THE Merlin theatre has found itself in the joyous, unusual and very busy, situation of almost doubling the number of shows and events scheduled for in its spring programme!
Following a cheering and uplifting rise in optimism, both in the South West and nationally, professional actors, comedians and performers throughout the country are back on tour with a raft of shows and fun events.
Merlin staff are keen to let theatre-goers know that their newly-listed events, which did not make into the printed brochure distributed way back in January, are being posted on their website as quickly as possible to keep audiences up to date with its fast-paced changes and additions to the current menu.
Just announced, the theatre is very excited to be hosting two performances of an exhilarating new play, ENG-ER-LAND, which explores the connection between football and national identity.
This vital piece of work is written and performed by Britz and Skins actor Hannah Kumari. It blends storytelling, dance, music and 90’s nostalgia to tackle racism, identity politics, lad culture and masculinity. At the Merlin on 15th March, the show carries its audience through this talented actor’s very personal story and her own experiences of racism as a football fan and her struggles to be accepted in a historically white, male, working class world.
Renowned and admired TV doctor, broadcaster, comedian and author Dr Phil Hammond brings his show The Art Of Dying When You Know You’re Going To Die, on Friday 4th March. Asking such burning questions as “Do we want to go back to how things were or do we want to live differently?” and “Can we have five portions of fun a day and a fully functioning liver?”, Dr Phil’s show is part of the Frome Kindness Festival, celebrating the can-do culture of the town.
Since the initial season’s announcement, the menu has now grown to also include Selwood Academy’s three-show run of pupil-performed Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (Thursday 24 March, Friday 25 March, Saturday 26 March – 7pm) and Frome Drama’s production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Thursday 31 March, Friday 1 April, Saturday 2 April – 7.30pm). Psychotherapist Julia Samuel’s evening, Every Family Has A Story, will take an in depth look at how family and relationships influence our health and happiness and, new to Frome, Chuckl is bringing a regular stand-up comedy night to the Merlin, starting on Saturday 19th March.
International award-winning company, Noisy Oyster, is also now raring to return with their light-hearted, highly skilled and utterly engaging children’s show, The Three Billy Pigs. Combining beautifully crafted puppets, very silly jokes, live music and a bit of eco-awareness in a pig sty, this talented duo blend two classic fairy tales, Three Little Pigs and Three Billy Goats Gruff, for a family Eastertime treat on 10th April.
With more shows still being added to the schedule and a sense of sunshine in the air, this is due to be a very entertaining season with offerings for all ages and tastes.
Full details of all dates, times, prices etc. can be found at www.merlintheatre.co.uk
