John Peel Theatre
The Little Theatre at the Heart of Wigton
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Our Next Production:
The Scottish Play
Tickets available online
or by phoning 07977 835094
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President: Melvyn Bragg
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Our Facilities:
Proscenium arch theatre
90 raked seats
Wheelchair access
Induction loop
Licensed bar
Real coffee
Ice cream & snacks
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Registered Charity No: 1178881
Upcoming Productions and Events
Entertaining Wigton
for 70 Years
Folk at The John Peel
Charlie Dore - The Short Circuit Tour
with Julian Littman
28th September 7:30pm
Multi award-winning singer & songwriter of worldwide hits
‘A gift for melody, brave, poignant, entertaining, original’ The Guardian ★★★★
On tour with the celebrated multi-instrumentalist Julian Littman
Charlie Dore’s songs have been recorded by the good and the great including George Harrison, Tina Turner, Celine Dion, Jimmy Nail and Ricky Ross, but her live shows reveal that actually she keeps the best songs for herself.
As one of the UK’s most respected songwriters her own albums, described as ‘eclectic contemporary folk with crunchy lyrics’ continue to win awards both sides of the Atlantic, most recently Female Vocalist Of The Year (FATEA, 2020) and Best Lyrics (Like Animals ,US Indie Acoustic, 2021). Charlie has also played major festivals including Glastonbury, Celtic Connections, Cropredy, Shrewsbury Folk and Ventnor as well as appearing at some of the UK’s most prestigious venues including Kings Place and Liverpool Philharmonic.
Recent sessions for Mark Radcliffe (BBC Radio 2) and Ricky Ross (BBC Radio Scotland) as well as an inclusion on Ken Bruce’s final BBC show, prove Charlie’s relevance and ability to capture the imagination of increasing and new audiences.
For her 10th and most recent album Like Animals she turns away from the expansive science and space metaphors of 2017’s Dark Matter to focus on the internal landscape of the human brain and just what makes us tick. Sewn-through with Dore’s trademark dark wit, lyricism, and distinctive melodic voice, Like Animals explores some of our most basic instincts and how we’re often hi-jacked by our emotional responses.
December 2021 saw the release of her Christmas EP The Man Who Built Christmas - which she plans to include in her 2023 tour sets on the basis that a good song isn’t just for Christmas. Meanwhile 2023 UK touring will feature Charlie with long-time collaborator, the multi instrumental singer/writer/actor Julian Littman (Steeleye Span), ‘my other brother’.
“A voice like Kate McGarrigle meets Dory Previn. Wonderful.”
Mike Harding
“This sublime album…earnest and witty, tender and cynical all at the same time… profound, moving and oddly haunting.”
RnR Magazine
“Reaffirms her place as one of our most intelligent and erudite singer-songwriters”
Fatea Magazine
www.charliedore.com
Tickets £16
Multi award-winning singer & songwriter of worldwide hits
‘A gift for melody, brave, poignant, entertaining, original’ The Guardian ★★★★
On tour with the celebrated multi-instrumentalist Julian Littman
Charlie Dore’s songs have been recorded by the good and the great including George Harrison, Tina Turner, Celine Dion, Jimmy Nail and Ricky Ross, but her live shows reveal that actually she keeps the best songs for herself.
As one of the UK’s most respected songwriters her own albums, described as ‘eclectic contemporary folk with crunchy lyrics’ continue to win awards both sides of the Atlantic, most recently Female Vocalist Of The Year (FATEA, 2020) and Best Lyrics (Like Animals ,US Indie Acoustic, 2021). Charlie has also played major festivals including Glastonbury, Celtic Connections, Cropredy, Shrewsbury Folk and Ventnor as well as appearing at some of the UK’s most prestigious venues including Kings Place and Liverpool Philharmonic.
Recent sessions for Mark Radcliffe (BBC Radio 2) and Ricky Ross (BBC Radio Scotland) as well as an inclusion on Ken Bruce’s final BBC show, prove Charlie’s relevance and ability to capture the imagination of increasing and new audiences.
