The Roaring 20s

Audacity, rouge and a song.

Soprano Claire Booth mid-laugh in an emerald green silk dress, studio portrait.

The Concert

Date

11 July · Sat · 7pm

Venue

St Nicholas · New Romney

Tickets

£25 · Standard

U18s · Free

Duration

60min (no interval)

Artists

Alexander Armstrong · actor and baritone
Claire Booth · soprano
Andrew Matthews-Owen · piano

"The Twenties were drenched in melody." — Beverly Nichols

A century ago, a decade emerged from a pandemic, a financial crash and a war. It answered, in Zelda Fitzgerald's phrase, "with audacity and rouge" — and with cocktails, new plays, new fashions and a wave of new music. Noel Coward, Ivor Novello, the Great American Songbook. Songs that have outlived almost everything else from the era.

Indulge in an evening of music, told and sung.

Alexander Armstrong — actor, baritone, and Classic FM's weekday host — is joined by soprano Claire Booth, Royal Philharmonic Society Singer of the Year 2025, and pianist Andrew Matthews-Owen, whose Paris 1913 was named The Times' Classical Recording of the Year 2025. Christine Croshaw's script carries the decade through the evening: the laughter, the love, the gossip, the intrigue — and the inevitable sense, as the Twenties closes, that the party's over now.

But what a decade it was.

Frequently asked Questions

Will I receive a paper ticket?

No — all tickets are digital and arrive by email. Please have your e-ticket ready to scan on arrival.

Are tickets free for under-18s?

Yes — we want young people to have access and connection to the arts. Please reserve a free ticket in advance for each event.

Is the venue accessible?

We aim to make the arts accessible to all. Our Front of House team will be on hand to assist and direct you during your visit. Venues are step-free where possible, with wheelchair seating and accessible toilets available. If you have any specific access needs, please email Sarah at sarah@jamconcert.org before booking and we'll make sure everything is set up for you.

Where is the venue?

St Nicholas Church
Church Lane
New Romney
TN28 8EU

Coming from London?

By train: the Southeastern High Speed runs from London St Pancras to Ashford International in around 40 minutes, with frequent services throughout the day.

From Ashford International: a 20-minute taxi takes you to all festival venues. We recommend pre-booking.

By car: around 90 minutes from central London via the M20. Parking is available at all festival venues.

Is there parking?

Free parking on Church Road and Church Lane, or pay-and-display in the adjacent FHDC car park.

When do doors open?

Doors open 30 minutes before each event. We recommend arriving in good time to find your seat and settle in.

Will refreshments be available?

Yes — refreshments are available for purchase before the concert.

What if I'm running late?

We'll do our best to seat latecomers at a suitable break in the music — usually between pieces. There may be a short wait.

Is there reserved seating?

Seating is unreserved at all festival events.

Are there toilets?

Public toilets are available opposite the church, in the FHDC car park.

I have additional questions

Please email sarah@jamconcert.org

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