Stuff and Nonsense return to Quartz with a brand new show telling the story of an emperor who loves clothes more than anything, but, despite a wardrobe the size of Paris, he hasn't got a stitch to wear! With puppets, music and song, this inventive production is a show for all the family.

When two tailors promise to create him an outfit that's "never been seen before", our eccentric emperor doesn't quite realise the spectacle he is about to make.

'Beautiful, engaging theatre for children' Quartz Festival 2015, Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Created using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, with additional support from The Point Eastleigh, Waterside Arts Centre Sale, Theatre Royal Plymouth and The Lyric Theatre Bridport.

Suitable for children of 2 years

THE QUARTZ FESTIVAL 2016

James Pearson is one of the UK's most respected musicians. He is nothing short of a virtuoso with a stunning technique enhanced by an inventiveness and flair that is breathtaking.

Completely at home in multiple musical genres, be it contemporary, jazz or classical, James' fine piano playing and arrangements can be heard on over 50 albums. Perhaps best known as the Artistic Director at the world famous Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London, James has also worked with such luminaries as Dame Cleo Laine, Maria Ewing, Marian Montgomery, Petula Clark, Kevin Spacey, John Wilson, Elvin Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Joss Stone, Dave Stewart, Buddy Greco, Johnny Griffin, Joseph Horowitz, Richard Rodney Bennett, Ray Davies, Jeff Beck and Paul McCartney.

For the festival, James will focus on the song book of jazz giant, Oscar Peterson. Presented with style, panache and musical extravagance, this will be a concert to live long in the memory.

THE QUARTZ FESTIVAL 2016

Known for his extensive repertoire of one-liners, Milton is a regular on our screens in shows such as Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo, Dave's One Night Stand and Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow. The 'wild-haired' Jones comes to Quartz for what promises to be a night to remember!

Supported by Laura Lexx

" Pun-derful Jones leaves audiences gagging for more" Metro

"He's fast, absurd and very funny" Radio Times

"Beautiful one-liners so skilfully sculpted, you don't know whether to laugh or put them on your mantelpiece" The Guardian

Suitable for audiences of 17+

THE QUARTZ FESTIVAL 2016

For 130 years the Treorchy Male Choir has been recognised as one of the greatest choral ensembles of all time. They have toured the world from Canada to Australia, performed at several Royal Command Performances, plus numerous television and radio broadcasts. We are delighted to welcome this world-renowned male voice choir from Wales to the Quartz Festival for the first time.

"To hear the Treorchy Male Choir in full throat is one if the greatest joys of choral music" Melyvn Bragg, broadcaster

THE QUARTZ FESTIVAL 2016

Narrated by Michael Morpurgo.

When reporter Lesley is sent to Venice to interview a world-renowned violinist, the journalist is told that she can ask Paolo Levi anything about his life and career as a musician, but on no account must she ask him the Mozart question; never the Mozart question. Paolo, however has realised he must finally reveal the truth.

Suitable for audiences from 8 years old this unique performance of the story, narrated by Michael Morpurgo and directed by Simon Reade, is beautifully enhanced and embellished with extracts of music by Mozart, Beethoven, Bach and Vivaldi. Featuring Daniel Pioro on violin and string quartet, The Storyteller's Ensemble. Treated with utmost sensitivity for a family audience, The Mozart Question is a story of friendship and family, truth and secrets set against the background of the Holocaust.

THE QUARTZ FESTIVAL 2016

The Jurassic Parody

James Seabright presents Superbolt Theatre's production Dinosaur Park (The Jurassic Parody).

This laugh-out-loud spin on Spielberg's classic Jurassic Park is an award-winning theatrical celebration of cinematic nostalgia. Welcome to the unlikely setting of Lyme Regis Community Centre, where the Park family embark on a journey to a misty past. When things go wrong, family feuds are faced with the 'raptor-ous' roar of DIY dinosaurs!

Superbolt Theatre's five-star production is an epic adventure of show-stopping, spine-tingling theatrics and megalithic mayhem.

"Will make you chuckle your human-hide off. A brilliantly nutty and nostalgic affair." Time Out

"Spielberg should be amused and touched by what this young trio have produced ... both irreverent and reverent." The Times

"Hilarious and touching." The Edinburgh List

Sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe, London and Australia!

