Our motto at The Arches Theatre is that the show will go on whatever the weather, and we certainly didn't let the rain stop play this weekend. The Wet Mariners returned on Saturday for their fourth Shakespeare production ...
Robin Hood at the Arches Theatre was an absolute laugh a minute!
The professional troupe performed their highly imaginative and entertaining adaptation of Twelfth Night, complete with renditions of "Sweet Caroline" and Adele's "Make You Feel My Love", plus audience participation and more. As always, it was a fantastic show, and so good to have them back under the arches.
"We can't wait to see what they have up their sleeve for next year!"
Touring theatre company DOT Productions debuted with us on Sunday with their two shows, Robin Hood and Jane Eyre. Robin Hood was an absolute laugh a minute, with a fast-paced storyline, hilarious characters and lots of audience participation. Perfect for children of all ages.
Their second performance of the day, Jane Eyre, was exceptional. It was well acted with a great portrayal of the characters. The small cast really brought to life this classic Bronte story. Two fantastic performances by five brilliant actors. We do hope that DOT Productions will join us again next year.
"So, we now have one weekend left of live theatre!"
We welcome back Milton Keynes Theatre of Comedy who are staging three daft stories from Ripping Yarns written by Michael Palin and the late Terry Jones, of Monty Python fame. All proceeds from the show will go to The National Brain Appeal. You can find out more about the production, our chosen charity and how to donate to our JustGiving page by clicking here.
We've been very fortunate with the weather in our run of summer productions, with all, but two performances enjoying warm dry weather. But that is what you get with outdoor theatre, and you mustn't let a bit of the wet stuff dampen your spirits or ruin your experience with us. The Arches Theatre is only open for six weeks of the year, so we ask our audiences to embrace the changeable British weather.
"Come prepared for every eventuality and have fun!"
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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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