The River Flows

(The Holmfirth Song Cycle)

The River flows is a musical journey that takes an affectionate look at th etown of Holmfirth, it's inhabitants and the river that created it. Using interviews, historic texts and the support of many local groups and organisations a new song cycle was created. Bamforths Postcards, Baileys Bath, The wool trade, floods, fairgrounds and the worlds most famous TV situation comedy are all brought to life using a combination of song, narrative, video and imagery. 'The River Flows' premiered on Sat Aug 03, 2024 at the Holmfirth Civic Hall as part of the Holmfirth Arts Festival 2024. A company of twelve artists and crew performed the show which was been made possible by funding fromthe Holmfirth Arts Festival and the Steve Sykes Commission.

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Original Cast Information


Steve Ansell – Writer, composer/ Vocals, Guitar, Ukulele
Jan Ansell – Writer, composer/ Vocals, Ukulele
Andy Wright – Additional composition ('Hope Bank Works'), violin, flute
Steve Dent – Percussion, keyboard Hugh Brown – Guitar, Bass
Julie Harris – Vocals, Bass John Thompson – Flugel Horn
Sam Thompson – Trombone
Libby Charlton – Narration, Vocals
Martin Tyrrel – Narration, Vocals

Crew
Mena Ansell – Audio
Luca Ansell – Projections
Sue Smith - Stage Manager
Tom Perkins – ASM

Biographies


Steve Ansell Steve is a professional theatre director, artist, songwriter and composer who has played, directed and performed in the UK, US, Europe and China in venues and stages ranging from village halls to the National Theatre. Steve is the founder of ‘Gi60’ the Worlds only International One Minute Theatre Festival. Steve is also the founder of Good Earth Collective.

Jan Ansell
Jan is a creative arts practitioner, who has led several community arts projects. Most notably a covid quilt project for Dean Clough and as a collaborator on a mixed media arts project, for the Crick institute on genetic conditions. She has 30 years’ experience working in the arts, as a performer and director. And is a member of the Good Earth Collective.

Andy Wright
After a 35-year career in public libraries, culminating in being recognised on the Queen’s New Year Honours list in 2022, Andy took (very!) early retirement to pursue his interest in music. He is a commissioned composer and workshop leader and a member  “Good Earth Collective”.

Steve Dent
Since retiring as a police officer Steve plays percussion at home and abroad with Good Earth Collective and The Cobbles Folk band in the Scottish Borders.

Hugh Brown
Hugh is an Australian singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He played in Bun’ Ber E Celtic Bands for 11 years and created The Genre Benders project for his original music. A passionate supporter of live original music, Hugh was the Brisbane Regional Coordinator for the Australian Songwriters Association before relocating to Leeds. Since arriving in the UK, he played at Bute Fest with Good Earth Collective and Holmfirth Folk Festival as a soloist.

Julie Harris
Julie has been a member and vocalist in the Good Earth Collective for the past eight years, previously she has played with Anarchy in the Ukulele and has sung with a Georgian choral group. In the time she has been playing she has developed her musical skills and now regularly plays Bass with the band.

John Thompson
John graduated in Music from Huddersfield university, specialising in trumpet. While he then chose to get a "proper" job, music has always been his first passion. He progressed from playing trumpet, to teaching brass, to becoming musical director of a variety of ensembles. Previously at Garforth Brass/Garforth Jubilee Brass, and more recently Sundown Swing in Huddersfield, he has been able to share his love of music with more people. After playing in nearly every kind of ensemble available over the years, this is a new venture for him that he's very much looking forward to being part of. And the fact he's been able to bring his eldest son Sam along for the ride makes it more special.

Sam Thompson
Sam is an accomplished Trombone player and is a member of Kirklees Musika. He regularly performs at his school in the soul band and with his father John.

Libby Charlton
Libby is an established member of Holmfirth's Turn Again Theatre (TAT). She recently played the leading lady in our productions of The Unexpected Guest and The Dresser at The Civic. She also enjoys singing, regularly gigging with Holmfirth's ever-popular Soul Choir. When she’s not working at our local University, or performing mum duties, she loves to take extensive walks with family, friends and her Dachshund, Phoebe. She finds being part of the vibrant Holmfirth arts community incredibly fulfilling; ‘it is great to be able to combine my passions for performance and creativity, and to engage with local artists and enthusiasts’.

Martin Tyrrel
Martin, is recently retired and now devotes his time to his true love of theatre. Having spent many years in amateur productions as a performer and a director, he is now a member of Holmfirth’s Turn Again Theatre and can regularly be seen performing at the Civic Hall.

The Steve Sykes Commission
Steve Sykes was the dynamic and inspirational chair of Holmfirth Arts Festival from 2016 until he died suddenly after a stroke in 2020. Having steered the organisation with drive, imagination and humour with his calm, inclusive leadership inspiring a large group of volunteers. Steve left a legacy to the festival to commission and develop new works inspired by the landscape and the Holme Valley. The River Flows was developed with the support of this trust.