For her 10th and most recent album Like Animals she turns away from the expansive science and space metaphors of 2017’s Dark Matter to focus on the internal landscape of the human brain and just what makes us tick. Sewn-through with Dore’s trademark dark wit, lyricism, and distinctive melodic voice, Like Animals explores some of our most basic instincts and how we’re often hi-jacked by our emotional responses.
December 2021 saw the release of her Christmas EP The Man Who Built Christmas - which she plans to include in her 2023 tour sets on the basis that a good song isn’t just for Christmas. Meanwhile 2023 UK touring will feature Charlie with long-time collaborator, the multi instrumental singer/writer/actor Julian Littman (Steeleye Span), ‘my other brother’.
“A voice like Kate McGarrigle meets Dory Previn. Wonderful.”
Mike Harding
“This sublime album…earnest and witty, tender and cynical all at the same time… profound, moving and oddly haunting.”
RnR Magazine
“Reaffirms her place as one of our most intelligent and erudite singer-songwriters”
Fatea Magazine
www.charliedore.com
Tickets £16
First Friday of every month
Next event: 6th October 2023
Running live in the theatre. Places must be booked via TicketSource
Check our Facebook page and newsletter for details.
7:30pm start
Find your voice in a relaxed and supportive environment. We invite artists to register and book a slot at no charge.
Entrance is also free for non-performers
Contact Hayden Dunstan to register or for further information:
liveom or via the theatre Facebook page.
Next event: 6th October 2023
Running live in the theatre. Places must be booked via TicketSource
Check our Facebook page and newsletter for details.
7:30pm start
Find your voice in a relaxed and supportive environment. We invite artists to register and book a slot at no charge.
Entrance is also free for non-performers
Contact Hayden Dunstan to register or for further information:
liveom or via the theatre Facebook page.
Second Friday of every other month (Feb, April, June, Aug, Oct, Dec)
Next event: 13th October 2023
Running virtually on Zoom.
Check our Facebook page and newsletter for details.
7:30pm start
Find your voice in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Pre-recorded videos and live performances are all accepted. Please check that your audio settings are optimised for music if you are performing live (this is a good guide on how to do it).
You can upload your videos here.
Contact Kate Jensen to register or for further information:
openmic or via the theatre Facebook page.
Next event: 13th October 2023
Running virtually on Zoom.
Check our Facebook page and newsletter for details.
7:30pm start
Find your voice in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Pre-recorded videos and live performances are all accepted. Please check that your audio settings are optimised for music if you are performing live (this is a good guide on how to do it).
You can upload your videos here.
Contact Kate Jensen to register or for further information:
openmic or via the theatre Facebook page.
From the Air
Special Fundraising Concert
21st October 7:30pm
Join us for an evening of fabulous music from our very special guest artists - all regulars of our virtual open mic nights. You really don't want to miss this abundance of talent! It will be an excellent evening - a party fit for our 70th birthday!
Featuring
Paul Cornwall
Michelle Dodds (Cultram)
Maureen and Ian Kellett
Neil McHardy
Tony Stevenson
and a chance to purchase a CD of music from the exceptional Colin Webb
Tickets £12
Join us for an evening of fabulous music from our very special guest artists - all regulars of our virtual open mic nights. You really don't want to miss this abundance of talent! It will be an excellent evening - a party fit for our 70th birthday!
Featuring
Paul Cornwall
Michelle Dodds (Cultram)
Maureen and Ian Kellett
Neil McHardy
Tony Stevenson
and a chance to purchase a CD of music from the exceptional Colin Webb
Tickets £12
The Scottish Play
16th - 18th November 7:30pm and 19th November 2:30pm (relaxed performance)
An exclusive Premiere at the John Peel Theatre!
Whatever you do- don't mention the M Word! Our very own David Ross, fresh from his success with Cinders, brings you a slapstick witty version of Mac ... (hush- I daren't say it- I might die!)
