Inside Salisbury: The artist who takes on community art projects + Inspiring events
Plus Studio Theatre Noises Off Review
By Annette J Beveridge
THE NATURAL world is a constant source of inspiration for one Salisbury artist.
Samantha Redmill opened her art gallery in the centre of the Old George Mall seven months ago, and many of the paintings portray aspects of nature.
She said: “I’ve always loved art. I was one of those kids who spent all day Sunday doing their art homework. It was probably the only thing I got lots of praise for. I didn’t ever think I was good enough, and at the back of your mind, you think you won’t make money out of art.”
Samantha may not have been born in Salisbury, but she relishes the natural beauty and wild landscapes in and around the city. Born in Stevenage, she spent her teenage years in Paris moving while halfway through studying for her GCSEs. The experience broadened her perspective, but she admits her ‘heart’ is here now.
The gallery is filled with vibrantly coloured paintings, both small and large, and she uses a variety of mediums in her work. She perseveres until she makes a painting work, but admits some creative projects take a lot longer to complete than others.
Deeply connected to the natural world, Samantha feels she sees things quite differently from other people sometimes.
She said: “I see pink in tree bark, and other colours too, even if just a hint and I want people to see what I see.”
Samantha enjoys pushing her creativity. This can mean using different mediums and techniques. She believes it is her ‘natural curiosity’ that leads to this. It is about taking an instinctive approach to each project, which helps her determine whether to use pastel, oils or acrylics.
Samantha has been a teacher at Bishops Wordsworth School for many years but is now going full-time with her painting and admits she will miss her students.
Starting a new business is always difficult, especially in the creative industry, but to help the transition, Samantha took an art business course.
She said: “All I really want to do is paint, and paint, and paint, but I think I undervalued my work for years. I think also, there was a fear I was going to lose myself, lose the joy of painting when trying to earn money from the business. I promised myself I wouldn’t do that. It’s working so far.”
Samantha enjoys community art projects too and had previously volunteered to paint the mural in Pepys Walk for free. She created a colourful display with a little help from students at Bishop Wordsworth.
She said: “I just wanted to brighten up that wall. People didn’t like walking down there, it was miserable, so I spent 18 months in my spare time working on that.”
The feedback about the mural has been positive. She has also undertaken other murals, including one at Pembroke Park Primary School on Devizes Road and is open to doing more.
Samantha takes an intuitive approach to her work. When she takes on a project, she likes to spend time with the people hiring her to ascertain what is really needed. It is easier to ‘feel’ the project as a result. By contrast, one project that was much harder for her to complete was when the information was sent by email, and she couldn’t meet up with those who hired her.
In addition to painting, Samantha provides morning and evening classes for budding artists, helping them to layer up their paintings and to work with colour. Sometimes, the results are really good and students “can hardly believe the quality art they create”.
Samantha is a people person, it is easy to imagine that the art sessions are fun and relaxed, which makes sense because creativity is healing, relaxing and enjoyable.
But how does Samantha feel about her creative journey to date?
Samantha said: “I did not expect to get this.” She gestured to the gallery. “But I am a big believer in that if you don’t ask, you don’t get.
“I asked for this shop last year as it had been empty for a number of years. It was supposed to be just until Christmas, but I am still here.”
Interested in Samantha’s art classes? Find out more here.
Noises Off Review
COMEDY genius was on offer this week as the curtain lifted on the highly complicated Noises Off play, which took place at the Studio Theatre.
A 1982 farce, Noises Off was crafted by playwright Michael Frayn and requires precision-timing in between scenes. Each actor needs to be in the right place at the right time in a variety of scenarios. Cleverly written, the cast pulled off what must be their most difficult performance to date.
This is a play within a play, so the actors are all playing character actors playing characters. Confused?
The play romps along at a high speed, but there is friction between them and this quickly begins to unfold.
Lloyd Dallas (William Goulding), plays the director, shouting out script reminders while seated within the audience. With frustration rising, he generally has to pander to the actors’ many demands. During these ‘rehearsals’, the plot and the characters create organised chaos.
The play begins with the housekeeper Dotty Otley, (Joanna Daniel) preparing to watch a Royal performance on TV, just her and a plate of sardines. The house owners (Brents) are away in Spain and the house is up for sale, but her peace is soon disturbed. An estate agent played by Jamie Pullen arrives with the gorgeous Brooke Ashton/Vicki, (Sarah Derry), hoping for a secret tryst.
But no one expects the Brents to leave their Spanish hideaway and to turn up without warning. Mayhem ensues.
Selsdon Mowbray, (Paul Chalmers) played the hapless burglar, and Philip Brent/Frederick Fellowes was played by Robert Bridges. Poppy Norton-Taylor - the assistant stage manager was played by Emily Casselton. Flavia Brent/Belinda Blair was played by Rachel Fletcher.
The quirky understudy, set fix-it character was played by Tim Allgood who brought a unique brand of humour to the stage. The role of Garry Lejeune/Roger Tremplemain - estate agent was played by Jamie Pullen, who excelled in this role.
This play had two intervals to allow for set changes, and it enabled us to watch the cast playing their ‘behind the scenes’ characters. Remaining in character, they jostled, argued, and competed for their love interests. Think love, angst, jealousy, and attempted murder. We were all laughing out loud at this point.
