Styled heading

Jazz on the Tea Lawn
Deirdre Cartwright's Picnic

Deirdre Cartwright - Guitar

Deirdre Cartwright is a London based guitarist and composer who first became well known in the 1980s for presenting the BBC TV’s ground breaking series 'Rockschool' and for playing in the Afro Latin Jazz group 'The Guest Stars' along with Alison Rayner. They recorded three albums and toured in 17 countries. She has recorded five albums with her own Deirdre Cartwright Group, played with legendary guitarist Tal Farlow, studied in America with Mick Goodrick, toured with the Jamaican composer Marjorie Whylie, and presented on BBC Radio 3.

"If there is a more complete guitarist in contemporary music than Deirdre Cartwright – I’d like to know who it is." - The Observer

Annie Whitehead - Trombone

Trombone virtuoso best known for her engaging mix of African grooves, blues, ska and Ellingtonian expressionism. One of the UK's brightest and most versatile trombone players, Annie Whitehead has played on over 50 albums.

“One of the most eclectic and versatile trombonists to come out of the British jazz scene.” - Time Out

Alison Rayner - Bass

Bassist and composer Alison Rayner, leads the multi award-winning quintet ARQ who are widely celebrated from several years of extensive UK and European touring – and critically acclaimed for three albums. ARQ won the best ensemble in the 2018 Parliamentary Jazz Awards, Alison won the 2019 Ivor Novello Composer Award for best small group composition. 

"Playing bass with a big, beautiful bass sound that comes from the heart… characterized by individuality, spirit and a sense of freedom." - Val Wilmer, author, As Serious as Your Life

Winston Clifford - Drums

Winston Clifford is one of Britain's leading jazz drummers with an international reputation. He has worked with Courtney Pine, Carmen Lundi, Art Farmer, Jason Rebello, Iain Ballamy, Julian Joseph, Andy Sheppard, Jean Toussaint, Orphy Robinson, Bobby Watson, Monty Alexander, Archie Shepp, Birelli Lagrene and Joey Calderazzo.

This performance will take place on the Tea Lawn at the back of Lauderdale House. 

If you would like to sit together, please book together, as this allows us to assign each booking a socially distanced space.

Chairs will not be provided so please bring either a picnic blanket or a chair to make yourself comfortable. Audience members with chairs will be seated behind those on the ground to make sure that everyone has a good view. If you are booking as a group, the whole group will need to be on chairs or on blankets, rather than a mixture of the two.

We have a limited number of picnic tables and benches (see map below) available as group tickets – book these early to avoid disappointment. 

If you have a disability or any special requirements please get in touch with us so that we can best accommodate you.

Weather

The performance will continue regardless of the weather unless unsafe. Please plan for all eventualities and remember to bring a waterproof layer and a warm jumper. We prefer waterproofs to umbrellas because umbrellas can obstruct views. Don’t forget that if you are on a blanket the ground may be wet so make sure you have a blanket with a waterproof side or bring a plastic sheet. There are no refunds for shows cancelled due to the weather.

Food and Drink

The cafe/bar will be open selling light snacks and drinks before the performance starts and during the interval.

You are also welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy on the Tea Lawn as you watch the performance. 

COVID-19 Precautions

Although the government has lifted many of the requirements around COVID-19 isolation rules, we are aware that many of our visitors are vulnerable and we want everyone to feel safe and comfortable. As such, we are continuing to provide hand sanitiser at our entrances, keep windows open to increase ventilation where possible, and maintaining our reduced capacity of 80%. As audience members, we ask that you do not attend if you are showing symptoms or are testing positive, and that you wear a face covering if possible. If you have any concerns, please contact us on 020 8348 8716 and we will do our best to accommodate you.