Exploring the power of place, and the author’s ‘one square mile of Cheshire’ the piece combines oral recordings of Alan Garner with folk tales, folk music, playground rhymes and oral archive as the source material.

These are interwoven with original compositions by John, played on the 14 string Viola d’Amore, inspired by Alan Garner’s work and by the landscape of Alderley Edge itself.

The show is a collaboration between storyteller Nick Hennessey and musician and composer John Dipper - with behind-the-scenes script development support from Alan’s daughter Elizabeth, novelist and editor.

With resources and support from the Blackden Trust.

All images courtesy of David Heke

Show less

John Dipper: viola d'amore
Dave Malkin: guitar, voice

Their debut album 'Tricks of the Trade'...

"John Dipper's duets with the guitarist Dave Malkin are perfectly judged, the latter's occasional unassuming vocals adding just the right measure of grit. Exquisite…" The Sunday Times

"Tricks Of The Trade is an album of stunning musicianship without a single dull note.” Folking.com

"Distinctively English, albeit with an exotic twist… that little bit different from anything else out there.” Living Tradition Magazine

"An album of sublime elegance, of rapture and loyalty; the pairing of John Dipper and Dave Malkin works superbly." Liverpool Sound & Vision

          

Show less

Formed to fuse Emily's passions for Medieval and Renaissance melodies/songs and modern folk styles.

Emily has had a successful career in both Folk (Askew Sisters, Alma, Ceilidh Factor and the Elizabethan Session) and Early Music (The Artisans, Shakespeare's Globe, Glyndebourne, The Dufay Collective, Joglaresa, Mediva and the Medieval Babes). Being an multi-instrumentalist playing vielle, shawm, bagpipes, recorders and medieval harp, Emily wanted to explore the possibilities of mixing these unusual sounds with modern instruments.

The band bring together singer/guitarist/fiddler Jamie Roberts (Gilmore Roberts, The Dovetail Trio), fiddler/viola d'amore playing John Dipper (English Acoustic Collective, Methera, Dipper Malkin, and Alma) and percussionist Louise Duggan (National Theatre, Regents Park Theatre, Shakespeare's Globe).

 

Show less

John Dipper: viola d'amore, concertina
Vicki Swan: nyckelharpa, oktavharpa, flageolet
Jonny Dyer: spinet, accordion, gandola

Find out what would happens when some of his more distant friends from rural Sweden and beyond gatecrash with their instruments…

A light hearted programme of music seemlessly blending folk with baroque, Swedish and British and more. Prepare for a humorous fusion featuring the spinet, nyckelharpa, viola d'amore (and a light sprinkling of accordion, gandola and flageolet).

  

Show less

James has been singing and playing folk music for over 40 years. A long-time collaborator with the late Ralph Jordan (Silas, Crows and Patterson, Jordan, Dipper), he now works in this duo with John Dipper.

James and john recently worked with Hugh Lupton and Nick Hennessey on the Barbed Wire for Kisses project, which reveals the first expression of their growing interest in the adaptation of art song to the folk style.

James is also a Film Archive Director and Senior Academic at the University of Lincoln.

Show less

“Ethereal and seductive...their repertoire continually springs surprises. The playing is spry, intelligent and joyous too!"
The Sunday Times

Inspired by fiddle traditions from England and across the world, at the heart of Alma's music is the joyful sound of fiddles playing in harmony.

Each member of Alma brings their own individual style and influences to the band, which they weave together into a bright and vibrant sound. This includes John’s work with Chris Wood in the English Acoustic Collective and groundbreaking string quartet Methera, Emily’s extensive experience in early music (playing with The Dufay Collective, Shakespeare’s Globe and at Glyndebourne), and Adrian’s knowledge of Eastern European music developed through his highly acclaimed work with Arhai and Horses Brawl.

Alma’s unique approach to the gems of each tradition result in beautiful and exciting new arrangements, that tantalise and excite the audience.

      

Show less

The A3 Ceilidh Band is one of the most exciting dance bands emerging in the UK today.

Formed by a small collective of professional folk musicians, their ceilidhs are always fun, energetic & accessible.

The band plays a range of music from across Britain and Ireland on a dynamic selection of instruments, including fiddles, accordion, flute, melodeon, guitar and drum-kit.

    

Show less