A treat for your eyes and ears...
“Full of delicacy, precision and gentle delight”
The Guardian “An affectionate paean to her home country but one with themes and stories that will strike resonances wherever your roots may have formed” Folk Radio UK “Her voice is full of warmth and intimacy, and when it really soars you quickly find yourself swept away with it.” FATEA “A strong, crystal clear voice...an act to watch” Bristol 24/7 |
Ellie GowersEllie is a songwriter and guitarist from Warwickshire. What grew from a childhood love of literature and traditional folk song is a carefully crafted and emotionally mature catalogue of original material, with references to artists including Joni Mitchell and Nick Drake.
Bringing to the stage a strong voice full of expression and maturity, her songs are written with sociological, ecological, and personal themes in mind. These songs at times are sensitive and tender, but are not without the fiery and darker discourse that have labelled Ellie as dynamic and one to watch. Towards the end of 2022, her highly anticipated debut album Dwelling by the Weir was released. An album that weaves the past, present, and future together. It is an exploration of the folklore, stories, and people that made her pastoral home county of Warwickshire what it is today. With success already from the single release Against the Tide and a TEDx Talk that followed, Ellie entered 2021 with a brand new EP Parting Breath, The EP pays homage to Robert Burns’ Auld Lang Syne, and received rave reviews and extensive radio play. In 2022, Ellie was involved in the composing of music for a BBC Radio 3 production in March, and toured the UK as Blair Dunlop’s special guest on his 20 date UK spring tour. Her highly anticipated debut album Dwelling by the Weir was released in September alongside a successful UK launch tour. Ellie can also be found nestled in ‘Birmingham’s premier folk supergroup’, Filkin’s Ensemble. Forged at the end of 2020 after a successful video release of their ‘Arthur McBride’ rendition, this folk-meets-classical ensemble are set for an exciting 2023. Saturday 16th September, 7.30pm Tickets £12 Online sales via www.wegottickets.com/event/585697/ |
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Made2Measure Theatre Co presents
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“An extraordinary collaboration between two musicians at the absolute top of their game. This is an adventure that takes in musical detours you'd be mad to ignore” Tradfolk
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Knight and SpiersThe exquisite explorations of the liminal space that exists between traditional and classical music is what makes the music of Peter Knight and John Spiers so compelling and beguiling, ultimately rendering genres irrelevant.
The duo has developed into one of the most thrilling exponents of traditional tunes and songs, repurposing the material as jumping-off points into the most enchanting exploration. It’s largely through touring as a duo that they’ve been able to develop what has become an extraordinary partnership, giving them the confidence to record their latest studio album, Both in a Tune. Released in 2022, it was chosen as one of the ‘10 Best New Albums from Around the World’ by the influential music journal, SONGLINES. While Peter Knight, as part of Steeleye Span’s classic 1970s line-up, helped invent a brand of folk rock that is still influential today, John Spiers as co-founder of the almighty Bellowhead has had an equally profound impact on the landscape of traditional music over the last two decades. These two virtuoso performers bring the heft of that combined experience and knowledge to Wingfield Barns this summer. Wednesday 16th August, 7.30pm Tickets £18 Online sales via www.wegottickets.com/event/581997/ |
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Jackie and the Beans TalkBecky, Catherine, Claire, Julie, Karen, Pen and Tony are a group of friends from Laxfield. They like nothing better than to don unflattering outfits and act out stories...
You may have seen their local history shows, From Laxefelda to Laxfield and Laxfield's Henry. In this new play, written by Catherine, you will meet some almost-familiar characters in a vaguely recognisable version of a fable for our times. Jackie & The Beans Talk is a timely conversation about the pointlessness of the pursuit of more, more, more... Expect songs, humour, a sideways nod at pantomime - and (so as not to disappoint our regular audiences) - maybe even a little bit of Meat Loaf. Friday 7th July, 7.30pm Tickets £10 Online sales via www.wegottickets.com/event/579471 |
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Bof! Workshop and DanceBOF! is an established East Anglian band with considerable experience in playing traditional French and Breton dance music. They have a vast experience of playing at clubs and festivals and for specialist dance groups in England and France. The members of BOF! play a variety of authentic instruments and sing.
Their line-up is: • Simon Haines diatonic accordions • Phil Lyons acoustic guitar / bass guitar / vocals • Gwendal Moële vocals • Val Woollard bagpipes / flute / recorders / desk bells Bof!’s performance at Wingfield Barns will begin with a dance workshop to teach some of the simpler French and Breton dances. After a break, they will play for an evening “bal”. The songs and instrumentals they play is equally suitable for dancing and listening to, so in addition to a dance space, there will be a seated area for non-dancers. There is more information about Bof! on their website where you can hear samples of their music. www.bof-frenchdance.co.uk Running times are as follows: 16.30-18.30 Workshop 18.30-19.30 Break 19.30-22.00 Concert/Dance Saturday 10th June 2023 Workshop only £5 Concert only £12 Workshop and concert £15 Online sales via www.wegottickets.com/event/554819 |
"...stunning harmonies that were so good it reminded me of seeing Gillian Welch and David Rawlings”
No Depression "It is so rare an opening act rival the main performance but that is exactly what the seamless harmony singing Black Feathers achieved” Jumpin’ Hot Club "The pure emotion and subtle timing of their song delivery is as evident as the enjoyment radiating from their onstage chemistry” 3 Chords and the Truth |
The Black FeathersIf you were of the belief that The Black Feathers are named because of their love of dark humour and the smooth blending of harmony, you’d be wrong.
