The Bookshop Band

 I took a day trip to Cambridge this past Sunday and got to see The Bookshop Band live at Heffers! They are a husband and wife folk duo who create songs based on novels. This year they're touring all over the UK and were just recently at the Glastonbury Festival. Their latest album is called Emerge, Return. It was produced by Pete Townshend (he even plays on most of the tracks!). A few of the songs I most liked were "Once Upon A Time," a song that's all first lines from books, and "Deep Time" and "Room for Three" from the new album. You can listen to all their albums on their YouTube channel, The Bookshop Band. I also recommend this episode of the podcast Folk on Foot, which features Beth Porter with Jackie Morris. 

Bookshop Band tour dates

The Bookshop Band (photo from their Facebook page)

Beth Porter (photo from Bookshop Band Facebook page)

Ben Please (photo from Bookshop Band Facebook page)

Boats on the River Cam

I hope you enjoy listening!

Hamlet

 Yesterday I went to see an outdoor production of Hamlet performed by The Lord Chamberlain's Men, an all male theatre company. It was held in the cloister at Norwich Cathedral with nearly perfect weather—no rain, even if a bit chilly. The play was excellent. It included some comedy, although it is a tragedy as you know! The parts were all covered by just seven people. There was also great singing at the beginning. I felt like I was living in a movie the whole time, like I do most days in England! 

The Stage (photo from Norwich Cathedral's Facebook post)

Singing (photo from Lord Chamberlain's Men Facebook page)

Hamlet (photo from Lord Chamberlain's Men Facebook page)

Sword Fight (photo from Lord Chamberlain's Men Facebook page)

The Lord Chamberlain's Men is a famous touring theatre group in the UK