THE 8th annual FEST West is to bring bold new theatre and performances to Wiltshire venues in Corsham, Trowbridge and Salisbury this month.

It is taking place at The Pound Arts Centre in Corsham, Town Hall Arts in Trowbridge and Wiltshire Creative in Salisbury from February 14 to March 2.

Fest West is a celebration of the arts, showcasing the best new dance, circus, theatre, music, film and visual art from across the South West.

Wiltshire Creative associate director Jo Newman has said: “This is the biggest line-up yet for FEST West. It’s fantastic to be bringing so many brilliant South West artists working across disciplines – dance, music, circus, theatre, film and visual arts – together to share their work as part of a celebration of what’s being made in this region.”

In Trowbridge, Town Hall Arts is hosting an array of events over the two weeks, kicking off with Brymore Productions who will perform The Bureau of Untold Stories on Thursday, February 14 at 7pm.

On Friday, February 15 at 7.30pm, the Wassail Theatre Company is performing Over the Wall Picking Apples, a touring solo theatre show exploring the experience of bipolar, written and performed by Richard Crowe, directed by Ged Stephenson and designed by Kasha Miller. The monthly Unsigned Music Night on March 1 from 7pm gives young and talented musicians and bands an opportunity to showcase their music.

Wednesday, February 20 sees three 40-minute performances of Over the Moon by the Hurly Burly Company at 10.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

At Pound Arts in Corsham, shows include, on Saturday, March 2, Elise Heaven’s semi-autobiographical She’s a Good Boy, exploring non-binary gender using Elise’s real-life experiences and an exhibition of new work by the Calne Artists, which runs until March 2.

As well as highlighting the diverse set of mediums used within the group, the show’s title The Disciplines of Art refers to the discipline required in the act of creating an artwork.

An exciting new exhibition ‘Hard Hats, Hi Heels and Her’ opens with a preview evening on Thursday, February 21 at 6pm exploring the ways women’s roles have transformed in the home and in industry. This exhibition will run from February 22 to April 6.

There will be a free sharing of ‘Lobster Tale’ by Bath-based theatre company Butterfly Psyche on Friday, February22 at 7pm.

Elizabeth Blake stars in ‘Isadora: I Dance What I Am’ on Wednesday, February 27 at 7.30pm. This play is directed by Phoenix Theatre Director Rob Allerston and choreographed by Elizabeth herself.

‘She’s a Good Boy’ follows on Thursday, February 28 at 7.30pm. It is written and performed by the hugely talented Elise Heaven.

Directed by Emma Williams, designed by Mary Drummond, produced by Strike a Light and supported by Arts Council England, Pegasus Theatre, Battersea Arts Centre and Hawkwood College, this show is filled with energy – from spiderman to seahorse socks, tributes to disgruntled local councillors and wedding day disasters.

Town Hall Arts rounds up Fest West on Friday, March 1 with the monthly Unsigned Music Night from 7pm giving young and extremely talented musicians/bands an opportunity to showcase their music.

To find out more about what is happening at each venue and howe to book tickets, visit https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/whats-on/fest-west/fest-west-2019/

Tickets to all events are on sale now. To book tickets for events taking place at Town Hall Arts, please call the box office on 01225 774306 or book online at www.townhallarts.co.uk