The Devil's Violin Company

On my way to a house sit in Nottingham, I stopped in Coventry to visit a dear old friend for a few days.

When I arrived there was this very nice CouchSurfer lady staying there for couple days too.

That first night the three of us went to Stretton On Fosse Village to see a story telling group at the local hall.

We left the main road and drove through this little country road where there were no houses or street light, just darkness surrounded by trees. After what it seemed for ever we reached this little, little village with this little hall, to find out that yes, we were in the right place.

The Devil’s Violin Company consist of a lady playing the Cello, a guy playing the violin, another guy playing the Accordion and a guy telling the story. And what a great ensemble it was.

That night they were presenting “A Love Like Salt” which consisted of 3 plays based on Shakespeare King Lear with a touch of Cinderella, and “The Canterbury Tales” by Chaucer.

They did not present the stories as they are, they put their own twist on them making them enthralling, suspenseful, funny, captivating, and just wonderful. At moment you laughed, at other you sat at the edge of your seat.

The story teller was great, his intonation, body language, pauses and delivery were excellent.  

The music made feel like if you were feeling what was going on, it wasn’t just background music, it was setting the scene and letting you feel it and it not just complimented the stories it made them more powerful. I don’t know if the music was Celtic or Gypsy, all I know that it was great.

The British government subsidies this kind of programs, so remote or small towns can also enjoy plays that otherwise would not be able to afford to bring into their towns.

All in all it was a great night, great play and great company.