Brixham Folk Club presents 'The Ballad of Ewan MacColl'

Celebration of Ewan MacColl, the Father of Folk, at Brixham Theatre

Brixham Folk Club will be celebrating the centenary of the birth of Ewan MacColl, the founder of the 20C “ folk revival “ and one of the greatest song writers of his time, in the Lounge at Brixham Theatre on Thursday 15 October at 7.45 pm.

His most well known song was ‘The first time I ever saw your face’, made famous by Roberta Flack. 

MacColl and the radio producer, Charles Parker. developed a series of ground breaking documentaries called ‘The Radio Ballads’ on various industries, using the recorded voices of ordinary people interlaced with both traditional and contemporary songs and music. 

Ewan MacColl started out in theatre and was at one time married to Joan Littlewood, Together they started the ‘Theatre Workshop’ in London. This programme traces his life, loves, politics, the songs and people he was influenced by, and his wonderful music.

‘The Ballad of Ewan MacColl’ was devised by Sam Richards, part time lecturer in music studies at Plymouth University and himself both a friend of Ewan MacColl, and a singer/musician, with work ranging from field recording of traditional singers to jazz pianist and arranger. Sam will be delivering brief biographical material and singing some of MacColl’s songs. 

He is joined by several other first rate folk musicians  - Martin Scragg, Mick Bramich and Steve Verge.  Martin is a singer and musician with 50 years experience, who cites MacColl as one of his greatest influences. Originally from Birmingham, (Charles Parker country), Devon is now the adopted home of Mick Bramwich. Mick is a fine interpreter of song and a great concertina player. Steve Verge is a professional guitarist and accompanist and a very sensitive player of MacColl’s music.

The programme has previously been performed at Plymouth University Theatre, the Phoenix Theatre Exeter and Totnes Folk Club and now Brixham Folk Club, Brixham Theatre.