If Martin Beard at Nice Venues - www.nicevenues.co.uk - represents something of the history and tradition of drama at the Buxton Festival Fringe then the new kids on the block are just around the corner at the Old Hall Hotel. Tom Crawshaw and Yaz Al-Shaater are far too young and talented to expect compliments from the likes of me. Enough to say that their talent is matched only by their flair for managing with such calm efficiency Underground Venues.
I can't possibly list all that they have crammed into three venues for this year's Fringe - you'll need to check out their website www.undergroundvenues.co.uk to see all that is on. (If green is your favourite colour you'll be OK - if not it might seem that you're drowning in a swamp). Two of their venues are in the bowels of the Old Hall Hotel. The brick-vaulted cellar that is the Barrell Room is an intimate space for music and comedy. There is also a bar, staffed by yet more young and good-looking people (do they have to make the point so obviously?) Not far away - but tricky to get to - is The Pauper's Pit, a 40-seat cinema and theatre. Neither venue will appeal to the claustrophobe - but if you want to be part of the drama it is the place to be.
The third underground venue is, thankfully for some, clearly above ground and naturally lit. Last year the hall at Buxton Infant School hosted a stunning, award-winning production of David Mamet's play Oleanna. One of the newest venues in the Fringe the school is just a few minutes walk up the hill from the Crescent.
by Keith Savage - Published 06/05/2007
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