Out & About Autumn 2018

It’s the season to be bewitched and bedazzled, but if you feel bewildered by the vast array of entertainment on offer, arts editor TRISH LEE has a pick of the autumn bunch. For news and arts news, see N2 each week in the Newbury Weekly News Pick of the ARTS

From fantastical to macabre

They range from the fantastical and macabre (a unicorn’s horn, a human heart encased in lead), the beautiful and mysterious (exquisitely engraved rings to bind a lover and medieval books of ritual magic) to the deeply-moving confessions of women accused of witchcraft. Even in this sceptical age, we still use magical thinking and we need a bit of magic in our lives. The exhibition is ticketed. Entry is free for the Ashmolean Members.

SPELLBOUND: Magic, Ritual & Witchcraft Ashmolean, Oxford, Until January 6 www.ashmolean.org/ spellbound Spellbinding stories, fascinating objects... from crystal balls and magic mirrors to witch bottles and curse poppets, explore the history of magic over eight centuries in this thought-provoking exhibition. The intriguing objects on display show how our ancestors used magical thinking to cope with the unpredictable world around them.

Tassels: An evening of burlesque The Corn Exchange, Newbury September 27 www.cornexchangenew.com Over 18s only Naughty but nice

Burlesque comes from the Italian ‘burla’ – a joke, ridicule or mockery – often in the a form of humorous parodies or pastiches. It originated in 17th-century Italian theatre as a comic interlude and the biggest burlesque star of the early 20th century was dancer Millie DeLeon, an attractive brunette, who tossed her garters into the audience and occasionally neglected to wear tights. Such shenanigans got her arrested on occasion and helped to give burlesque a raunchy reputation. So leave your inhibitions at the door and experience the UK’s biggest burlesque extravaganza as Tassels: An Evening of Burlesque comes to town. Prepare to be entertained by some of the world’s top burlesque, comedy and circus performers, who present a truly unrivalled show. With a bevy of glamorous stars, speciality variety artists and fabulous costumes, this dazzling new show is the perfect blend of danger and delight... naughty has never been so nice.

74