Joy is in the air and nobody is taking life too seriously at Frome’s Merlin Theatre as the town’s much-loved community venue, with both indoor and outdoor auditoriums, has most certainly shaken off a long hard winter to soak up the summer fun.
Sunny predictions are all round as the theatre gets into the full swing of the Frome Festival, starting on 11th July with Abba sound-alike band SOS, offering a Night on the Stones.
This joyful, hip-swinging Abba-lovers band is ‘gert local’. Headed up by the Merlin’s own director Claudia Pepler as Agnetha, with long-term Frome resident and popular community theatre producer Anne Dimery, playing Anni-Frid, this is one guaranteed fun night out.
Music continues to be the theme later in the month but aimed at youngsters and families, as Rocktopus bring their Rocktocadamy to town on 15th July, teaching kids the 10 skills needed to become a true rockstar. This is an action-packed, inclusive, live show designed to unleash the inner rockstar of anyone of nursery and primary age, along with their families.
For laughter, literature, costume drama and theatre-lovers, the award-winning, national touring company Illyria have included Frome again on a huge summer tour of their vibrant, hilarious adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. The UK’s longest-running outdoor theatre company will bring their famous energetic, joke-filled sparkle to the evening of 14th July. Patrons are encouraged to bring picnics and rugs and make a night of it as the sun sets and the giggles rise.
Always aiming to be as inclusive as possible, the very youngest Somerset audiences will also be delighted to know that Folksy Theatre will back be on the ECOS outdoor theatre stones this summer on 29th July with The Ugly Duckling. A charming and magical afternoon show, it is recommended for three- to 10-year-olds where, naturally, ice cream and soft drinks will be available to make this perfect treat complete.
For the full line up of dates, times and other shows coming to the Merlin this summer, including Oklahoma, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Our House, The Good Life, John Hegley and the Frome Festival Short Story Competition, go to, www.merlin theatre.co.uk