centre on Friday 23rd, Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th January 2026.

The family-friendly musical comedy follows the adventures of an ogre named Shrek who sets off on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona from a tower guarded by a fierce dragon. Along the way, with his loyal companion Donkey, he encounters a host of fairytale misfits who have been banished by the villainous Lord Farquaad. What begins as a bargain to reclaim the deed to his swamp turns into an epic journey of friendship, laughter, and self-discovery.

 

“Shrek’s unique story of discovery encourages each of us to examine our prejudices, review what we believe to be our limitations, and learn to embrace ourselves and others,” says Freddie Gershon, CEO of Music Theatre International (MTI). “The young cast in this production have embarked on a similar journey, learning more about themselves and each other as they’ve worked together to bring this story to life.”

 

With its fun characters, catchy songs, and a message that it’s okay to be different, Shrek The Musical JR. is perfect entertainment for the whole family.

Shrek the Musical JR. is presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All materials supplied by MTI, mtishows.com.

 

Standard

Child + (U16) £8.00

Adult + £12.50

Family (2 Adults + 2 Children U16) + (multiples of 4) £8.75 x 4 = £35.00 

 

THE MARBLES is a compelling new documentary examining one of history's most controversial cultural disputes—the removal of the Parthenon Marbles—and the ongoing campaign to return them to Greece. From imperial acquisition to modern-day advocacy, this is the story of heritage, identity, and justice.

In 1801, Lord Elgin controversially removed half the Parthenon's sculptures, sparking a backlash from his contemporaries that continues today. What followed was a 200-year diplomatic battle between Greece and Britain over cultural patrimony. When respected actress and politician Melina Mercouri challenged the British Museum in 1983, she transformed the issue into an international cause that redefined how we think about cultural ownership.

This thoughtful documentary, filmed over five years starting on the 200th anniversary of Greek independence, reveals the complexities of museum ethics, cultural policy, and the competing claims surrounding ancient artefacts. From Athens to London, it’s a tale of empire, resistance, and redemption—with Scotland emerging as an unlikely hero.

The debate continues to evolve, raising fundamental questions about the rightful ownership of ancient treasures. The question isn't just about marble sculptures—it's about how we value and preserve cultural heritage in a post-colonial world.

The Marbles

Young Dart Voices, a brand-new youth choir for ages 11-19, will launch in January 2026 at The Flavel Arts Centre in Dartmouth. Led by Jeremy Kenyon, the new Director of Music for the Benefice of Dartmouth and Elle Miles, the choir will offer an uplifting and inclusive space for young people to sing music from a variety of genres, build confidence, and make new friends through music.

• Free to join – no previous singing experience required

• Ages: 11–19

• When: Monday evenings at 17.00 from January 12th, 2026

• Where: The Flavel Arts Centre, Dartmouth

• Led by experienced choir director Jeremy Kenyon

The project is part of The Flavel’s ongoing commitment to supporting arts and culture in Dartmouth, and we hope Young Dart Voices will become a vibrant part of local life.

For more details or to register interest, please contact info@theflavel.org.uk or jjkenyon77@gmail.com.

This is a free to attend event, but please book your spaces for us to gauge numbers.

Dates

January 12/19/26

February 2/9/23

March 2/9/16/23/30 

We are grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund for their support