Miracle Theatre will be performing again in the garden at Maizey Lodge in Ogbourne Maizey, bringing this year’s production of ‘Starcrazy’ on Wednesday 14 July.
Set in October 1957, a time when ‘Silks on the Downs’ was still ‘The Wheatsheaf’, the Bay Bridges lay-by was part of the main road to Marlborough, and, if close enough, residents of Ogbournes Maizey and St Andrew could get cloaked in the smoke of passing steam trains, Miracle Theatre’s ‘Starcrazy’ is a cosmic comedy about obsession and the rekindling of love, hope and possibility.
The world lives in fear of nuclear war, Russia has launched Sputnik 1, UFOs are cropping up everywhere, MI5 is on high alert and Stanley is building something in his garden shed.
He may live in suburbia but, in his mind, Stanley is voyaging through outer space. He hopes to make contact with other life forms. His neighbour, Gwen, thinks he should be exploring the unknown much closer to home…
That’s the world of the middle of the last Century and this year it’s landing in Ogbourne Maizey.
The relationship between Maizey Lodge and the Miracle Theatre Company is long and has bought many memorable evenings to this part of Wiltshire.
“We are delighted to welcome Miracle Theatre again as part of their summer tour. Miracle Theatre have been coming to Ogbourne Maizey for sixteen years, and celebrated 40 years in 2019 as a touring theatre company.” said Marion Gordon-Finlayson of Maizey Lodge, adding “They are part of the family now and a special bunch of talented people. This year’s play is Starcrazy, written by Miracle’s Artistic Director, Bill Scott. If you’ve never experienced Miracle Theatre productions, they are a “must do” experience suitable for everyone to enjoy.”
It’s bean a tough and lean time for the whole entertainment industry but Cornwall based Miracle Theatre Company are thankfully touring original, inventive theatre across the UK again, as they have been since 1979, with much of that time spent in the South West.
Last year was the first time they had been forced to cancel a summer tour for more than thirty years although thanks to YouTube and other partner channels many of their past shows have available to view.
“The evening is very relaxed, the audience bring their own picnics, a bar is provided together with a coffee & sweetie bar, there is parking and toilets. Audience figures are around 250 people which means that on average we are able to give around £1600+ (net) to our chosen charity.” explained Marion, adding “The joy of open air performances are that you can sit where you want, eat what you want, wear whatever you like! For players and the audience this is a genuinely unique and shared experience!”
For more information about Miracle Theatre Company click here to visit their website, and to book tickets for ‘Starcrazy’ on Wednesday 14 July either visit their site, e-mail maizey50@gmail.com or call 01672 512125
MAD (Marlborough Academy of Dance and Drama) celebrate the return to face-to-face classes
