And More... Reviews
CASPAR THOMAS: THE ART OF CLOSE-UP MAGIC (VOLUME 2) - Caspar Thomas
After an uncharacteristic nervy start with a few fifty pence coins slowly disappearing, the show kicked into gear with the opening of a pack of Bicycle brand playing cards, the loyal companion of the most successful magicians.
Softly spoken and engaging, Caspar lulls and involves the audience into misdirection with the ease of a con artist, but the warmth of a favourite relative. We all know that the art lies in the skill of prestidigitation, but we all see magic for what it really is... fun entertainment! And Caspar is a master.
He explains that there are serious and silly tricks, but a few more s-words apply to his artistry: smooth, speedy, secretive, stunning and slick sharkery.
Dispelling suspicion with signed cards and strip-deck shuffles, his teasing trickery drew oohs and aahs aplenty, with a rousing cheer at the finale.
Assisted by Robbie the magic rabbit, several paper napkins, a knife and pack of invisible cards, Caspar warmed up for a stint at Edinburgh with an experimental mind-reading trick using a book offered from the audience. I was well and truly foxed by that one and still can't figure it out hours later!
David Carlisle
CHELMORTON FESTIVAL - Chelmorton Festival Committee
ChellyFest is here again and there is a lot going on to tempt visitors into this picture-perfect village, which is less than 15 minutes' drive from Buxton heading towards Ashbourne.
Strewn with bunting, Chelmorton is instantly welcoming and my small group, including the dog, found itself invited into St John the Baptist Church on Friday afternoon where we appreciated the results of an art competition for both children and adults on the theme of ‘What Chelmorton means to you'. Mixed media does not even begin to describe the inventiveness of the works on display, the children’s winner choosing to depict the church and surrounding animals and countryside using collage and wool sculptures to spectacular effect.
There was an informative and evocative exhibition on the history of the village including a photo album inviting locals to fill in the gaps when it came to names and dates. I asked the church warden about a throne-like chair with a cross on it in the churchyard and he explained that it was carved out of a tree stump after the tree was deemed unsafe and had to be cut down. A fellow visitor joined in to say that it was her daughter who had planted the tree as part of a scheme in 1983!
The church is fascinating at any time with its beautiful wooden altar screen made in 1926, Saxon stonework in the porch, war memorial to Private Horace Heintz (whose father was German) and much more besides. We even had a chance to begin ascending the steep steps of its old bell tower. I read later that this is the highest (not tallest) church spire in England thanks to its great elevation.
A packed long-weekend of events includes a History Talk about the village offered by Dr Julian Cohen, craft stalls, children’s activities, a Saturday night party with band The Lumps, an auction, a dog show, a wildlife walk, fancy dress wheelbarrow race, pub quiz and much more. So do be sure to see www.facebook.com/chelmortonfestival for further details.
Stephanie Billen
THE FUCHSIA'S BRIGHT - Serpentine Community Garden
Marking 10 years of community gardening on the former Council nursery site off Burlington Road the Serpentine Community Garden volunteers have much to celebrate. This hidden gem of vibrant life provides a living example of the wide range of plants that can be grown here in Buxton. The sweet peas are in bloom, and the scents including basil waft around the garden and greenhouses which are full of beans, tomatoes, herbs, peppers, and so much more. Throughout the year the Garden, which is a registered charity, provides nourishment for humans as well as plants through nature prescribing, and regular sessions with groups from social care settings.
Amidst the abundant growth in the garden this open afternoon included children’s entertainer Hannah Banana, music from the talented Will Hawthorn, a display by Buxton Local History Society from their research of the site going back a very long way, face painting, splat the rat game (no animals harmed), refreshments including some homemade cakes, food from the Zink kitchen, and plants available to take home for donations. The relaxed, family friendly atmosphere was being enjoyed by at least three generations.
Started in 2015 by Transition Buxton CIC, the gardens became a charity in 2018 and secured a 25 year lease for the site. The derelict stone buildings on the site have their own story to tell, and the charity is currently exploring possible renovation to bring them into use. The big questions include; what to use the buildings for, how the upkeep could be afforded, and if there will be sufficient volunteers willing to manage them. Visitors are invited to contribute ideas on panels in the coffee area or by email to hello@fold-creative.com
Whether you are a regular visitor to Serpentine Community Garden, or never been there before, it is always worth a visit to see (and maybe taste) the blooming fruits of joyful labour. For more information and opening times visit www.serpentinecommunitygarden.org.
