Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters

Subject: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Cats
Date: 29 May 08 - 05:12 AM

I hear there's a new show in the offing. Can someone fill me in, please? I'd like to know when Jon's not going to be here and where he is going to be!

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: My guru always said
Date: 29 May 08 - 06:36 AM

OK Cats, get your diary out, here's the show List *grin*

30 May, Blisland Village Hall, 01208 850338
31 May, Leedstown Village Hall, 01736 850332
6 June, Warleggan Jubilee Hall, 01208 821494
7 June, Golant Village Hall, 01726 816454
13 June, Liskerret Community Centre, 01579 340307
20 June, Nancegollan Village Hall, 01209 831502
21 June, Mevagissey Jubilee Hall, 01726 842291
22 June, The Lizard Community Hall, 01326 290188
12 August, Bideford Folk Festival, 01237 470792
4 September, Dehwelans Marquee, Looe, 8 p.m., 01503 264160

Cornish Lads website!

Think there might be a performance at Bude Folk Festival next year too if we're lucky!!

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: jacqui.c
Date: 29 May 08 - 07:16 AM

Darn! nothing on when I can get there.

One day, maybe...........

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 29 May 08 - 07:23 AM

That all sounds fantastic. I do wish I could get to one of those gigs, especially the one in Mevagissey.

Sigh......

Sal

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Cats
Date: 29 May 08 - 08:14 AM

So I might see him next July or August then!

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: My guru always said
Date: 30 May 08 - 05:10 AM

LOL! Absence makes the heart grow fonder!

Sending positive thoughts to all concerned for a Wonderful First Night!!

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Crowdercref
Date: 30 May 08 - 09:26 AM

On behalf of the Lads (and Lasses),

Meur ras,

Thanks for your good wishes!

The master plan (ish) is to tour in Cornwall and near Devon this year, and move further afield next year. So we've hope for Sidmouth, Chippenham, Dartmoor, Lowender Peran, etc for 2009. See you around. Join in the choruses!

Oll an gwella,

Crowdercref

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Sue the Borderer
Date: 30 May 08 - 09:36 AM

Good wishes to all the Lads and Lasses from me, too - and indeed from everyone at Bideford Folk Club. We're looking forward enormously to the performance at Bideford Folk Festival on 12th August.

Sue

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: SussexCarole
Date: 30 May 08 - 09:55 AM

All the best for tonight's opening performance and the rest of the shows. We heard some of the songs at Bude last weekend - brilliant!

Hope we can get to Bideford & see you there

Carole & Andrew

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Crowdercref
Date: 30 May 08 - 06:37 PM

... and Blisland was a storm, with a standing ovation. Many thanks to all our friends who came along, especially the team from St Issey who hired a bus to come to the show! There is some danger of a fan club developing here. I hate to think how many beers I now owe ...

We certainly look forward to doing the show at Bideford. The (assisted) acoustics in the Baptist chapel are excellent. The performing space is fine, if unconventional. The welcome is always warm, and many of us are stopping around to contribute to other events. I hope to be doing a few numbers with Ingrid and Barry Temple - the combo has worked well in the past at Bideford Folk Club and at Whitby Festival.

All the best

Crowdercref

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Crowdercref
Date: 31 May 08 - 07:41 AM

And see the new show's write up in the Western Morning News ...

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Cats
Date: 31 May 08 - 07:53 AM

As Crowdercref couldn't manage a blue clicky, here's the article..

SONGWRITERS WILL TRACE TIN-MINING HERITAGE
OLIVIER VERGNAULT

11:00 - 31 May 2008



A folk-opera about Cornwall's tin-mining past is having its premiere tonight.

The show, a 21-song costume-extravaganza called Cornish Lads, was created by Cornwall Songwriters to commemorate the county's proud industrial heritage.

It will be shown for the first time at the Blisland Village Hall this evening - the first performance of a two-year tour.



Mike O'Connor, a co-writer, director and producer of the Cornish Lads show, said the musical odyssey would focus on the true stories of people at the heart of Cornish mining.

He said: "It's a very infectious show where the audience is very much part of it. It's not like a play where you stand outside the action. It's very much white of the eyes stuff where everyone is expected to interact."

Cornwall Songwriters, who have come to prominence in the past 10 years for their musical creations The Cry of Tin and Unsung Heroes, were asked two years ago by the World Heritage Site Cultural Foundation, to come up with a new show retracing Cornwall's mining past.

