Why One is Wonderful

Not long to go before this year's Fringe is underway and groups are busy rehearsing to make sure they put on their best show ever. For solo performers there is even more pressure to get it right. It is no surprise to see that theatre is once again the biggest category at this year’s Buxton Festival Fringe (July 8-26) with many performers daring to tread the boards alone in some exciting solo shows. Here's our round-up of some of them.

Never afraid of a challenge, Uproot Theatre Company, whose acclaimed past Fringe shows include Around the World in 80 Days, brings a brand new, one-man War of the Worlds. Equally adventurous is Joue Le Genre’s Emma Bentley who uses comedy, clowning and storytelling to describe the perils of playing Shakespeare’s men without a codpiece in To She or Not to She. Marrying Mr Darcy once seemed an impossibility for Lizzy in Pride and Prejudice. In Little Red Hen Theatre’s Lizzy Bennet Remembers, Prudence Edwards looks back on the incredible drama that led to their union.

The intimacy of a one-person show tends to suit reflective pieces. Nominated for an Actor Award at the Fringe last year, John Martin Stevens of Dreamshed Theatre returns with His Letters, in which long-lost love letters chart a touching wartime romance. In Skimming the Stones from Tilly Mint Theatre, the past exerts a particular pull on Alison, a woman surveying the house where she grew up and wondering if she can ever escape her memories. Meanwhile library theatre touring company offer a classic from Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads series, A Cream Cracker Under the Settee, with widow Doris, alone in her house, reminiscing about her life and confronting her own vulnerability.

Intimacy becomes a theme in itself in a number of taboo-breaking shows. Cameryn Moore returns with Phone Whore (A One-Act Play with Frequent Interruptions) about a telephone sex operator, as well as exploring relationships in a new show merging memoir and manifesto, Slut R(evolution): No One Gets There Overnight. M.A.I.R.O.U.L.A from Sturgeon’s Law is a one-woman show combining both insights into Greece with musings on sex, death and the human condition. Feminine sexual power is also explored in FoolSize Theatre’s bold, tragic-comic show, Women Who Wank.

For Ava Hunt, Acting Alone has become the title of her show with her comical journey as a TV actor and her contrasting experiences of working in refugee camps in Palestine leading her to question whether any one person can make a difference. With last year’s Fringe Actor awards both going to solo artists, it is clear that in theatrical terms at least, one person certainly can. For further details on a wealth of Fringe theatre see www.buxtonfringe.org.uk

Interest is certainly building with enquries this morning from a group travel organisation and Buxton Tourist Info - wanting more programmes!

Buxton Fringe

Website: www.buxtonfringe.org.uk
Facebook: buxtonfringe
Twitter: @buxtonfringe

Local and Vocal at Buxton Fringe

Buxton Festival may have its own prestigious Literary Series but Buxton Fringe should not be overlooked, boasting a thriving Spoken Word section featuring the Derbyshire Poet Laureate as well as many talented local writers.

Taking advantage of its position on the boundary between Derbyshire and Staffordshire, the Packhorse Inn at Crowdecote features Poets Laureate from both counties – Helen Mort from Derbyshire and Gary Longden from Staffordshire – both appearing as part of its Packhorse Poets evening. Meanwhile a new generation of young war poets can be heard at St John’s Church in New Thoughts – Old War. TheFED, performing at Buxton Tap House, also celebrates new writing offering five-minute performance slots. And poems go for a wander thanks to Stone and Water’s exciting Grinlow Poetry Trail, taking place in Grinlow Woods in conjunction with the Grinlow Art Trail which features enticing storytellers of its own.

True stories are often the most arresting so Vera Mellor’s A Cuppa, A Natter & Hidden Gems based on her published life story should be intriguing (thanks for coming to the Fringe programme launch, Vera!) as will Rob Coleman’s Ocean Going Idiot in which he describes his attempt to cross the Atlantic in a rowing boat. As he says himself: “Why?”

Frank, autobiographical stories and poetry combine in Melody at Buxton Methodist Church from performance poet Jemima Foxtrot, whose show also features soul and folk music.

