Kevin Burke's "Babbacombe Lee" short edit promo video

This is a short heavily edited version of our new show "The True and Terrible History of John 'Babbacombe' Lee". Set in a Victorian Sideshow, and based around the 1971 concept album by Dave Swarbrick and Fairport Convention, this new performance piece by Bear Faced Productions tells the story of the life of condemned murderer John Lee. from his early life in poverty, his brief sojourn in the Navy, his entry into the service of Emma Keyse, his trial for her murder and subsequent attempted execution. Three times the lever was pulled, and three times the drop failed to work was it luck, was it fate, or was it the hand of God that saved his life? And was he in fact, as he always claimed, innocent of the crime?

Using Cabaret and Circus performance techniques, including specially commissioned aerial sequences, The True and Terrible History brings Lees intriguing story vividly to life, complemented brilliantly by Swarbricks music, performed live on stage by members of renowned Folk band Little Johnny England.
This production truly has something for everyone Music, Dance, & New Circus, with a strong narrative written especially for the show by Kevin Burke, and projected images in the style of a Victorian Magic Lantern show.

A real-life whodunnit with a difference, this production showcased at the Castle Theatre, Wellingborough on September 23rd 2009, supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. It is intended to tour the production in Autumn 2010.

For further information visit www.kevinburke.co.uk/babbacombe_lee.html

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• theatre
• folk
• music
• babbacombe
• lee
• fairport
• convention
• kevin
• burke
• circus
• aerial
• routledge
• bailey
• little
• johnny
• england

[BearFacedProductions]

I understand that the style was not one that you would have chosen.... hopefully you will be able to see the full production when it tours next year and, while I suspect you still won't approve of the style, hopefully you will better be able to see why the decision was made to do it in that way. I might also point out that the show has the full support of Fairport and Swarb and I hope that if you do get to see it, you'll appreciate that we don't treat the subject matter irreverently.

[IvorKemp]

Yes good band playing all Fairport's original music.

Shame about the acting though - over the top or what!!!

[BearFacedProductions]

@IvorKemp Hi Ivor, thanks for your comment.... the style is Victorian Melodrama, in keeping with the story.... "over the top" is therefore de rigeur!

[IvorKemp]

Yes I understand that it was the style and not the choice of the actors but it was the wrong choice for a true story like this IMO.

The fact that the events in Babbacombe took place in Victorian times does not necessitate a 'de rigeur' melodramatic approach nor does it put it 'in keeping with the story'. All it does it does ridicule the event and dilute its undeniable mystery.

Done in this style also makes a mockery of using Fairport's music. They certainly didn't treat it as a send up.

[fonzleclay]

Brilliant Band!!