FOLLOWING their sold-out national tour and critically acclaimed run of their last production The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, Townsend Productions are set to premiere their latest production We Will Be Free a new drama set around the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, at the Eden Court, Inverness, on 27th October 2013 at 7.30pm.
Says a spokesperson: “Set in 1834 We Will Be Free follows the extraordinary true story of George and Betsy Loveless. He was a Methodist preacher and the leader of the six Dorsetshire farm labourers who were tried, convicted and condemned to harsh transportation by an oppressive Government for having the temerity to swear a secret oath and form a union to fight against a succession of wage cuts inflicted by the local landowner.
“This vitally-important story is told using the entertaining theatrical style developed through our production of The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists; through Andy Vine’s powerful political cartoons and animation; through puppetry and the exquisite musical arrangements by revered folk singer and squeezebox player John Kirkpatrick, of the songs and rallying hymns of the Dorset labouring classes that resound down the years.”
We Will Be Free’s excellent cast features Neil Gore (Song of Singapore, West End and Chichester Festival Theatre, Little Britain Live and The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists) and Elizabeth Eves recently nominated for acting excellence by The Stage, Edinburgh 2013.
The production is directed by Louise Townsend and Richard Stone, with the creative team including designs by Jo Barber, cartoons by Andy Vine and lighting by Brian O’Carroll.
The production will also feature songs from the highly acclaimed folk singer and squeezebox player, John Kirkpatrick. During his distinguished career, John has worked with artists like Roy Bailey, John Tams, Richard Thompson, Martin Carthy and Steeleye Span.
He is also a regular session musician and has played on numerous film sound tracks most recently the Oscar-nominated Pirates – Adventures with Scientists, as well as in The Royal National Theatre Production of ‘Lark Rise To Candleford‘.
The play has had the backing of the unions ACCORD, NASUWT, UNITE, SWTUC, SW Unison, FBU
Tickets can be purchased at the Box office: 01463 234234/http://www.eden-court.co.uk
For more information visit www.townsendproductions.co.uk
ENDS
For further information, interview requests or to arrange picture opportunities, please contact Eden Court Marketing Department / marketing@eden-court.co.uk / 01463 239 841
Notes to Editors
- Eden Court is recognised as the largest multi-arts venue in Scotland. It re-opened in November 2007 following an extensive redevelopment programme, which saw the addition of two purpose built cinemas, a brand new flexible second theatre space and two dance and education studios.
- Eden Court is the only theatre in Scotland to offer Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) courses in Drama and Dance. These are extracurricular courses, which offer pupils from across Highland the opportunity to study at Eden Court for an SQA Higher Dance, Drama or Intermediate 2 exams. Aside from Eden Court, there is only one school in the Highlands where pupils can sit SQA Higher Drama exams.
MEDIA RELEASE posted by Eden Court Theatre. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Teresa Bendoris
Phone: 01463239841
Email: marketing@eden-court.co.uk
Website: http://www.eden-court.co.uk