And the Fringe itself offers a longstanding tradition, Fringe Readings – a glorious lucky-dip of free readings in the cosy environment of the Old Hall Hotel. The late great Peter Low, former Fringe chair, will be sorely missed as a reader but he would be happy to see it continue - as he would that other great tradition, Fringe Beer, which he organised for us every year. Why not raise a pint in his memory at The Old Clubhouse and the Tap House thanks to Mobberley Fine Ales and Buxton Brewery respectively?

Over the next few weeks we will be highlighting further categories from our bulging Fringe programme - enjoy!

Buxton Fringe

Website: www.buxtonfringe.org.uk
Facebook: buxtonfringe
Twitter: @buxtonfringe

Curtain Rises in Three Weeks

Suzanne Pearson - of The Green Man Gallery - and Fringe chair at the official launch of this year's programme

Apparently the football season is over and the tennis season hasn't started yet. [That stuff on clay in Europe doesn't count; the greatest tournaments are played on grass by all accounts]. So we can concentrate 100% on the only annual event of significance to this Blog.

Rather more than half of our 18,000 52 page full-colour programmes have now been distributed throughout Derbyshire and the north-west. One or two have even been posted to (whisper) London. So what can we look forward to in Buxton between 8-26 July?

Taking place at The Green Man Gallery is: 
JACQUES BREL : UNE VIE A MILLE TEMPS

Stockport-based theatre company Far West Theatre bring the world premiere of their new musical to the Green Man. There are just 4 performances; 9th July (7.30pm), 12th July (6.30pm), 23rd July (7pm) and 25th July (7pm).

The seminal biopic of Jaques Brel, written by company member Simon Pennicott, incorporates his world famous songs, interspersed with his true words on the loves, lyrics and life of their famous creator. Une Vie a Mille Temps is a celebration, presented as a musical conversation between 
Father and Daughter, set in cabaret style within the fabulous old ballroom that now houses the Gallery.  The first of its kind to be approved by éditions Jacques Brel, headed by his beloved daughter, France, this promises to leave its audience with renewed love for Belgium’s favourite son. 

Born in 1929, Jacques became the most successful chansonnier of his generation, later influencing such artists as Rod McKuen, David Bowie and Scott Walker.  The show includes both well-known Brel classics and hidden gems, all set in cabaret style within the glorious surroundings of The Green Man Gallery.

Writer of the show, Simon Pennicott, says “For many years I have felt that people only remember Jacques Brel through songs other people have sung. The truth is that there is so much more to the man than you can glean from “Seasons in the Sun” or “If you Go Away”. The purpose of writing this was to try and reclaim Brel’s original songs and tell his story in a way that people can rediscover the genius he was”.

“It has been a project of mine for many years and includes several brand new translations of Brel’s work as well as many songs sung in the original French. The script has had to go through several changes and also the authorisation of the Brel Estate to get to the stage where we can present it at Buxton.  We are absolutely delighted to be premiering it here and we know people will love the show whether they are familiar with Brel or not”.

Tickets are priced at £7.50, and include a glass of wine or a soft drink. Tickets can be purchased direct from the venue via their website (www.thegreenmangallery.com), email (hello@thegreenmangallery.com) or their telephone number 01298 937375.

Anyone wanting further information regarding the show should  contact Simon Pennicott on 0783 3511980 or simon.pennicott@gmail.com.


Buxton Fringe

Website: www.buxtonfringe.org.uk
Facebook: buxtonfringe
Twitter: @buxtonfringe

Optical Illusions at Buxton Fringe

In the weeks leading up to the 26th Buxton Fringe, we will be trying to bring you a flavour of the different categories in our programme.

The Visual Arts component of this year’s Fringe is a good deal bigger than it looks with the revival of Buxton Art Trail bringing a host of artists and exhibitions to the town, many to be seen in their own homes and studios.

By the same token, Grinlow Art and Storytelling Trail, last year’s Fringe Visual Arts award winner, is an event that features many different artists, creators and storytellers in its quest to turn Buxton’s local Grinlow Woods into something magical.

