BBE has announced the successful artist and band pairing for its innovative new programme ‘Elevate’. Director and Musician Jamie Fletcher has been paired with Freckleton Brass Band to produce a creative collaborative extravaganza of two of England’s best loved traditions: brass bands and drag.
Elevate is a collaborative programme bringing together brass bands and artists to create and learn together across a nine-month partnership, challenging normal performance practice by exploring new ideas, genres and ways of performing.
BBE’s Chief Operating Officer Sarah Baumann commented: ‘We were delighted with the number of bands and artists wanting to take part in this fantastic programme. After a round of applications and interviews we are thrilled to have connected Jamie Fletcher with Freckleton Band and look forward to working with them to produce a drag show to remember!’
Jamie Fletcher is a director and musician specialising in musical theatre, multi-disciplinary performance, comedy, adaptations and work with socio-political themes. Her identity as a northern, queer, trans woman informs the work that she makes. Jamie is deeply passionate about directing, collaboration and telling diverse stories on the stage and screen as well as finding new creative ways to tell these. Jamie’s directing highlights include the Fringe First award-winning Happy Meal by Tabby Lamb (Brixton House 2023, Sydney Festival and Perth Festival 2023, Traverse Theatre and UK Tour 2022) and the critically acclaimed UK revival of Hedwig and the Angry Inch by John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask (Leeds Playhouse and HOME, 2022).
Jamie commented: ‘I grew up playing in brass bands, so when I found out about Brass Band England’s Elevate project I had to get involved! I’m excited to bring together two of England’s best loved traditions, brass bands and drag cabaret for a spectacular creative collaborative extravaganza!’
Paired with Jamie on the project is BBE member Freckleton Band. Their Musical Director Adam Taylor commented: ‘Freckleton are a community band who are on an ambitious journey to progress and innovate. When we read about the opportunity to work with Jamie and BBE on this project, we were immediately hooked. We’re looking forward to exploring exciting new ways of creating and entertaining, building new relationships in the region, and championing diversity in our wonderful brass banding community.’
Paired together, Jamie Fletcher will work with Freckleton Band and a drag artist to create a performance to be premiered by March 2024. More information will be available shortly for audiences to purchase tickets for the live performance.
Take part in Elevate
If you would like to take part in a creative collaboration with one of our chosen artists, BBE will be opening applications for Round 2 of the programme on Monday 16 October. To find out more visit BBE’s Elevate webpage or sign up to the next information sessions on Monday 22 October or Wednesday 23 November.