Performer Name: Phil Jones

Show Name: Snow Along the Line

Show Description

Snow Along the Line traces the remarkable life of Barbara Naisbitt, an extraordinary yet ordinary woman whose journey spans nearly a century of change. Born in 1928, only months before the Equal Franchise Act granted women full voting rights, her story begins in the industrial heartland of North East England. Growing up during wartime, she found joy in swimming, cycling, and the simple freedom of youth. School, marred by undiagnosed dyslexia, offered few rewards—but peace in Europe opened new doors. Training as a tailoress gave her independence, community, and a sense of purpose. A 1953 bus trip to Spain sparked a long-distance romance with a Welshman, drawing her 300 miles south to the coal valleys of South Wales. There, in a community rooted in chapel traditions, she was first seen as “the English woman up the hill.” Yet she persisted, and in time, became part of the fabric of the community. The 1970s saw her embrace the radical spirit of Adult Education through Barry Summer School, launching a fulfilling career in teaching and, later, in soft furnishings—each role deepening her ties to the place she once struggled to call home. She lived a full life of love, learning, and resilience, passing away in 2023 at the age of 95. Through songs, poems, archival images, stop animation, and off-stage narration, theatre-maker and musician Phil Jones brings this deeply personal story to the stage, capturing the rhythm of a life shaped by both sweeping change and everyday triumph. The production uses mild images relating to death which some may find upsetting.

I have provided printed copies of teh sogs and narration. I am yet to work with a BSL interpreter but happy to do so
Lighting is very simple. The show includes a projection and therefore the performer stands on one side of the screen or wall. If there is a simple lighting rig present than a single spot on the performer would be good
PA suitable for the space through which the backing tracks, guitar and vocal mic would be played Projector and projection screen or suitable wall to project onto - or a television screen if that suits the space. All necessary electrical sockets etc
Yes - all the following available on request - Posters and flyers - A printed Programme for each participant - A number of marketing videos are on YouTube - Press release material for use by promoter - CD of all the songs for sale at the venue
With over 50 years of experience in the music world, Phil Jones is a captivating performer whose journey spans working men’s clubs, folk festivals, concert halls, and theatre stages across the UK. Phil’s career began in the heart of the South Wales Valleys, where he honed his craft in local working men’s clubs before making a name for himself in London’s music scene. Phil recorded with Cherry Red Records and briefly being part of the iconic band Felt. In the early 2000s, Phil transitioned into the folk scene, first as a guitarist and later as a double bassist. For the last 18 years Phil has recorded and toured with the folk band Hatful of Rain and released his first solo album - St Peter's Thumb - in 2023. For 2026 I am looking to tour my new show, Snow Along the Line, which has strong South Wales connections as the main subject of the show moved to South Wales in 1953.