Theatre Festival brings comedy, family shows, and cutting-edge drama
Theatre lovers can look forward to a bumper package of shows next week as the first Wirral Theatre Festival brings 18 productions to The Floral Pavilion as part of Wirral’s Borough of Culture celebrations.
Festival Co-Director, Robert Southworth, said:
As well as inspiring and entertaining audiences, the festival aims to tell local stories and nurture Wirral’s magnificent acting and writing talent.
We are confident that it has something to suit almost every taste – from family shows with a local flavour, to quirky comedy, and thought-provoking drama - and with no tickets costing more than £12, we have made a huge effort to keep it as affordable as possible.
Shows will run throughout the afternoon and evening on 28, 29 and 30 August, and are expected to last up to 60 minutes each.
Councillor Ann Ainsworth, Vice Chair of Wirral’s Tourism, Communities, Culture & Leisure Committee, said:
Wirral people have made an incredible contribution to the world of theatre over the decades, and it is wonderful to see a new generation showcasing their work on a local stage.
Whether you are a regular theatregoer or looking for something affordable to keep the children entertained during the holiday, please come along and show your support for the festival and all those taking part.
The festival programme includes:
Wednesday 28 August
1.00pm Big Bunny & the Powers of Fort Perch Rock Do you have what it takes to defeat the mystical powers of Fort Perch Rock? Join Big Bunny & the gang in this fun-filled family adventure!
2.45pm We’ll Meet Again A family story of a young girl evacuated from Liverpool during World War II. We see her adventures and troubles in Wrexham whilst also learning about what life was like back in the city with letters home to her dad.
4.30pm The Seagull in the Attic / Remember When This is a double-bill:
The Seagull in the Attic - A woman who finds solace in the unlikely company of a Seagull.
Remember When - A comical look at an ordinary couple on a walk, putting the world to rights and reminiscing on what they consider better times.
6.00pm Hairy B A play about self-love, self-loathing – and how bloody expensive razors are.
7.00pm I Am Purple - When you are shamed from a young age, you start to believe what they say about you. And then who’s the enemy? Is it still them? Or is it you!?
8.00pm The Comedy With A Censored Title - An autobiographical one woman comedy investigating the wonders and pitfalls of growing up in the thick of America’s Bible Belt.
9.00pm Cal and the Big C - A comedy of navigating the byways of life when the worst happens, the absurdities, tears and triumphs of facing down an unseen enemy. What happens when real life comes crashing in, uninvited and invasive? Call in Edwardian drag performer Hetty King to help of course!
Thursday 29 August
1.00pm The Wirral Monster and all is going well. There are marshmallows and Maltesers, and monster stories to tell. But more and more as things get strange and their favourite things are plundered; could there be some truth to these tall tales, could there be, we wonder…
2.45pm TRAPPED (in Williamson Art Gallery) A group of friends think it’ll be a great idea to hide in the gallery and sleepover. After dodging security and the building being locked down the friends begin to explore. Darkness soon gets the better of them, and they decide to tell some tales to keep themselves from being scared. Will they survive the night, and more importantly, will they set off all the alarms?
4.30pm Ukrainian Kaleidoscope - A celebration of Ukrainian Culture. This is a free ticketed event, but donations will be gratefully received with a portion going to a Ukrainian charity.
5.30pm Spin the Imperfect - Staring into the abyss…how low would you go to save you career?
7.15pm The Reunion Polly is on her way to a reunion at the Floral Pavilion. After being cut up by another driver, they find themselves stranded by the roadside. With deep references to Jane Eyre can these two lost souls, reconnect from a love they thought they once had.
9.00pm Date Night Jenna feels trapped, James feels lost, Sonny needs a break and Sheila just wants to be loved. When all these worlds collide, mayhem ensues. These four people were never meant to meet, but fate brought them all together. Date Night is all about love, betrayal, joy, meatballs, but most of all… the need to just communicate!
Friday 30 August
2.45pm Spooky Tales Your favourite tale could be your worst nightmare… It’s never too early to start the Halloween Frights. This is a great story but is aimed at 10 years and over!
4.30pm Stage-Ed West End Holiday Camp Highlights Highlights from the Stage-ed West End Holiday Camp at the Floral Pavilion. Featuring West End smash hits, a section from Blood Brothers, and a Comedy Sketch written by the performers. This is a free ticketed event, but donations will be gratefully received to be reinvested into the festival for next year.
5.30pm The Appointment You know how it is when you look in the mirror and you know you have to do something. It was 1955 and he was living his best life. He loved the glamour, and he loved helping women. If you look better you feel better. He never thought he could make things worse, or that there'd be no happy ending.
7.15pm Tangled Roots Can love bloom amongst so many dangerous thorns in this Elizabethan Drama set in Bidston Hall? The right to succession is in question, and an Earldom is at stake. In the midst of this, there is a quiet love to be found in a timeless act of service. History will say they were roommates. This play is based on true events.
9.00pm The Island 25 years ago, a small group of scientists sealed themselves away on a mysterious Island - together you will embark on your voyage to The Island.
Ticket prices are capped at just £12 (£8.50 for concessions), with further reductions available for family tickets and multiple bookings.
For more information visit the Wirral Theatre Festival website and the Floral Pavilion website.
