Professional performances on Aylesbury Vale's doorstep
Archived press release
Date Published: 18/09/09
Residents living in the rural areas of Aylesbury Vale will be treated to professional theatre on their doorstep this autumn.
The annual Theatre in the Villages tour makes a much anticipated return bringing a diverse programme of entertainment to suit all ages and interests.
The scheme, which is co-ordinated by Aylesbury Vale District Council, starts with the Watermill Theatre’s production of Bubbles by Ade Morris. Directed by Kate Saxon with original music by Carl Calow, Bubbles is a brand new full-on musical with 12 original songs and a full score taking place at East & Botolph Claydon Village Hall on Thursday 1 October at 8pm.
The tour continues on Thursday 8 October at 7.30pm at Wingrave Community Centre with Cat Weatherill and Emma and the Professor’s show Pebbles and Pennies, an exciting new collaboration that combines traditional European stories with vibrant live music.
Actor and pianist Michael Lunts portrays composer Frederic Chopin, man and musician, in The Last Ballade in this unique one-man show with live music. Chopin’s music, played as part of the action, provides the background to the riveting drama at Bishopstone Village Hall on Wednesday 14 October at 7.30pm.
Turweston Village Hall plays host to the ‘Diva of the Violin’; Beverley Davison, presenting a unique brand of explosive virtuosity and sparkling humour, with her hit show Classical Cabaret on Saturday 31 October at 8pm.
Cuddington will get a taste of the Far East in November when the Oxfordshire Theatre Company brings Peach Boy – the Adventures of Momotaro to The Bernard Hall, Cuddington on Friday 13 November at 6.30pm. An action-packed quest to save his village from dastardly demons and marvellous monsters, the incredible story of Momotaro the Peach Boy is based on one of the most exciting Japanese folk tales.
Piaffinitee will breathe new life into the wonderful chansons of the famous French singer Edith Piaf with their performance at the State Music Room, Stowe School on Friday 20 November. With sensitive arrangements for accordion and guitar or mandolin accompanying the superb vocal talents of French singer Djamila, the show starts at 8pm.
Making a welcome return from last years’ season is the AJTC Theatre Company’s production of On The Black Hill, Bruce Chatwin’s award-winning tale of twinship, love and belonging, set on the border of England and Wales. Charles Way’s beautiful adaptation is on at The Bernard Hall, Cuddington on Saturday 21 November, doors at 7.30pm
Cat Weatherill’s Sir Gawain and the Green Knight has two performances on Thursday 19 November at 7pm at Steeple Claydon Village Hall and Friday 20 November at 7.30pm at Akeley Village Hall. Featuring bold knights, luscious ladies, hideous hags and the extraordinary Green Knight himself, it’s a thrilling tale of midwinter magic that everyone from eight to 108 will enjoy.
The winter theme continues as the season concludes, Farnham Maltings has transformed everyone’s favourite Christmas story Miracle on 34th Street into two hours of magical, rough edged theatre complete with Santa’s grotto, thanksgiving parade and newly fallen snow. Audiences can get in the Christmas spirit at Whaddon Jubilee Hall on Thursday 26 November at 6pm.
Councillor David Thompson, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “The return of Theatre in the Villages means residents can see a whole host of professional plays, performances and shows, without it costing the earth and without having to travel for miles and miles.”
All shows are programmed in partnership with local promoters from each participating village. The local promoters volunteer their time and energy to make the shows a success, providing a great evening for local people while at the same time generating invaluable funds for the village as any profit from the shows goes to that venue.
For details of the full tour including prices and booking details see the council's website or call 01296 585210.