Nominated for Musician of the Year and for Best Album with Vagrant Stanzas at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2014, Martin's shows are intense, eclectic, spellbinding and deeply moving. There is no doubt that after 35 years as a professional musician Martin is better than ever. Widely acknowledged as one of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players in the world, his interpretations of traditional songs are masterpieces of storytelling. Martin has been nominated an astounding 31 times in the 15 years of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards -- more than any other performer -- with 12 nominations for Musician of The Year, which he has won twice. 2008 saw an incredible five nominations for 'Prodigal Son' and two wins, whilst in 2010 he had an unprecedented six nominations for his CD, True Stories and a win for Best Traditional Track, 'Sir Patrick Spens'. Whether playing American old-time music, blues, a Dylan song or his own material, Martin Simpson is unpredictable, individual and a guitarist of immense subtlety.

Psychic Medium Nikki Kitt is a Spiritualist Medium who is currently touring the UK with her successful Psychic / Mediumship Evenings. As a Medium Nikki Kitt aims to provide evidence of life after life by getting links from loved ones in spirit for people in the audience with amazing accuracy in descriptions, personalities and all sorts of personal information.. to give both confirmation and comfort. I have been aware of spirit my whole life and so have no doubt that we carry on after this physicnal life and my demonstrations are to prove the same to everyone else.

Chris Wood is an uncompromising writer whose music reveals his love for the unofficial history of the English speaking people. With gentle intelligence he weaves the tradition with his own contemporary parables. A self-taught musician, composer and song writer, Chris is a lifelong autodidact whose independent streak shines through everything he does. Always direct and unafraid to speak his mind, his song writing has been praised for its surgical clarity. He cites his major influence as Anon. On stage Chris has the air of a craftsman who no longer needs to be precious about his art. Without any apparent effort he reaches deep into an enviable repertoire of songs before revealing another gem.

Joanna Eden is an acclaimed English jazz singer, songwriter, and pianist celebrated for her original compositions and interpretations of jazz standards. Born in Lincolnshire to a musical family, she began piano at six, composed her first song by seven, and earned a degree in Creative Arts before immersing herself in London's vibrant jazz scene. Her debut album, A Little Bird Told Me, launched at Ronnie Scott's, and her follow-up, My Open Eye, was re-released globally by Universal, earning praise from critics and airplay on BBC Radio. Joanna has performed at top venues, including The Stables and Pizza Express Jazz Club, and supported high-profile acts such as Jamie Cullum, the Buena Vista Social Club, and Ronan Keating. Praised by Mojo magazine for her melody, mystery, and bite, Joanna's six albums span jazz, soul, blues, and bossa nova. Beyond performing, she is a passionate educator who mentored a young Sam Smith. With her heartfelt lyrics, warm stage presence, and world-class musicianship, Joanna continues to captivate audiences and cement her place in contemporary jazz. Blue Vanguard Jazz meets monthly on a Thursday in Matthews Hall, Fore Street, Topsham EX3 0HF. Blue Vanguard Trio - Craig Milverton [keyboard], Al Swainger [bass] and Coach York [drums] bring the finest national and international guests to Topsham. Doors are open from 7.15pm with performance times from 8pm 10.30pm. Bar/refreshments available in Matthews Hall or nearby at No 3 Bar, The Old Fire Station Taphouse or The Nelson Inn.

Blue Vanguard Trio - Craig Milverton [keyboard], Al Swainger [bass] and Coach York [drums] bring the finest national and international guests to Topsham.

William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet Performed as part of a national tour (& global streaming) of this classical Shakespeare drama, by a professional touring theatre company from Devon, which has previously won national and international awards for their Shakespearean productions. Caught between violently feuding families, two young lovers seek to marry, with tragic consequences, but leading to the end of the feud. This is a production performing the original text, in a re-imagined gangland setting, in a stylish, brutal and powerfully performed adaptation, with a diverse, intergenerational cast working as a close, collaborative team. This performance is part of a national tour and international streaming programme, involving public performances, full performances in schools, plus educational and literary talks & workshops for a variety of colleges, libraries and community groups, and a package of online content for students. Content advisories: Suitable for audiences age 12+. Younger audience members are welcome but please be aware of the content. Please be aware that this production contains violent scenes, narcotic references & depiction of suicide. If you have any questions about any aspect of our production, please contact us at any time.

Fotheringay MkII members Sally Barker (The Poozies, BBCTV's "The Voice", IOTA) and guitarist PJ Wright (TradArrr, The Dylan Project) are joined by multi instrumentalist Marion Fleetwood (voice, fiddle, guitars - Feast of Fiddles, TRADarrr, IOTA), Gemma Shirley (keyboard and vocals - TRADarrr) and the rhythm section of bassist Mat Davies and drummer Mark Stevens from folk-rock legends Little Johnny England to form The Sandy Denny Project. Sandy Denny's remarkable writing is approached not as a tribute band, slavishly copying the records, but as a tribute in its best sense - an interpretation of Sandy's wonderful work. With every year Sandy's reputation continues to grow in stature as a songwriter and interpreter of traditional material, and the six musicians in the band who share an impressive folk-rock pedigree are each at the very top of their musical game. 'A brilliant concert'...'The best'...'Incredible'...'The best gig of the year' 'Magical'...''Superb'...'Wonderful' 'Sandy is alive in your performances'

