The Figgy Pudding four are back with Manchester Lit and Phil for another helping of Christmas music, poetry, readings and other festive finery.

Prepare to be transported into the mystery and magic of Christmas with an all-new programme including ancient and modern, the familiar and the obscure.

The evening will feature original writings from wordsmith and actress Kate Millward; solos and duets with singers Julia Morley and Jill Taylor; and the effervescent sparkle of the very talented pianist Claire Dunham.

The artists

Claire Dunham (pianist) – Claire is an accompanist, chamber musician, piano teacher and adjudicator. She enjoys performing and recording with intriplicate (flute/oboe/piano trio), Voci Dolci (with Jill Taylor and Julia Morley) and the National Children’s Choir of Great Britain. Claire has appeared on BBC Radio 3 and ITV and performs nationally in venues from St Martin-in-the-Fields to the Bridgewater Hall.

Kate Millward (actor/narrator) – Kate has narrated her original stories and poetry in a variety of stately homes and theatre venues, including presenting The Northern Chamber Orchestra’s Christmas concerts at Tatton Hall in Cheshire. Kate has also worked as an actor in TV and corporate training. She is currently lecturing at Salford University (Theatre and Performance courses).

Julia Morley (soprano) – Julia’s opera roles include Belinda in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, and solo oratorio performances include Handel’s Messiah, Mozart’s Requiem, Rutter’s Requiem and Haydn’s Nelson Mass with Holmfirth Choral Society, Huddersfield Choral Society and Harrogate Choral Society.

Jill Taylor (mezzo soprano) – Jill’s solo recitals have included performances of John Taverner’s Russian song cycle Akhmatova’s Songs for voice and cello, Mahler’s song cycle Leider Eines Fahrenden Gessellen and Ravel’s Chanson Madecasses.  Jill is also a regular guest soloist with northern choirs and operatic societies. She enjoys performances with Derek Blyth in lecture/recitals including Kurt Weill – I’m a Stranger Here Myself, No Regrets – the Life and Music of Edith Piaf and Degenerate Music, at RNCM, The Settlement Letchworth, Didsbury Arts Festival and for Manchester Lit and Phil.

**Update 4 December 2024: Tickets that include refreshments are no longer available**

Join celebrated Manchester poet Oliver James Lomax and Manchester Lit & Phil for a very special journey around Salford Quays on the Poetry Boat.

Oliver will perform a number of poems from his collection, drawing on themes such as the Northern Landscape, belonging and identity. He will help us celebrate some of the joys of the weekend and the history of our city through his inspiring and reflective set. Don’t miss this unique event.

About Oliver: Oliver James Lomax is a poet, educator, and trustee of the Working-Class Movement Library in Salford. He passionately believes in cultural equality and the power of the arts to enable everyone in society to have a voice. A regular performer on the spoken word scene here in Greater Manchester and beyond, Oliver informs us this will be the first time he will be doing a set on a boat. Read our interview with Oliver

The Lovenotes present a selection of seasonal and Christmas songs, sung acapella, and featuring original arrangements.

From new takes on jazz standards to classical choral pieces, this concert promises to bring festive cheer. Some songs have poetry or spoken word elements, while some are irreverent and funny. There will also be Christmas readings from actor and Lit & Phil member, Malcolm Raeburn.

The Lovenotes are a Manchester group of four women: Faith Watson, Katherine Watson, Jules Gibb and Rose Hodgson. They have been performing together for almost twenty years to an enthusiastic local and national following. Their Christmas concert is something of an institution. And at this special performance for the Lit & Phil, they will be joined by acclaimed blues singer Helen Watson.

Their performances demonstrate a wonderfully diverse combination of harmony singing, with truly innovative 3, 4 and 5 part arrangements of songs. These songs range from jazz to traditional to contemporary, as well as original material written by the members of the group. Their heady combination of tight acapella harmonies blend well with Helen’s soulful improvisation.

Good to know: The performance will be followed by refreshments and mince pies. This is included in the ticket price

The Figgy Pudding Collective present their cornucopia of classical and modern music, poetry, readings and general festive cheer.

They perform to a loyal and appreciative audience each year at Bramall Hall, Stockport. And also do the occasional ‘tour’ year to include other venues across the North of England.

They are delighted to bring a specially tailored performance to the Manchester Lit and Phil this Christmas.

The programme will be an exploration of the diversity of music that Christmas offers us. Vocal and piano solos, duets and trios, ranging from early 16th century carols through to well-known Christmas gems. From the likes of Mozart and Purcell and into twentieth-century American sparkle.

All this is woven through with original Christmas poems and readings created by actor and author Kate Millward.

Expect to find food, drink & mince pies!