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Diary Show Gives Solihull A Date To Remember
Broomdasher’s musical show celebrating The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady author Edith Holden had a sell-out audience on their feet singing at its premiere in Olton, Solihull on Saturday (7 March).
The show, which interweaves traditional British folk songs with Edith’s evocative journey through a year in the countryside, also received glowing reviews from the critics, as Broomdasher prepare to tour it later in the year. .
The premiere was the opening event at the new Olton Project Muslim centre for educational and spiritual development, in the former United Reform Church, opposite where Edith used to live. It was also the climax of a day commemorating the centenary of one of Solihull’s most famous residents.
Edith’s classic book The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady was a worldwide phenomenon when published in 1977, her beautiful paintings and words creating an exhilarating journey through the seasons, celebrating birds; flowers; animals and the life of the people of the countryside. It sold seven million copies and was in the Sunday Times best-sellers list for a record-breaking 63 weeks.
Broomdasher’s show cast Edith as an Edwardian Eco-Warrior, exploring the links between her celebration of natural history and the environment, iconic folk song collector Cecil Sharp and The Arts and Crafts movement they both supported.
Here's what reviewers say:
Inspired performances without the ‘fustiness’ of some singers when they do Trad
A superb Evocation of Bygone Rural England
Fabulous Musical Celebration
A Striking and unique Tribute
Traditional folk meets Edwardian Eco-Warrior. Fantastic!
The Perfect Edith
Exactly what Traditional Folk Music should be like. Wonderful!
The show is touring Devon in June, before going on to Scotland and London later in the year.