George Ewart Evans at the Theatre

George and EdwardAffectionate portraits of George Ewart Evans and Edward Fitzgerald by Michael Weaver and Mark Mitchels.George Ewart Evans and Edward Fitzgerald may appear to have nothing in common, representing as they do wildly different backgrounds and historicals periods. But for both of them 2009 is the anniversary of their birth - albeit a century apart!George Ewart Evans was a Welshman who after the Second World War came to live at Blaxhall where he pursued his interest in oral history. He tape-recorded ordinary people in the agricultural community, drawing out of them vivid and beautiful memories of life in a village as it once was. The BBC took up the idea and broadcast his compilation, which in turn led to the publication of his book, "Ask The Fellows Who Cut The Hay". Today such anthologies are commonplace but when George began it was an exciting new branch of history. And it all began here in Blaxhall.During the presentation, which will form the first half of the evening, there will be a biographical outline, readings from some of his works, and illustrations of the Suffolk that George knew and so perfectly chronicled. Edward Fitzgerald was a Victorian eccentric who devoted his fortune to the pursuit of pleasure, which included entertaining friends, exploring the East Anglian rivers, and most famously, translating the medival Oriental poem, "The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam". This affectionate memory of him is is complied by Michael Weaver and includes all the anecdotes which ensure EFG a permanent place in Woodbridge folklore!Monday 16 March 2009, 7.30pmTickets:£5How to bookSeckford Theatre, Burkitt Road, Woodbridge IP12 4JHBox Office: This can be contacted on 01394 615015 and is open from 10am to 4pm on weekdays only.Email:boxoffice@woodbridge.suffolk.sch.uk