Suitable for audiences of 8 years +

THE QUARTZ FESTIVAL 2016

This stunning chamber ensemble, featuring vocalists Sarah Owen and Kate Westbrook together with an 11-piece band, presents a concert of extraordinary 20th century music. The programme features William Walton's jaunty settings of Edith Sitwell's poetry 'Facade 2' and Luciano Berio's 'Folk Songs', collected from around the world, alongside music by Kurt Weill, Vaughan Williams and Master of the Queen's Music, Judith Weir.

'Brilliant, tight, disciplined playing and dazzling vocals…'

THE QUARTZ FESTIVAL 2016

The Jailbreak Tour

Closing the Festival this year is the world's leading tribute to the legendary Blues Brothers. Celebrating over 30 years of The Blues Brothers phenomenon, this explosive non-stop party night is packed with over 40 of the greatest Blues, Motown and Soul songs from both of The Blues Brothers movies - and plenty of laughs too!

THE QUARTZ FESTIVAL 2016

With MARK DAVIS, former Somerset and England 'A' cricketer who played alongside Ian Botham, Joel Garner, Viv Richards and Martin Crowe. Mark went on to coach budding professional and international cricketers including Craig Kieswetter, Kieran Powell, James Hildreth and Max Waller to name a few.

These hour-long coaching sessions with Mark, can be booked as private individual sessions, shared sessions for two players or groups sessions for four players.

Old Queenian, Philip Tebb, joins the orchestra as soloist, singing Mahler and Mozart. The programme also includes Dvorak's ever popular New World Symphony.

Verdi - Force of Destiny

Songs by Mahler and Mozart - soloist Philip Tebb

Dvorak - New World Symphony

Conductor - David Hedges

Leader - Alex Ennis

We are delighted to welcome, Southern Sinfonia, to perform in the recently refurbished Queen's Hall. This stunning chamber orchestra will present a delightful programme:

Mozart - Overture 'Don Giovanni'

Rodrigo - Concierto de Aranjuez

Soloist - Craig Ogden

Craig Ogden plays all over the world, regularly appearing at the Proms and top concert halls. He is the first choice of many international orchestras whenever they perform Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez and we are absolutely delighted he will be performing this very concerto at the Southern Sinfonia's inaugural concert.

This iconic musical, Made in Dagenham, is based on the 2010 BAFTA nominated film. The rowdy, thoroughly British comedy musical centres around a group of female workers at Ford's Dagenham plant who go on strike to fight inequality of pay for women.

Presented by Queen's College Senior School.

A concert to celebrate freedom; the freedom of the spirit in Beethoven's monumental Eroicia Symphony and the freedom of the bird in The Lark Ascending by Vaughan Williams.

Beethoven Symphony No 3 'Eroica'

And works by Vaughan Williams and Mozart

Conductor - David Hedges

Leader and soloist - Alex Ennis

Sunday 4 December - St Mary's Church, Chard

Sunday 11 December - St Mary's Church, Taunton

Get in the festive spirit with this delightful Christmas show presented by students aged from 11 - 15 years. With festive music, dance and drama, this is the perfect 'snowy' start to Christmas.

Tickets are free but please book in advance so that we have an idea of numbers!

A seasonal selection of choir pieces and congregational carols for all the family.

Proceeds from this concert will go to Cancer Research.

Stop Press ... Tickets: Adults £5, Students £1

Led by Mark Davis, former professional Somerset and England 'A' cricketer.

Two half-day sessions of fun, enjoyable and rewarding cricket coaching for all range of abilities.

Exercises designed to improve all round game and individual confidence.

Batting, bowling and fielding skill drills and games.

Monday 19 & Tuesday 20 December

9.30am - 12noon for 6 - 8 year olds

1.00pm - 3.30pm for 9 - 12 year olds

Specialist one-on-one, two-on-one or four-on-one coaching sessions for all range of abilities. These hour long sessions, led by former Somerset and England 'A' cricketer, Mark Davis, will tackle batting, bowling, fielding skill drills and match scenarios.

Soloist Rebecca Chmabers joins the orchestra for a delightful programme including:

Elegy for Viola & strings - Howells

The Perfect Fool - Holst

Third Mode Melody - Tallis

Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis - Vaughan Williams

Harold in Italy by Berlioz

St James Church, Taunton

The SCO return to Queen's College with a popular programme including:

Overture Barber of Saville - Rossini

Serenade for Wind - Dvorak

Symphony No 2 - Brahms