Folk star Marion to get the ‘Michael Parkinson’ treatment at the Albany Theatre

Marion Fleetweed. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Widely acclaimed singer and multi-instrumentalist Marion Fleetwood sings songs, plays tunes and answers questions at the ‘Up Close & Acoustic’ event at the Albany Theatre on Friday, 10 October.

By Pete Willow

The Stratford-upon-Avon musician is guest for CVFolk’s concert and chat show using a format reminiscent of Michael Parkinson. Marion will be facing questions in the intimate surroundings of the Albany Theatre’s Courtyard Studio. These will be posed by local folksinger and podcaster, Bill Bates and the conversation will be interspersed by performances of some of Marion’s spellbinding repertoire on voice, fiddle and guitar.

It’s an experience she’s looking forward to, especially as she may have a little help from some friends. Marion’s music career has included major tours and recording projects with several big names on the folk circuit, and rumour has it that one or two may make an appearance on the night.

Former member of Warwickshire folk-rock band Meet On The Ledge. Marion is busy in several line-ups these days, including The Sandy Denny Project and Feast of Fiddles.

Bill Bates. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Much in demand also as a session musician and tutor, she hosts the popular improvised choral workshops, 'Choir in a Day,' and is passionate about people finding their own voices.

The evening’s format is designed to increase audience engagement with well-known local folk acts and it proved successful when launched in June. Bill enjoyed the experience of quizzing Coventry musician Rob Halligan, after much advance detective work in preparing questions and generally ‘dishing the dirt’ on the guest’s past life!

The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £14.50 (concessions £10.50), bookable from the theatre’s Box Office – 02476 998964.