Mountain Music – often cited as the origins of country music which in turn is seen by many as the original pop music, had its own beginnings back here in the UK, way before pilgrims and adventurers set sail across the big blue yonder. In this show we are treated to the original origin story, how old morphed into new and a look at some of the biggest stars who made the genre their own.
Told by a cast of amazingly talented musicians and actors, this is a wonderfully entertaining show which will appeal to fans of the genre, history and great music.
When pioneers from the British Isles came to settle in the Appalachian Mountains they brought with them the invisible baggage of songs and reels from “the old country”. Folk songs from the North of England, Scotland and Ireland, rhythms and cadences that evoked past generations were blended with existing chants and dances to become Mountain Music – the forerunner to what we know recognise as Country & Western music.
The 1st act tells the story of these intrepid travellers who took only their most valuable possessions and their history across the vast Atlantic and into the New World. Their journey is narrated throughout and accompanied by songs and skits (and a few whiskey's along the way) which reveal the origins of early country music.
The 2nd act is a celebration of the stars past & present of country music from the ‘Grand Ole Opry’ with the cast taking turns to present ‘stars in their eyes’ style numbers including Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash and an amazing rendition of Patsy Cline’s Crazy which left the audience in stunned silence, this is as good and fun a country show as you’ll see anywhere outside of Tennessee.
Told in exquisite three part harmony and featuring fiddle, bass, guitar, banjo and mandolin, Little Bulb bring a unique evening of entertainment and one which we can’t praise enough – 5 stars on the stage and 5 stars in the review.
Performed by
Clare Beresford
Dominic Conway
Vic Llewellyn
Alexander Scott / Jon Whitten
Elizabeth Westcott
Little Bulb Theatre is an award-winning national touring company based in the South West of England. They are committed to developing devised and physical theatre performances which explore and illuminate minute human details that, in a world so big, are easily swallowed up. Combining innovative character work, beautiful imagery and exciting homemade music, we aspire to create performances that with humour and sadness will touch, startle and entertain.
For more details check out their website https://www.littlebulbtheatre.com/
Co-Produced by Farnham Maltings, a leading cultural organisation based in South West Surrey with a regional, national and international reach. https://farnhammaltings.com/
A word for the venue too - Hosted at the wonderful UTASS centre in Chapel Row, Middleton in Teesdale providing a whole range of spaces and facilities available for hire, the main hall was a perfect stage for the show, and with access to the adjoining lounge and coffee bar made for a relaxed and comfortable evening – see https://utass.org/room-hire/ for full details.