A show from Paul and Marilyn...
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When planning a show we don't start with the length of the set or our current favourite songs, we start with a concept, a message or a theme around which we carefully craft a show. We call it a 'metaphysical truth' and it lies at the centre of each and every one of our performances. While the same songs, stories and tunes may speak to a number of 'truths', this approach means we rarely play the same setlist twice.
We are very experienced performers who like nothing more than sharing our passion for great folk songs. We're happy with any size and any age of audience. For our participatory workshops, please see our Wren Music page. Example shows: A Lighthearted Guide to Folk Song. A set to introduce a new-comer audience to the main themes in folk song - a practical and musical introduction, no boring presentations! Tribute to Pete Seeger. A combination of Pete' songs and songs that remind us of his spirit, commitment, musicality and optimism. Shore to Shore. A touring show exploring the folk song links between Devon and Newfoundland in Canada. A selection of reviewsSummer 2018 - selected events
Summer 2018 was a time to remember and treasure - we visited 4 countries, renewing and making musical friends everywhere. In Iceland we were invited by our friends Chris Foster and Bara Grimsdottir to present concerts and workshops at the VAKA Festival in the north of the country - all night sunshine, wonderful music, late, late sessions and many precious memories. We then moved on to Italy, where Paul had been asked to run vocal workshops and Marilyn to give a keynote address to a community music conference, as well as the duo playing a short concert. Hungary was next and the giant Sziget Festival (one of the largest in Europe and set in beautiful Budapest) saw Marilyn and Paul performing on the Festival Radio station and running inclusive workshops in English folk song and music. In late August, we were invited to perform at a bi-ennial festival in Sardinia and for this we assembled a special team including Jon Dyer and Malcolm Woods. Paul scored some vocal pieces for a 13 strong English choir and the English team received a standing ovation at the main concert. Thanks to musical friends and colleagues in all these places - Sos Cantores, Vincanto, VAKA Festival and Hungarian colleagues Bori and Akos. 2017 - selected events Connecting the songs - Two May gigs close to the land On May 11th, we sang to sheep farmers on Exmoor and they liked one of Paul's songs so much they took it away to sing it themselves at their national convention! In Chagford on 19th we sang two sets at a sell-out night in The Jubilee Hall centring around the twin themes of land rights and protest through the ages. Shore to Shore Tour - April 2017 A 10 day, Devon-wide project with Jim Payne taking in concerts, talks, TV and radio appearances, all exploring the song and music links between Devon and Newfoundland. Presented in association with The Devonshire Association. Devonshire Association Chairman Peter Beacham writes - . . . "most memorable of all was the way in which Marilyn, Paul and Jim's music threaded its way through everything - I have been playing 'From Shore to Shore' whenever I want to recall the genuine happiness that permeated our celebrations. How wonderful to have given such riches to so many; we are all in your debt." Shropshire Tour - March 2017 Highly successful visit to Shropshire taking in performances and schools work plus an appearance on Genevieve Tudor's BBC Radio Sunday Folk show. In March 2017, Marilyn wrote and co-presented HerStory 2 at Cygnet Theatre Exeter. The show completely sold out and looks like becoming a firm favourite in the local events celebrating Inernational Women's Day. The Cygnet Theatre Review - "We were treated to a treasure chest of inspirational songs and readings from across the world . . . I very much liked Marilyn Tucker’s ‘Women of the union'." 2016 - selected events Monday 19th December 2016 Throwleigh Village Hall Delicious food and a warm welcome from Throwleigh WI for a set of seasonal songs, stories and tunes from local folklore with a few unusual twists - we love these gigs! Oxford Folk Club Friday 25th November 2016 This was a welcome re-union with our friend and mentor Peggy Seeger. All the seats were full and a great response to our programme - "A mixture of new takes on well-known pieces and completely fresh songs - just how we like it" said one of the organisers - "we hope you'll be back again" Friday 21st October 2016 Opening set for the Baring Gould Folk weekend. With highest ticket sales since we started, it was a delight for us to open the festival with a few Baring Gould songs. Friends and wonderful singers and musicians mixed together for an Autumn feast of song, music and food. Friday 7th October 2016 Guests at Brixham Folk Club, Brixham Theatre A beautiful, friendly evening. It was great to re-connect with South Devon and some long standing friends like Martin Scragg, Maggie Duffy, Andy Clark. Thanks to Steve and Anne Gill, John and Susie and the team for making us feel really welcome. Saturday 24th September 2016 St. Mary's Church, Ottery St. Mary, Devon A completely entrancing event linking Devon bellringing and folk song. Star quality ringing, great cream teas, talks and a set of songs from us. Thanks to Kathy Wyke for organisation - great to catch up again with Jon Bint and generous and knowledgeable ringing friends. Wonderful afternoon. Saturday 14th May 2016 Featured Artists at Shammick Acoustic The Pack O'Cards, Combe Martin, N Devon Barbara Brown posted "What an excellent open night last night . . Paul Wilson and Marilyn Tucker gave us some great songs and hearty choruses" Over the winter and early spring of 2016, Marilyn was creating shows and writing songs while Paul was getting himself back together after breaking his wrist. She created and presented HerStory with Sarah Owen and Amy Wilson for International Women's Day 2016. 2015 - selected events Saturday 5th December 2015 Dartmoor Society Revels - Chagford "Dear Marilyn and Paul - Thank you so much for making the Revel such a success on Saturday! Your programming was just right which gave everything a festive edge. Very well done!" Tom Greeves, Chairman, The Dartmoor Society Friday 23 - Sunday 25 October 2015 Baring-Gould Folk Festival, Devon Couple of sets of completely unaccompanied songs due to Paul's broken wrist. Friday 25 September 2015 'Double Bill' with Simon Mayor and Hilary James Cygnet Theatre, Exeter, Devon Cygnet Review - "Tucker and Wilson have been singing together for 30 years, and comfortably create a warm atmosphere, through songs collected from their travels and their friends." |
"I like those who come 
Photo by Dave Green
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