*
banner

Interview with Jamie Fletcher

4BR speaks to the award winning theatre director about the BBE 'Elevate' project that will see the Freckleton Band work with Jamie on a drag cabaret 'creative extravaganza'.

Jamie Fletcher
  Jamie Fletcher is an award winning theatre director who started playing in brass bands (Image: Copyright — Lizzie Coombes)

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

At its recent annual conference in Huddersfield, Brass Bands England announced that as part of their 'Elevate' initiate the Freckleton Band would link up with theatre director and musician Jamie Fletcher to collaborate on bringing together the creative traditions that are brass bands and drag.

Elevate

Across a nine-month partnership, the 'Elevate' project aims to challenge and expand on normal performance practice by exploring new ideas, genres and ways of performing.

Jamie hails from a brass band background. Her identity as a northern, neurodivergent, queer, trans woman informs the work that she makes.

New ways

Deeply passionate about directing, collaboration and telling diverse stories in a new way on the stage and screen, Jamie has worked in the industry for over 17 years — winning multiple accolades and awards for her work.

Previously Jamie worked as a session musician on hit television show 'Stars in their Eyes', played with different bands and collaborated with a range of artists and is currently in a new composing partnership with Alex Beetschen working on new musicals.

Following the announcement, 4BR caught up with Jamie to find out more about the project and Jamie's link to the banding world.

Find out more

Find out out more about Jamie at:
https://unlimited.earth/team/jamie-fletcher/

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Fleetwood

Fleetwood back on demand

May 1 • You can enjoy all 32 performances from the recent Fleetwood Contest on demand


British Open

Live stream broadcast from Spring Festival

May 1 • All the action from the 104th British Open Spring Festival is to be live-stream broadcast this weekend.


Brass in Concert

Brass in Concert draws confirmed

May 1 • The draws for the 2026 Brass in Concert and Youth Brass in Concert Championships have been confirmed after being made in Linz.


Spring Festival

Final preparations in place for Spring Festival

April 30 • Bands and organisers are putting the final parts in place ahead of the Spring Festival in Birmingham.


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Tintwistle Band

April 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete our team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 23 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director. The band rehearse on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the North of England 4th section contest. We are a registered charity and have a thriving training band.


Leicestershire Co-op Band

April 23 • SOLO HORN Vacancy. The Leicestershire Co-op Band (2nd Section National Finalists & 1st Section from 2027) have a vacancy for Solo Horn. We are an ambitious band with a healthy balance of contests and concerts, always striving for high musical standards.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd