Back and raring to go

Buxton Military Tattoo - 2010. www.buxtontattoo.org.uk

In 8 months time Buxton Festival Fringe 2011 will be coming to an end. Blimey! We'd better dig up the last artichokes, prepare the compost heaps, oil the shears and concentrate on matters artistic.

No one sits around waiting for news to appear on this Blog so you should know much of the following - but let's establish a few facts shall we?
 

1] The Buxton Opera Festival 2011 runs from Saturday 9 July - Wednesday 27 July. Among the operas are Donizetti's Maria di Rohan and Handel's Saul. The literature festival will include Roy Hattersley talking about David Lloyd George we gather. Keep up-to-date at www.buxtonfestival.co.uk
 

2] The Buxton Festival Fringe has slightly different dates - Wednesday 6 July to Sunday 24 July. We have a re-designed web site in response to customer feedback. It looks more like the printed programme in style and we hope people find it even easier to use. You know where to find it: www.buxtonfringe.org.uk
 

3] The Fringe 2011 officially opens for bookings on December 1st - but intending entrants can be making plans. Indeed one entrant has done more than that: one of last year's big successes was the Military Tattoo. Well it's back - bigger and better. It sold out in double quick time last year so avoid disappointment in 2011 by booking now. There will be two shows - both on Saturday 9 July; the first at 2.00pm and the second at 6.00pm. Tickets from the Opera House or from the Tattoo organisers. Go to www.buxtontattoo.org.uk for full details.
 

4] Fringe 2011 will be in all the usual venues - The Pauper's Pit in the Old Hall will be in use again. (There is always some anxiety that the re-development of the Crescent may have knock on effects). Buxton's shiniest new venue - the Pavilion Arts Centre - might also be hosting some events; let's keep our fingers crossed and hope that this can happen.
 

5] While you are waiting for the second Fringe 2011 entry there is plenty you could be doing in and around town. Consider the following:

• Graham Clark the legendary jazz violinist is playing every Thursday at the New Inn on the Market Place - starting at 9pm. He'll be joined by a top pianist and no doubt some mates will be passing by. Check out Graham's website www.grahamviolin.com
• Club Acoustic - Buxton's premier regular live music gig is moving to The Sun Inn - just south of the Market Place. Things start there at 9pm on Wednesday 24 November (and every second and fourth Wednesday thereafter). It's very snug in The Sun so don't leave it until too late.
• If film is your cup of tea then there are things being screened at a number of venues across the High Peak (four venues in Buxton plus Whaley Bridge, Chinley, New Mills and Glossop). Go to www.buxtonfilm.org.uk to check the detailed listings.

We understand that the Art Trail - which was a huge success in 2010 - won't be back until 2012. The organisers say that the event is so demanding of their time that they wouldn't have time to produce art to exhibit on an annual basis. So it will be biennial. However, you will be able to keep track of what some of the artists are up to at the Art Trail website which should go live soon.

by Keith Savage - Published 20/11/2010

Last Hurrahs

Some shows arrive today (Friday 23rd) and in some cases it's for one night only. So careful planning is required if you are to see these music events - you can't possibly see them all sorry to say:
Seachanges - three shows over the next three days at the Methodist Church 3-4pm sung by Susie Self with cello harmonies by Michael Christie;
Derbyshire County Youth Orchestra - at the Octagon tonight with a big Russian programme, this will be good value at £5;
Gill Sweeting & Not the Blue Cheese Tarts - at the Palace Hotel (Haddon Room) local, good-time bluesy stuff - pleasure pretty much guaranteed;
Margaret Ferguson - a stunning soprano voice accompanied by Jonathan Ellis and performing at the Methodist Church tonight. Margaret has a strong regional following and if you've heard her varied repertoire you'd know why.
Tough choices to be made there.