Jean Ball
HIGH PEAK PRIDE PICNIC - High Peak Pride
Billed as ‘a summer afternoon, fancy hats, wonderful cakes, and fabulous people’ the Buxton Pride Picnic had a lovely family friendly creative fun relaxed atmosphere. Opened by Drag Queen Crudi Dench there was much to celebrate and enjoy.
With a whole afternoon of free activities including performances from local musicians and Two Left Hands who staged the musical mock wedding of Froggy & Mouse (whose purple wedding dress was formerly a Place Hotel curtain), plate decorating with High Peak Community Arts, face painting, a free book exchange, lawn games, and the Big Gay Bake Off there really was something for everyone. The rain stayed off for a good mixed generation crowd of picnickers laughing and mixing well, only some in costume.
The event managed to have a light hearted feel whilst also providing support and re-assurance to those who need a bit of a confidence boost. Very approachable, informal and informative stalls from local organisations included; Grapevine, Zinc, Citizens Advice, Unison, Ashgate Hospice, and Stay Prepared (sexual health). Fun is a great tonic in our challenging world, and fun was being had at the Pride Picnic.
The organisers of this annual celebration of community diversity and cohesion also host a monthly LGBTQ Social at the Buxton Brewery Tap House on George Street from 7pm on the first Thursday of the month. High Peak Pride are grateful to; Morrisons, Buxton Parish Churches, Stone & Water, Two Left Hands and Buxton Fringe Festival for supporting their community activity.
Jean Ball
PICK 'N' MIX - Underground
Tom Crawshaw introduced this new format, where Underground Venues (UV) host artists from across the entire Fringe to introduce and promote their shows. He gave a short summary of the 46 years of the Fringe and UV’s 20 years involvement within that.
Five varied artists, with a slant towards comedy and spoken word on this occasion. Each gave a short performance followed by a few questions to each performer from Tom – usually including their involvement with fringe festivals in general and Buxton in particular. Several finished with a charade and prizes.
First up was Zoe Bury with a short performance and then talking with Tom about her show ‘It’s not straight-forward’ (shows on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th, both at 7pm). Next Samantha Day who, unfortunately, only has one show ‘The Great British menu of petty complaints’ (later on 10th – so too late by the time you read this). Eden Ballantyne came next with an extract from ‘Buckets of Blood’ (final show Friday 11th at 2pm), which is definitely for adults, then speaking a little about his other show, ‘Grimm’s Fairer Tales’ for children (Friday 11th at 5:30pm). David and Ray, the Glummer Twins, came next with a short extract from their show (‘The beat goes on’ - second show on Saturday 12th at 4pm) and the revelation that they are now in their eleventh Buxton Fringe! Finally, Debbie Cannon has a new show ‘Flora McDonald and the Zombies’, which has already been reviewed – final show Friday 11th at 4pm.
Every performance and artist was well received by a smallish audience. The format worked really well for me, with a balance of enticing performances and chat, the latter giving them an opportunity to talk a bit about their work in a way they might not as part of the show itself, promoting the show without giving too much away. Those who attend should see enough of a range of performers to discern who they might want to see in a full show.
It was lovely to hear the positive descriptions of Buxton Fringe from the performers – ‘friendly’, ‘cutest’, ‘family’ and ‘village’ are examples. Also good to know that there will be other Pick N Mix shows (Sunday 13th at 1:30pm, and Monday 21st and Thursday 24th, both at 1pm), each with different performers.
Pick N Mix - a very entertaining and useful addition to the Fringe.
Ian Bowns
THE TELEPATH AND THE CONJUROR - The Oberons
In a world where many acts strive for cynicism and worldliness, there’s something very attractive about an act that aims for the more old-school ambitions of entertaining, surprising and creating a little … well, magic.
Marc Oberon is a stage magician in the classic style, performing slickly practiced sleight-of-hand illusions with dexterity. He tells us how he met his partner, Emily, on a cruise liner when she was performing as a singer, and they soon discovered her talent for mind reading.
So follows a series of ever more complicated tricks and I won’t spoil the show by saying what happens, save that they involve members of the audience, who willingly joined in the Illusion. The rational part of me knows I can’t be witnessing actual magic, or actual telepathy, and that part of me (much against my instincts) sometimes sought to figure out how these illusions were accomplished. However, as the show went on each mind-reading event became more impossible to explain away, a testament to the showmanship and talent of both performers.
On the first night there were a few technical issues which could have threatened to derail less experienced entertainers, but Emily’s calmness and professionalism, especially, kept the audience engaged throughout and marveling at the feats of mentalism on display.
The Telepath and the Conjuror is a welcome piece of escapism, containing dexterity, romance, music and, yes, more than a touch of magic.
Robbie Carnegie
