Wednesday 16 August 2017

A rose by any other name ...


"My fingers itch"
We are presently in rehearsal for Romeo and Juliet, to be performed at the theatre on 18th and 19th August. This is an energetic, stripped back, fast paced production. We are a community of all ages and we do not do special "youth productions", as our young people are equal members. This production has a cast of 14 from across our whole age range. it is ground breaking in many ways: it is the first Shakespeare play Wigton Theatre Club has put on its 64 year history; it is performed on a bare stage with modern dress; the script has been cut to make it both more fast moving and more poignant- we have lost none of the poetry and none of the action. This is a production for those who think Shakespeare is boring- The greatest love story of all time is still relevant, and has lost none of its power to move us to tears! The cast and musician are working very hard, and loving the challenge. Two performances only- not to be missed.


Since the current management committee took over in the autumn of 2013, the group has had two main aims: to improve the building and make it more attractive and comfortable for both audiences and visiting groups and bands; and to become a community theatre, involving as many local people as possible. Our motto is "Theatre for the community by the Community" Since the beginning of 2014, we have produced six shows written by local writers, we have hosted several concerts by local and international bands, and we have established once monthly Open Mic Nights which draw performers from all over North Cumbria. We run two classes a week teaching Theatre Skills to our young members, and our Pantomimes, written by our own in-house writing team are legendary and sell out nearly all of the eight performances!

This all  paid off in spades when we won Amateur Group of the Year award at Cumbria Life's Culture Awards in February this year.


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