About

Christmas can be hard.

But ultimately humans are wonderful.

This is Martin Green’s journey through the festive season. Join the Ivor Novello-winning composer on a trip through the challenges and joys of winter, with an all-star cast of incredible musicians.

From ancient pagan rituals to a flashing lit-up Santa, Lighting The Dark takes a musical look at how we have got through the winter over the last thousand years.

Martin Green is a multi-award-winning musician and Ivor Novello Award-winning composer. As a member of Lau he has won four BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards for Best Group, and in recent years his solo work has taken in writing for orchestra and chorus, brass bands, helming documentaries, and co-writing two acclaimed audio dramas.

Joining Martin on this voyage are Laura Jurd of Mercury Prize-shortlisted Dinosaur on the trumpet and the leading storyteller of the new wave of Irish traditional musicians Ultan O’Brien on the fiddle. Together they venture through folk and jazz, offering original takes on familiar Christmas songs — all woven with Martin and Ultan’s engaging storytelling.

Here's what audiences are saying about Lighting the Dark:

“Absorbing. Stimulating. Creative.”

“Filled up my heart.”

“Inspiring. Reflective. Entertaining.”

General information

• Age guidance: recommended for 12+ as dark themes are explored, but younger are permitted at parents’ discretion. Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.
• Unreserved seating.

Timings

• 7pm Doors to the venue open
• 7.45pm Doors to the auditorium open
• 8pm Show starts