The community-focused commitment of the Merlin Theatre is bringing local talent into the limelight for one of the venue’s busiest and most varied seasonal programmes in years.
From a beautiful family show, The Nutcracker, involving almost 60 local people, through the Charles Dickens classic of A Christmas Carol to Tom Carpenter and Friends’ night of jazz, reminiscent of Sinatra and Bublé, it is Frome-folk all the way, off-stage and on.
As Merlin director, Claudia Pepler, explains, “Some of our most popular shows are produced and performed by people from this wonderful town. The talent here is huge and the most thrilling part of all is that there is room for everyone, whatever their age. Some people get to take their baby-steps as young as aged five when they join as tiny dancers in the Christmas show. Of course we are lucky to have touring companies visit from as far away as Australia too, but Merlin Christmas is all about tradition, good times and the experience of live performance.
“The Nutcracker runs right up until 15th December, with a total of 10 performances, including a super kid-friendly, shortened morning show on Friday 14th. Every aspect from the amazing costumes and the set, is produced and directed by people from the town including, as always, a team of local volunteer stewards who are vital to keep the bar and ice-cream shop open, as well as ensuring that the theatre can continue running safely. Tiny ballerinas are provided by Frome’s own Tri.Art Dance Academy.
“The Nutcracker is swiftly followed by the extraordinary talent of jazz singer Tom Carpenter. Born, bred and educated in Frome, Tom cut his teeth as a teenager at both of the town’s local theatres. These days his unique blend of swing, jazz and modern music can be heard in professional venues across the country, but he is very much home-for-holidays on Wednesday 19th December with his show, Tom Carpenter and Friends. The evening will start with support act Burbank and then Tom, one of Somerset’s finest crooners, and his live band will bring the audience a truly memorable night of some of the world’s favourite tunes.
“The final treat of the year comes in the shape of award-winning actor, Pip Utton, who brings the classic ‘A Christmas Carol’ to life on the afternoon of Sunday 23rd December. Perhaps the most famous Christmas ghost-story ever told is read by this recognised and rave-reviewed Edinburgh Fringe star and playwright. Pip Utton will draw the audience into the magical seasonal spirit as he returns to the Merlin in an utterly mesmerising, almost totally candlelit, performance, using the script and directions that the original author used himself so very long ago.”
Tickets are available online at www.merlintheatre .co.uk or via the box office on 01373 465949.