- Tickets: £18.50 (doors £20.50)
- Company: Martin Harley
- Details
- Parking & Access
Details
“I’m ready to make a bigger noise… Muddy Waters invented electricity right?”
In 2019 British guitarist and songwriter Martin Harley is making a change. Having created a deep impression on the acoustic blues roots and Americana scene with his last two Nashville recorded albums, his highly anticipated new record finds a new and exciting sound. An Intimate and gritty analogue album, recorded in a remote chapel deep in the wilds of Pembrokeshire. Taking country blues riffs to the electric bottleneck slide guitar, served with sweet vocal harmonies and the driving rhythms of co-producer and drummer Harry Harding (Yola Carter / William the Conqueror).
Through his road worn song writing style this record explores hopes and fears for fast changing times, offering gospel like comfort and consolation. The song ‘Roll with the Punches’ implores the listener not to get dragged down when challenges seem unsurmountable. ‘Coming Home’ asks questions beyond the end of life and explores freedom from worldly desires.
If success can be measured by growing global demand to attend Martin’s dynamic live performances, then perhaps his touring schedule is proof of that. He recently played to a full house at the Union Chapel in Islington, London and has appeared at Edmonton, Vancouver, Canmore and Calgary Folk Festivals in Canada, Glastonbury Festival, Bestival and Beautiful Days in the UK, numerous European and US tours and events including the Americana Music Association UK’s AmericanaFest in London, The Bluebird in Nashville and Tønder in Denmark.
In 2018 Martin Harley was ranked #16 in the world’s greatest acoustic guitarist poll in Total Guitar Magazine and he was nominated as Instrumentalist of the Year at the Americana Music Association UK Awards.
“Harley offers the listener a masterclass in taste, style and roots blues” – Guitarist Magazine
“No doubt that he is a slide guitar master. He is the business” – Roots Magazine
“Spellbinding” – The Guardian
“Quite simply a great live act” – Time Out London
Parking & Access
Parking
There are a number of Blue Badge parking spaces nearby on Beaumont Street, and more on New Inn Hall Street and St Giles.
The closest car park is Gloucester Green Car Park, accessed via Gloucester Street.
If you have any questions or concerns, the City Council’s Access Officer can be reached at 01865 249811.
Getting here
We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint, but we need your help. Use ecoway, our sustainable travel planner, to see the most eco-friendly options for your journey to Old Fire Station, and plan a bespoke and flexible route. ecoway is easy to use and you’ll be kept up to date with any disruption or changes to your journey plan.
Car parks in Oxford Blue Badge information Public transport in OxfordAccess
Disabled patrons are eligible for one free companion ticket with their booking. To book this, contact the ticket office: tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk or 01865 263990.
There are two entrances to the Old Fire Station: 40 George Street via the foyer, and on Gloucester Green via the shop. Both are step-free. If you are coming to a show, we ask that you use the George Street entrance, as the Gloucester Green entrance is not always open.
Events in the Theatre
There is level entry to the foyer of the Old Fire Station, and step-free access to the main Theatre (where most shows take place).
If you are a wheelchair user attending a sit-down show, space will be reserved for you. If you are attending a standing gig, please contact us (call the ticket office on 01865 263990 or e-mail tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk) and we will talk with you about your needs.
Events in the Studio
There is level entry into the foyer of the Old Fire Station, and step-free access to the Studio.
Events in the Loft
There are six steps leading up to the Loft space, with no lift. If you would like to discuss this to find out more, please get in touch.
The Gallery
There is step-free access to the Gallery – level entry through the George Street entrance, and via lift from the Gloucester Green entrance.
Facilities
Accessible toilet
There is an accessible toilet on the ground floor, accessible via platform lift. Other toilets are in the basement (accessible via lift).
Hearing assistance system
The Theatre is equipped with a hearing assistance system. If you have any questions about using it, please e-mail us at tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk or phone 01865 263980.
Assistance dogs
All types of assistance and guide dogs are welcome at the Old Fire Station. It would be great if you could let us know in advance if you will be bringing a working dog to any performances – just e-mail tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk.
Strobe lighting
We will warn visitors on the website and in the foyer of the venue if a performance is going to contain strobe lighting. If lighting affects you, and you have any concerns, please call the ticket office on 01865 263990 or e-mail tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk.
Chairs in the theatre
Our chairs are a standard dining-chair size, measuring 40cm deep by 37cm wide, with a metal frame. Some have arms, and some do not. They are all joined together at the sides, to form rows. If this is likely to pose a problem for you, please email tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk and we can discuss how to make your visit more comfortable.