The Importance of Digging Holes

Centre Stage in Barrow: Marking the centenary of the end of the First World War on Friday 12th October.

We are delighted to announce our first Centre Stage production of the season: “The Importance of Digging Holes: The Great War and More” brought to us by the professional touring theatre company  “Harp and a Monkey”, full of rousing music and droll Lancashire humour. 
The harp 'n' banjo driven electro-folk-storytelling trio Martin Purdy, Simon Jones and Andy Smith imbue their first set with a deep Lancashire sensibility that shines through in their beautifully crafted and sometimes spooky vignettes of northern life, love and remembrance. The outfit, who have been friends for more than 20 years, channel the ghosts of summers spent in municipal parks and winters walking on the moors. Songs about cuckolded mole catchers, a lone English oak tree that grows at Gallipoli, care in the community and medieval pilgrims…

As part of an ongoing project (part-sponsored by Arts Council England and The Western Front Association) to mark the centenary of the First World War, the second set is new material and re-worked traditional songs which strive to challenge stereotypes of the conflict, and which focus heavily on forgotten aspects of the war (from the horror of being a postman, to the role of musicians) and also on the forgotten men - those ex-servicemen who came home, and their families. 

Formed in 2008, Harp and a Monkey are proud of the strength of their reputation as a quality live act and excellent rapport with their audiences.  The trio's melodic and hauntological storytelling, underpinned by a firm commitment to classic song-smithery, has caught the attention and support of BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 3, Folk Radio UK and many more international, national and regional broadcasters. 'Undoubtedly one of the most vital and charismatic thing happening in English folk music right now’ says fRoots Magazine .
'Absolutely top stuff… very, very interesting and unusual song-writing. An Incredible String Band for the 21st century.' Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2 'Folk Show'

The Importance of Digging Holes will start at 7.30pm on Friday October 12th in the Community Centre, Humphrey Perkins.

Tickets will be available at The Post Office, Flower Shop and the Library. Prices all give a £1 off for tickets bought in advance: £10 for adults, £9 for concessions  and £5 for under 18s.

This is the way to experience professional theatre: within walking distance or easy parking, warm, welcoming, cheap, with a bar and good disabled facilities.  DO COME!