A Steady Trickle

In some situations 'a steady trickle' might be a cause for worry or concern; I'm thinking things plumbing here (human, domestic and industrial). But this is a subject that doesn't necessarily warrant very close reflection (though let it not be said that the Fringe doesn't take personal health seriously - so get down to the well woman/man clinic pronto).

No, what I had in mind was more like the steady trickle of rain that feeds our streams, rivers, underground and overground reservoirs. Not the torrents that wash away the topsoil and lead to rivers bursting their banks and some hapless souls spending several weeks living in a caravan previously seen in Steptoe & Son.

Such a steady trickle characterises the arrival of entries for the 29th Buxton Festival Fringe (Wednesday July 9 - Sunday July 27, 2008). Such an orderly arrival was what we hoped for when we set the fees to reward early entry. The present £40 per event entry - which is the cheapest it has been to enter the Fringe for years - is available until the end of February (when the cost rises to £60). So, keep trickling.

When last I looked there were 14 entries (we expect around 100 when entries close on 30 April) - each and every one worth putting in your diary. As previously observed the classical music section is looking very strong already - and a couple more events are expected shortly. Orchestras, string quartets, recitals, choirs - hosts of strings, recorders and voices with composers such as Haydn, Janacek, Tchaikovsky, Britten and Brahms represented.

Amongst the drama there is a certain crowd-pleaser withHappy Jack by John Godber and two of Shakespeare's plays.Twelth Night is being performed by the Young Rec who are bound to bring energy and pace to their show. The 1623 Theatre Company are putting on Hamlet in Poole's Cavern. Another reason for hoping for no more than a steady trickle - too much rain and the river rises.

Anyway, keep your eyes on the entries and pick-out your own favourites: www.buxtonfringe.org.uk


by Keith Savage - Published 03/02/2008