20 December 2006

An initiative that aims to bring theatre to villages and community venues around Guildford is bringing a show to Park Barn, in partnership with Guildford Borough Council and Farnham Maltings.

'In the Bleak Midwinter' is just one of several plays touring in the next few months which brings theatre direct to the local community. To encourage people to get involved, the council is offering a limited number of free tickets to the performance. This will take place at the Park Barn Centre on Thursday 11 January 2007. Lead Councillor for People and Partnership, Cllr Jen Powell comments:

"This is all about bringing high quality theatre and new writing to audiences that would otherwise miss out. Unlike conventional theatre where the audience are the visitors, here the actors are the visitors to the community, which makes each show intimate and unique. The performances can involve the whole community as organisers, ticket sellers,audience or even workshop participants. Some shows are so popular that community groups use them to fundraise. We are committed to providing this sort of opportunity to all residents throughout the borough."

'In the Bleak Midwinter' is a beautiful re-telling of the second shepherd's play about a group tending their sheep one night towards the end of December. Zac the dreamer and his long-suffering wife Miriam are tending their troublesome flock when they are summoned to Bethlehem to register with the council and pay their taxes. On their travels they meet all kind of peculiar characters and find the crowded inns of the city are all full until they stumble upon a stable...

If you would like to find out more information about the scheme or to reserve a place at the performance, contact Su Kelland at Guildford Borough Council on 01483 444767 or Sue Dragon on 01483 444713.