Hannah James and the JigDoll Ensemble at The Stoller Hall

Johnny James, Managing Editor

Book now

Hannah James and the JigDoll Ensemble

The Stoller Hall, Manchester
8 October 2019

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Hannah James
Book now

A key figure in the recent revival of English percussive dance, Hannah James is a multi-faceted performer who is equally regarded as a singer, accordionist, composer and clog dancer. Here’s what to expect from her performance with the JigDoll Ensemble at The Stoller Hall.

Over the course of nearly two decades, James has amassed an international following. She’s been a key player in some of Britain’s most respected folk projects, including Songs of Separation, which won the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Album in 2017. Her vocal trio Lady Maisery, meanwhile, was nominated for the Horizon Award at the 2012 BBC Folk Awards, and has produced three critically acclaimed albums: Weave & Spin, Mayday and Cycle.

It was 2015’s JigDoll, though, which really caught the folk world’s attention. This innovative one-woman-show reinvented the notion of solo performance by combining all four of James’ disciplines simultaneously in an immersive, unforgettable song and dance experience. Inspiring The Guardian to brand James “a true original”, JigDoll was widely praised for its deft combination of cutting-edge looping technology and vocal, accordion and composition skill. This winning formula was topped off with a stunning fusion of traditional and wholly original dance.

At The Stoller Hall, James will elevate this project to new heights with the JigDoll Ensemble. Starring an international lineup of award-winning performers – Glasgow fiddle player Kate Young, Estonian bassist Marti Tarn and Hungarian percussionist András Des – the ensemble will focus on their recent album, The Woman And Her Words, which explores themes of toxic masculinity, belonging, the human experience, love and female power. Expect to be blown away by a spellbinding tour de force of dance, music, body percussion and spoken word.

Where to go near Hannah James and the JigDoll Ensemble at The Stoller Hall

Virgin Red Room
Manchester
Virgin Red Room

The Virgin Red Room is a new private members space located at Manchester’s AO Arena, with VIP access to some of the city’s biggest gigs.

Manchester
Restaurant
Chish & Fips

A special kind of Japanese-inspired fish and chip shop, from the team behind the incredible (and sadly-missed) Umezushi restaurant.

Manchester
Restaurant
Kitchen In An Arch

An offshoot from the much-loved Umezushi, this specialist deli is a one-stop-shop for all your sushi making needs, and also hosts occasional workshops to improve your culinary skills.

Chetham’s Library in Long Millgate in Manchester
Manchester
Library
Chetham’s Library

Chetham’s Library is one of the must-sees of any visit to Manchester. The library was founded in 1653, and is the oldest public library in the world – but the building dates back even further, to 1421.

Cathedral Quarter
Place of worship
Manchester Cathedral

A regular venue for gigs and one-off cultural events, Manchester Cathedral is nevertheless a working place of worship – open all year round.

Cathedral Quarter
Restaurant
Mamucium

High-class restaurant next to Victoria Station in Manchester, and attached to Hotel Indigo. Famed for steaks.

Cathedral Gardens
Cathedral Quarter
Park
Cathedral Gardens

Cathedral Gardens is a partially lawned public space in Manchester city centre, located between Manchester Cathedral and the National Football Museum.

Manchester
Event venue
Festa Italiana

The 2022 Festa Italiana was a roaring success, with great food options and captivating live music performances throughout the weekend.

The National Football Museum Manchester
Manchester
Museum
National Football Museum

The National Football Museum is now open to the public, ready to show off its impressive array of football-related exhibits and activities.

What's on: Music

Music
MusicStockport
That Night In Manchester

Join the electrifying musical ‘That Night in Manchester’. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Manchester indie scene. Step into the Madchester time machine as you hear a father recount the highs and lows of his life to his only son during the Madchester era spanning his life through the 70’s 80’s & 90’s as you experience the music performed live on stage.

Culture Guides

European Poetry Festival European Camarade
Literature Events in the North

From tongue-twisters to twisty page-turners, we have all kinds of spoken word surprises in the latest literature round-up.

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre in the North

Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.

Cloudwater Production One
Tours and Activities in the North

Go forth with wild abandon to dance the pavements, dabble with the paint and down the pints in this month's tours and activities guide.

Star Nhà Ease
Cinema in the North

July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.

Exhibitions in the North

Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.

Helena Hauff
Music in the North

Shape-shifting bands, scorched-earth techno, and off-grid festivals. Our latest music picks catch the live scene at its most urgent, inventive and alive.