Tickets £9
Early bird tickets £7 each
An exclusive Premiere at the John Peel Theatre!
Whatever you do- don't mention the M Word! Our very own David Ross, fresh from his success with Cinders, brings you a slapstick witty version of Mac ... (hush- I daren't say it- I might die!)
Tickets £9
Early bird tickets £7 each
Folk at The John Peel
John Kirkpatrick - Carolling and Crumpets
8th December 7:30pm
Taking its title from John’s unforgettable song telling the Nativity story from the point of view of the animals in the stable, this show is a heart-warming look at the timeless rituals found in the folklore and folk music of England at Midwinter. John peels away the commercial gloss of modern Christmas to reveal the powerful pagan urges that race through us all at this time of year, and the life and death struggle that is symbolised in so many traditional songs and customs.
And if that all sounds just a little too intense, then rest assured that the mysterious and murky goings-on in these magical songs of wassailing, wren-hunting, stirring the fire, and incessant feasting, all come dressed up in a glittering finery of toe-tapping tunes and cracking choruses. Add to the mixture a light-hearted smattering of hilarious original songs, a sprinkling of carols both familiar and unfamiliar, all stirred up with John’s usual panache and energy, and supported by his scintillating skill on a variety of squeeze-boxes, and you have an unbeatable recipe for having a rattling good sing, guaranteed to keep the spirits cheery and the cold at bay.
www.johnkirkpatrick.co.uk
Tickets £16
Taking its title from John’s unforgettable song telling the Nativity story from the point of view of the animals in the stable, this show is a heart-warming look at the timeless rituals found in the folklore and folk music of England at Midwinter. John peels away the commercial gloss of modern Christmas to reveal the powerful pagan urges that race through us all at this time of year, and the life and death struggle that is symbolised in so many traditional songs and customs.
And if that all sounds just a little too intense, then rest assured that the mysterious and murky goings-on in these magical songs of wassailing, wren-hunting, stirring the fire, and incessant feasting, all come dressed up in a glittering finery of toe-tapping tunes and cracking choruses. Add to the mixture a light-hearted smattering of hilarious original songs, a sprinkling of carols both familiar and unfamiliar, all stirred up with John’s usual panache and energy, and supported by his scintillating skill on a variety of squeeze-boxes, and you have an unbeatable recipe for having a rattling good sing, guaranteed to keep the spirits cheery and the cold at bay.
www.johnkirkpatrick.co.uk
Tickets £16
Folk at The John Peel
The Haar
4th February 7:30pm
The Haar introduces the formidable singing talent of All-Ireland Scór na nÓg winner Molly Donnery combined with three of the most exciting instrumentalists on the folk and traditional music circuit: Cormac Byrne (BBC Folk Award/Show of Hands/Seth Lakeman), Adam Summerhayes, and Murray Grainger (both of the FATEA award-winning Ciderhouse Rebellion).
This is music that is not afraid to transcend borders - whilst recognisably born of the traditional music that all members have grown up with. The Haar are unapologetic in pushing the boundaries to create a unique and compelling sound.
Their self-titled debut, released in June 2020, is a collection of traditional Irish songs tackling love, poverty and oppression. It was heralded as "a splendid balance of swirling instrumental magic and beautifully sung narratives” by Folk Radio UK and garnered attention from Mike Harding who described it as "absolutely amazing".
The latest album, entitled Where Old Ghosts Meet received multiple rave reviews and has paved the way for outstanding festival appearances at Shrewsbury, Beardy Folk, and at other prestigious stages.
"A sweeping panorama of Irish traditional music and song" - Songlines
"Very rarely does an album appear unheralded and threaten to make a major impact. The Haar is one of those rarities" - Folking.com
“We need more music like this; spontaneous, alive and affecting, The Haar will take you on a journey and have you appreciating the purest of life’s pleasures. Wonderful stuff.” - Folk Radio UK.
