Mikron’s new shows; ALL HANDS ON DECK which is set in World War Two, navigates a love story between the Royal Navy and their loyal ‘Jenny Wrens’. And REDCOATS which follows Mikron’s radiant redcoats as they guide you through 80 years of the Billy Butlin’s holiday dream.
The two shows are visiting Keswick, Penrith and Maryport during October as the company arrive in their 48th year of touring. Always firm favourites; Mikron delight audiences with their informative, dramatic and musically jam-packed and very British themed shows.
All Hands On Deck
New WRNS recruits Ginger and Lily are looking for wartime adventure. Lily wants to serve on dry land, but Ginger is desperate to serve at sea – and the sailors can’t believe their luck! Our Wrens show pays tribute to all those wartime women who pushed the door to opportunity firmly open. Full of dots, dashes, semaphore and song, Ginger and Lily find themselves in uncharted waters on a journey they’ll never forget.
Playwright and former Mikron actor, Vashti Maclachlan, who penned last year’s ‘Revolting Women’ has had a great time steering the ship on All Hands On Deck. “It’s been a pleasure to write again for Mikron in its 48th year and an honour to shine a spotlight on the tireless women who gave their all to shape a Women’s Royal Navy Service fit for the future.”
Marianne McNamara, Mikron’s Artistic Director and Director of this show, explains why the Wrens show means a lot to many Mikron followers: “I’ve always been interested in the Wrens. They’ve been suggested as an interesting subject matter by a number of audience members who were related to Wrens. There are plenty plays about the war but not that many that explore women’s contributions to the war. It’s been fascinating to research their story and to celebrate their endeavours.”
Redcoats
‘Our true intent is all for your delight’
Billy Butlin used Shakespeare himself to sell a seaside dream to the great British public. Join Mikron as they delve into holiday huts and bonny baby contests with guest appearances from Marlene Dietrich, Gracie Fields and Laurel and Hardy. Watch Mikron celebrate Butlins splendour with their trademark mix of fun, pathos and songs.
Written by Nick Ahad, Playwright, Journalist, Broadcaster on BBC Radio Leeds and bone fide bonnie baby competition winner, Skegness! He’s no stranger to writing, but this is his first time writing for Mikron and he’s loved getting his feet wet down at the seaside.
“I bet lots of people have happy memories of Butlins. I bet none of them have memories of going to the same Butlins (Skegness) 14 years in a row. I do – and not once did I mind. Loved it, in fact. Some of my happiest memories were created in that seaside haven in the eighties and early nineties. What a delight it’s been to revisit those memories while writing Redcoats.”
Jonny Kelly, Director of Redcoats, who directed last year’s ‘Revolting Women’ for Mikron, explains in a nutshell about the show.
“It’s a pleasure to be back with Mikron for my second season, I know audiences will love the show, it’s full of humour, history and seaside shenanigans!”
Writer, Nick Ahad adds “What sums up Butlins up for me? We were a mixed-race working-class family from Keighley and when I went to Butlins in Skegness, I felt like the richest person in the world.”
Mikron’s Artistic Director, Marianne McNamara, who commissioned Nick to write redcoats said “This play is great fun, and that’s what Redcoats were there to do – encourage fun. It’s been a joy to research this play. Billy Butlin was such an ambitious fellow and he made holidays possible for so many. British holidays where you could shelter from the rain, swim, laugh and relax, perfect”
Both shows tour nationally from April until October 2019.
ALL HANDS ON DECK can be seen:
On: Thursday 10th October – 7.30PM
At:Threlkeld Village Hall, Threlkeld, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RX
Tickets: Full Price – £13
Tel: 07733 790308 | Web: www.threlkeldvillagehall.org/whats-on
REDCOATS can be seen:
On: Friday 11th October – 7.30PM
At: Great Strickland Village Hall, Great Strickland, Penrith, CA10 3DF
Tickets: Cash Collection
Tel: 01931 712571
On: Sunday 13th October – 1.00PM
At: Ewanrigg Community Centre, Ennerdale Road, Ewanrigg, Maryport, Cumbria, CA15 8HN
Tickets: Cash Collection
Tel: 01900 819575 | Web: www.ewanrigg.com