If you were told that the name is more concerned with recognition of their gentle souls, a predilection for dark clothing and the sonic tumult of the plethora of (mainly US) progressive-metal bands doing mega-business around the world in the 1990s and beyond, you might doubt those who said so, but they would be accurate. You’d be wrong as to the name, BUT you would be utterly correct that the sonic architecture of their lyrics and musical composition takes its imperious scope from a love of blended vocal harmony and idiosyncratic guitar shapes. Americana to some, folk to others, The Black Feathers have those qualities in expansive quantity. Sian Chandler’s soaring, dramatic, melodious but powerful voice is a perfect counterpoint to Ray Hughes’ piquant vocals and his sparkling and occasionally spicy guitar motifs. This is a duo who love what they play and play what they love with panache, humour, delight and rather a lot of commentary on the downside of being a human. Seeing and hearing them will leave you with a smile on your face and a glowing heart of delight. You might not think that is possible when you’ve just spent some time hearing the themes of the songs they lay before an audience but it is testament to their sunny dispositions, infectious laughter and amused self-deprecation that you can only come away from a gig feeling a whole heap better about yourself and life. Friday 9th June, 7.30pm Tickets £15 Online sales via www.wegottickets.com/event/574384/ |
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Wingfield Open Gardens'Residents of Wingfield are pleased to be back on track after the pandemic with their biennial Open Gardens event, this year raising money for St Elizabeth's Hospice and St Andrew's Church.
Car parking will be here at Wingfield Barns, where there will also be refreshments available and free use of the facilities. Tickets/Guides to be collected from Wingfield Barns, either on the day for £5 per person, or after booking in advance for £4 via www.wegottickets.com/event/575416/ We are proud for our event to be part of St Elizabeth's Hospice The Great Garden Trail 2023'... see here for a map of all the other wonderful events taking place in our area. |
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Open Space Theatre Co. presents
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HighTide RisingWingfield Barns is hosting HighTide Rising, a one-day play reading festival from writer-centred East of England theatre company, HighTide.
With script-in-hand extracts from new plays, a chance to hear from the writers, plus folk music and a drink on us – HighTide Rising is a chance to celebrate the East of England as a seedbed of exceptional playwriting talent. This year’s HighTide Rising playwrights are Tassa Deparis, Guleraana Mir, Eloise Pennycott and Tom Ratcliffe. Readings are directed by Yasmin Hafesji and Beth Kapila. HighTide Rising is being co-hosted by leading East Anglian playwrights, Juliet Gilkes Romero and Lucy Kirkwood, and is part of a strategic partnership between HighTide and UEA. Supported by: Arts Council England, Diana Hiddleston, and Clare Parsons. Saturday 20th May hightide.org.uk/event/hightide-rising/ |
“….. an intense, deeply personal performance. Alternating between guitar frenzy and stripped back soundscapes, the fragility and vulnerability of the human spirit was laid bare in lyrics that cut to the bone. An awesome roller-coaster of a ride, and absolutely wonderful.” Beardy Folk Festival live review Festivals For All
“Dan is a national treasure…. a profound, innovative and talented songwriter.” musomuso.com “For an album partly inspired by distance, barriers and locked-down-ness, people and connection ripple through The Glass Age." Arts Culture Mag “I defy anyone not to see shadows of Leonard Cohen in the literary quality of the writing…. Dan's emotive singing brings in a sense of isolation and yearning for the real human contact we still need.” Fatea Mag ‘The fabulous flute of Eliza Marshall’. – Peter Gabriel |
Dan Whitehouse with special guest Eliza MarshallDan Whitehouse The Glass Age tour with special guest (flautist) Eliza Marshall
Singer-guitarist Dan Whitehouse renews, reinvents and reimagines - revealing how he carefully nurtured his creativity during an imposed stay in Japan from January 2020 to June 2021. Mike Davies calls this collection of songs a "meditation on the way human experience and connecting has changed through the medium of virtual communication.” Dan uses his exceptional storytelling to explore the thin and fragile layer between digital and emotional life. Deeply poignant lyrics and atmospheric musical arrangements move the listener towards celebrating community spirit and connecting with authenticity. He will sing all seven songs from The Glass Age along with a selection from his five previous albums and new collaboration Voices From The Cones, about the history and community of Stourbridge’s Glassworks. The night will be opened by flautist Eliza Marshall, who has worked with many of the world’s leading musicians such as Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, The Divine Comedy and Peter Gabriel. She’s toured with sarod guru Amjad Ali Khan, the Britten Sinfonia, Peter Gabriel, Ranagri and with her award-winning project Freedom To Roam. Eliza’s solo work is influenced by her love of world music and combines incredible looped melodies from her flutes with spoken word and some surprises. Dan and Eliza will join musical forces for part of the evening’s magic. Thursday 18th May 2023, 7.30pm Tickets £15 Online sales via www.wegottickets.com/event/554745/ |
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The Shackleton TrioCaptivating songwriting and fiery tunes that combine mandolin, fiddle, guitar and banjo with powerful three part harmonies. The unmistakeable sound of The Shackleton Trio brings to life the stories of their native East Anglia, and beyond.
Touring their brand new album 'Mousehold', the trio features Georgia Shackleton (fiddle, vocals), Aaren Bennett (guitar) and Nic Zuppardi (mandolin and banjo). Collectively the band draw influence from British, American and Scandinavian folk traditions, whilst Georgia’s flair for sourcing largely unsung material from East Anglia keeps the band firmly rooted in their local tradition. Seven years performing together has seen the band played on BBC Radio 2, Radio 3 and Radio 4, with gleaming ★★★★★ reviews, an appearance on Cambridge Folk Festival’s prestigious main stage, a host of UK and European festivals and international tours, and many miles in the Mondeo. This is a band that clearly enjoy playing together, and are not to be missed. Friday 5th May, 7.30pm Tickets £13 Online sales via www.wegottickets.com/event/572549/ |
“Chris Wood might be the Ken Loach of songwriting. Very political, but at the same time full of compassion, and he grows sharper and more acute with each passing album. He’s good, quite probably the very best we have today, and we need him more than ever.” - fRoots Magazine
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Chris WoodChris Wood is an uncompromising writer whose music reveals his love for the un-official history of the English speaking people. With gentle intelligence he weaves the tradition with his own contemporary parables.
