THE Merlin Theatre is hosting a weekend of feelgood fundraising events to help raise money towards their new lighting system.
The weekend will also be a joint fundraiser with associate company Black Hound Productions, to help the emerging young company make their debut at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
The theatre reports, “SOS, a fantastic six-piece ABBA revival band kick off the weekend on Friday 17th June, 7pm, outside in the ECOS amphitheatre. This local band have been performing together on and off for over 20 years. They pride themselves on the fact that their show is performed with live musicians, resulting in an atmospheric experience.
“Featuring all of the classics such as Mama Mia, Waterloo, and Dancing Queen, this band will have you dancing amongst the stones! Feel free to dress up to add to the fun! Tickets cost £12.50 and £10, with all proceeds going to the Merlin.
“Songs to Make you Smile on Saturday 18th June is a collaboration between Black Hound and Merlin Theatre Productions. The aim is to produce a cabaret to bring some joy after the last few years! A night of music and performance is guaranteed to lift your spirits and put a smile on your face. The show will feature many popular performers seen regularly on Frome’s theatres stages and venues.
“This event is supporting both the Merlin Theatre to update its front of house lighting systems, and also Black Hound Productions fundraising efforts to reach the Fringe, allowing them to tour two shows for the 70th Annual Fringe Festival.
“The Merlin is proud to present a pre-Edinburgh performance of Black Hound’s two festival shows. On Wednesday 20th July, 7.30pm, ‘Alright?’ makes its eagerly awaited return to the Merlin. This light-hearted and honest piece follows the life of teenager Noah (Dillon Berry) as he grapples with his own mental health. Like a lot of 15-year-olds, Noah finds life difficult. Very difficult. And he doesn’t know how to cope. This heart-warming story is about coping, about getting by.
“Alongside Alright? is the debut of ‘Seeds of Memories’. Recently it has felt like grief is all around us. This piece, from the “affecting and lyrical voice” of Patrick Withey and packed to the brim with puppetry and poetry, is a wistful and uplifting exploration of the magic of memories and the feeling of loss. Share and explore the beautiful memories we all grow throughout our lives.”
All tickets can be purchased from the Merlin website or 01373 465949.
