The theatrical village

Congratulations to the Audlem Methodist Church's production team that completed its run of five performances of Second Chance last night. It was sold out for every performance and extremely well received by the enthusiastic audiences.

ABBA is definitely in vogue with Second Chance featuring the 70s group's music and costumes, albeit the plot was loosely based on the story of the Prodigal Son rather than Mamma Mia!'s Greek Island wedding tale.

Approaching a hundred people, including the production, front of house and refreshments teams were involved, with 35 in the chorus. Last month's Panto, which was so successful it had to stage an extra performance, had similar numbers involved meaning not far short of two hundred local people have been involved in the two shows – indeed a handful of performers have been in both!

That means about 10% of the local population has been treading the boards or helping to put on a show. There can't be many communities in the land that can equal that. Both shows also featured every age group from the very, very young to the, well, young at heart.

There's more live theatre in Audlem this week with TAVA presenting Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by New Perspectives Theatre Company on Thursday 26th February at 7.00 pm. The performance is 90 minutes plus interval at Audlem St James' School Hall.

It's set at the time of King Arthur, tells the haunting human story of a young Knight's epic journey. "It's a tale of temptation, romance and chivalry, shot through with rough-knuckled action and tall-tale humour, brought to life with the help of puppets and live music – a dazzling theatrical treat for young and old from the East Midland's favourite touring theatre company." "Compelling and dramatic" says The Independent while Time Out says: "Armatage was clearly determined to make the language sing for the iPod generation, and he has succeeded brilliantly."

The target audience is all – 8+, families, teenagers, adults... New Perspectives have said many children younger than 8 have very much enjoyed their show – but it just depends on individual children. This is a show that can be experienced at many different levels – including having a great appeal to secondary age children. All are very much welcome.

With the Audlem 'theatre' season nearing its end, it's good to know the plans are already being put in place for the Music & Arts Festival in late May – more on this as we get the details. In the meantime, we are sure the performers and production team of Second Chance will be enjoying a well earned rest today.

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