The Merlin Theatre has a packed line-up of exciting shows and performances this summer inside the venue and outside at the ECOS outdoor amphitheatre.
From Shakespeare to Jane Austen, the theatre has also become the first in the UK to have obtained the rights to stage a community production of Come From Away, a captivating and a heart-warming story of people who found themselves, on the day of 9/11, stranded on the airport runways of Newfoundland.
ECOS amphitheatre
This year’s open-air programme includes one of the country’s most sought-after touring bluegrass and Americana bands, Buffalo Gals, who are based in Frome.
This much-loved act, featuring their Appalachian clogging step-dancer, will be playing a Sunday Social special on the afternoon of 20th July, as part of the theatre’s ‘Made In Frome’ season.
This is followed by Shakespeare, a classic theatre tradition, which will be presented on the afternoon of Saturday 9th August by Folksy Theatre with Twelfth Night, preceded on the evening of Wednesday 6th August by Immersion Theatre’s family-friendly, suitable for children 8+, version of The Tempest.
The award-winning, international touring experts, Illyria Theatre, will be bringing Lizzy and Mr Darcy to the stage in August with Pride and Prejudice, “celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th birthday at her vibrant and often venomous best,” said the Merlin Theatre director Claudia Pepler.
Inside the Merlin
Merlin Theatre Productions has become the first in the UK to have obtained the rights to stage a community production of Come From Away.
Claudia said, “This is the captivating and heart-warming story of people who found themselves, on the day of 9/11, stranded on the airport runways of Newfoundland.
“Telling the stories of strangers thrown together and how a small community rallied and supported to greet, take care of and, ultimately, celebrate the lives of 6,600 people, from 38 planes, this musical has been an international hit and is now giving the talent of Frome a chance to shine from 17th to 19th July.”
Encouraging theatregoers to arm themselves with picnic blankets and cushions, Claudia said, “We try to present a mixed bag for the summer, to meet the varied tastes of the town.
“There’s nothing quite like lazing on the grass, with a cold drink or an ice-cream from our bar, being entertained by some of the country’s most experienced touring acts. For some this is a tradition over many years and for others, it is their first experience of our venue and what a first experience to have!”
For full details of these, and all upcoming shows, workshops and films visit www.merlintheatre.co.uk