On the theatrical front some shows that are still running are catching the ears and eyes:
Hotel Europa at the Marquee - 5.45-6.35 - isn't the easiest theatrical experience but everyone who has seen it has been glad to have been part of the event;
also at the Marquee is Black Box Theatre with their brand-new show The Inconsistent Whisper of Insanity; 

The Clock Master - Pauper's Pit today, tomorrow and Sunday - has impressed a lot of people. The darkest show for Families on the Fringe;
Turned Out Nice Again is at the Methodist Church Hall on Saturday - a slightly sweeter view of family life.

There is a new play opening the United Reformed Church at 6pm tonight - Somewhere Between Six and Seven it is called and it is. The company producing this worked inventively on Fringe Sunday promoting the show which explores 'the extraordinary lives of the ordinary'.

On Saturday there will be a performance of Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610 (at 16:10 in St John's). Earlier in the day you could have heard Keith Smith's final Jake Thackray show in the Barrel Room from 1-2pm. After Monteverdi trot up to the Methodist Church for a piano cavalcade with Jonathan Ellis (again).

Spend no more time reading this - there's a show to catch.

by Keith Savage - Published 23/07/10

The King is Back - Long Live the King

We had one Elvis on Fringe Sunday - and you can see him again on 23 July at the Grove Hotel in Come Back to Blackpool, Karen Carpenter.

Confusingly, you can also see Elvis in Are You Lonesome Tonight? in the Pauper's Pit. A bit like Father Christmas we'll have Elvises popping-up all over the place. Here's a bit more about Are You Lonseome Tonight? - which open on 21 July.

In the year he would have turned 75, a new play about the tour Elvis Presley never did is coming to Underground Venues for this year’s Buxton Festival Fringe, ahead of a five day stint at Edinburgh including the 33rd anniversary of Elvis' death.

Based on real events ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight?’ begins on 16 August 1977. Dwight and Leanne Carter are on a journey from Memphis to Portland. It’s the day before their twentieth wedding anniversary, and their marriage has been going through a rocky patch. Dwight has decided that the best way to save their marriage is to get them tickets for all twelve dates of a tour by the man whose music brought them together. Sadly for Dwight, fate is set to intervene before he gets the chance to find out whether this was really such a good idea after all.

Denied, or spared, the chance to see him live, they have to decide whether to do the tour without Elvis, or go home to an uncertain future. Whatever they decide, their marriage depends on it, and, even after his death, Elvis holds the key to their future happiness.

Are You Lonesome Tonight? looks at how the music we grow up with can define our lives for far longer than we realise. The play is directed by Howie Ripley, cast are Alison Green (Leanne) and Andy Moseley (Dwight). The play is written by Andy Moseley. Originally a half hour piece, It won the Stagecoach Trophy for original work at the 2010 Elmbridge Drama Festival, and was performed at the Oxfringe Festival in April.

The Buxton shows are the first performances of a new extended version of the play, which takes the action forward to the next day, and 5 years later to show what happened to Dwight and Leanne, and whether or not they took the trip round the places Elvis never reached.

by Keith Savage - Published 20/07/2010

Last Minute Comedy

Some intriguing comedy arriving for 23/24 July at Underground Venues.

From Sheffield is The So Be It Union. I liked this name - but they're going for a re-brand. See the very sensible answers to some dubious questions below.

1] The So Be It Union - well there is some sense of political awareness there. Is your comedy in any way political? If so call you tell us more?
Haha, our unfortunately-punny moniker for Buxton seemed like a good idea amid the joy of this year's New Year celebrations but there's not much more to read into than that. In fact, we're heading towards a name change after Buxton - Dark Matters.

As for the So Be It Union's political comedy, we have a few history and politics graduates in our cast, but its important to us that our show has a lot of variety of subject matter and styles. Political comedy can come off a bit contrived and can date quickly. We'd hate to exclude any audience members with a political message - just pop along, have a laugh with us and hopefully we can all head back home with smiles on our faces -  even that could be a bit too political in these austere times?

2] Can we expect much punning and wordplay?
Wordplay is a quality of our show but its only one facet. We've got some physical sketches, visual gags, music, everything you could want really. However, if the lovely well town of Buxton wants puns, then who are we to pull the plug?

