Over the last few days, we have heard the sad news that many local events including Olney Food Festival won't be going ahead this year. Milton Keynes Theatre has also announced that they will not be opening in March ...
Unless the Government says otherwise, the show must go on at The Arches Theatre!
Even the iconic Glastonbury Festival have decided to cancel for the second year running. This is absolutely devastating, to not only the industry, but also to the fans and audiences who need this type of escapism, fun and freedom.
"As a small, independent outdoor theatre, we are doing our utmost to bring incredible live theatre and music to our stage this summer!"
We have some fantastic acts on our schedule already. From local and professional theatre to live music extravaganzas - there will be something for everyone. We've already announced the that the hilarious Milton Keynes Theatre of Comedy will be performing an exclusive stage production of the BAFTA award-winning comic plays, Ripping Yarns, created by Michael Palin and Terry Jones of Monty Python fame. This is something you do not want to miss.
We are in the process of updating our website, so as soon as this is back up and running fully, we will be making some big announcements! Keep an eye on our social media channels too. Prepare to get excited!
"We are doing everything we can to keep theatre alive in Clifton Reynes and beyond in 2021!"
Unless the Government enforce further rules where we cannot legally or safely open, we will be opening our gates and kicking things off on Saturday 24th July and we cannot wait. We hope you will be able to join us.
Until next time ...
DAVID PIBWORTH
Would you like to know more?
If anything I've written in this blog post resonates with you and you'd like to discover more, it may be a great idea to give me a call on 01234 241357 and let's see how I can help you.
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!
no unauthorised use, duplication, distribution or modification to any original content contained within this blog is permitted without prior written permission of the author. All other trademarks and registered names are acknowledged.
