© Matthew Crampton 2016

Blending TED-style storytelling with folk concert, the Human Cargo show asks - does humanity actually evolve? Charting cruelties past and present, it delves deep into journey, migration and life. Each performance includes local stories from the PARALLEL LIVES project and, often, partnership with a local refugee or migrant support group.


I currently offer a 90 minute solo show. Human Cargo is available for concerts, literary & political events and festivals. Enquire.


Summer 2018 saw me touring the country with American traditional music legend Jeff Warner. We presented a story&song show based on the book. Head to my personal website for more information about the tour.











‘Beautiful, powerful, poignant and informative.’

Ilyat Hajat, The Refugee Council


Previous Dates


Lighthouse Bookshop, Edinburgh, Scotland Launch

Tue 27 June, 7.30pm. Matthew, solo


Taigh Chearsabhagh

Mon 26 June, North Uist, Scotland, Matthew, solo


Cutty Sark, Greenwich, London

Sat 24th Sept 2016 The London Lubbers perform Human Cargo at the Nest Collective’s Shanty Sessions


SE London Folklore Society

Thu 15 Sept, 8pm, The Old King’s Head, 45 Borough High St, SE1 1LZ Solo show by Matthew Crampton


London Folk Festival

Sat 3 Sept, Cecil Sharp House

The London Lubbers run a session


Greenbelt Festival

Sat 27 Aug, 5pm

The London Lubbers perform Human Cargo


FolkEast Festival

Sun 21 Aug, Suffolk

The London Lubbers perform Human Cargo


Sidmouth FolkWeek

Mon 1 Aug, 3pm, Manor Pavilion

The London Lubbers perform Human Cargo.

Wed 3 Aug, 6.15pm, Winstone’s Bookshop, 10 High St, Sidmouth. Book signing. Shanties and fun.


Brockley Max Festival

Sat 28 May 3.30pm, London SE23 1PL. Solo appearance by Matthew Crampton to talk & sing about Human Cargo.


Heath Street Baptist Church

13 & 14 May 7.30pm, London NW3

The London Lubbers perform Human Cargo.


Walthamstow Folk Club

Sun 31 Jan, 7.30pm, London

The London Lubbers perform Human Cargo.


Heath Street Baptist Church

Mon 9 Nov 2015 7.30pm, London NW3

The London Lubbers perform Human Cargo.


Harwich Shanty Festival

Fri 9 Oct 2015, 7.30pm, Essex

Premiere of Human Cargo










Human Cargo - the show












Reviews of Matthew in The Transports:







‘Matthew Crampton is an accomplished folk singer and live performer; if you get a chance to see his story-and-song ‘Human Cargo’ show, do not miss it.’

Nigel Williamson, Songlines Magazine.


Here’s a TV interview straight after performing Human Cargo on the Cutty Sark in London.






‘Incredibly insightful, deeply moving and ultimately inspirational.’  The Young’uns


‘A compelling storyteller’

5 stars, The Guardian



‘Matthew Crampton strikes just the right balance between informing and entertaining as, despite some grim statistics and all too apt comparisons with today’s mass migration, the show manages to be both tragedy and romp.’

The Herald




Previously - with The London Lubbers - Human Cargo appeared on big stages like the Manor Pavilion at Sidmouth and the Canopy Stage at Greenbelt, venues such as the Cutty Sark ship in Greenwich or the church at FolkEast - or large acoustic venues like the magnificent Heath Street Baptist Church in London.













Crampton & Warner 1.jpg

Photo Tim Chipping


HC digital tour flyer April.jpg