The Shanty Annas

The Shanty Annas came into being late in 2009, as a result of Terri (Anna Notherthing) having what seemed like a good idea at the time: that of forming a group to sing shanties and sea songs. She was probably under the influence of something at that time and most definitely so when she invited some like-minded singers and idiots from up and down the country to join in.

Penny (Anna Glypta), Simone (Anna Phylaxis) from the London area, Fiona (Anna Conda) from Hampshire, and Jane (Anna Quay) from Yorkshire, with Terri (Anna Notherthing) from Wiltshire make up the Shanty Annas and form what may not be Britain's first female shanty crew but it's certainly the one that giggles most.

Our first rehearsal was snowed off, an omen of stormy seas ahead perhaps? The next first rehearsal showed how important white wine is to the mix and why Terri doesn't drink rum. We did actually manage to practise a couple of songs, discovered new and interesting conducting techniques and realised that we probably had something between us that could safely be shared with an unsuspecting public.

A snippet from one of our rehearsals can be heard here: (You need to install the latest version of Flash Player to hear this recording)

The Shanty Annas at The Black Lion
Photo: M. Patterson

The Black Lion, Plaistow in May 2010 saw our first 'outing' - in an unofficial capacity and short formation, just to see if we could do it in front of people. Turns out we could, were quite well received and got our first groupie (who isn't related) so we carried on.

Our first official 'full formation' outing came at The Wail in Dorset, in September 2010, where we treated a tent load of folkies to 'General Taylor', 'The Mingulay Boat Song' and 'Pique la baleine' - a French song about a whale called Lance (see video below).