Film Postponed – February 7

The Albion Christmas Band is widely regarded as the premier seasonal show, which has been touring for 27 years, and attracts sell-out audiences across the UK.  Indeed, many people say that their Christmas doesn’t start until they have seen The Albion Christmas Band.

Featuring the combined talents of Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention), Kellie While (Albion Band) Simon Care (Edward II) and Blair Dunlop (Albion Band). This show takes you on a guided tour through the Christmas customs of Britain.

Kellie While, Simon Care, Blair Dunlop and Simon Nicol are joined on stage by founder of Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and The Albion Band, Ashley Hutchings, for an evening of traditional English Christmas music, song and celebratory readings.

Kellie takes time out from working with her mum, Chris While, for which both the U.K. press and public alike have praised her. Folk enthusiasts will know Kellie from her work with The Albion Band. She received personal praise from Ron Sexsmith for her beautiful version of his song ‘Riverbed’ on her album Tenacious, which put her on the map as one this country’s finest voices.

Simon Care is currently working with Edward II and has always had a passion for Traditional English dance and song. Simon also works with Banter, Tickled Pink and the Morris On Band.

Simon Nicol, founder member of Fairport Convention finishes the line up to make this a truly festive treat. He is regarded as one of the finest acoustic guitarists in the world………His voice is pretty special too!

The Albion Christmas Show is a seasonal mixture of carols, spoken word and humorous readings. It really is the perfect way to start your festivities. This year will see material chosen by the band from the last 27 years of shows and albums … a “best of the Albion Xmas” selection. 

Simon Evans is Back! Waaaay back…

With growing evidence that we are living in a Computer Simulation – and a pretty glitchy, off-brand simulation at that – and the approaching watershed of the AI Singularity looming like a weirdly pixelated cumulonimbus on the horizon, BBC Radio 4 stalwart and veteran of a quarter century of highly acclaimed stand-up comedy Simon Evans is squinting at an uncertain future, and revisiting the blue remembered hills of his youth.

The analogue world of hitch-hiking, pub bets and hedge porn. Of being able to get properly lost. And also pondering the great thinkers and mystics of the past who had, it seems, the same doubts and misgivings about “reality”, back when an adjustable sandal passed for cutting-edge tech.

NB Any similarity of Doll in package to Patrick Stewart is coincidental. No refunds.

”A masterclass” ***** (The Scotsman).
“Outstanding” –  ****½ (Chortle.co.uk).
“Dynamite” – **** (The Times).

David Barton & Al Kilvo – The Two Pianos Rock ’n’ Roll Experience 
David Barton and Al Kilvo deliver a high-energy unplugged rock ’n’ roll show built around the raw power of two pianos and a percussionist. Stripping things back to the heart of the music, the duo recreate the driving rhythms and electrifying spirit that defined the golden age of rock ’n’ roll.

Expect classic hits from legends such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino and Buddy Holly, performed with authentic energy, showmanship and plenty of crowd-pleasing moments.

An intimate, stripped-back celebration of rock ’n’ roll — just two pianos, great songs, and the sound that started it all.

Known locally for their high-energy rock/pop/indie shows, Barton’s own The Silver Circle Band will present a special one-off acoustic performance exclusively at Ropery Hall.

In a more intimate setting, the band will be exploring soaring harmonies and rich, layered arrangements, reimagining songs by Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel and other much-loved classics.

Expect a relaxed, atmospheric evening inspired by the spirit of MTV Unplugged.

Performed by GERARD LOGAN, (Olivier Nominee & Winner of The Stage Newspaper’s ‘Best Solo Performer of the 2011 Edinburgh Festival’)
Directed by GARETH ARMSTRONG
Music by SIMON SLATER
Hauntings is a spellbinding evening of three tales of the supernatural from two of the world’s greatest writers of ghost stories, E.F. Benson and M.R. James.
From E.F. BENSON comes:
‘Naboth’s Vineyard’ – in which just desserts are meted out to an unscrupulous lawyer, & ‘The Hanging of Alfred Wadham’ – in which the forces of the devil test a man of faith to his limits.
From the master of the ghost story genre, M.R. JAMES, comes:
‘Oh, Whistle and I’ll Come to You, My Lad’ – in which a medieval spirit strikes terrorizes an arrogant professor.
With masterful storytelling from the award-winning actor Gerard Logan, Hauntings will transport you to a world of invisible, but terrifyingly present, spirits.
“Logan is astounding….He takes a strong script and flies it to the stars”
Edinburgh Festival 2016 Review – 5 STARS

“Watching Logan work is like being privy to a wonder of nature and remains with you … A true masterpiece of solo performance”
The Edinburgh Guide – Edinburgh Festival 2015 – 5 STARS

“The boy I love Is up in the gallery” and I can’t even get a seat in the crowd…

Drag King, Divorcee and Drama Queen, Nelly Power was a force to be reckoned with.  Arguably the first true drag king she lived a financially independent and scandalous life that was way more dramatic offstage than on.  A major star of the Victorian era she lost everything  – except her spirit – after the young Marie Lloyd stole her most famous song. 

Sing along with Nelly in this one woman play with music by the writer of “Chopped Liver and Unions”.  It is a tale of 19^th century betrayal, discrimination, sexual exploitation, domestic violence and press intrusion – all viewed through the subversive lens of the Victorian Music Hall.  They don’t seem such “good old days” now, do they…?

All together now…

*This performance is part of our Members’ 241 Offer. Please ask for details.