A self-taught musician, composer and song writer, Chris is a lifelong autodidact whose independent streak shines through everything he does. Always direct and unafraid to speak his mind, his song writing has been praised for its surgical clarity. He cites his major influence as “Anon”. His most recent album ‘So Much to Defend’ has received wide critical acclaim and includes reflections on minor league football, empty nest syndrome, learning to swim, Cook-in Sauce and, not least, the Gecko as a metaphor for contemporary society. Hollow Point; his chilling ballad of the shooting of Jean Charles Menezez, won a BBC Folk Award (he's won six) and emphatically secured Wood’s place as a serious speech-master for the unofficial history of England. Collaborators include Martin Carthy, Dizraeli, Billy Bragg, Andy Cutting, Andy Irvine, Karine Polwart, Jean Francois Vrod, The Imagined Village, Hugh Lupton, Martin Butler and many others. On stage Chris has the air of a craftsman who no longer needs to be precious about his art. Without any apparent effort he reaches deep into an enviable repertoire of songs before revealing another gem. Friday 28th April, 7.30pm Tickets £16 Online sales via www.wegottickets.com/event/564166 |
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RoughCast Theatre Co. presents
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Quiz SupperOur popular quiz supper returns this February – spend an evening testing the grey cells with a two-course supper served in the intermission.
Small teams of 4, prizes for the winning teams. Friday 24th February, 6.30pm arrival for a 7pm start SOLD OUT |
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Midwynter Murder
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Midwinter RevelsBrand-new for 2020! Following on from A Christmas Carol: In Concert and A Brief History of Christmas, GreenMatthews present their new festive show.
Spanning several centuries, GreenMatthews’ Midwinter Revels is a celebration of Yuletide Past guaranteed to warm the cockles of the most Scrooge-like heart. Featuring Christmas carols, winter folk songs, toe-tapping tunes and a plethora of weird and wonderful instruments, the show is brought to life with GreenMatthews’ trademark wit and humour. “You guys are awesome!” Bill Barclay, Director of Music at Shakespeare’s Globe Saturday 10th December, 7.30pm Tickets £15/£12 (concessions) Online sales via www.wegottickets.com/event/545254 |
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Roughcast Theatre Co presents
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India Electric Co.India Electric Company are perhaps best described as “a veritable musical magpie’s nest”, (BBC Radio 3). Blending traditional instruments, folk melodies and subtle electronic influences, they’ve extensively toured throughout Europe, Australia and New Zealand, including UK shows at The London Palladium and Hammersmith Apollo.
After live sessions with BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music, Glastonbury Festival appearances and BBC Introducing’s backing they released The Gap in 2020 with FRUK declaring them “one of the truly pioneering acts in folk music”. “Two of the most extraordinary musicians, a phenomenal duo” - BBC Radio 2 **** “Bursting with invention and full of surprises.” - The Telegraph **** “Classy pop” - The Scotsman Friday 25th November, 7.30pm Tickets £14 Online sales via www.wegottickets.com/event/538987/ |
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Christina Alden and Alex PattersonChristina Alden and Alex Patterson are songwriters and multi-instrumentalists from Norwich. They have been playing and singing together for the last seven years and have toured extensively in the UK and Europe – including a twenty three date tour with Show Of Hands, a show at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for Celtic Connections and main stage performances at some of the UK’s most prestigious folk festivals.
‘A bright, lively collection of songs that plays so sweetly it evokes the sensation of a summer folk festival’ – The Guardian ★★★★★ – The Morning Star ★★★★ ‘Among the roots-world cognoscenti’ – RnR Magazine ‘Beautifully realised collection of songs and tunes’ – Folk Radio UK ‘Immensely talented musicians’ – fRoots Sunday 20th November, 7.30pm Tickets £14 Online sales via www.wegottickets.com/event/538991/ |
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Concert in memory of Pat BlanchetA concert in memory of Pat Blanchet (half of Lost In Translation)
In aid of East Anglian Air Ambulance Featuring, among others: Terence Blacker Local celebrity singer/songwriter and international performers Winter Wilson Saturday 12th November, 7.30pm Tickets £14 Online sales via www.wegottickets.com/event/555940 |
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Open Space Theatre Company presents
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Blake Morrison with The Hosepipe BandTHE BALLAD OF SHINGLE STREET
and other East Anglian poems This is a performance of poetry with music featuring poet and novelist Blake Morrison reading from his collection Shingle Street and other more recent poems about East Anglia. Blake’s readings are accompanied by original music composed and played by the multi-instrumentalist members of The Hosepipe Band. Saturday 15th October 2022, 7.30pm Tickets £10 Online sales via www.wegottickets.com/event/538366/ |
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Magic Floor Productions presents
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Bob FlowerdewBob’s family have been tilling the land in the Waveney Valley on the Norfolk/Suffolk border since Tudor times, so he is a natural choice to share his wealth of horticultural experience with us in an evening of idiosyncratic chat, anecdote, verse & song.
Warning - may contain wry humour, sometimes witty, occasionally PC. There will be an intermission for Pimms (or other beverage) – included in the ticket price. Thursday 21st July, 6.30pm Tickets £15 Online sales via www.wegottickets.com/event/541083/ |
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Open Space Theatre Company presents
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‘A show, full of humour and terrific songs, giving two fingers up to old age. Even if you hobble in, you’ll leave with a spring in your step.’ Virginia Ironside
‘Melodic, funny, and with a touch of melancholy.... You’re in for a treat.’ Craig Brown 'We need cheering up right now and this singer-songwriter, sometimes tender, sometimes sardonic, is just the ticket.' Sunday Times, Top 100 Albums of 2020 |
The Shock of the Old
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Laxfield's HenryCatherine, Julie, Pen, Tony and Becky are five friends from Laxfield with a sense of fun and no shame about wearing silly outfits in public. In 2019, Catherine persuaded them to pull together the one-hour show she had written (with her daughter Jo) called ‘From Laxefelda to Laxfield’. Billed as ‘a surprising history of our village in sketches, songs and stories’, it went down a storm. ‘Laxefelda’ included a rousing original song (written and performed by Tony) about local hero Henry Keable.
