Category: Unicorn Theatre

Hannah James & Sam Sweeney

Friday 4th November 2011

The first concert took place on Friday 4thNovember 2011 with “Two of the brightest young stars of the folk scene” – Hannah James and Sam Sweeney.

Hannah and Sam have been playing together since 2002 and were at that time probably best known for their work in Kerfuffle and then as individual members of the Demon Barber Roadshow, Bellowhead, Fay Hield Trio and Jon Boden’s Remnant Kings. Forming officially as a duo in 2008, they released their first album “Catches and Glees” in 2009 and were nominated for the Horizon Award at the 2010 BBC Folk Awards.

Since the release of their album, Hannah and Sam have toured nationally, played festivals across the UK and received radio play internationally. They play predominantly English songs and tunes on accordion and fiddle and the live show includes Hannah’s renowned clog dancing.

Folk at the Unicorn

November 2011 saw the Unicorn Theatre in Abingdon once again filled with the sound of folk music. Local music promoters Tom Povey (tp-ents) and Jenny Semmence (Seahorse Promotions) began bringing both established stars and new folk artists once a month to Abingdon.

The Unicorn Theatre building was originally constructed in the 14th century in a small complex of buildings that once belonged to Abingdon’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey, which was dissolved under Henry VIII’s reign. The Chequer Hall was saved from ruin in 1952 and refurbished into an Elizabethan style theatre.

“Abingdon and the surrounding towns have a massive folk contingency and its continually growing with events such as the Abingdon Folk Music Group that plays at the Kings Head pub in East St Helens Street each month. We think the Unicorn Theatre is a stunning, intimate venue and is perfect to showcase some of folk’s up and coming artists as well as some well-known names. ”