On Sunday 17th March at 7.30pm, Harp and a Monkey bring a show called ‘The Importance of Digging Holes: The Great War and More’ to Ordsall Parish Hall on Church Lane. Fronted by an easy-going raconteur, this acclaimed Lancashire folk-storytelling trio matches an excellent First World War folk set with humorous and melodic northern life short stories. It promises lively, inventive folk delivered in a down-to-earth manner.
Songs about cuckolded mole catchers, a lone English oak tree that grows at Gallipoli, care in the community and medieval pilgrims. The harp ‘n’ banjo driven electro-folk-storytelling of Martin Purdy (vocals, glockenspiel, accordion, harmonica and keyboards), Simon Jones (harp, guitar, viola) and Andy Smith (banjo, melodica, guitar) is imbued with a deep Lancashire sensibility that shines through in their beautifully crafted and sometimes spooky vignettes of northern life, love and remembrance.
The outfit, who have been friends for more than 20 years, channel the ghosts of summers spent in municipal parks and winters walking on the moors. Formed in 2008 and regulars on the northern festival circuit, in recent years they have expanded their live outreach across the country. The band are particularly proud of the fact that they have gained a strong reputation for building an excellent rapport with their live audiences and the fact that they have never played anywhere and not been invited back. Such is the strength of their reputation as a quality live act.
The show is suitable for children aged eight and over. Seating will be in cabaret style, so tickets are limited. Tickets are £12.50/£6.50 child (includes light meal) and can be reserved by calling Peter on 01777 706433 or 07951 253343.