The result is the 90-minute musical documentary drama celebrating the World Heritage mining landscape of Cornwall and West Devon.

Mr O'Connor said the show had received £1,800 funding from the World Heritage Site Cultural Foundation as well as support to go on the touring circuit after the Foundation heard of the group's previous successes.

The mining landscape of Cornwall and West Devon was formally recognised as a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2006, putting the area on a par with the Egyptian Pyramids, the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China.

Cornwall Songwriters became known within the county when songs from their Cry of the Tin show, which was written at the time of the South Crofty mine closure in 1999, were painted on the walls of the closed mine.

The chorus of the song written by Roger Bryant, from Redruth, which was daubed on the wall of the mine, read: "Cornish Lads are fishermen, Cornish Lads are miners too. But when the fish and tin are gone, what are the Cornish boys to do?"

Mr O'Connor said: "It's amazing that some people used our songs as a political statement at the time of the closure. Our songs can also be heard on the football terraces and in pubs. They've really been adopted by the Cornish people."

The 10-strong group's other success came in 2004 with Unsung Heroes, about the young men who created the Lost Gardens of Heligan and died in the trenches of the First World War.

Mr O'Connor said: "It takes a year to create a show like ours. It will last for two to three years and every weekend we will be performing in front of an audience."

The song-writer said Cornish Lads is a collection of 21 songs done at breakneck speed about miners, mining communities as well as about life in general.

For more information about Cornwall Songwriters and a list of venues where the show will be played, visit www.lyngham.co.uk/cornishlads

Today's performance will take place at Leedstown Village Hall. For information, call 01736 850332

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Crowdercref
Date: 01 Jun 08 - 07:54 AM

Ah yes, Crowdercref, a reluctant inhabitant of the 20th century, and even less keen on the 21st ... . Now, where's my iPod ? (Steam powered of course)

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: My guru always said
Date: 01 Jun 08 - 03:26 PM

Thanks for popping the write-up on here Cats, much easier than me trying to search! Looking forward to seeing a Review!

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Crowdercref
Date: 01 Jun 08 - 06:53 PM

Sadly I can't offer a review yet, at least not an unbiased one! But suffice it to say that at Blisland the house was full and the show had a standing ovation. So at least some people liked it!

The show has been written to maintain a fast pace and include a lot of chorus songs - so any folk club audience that goes for choruses will be well served. Andrew Lloyd Webber it's not. There are some lovely harmonies and touching accompaniments, but all in a traditional style that seems to work for general audiences as well as folk music enthusiasts.

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Dame Pattie Smith EPNS
Date: 01 Jun 08 - 08:09 PM

wouldn't it be lovely if they could come to Llantrisant? Maybe we could fit them all in a helicopter? (sorry in joke!)

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Hawker
Date: 01 Jun 08 - 08:12 PM

And much to my surprise, I have once again led to people shedding the odd tear! .................................and I really hoped my singing had improved ;0)

If anyone out there has seen it and would ke to review it here, please feel free!

Cheers, Lucy

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Crowdercref
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 03:08 AM

Dear Dame Patti,

We'd love to come to Llantrisant (and quite a few other places) The only snag is that as 6/7 ths of the cast have no other job we have to pay them a (nearly) realistic rate that covers petrol and missed meals. If we're travelling over 100 miles that probably requires a festival, theatre, or subsidised audience.

To do a venue as far as Llantrisant would cost us about £1055

Do they have a performing space at The Big Pit?

Oblations,

Serf Crowdercref

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: SussexCarole
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 04:40 AM

Tour of Wales?   Swansea has a brilliant venue (see pm)

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Crowdercref
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 03:02 PM

South Wales sounds good to me. Probably 2 gigs would make it work. How about Swansea and Pontyclun/Llantrisant?

Anyone else got ideas on this theme?

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Anne Lister
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 05:51 PM

Um ... I suppose a house concert is out of the question? *ducks*
But there are some good arts venues dotted around South Wales, including Chapter and a great space called The Gate in Roath.
We can, of course, offer hospitality to a few of you here!

Anne

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Crowdercref
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 06:53 PM

I wouldn't rule out anything. But the show ideally requires a performance space 7 metres wide by 5 metres deep, so village hall and upwards are the more normal venue, unless a host lives in a Welsh Country House ...