Equally massive in a different way is The Great Dome Art Fair, a prestigious annual gathering of over 60 members of Peak District Artisans and featuring free talks and demonstrations. Another Fringe regular is the Derbyshire Open at Buxton Museum presenting traditionally very high quality works on a Derbyshire theme.
Lest all this should feel faintly overwhelming, don’t forget that Buxton is a small place. One visit to the Museum will also allow you to check out the fascinating collection of 1920s’ famous-names artwork amassed by Arto Funduklian, as well as some atmospheric landscape photography by Brian Adams. And just behind the Museum is The Green Man Gallery - our Fringe programme launch hosts - where you can see the exhibition Fragile Dreams in Solid Stone inspired by the history of the gallery’s new home, Hardwick Hall.

Exhibition-going is thirsty work so why not enjoy a break at the Pavilion Gardens Art Café where you can also see Derbyshire Stone, an exhibition from High Peak Artists? The nearby Pavilion Gardens conservatory will be blooming a little more than usual thanks to High Peak Community Arts’ Making Your Garden Grow show of ceramic flowers. A one-off exhibition by Burbage Art Group on July 18 at Burbage Institute meanwhile offers free tea and cakes alongside plentiful art works.

And if all this inspires you to have a go yourself, Dr Sketchy Sheffield is returning to the Fringe for one of its cheeky cabaret evenings where burlesque performers will pose to be sketched. Buxton Fringe - naughty but nice? We like to think so...

  Buxton Fringe

Website: www.buxtonfringe.org.uk
Facebook: buxtonfringe
Twitter: @buxtonfringe

From Buxton to Las Vegas

SEE DALEDIVA AT BUXTON FRINGE BEFORE IT TAKES ON THE WORLD!

Award-winning Derbyshire women’s chorus DaleDiva will be performing at Buxton Festival Fringe for the first time this year as part of its lead up to the World Championships.

The group will be performing ‘Feelin’ Good with DaleDiva’ at St John’s Church, Buxton on Saturday 25 July ahead of its preparations for international competition in Las Vegas.

The Divas won gold in national competition last year which has earned them the opportunity to represent their county and their country in the USA in October.

DaleDiva musical director Ally Law said: “We’re thrilled to be performing as part of Buxton Festival Fringe this year – it’s a fantastic opportunity to be involved in such a popular and well-loved local arts event.

“We’re working hard in the lead up to the World Championships so we’ll have an extra edge to our performance as well as some new material to show off.

“We haven’t performed in Buxton before so will be great to welcome a new audience to see us perform as well as see some of our loyal fans.” 

DaleDiva sings a variety of acapella pop, show tune and barbershop arrangements and has more than 65 members aged 24 to 72 from Matlock, Wirksworth, Cromford, Belper, Derby and surrounding areas.

Since the chorus was formed seven years ago it has taken numerous medals on the national competition stage, performed as part of the BBC’s Last Choir Standing show and annual ‘Children in Need’ appeal and was invited to take part in Radio 3’s ‘Choir of the Year’ competition. 

The Divas also won the final of Channel 5’s ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ search to find Britain’s best show choir and has now set its sights on ‘Going for Gold’ singing against some of the best choruses in the world on the famous MGM Grand stage at the World Championships in October.

DaleDiva will be performing at Buxton Festival Fringe at St John’s Church, St John’s Road, Buxton, SK17 6XQ on Saturday 25 July from 7pm to 9pm. 

Tickets are £10 (children and concessions £7) and now on sale from 
www.buxtonfringe.org.uk or www.dalediva.com/shop or call the Divas on 07594 890 625.

For more information about DaleDiva visit www.dalediva.com or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dalediva


Buxton Fringe

Website: www.buxtonfringe.org.uk
Facebook: buxtonfringe
Twitter: @buxtonfringe

Buxton Art Trail returns for Fringe 2015

Over 100 artists take part in 2015 Buxton Art Trail!

The award-winning Buxton Art Trail (BAT) is back at the Fringe this year with 
a whopping 100 plus artists taking part in 26 venues around the town.

