Shantyman (Musical)

“Shantyman” was a new musical show about the life of shanty singer John Short – aka Yankee Jack – of Watchet, an entertaining show telling John’s life through narrative, dialogue, stories, sea shanties and poetry.

Written by Phil Underwood and based on sound research, a preview was performed at Tenterden Folk Festival, in October 2023 and the full show toured in 2024.

The cast was made up of; Keith Kendrick (Muckram Wakes), Sylvia Needham, Dick Stephens (Cantoris), Denise Dryburgh (The Morning After) and Phil Underwood (DryWood).