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Dave Earl
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 08:17 PM

I( want to see and hear it.


do please put it on at one of the festivals I hope to attend next year

Dave

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: karen k
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 09:28 PM

Would love to hear this. Any chance a recording will be made? Sure hope so.

karen

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Cats
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 01:53 AM

Karen The CD is already made and available from Lyngham House Music. Google Cornwall songwriters for the link

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Crowdercref
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 03:34 AM

www.lyngham.co.uk/cornishlads

contact details are there.

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Crowdercref
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 07:34 AM

By the way songwriters, you've been officially congratulated on the new show by Gorseth Kernoww. Can't be bad....

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: karen k
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 08:14 PM

Thanks, Cats. I'm going to have to get the cd and the book. Also the Cry of the Tin and Unsung Heros. I love the Cornish Lads song. Learned it from Bonnie Milner a few years ago at the FSGW Getaway. Instantly knew I had to learn it. Have sung it several times and it is always very well received. Look forward to getting these products. Good luck with the production.

karen

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Cats
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 02:27 PM

I'll pass your thanks on. I'm not a Cornwall Songwriter any more, I was just borrowed to sing Heligan.

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Crowdercref
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 02:49 PM

And we're really pleased you did!

Actually I suspect that being a Cornwall Songwriter is like being in some religious sects - you can join but there is NO KNOWN WAY OF LEAVING!   Aaaaaaargh!

But we do have members who are not necessarily on stage for this particular show.

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Hawker
Date: 04 Jun 08 - 07:00 PM

I'll second that Mike!

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Crowdercref
Date: 05 Jun 08 - 06:36 AM

It's also only fair to say that Kathy contributed to songs, role, costume and production, just as all the team do. She took the role of 'Helygen' to her heart and gave it 110 per cent.
Cornwall Songwriters is a team effort, a democracy, a workers cooperative, and a gang of friends.

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Hawker
Date: 05 Jun 08 - 06:47 AM

I'll secont that too!
And Happy Birthday Kathy!
Cheers, Lucy

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Crowdercref
Date: 06 Jun 08 - 08:58 AM

Tonight the show is at Warleggan Jubillee Hall 7.30.
Tomorrow its at Golant Victory Hall 7.30

Audience should not park on Golant foreshore as there's a high tide.

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: GUEST,Cats
Date: 06 Jun 08 - 09:21 AM

.. neither should the cast!

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Hawker
Date: 06 Jun 08 - 12:05 PM

"At least wood floats...."

Oooops, sorry, wrong show!

;0)

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Crowdercref
Date: 07 Jun 08 - 06:42 PM

Well done, Cornish lads and lasses. Another storming show, and (again) a terrific audience response.

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Crowdercref
Date: 08 Jun 08 - 05:10 PM

Liskerret Community Centre, Varley Lane Liskeard PL14 4AP. (Immediately West of the cattle market)

Friday 7.30 is the next shout - should be good.

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Crowdercref
Date: 10 Jun 08 - 04:16 PM

To be even more precise - in Varley Lane

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Crowdercref
Date: 16 Jun 08 - 06:20 PM

Well done one and all. A cracking performance with terrific audience rapport. The biggest audience they've ever had at Liskeard and fulsome praise, especially from the retired miner in the audience.

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Crowdercref
Date: 19 Jun 08 - 03:35 AM

This weekend the Cornwall Songwriters folk opera 'Cornish Lads' is at Nancegollan Village Hall on Friday, Mevagissey Jubilee Hall on Saturday, and The Lizard Community Hall on Sunday. All shows are at 7.30 p.m.

Tickets for Mevagissey are selling well, I've not heard from Nancegollan, and the Lizard are concerned that only a dozen advance bookings have been made. I'm pretty upbeat, recent shows set an excellent precedent.

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Crowdercref
Date: 08 Jul 08 - 06:17 PM

Just to tie things up the shows went well, and good or excellent ticket sales pleased all concerned. Carn to Cove have had some excellent feedback from their promoters. The show will be back on village halls in Q1 and Q2 next year, plus numbers of other venues. the website will have the details.

Oll an gwella

Crowdercref

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: SussexCarole
Date: 08 Jul 08 - 06:24 PM

Hope we can bring Cornish Lads to Wales!

Subject: RE: Cornish Lads - Cornwall Songwriters
From: Crowdercref
Date: 10 Jul 08 - 05:15 PM

Which would be great!