It soon became clear that Henry and his Susannah deserved a play of their very own, so Catherine (being Catherine) set about creating one. The result was a huge success when performed in Laxfield, and is back by popular demand here in Wingfield. We hope you enjoy it. Saturday 11th June, 7.30pm Tickets £5 Online sales via www.wegottickets.com/event/547822/ |
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Winter WilsonSinging out for the underdog in glorious harmony. Original songs packed with punch and emotion that will get beneath your skin, and all delivered with great humour.
Pre-Covid, Winter Wilson had completed tours of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and most of Western Europe, in addition to the UK. Their eight studio albums had all received rave reviews, and 2019’s “Live & Unconventional” (recorded on tour with folk-rock icons Fairport Convention and on stage at Cropredy Festival) was no different. "If you need evidence of just how special the duo Winter Wilson is, then Live & Unconventional delivers in abundance." Steve Caseman, RnR magazine. Back in Lincolnshire throughout the pandemic, the pair streamed “Live from the Lounge” for 60 consecutive weeks and also wrote and recorded “The Passing of the Storm”, their tenth album, adding further to their reputation as superb writers, singers and musicians, and great all-round entertainers. Now performing stunning new songs alongside old favourites, Kip Winter and Dave Wilson are thrilled to be back on the road. You will laugh; you may cry. You will certainly want to see them again! Friday 10th June, 7.30pm Tickets £12 Online sales via www.wegottickets.com/event/541081/ |
“Martin Simpson is a superb teller of a song. You just have to listen to the opener on this double album, his own composition, Trouble Brought Me Here, to appreciate how his articulation brings the substance of a song alive, borne on his flowing guitar or banjo accompaniment.” The Scotsman
"Hearing Andy Cutting play is like going through the wardrobe and finding Narnia. His music is glorious, joyful, moving, subtle, emotionally charged, a totally spell-binding experience that is never long enough". June Tabor |
Martin Simpson and Andy CuttingMartin and Andy have both played solo gigs at Wingfield Barns in the past, and we are thrilled to welcome them back, this time as a duo for what will be an extremely rare performance. With most of the planned tour cancelled, this will be the place to see them if you live anywhere this side of London.
The remarkable intimate solo performances Martin gives go from strength to strength - every gig is a masterclass. He travels the length and breadth of the UK and beyond, giving rapt audiences passion, sorrow, love, beauty, tragedy and majesty through his playing. “What’s it like being the best guitar player in the world…?” Martin’s modesty and grace prevented him from answering this BBC Radio 4 interviewer’s question recently, but the facts speak for themselves. 40 years after he recorded his first album, Golden Vanity, in 1976, Martin is known as a guitarist of formidable talent. Equally at home playing English traditional folk, American folk and blues and his own compositions, he is consistently named as one of the very finest fingerstyle guitar players in the world. Andy Cutting is a rarity. A musician's musician (BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Winner Best Musician 2008, 2011 & 2016): a soulful and technically outstanding melodeon practitioner with an ear for a fine tune. Many of his tunes have been purloined along the way: some considered contemporary classics on the folk scene. But then, Andy is also a warm and emotive performer, modestly engaging his audiences with his self-deprecating wit and then flooring them with downright staggering musicianship. There are few melodeon players who put so much feeling into their playing, whether it is a set of dance tunes, or accompaniment to a slow English ballad. Saturday 21st May 2022, 7.30pm Tickets £20 Online sales via www.wegottickets.com/event/511568/ |
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Jacob & DrinkwaterUK alt-folk duo Jacob & Drinkwater have been called “stand out new folk” by BBC6 Music and “inventive and thrilling” by R2 Magazine. Jacob's sweeping vocals never fail to captivate, delivering many a spine-tingling moment; the fluidity and precision of his finger-picking underpinned by Drinkwater's nimbly rhythmic double bass; at times sweetly soaring, haunting, percussive and driving, the layers of depth a perfect counterfoil. Featured numerous times on BBC Radio 2, BBC6 Music and lauded by their musical peers as one of the most accomplished acts touring the circuit today.
Saturday 7th May 2022, 7.30pm Tickets £12 Book online via www.wegottickets.com/event/530984 |
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Made2Measure Theatre Co presents
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Tim O'Shea and Friends with support from
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Roughcast Theatre Company presents
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"These uniquely gifted musicians make a sublime pairing, and create a live performance to be remembered for a long time". |
Knight and SpiersPeter Knight and John Spiers
Album Launch Tour On a summer's day in 2016, the organisers of FolkEast Festival masterminded one of the most intriguing and exciting collaborations on today's folk scene. Peter Knight, legendary violinist and ex-member of folk-rock band Steeleye Span was paired with leading melodeon player and ex-Bellowhead member, John Spiers, for a special one-off performance which left audiences in awe. With no space to be found in the marquee, people stood five deep in the pouring rain in order to witness the bringing together of two of the most genuinely gifted musicians in their respective fields. With a standing ovation and roars for more, and much to the delight of folk fans everywhere, Knight and Spiers decided not to leave things there, and have since become an established duo on the folk-roots scene. The pairing of violin and melodeon is not a new one, but in the hands of Knight and Spiers, Improvisation and invention meet the listener at every turn. Together they have created a musical document that resonates with history, but also something that should inspire future generations of musicians to engage with Britain’s folk dancing heritage, and the beautiful, mysterious tunes that can be found within that heritage. This tour sees the release of their much anticipated second album. Saturday 12th March, 7.30pm Tickets £18 Book online via www.wegottickets.com/event/528840/ |
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Open Space Theatre Co presents
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Christmas Decoration Mosaic WorkshopA mosaic workshop to make Christmas decorations for adults and children.
