Issue 15
November 2022
CRICKHOWELL’S
CL ARENCE HALL NEWSLETTER & WHAT’S ON Toe-tapping time! Our Lunch-time Recital Programme is a series of events designed to encourage live music in the locality. October saw the first concert by local Ukulele Band – “Uskulele”. These talented musicians delighted the audience with their choice of musical numbers – ranging from Edelweiss, to Sway, to Sunny Afternoon and finishing off with All My Loving. There was a great deal of toe tapping and singing along to the songs from the appreciative audience who hope that a return visit is on the cards!
A serious success for the Players! For the first time in their history, Crickhowell & District Players departed from their usual pantomime antics and performed a serious musical play. The ambitious venture, which focused on local events from the mid 1800s, received an enthusiastic response from audiences last month. Based in 1853, ’David Lewis’ revolves around a fascinating historic story involving a local man, who stole 10 geese from a Llangynidr farmer. Having been brought before the Judge at the Brecon Quarter Sessions, he was sentenced to 7 years of transportation to Tasmania. Other miscreants from Crickhowell were also brought before the Bench and received various forms of punishment. To the surprise of the audience, even the simplest of crimes resulted in severe penalties, splitting up families, landing some in the workhouse and for the unlucky few, transportation. The Victorian melodrama included a number of Victorian songs and was written by Crickhowell dramatist Lesley Alexander who was inspired by the names of offenders on a list for the Brecon Quarter Sessions in 1853; their crimes and punishments formed the basis of the story. Ms Alexander’s narrative was based on research into the lives of the working classes of Crickhowell from the mid 1800s, utilising records at Crickhowell Archive Centre and Brecon Museum. The players were superbly supported by Crickhowell Community Band.
Clarence Hall - where community meets, stays active, learns skills & volunteers
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