Fishy fun with The Fairly Famous Family
April 22, 2009 by Marineadmin
Filed under Events, Featured, Latest
The Fairly Famous Family is set to return to the Isle of Man to entertain, inspire and surprise with its unique brand of high quality, original street theatre.
The company, led by the inimitable Jem Hulbert, a professional comedy juggler and psychology graduate, performed to great acclaim for schools and the public on the Island in the summer of 2007.
Jem’s website describes how juggling routines are seamlessly linked with comedy patter, live music, magic and daring feats. A quote on the website from Max Davidson in the Daily Telegraph sums up the spirit: ‘As Jem milks the crowd, I recall a line of classroom Shakespeare: “This fellow’s wise enough to play the fool”. Exactly.’
Based in Cumbria, The Fairly Famous Family has been performing throughout Britain and Europe for nearly 20 years, travelling in its distinctive yellow van to venues as diverse as streets, schools, hospitals, prisons, football stadiums, trains and castles.
This latest visit to the Isle of Man will see the company perform at primary and secondary schools and appear at a number of public events.
From 30 June to 3 July the Family will take maritime and Victorian-themed shows and workshops from its extensive repertoire into Anagh Coar, Willaston, Murray’s Road, Ballaugh, Scoill Phurt le Moirrey and St Thomas’ primary schools.
There will be special teatime workshops at which pupils at Jurby School and Bunscoill Ghaelgagh will be invited to learn street theatre skills.
At Ballakermeen High School, Year 7 pupils and students in the school’s Comedy Club will be able to enjoy a show especially for an older age range.
Later in the week the Family will appear at the Isle of Man Queenie Festival, popping up at the Love Your Beach event at Port Erin on Friday 3 July and Marine Day at Port St Mary on Saturday 4 July.
Further details of the Family’s involvement in the week-long festival, which reaches its conclusion on Sunday 5 July, will be announced as they are confirmed.
Performances at Tynwald Fair on Monday 6 July will be the culmination of the Family’s week on the Island.
The visit has been organised by Murray’s Road School, with the school’s Rainbow Fish Room nurture group playing a key part in all the necessary arrangements. Teacher Jill Dunlop said: ‘The Fairly Famous Family provides a unique form of entertainment that is great fun and appeals to all ages.’
Jem is looking forward to his return to the Isle of Man and said: ‘Manx audiences are fantastic. The performance at the Villa Marina Gardens last time was a really memorable evening. It will be extra special this year to be over for Tynwald Day and the Queenie Festival. We can’t wait!’
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A warm welcome is extended to all to come along and join in the fun at any of the public events.
The visit is supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council.
Contacts for further information:
The Fairly Famous Family – 01539 433 268
Jill Dunlop, Murray’s Road School – 01624 621681
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