The buzzing event takes place on the final weekend of the Fringe from 2-8pm 
on Friday 24th and 11am to 5pm on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th with a 
fantastic variety of painters, printmakers, photographers, illustrators and 
craftspeople, professional and amateur, exhibiting and demonstrating in 
homes, gardens, studios, galleries, church halls and business premises. 

There will also be art displayed in shop windows such as One Small Step on 
Hall Bank as the entire town comes together to celebrate this popular 
initiative. 

5,000 BAT leaflets complete with handy map and artists’ listings have now 
been published and are being circulated round the town in cafes, shops, the 
Tourist Information Centre and the library. They will also be available from the Fringe Information Desk next to the Opera House once the Fringe starts on July 8th.

BAT was founded in 2010 by a small group of local artists who felt that visual 
arts had a larger role to play during Buxton Fringe. Over 70 artists and more 
than 30 venues came on board with the Trail being repeated in 2012, winning 
the Fringe’s prestigious Visual Arts Event prize that year. 

Says BAT member Linda Rolland: “We are delighted that BAT has taken off in 
such a big way again this year and are indebted to our sponsors Discover 
Buxton, Buxton Film, Gallery in the Gardens, The Green Man Gallery and 
Buxton Spa Prize as well as the dedicated team who have worked so hard to 
put the Trail together.”

Anyone looking for further information can visit the BAT website 
at www.buxtonarttrail.com, featuring news and contact details for the artists 
involved plus electronic versions of the map and trail leaflet. There are also 
links to BAT’s social media profiles on Facebook and Twitter where there is 
an opportunity to join organisers and the artists in conversation about all the 
exciting displays and demonstrations at BAT 2015.


Buxton Fringe

Website: www.buxtonfringe.org.uk
Facebook: buxtonfringe
Twitter: @buxtonfringe

Fringe Programme 2015 - Launch Party

"Carthorses" by Rachel Slaney of the Burbage Art Group

We're having a modest party to launch publicly our printed programme. If you are in Buxton on Friday, June 5th please join us at The Green Man Gallery between 7-10pm. There will be some drink, some nibbles and something that we hesitate to call entertainment. It will be a fairly casual sort of do so drop in and join us if you can, when you can. While you are there you can enjoy the new photographic exhibition - The Quarrymen - which draws on a massive local archive of work in the local limestone quarries.

Here is news from the Burbage Art Group about their Fringe show:

THINKING BIG – AND SMALL – AT BURBAGE ART GROUP

Burbage Art Group’s 2015 Art Exhibition, a highlight of the Buxton Fringe, will be featuring a bumper crop of works of every size and in every medium.

With one of its artists, Laura Critchlow, having had a painting exhibited by the Royal Society of Miniature Painters in London, there will be some beautifully detailed mini-works to enjoy as well as large-scale oils, watercolours and collages from other members of the group, with subject matter ranging from animal studies and Derbyshire landscapes to abstract designs and exotic views from as far a-field as China!

The popular Burbage exhibition takes place on Saturday July 18^th from 11am to 3pm. A free event, it has attracted a good deal of attention over the years with several of its artists, including Laura, receiving nominations for Fringe Awards. But organiser Rachel Slaney is keen to explain that the Group is as friendly as ever with a mixed range of abilities and a supportive atmosphere. “We’ve had plenty of beginners and it’s great to see how they have improved and enjoyed themselves.”

The group meets weekly during school term times on Wednesday nights at Burbage Institute in Buxton and has both male and female members with ages currently ranging from 20 to 80 plus. It also sponsors young artists from Buxton Community School, generally featuring their exciting new work at the exhibition.

The one-off summer art show is supremely family-friendly offering free cakes and refreshments plus a children’s quiz with sticker and balloon for all completed sheets! Says Rachel: “It’s great for the group to have a chance to display its work plus we are always keen to meet people who might want to join us in the future!”

Anyone wanting further information about the exhibition or classes should contact Rachel Slaney on 01538 266220.

  

Buxton Fringe

Website: www.buxtonfringe.org.uk
Facebook: buxtonfringe
Twitter: @buxtonfringe