Imprints Tales from the New Wild – Review by Mel Osborne
What would happen in a post apocalyptic world???
Who would take charge and reclaim our land?
Imprints Tales from the New Wild arts explores all of this and more at the very first community theatre production to take place at Bolton Gate Farm in collaboration with Arts Hill Volunteer Performer Group, Barts and Redhill Puppets.
This charming family friendly immersive production is at the gorgeous outdoor venue, in Weston Coyney, on the edge of the Moorlands.
Bolton Gate Farm opened as an outdoor venue around four years ago and is going from strength to strength with theatre companies using the farm for live outdoor performances.
With funding from the Arts Council, Outside, Staffordshire Moorlands and The Community Foundation for Staffordshire – the organisation have bought together a unique collaboration which celebrates the legends of the Moorlands.
Barts is known for creating thought provoking pieces of work in a creative,
humorous and interactive way and this theatre show is no different.
Directed by Patrick Mcconnell, Imprints tells their story using puppets, music and of course the audience.
The adventure starts at the bottom of a field where the audience is welcomed by hosts Diglet (Tom Bolam) and Megany (Carys Jones). These lively colourful characters are the guides for the experience and explain about the legends of the lands.
Megany is ambitious and wants to visit the Mermaid of the Lake and wish for good fortunes. Diglet isn’t as bothered but is a loyal companion to his sister.
Without giving too much away, what follows is an immersive theatre experience which will make you forget the real world!
The audience are swept into the story of power, corruption and fighting good over evil.
One of the best ways to judge the success of a family show is to look at the children’s reactions. Even the very youngest audience member was engaged in the storytelling and everyone was left open mouthed at the puppets.
The puppets are large, spectacular and well controlled by the puppeteers, which were produced by Red Things creations. The most spectacular being the ‘Green Knight.’ As always, the Artshill performers group were an inspired addition to the show as they played Moorlanders trying to stand up to the Queen Wallably.
The talented ensemble provides music, stories and even try to sell herbs.
The show runs for approximately one hour, it is mainly standing but seating is provided for those who need it. The production team had incorporated inclusion seamlessly, a Makaton translator was part of the group and staff were around to assist at every point.
It is notable that the production called for talent from the Staffordshire area. This was a home grown production that has successfully developed a story about the Moorlands stories myths and legends. Prior to the show there has been a vast list of artists providing expertise into piecing the show together.
This is an exceptional performance that isn’t to be missed and will make an excellent treat before going back to school. However, even without children it is suitable for all and is another thought provoking triumph for Barts.
*Tales from the New Wild is operating a “Pay What You Can” ticketing option to suit all budgets (Bolton Gate Farm state).
Remaining showings are 4:30pm and 7pm Friday 30 August, and Saturday 31 August, 2pm, 4:30pm & 7pm.
Visit https://www.boltongatefarm.co.uk/imprintsproject
5 Stars