This magnetic bond still holds after more than 50 years of attempted escapes. Still loved for their total in-yer-face originality, the contrast between the deadpan humour of Barrett and mad onstage antics of Otway are hilarious to watch. John's lyrical genius and Willy's outstanding musicianship (he seems to play almost every stringed instrument known to man, plus a few hybrids of his own making!). Willy's interest in making instruments began when he commandeered two guitars made by his dad in 1965. One from an old guitar neck and a scaffold plank which became affectionately known as the Les Dawson, and the other branded the Mk1 Schitstik electric slide of similar pedigree. These instruments were used on many of the early tracks, including Really Free and Racing Cars. Willy's remark this will be the last time that many of you will see us together again was often hastily misinterpreted as the final throw of the dice, but the reason given: it's not us packing up, it's you lot dying off, you know who you are! is often overlooked by eager scribes. And so the rumours abound. Last year, John celebrated his 5,000th gig to a packed house at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire. And if that's not enough, we are now talking about DOCTOR JOHN an Honorary PhD in Music by Oxford Brookes University. Im really thrilled to be awarded this totally unexpected honour, especially as I failed all my A levels as I decided to concentrate on preparing for my burgeoning career as a rock star. To get this from Oxford Brookes 50 years later shows I did the right thing. For any Otway/Barrett virgins out there who dont know what to expect, be prepared for everything from bare-chested theremin playing to wah wah wheelie bin as the duo jump from one hit and 40 near misses to another: An amazing and irreverent performance by two master entertainers

Enduring musical partnership of two hugely experienced and highly respected musicians - talented guitarist and singer of songs, Paul Downes and multi-instrumentalist, Phil Beer.

Celebrating The Travelling Wilburys - Roy Orbison, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne This top tribute show is more than just a tribute! They are the ‘complete package’, a great combination of brilliant musicianship, tongue in cheek humour and rave reviews throughout the UK, the band play their songs in their familiar country-rock style whilst stealing a few choice numbers from those famous five icons, Messrs Orbison, Harrison, Dylan, Petty and Lynne! The set list includes Wilbury songs such as: End Of The Line, Handle With Care, The Devil’s Been Busy, Last Night, Tweeter And The Monkey Man, She’s My Baby, Heading For The Light……………. And choice cuts such as: Pretty Woman, You’ve Got It (Roy Orbison), Mr Blue Sky, Evil Woman (Jeff Lynne’s ELO), I Won’t Back Down, Running Down A Dream (Tom Petty), Mr Tambourine Man, Make You Feel My Love (Bob Dylan), Here Come’s The Sun (George Harrison)………… and many more. All great songs in the Country/Rock genres and plenty of humour throughout!

Jim Moray is an English folk singer, multi-instrumentalist and record producer.

Kris Drever originally comes from Hrossey in the Orkney Islands. Over the years, he has taught himself to be a songwriter, guitarist and singer of note (and sometimes many notes). As well as creating award-winning original songs and instrumental pieces with the trio Lau, he has had a fruitful solo career exploring the cracks between classic and modern songwriting and the traditional music that he comes from. Drever’s sound is rooted in the earthy and hypnotic rhythms of much older music, but there’s a sophistication to both the lyricism and the instrumentalism which places him skilfully in the present. He has an extensive collection of BBC R2 Folk awards, plus a fistful of Scottish NaTrads awards for everything from best album, best singer and best live act to best original song. He has worked with many excellent musicians, including Jack Bruce, Eddi Reader, Mark Knopfler, Jerry Douglas and Roddy Woomble, and is a member of the beautiful multi-media project Spell Songs: The Lost Words. Currently, Kris is preparing for a series of Lau events around the UK, writing music for a new solo album and learning some old tunes for reasons he can’t quite explain. “Utterly stunning” – fROOTS “Kris Drever is a serious talent” – MOJO £16 General Admission | £14 Concessions | £10 Under 16s We are offering a free carer/companion ticket for any disabled or wheelchair-user audience members throughout our shows this season. Please note that it is helpful if this is booked in advance via the WeGotTickets website, so that we can ensure that there is adequate accessible seating reserved on the day/night of the event. Wheelchair access, or entry for people with a disability is available from the side entrance, by the Phoenix Café. Tickets for our Spring/Summer 2025 events can also be purchased in person at the Phoenix Shop, Findhorn. These will be available for purchase from February 2025. Please note that this is a seated event.

Old Time Appalachian music made with modern audiences in mind stomping fiddle tunes and lazy banjo backbeats giving way to close harmony singing. Old Spot sees two musicians from different traditional backgrounds exploring a shared musical love, creating new music that is bursting with joy and imagination.

Leveret features three of England's finest folk musicians in an exciting new collaboration. Andy Cutting, Sam Sweeney and Rob Harbron are each regarded as masters of their instrument and are involved in numerous collaborations with a huge range of artists. Together their performances combine consummate musicianship, compelling delivery, and captivating spontaneity.

Gillian Anderson (Sex Education), Vanessa Kirby (The Crown), and Ben Foster (Lone Survivor) lead the cast in Tennessee Williams timeless masterpiece.

Rosamund Pike (Saltburn) makes her National Theatre debut as Jessica. Writer Suzie Miller and director Justin Martin reunite following their global phenomenon Prima Facie with this searing examination of modern masculinity and motherhood.

Artistic Director Gregory Doran continued his exploration of Shakespeare's history plays with his production of Henry IV - Part I.

2014 Christopher Luscombe directed the innovative production of Love's Labour's Won (Much Ado About Nothing) at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.