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The Hat Factory


The Hat Factory - luton's Art Centre

The Hat Factory was launched in April 2004 and has been a showcase for the arts in Luton ever since. This multi-facility complex is host to many musical, art, theatre, community and workshop events. So if you want to see alternative film, dynamic music, dance and cutting edge theatre then the Hat Factory is for you! The Hat Factory is located in Bute Street just next door to the train station entrance.

Listings for the hat Factory 24th - 31st July 06

Adult theatre and Dance
New End Theatre in association with Cracking Up Productions present...
Danny's Wake
Saturday 29 July 8pm
"well crafted & heart warming" Time Out
When Patrick and Billy, two childhood friends who now have nothing in common, meet up for their old pal Danny's wake, their perceptions of the past are challenged...Fresh from acclaimed runs in top London theatres, this heart warming hit from comedy legend Jim Sweeney has been described as "The Likely Lads meets The Odd Couple". Book now!
For 16 years +***Run time 1hr 5mins***£8 full/ £6 concs/ £5 NUS & U18s


Children's Theatre copy
Tall Stories and network of stuff present...
Them With Tails
Sunday 30 July 11am & 2.30pm
"Tall Stories sets the benchmark for children's theatre" Sunday Times
Prepare to be amazed as Them With Tails tell three unlikely tales and one impossible one, creating a world of stories, comedy and a lot of silliness, where your most ridiculous thoughts can spring to life! A totally unique family show for everyone aged 5 and up. With the first three stories from around the world and one more, created live from audience suggestions, it's never the same show twice!
For ages 5+***Run time: 50mins (approx)***£4 adults/£3.50 children

Comedy
Steve Day + Robin Ince DOUBLE HEADLINE BILLThursday 27 July, doors 8pm
A fantastic line up of Edinburgh previews, with world-famous comedian Steve Day whom The Guardian calls "revelatory...and very funny" in his new show 'Comprehensive', plus Time Out Award Winner Robin Ince with his 2006 hit show 'Robin Ince Frowns On This Sort Of Thing'. Don't miss out!
For ages 16+***Run time: 1hr 30mins***£6 full/ £5 concessions

Jams
Focus on Jazz presents...
Jazz Jam (every Sunday 1pm-4pm)
The popular Sunday lunchtime jam continues and all are welcome to chill out or come up and play! This season also includes a monthly treat, as every last Sunday of the month sees Jazz Jam welcome a special guest: The Strayhorns on 30th July
£2 full/ £1 with instrument/ free with NUS


Film
The Da Vinci Code (12A)
Thursday 27 July 2.30pm & 7.30pm & Friday 28 May 7.30pm
A murder in the Louvre and clues in Da Vinci paintings lead to the discovery of a religious mystery protected by a secret society for two thousand years - which could shake the foundations of Christianity. An international all-star cast stars in this film adaptation of Dan Brown's controversial international bestseller. Starring Tom Hanks, Audrey Tatou, and Sir Ian McKellen.
Directed by: Ron Howard (2006)***Genre: Mystery/ Thriller/ Drama

The Coven at the Hat Factory

The Coven is Luton's only gothic/alternative nightclub, hosted by DJ Nephilimbabe, CovenAlex and guest DJs. The Coven has been hugely popular over the last four years and attracts regular support form all the three surrounding counties, and even further afield! Join the Coven on the second Saturday of every month at the Hat Factory, from 9pm till 2am.

Weekly events

Jazz Jam



Every Sunday, 1pm - 4pm

Open to musicians, singers and jazz lovers alike these weekly sessions are the place to sit back, relax and experience some great jammin' as musicians of all abilities strut their stuff with the Hat Jazz Trio. £2 full/£1 with an instrument/Free to students with NUS card

Street-Fusion Jazz Dance - new course for young people!

Sunday 11 September - Sunday 2 October

12 noon - 1pm (9-12yrs) and 1.30pm - 2.30pm (13-17yrs)

After successfully launching our Street-Fusion Jazz Dance classes in March this year we are now changing the format from a drop in class to a 4 week course. This will give our students the opportunity to really build up their skill by learning new sequences as well as working on some freestyle elements. The exciting finale to the course will be a performance on Sunday 9 October as part of our Focus On Jazz Weekender (see page ..), which is the first of its kind in Luton! Anyone is invited, whether they have dance experience or not. What is needed is dedication and commitment! Students will be taught sequences of fast footwork, spins and floorwork including knee spins and drop moves.

Cost (for the complete course): £16

Street-Fusion Jazz Dance - new course for adults (18yrs+)!

Monday 12 September - Monday 17 October, 7.45pm - 9pm

Come on all you clubbers, dancers or dance wanabees - learn some fast funky footwork, serious drop moves and spins based on the original Jazz Funk Fusion dance steps from the club floor as performed by The JazzCotech Dancers. Hosted by Perry Louis and guest teachers from around the UK be prepared to get down and enjoy yourselves to the max! Anyone is welcome, loose clothing and trainers are a must. This will operate as a 6 week course and you will work on a choreographed track that will lead to a performance at the end of the course.

Cost (for the complete course): £27

Street Dance Wednesdays, 6.30pm - 7.30pm

Learn the hottest dance moves you've seen in the music videos of Justin Timberlake, Janet Jackson, Usher and J Lo. £4.50 per session

Samba Thursdays 7pm - 8.30pm

These beginners classes will teach you exotic carnival dance moves from Brazil. Think headdresses, feathers and lots of energy! Loose comfortable clothing and flat shoes are recommended. Suitable for 16yrs+. Please contact Petula on 07968 151236 if you'd like to take part. £3/£2 concessions

Upstage Theatre Arts Saturdays, 10am - 1pm

Dance, drama and music classes for children aged 7-15 years. For more details contact Upstage on 01582 658734. From £110 per term

Capoeira Saturdays, 2pm - 4pm

Brazilian Martial Art centred within the rhythmic framework of combat, dance, and music. For more information please contact Dacor on 07904 154145. £5 adults/£3 children


Visit the official Hat Factory website here!

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Luton Museums
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