New for 2012, Mikron Theatre Company presents

LOSING THE PLOT

A Tale of Love, Life and Allotments

 

Losing the Plot is a story of love – love between people and the land, love between people and people, and love between people and their giant vegetables.

One of two new shows which Mikron will tour in 2012, Losing the Plot will be on at Harpers Lane Allotments Site, Off Church Road, Smithills, Bolton, BL1 6HU on Saturday 13^th October at 1.00pm.

The show, written by Deborah McAndrew tells the stories of the gardeners of Thistledale Allotments, a rag-bag bunch of diggers and dreamers. Strong personalities frequently clash over the best treatment for mealy bugs, and the annual ‘Heaviest and Longest’ competition is always a time when old feuds and new flirtations threaten to undermine the fragile peace.

Then Harvey from the Council pays a visit and the gardeners realise that they must pull together, or forfeit their precious plot forever. But can they agree on a strategy? How will they convince Harvey of the vital role allotments have played in the life of the nation for centuries? What will they do when things inevitably get out of hand?

Mikron’s Artistic Director, Marianne McNamara commissioned Losing the Plot last summer, she explains why she was drawn to the theme of allotments, “Mikron have always told the story of events, innovations and movements through the eyes of ordinary people and communities. Losing the Plot explores the history of allotments, and how they are thriving these days in a time when self-sufficiency is making a resurgence.”  Marianne continues, “as a company who tour by narrowboat, I have been struck by the similarities of the two communities, in which people from all different walks of life cross each others’ paths”.

Told in true Mikron style, with a rollicking mix of old music hall tunes and brand new songs, big characters, inventive storytelling, and the odd scarecrow thrown in for good measure, Losing the Plot is a tale of earthy pleasures and pitchforks at dawn.

Losing The Plot will be touring from the beginning of May 2012 along with Mikron’s other newly commissioned show, “Can You Keep A Secret” which tells the dramatic story of the Yorkshire Luddites.

Losing the Plot will be performed at Harpers Lane Allotments Site, Off Church Road, Smithills, Bolton, BL1 6HU on Saturday 13^th October at 1.00pm.

There is no need to book tickets for this show, as a pay-what-you-will collection will be taken after the performance. 

“Mighty Mikron” (Martin Wainwright, The Guardian)

In 2012, Mikron Theatre Company will be celebrating their 40^th birthday touring the country by the inland waterways on their vintage narrowboat, Tysley.

Based in Marsden, at the foot of the Yorkshire Pennines, Mikron Theatre Company annually contract a company of four actor-musicians and commission two shows with original music.  The shows, routed in social history, tell the stories of ordinary people caught up in big events, always in a way that is witty, fun and accessible.

Losing the Plot will be touring nationally from April to October 2012 in venues as diverse as pubs, fields, village halls and polytunnels. The company arrive with a minimum of set and props, but the skill and ingenuity of the Mikron team give the audience an evening as satisfying and memorable as any West End show

Deborah McAndrew  (writer) has written extensively for the stage, her recent work includes an adaptation of Accidental Death of an Anarchist for Northern Broadsides and Oliver Twist for Bolton Octagon Theatre.  She is also known to fans of Coronation Street as Angie Freeman, who she played up until 1998.

Adam Sunderland (director) is a Marsden-based actor and director, his recent credits include The Water Babies, Heidi - A Goat's Tale and Treasure Island all for Northern Broadsides, and Strange Voyages for Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough.  Adam’s show, Heidi was nominated for a TMA award in 2009.

If you need more information please contact the press office on 07751 457991 or press@mikron.org.uk. or (Harpers Lane) contact Margaret at harperslaneallotmentssociety@yahoo.co.uk