WITH the local community always at the forefront of its mind, the Merlin Theatre has an upbeat mixed programme ahead for the early spring.
“For those who love a London musical theatre show but not the journey, the tube stations, the late return or, in the current times, the price of West End tickets, the theatre offers an accessible and fun alternative with its carefully selected screenings,” said Merlin director Claudia Pepler.
“Frome patrons have the full red velvet-seat and ice-cream-interval experience right on their doorstep, starting this spring with Anything Goes. Starring Sutton Foster, Robert Lindsay, Felicity Kendal and Gary Wilmot, this hilarious five-star rated production features some of the finest and fastest tap dance sequences, as well as Cole Porter’s joyful score, including You’re The Top, I Get a Kick Out of You and show-stopper Anything Goes.
“Next up, is the mesmerising tale of Life of Pi. Produced and screened as part of the world-renowned National Theatre Live programme, the West End adaptation of the best-selling novel stuns audiences with its extraordinary special effects as well as the brilliance of Olivier-winning actor, Hiran Abeysekera.
“If you are fan of the book or the film or just a fan of amazing actors, this performance will take your breath away. Abeysekara plays a 16-year-old boy, stranded on a lifeboat, trying to survive against a Royal Bengal tiger. I don’t think I blinked from start to finish when I watch the show!
“National Theatre Live screenings are becoming an increasingly popular way to watch some of the country’s finest actors, but with local-sized ticket and bar prices. Audiences are growing each season; so much so that we sometime sell out and have to put on extra showings.”
“Also, with local in mind, we’re delighted to be bringing ‘home’ to Frome, via five-star reviews at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe, Black Hound Productions with their live theatre show Seeds of Memories. Founded in 2016 by creative director, Patrick Withey, known to many for his child and teen appearances in Merlin Theatre Christmas and summer shows, this talented Somerset production company are a shining example of current, professional theatre’s skilful art of visual storytelling.
“Seeds of Memories takes a wistful but uplifting look at how to deal with the grief of losing a loved one. It also brings to the stage Oliver Edwards, another home-grown Frome actor, recently graduated from the Guildford School of Acting; he is example of the growing number of professional actors who gained their theatre wings on the Merlin stage.
“Anything Goes will be shown on Wednesday 15th March, Life of Pi on Thursday 6th April and Seeds of Memories offers both a matinee and an evening performance on Saturday 18th March.”
Full details for these, and all the spring season shows including upcoming comedy with Radio 4’s Fair Cop, Alfie Moore, can be found at merlintheatre.co.uk
