Seth Lakeman – The Minack Theatre – 13th September 2024

“Sing out for the brave volunteers, raise a glass for their 200 years” – Seth Lakeman, Brave Volunteers

The Minack Theatre; Rowena Cade’s visionary, cliffside masterpiece, played host to two weeks of theatre music, dance and talks inspired by the sea, to raise funds for and to celebrate 200 years of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).  The penultimate day of the festival saw the Seth Lakeman Trio play two sold-out shows to audiences who had travelled far and wide to be a part of this very special event.

But just what would possess someone to make the round trip of nearly 750 miles to be a part of the audience? well I can only speak for myself – so before we review the gigs, please indulge me and let me share the personal connection between my hometown of Southport and the subject of Seth Lakeman’s iconic song and pay tribute to the lost crews of the Solomon Browne, Eliza Fernley and Laura Janet. I am sure that given the illustrious history of the RNLI, there will be many, many others who can share a similar, albeit not identical connection that has led them to support RNLI fundraising.

AN INCREDIBLY BRIEF HISTORY OF THE RNLI

The RNLI was established by Sir William Hillary, who witnessed numerous shipwrecks off the coast of the Isle of Man. His vision was to create an organised, well-trained rescue service that could respond to maritime emergencies. Initially named the National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck, the charity began with a handful of lifeboats and volunteers, gradually growing into a nationwide network of stations. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the RNLI evolved with advancements in lifeboat technology, transitioning from sail and oar-powered boats to the modern, engine-powered craft seen today.

The institution also expanded its training and operational procedures, enabling lifeboat crews to respond more effectively in dangerous weather conditions. In 1854, the RNLI adopted its current name, and in the decades that followed, it solidified its role as the primary coastal rescue service in the British Isles.

Today, the RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations, covering approximately 19,000 miles of coastline, including the Republic of Ireland. Its volunteer crews, often putting their own lives at risk, remain the backbone of the organisation. The RNLI’s commitment to saving lives is as strong as ever, this dedication is exemplified by the tragedies of the Southport and Penlee lifeboat disasters. The full history of the RNLI is available on their website.

THE SOUTHPORT LIFEBOAT DISASTER OF 1886

The Southport Lifeboat Disaster stands as one of the darkest moments in the history of British maritime rescue. On 9 December 1886, a fierce storm hit the coast of Lancashire, threatening several ships. Both the Southport and St. Anne’s lifeboat stations launched rescue operations to save the crew of the German barque Mexico, which had run aground off Southport.

Amid the brutal conditions, the Southport lifeboat Eliza Fernley capsized, 14 of its 16 crew members lost their lives. In a cruel twist of fate, the St. Anne’s lifeboat Laura Janet also succumbed to the storm, resulting in the deaths of all 13 crew. A third lifeboat, Charles Biggs, launched on its maiden rescue, and saved the Mexico’s 12 crew members. The loss of the Southport and St. Anne’s lifeboats was a devastating blow, not only to the local communities but to the RNLI as a whole.

Images: The Southport Lifeboat Memorial, The old Southport lifeboat station, The Fisherman’s Rest – the former coach house of Birkdale Palace, which became the temporary mortuary for the drowned crew of the Eliza Fernley. Inside the pub brass mermaids on the bar rail commemorate the lost crew.

The event remains the largest loss of life in the RNLI’s history.

THE PENLEE LIFEBOAT DISASTER OF 1981

Nearly a century after the Southport tragedy, the RNLI would face another devastating loss with the Penlee lifeboat disaster off the coast of Cornwall. On the night of 19 December 1981, the Penlee lifeboat Solomon Browne was launched in treacherous conditions to assist the coaster Union Star, which was being battered by hurricane-force winds. The vessel had suffered engine failure, leaving it stranded and at the mercy of the towering waves.

Despite the extreme danger, the volunteer crew of the Penlee lifeboat, based in the close-knit community of Mousehole, responded without hesitation. The crew managed to make contact with the Union Star, but as they attempted to rescue the trapped crew and passengers, both the lifeboat and the vessel were overwhelmed by the ferocious sea. All eight crew members aboard the Solomon Browne, along with the eight people on the Union Star, tragically perished.

The Penlee lifeboat disaster sent shockwaves through the nation and led to an outpouring of grief. The bravery of the Penlee crew, who willingly faced almost certain death to save others, remains one of the most poignant examples of selflessness in the RNLI’s history. Following the tragedy, the Penlee station was relocated, and new safety measures were introduced. However, the memory of the Solomon Browne and its crew continues to inspire RNLI volunteers across the country.

