You shouldn't come to Buxton for the weather and so a slightly damp and drizzly Wednesday in July is no problem. (You need only be here for about 20 minutes before someone will tell you of the day that county cricket was stopped because of snow one afternoon in the 1970s - in truth they may have left the field to protect Derbyshire from a hammering at the hands of Michael Holding. We digress - no cricket today, perhaps some bowls).
The fact that the Fringe happens at all always seems like a minor miracle to me. One day Buxton is minding its own business and the next it is transformed. For those of us ready for an early start there was a fascinating tour of the newly-dressed wells. (Second and final tour on Thursday 10th sadly). Tonight there is a bit of a 'do' at Underground Venues. If I can remember anything of that it will be reported tomorrow.
Anyway, what is there to look forward to between now and the weekend? For those new to Buxton it may be worth pointing out that the next few days represent the highlight in the annual calendar (for some at least). The Market Place has been taken over by the Fun Fair (market as normal next Tuesday - 15th) and on Saturday afternoon (12th) there is the Carnival, which is basically a procession of floats and bands through the town. There will be a Fringe Float - mostly orange - of course. Good viewing spots are along Burlington Road (adjacent to the Pavilion Gardens) or in the High Street (just south of the Market Place). You'll want to be in place by 2pm.
Thursday (10th) sees some comedy and theatre atUnderground Venues (UV henceforth). This may well be the last year that we'll see this venue in use - it depends on redevelopments associated with the Crescent and the Spa facilities. So don't miss the chance to enjoy the atmosphere. The Barrel Room should be very cosy for comedy and the Pauper's Pit redefines intimate when it comes to theatre.
The other main theatre venue is at the Old Clubhouse - opposite the Opera House. Martin Beard - brilliantly assisted by a band of youth - has run Nice Venues for what seems like forever. Martin may confirm this. The productions there are invariably of a high standard. On Friday (11th) the Young Rec are putting on three short plays and a new play, Fringe Benefits, opens.
Tim Mottershead, the Project Adorno (see Q&A for more on these) make their debuts for the year on Friday. There is Salsa at the Railway Hotel and the splendid choir Cantores Novae at St John's Church. So much choice. Get out there!
by Keith Savage - Published 09/07/2008
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