By Sophie Swain
Theatre lovers can enjoy a performance of Dylan Thomas’ iconic work Under Milk Wood in a special night at Wayfarers Shopping Arcade in Southport town centre.
Gambolling Arena Theatre Company, directed by Suzy Walker, will show off their acting skills for ‘one night and one night only’ to mark 70 years since the famous radio drama.
The performance will take place at the arcade, on Lord Street, on Saturday, 9th November 2024 with tickets available here.
The show will be performed by a mixture of professional actors and local drama students from Greenbank High School and Stanley High School, who have been rehearsing since July.
The ten talented people will portray a total of 65 characters, all different in their personalities.
Suzy Walker said: “It has been a beautiful experience as a director to introduce young and old people to ‘Under Milk Wood’ and Dylan Thomas.
“The play is both funny yet sad and brings to life all of the characters – from an undertaker to gossips and a young girl.
“You will be part of their plans, their dreams, their gossip and much more.”
Dylan Thomas’ ‘Under Milk Wood’ was written in 1954 as a radio drama, and was then adapted by the BBC for stage.
It invites the audience to live a day in the company of the townspeople of Llareggub in Wales.
The performance, which will take place after hours, will be filmed and streamed for all to see.
Suzy said: “This is actually the second time I’ve worked on it.
“I studied it as a drama student in the seventies then produced it in 2010, and now I am back doing it again in 2024.
“It is a beautiful piece and beautifully written. We can’t wait to perform it in the beautiful Wayfarers Arcade.
“We are partnering with Southport Learning Trust, the Spectrum Alliance Movement and I’d like to say a big thank you to the Engine Room for staging it.”
During the day, all the shops and cafes inside Wayfarers Shopping Arcade will be open as usual.
Then, from 7pm, audiences can listen to Sefton Schools Choir as they sing three Welsh-themed songs and watch as 12 actors perform a ‘magnificent piece of theatre as it is filmed’.
Local pupils and three members of school staff including Ian Raikes, a proud Welshman, will performing.
Tickets for the ‘unforgettable experience not to be missed’ cost £11.55 and can be booked via Eventbrite.
You can book here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/under-milk-wood-performance-at-wayfarers-arcade-southport-tickets-1031023056717?aff=ebds city browse
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