The City Waites

The City Waites, a pioneering British early music ensemble, have been captivating audiences since the 1970s with their vibrant performances of 16th and 17th-century English music. Specializing in the sounds of the street, tavern, theatre, and countryside, they bring the music of ordinary people to life, appealing to both scholars and the general public alike. With a repertoire that includes English Broadside Ballads, Playford dances, and bawdy ballads, their performances are anything but staid, often described as "splendid, vigorous, animated, and hilarious." The City Waites have toured extensively across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, the Far East, and the USA, performing in venues ranging from major concert halls to village squares. They have also collaborated with prestigious organizations such as the National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and Shakespeare's Globe. Their discography boasts over 30 CDs, and they have contributed to numerous movie and TV soundtracks, ensuring their unique sound reaches a wide audience. The current lineup includes Lucie Skeaping, Douglas Wootton, Roddy Skeaping, and Michael Brain, each bringing their unique talents to the ensemble's dynamic performances.