This is a really fun and very popular mosaic workshop that Wendy has run for several years. Come along and make either one large standing Christmas robin decoration or two or three small tree decorations. You can choose from a large selection of materials to make lovely individual and sparkly decorations to keep in the family for generations. If you have china or sparkly old bits of costume jewellery you might want to add, please bring them along! Following the huge success with the November dates, we are pleased to be able to add two more workshops in December. Thursday 16th December 13.00-16.00 Friday 17th December 13.00-16.00 Book online via www.wegottickets.com/event/532454 for Thursday, and www.wegottickets.com/event/532455 for Friday. |
‘It’s lovely stuff’ – Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2 Folk Show
★★★★ Album Of The Year Editors Choice – fROOTS Magazine ★★★★★ R2 – ‘Talented and poetic triumvirate’ ★★★★ Songlines – ‘Obviously something of enormous promise’ www.aldenpattersonanddashwood.com |
Alden, Patterson and DashwoodHighly acclaimed folk trio Alden Patterson and Dashwood weave rich vocal harmonies, fiddle, guitar and dobro around beautifully written original songs and melodies. Their music takes influence from English folk traditions with uplifting instrumentals and self-penned songs depicting tales of young travellers, sleepy seas and their affection for home.
Christina, Alex and Noel played their first gig together in early 2016 and with the unexpected critical success of their debut they haven’t stopped. Notable achievements include; over 800,000 streams on Spotify, winning fRoots editors choice Album Of The Year, 5000 physical albums sold, nearly 300 gigs played, a 23 date concert hall tour with Show Of Hands, multiple shows at Celtic Connections including at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, multiple airplay on BBC Radio 2/BBC Radio 6/BBC Radio 4, playing across the UK, France, Belgium and Norway including main stage shows at prestigious folk festivals; Sidmouth, Towersey and Cambridge. Friday 26th November, 7.30pm Tickets £14 Book online via www.wegottickets.com/event/523778/ |
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Common Ground Theatre Co. presents
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Reg MeurossThe breadth and depth of Reg Meuross’s material is unparalleled in contemporary folk: songs about forgotten heroes, famous names, folk legends, the climate emergency, tales from the kitchen sink and news from the world stage; if something needs to be sung about then Reg Meuross has a song for it.
Currently touring with latest release, RAW along with a back collection of 14 albums and two new song cycles brewing, Meuross has the gift of being able to touch people through his songs and performance, painting pictures that remain with the listener long after the song has been sung. Masterfully accompanying himself on his ‘44 Martin six-string guitar, harmonica, tenor guitar, banjo and dulcimer and captivating audiences with his beautiful tenor voice, witnessing a Reg Meuross performance is to experience a journey into the heart, soul and songs of one of England’s finest writers. “Classic, with echoes of early Dylan, Tom Paxton and Leonard Cohen” THE GUARDIAN “A mighty songwriter and an equally fine singer” Martin Carthy Thursday 11th November, 7.30pm Tickets £15 Book online via www.wegottickets.com/event/521981/ |
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GigspannerWe are thrilled to be welcoming Gigspanner back to Wingfield Barns this November.
Described since as one of the “most quietly brilliant sets of musicians in the folk world and beyond” (Folk Radio UK), Gigspanner has stayed true to their quest to take self-penned material along with music rooted in the British Isles and beyond, and with the flick of a bow, a finely chosen chord or slip of a beat, produce richly atmospheric arrangements “with notes seemingly plucked from the stars and rhythms from the equator” (Spiral Earth). In 2013, Gigspanner’s founding member, legendary fiddle player Peter Knight, left Steeleye Span to wholly commit to the trio, and in the process established their reputation as one of the most genuinely ground-breaking forces on the British folk scene, inspiring Maverick magazine to write "Gigspanner are making some of the most beautiful music the genre has to offer" 5***** Saturday 6th November 2021, 7.30pm Tickets £18 Online sales via www.wegottickets.com/event/512878/ |
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Open Space Theatre Company presents
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“Bursting with invention and full of surprises.” - The Telegraph |
India Electric Co.
India Electric Company are perhaps best described as “a veritable musical magpie’s nest”, (BBC Radio 3). Blending traditional instruments, folk melodies and subtle electronic influences, they’ve extensively toured throughout Europe, Australia and New Zealand, including UK shows at The London Palladium and Hammersmith Apollo.
After live sessions with BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music, Glastonbury Festival appearances and BBC Introducing’s backing they released The Gap in 2020 with FRUK declaring them “one of the truly pioneering acts in folk music”. |
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Bof! Workshop and DanceBOF! is an established East Anglian band with considerable experience in playing traditional French and Breton dance music. They have a vast experience of playing at clubs and festivals and for specialist dance groups in England and France. The members of BOF! play a variety of authentic instruments and sing.
Their line-up is: • Simon Haines diatonic accordions • Phil Lyons acoustic guitar / bass guitar / vocals • Gwendal Moële vocals • Val Woollard bagpipes / flute / recorders / desk bells Bof!’s performance at Wingfield Barns on Saturday October 16th will begin with a dance workshop to teach some of the simpler French and Breton dances. After a break, they will play for an evening “bal”. The songs and instrumentals they play is equally suitable for dancing and listening to, so in addition to a dance space, there will be a seated area for non-dancers. There is more information about Bof! on their website where you can hear samples of their music. www.bof-frenchdance.co.uk Running times are as follows: 16.30-18.30 Workshop 18.30-19.30 Break with Supper 19.30-22.00 Concert/Dance Saturday 16th October Workshop only £5 www.wegottickets.com/event/516175 Concert/Dance only £12 https://www.wegottickets.com/event/516176 Workshop and Concert/Dance £15 www.wegottickets.com/event/516177 Tickets via links above. |
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Cider and Song with Harbour Lights TrioThree Suffolk musicians (Derek Simpson, Alvar Smith & Rob Neal) who perform mainly East Anglian songs and tunes on concertinas, melodeon, banjo, guitar, harmonica and ‘cello. Their material ranges from local traditional chorus songs and tunes to music hall and a few more recent gems. The emphasis is on entertainment and audience participation.
