Babbacombe Lee at The Castle, Wellingborough

[Simon Care]

I have just returned from an awesome stage performance of The True and Terrible History of John 'Babbacombe' Lee. Produced, directed and led by Kevin Burke, this show depicted the life of John Lee, with the music provided by Little Johnny England.
This was a one off performance to a mostly invited audience. And in my humble opinion was utterly awesome.
A combination of music from the classic Fairport album, precise narrative from Kevin, wonderful dance sequences and the use of mindboggling illusions made it a very special night indeed.

The Johnnies were onstage throughout and were totally on the money.......

The hope of the producer is to tour this show next year and i urge all of you to contact your local theatres and get them to book this production.



Congratulations to all involved and special mention to The Arts council for funding it. Money very well spent

Simon Care

[greglin (Gregg)]

Sounds rather good - I do like the babbacombe lee album - probably little chance of them bringing it to ireland I would think.

[Jim]

any fear of them releasing an OST album?

[Kevin the Jester]

Sounds rather good - I do like the babbacombe lee album - probably little chance of them bringing it to ireland I would think.

Hi all, I've not posted for a while as I've been busy with the show, but believe me, greglin, if there's a theatre willing to take it, and we can strike a deal that makes it feasible, we'll be there!

Kevin

[Graham B]

I went to the showcase performance of this production last night at the Castle Theatre in Wellingborough not knowing quite what to expect.

The story of the man they couldn't hang was told using a combination of music, dance, and theatre with the addition of some awe inspiring rope climbing and acrobatics. This is listed on the website as aerial acrobatics, but this description hardly conveys the grace and athleticism of the couple performing on the ropes.

The music will all be familiar as it was the very same as the Fairport album of the same name. The house band was Little Johnny England featuring a certain Mr PJ Wright. They are certainly some fine musicians, and played some great versions of the songs. I saw Fairport at the same venue a couple of years ago and Chris Lesley sang The Cell Song on that occasion. Last night I spotted him in the audience.

There is a website at

http://www.kevinburke.co.uk/babbacombe_lee.html

The website says that the show goes on tour in the spring of 2010. It claims that "this production promises to be one of the theatrical events of the year", and I think they're probably right. I had a great night.

[abby (tank girl)]

will it be performed at the castle again?
we weren't invited to this one..........
and we're only down the road too  

abby x

[Geetee (Gareth)]

will it be performed at the castle again?
we weren't invited to this one..........
and we're only down the road too  

abby x

Hi Abby
If we do the Castle again I'll put you plus one on the guest list.
GT