RESIDENTS in Evenwood, Mickleton and Barnard Castle have been given the chance to take to the stage alongside the professionals in an award-winning show.
The November Club Performing Arts Company has teamed up with arts group Northern Heartlands to bring its musical Beyond the End of the Road to the dale.
Inspired by folk and traditional music, the show is about rural life and has been penned by North East writer Laura Lindow with music and lyrics by Katie Doherty.
The team from Northern Heartlands has travelled across south west Durham collecting local tales and stories and invited singers to perform at each show – as well as cast the part of a 12-year-old girl.
At Evenwood, the role is taken by Keely Octon, while Eleanor Tippey will take to the stage at Mickleton and Barnard Castle.
Cinzia Hardy, artistic director of November Club, said: “Beyond the End of the Road is the most ambitious project we have ever undertaken.
“It is as much the villagers’ show as it is ours. This is a great opportunity for talented locals to be part of a performance which is not only highly relevant to them, but also explores the real dynamics of rural life.”
Jill Cole, Northern Heartlands’ director, added: “This is high quality work from a North East company with a great reputation that audiences in these venues get little chance to see. The play covers a significant and relevant subject matter which I’m sure will appeal to local people.”
The Evenwood show takes place at the village workingmen’s club on Wednesday, July 18 (call 01388 835588 for details).
For details of the Mickleton Village Hall performance on Wednesday, July 25, call 01833 640909.
Details for The Witham show, on Friday, July 2, are available on 01833 631107.