“Molly, Adam, Cormac and Murray have daringly turned this oh-so-familiar repertoire completely on its head and produced what is an inspiring and delightfully bold work of art.” - Folk Wales
“Full of great traditional music, just sung and played brilliantly.” - Mike Harding
"The Haar conjuring magic that had long been hidden in plain sight, responding melodically in a mesmerising impromptu arc of artistry.” - Irish Music Magazine
Tickets £15
The Haar introduces the formidable singing talent of All-Ireland Scór na nÓg winner Molly Donnery combined with three of the most exciting instrumentalists on the folk and traditional music circuit: Cormac Byrne (BBC Folk Award/Show of Hands/Seth Lakeman), Adam Summerhayes, and Murray Grainger (both of the FATEA award-winning Ciderhouse Rebellion).
This is music that is not afraid to transcend borders - whilst recognisably born of the traditional music that all members have grown up with. The Haar are unapologetic in pushing the boundaries to create a unique and compelling sound.
Their self-titled debut, released in June 2020, is a collection of traditional Irish songs tackling love, poverty and oppression. It was heralded as "a splendid balance of swirling instrumental magic and beautifully sung narratives” by Folk Radio UK and garnered attention from Mike Harding who described it as "absolutely amazing".
The latest album, entitled Where Old Ghosts Meet received multiple rave reviews and has paved the way for outstanding festival appearances at Shrewsbury, Beardy Folk, and at other prestigious stages.
"A sweeping panorama of Irish traditional music and song" - Songlines
"Very rarely does an album appear unheralded and threaten to make a major impact. The Haar is one of those rarities" - Folking.com
“We need more music like this; spontaneous, alive and affecting, The Haar will take you on a journey and have you appreciating the purest of life’s pleasures. Wonderful stuff.” - Folk Radio UK.
“Molly, Adam, Cormac and Murray have daringly turned this oh-so-familiar repertoire completely on its head and produced what is an inspiring and delightfully bold work of art.” - Folk Wales
“Full of great traditional music, just sung and played brilliantly.” - Mike Harding
"The Haar conjuring magic that had long been hidden in plain sight, responding melodically in a mesmerising impromptu arc of artistry.” - Irish Music Magazine
Tickets £15
Folk at The John Peel
Damien Barber and Mike Wilson
16th March 7:30pm
A proud Norfolk man and heavily influenced by such earlier Norfolk singers as Walter Pardon and Peter Bellamy, Damien is a stylish and distinctive singer, be it unaccompanied or alongside his guitar or concertina. Though he has now resided for some time in West Yorkshire, his roots remain firmly planted in his beloved East Anglia.
Mike Wilson is the youngest member of the inimitable Wilson Family, the powerful Teesside singing siblings who have raised the rafters at many a festival or folk club event over the years. His musical heritage remains emphatically that of the North East – an evocative mixture of rural and industrial folk songs, both traditional and modern.
Together, Damien and Mike share an incredibly rich repertoire of traditional songs from around the country, as well as drawing on the work of modern folk writers such as Peter Bellamy, Ewan MacColl and Mike Waterson.
“Under The Influence’ is chock full of nothing but great songs brilliantly sung”
Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2
“The Old Songs” *****
R2 magazine
“Damien Barber’s sound, style and presence combines the best of Peter Bellamy and Nic Jones”
Dirty Linen
“The Wilsons are what they are, they do what they do and say what they say, it’s very direct and I love that”
Dick Gaughan
www.facebook.com/damienandmike
Tickets £16
A proud Norfolk man and heavily influenced by such earlier Norfolk singers as Walter Pardon and Peter Bellamy, Damien is a stylish and distinctive singer, be it unaccompanied or alongside his guitar or concertina. Though he has now resided for some time in West Yorkshire, his roots remain firmly planted in his beloved East Anglia.
Mike Wilson is the youngest member of the inimitable Wilson Family, the powerful Teesside singing siblings who have raised the rafters at many a festival or folk club event over the years. His musical heritage remains emphatically that of the North East – an evocative mixture of rural and industrial folk songs, both traditional and modern.
