Exquisite Storytelling

Charlie Hamblett and Anton Lesser. Photo courtesy of the artists.

Red Sky at Sunrise: Laurie Lee in Words and Music, Orchestra of the Swan, Warwick Arts Centre, 19 May 2026. Hambletts Productions.

Review by Ann Cee

Last night I slipped into an almost forgotten, rural idyll and was cradled in the dreamy British countryside at a time when the pace of life seemed more human.  

The exceptional Orchestra of the Swan and awesome Anton Lesser and Charlie Hamblett created an exquisite, episodic narrative based on the iconic tales of Laurie Lee (Cider with Rosie, As I Walked out One Midsummer Morning and Episodes of War).

Accompanied by sublime chamber musicians, Lesser and Hamblett slipped into a range of stories of a young man's growing up. Mini scenes were beautifully evoked, allowing us to lose ourselves in a first youthful kiss before growing up with a curiosity and thirst to know the world better.  Fun, flirtation and friendship came to an abrupt halt as the peace of the interwar years pierced everyday lives in Spain. 

The evening invited the audience to experience an intimate few hours in a close community rural hostelry where storytelling, music and camaraderie are built over lifetimes of living and working together.  It felt cosy, humorous and warm - a safe launching point and returning point for all, despite the perils of the wider world and pressing wars.

Time slipped through our fingers and the night was over before I could process the pleasure derived from the artistry of a truly fine classical Spanish guitar who had my heart at their first note.

A rare treat of a night out.  Simplicity done to perfection and beyond.

Discover more from Warwick Arts Centre: https://www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/