3] What other sources do you use for your comedy?
Our group originally met while forming The Shrimps, Shef Uni's first improvised comedy troupe, so our improv background definitely informs the writing process and gives us the chance to give a unique twist to each performance. There's a quirky mixture of sketches in our show that draw inspiration from all sorts of areas, from the observational to the more whimsical. Our 2009 comedy play at Buxton, 'What On Earth Is A Runcible Spoon?' allowed us to develop a narrative through different sketches and this is something we were conscious of with this show.
 
4] Is there anything you wouldn't try to get a laugh out of?
It would be nice to say that we wouldn't try to get a laugh out of long-since crumbled Eastern European empires but we so blantantly failed in that objective. Obviously there's humour to be found in things that people wouldn't normally laugh at, but its more important to strike a balance between that and not offending people unnecessarily. It's all too easy and not very clever to chose 'nasty' comedy; but it's more fun to perform a show that doesn't need to go down that route. Hopefully, that's what we've achieved.

5] Any comedians/writers you especially like? What about those that are rated - but you just don't get the point of?
There's a great community of young comedy troupes in the UK at the moment and we really enjoy mixing with talented comedians at festivals like Buxton. Naturally, we're looking forward to catching The Noise Next Door's new improv show, and there's a number of great sketch troupes like the Edinburgh-staples Pappy's and the Penny Dreadfuls that are a shining example of the best of live comedy. All 6 of us have our individual tastes and this definitely contributes to the variety in our show.
We'd hate to start any comedian feuds, so we'll maintain a diplomatic silence on the other half of the question! There's our political element coming through again!

Following a world tour Phil Buckley is back with 'Jokes Not Included'. Bit like a pub with no beer if you ask me. This is what he says:

Did you ever hear the one about the comedian who doesn’t tell jokes?

After touring the world with shows in Australia, New Zealand and America, critically acclaimed Bury comic Phil Buckley returns with his exciting new show.

Back by popular demand, rafter his hit shows “Stroke The Panda” (2007) & “Laughable” (2008) & “Stupid World Tour” (2009), Phil has a new subject to laugh at for 2010 and that is stand-up comedy itself

Phil is a different kind of comic, he doesn't tell jokes just hilarious stories. This show is not only stories it's true stories about his life as a comic, listen to stories of gigs gone wrong and how he nearly quite to only come back stronger

Face becoming a familiar face with regular appearances on TV & radio, Phil is widely regarded as a rising star of the comedy circuit and one to watch.

Phil Buckley is an original act with a different approach to stand up, so join him for a brand new hour of stand-up without jokes, just true stories and real laughs, filled with hilarious observations and anecdotes, this is a show you’d be crazy to miss.

“Top-class”
Time Out
“Just keeps getting better”
The Skinny
“I think I love Phil Buckley. Hilarious. Long may his career last”
edfringe.com
“Downright hilarious. Interspersed with savvy observations”
Three Weeks
“Just keeps getting better”
The Skinny
“Hilarious anecdotes”
The Weekly News
“An air of slick expertise pervaded his whole act, with a cool, unhurried delivery and a likeable demeanour”
Steve Bennett - Chortle


PPS Not quite comedy - but not quite straight either - is Bane and Bane 2. Tom Crawshaw rates these shows very highly - and the short run finishes at Underground Venues on Thursday July 22nd. See both shows for £12

by Keith Savage - Published 20/07/2010

Still time

Much of the Visual Art that is part of Fringe 2010 has been open for viewing every day. There is a risk, therefore, that you think "See that tomorrow". Well there ain't many tomorrows left. One such event is the High Peak Artists' & Craft Workers' Association show. Read on:

