26 weeks and counting

Stained glass window, Tideswell Church. Photo by Dave Pape - see http://commons.wikimedia

We've reached the stage where the start for the next Fringe is closer than the start of the last one. There is plenty of news and we can expect more news to follow soon. Two or three people - who must have blog shaped holes in their lives - have asked me "why so little blogging of late?" Well I didn't want to be making stuff up every week - but from now on most weeks should bring fresh tidings. So let's go.

You probably now by now that Fringe 2010 - the 31st - runs from Wednesday July 7 through to Sunday July 25. We have four entries already -things don't get going in earnest until January - but one of these is likely to be the biggest Fringe event ever! Now as my daughter said to me only the other day "Dad, I've told you a million times - cut the hyperbole." However, the Buxton Military Tattoo will have a cast and audience of hundreds. There will be just two shows - at the Dome on Saturday July 10th. Tickets will be available from the Opera House soon.

Other entries include our dear friends the Tideswell Male Voice Choir. They will be performing twice; at St John's Church, Buxton on July 14th and on their home patch (pictured above) on July 24th.

Finally - in terms of current entries - the library theatre touring company (I think they intend lower case - I'm aware that capital letters are usually used for the names of things, thank you very much) are bringing two shows to the United Reform Church in Hardwick Square. William Douglas Home's romantic comedy The Kingfisher and My Brilliant Divorce(which was a West End hit for Dawn French) will certainly entertain.

If you can't wait until July - and why should you? - Fringe 2009 stars are performing in Buxton in the coming weeks. The wine bar/cafe Beltane has closed sad to say. Two shows there last July got rave reviews. Men Diamler - who is just one chap and a guitar (but is also so much more) - plays at the Orchestra Pit, the Old Hall Hotel on January 30th at 8pm. (Check out his MySpace or Face book pages).

Gilad Atzmon - international sax virtuoso - played with a local quartet at Beltane. He is playing with his Orient House Ensemble as part of the Opera House's Four Four TimeFestival. Gilad plays on February 17th, 8.30pm at the Pavilion Gardens Lounge. This Blog will be there for sure.

If Gilad isn't quite your cup of tea Friends of the Fringe may be found at the Railway Hotel, Bridge Street that night. There is a screening of the film The Edge of Heaven. I'm told that it concerns "a prostitute, her ageing admirer, a radical student, her lesbian lover and a scandalised mother. Set in Germany and Turkey it knits three stories into one elegant, complex drama." Free wine for Friends of the Fringe before the screening. You might need a glass or two afterwards too.

One of our Fringe favourites is Dr Johnny Facade. We won't hide our enthusiasm and affection for one of Buxton's finest. His brand of magic and comedy could be described as unique. Better to say it is fast, witty, clever and entertaining. You'll be amazed. He is at the Pauper's Pit, the Old Hall Hotel on 29/30 January at 7.30. Obviously a clash with Men Diamler - do the magic on 29th and MD on the 30th.


by Keith Savage - 12/01/2010