Fringe unveils diverse 2015 programme

 

* A recent Fringe beat concert in Llangollen Town Hall.

 

EVENTS as diverse as an appearance by reggae legend Bob Marley’s producer and a new drama on the Ladies of Llangollen feature in the packed programme for this year’s Llangollen Fringe.

Other highlights of the festival, which runs from July 16-26, include a rock `n’ roll train on Llangollen Railway and a jazz narrowboat on the canal.

At the official launch of the line-up at Llangollen Pavilion last night (Monday) festival spokesman Graham Timms said: “As the Fringe gets better and more popular each year we have been able to continue to improve the programme that we offer. 

“This year's programme sees a rare performance in the UK of world-famous Lee 'Scratch' Perry, (pictured right) who was Bob Marley's producer and is known as the father of Dub music.

“He is only appearing in two concerts this summer, one of which is in Llangollen. He's flying in from his home in Zurich for the event.

“We have two members of Madness in The Lee Thompson Ska Orchestra on Friday July 24. Hugh Cornwell from the Stranglers is doing a solo show on Thursday July 23.”

There are two nights featuring Iberian music. On Sunday July 19 the Fringe welcomes back Juan Martin, who was voted one of the world's top three virtuoso flamenco guitarists.

Celebrating Portugal's Fado music is Claudio Aurora who will be singing at Valle Crucis Abbey on July 26. 

Organisers reckon the setting of the abbey will provide a magical backdrop to the haunting sounds of the music.

Sarah and Eleanor is a new drama commissioned by the Fringe and created by Wrexham playwright  Peter Read especially for this year's festival.

It is based on the fascinating lives of the two Ladies of Llangollen who lived at Plas Newydd at the turn of the 19th century.

It will be performed for the first time on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 21 and 22 at their former stately home in Llangollen.

More live drama will come from local group Taking Flight who will perform Shakespeare at Valle Crucis Abbey.  

Kicking off the whole programme with a night of stand-up comedy at the Town Hall on Thursday July 16 is Sara Pascoe, star of TV’s Live at the Apollo and QI.

Graham Timms added: “The festival this year uses more venues, has more performances and sees more high quality acts than ever before.

“We're hoping that growing audience numbers will also follow the trend of the last few years too.

“We will also have lots of the other events that the Fringe is known for including Band for a Day, Fringe Acoustica, Rock and Roll Train on Llangollen Railway, Jazz Narrowboat on the canal and a full programme of workshops running alongside the community art project that involves nine local primary schools in the Dee Valley and many community organisations
in producing artwork for display throughout the town during the festival.”

Also appearing are New York-based purveyors of folk, country and rock music the Felice Brothers and gothic folk hip hop outfit 9Bach from Wales.

A special ticket entitles Fringe-goers the chance to catch all evening concerts for the one-off price of £85.

* For more information go to: http://www.llangollenfringe.co.uk/index.php/en/