VISUALS FROM VERSE
Pottery inspired by Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’, photography inspired by the poetry of William Blake and a painting inspired by the prose of Dylan Thomas. These are just a few of the items from an inspiring art & craft exhibition entitled ‘Visuals from Verse’ which combines artistic creations with famous (and not so famous) words from literature.
Over 30 artists & craftspeople were challenged to produce a piece of work inspired by poetry or prose and the results make this exhibition truly unique and one which shouldn’t be missed.
The exhibition features classical and contemporary works and items on display include: paintings, etchings, linocuts, photography, textiles, jewellery, calligraphy, embroidery, batik & silk paintings, ceramics & wood.
Among the artists taking part are Rob Wilson, Sandra Orme, Jill Kerr, Paul Tavernor, Kathy MacMillan, Pauline Townsend, Catriona Hall, Yvonne Oates, photographer Dave Butcher, potter Andy Phillips, textile artist Claire de Ruiter and many more.
This exhibition is a treat for art & literature lovers alike.
‘Visuals from Verse’ takes place upstairs in the Art Café at the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton and is open every day from July 7th – 31st.


If you haven't been to Buxton Museum yet there is the Derbyshire Open exhibition to see on the first floor. An excellent range of work inspired by life in Derbsyhire. On the ground floor John & Carole Dronsfield have a display of work resulting from a sojourn - no, an adventure - in New Zealand.

The excellent bookshop at Brierlow Bar - two miles south of town on the A515 (Ashbourne Road)  - has a photographic exhibition (plus thousands of books, many at discounted prices).

Transition Buxton is an increasingly influential movement in the town. Transition is politics with a small 'p' I guess but it seeks to get us to rethink how we live on this planet and conserve the resources available to us. The results of a recent photography competition can be seen at the Grove Hotel.

One of the undoubted 'hits' of Fringe 2010 was the launch of the Buxton Art Trail. Thirty four venues displayed the work of over 70 artists. You've missed the weekend when the whole art trail was open but some work can still be seen. Check the programme/website carefully for dates and times but you might still be able to see:
4 Artists at the Robin Hood - London Road (near the Esso station)
Suzanne Pearson's new exhibition 'Connections' at 54 Brown Edge Road
Earthworks - new ceramics by 5 Potters - at Midas on Clough Street
Martin Olsson, Mister Hope and Kelly Dyson at Apertures, 51 High Street
Louise Jannetta - behind the Chair Shop, 24 Dale Road
Adi Brown & Langley Brown's new show, Mirrorfragmentechno at 18 White Knowle Road.

Finally on the arts/crafts front - The Great Dome Art Fair takes place in the Dome, University of Derby (I probably ought to acknowledge at least once on this Blog that the University has been the main sponsor of the Fringe for a number of years now) this coming weekend. All these events are free! The best bargain in town.
 

by Keith Savage - Published 20/07/2010

More juggling - Italian Style

The headline might look like a cryptic crossword clue - if you think you have the solution then please let us know.
 

I've been frantically going through my very dog-eared copy of the Fringe Programme trying to work out what I need to do over the next 5 days to see all the shows I want to before the end of Fringe 2010. There are some shows coming to the end of their run - but there many still to arrive in town.
 

One that intrigued me - when the entry was first received back in the spring - was La Favola dei Saltimbanchi. I was intrigued because I didn't understand the title but closer inspection provided a helpful translation, The Jugglers' Tale. We're talking about a company from Roma here. The other intriguing thing was the promise of juggling in Poole's Cavern. I imagined some excitement as dislodged stalactites became additional juggling clubs. However, the venue is in fact The Marquee at Poole's Cavern (though the roof isn't that much higher). Anyway my point is don't hang around waiting for the reviews and the gossip - they're here for just two days, 23/24 July. Looks like a cracking show for the family - clowning and juggling with a story to boot.
 

Also at The Marquee - though starting on July 22nd are old Fringe friends and favourites Black Box Theatre Co. They are premiering a new show in Buxton so we can't tell you much about it. The Inconsistent Whisper of Insanity - well the title tells you something but the programme says a bit more: "If at 15 you 'slept' to wake at 76, to what ends would you go to find out what happened in those 'lost years'?" I haven't got an answer to the question myself - only one way to find out. If you haven't seen Black Box before - well, they're terrific.

by Keith Savage - Published 20/07/2010

Nice Again

Shows listed under "For Families" in the Fringe programme are sometimes passed by by people who haven't got young children. A great shame, then, if you've overlooked Turned Out Nice Again which is at the Buxton Methodist Church - final performances on 24th July.


