FROME’S Merlin Theatre has announced the new summer season and there are some fantastic shows programmed to keep you entertained. Here is a taster of what is on during May:
Thursday 11th May 7pm Jude Law is compelling in the NTL screening of Obsession – Gino is a drifter, down-at-heel and magnetically handsome. At a roadside restaurant he encounters husband and wife, Giuseppe and Giovanna. Irresistibly attracted to each other, Gino and Giovanna begin a fiery affair and plot to murder her husband. But, in this chilling tale of passion and destruction, the crime only serves to tear them apart. Tickets cost £16 and £10.50.
Saturday 13th May brings the return of Images Ballet Company. With new music, beautiful costumes and brimming with vitality, the company presents four richly contrasting works by a company of talented dancers and musicians. This is classic ballet with a contemporary aesthetic. Tickets cost £12.50 and £7.50.
There is a treat in store for Sunday 14th May with a rare chance to see theatre legends Jon Haynes and David Woods of Ridiculusmus with a funny, fragile and profound fable based on ground-breaking medical research and real-life war testimonies.
Ex-soldier and budding rock star Zach has withdrawn into a cardboard box in a kitchen in West Wales. His friend Leuan arrives offering recovery – in the form of a capsule containing 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine with which he claims to have successfully treated his own post-traumatic stress. Parachuted into their recently fractured pasts, Zach and Ieuan swing between dreamboat heroism and woozy enlightenment via a head warping exchange on patriotism, conflict and supermarket shopping that will tickle, move and appal you in equal measure. Tickets cost £12.50 and £10.50.
Another exciting Live Screening takes place on Thursday 18th May 7pm with the classic Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? featuring a stunning performance from Imelda Staunton. Tickets cost £16 and £10.50
On Friday 19th May the Merlin celebrates new writing with the winners from the One Act Play Writing competition. Full details of the plays that will be performed as rehearsed readings is on the website and Facebook page. Tickets cost £5.50.
Wednesday 24th May Royal Shakespeare Company Live streaming presents Anthony and Cleopatra; the tragic story of love and duty is directed by Iqbal Khan. Tickets cost £16 and £10.50.
To end the month the wonderful Illyria begins their Merlin season with The Emperor’s New Clothes. Perfect for the family the show is outside on the E.C.O.S. Amphitheatre so bring cushions, blankets and a picnic! The show will move inside if it rains. The show is on Sunday 28th May 3pm.
All tickets can be bought on line merlintheatre.co.uk or call the box office 01373 465949.
Pictured below: Merlin Ballet; Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Ridiculusmus.
