Rain and injury fail to dampen duo’s resolve
Last updated at 08:46, Thursday, 26 May 2011
WET weather and injury led to the first wash-out of the Vagabonds South Cumbrian tour.
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When the rain clouds refused to budge as they huddled under the bandstand on the Glebe, in Bowness, Phill Greg and Gary Bridgens decided to call Sunday night’s show off.
The pair had been reunited that day following Mr Bridgens’ trip to hospital with a calf injury.
Despite being ideal weather for the ducks who congregate at the Glebe, the constant rain deterred a crowd.
And coupled with ‘Gacko’s’ injury, the duo decided to head back to their bed and breakfast for a curry and a hot bath.
But just before heading off they gave an impromptu show to the Broggen family, from Crosthwaite, who braved the rain to meet the entertainers.
After a humorous tale featuring a turtle and a hare, the Vagabonds, from Barrow, performed a number on their ukuleles, recounting their adventure so far.
Following the show, Vicki Broggen, who was with her daughters Daisy and Martha and husband Patrick, said: “The show was fantastic.
“We have seen Gary before and we knew we were in for a treat. It is a lovely way of seeing an old, classic tale read.”
Spirits slightly dampened by the rain and his injury, Mr Bridgens spoke to the Evening Mail after the evening’s show.
He said: “It was really upsetting to get injured and it is a shame that affected the pushing part, which for me is a great part of the experience.
“But the show must go on.
“It was disappointing that bad weather kept people indoors. But it was nice that some people turned out to see the show, even if it was only a couple of routines out of a suitcase.”
Mr Bridgens and Mr Gregg are pushing their travelling puppet cart Dolly on an epic 100-mile tour of South Cumbria, which culminates at Barrow Park bandstand on Sunday.
First published at 13:07, Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
Have you seen the guys perform? Are you looking forward to them coming to your town? Have your say with the comment box below
Fantastic-went to watch them at Broughton tonight, their enthusiasm and talent shone through, my 10 year old really enjoyed it and all the stories and songs were excellent. Hope they have a dry journey home and that lots of people welcome them back to Barrow.
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Just seen the Vagabonds at Kirkby-In-Furness tonight. They were superb. Setting was perfect, performing in a corner of the cricket field in front of St Cuthbert's Church on a sunny (if cold) evening, to an audience of more than 50 locals, including a group of Brownies. The Vagabonds deserve a medal for their three-week walking journey through Furness and South Cumbria. Great advert for the area with their local stories, songs and humour. Askam and Dalton performances on Saturday before their homecoming on Sunday. Come on Barrow, let's give them a fitting homecoming to Barrow Park.
Posted by jon on 20 May 2011 at 20:02