Well, I went to the Sage yesterday. Maddy and the Carnival Band were on excellent form.

Today I went to the Georgian Theatre in Richmond to see the York Waits with Deborah Catterall performing their Christmas Concert. In many ways a similar mix to Maddy Prior and the Carnival band - old Carols, some traditional (in the folky sense) and some from the church ranging in era from the Middle ages to the mid 17th. Century plus some secular songs and tunes from the same period. The main difference is no PA and the music is performed entirely on period instruments. Well not literally, but modern copies.

The Georgian Theatre in Richmond is wonderful. It dates from 1788 and has been fully restored to its 18th. century form - even to sitting on (somewhat uncomfortable) benches. The theatre is very small but very intimate and suited the performance wonderfully.

All in all an excellent two concerts. Both very different in both style and venue.