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An interpretation, from our perspective, of how each evening was received. |
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First Night - Friday 1st November 2025
The first night of Souling for this year was started at the Saracen's Head in Warburton. The Saracen's Head is under new ownership so this was in introduction to the Play for new staff there. Whilst it was quiet we did have an attentive audience with those there. It's always a bit of a staid performance for the first one of the year as we get into our 'stride' for the season. This was no exception.
We then headed over to the other side of the Bridgewater Canal to the Barn Owl in Agden Wharf at the side of the canal where again it was quiet but well received by those there. The Old No.3 was next where again we have new, but very enthusiastic, owners, especially judging by their interest afterwards. This was becoming a trait for the evening, in that we were received a lot of positive feedback and questioning after the performance from those there. This was the same at our fourth one for the night, the Swan with Two Nics in Little Bollington.
Finally it was back to the other side of the Bridgewater Canal to our usual finishing pub for the first night, The Vine in Dunham. Always a good finish to the evening.
Second Night - Thursday 6th
November 2025
Our second night was in the
Flixton and Urmston area. The first three being the local chain of
Brewchimps bars. The first being in Flixton followed by the second on
the Flixton Urmston border. The third was The Old Chimp, formally the
Steamhouse, in the old station building in Urmston, but now an Irish
themed pub. All three where much the same in terms of attendance and
good quiet receptions. The the Old Chimp we hat to wait until the Irish
musicians had finished a set before starting.
The fourth for the night was the Prairie Schooner, a bar that we've been performing at ever since it opened a good few years ago now. Always a good reception and no exception this time. Finally to the Barking Dog. A new one to us last year, and whilst a spread out audience it was very attentive and a good end to the night.
Third Night - Friday 7th
November 2025
It was into Altrincham for
our third night, however the first stop was in Timperley to the
Stubborn Mule brewery tap. Not as many in as last year however, those
there certainly enjoyed it all. As we were a bit late in getting going
that night we unfortunately couldn't stop for to enjoy their 'wares' as
we have a crucial time slot at the next pub, the Market tavern in
Altrincham. Here we fit in in between the band doing it's sound check
and doing it's first slot of the night. All was well and we fitted in
fine and were able to enjoy a beer this time with thanks to the
landlady.
From here we worked our way down Victoria Street to the Old Roebuck and then to the Malt Shovels. Lots in interest in both of these although the Malt Shovels was somewhat quieter then we normally expect, but still well worth it, especially with one group who'd just come from the Roebuck so saw us twice!
Last was Costello's where again a bit quieter than usual, but this did make it easier to perform in as normally it can be very noisy! So that's in, another night done and one more to go.
The Last Night - Saturday 8th
November 2025
Our last day of Souling for
2025 was not quite the same is in previous years as this year there was
no Autumn Fair at Warburton Church so our first stop was instead at the
Dunham Cider Barn in the middle of the afternoon. In the
past we've always played in or just outside one of the small tent
structures they have there, however this year they have converted one
of their sheds into an open bar area so we had a much more sheltered
environment in which to play. We were fortunate in that there was also
a 50th Birthday party taking place so we had a good (captive?) audience
there. And what a splendid start to the day it was.
After that it was into Lymm to the Heritage Centre there where we have our original horse's head on display. This was somewhat quieter that usual, probably due to it being somewhat later that usual when we arranged the venue so there wasn't much time for the centre to arrange publicity. It was still worth doing it there and we hope to have ourselves a bit better organised for it next year.
The rest of the tour, before the last performance at the Saracens Head, was also in Lymm. First, the Dunham Brewery's, Brewery Tap where we're always well received. We were fortunate that it was the day of the Warrington Way ultra marathon that starts and finishes in Lymm so the village was extremely busy with many of the runners topping up their liquid levels in the various pubs! Next the Spread Eagle where rather than performing in the main body of the pub as we usually do we elected to go into the snug that was brimming with people. A really satisfying performance in a cosy environment.
Next round the corner to the Golden Fleece. Again extremely full and well received, and a welcome drink on the house at the end. Finally in Lymm it was to the Bull's Head. again a cosy, if somewhat noisy environment in which to do the play. Again thoroughly enjoyable.
After a quick visit back to the Golden Fleece to greet the Antrobus Soulers who were also in town that night it was off to the Saracen's Head. It has to be said this it was probably one of the quietest nights there for many, many a year. We suspect due to the marathon and there being a number of bonfires taking place in the area amongst other things unfortunately going on that eveninbg. Still it's always a nice end to the season when we finish there back at the Play's rightful home.
This page updated: 10th November 2025.