Event Details

Join us for what may be the world premiere of John Balshaw’s Jigge, the only known stage ‘jig’ from the North West of England. This form of musical entertainment was popular during the Elizabethan period, but John Balshaw's version is focused on the time of the English Civil War.

Composed in the village of Brindle itself, around the time of the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660, this 'jig' survives in a unique manuscript held by the British Library. The Regional Heritage Centre recently published the first edition of the manuscript, edited by Dr Jenni Hyde, and we are delighted to enable Jenni to stage the 'jig' for the first time in over 350 years (and quite possibly the first time ever, as there is no evidence that the 'jig' has previously been performed). Jenni's staging draws upon her expertise in ballads, and the songs are performed to ballad tunes that were in vogue at the time that John Balshaw wrote. The 'jig' combines words, music and dance into a spectacular whole.

This 'jig' is particularly noteworthy because of its Lancashire origins and its Civil War context: it was created during a time of unprecedented upheaval which reached every community in the country, dividing families and friends along religious and political lines. It therefore gives a fascinating insight into popular entertainment in rural Lancashire during the 17th century as well as the ways that the arts could be used to discuss problems of allegiance during the Civil War years. Jenni will give a short talk to set the 'jig' in context before the performance.

Please note that we will start promptly at 7pm - audience members are invited to arrive in the hall from 6.30pm.