Images, courtesy of RNLI Penlee: The old Penlee lifeboat station, whose boat was never to return. The Solomon Browne in fair weather and during a launch.

While separated by nearly a century, the Southport and Penlee lifeboat disasters share similarities that highlight the immeasurable courage and sacrifices of RNLI crews. Both incidents occurred in the face of extreme weather conditions, demonstrating the perilous nature of lifeboat rescues. The Southport and St. Anne’s crews battled a violent storm in simple, oar-powered boats in a desperate attempt to save the Mexico’s crew, while the Penlee crew faced hurricane-force winds and towering seas in their bid to rescue those aboard the stricken Union Star.

The Southport disaster claimed the lives of 27 volunteers, men who left their homes and families to respond to a call for help. Nearly a hundred years later, that same spirit was embodied by the crew of the Solomon Browne, who willingly went out knowing the severity of the situation. The impact of these disasters also brought about vital changes. The Southport disaster led to improvements in lifeboat design and operational procedures, while the Penlee disaster prompted further advancements in rescue equipment and safety measures.

RNLI200: A LEGACY OF BRAVEY AND SELFLESSNESS

The RNLI’s history is built on the courage and sacrifice of its volunteers. The Southport and Penlee disasters, though incomprehensively tragic, have strengthened the institution’s resolve to save lives. Whilst most of us will have no direct connection with either tragedy – the Penlee Lifeboat disaster had a profound effect on many, including myself – who was just 5 years old at the time. These events serve as stark reminders of the dangers faced by lifeboat crews and the unyielding spirit that drives them to put others before self. It is this continuing selflessness that the RNLI celebrates in 2024 as part of their 200 year anniversary.

You can hear Seth talk about how he came to write Solomon Browne in tribute to the Penlee lifeboat crew in Episode 124 of the RNLI 200 Voices podcast.

THE LOCATION

Such are the popularity of Seth’s shows at the Minack, that it was no surprise when both matinee and evening shows were announced and immediately sold out. Given my personal affection for the RNLI; and following the receipt of some top secret intel about a special guest expected to appear during the evening, I knew that I simply had to witness these two shows.

To say that we got lucky with the weather would be a colossal understatement, never have I had the opportunity to swim in the sea immediately prior to a gig before, but this was Cornwall on its absolute best behaviour and it was sublime in the crystal clear waters of Porthcurno. The good weather remained throughout, although this did result in a much chillier evening gig, but this was easily offset with a few cups of tea and plenty of dancing. The exceptionally clear day also meant that you were spoilt for views, if you took your eyes off the stage you had plenty to look at, from the simply stunning venue itself, to the unsurpassed views of Porthcurno and Pedn Vounder beaches, the passing RMV Scillonian III and Border Force Cutter, fishing vessels, container ships, pods of dolphins, seabirds, a slightest hint of the northern lights, a crisp bright moon and to top all that a superlong and bright pass from the International Space Station. And all of this before the guest of honour!

THE MATINEE SHOW

Both shows were formed of two halves, with an identical setlist – the setlist was naturally laden heavy with songs of the sea, as the festival’s by-line suggested. Seth (vocals, fiddle, viola, bouzouki, electro acoustic guitar, percussion, harmonica) was accompanied by Alex Hart (vocals, harmonium, electro acoustic guitar, electric tenor guitar, foot tambourine) and Benji Kirkpatrick (vocals, bouzouki, banjo, electro acoustic guitar, electric guitar, harmonica).

The show starts brightly with The Giant from Make your Mark – the tale of a stranded whale and the good men who saved it, a jolly little tune that almost belies the complexity and depth of the cinematic lyrics. We then travel inland with old favourites The Bold Knight and The White Hare. Back on message we head back to the coast and I was particularly pleased to hear The Rambling Sailor from the brilliant collab album Sea Song Sessions, a spirited song that Seth always successfully adapts to fit the location of the performance. This was immediately followed by Brave Volunteers, another collaboration, but this time created by Seth for the BBC Radio 2 21st Century Folk initiative, the song being originally performed with the Fisherman’s Friends it tells the true story of Al Kassim – who having being rescued by the RNLI himself in 2015, signed up and is now a volunteer at RNLI Tower.

Following a brief intermission, the somewhat sunburnt audience suitably refuelled, suncream reapplied and the RNLI donation buckets topped up, we returned for the second half. Sticking with the nautical theme, Seth performed solo with the evergreen Lady Of The Sea on viola. Followed by my personal favourite in the form of the stunning Shoals To Turn – which felt even more poetic given the view from our granite amphitheatre.

