Bath Fringe stalwart Brian Madigan to bring seventh boundary-busting show to this year's event

Composer and songwriter Brian Madigan, AKA a Band named Brian premiers his seventh groundbreaking Fringe show ‘Just Songs’ next month at Bath’s Burdall’s Yard on Thursday 30 May.

Accompanied - once again - by violinist, bass player and vocalist Rob Whale, Brian weave’s a narrative through stories and songs, taking his audience on a unique journey into their own conscience. But, this time, the tables are turned. Now it’s up to concert-goers to make their own voices heard. And their stories will be underscored by an entirely improvised soundtrack.

Previously, Brian has invited audiences to imagine unheard songs; participate in atonal sing-alongs; join together in vocal harmonisation and immerse themselves in an improvised dance-scape. Each show has been built around Brian’s memorable, erudite songs, expertly linked with a narrative through-line and punctuated by theatrical surprises.

Image: Just Songs by Brian Madigan

This new show demonstrates that everyone has a story to tell – a song to sing - and that by listening to one another, we may reach greater understanding and compassion. “For each of us,” says Brian Madigan, “our songs present our personal truths. So, they aren’t just songs: they are JUST songs.”

A prominent figure within the local music scene since the mid-1990s, Brian was drummer with folk-rock supergroup ‘Madigan,' alongside Jennifer Crook (Cythara, Snow Patrol), Henry Seers (Afterhours) and Dominic Harrison (Daily Planet). He later joined blues-funksters Plucky Purcell, whose highlights include several Glastonbury appearances and a support for The Beat at Bath’s Komedia. Now the long-standing drummer/percussionist/flautist with alt-folk legends Rivers of England, Brian can also be seen behind the kit with the Andy Burden Band and I Smell Burning, as well as on keys & flute alongside neo-classical composer John William Richard.

As a composer himself, Brian has written scores for renowned local theatre directors Andy Burden (Innerroom) and Jon Nicholson (Gone West), as well as Bath-based digital animation houses Moving Pictures and Busty Kelp. His music has featured in theatre, film, advertising, dance and art installation and is central to Brian’s own dance-education business Dance Notes. 

Brian is an experienced workshop leader, having worked with educators, actors, youth groups, children with learning difficulties and volunteer workers. He will lead an exploration of music improvisation form 2pm on the day of the performance at Burdall’s Yard, preparing participants for the amazing opportunity to be part of this unique show. This is open to all players of acoustic instruments and singers, regardless of experience or background.

Tickets for Just Songs are on sale now from TicketSource, priced at £10 in advance, and £12 on the door. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.thinkofasong.com or the Fringe website at https://www.bathfringe.co.uk/event/brian_madigan/.