You won’t want to miss them. They play acoustically and get up ‘close and personal’ with their audiences. One of the trio, Alvar, is a retired Suffolk Gamekeeper from Blaxhall and his stories and strong Suffolk accent are always popular. They have performed at Sidmouth & FolkEast Festivals; at many folk clubs and East Anglian village concerts. Before the concert there will be a harvest supper, a good hearty rustic hot meal to warm the cockles before we make ourselves comfortable for the evening entertainment. Remember to book your ticket for the supper too! Sunday 10th October, 7pm Running times are as follows: 6pm Supper 7pm Harbour Lights Trio 7.45pm Interval 8.15pm Harbour Lights Trio 9pm Close Tickets available via www.wegottickets.com/event/524680 Concert Only £10 Supper Only £11 Concert and Supper £18 |
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The Keeper's Daughter presents
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Mr G - Working Model WorkshopsJoin Mr G to make a working model before battling it out at The Captain's Table. Lots of options available - take a look and see which one takes your fancy!
Sessions at 9am, 11.30am and 2pm. Friday 27th August Prices vary depending on the model - see left for details. Online booking is not available for this event - please call 01379 384505 to book. Pre-booking essential. Whilst your little ones are enjoying their time with Mr G, why not visit one of our exhibitions open that day, or treat yourself to a cream tea from our tea rooms. |
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Mr G - Storytelling EventJoin Mr G for a rip-roaring time featuring a run away time-traveller, pirates, octopuses, a robotic bat, an orangutan and many, many more... all from the cockpit of 'Bell', a Timebubble Machine.
Sessions at 9am, 11.30am and 2pm Thursday 26th August £12 per child Booking essential - please call 01379 384505. Online booking is not available for this event. Whilst your little ones are enjoying their time with Mr G, why not visit one of our exhibitions open that day, or treat yourself to a cream tea from our tea rooms. |
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A Day of Workshops with The Crafty FoxesJoin us here at Wingfield Barns for a fun-filled day of kids workshops with The Crafty Foxes. Which one (or more??) will you choose to make?
10am - Decorate your own hula hoop 11.30am - Make your own kite 1.30pm - Build your own clock Each workshop lasts for around 45 mins. Our tea rooms will also be open, along with two exhibitions... why not take a look while you're here? Friday 20th August £8 per child, per workshop Book online via: 10am Hula Hoop Making - www.wegottickets.com/event/519415 11.30am - Kite Making - www.wegottickets.com/event/519419 1.30pm - Clock Making - www.wegottickets.com/event/519420 |
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Children's Mosaic WorkshopsChildren’s mosaic workshop groups are very informal and a lot of fun. Participants will be given a cutout proforma to use for the base, (you can choose) of a size which should be completed in time.
All materials provided and ready cut for use so no cutting required. Goggles provided. Each child or family must have at least one adult attending at all times if they are under 12 years old. One adult per child under the age of 5. There will be two sessions on this day - one at 10-12.30 and the second at 1.30-4.00. Please choose which session when you are booking. Only child spaces need to be booked, i.e. no need to book a ticket for the accompanying adult. Thursday 19th August £25 per child Online Bookings: www.wegottickets.com/event/519297 |
To watch a teaser trailer of the show, click here.
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The Canterbury TalesGreenMatthews present six of the best-loved tales, told in a variety of styles. Taking visual inspiration from medieval mystery plays and complete with a touring set which has been specially constructed to resemble a medieval travelling theatre, the three-man cast use drama, verse, physical theatre and song to bring Chaucer's characters to riotous life, telling tales packed with colourful characters and strange situations. This is definitely not a dry academic take on English literature – the show is fast, furious, occasionally filthy and invariably funny!
Please note: This will be an open air performance, weather permitting. Please bring something to sit on. Sunday 4th July 2021, 7.30pm Tickets £12 Online sales via www.wegottickets.com/event/512814/ |
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RoughCast Theatre Co. presents Shakespeare's
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Quiz SupperDust off the grey cells and join the team at Wingfield Barns for our first quiz supper evening.
The bar will be open and the ticket price includes a chilli supper (vegetarian available). Prizes for the winning team. Table teams of 4 - £20 per table Friday 18th June - SOLD OUT To book your table, call 01379 384505 or email office.manager@wingfieldbarns.co.uk |
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Garden Celebration DayAs our first event of 2021, we thought we would celebrate being able to welcome people back to Wingfield Barns with a day of celebrating Spring and the great outdoors.
Stalls, talks and demonstrations, workshops, children's snail trail, cream teas, cakes and refreshments. Small entry fee. Jam Jar Posy Workshops with Gabriel's Garden Gabi will be running two workshops throughout the day offering tuition and providing materials for making jam jar posies for you to take home and enjoy. Each workshop will last for approximately 45 minutes, and cost £25. Places for these must be booked in advance please - unfortunately we will not be able to take bookings on the day. To book, please click on the time slot below: 11.30-12.15 14.30-15.15 Sunday 6th June 2021, 10.30am to 4pm |
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RoughCast Theatre Co. presents
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Christmas Wreath Making WorkshopEnjoy a relaxing morning with Gabi from Gabriel's Garden and create a natural moss based wreath full of festive berries, dried flowers, seasonal foliage, and seed heads. Perfect to adorn your door this Christmas or to use as a beautiful candle filled table centre.
All materials will be provided but feel free to bring bits from your garden to add that personal touch. Please bring secateurs or scissors and an apron. Coffee and cake provided. Wednesday 9th December, 10.30am £45 Book online via www.wegottickets.com/event/507858 |
For more info, click here www.wingfieldbarns.com/christmas-market.html
To book your arrival slot, click here bookwhen.com/wingfieldbarns
To book your arrival slot, click here bookwhen.com/wingfieldbarns
"Hearing Andy Cutting play is like going through the wardrobe and finding Narnia. His music is glorious, joyful, moving, subtle, emotionally charged, a totally spell-binding experience that is never long enough". June Tabor |
Andy CuttingAndy Cutting is a rarity. A musician's musician (BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Winner Best Musician 2008, 2011 & 2016): a soulful and technically outstanding melodeon practitioner with an ear for a fine tune. Many of his tunes have been purloined along the way: some considered contemporary classics on the folk scene. But then, Andy is also a warm and emotive performer, modestly engaging his audiences with his self-deprecating wit and then flooring them with downright staggering musicianship. There are few melodeon players who put so much feeling into their playing, whether it is a set of dance tunes, or accompaniment to a slow English ballad.
