We will be celebrating Shakespeare's birthday later this week on the 23rd of April. In the lead up to it, we wanted to introduce you to the two fabulous troupes who are each putting on one of his plays this summer at The Arches Theatre ...
The Etc Theatre Company performs A Midsummer Night's Dream from the 5th to 7th August at 8pm!
Two weeks ago, we introduced you to The Wet Mariners. They are performing 'Twelfth Night' on 21st August. Find out more by clicking here. This week, we have details about local group, etc Theatre Company, which will tell you a little bit more about the company and their forthcoming magical production.
"Perhaps one of Shakespeare's most loved comedies!"
A Midsummer Night's Dream regales the story of a feuding fairy King and Queen of the forest that cross paths with four runaway lovers and a troupe of actors trying to rehearse a play. As their dispute grows, the magical royal couple meddles with mortal lives leading to love triangles, mistaken identities and transformations... with hilarious, but dark consequences.
Chief mischief-maker Puck is on hand to ensure that the course of true love is anything, but smooth, and games of fantasy, love and dreams ensue in Shakespeare's most beguiling comedy.
etc theatre company formed in 2015 and is based in Milton Keynes. Productions have varied from drama such as "Witness for the Prosecution" to comedy with "A Bunch of Amateurs" and even an all singing and dancing production of "Spamalot". However, they have experience in performing Shakespeare with their 1930s version of "The Taming of the Shrew" in 2019.
Postponed from last year, the production boasts a cast of more than 20 actors drawn from the cream of local amateur talent!
What could be more perfect than to experience a Midsummer NIght's Dream in the open-air setting of the Arches Theatre? Performances are 5th to 7th August at 8pm. Tickets are available from www.etctheatre.co.uk or by calling them on 01908 377449.
If that has whetted your appetite for some great Shakespeare, then book tickets today.
Until next time ...
DAVID PIBWORTH
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David is the owner and Artistic Director of The Arches Theatre in Clifton Reynes near Milton Keynes. Productions are underneath some flood arches on the disused Midland railway line (Bedford to Northampton). It is equidistant from Bedford, Northampton and Milton Keynes. You bring your food, drink and chairs and enjoy the varied shows that are produced. This year - 2022 - there are 12 productions on throughout the season, from Shakespeare to Ripping Yarns plus a music weekend.
David has been involved in 'Light Ent' for many years, working with Ray Galton and Alan Simpson adapting the scripts of 'Steptoe and Son' and those of Tony Hancock to the stage. He has produced shows for Norman Wisdom (which makes him feel old), Al Murray, and Joe Pasquale amongst others, and also worked in the music business promoting and producing shows with Chas and Dave, Neil Inness, Kenny Ball, Acker Bilk and others of that ilk.
He is also the director of a film school for young people in his home town of Olney as well as supporting many local events.
He recently negotiated permission from Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais to stage a short run of 'Porridge' on stage which proved a success.
This year the annual charity performance at The Arches Theatre will be the last of 'Ripping Yarns' by Michael Palin and Terry Jones, with the profits being donated to The National Brain Appeal' for research into dementia as David's father and uncle died of it, as did Michael Palin's friend and writing partner Terry Jones. Last year they raised an astonishing £10,000 and are hoping to get somewhere close again with the support of audiences and sponsors.
David also has a stage hire company and his wife Julie runs a livery yard, so they are surrounded by horses, dogs, light entertainment and and a 17 year old daughter.
He plays in a comedy jazz band and collects strange props such as the Spitting Image puppets of Denis Thatcher and Alan Bennett, the child catchers bike from the stage show of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and various other 'things' all of which he sells to raise money for the Arches Theatre, although he always finds it hard to part from these props. However as the theatre receives no funding at all, he is always devising ways to keep it going! Sponsors are always welcome!
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