An evening of music and extraordinary
tales from the London of 300 years ago.
The Little Britton Festival
As told by Glyn Watkins Poet of Fete and
Football & Real Ale Guide Cultural Editor
David Wright Young harpsichord star, Eastender
and leader of the Britton tribute band
The Harmonious Society of Tickle Fiddle Gentleman
Overall, this a performance that can be confidently - even joyously - recommended. It is extremely entertaining, very skilful, and as much characterised by subtlety as by exuberance.
Review of J. S. Bach, Goldberg Variations - David Wright (Harpsichord)Zum Records ZUMCD0720 in Harpsichord Review
last year an audience of over 40 enjoyed an evening of music, history and biography.
If you would like to ask questions, or sponsor a future Britton show please e-mail using the link at the top of the page.
Glyn did Thomas Britton impression at London Festival of Architecture Cheapside Market He sung Small coal told stories, and acted a one man tourist information service.
Thomas Britton (1654? to 1714) sold charcoal from a sack in the streets of London. He also created, arguably, Britain's first public concerts in the room above his coal shed on Clerkenwell Green. The best musicians of the day played there, probably including Handel, and the great and the good attended.
Britton was also well known as a collector of musical instruments, scores, and books. After his rounds he would call at Bateman's bookseller in Paternoster Row to talk with other collectors, including aristocratic ones. A large part of his collection was later bought by Hans Sloane and eventually formed part of the British Museum bequest.
A further twist was the fact that he is the only person known to have been killed by ventriloquism.
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