Opening on the 21st is The Clock Master which looks promising.

Don’t listen to stories, they’re dangerous tender… for who wants a life of mystery and adventure?

When a stubborn young girl enters a shop of clockwork wonders looking to sell her pocket watch she soon finds herself taken on a magical journey by trickster-storyteller, the Clock Master. Stories of minstrels and monkeys! Of clockwork girls and paper birds! Yet there is a real twist in the tail when she discovers the true nature of her mysterious trinket. What will she decide to do?

”…a real treat… I really hope to see more from this multi-talented troop of actors, storytellers, puppeteers and musicians. Enchanting.”

Lady in The Dark, Oct 2009 - Julia Rank, Theatre and literary critic

“Wonderfully enchanting storytelling and puppetry… One not to be missed.”
***** Five Stars Eirini Kartsaki for Remotegoat, June 2010

Very different - but also opening on 21st July at the Marquee, Poole's Cavern is Hotel Europa

Europe : 3 families, 3 countries … many stories

Following their sell-out performance at London’s BAC as part of The Accidental Festival 2010, inprocess collective, a group of international artists from Portugal, the Czech Republic and UK, will be appearing in The Buxton Festival Fringe at Nice Venues Marquee at Poole’s Cavern Grounds with their new adaptation of HOTEL EUROPA from 21st to 24th July at 5:45pm. The group have appeared previously at Surge 2.0 in London, on tour in the Czech Republic, at the Arnolfini in Bristol and to critical acclaim on the Brighton Festival Fringe in May this year.
“three skilled performers … push away any comfort zones – emotionally and physically – to make us really think (and feel), and they succeeded. Thought-provoking, innovative and important, Inprocess Collective is one to watch.”
- Monica Perdoni, The Latest

Sitting between theatre and live art, inprocess collective offer their audiences, immersive, experimental, intimate and truthful entertainment which touches the intellect and the heart.
“the perfect balance of skill and passion, risk and structure”
- Anna Furse, theatre maker and academic

Finally, for now, opening in the Pauper's Pit on 20th July is The Morning After The Night Before
More than a third of British adults drink over the safe daily alcohol limit,” - The Guardian

You’re sixteen and invincible. Your exams are over. Your school days up and tonight…
There’s going to be a party.
One night to do the things you never dared, one night to let it all go, one night to make it count.
TONIGHT YOU DON’T CARE!
Tonight, is going to be messy.

After a successful tour to local Nottingham schools performing their previous show CBA, Craft Theatre Company would like you to join us in celebrating our 1st anniversary you at the Buxton Fringe.

It’s Keith’s sixteenth birthday and tomorrow he receives his GCSE results. Too old now for balloons and cake his loving parents, who are attending a wedding for the weekend, leave Keith home alone.

TMATNB tells the story of a group of teens at a summer house party. Expect booze, flirting, fighting, jumping, smashing, sicking, falling, peeing and in-your-face excitement. After all the mess and confusion, at some point we all have to learn. Even if you cross your fingers. Even if you say you’re sorry. Even if you didn’t mean it. Some hangovers never go away.

I don’t know about you, but teenagers scare the s**t out of me

Craft Theatre Company is a youth theatre with a difference. The group made up of 15-16 year olds make totally ensemble modern theatre of which they have complete ownership. The kids delight in learning new skills and ways of presenting their ideas on stage. Craft is a place where everyone is free to express their feelings, questions and opinions artistically.

Craft gives you something you cannot learn in school.

Craft was set up by two Hull University graduates in July 2009 with the intention to make honest youth theatre about relevant, funny and cutting issues that challenge our perception of our society. We are incredibly excited about bringing Craft to the Buxton experience.

by Keith Savage - Published 19/07/2010