The Merlin Theatre is taking the business of making fun times for families very seriously this year, with a summer of treats for all.
“The entertainment starts on Wednesday 28th July with an outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s classic ‘The Tempest’,” says a spokesperson for the theatre. “Performed by professional, non-profit, touring company, Folksy Theatre, the show includes live music and a touch of magic to make sure this epic, stormy tale appeals to every age group. Audiences are invited to bring along blankets, picnics and hopefully not too many umbrellas for a wonderful evening on the ECOS amphitheatre.
“The following Saturday, 31st July, brings to life the theatre’s popular afternoon child and family theatre events with ‘Little Red and the Big Bad Wolf. Suitable for anyone over the age of two, the Merlin Theatre is keen to offer audience members the chance to enjoy professional theatre from a very young age so families are encouraged to settle into the outdoor theatre space with their snacks and cushions for an amusing and upbeat afternoon.
“Performed by Folksy Theatre, the audience will find Little Red, and her friend Goldilocks, who is already having a few issues with some bears, on stage alongside the three little pigs, Grandma and of course a hungry wolf! The show is packed with live music and puppetry to ensure an hour of fun and joy, even for those who have never experienced the theatre before.
“In addition to professional touring theatre companies, the town’s busy community venue will be presenting ‘Oliver Jr.’, performed by local children and young people. Aged from just 8 to 18, this adaptation of the Lionel Bart musical, based on Dicken’s ‘Oliver Twist’, is the first post-lockdown production from Frome’s Tri.Art Theatre School. Full of classic songs like ‘Consider Yourself’, ‘Food Glorious Food’, and ‘Oom-Pah-Pah’, this timeless story perfectly showcases the talents of a brilliant young, local cast. All the actors and dancers in the show have auditioned for an intensive summer school rehearsal process taking place at the Merlin. Tickets to see the rewards of their hard work, and the stars of the future, will be on sale for two public shows on the 20th and 21stAugust.”
Full details and tickets for the Merlin’s summer and autumn seasons, including upcoming shows ‘Crimes In Egypt’ (3-4th Sept), ‘The Spirit of Woodstock (11th Sept), ‘Much Ado About Nothing’(5th Aug.) and Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘HMS Pinafore’ (12th Aug.) are available via their website www.merlintheatre.co.uk