This was a sold-out show, and I’m not surprised by that. It may be amateur dramatics, but it’s hard to differentiate between amateur and professional standards. Noises Off is one of the most challenging plays I've seen, and it really was a laugh a minute.
For more information about Studio Theatre, click here.
Studio Theatre photos by Anthony von Roretz/Trinity Photography
Jazz & Crémant with Coco Jazz
Celebrate International Jazz Day with a night of smooth jazz and sparkling Crémant, featuring the incredible Coco Jazz. Sip on fine bubbles and unwind to the soulful sounds of live jazz.
Thursday, July 17.
7.30pm - 10pm.
Les Misérables
The Blackledge Theatre, Godolphin School
July 18-July 20
Performances: 2.30 pm and 7.30 pm
Step into 19th-century France and witness the epic story of Jean Valjean's journey to redemption, Fantine's heart-breaking dreams, and the courage of the revolutionaries fighting for freedom. With unforgettable songs like "I Dreamed a Dream," "On My Own," and "One Day More," this production will leave you moved, inspired, and in awe.
More information here.
Modern Drum Lampshade Class
19th July 2025
1.30pm – 4.30pm
£60 – all materials included.
Design and make your own bespoke drum or cone-shaped lampshade, using hard pic backing. Base size will be 25cm. No sewing required
Email info@bysusanne.co.uk
Turi King, DNA Detective: Using DNA to Uncover the Secrets of our Past
Thursday, July 24
The Salisbury Museum’s popular annual Festival of Archaeology is being launched this year with a talk from the highly acclaimed Professor Turi King. The talk, “DNA Detective: Using DNA to Uncover the Secrets of our Past,” will uncover how DNA has revolutionised genealogy and forensics, helped trace long-lost family members, caught criminals, and made remarkable historical discoveries.
This event is at the Salisbury Methodist Church.
More details here.
Festival of Archaeology, 26-27 July 2025
The Festival of Archaeology 2025 on the weekend of July 26 – 27.
Back with a showground of living history, archaeology, talks, fun and entertainment, another summer weekend at the museum is filled with something for all ages.
Find out more information here.
Out of Line
An exhibition by The Lemon Timers
Saturday, July 26 - Saturday, August 23
This exhibition, named 'Out of Line', forms the building blocks for their various disciplines of paint, mixed media, pottery and print and how they have drawn out of their line drawings using various forms of expression.
Find out more here.
The Challenge of Sustainable Gorilla and Chimpanzee Conservation and Ecotourism
Check out this fascinating talk by Praveen Moman, founder of Volcanoes Safaris and Trustee of the Edward Heath Charitable Foundation, as he explores the complex and urgent challenges of great ape conservation and sustainable ecotourism in East Africa
Tuesday, July 29
Starts at 19.30
Salisbury Museum Lecture Hall
Find out more here.
Bat Night
Wednesday, July 30
8:30 pm - 9:45 pm
Meet in Victoria Park and start with a short introductory talk about bats. There will be a guided walk around the park, hearing and seeing bats (and more!) along the way. Everyone will get a chance to use one of the special bat detectors - a clever piece of kit which brings bats’ high-pitched calls down to a frequency we humans can hear.
£10 - adult. £6 - child.
Or by donation. Pay what you feel.
More information here.
Salisbury Moth Morning
Thursday, July 31
8:30 am - 10:30 am
Join us to learn about and look at moths in the Secret Garden, Bourne Hill.
There will be a short introductory talk about moths and then a look through a moth trap and see what's flown in overnight. Moth species have some incredible and bizarre names, like Setaceous Hebrew Character, Elephant Hawk Moth and Maiden's Blush. Others just look incredible, like Buff Tip (camouflaged to look like a birch twig), Poplar Hawk and Jersey Tiger.
Hot drinks, orange juice, pastries and home-baked muffins will be provided.
£15 - adult. £10 - child.
Or pay by donation - pay what you feel.
More information here.
Salisbury Arts Scene
Sunday, August 3
10am - 4pm
Bringing the best of contemporary arts and hand crafts to the heart of Salisbury!
Find more information here.
Natural Art Family Event at Langford Lakes
Langford Lakes is an inspirational place for nature lovers and now there is a unique workshop available where the art supplies are provided by nature itself. Participants will be guided on a journey to see the world through an artist's eyes, transforming the materials of the landscape into their own personal masterpieces.
This hands-on workshop is an invitation to slow down, look closer, and connect with the environment in a truly creative way. Paints can be created from soft clays and vibrant pigments made from crushed berries and petals.
Wednesday, August 27 10am-12noon
More information here.
Jazz in the Garden
Jazz in the Garden is one of the highlights of Arundells’ event calendar each year. The Golden Eagle Jazz Band will provide an evening of fabulous New Orleans-style jazz that will please all ages. The perfect way to relax after a long day and get those toes tapping.
Bring picnics and chairs and settle in for what promises to be a brilliant evening in the heart of Salisbury’s Cathedral Close.
Friday, August 15
The garden is open from 6 pm. Music from 7.30 pm.
Arundells, Cathedral Close
More information here.