Andy has been consistent musical force since he came swiftly to prominence with the innovative Blowzabella. As well as a thorough grounding in the English tradition, Andy's influences extend way beyond these isles, particularly to the music of Central France and to the storming Quebecois tradition. These influences will be well-known to all those familiar with Andy's duo with English fiddle player, guitarist and singer, Chris Wood. Wood & Cutting became one of the most influential, and enduring, duos on the scene; paving the way for the explosion of many of today's thrusting young newcomers. Andy's commitment to, and sense of pride in traditional music, as well as his sensitivity and understanding of the form, has made him one of the folk scene's most wanted, playing with Kate Rusby, John McCusker and Under One Sky to name but a few. There is also a growing demand for him to play outside this genre (having recorded with Sting, John Illsley (Dire Straits) but most recently being asked to join The Who for an acoustic concert in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust. As well as his ongoing work with Blowzabella, Andy currently tours with his trio Leveret (Andy Cutting, Sam Sweeney, Rob Harbron) and with Anglo-French acoustic dance band, Topette. He is also working on a new duo with Belgian diatonic accordion player Anne Niepold. |
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Much Ado About Falstaff
Kick In The Head Theatre Co
Kick In The Head follow up recent successes with Old Herbaceous, Fagin?, Three Men in a Boat and Choice Grenfell with a new play about Sir John Falstaff…a rogue, a philanderer and a glutton, but also one of Shakespeare’s greatest and enduring comic creations.
In this new comedy by Simon Downing we find Falstaff, played by Giles Shenton (Old Herbaceous & Three Men in a Boat) in his bedroom in the Boars Head being nursed by Mistress Quickly, played by Suzanna Walters (Choice Grenfell). The creditors arrive demanding payment. Will Falstaff resort to marrying Mistress Quickly in order to pay off his debts? Will he turn teetotal? Will he mellow in his old age? Find out the answers to all these important questions that Shakespeare never bothered to answer and join Falstaff for an evening of jollity, frivolity, a definite lack of coequality and more Shakespearean insults than ever previously heard on a theatrical stage! This performance will take place outside, weather permitting. Please bring something to sit on. Should the need arise to move the performance inside, social distancing measures will be adhered to and will meet government guidelines.
Saturday 12th September 2020, 2.30pm
Tickets £14 / £12 Online sales via http://www.wegottickets.com/event/505082 |
"... at art school they said I had a remarkable eye for trivia, like it was a bad thing." |
Chris WoodChris Wood is an uncompromising writer whose music reveals his love for the un-official history of the English speaking people. With gentle intelligence he weaves the tradition with his own contemporary parables.
A self-taught musician, composer and song writer, Chris is a lifelong autodidact whose independent streak shines through everything he does. Always direct and unafraid to speak his mind, his song writing has been praised for its surgical clarity. He cites his major influence as “Anon”. His most recent album ‘So Much to Defend’ has received wide critical acclaim and includes reflections on minor league football, empty nest syndrome, learning to swim, Cook-in Sauce and, not least, the Gecko as a metaphor for contemporary society. Hollow Point; his chilling ballad of the shooting of Jean Charles Menezez, won a BBC Folk Award (he's won six.) and emphatically secured Wood’s place as a serious speech-master for the unofficial history of England. Collaborators include Martin Carthy, Dizraeli, Billy Bragg, Andy Cutting, Andy Irvine, Karine Polwart, Jean Francois Vrod, The Imagined Village, Hugh Lupton, Martin Butler and many others. On stage Chris has the air of a craftsman who no longer needs to be precious about his art. Without any apparent effort he reaches deep into an enviable repertoire of songs before revealing another gem. |
“Knight’s playing is a revelation. A world away from folky fiddling, it’s fully informed by the classical style, all long sweeping bow strokes and eloquent legato. Yet he never loses the essential folk heart of the music, tracing a graceful line of his own making” |
Knight & Spiers
On a summer's day in 2016, the organisers of FolkEast Festival masterminded one of the most intriguing and exciting collaborations on today's folk scene.
Peter Knight, legendary violinist and ex-member of folk-rock band Steeleye Span was paired with leading melodeon player and ex-Bellowhead member, John Spiers, for a special one-off performance which left audiences in awe. With no space to be found in the marquee, people stood five deep in the pouring rain in order to witness the bringing together of two of the most genuinely gifted musicians in their respective fields. With a standing ovation and roars for more, and much to the delight of folk fans everywhere, Knight and Spiers decided not to leave things there. The pairing of violin and melodeon is not a new one, but in the hands of Knight and Spiers, improvisation and invention meet the listener at every turn. Together they have created a musical document that resonates with history, but also something that should inspire future generations of musicians to engage with Britain’s folk dancing heritage, and the beautiful, mysterious tunes that can be found within that heritage. These uniquely gifted musicians make a sublime pairing, and create a live performance to be remembered for a long time. Listen on SoundCloud from here! |
A Brief History of Christmas
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“Eclectic and enjoyable - a bewildering array of instruments” English Dance and Song
“You guys are awesome!” Bill Barclay, Director of Music at Shakespeare’s Globe |
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A Christmas Carol
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Photo by Judith Burrows
“Martin Simpson has transcended borders and oceans to quietly become a superb storyteller and musician of great depth and unquestionable taste.”
