Waiting for the second half of Kate Rusby

Went to see Kate Rusby and her band at the Barbican Centre tonight with Doreen and friends Dennis and Irene. Normally we’d go by train but with Doreen we had to drive.

Despite thinking we’d got plenty of time we left 30 minutes later than I wanted, getting stuck in traffic on M25 and again only a mile from our destination.

Provision for people with a disability at the Barbican is first class. When you ring up, you get a free allocated parking space, with your car registration number in the bay. Only a short walk, or push, to the theatre.

We sat down a minute before the concert began, by the skin or our teeth. A very good concert to a packed audience. We sand “While Shepherds Watched” three times, each a different version from the pubs of South Yorkshire. Her take on Christmas carols and tunes is fascinating and accompanied by fabulous musicians including her husband Damien O’Kane and a brass ensemble.

For the encore Kate came on as Archangel Gabriel with the band as shepherds, Damien as Mary and the accordionist as Joseph riding a camel of all things. As they all had beards they looked the part, except Mary who I didn’t think had a beard in all the pictures I’ve seen. The brass boys appeared as Stars.

We left suitably in the festive mode and fortunately the drive back to Kent was quick and trouble free.