Sarah Singleton takes a look at what to do this weekend in Swindon

A ride into the dark

TAKE a ride with Neil Labute’s contemporary drama Autobahn this weekend to witness the darker side of life.

Presented by south-west based theatre company the Scullions Neoterics, expect an immersive and engaging production of the 2003 play, set in the two front seats of a car.

The ten-strong cast explore breakups, a kidnapping and an escape from rehab - but each time the setting remains the same - showing just how significant a short car ride can be.

Nicky Cooper, actor and artistic director of the Scullions, said the company was established two years ago, when he completed a Master’s degree in Shakespeare at Bath Spa University. The Scullions focus on performing works by the Bard, but younger sister company the Scullions Neoterics perform contemporary and experimental plays, as well as new writing.

Nicky, from Shrivenham, co-directed Autobahn with Sam Rugman.

“We wanted to do something different, and this modern piece is really well written, with very fast and sharp dialogue,” he explained.

Autobahn drives on to the Alma Tavern in Bristol March 15-17, then the Bath Rondo March 28-29, before making a return trip to Swindon on April 15 as part of the Swindon Fringe.

Autobahn will be performed at Swindon’s Shoebox Theatre, in Theatre Square, on Saturday and Sunday nights at 7pm.

Tickets are £10, from www.shoeboxtheatre.org.uk. Suitable for ages 14 plus.

Music marathon from maestros of piano and cello

ENJOY a rare opportunity to hear Beethoven’s entire output for cello and piano in the next event in the Swindon Recital Series.

A duo of concerts take place on Sunday at Swindon Arts Centre, with an afternoon recital at 3.30pm and an evening concert at 7.30pm.

Beethoven’s five sonatas and three sets of variations for cello and piano will be played over the two concerts in order of composition, exploring his musical development over time.

Julian Metzger will play cello, with Paul Turner on piano. Julian Metzger last appeared in Swindon as part of Enigma14 and is something of a specialist in playing Beethoven. He is often praised for giving both technically and musically exciting performances. Drawing on a rare depth of emotions he is described as delivering exhilarating and inspired interpretations whilst faithfully communicating the composer’s message.

Tickets for individual concerts are £16, concessions £13.50, students £3.50, while tickets for accompanied children aged 14 and under are free. Enhance your listening enjoyment with coffee and cake at £3.85. To book, call 01793 524481 or visit swindontheatres.org.uk.

Walk on the wild side of Westonbirt

SWITCH off the mobile, get outdoors and engage with the natural world at Westonbirt Arboretum’s youth club with a difference.

If you are aged 14 to 18, and want to learn more about bushcraft and survival skills, then Wild Westonbirt is the place to go.

Young people will be able to participate in a range of traditional forest and survival skills, including practical conservation, den building, fire lighting, wildlife watching and woodland crafts.

The event takes place on Saturday, 10am till 4pm and participants should wear warm waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes, suitable for the outdoors.

Westonbirt, the National Arboretum, is a historic, Victorian picturesque landscape with an internationally important tree and shrub collection. It is managed by the Forestry Commission and supported by the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum. It has around 2,500 different types of tree from all around the world.

It is free to join Wild Westonbirt, but you need to sign up. To book a place, call 300 067 4854 or emailing karen.price@forestry.gsi.gov.uk