Together, Damien and Mike share an incredibly rich repertoire of traditional songs from around the country, as well as drawing on the work of modern folk writers such as Peter Bellamy, Ewan MacColl and Mike Waterson.
“Under The Influence’ is chock full of nothing but great songs brilliantly sung”
Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2
“The Old Songs” *****
R2 magazine
“Damien Barber’s sound, style and presence combines the best of Peter Bellamy and Nic Jones”
Dirty Linen
“The Wilsons are what they are, they do what they do and say what they say, it’s very direct and I love that”
Dick Gaughan
www.facebook.com/damienandmike
Tickets £16
Folk at The John Peel
Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman
2nd May 7:30pm
'Almost A Sunset'
Released on Iscream Music UK -17th March 2023
It has been five years since the last offering from the popular husband and wife duo Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman and their latest album proves a ‘tour de force’ of musical and lyrical surprises.
‘Almost A Sunset ‘, their seventh album, is a collection of thoughtful, varied songs that range from re-worked traditional ballads to the off-piste storytelling style that has become their trademark.
Recorded at Devon-pace in their studio on Dartmoor over the course of a year, the couple explore favourite characters, childhood memories and deep emotion to pull together a collection of songs that demonstrate their musical versatility, a sharp interest in the world around them and their own unique perspective on the folk genre.
Duos come and duos go, and some nurture and fine tune their art and watch it grow into something totally original and captivating. For over a quarter of a century Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman's partnership has proved personal, permanent and pivotal.
From their early days in folk supergroup ‘Equation ‘ through to their new album this multi award-winning couple continue to exude timeless class with their exquisite brand of traditional and contemporary acoustic music.
Twice Winners of 'Best Duo' - BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards
"It's folk music for the modern age." - The Telegraph - London
"These guys are something very special" - Acoustic Magazine
"A duo right at the top of their game" - Rock n' Reel
www.kathrynrobertsandseanlakeman.com
Tickets £19
Folk at The John Peel
Bryony Griffith & Alice Jones
20th June 7:30pm
As established solo artists, Bryony Griffith & Alice Jones are no strangers to the folk scene, however the force of this phenomenal “new” duo is sure to turn some heads, and for very good reason.
Hailing from the close knit communities of West Yorkshire, both are long-time purveyors and performers of traditional English folk music, united by a mutual fascination with folk song and tune collections from their native county. Bryony and Alice draw on a wealth of stories inspired by the landscape and language of their surroundings, not to mention the local characters they have both grown up with and still live amongst today.
Via villages, valleys and moorlands, they channel their own brand of Yorkshire folk music. Combining their respect and understanding of traditional song, music and dance with their own more contemporary style of folk performance, they present a unique repertoire of harmony, history and Northern banter. Featuring Fiddle, Harmonium, Tenor Guitar and intricate close harmony vocals in their distinctive regional accents; Bryony and Alice's music celebrates a shared love for community heritage that resonates throughout Yorkshire and beyond, connecting with musical communities the world over.
https://bryonyandalice.com/
Tickets £16
As established solo artists, Bryony Griffith & Alice Jones are no strangers to the folk scene, however the force of this phenomenal “new” duo is sure to turn some heads, and for very good reason.
Hailing from the close knit communities of West Yorkshire, both are long-time purveyors and performers of traditional English folk music, united by a mutual fascination with folk song and tune collections from their native county. Bryony and Alice draw on a wealth of stories inspired by the landscape and language of their surroundings, not to mention the local characters they have both grown up with and still live amongst today.
Via villages, valleys and moorlands, they channel their own brand of Yorkshire folk music. Combining their respect and understanding of traditional song, music and dance with their own more contemporary style of folk performance, they present a unique repertoire of harmony, history and Northern banter. Featuring Fiddle, Harmonium, Tenor Guitar and intricate close harmony vocals in their distinctive regional accents; Bryony and Alice's music celebrates a shared love for community heritage that resonates throughout Yorkshire and beyond, connecting with musical communities the world over.
https://bryonyandalice.com/
Tickets £16