- Stephen Fearing |
Martin Simpson
The remarkable intimate solo performances Martin gives go from strength to strength - every gig is a masterclass. He travels the length and breadth of the UK and beyond, giving rapt audiences passion, sorrow, love, beauty, tragedy and majesty through his playing.
“What’s it like being the best guitar player in the world…?” Martin’s modesty and grace prevented him from answering this BBC Radio 4 interviewer’s question recently, but the facts speak for themselves. 40 years after he recorded his first album, Golden Vanity, in 1976, Martin is known as a guitarist of formidable talent. Equally at home playing English traditional folk, American folk and blues and his own compositions, he is consistently named as one of the very finest fingerstyle guitar players in the world. |
"Sublime show that celebrates family, nature and the ties that bind goes on to pack a fierce political punch" The Guardian ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"when she speaks we listen, when she pauses we lean forward. For the clarity of her voice, speaking and singing, is rooted in the truth. And the power of her words, scripted and sung, are steeped in poetry" - ReviewSphere ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "a beautiful allegory for how the survivors deal with historical atrocity... horror and beauty co-exist and the titular red dress becomes an eloquent symbol of resilience, but also how the prejudices of the past are sewn into the celebrations of the present" - The List "the pinnacle of her musical journey to date" - Folk Radio UK "vivid songwriting" - Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2 |
Rowan Rheingans – Dispatches on the Red Dress
Dispatches on the Red Dress is an intimate and courageous new live show by twice BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winning songwriter Rowan Rheingans. Adventurous new writing meets the warmth of a folk gig in this heartfelt and personal one woman show, uniquely weaving immersive storytelling with live fiddle, banjo and original songs taken from Rowan's brand new genre-melding debut solo album 'The Lines We Draw Together'.
Unravelling the joy and pain from a story of her grandmother’s youth in 1940's Germany, Rowan celebrates small acts of resistance and boldly asks a troubling question for our times: can hope for our future be found in the very darkest pockets of our history? |
Gibbons & Gaulier presents
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“...an evening with Gibbons & Gaulier is one not to be missed... the material is glorious and original. The Affair is a deftly written play... with a depth that will leave you wanting more... Gibbons & Gaulier are simply unique!”
- James Pearson, Artistic Director, Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club |
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Bloody Poetry
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'Definitely one of the best folk acts I’ve heard in a long while'
– Music News ‘I would stake money on a bright future for Harbottle & Jonas’ – Folkwords ‘Stunning songwriting and heart-rending arrangements 9/10’ – Americana UK |
Harbottle & Jonas
Partners in life and music, dynamic Devon duo Harbottle & Jonas are currently touring with their fourth and most ambitious album, ‘The Sea Is My Brother’.
Combining a love of the richness of traditional folk with their own original and powerful songwriting, the album’s maritime theme is maintained across political, historical, and personal stories and songs. A compelling live show during which David & Freya blend their distinctive solo voices and close harmonies with concertina, harmonium, mandola, stomp box and acoustic guitar. This signature sound has been honed by over six years of performing together and up to 200 gigs a year including the prestigious Dartington Hall as well as music clubs and festivals up and down the country. With plaudits from Seth & Geoff Lakeman, Jon Boden, Rod Clements, Lankum, Declan Sinnott, BBC Introducing, and Tom Robinson (BBC6 Music), Harbottle & Jonas have managed to establish themselves as one of the most exciting prospects on the folk circuit. Friday 25th October, 7.30pm
Tickets £10 in advance, £12 on the door Online sales: http://www.wegottickets.com/event/469425 |
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Agatha Christie’s "And Then There Were None"
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Lost in Translation
Back in concert again at Wingfield Barns, local duo Lost in Translation (Pat Blanchet and Roy Goodwin) have made a big step forward in producing a new album of all their own songs that they have been working on for the last year.
They are very excited to launch their new CD ‘Syleham Lights’ on Oct 5th at the Barns with guest musicians Simon Winter (Keys) and Frank Warne (Cajon) who are on the album. With all the stories behind the songs they will be performing these tracks which include the titular ‘Syleham Lights’, ‘The Ghost of the Brockdish Bride’ and ‘Two-timing Isobel’. Profits from the night go to the East Anglian Air Ambulance, joining in is allowed and of course the CDs will be available on the night. Saturday 5th October, 7.30pm. Online ticket sales: www.wegottickets.com/event/478538 |
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“There are a few seriously funny books that remain great for all time. Three Men in a Boat is one of these” The Guardian
“Timeless appeal” The Independent “Pitch-perfect comedy about, well, three men in a boat” The Telegraph Giles Shenton "creates an instant rapport with the audience, drawing us into his world and making the characters in it so real we feel you have known them forever. " Edinburgh Fringe Review "Skilfully distilled from Jerome K. Jerome’s comic masterpiece into 95 minutes of pure delight. To those who wondered if the same team could live up to the earlier success of Old Herbaceous, the answer was an emphatic yes. A master class in confidence, stagecraft and delivery." Opening Night Review “The nearest thing to "audio slapstick" I've ever heard, culminating in the sublime comedy of opening a tin, when you've forgotten the tin opener. It is not often that you come out of a theatrical performance feeling like you've been sharing happy and hilarious times, safe from a cruel world & wrapped in a warm blanket.” Vera Fletcher Review |
Three Men in a Boat
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A Midsummer Night’s Dream
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Two
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Radient Vermin
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Drama is a crucial part of the programme of events and includes performances by professional companies. We are also delighted to host plays by local societies and are keen to promote events by students in local schools and by pupils of local music teachers.
Please call 01379 384505 if you would like to discuss Wingfield Barns hosting your community group performance.
Please call 01379 384505 if you would like to discuss Wingfield Barns hosting your community group performance.
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The smaller print:
Unless otherwise credited, content © Wingfield Barns CIC 2009-2023. Unless otherwise credited, photographs © WBCIC and Mike Allmey. All content is published in good faith. Spotted an error? There are no prizes, but please let Webslave know (Webslave doesn't get to meet real people very often). It'll be corrected or removed as appropriate. |