The Fairly Famous Family is set to return to the Isle of Man this weekend, thanks to support from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. The team has been travelling to the island since 2000 to stage enormously entertaining street theatre that provides amusement to adults and children alike.
Based just across the water in beautiful Ambleside, Jem ‘Famous’ Hulbert, founder of The Fairly Famous Family, has entertained throughout Britain and across Europe. Jem has performed in front of Her Majesty The Queen, Sir Norman Wisdom and has also provided a support act for The Rolling Stones.
On their latest island visit, Jem and his son Joss will perform a series of colourful, creative shows selected from their extensive and original repertoire.
The visit will commence with a series of performances and workshops at primary and secondary schools across the island, with Anagh Coar School, Foxdale School, Manor Park School, QEII High School and Ballakermeen High School all booked in for midsummer merriment with fun-packed shows and street theatre workshops.
The team’s visit will culminate in memorable performances for the Manx public at St John’s on Tynwald Day, where there will be fabulous fun from The Fairly Famous Family for everyone to enjoy.
With ‘Our Culture’ being celebrated in Mann throughout July, as part of Year of Our Island 2018, Jem and Joss will be wearing their Bollan Bane at Tynwald and flying the Manx flag. Culture Vannin and Yn Unnid Gaelgagh, the schools’ Manx Gaelic team, have kindly helped translate ‘The Fairly Famous Family’ into Manx: ‘Yn Lught-Thie Bunnys Ard-Ghooagh’
In readiness for entertaining the Tynwald Day crowds, a suitable Manx proverb has been found, too: ‘Myr smoo yn cheshaght s’reaie yn chloie’ - The bigger the company, the merrier the play.
Jem and Joss are looking forward to learning about the Isle of Man’s UNESCO Biosphere status and giving support to the efforts of Bill Dale and his Beach Buddies.
Jem ‘Famous’ Hulbert said: ‘We are delighted to return to the island to perform for local schools. It is also a great privilege to entertain at St John’s on Tynwald Day, and we’re really grateful to the Isle of Man Steam Packet for its support.’
Special acknowledgement was also made to recently retired politician and former Isle of Man Steam Packet Company employee Geoff Corkish. Jem said Geoff and his team provided encouragement right from the start for The Fairly Famous Family to visit island schools: ‘Gura mie mooar ayd, Geoff as ooilley, son Yn Lught-Thie Bunnys Ard-Ghooagh!’
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘The Fairly Famous Family offers a unique style of entertainment that has proved extremely popular in our island’s schools. We are pleased to assist the team’s return once again.’
