The Merlin Theatre’s outdoor summer festival continues to bring joyous professional shows to the town, even in the light of government restrictions.
As the usual indoor venues for actors and musicians are forced to remain limited or closed, Somerset’s creatives decided they would set up stage on the open-air ECOS amphitheatre at the start of August and have taken it over for performance purposes ever since, right up until the end of this month.
Having already entertained families with puppet theatre and delighted the ears of Frome people with old-time American Bluegrass fiddle music, not to mention opened the space for young people to take part in Tri-Art’s Peter Pan-based workshop fun, this week now features a mesmeric theatrical retelling of the tale of ‘The Holland Handkerchief’ from local company, Kerchief Theatre. Hot on their heels is an evening of music and laughter in the shape of ‘Shakespeare Rattle and Roll’.
Featuring songs in the style of the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Buddy Holly and The Stones, ‘Shakespeare Rattle and Roll’ is the creation of Martin Dimery, well known to many as a former teacher at the college and known to even more as the director of the Frome Festival. Martin explains, “It was a sad day for us when we faced the reality that there would be no Frome Festival this year. I can’t pretend that my solo show will be a complete substitute for the literally 100s of amazing events that make up a 10-day festival but I will be imbuing the show with as much energy, humour and hope for our joint futures in the arts as I possibly can. I think being at the Merlin, on the same site as the college, as a Frome person usually working on the Festival sums up the very sense of community and togetherness that makes this town such a force for good. ECOS, and all it stands for, is a very special space with a great atmosphere so to those who haven’t experienced a show there, I urge you to come along on Friday 21st.”
Next up to the stage, on Sunday 23rd, will be hugely popular Rocktopus, the ultimate rock band for kids followed by ‘The Taming of The Shrew’ on Thursday 27th. This re-working of Shakespeare with laughs and music makes it suitable for the whole family to enjoy; with families and particularly children very much in mind, the outdoor festival closes for August with internationally renowned touring company Illyria who will bring ‘Doctor Dolittle’ as an afternoon show and then ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ in the evening of 29th August.
Please note that the summer season is a fund-raiser event programme. Please also note that, in order for the shows to be provided with social distancing guidance in place for all, tickets must be booked in advance. For details of shows, times, prices and booking instructions please go to www.merlintheatre.co.uk
