Old Friends

Well not exactly "old" - but people we've met before and are pleased to welcome back to the Fringe in 2007. Now this could become an even bigger hole as I continue to dig because I might go on and forget to mention some people who are taking part in the Fringe for the third or fourth time. There are some people who have undoubtedly contributed to the Fringe for many, many years and whose presence is always eagerly anticipated.

Alphabetically, Jennie Ainsworth would come first. She leads a short walk around Buxton - taking in spots associated with Vera Brittain. She covers about a mile in two hours, so it isn't a race (though there is a steady climb). Jennie is a delightful and engaging companion and if you join her you'll meet some other interesting people, all with their own reasons for wanting to learn more about Vera Brittain and late Victorian/Edwardian England.

To say that Johnny Dagger eschews modern technology wouldn't be quite right but his slide show with music is unlikely to involve MP3s, Flash movies or anything with Microsoft on it. "Jolly good too" some will say (and not just those that prefer Macs). What you will certainly get is passion and some surprises - and a trip to King Sterndale.

On the music front there are quite a few regulars who always deliver. The High Peak Orchestra is huge and has a programme to match. Andrew Hodkinson does a phenomenal job in marshalling the forces available. Smaller in scale are Partita and Accordes - playing early European music (some instrumental, some vocal). The musicianship and research are impeccable and you'll hear some rare nuggets. Another unusual regular is the Manchester Recorder Orchestra - which is pretty much what it says on the tin. For those that have ever been part of a recorder ensemble but didn't get beyond 'Kookaburra sits in an old gum tree' the MRO will be astonishing. Someone likened their sound to that of an huge pipe organ.

For details of when these old friends can be seen and heard go to our website at www.buxtonfringe.org.uk. You'll also find full details of over 100 other shows and events - which we'll try to preview in the next week or two.


by Keith Savage - Published 30/05/2007