We were then treated to the very fresh and vibrant Black Fox, which is one of the new tunes from the forthcoming and as yet untitled studio album due for release in the new year – I think Black Fox makes a for a good album title if you’re undecided! The Black Fox is an anti-hunting song that tells the tale of the elusive and uncatchable Dartmoor fox, with music that feels very in tune with some of Seth’s earlier works and includes some very pleasing and technical string crossings.

We then bid a welcome return to The Storm and then onto the ever poignant Solomon Browne – which provided a particularly strong tribute, given the location, anniversary, festival theme and the RNLI volunteers in attendance.

Then we move headlong towards the finale with the optimistic and upbeat Higher We Aspire, The Colliers and then of course, Kitty Jay – it is testament to just how great this song is, and so truly ahead of its time – that even after all these years it is not only being played, but for many is still the highlight of the show.

SETLIST

The Giant / The Bold Knight / The White Hare / Rambling Sailor / Side by Side / Brave Volunteers / The Storm / Blood Red Sky / Setting of the Sun / INTERVAL / Lady of the Sea (Solo) / Shoals to Turn / Black Fox / Solomon Browne / Higher We Aspire / The Colliers / Kitty Jay (Solo) / ENCORE / Blood Upon Copper / Change

THE EVENING SHOW

A largely fresh audience took their seats for the evening performance, as mentioned previously this was the same setlist – but the gig had a very different vibe given the rapidly setting sun, stage lighting, cooler air temperature and an all together more intimate feel as the golden beaches and sparkling sea disappeared from view. There was an additional and emotional moment to come in the form of an appearance from RNLI Penlee Lifeboat Ivan Ellen.

RNLI LIFEBOAT IVAN ELLEN

A carefully crafted plan had been hatched in advance – and was deployed with the sort of precision and professionalism that you would expect from the RNLI. During Black Fox, the lifeboat manoeuvred stealthily from its hiding place behind Logan Rock and silently lay in wait – hidden in the darkness in front of the Minack Theatre. As Seth introduced the song Solomon Browne, he invited the audience to look out to sea to look for a boat – of course no one could see anything for a brief moment, then the Ivan Ellen crew turned on all their searchlights and revealed their presence – there were audible gasps and spontaneous applause from the audience as the band started to play.

As the final notes of Solomon Browne rang out, the Ivan Ellen directed its searchlights directly onto the audience, who responded with cheers and a standing ovation – the lifeboat crew would’ve been able to clearly hear their reception and responded with a few bursts from the boats horn, before giving a wave, opening up the engines and returning at speed to Newlyn Harbour.

The appearance of the lifeboat served as a deeply visceral reminder of just how vast and dangerous the seas can be – I’m sure that the very special sight of the Ivan Ellen in front of the Minack would prompt many of the audience to contemplate what it would be like to be lost at sea. Even on a calm night and close to shore – the chances of being located and rescued would be; at best, slim and the arrival of the lifeboat would be the most indescribably welcome sight of your life. It also served as a stark reminder that this was indeed the warmest and calmest of nights but the lifeboat will launch in all weathers, just as they did in 1886 ,1981 and many other thousands of times – which makes the volunteers sacrifice even more humbling.

It’s fair to say that the appearance of the Lifeboat was the cherry on the icing on the top of an already rather magnificent cake – and as the encore of Blood Upon Copper and Change came to an end – the trio received rapturous applause and a well deserved standing ovation. It was certainly a gig that will live long in everyone’s memory and will make Seth’s next performance at the Minack an even hotter ticket and not-to-be-missed event.

Seth pops over to Ireland for a couple of dates in early October before touring the Mercury nominated album Kitty Jay across the UK. December dates have just been announced for a solo tour, and we expect the new album to be released and toured in February.

Seth Lakeman online:  Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Youtube

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is one of the most loved and supported charities due to its vital role in saving lives at sea. For nearly 200 years, its volunteer crews have selflessly risked their lives to ensure the safety of others, often working in extreme and dangerous conditions. This dedication to a mission of service resonates deeply with people, fostering a strong sense of admiration and gratitude.

Moreover, the RNLI relies on public donations to fund its operations, reinforcing the community’s essential role in its success. Continued support is crucial for the RNLI to maintain its lifesaving services, develop new technologies, and train future volunteers. By supporting the RNLI, we not only help protect lives but also uphold the values of courage, community, and compassion that are at the heart of the charity’s work.

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