Many congrats to everyone!
THE SUN SHONE!
In more ways than one. What a fantastic afternoon of story-telling, song, puppetry and acrobatics. Who would have thought that so much fun - informative fun even - could be created from the subject of subsidence. And who can forget the artistry of 'raising Northwich'...
The cast did brilliantly under tough conditions given our Summer of rain. There were some fabulous individual performances but the sense of teamwork was what struck me most.
Everyone pulled together to give us the show and one felt that a similar spirit had built all the puppets and scenery. People around me commented on how plastic barrels had been turned into drums, how bottles had been used to make faces and the mane on the donkey puppet was yet another inspirational touch which raised a smile.
It was fascinating to see how different people's contributions had been woven into the story: Liz's character Emma, her brine shrimps, Lisa's story of Anderton, bits of my visit to Winsford salt mine, Heather's intervention here which meant that Emma landed up in Australia briefly (!) and Diane's poem which was turned into a wonderful chorale finale.
But all the research, writing and the work with schools over the Winter was only the beginning of Underwych... since then others have taken over the reins and created the amazing production we saw this week. Although of course, Robert and Mathilde have seen the whole process from beginning to end and are due for a well-deserved rest.
We are very lucky in Northwich to have such projects; long may they continue and congrats again to all concerned!
All the best,
Caroline
Labels: Underwych
