A timely re-telling of legendary folk ballads at The Apex

Join some of Britain’s leading folk musicians for a timely re-telling of Peter Bellamy’s legendary folk ballads, The Transports.

Here is a rare chance to see BBC Award Winners, The Young’uns, Faustus, Nancy Kerr and members of Bellowhead together on stage at The Apex, in Bury St Edmunds.

The Transports tells the incredible tale of a family destroyed by poverty and crime, but resurrected by exile to the new colony of Australia. With a fresh script and musical arrangement, this famous show re-emerges in a modern context. At a time when migration makes headlines daily, this tale of past migration shows how little has changed in the global movement of desperate people.

In 1977 Peter Bellamy released The Transports on record with The Watersons, Martin Carthy, Nic Jones, AL Lloyd, June Tabor, Cyril Tawney, Dave Swarbrick and others. Several times since, further generations of folk musicians have gathered to re-create the piece.

This new production features musical arrangements by Paul Sartin, of Bellowhead and Faustus. Two-time BBC Folk Award winners The Young’uns bring their trademark live dynamism. Further musical excellence comes from Nancy Kerr, Bellowhead’s Rachael McShane, Faustus’ Benji Kirkpatrick and Saul Rose, and Greg Russell.

Storyteller Matthew Crampton has created fresh narration for the show, amplifying its central tale into a broader exploration of exile and migration; a defining dilemma of today. There’s seldom been a more vital moment to bring back The Transports – not just a great music experience, but a sharp reminder of folk music’s power in portraying the way the world actually works.

The Transports will be at The Apex, on Tuesday, January 16, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £20, ring the box office on 01284 758000 or see the website – www.theapex.co.uk for details.