Last night my husband, myself and our friends went to see the theatre company, MIKRON, performing a play called ‘Raising Agents‘. This was held at the Weighbridge pub in Alvechurch Marina. A very funny production, excellent acting by a talented cast of 4 people – 2 ladies and 2 gents…although the gents had to act as W.I. members last night. They did it so well 😉 This play told of a celebration of 100 years of the Women‘s Institute to be hosted by the Bunnington W.I. Panic set in until a new member appeared and turned out to be an expert in PR! Included was the very funny incident with Tony Blair not so long ago. He tried to use this non-political group as a backdrop for Labour‘s points – the W.I. ladies responded with slow heckling, slow hand claps and eventually undisguised jeering!
The play drew many laughs and gained much applause for such clever adaptations of a simple doorway backdrop, a free standing coat rack and an innovative musical instrument made from an upturned tin bath and a mop with string attached.
Despite fairly inclement weather, rainy, damp and cool, three huge marquees had been joined to make a great theatre space in front of the pub – there must have been almost 200 happy people waiting to see this exciting theatre company. There was no stage, just a small space left for the actors after they had made sure that all visitors could get into the marquee. Their playing space shrunk several times as they urged people to bring their chairs nearer to make way for ones at the back. There were spotlights but no speakers which would tell you that amongst the many talents of this great company, good enunciation and the ability to throw their voices even to the back of the marquee.The pub put on outside catering – lots of sweet and savoury choices at very reasonable prices. Drinks were bought from the bar of this very small pub who specialise in Real Ales and despite the crowd numbers, the queues and waiting times were managed incredibly well.
MIKRON perform up and down the UK, generally at selected canal side pub venues or countryside venues which sometimes require you to bring either your own seat and/or a picnic. Check out the website for MIKRON to get details of venues and performances by this incredibly talented theatre company – “www.mikron.org.uk”:http://www.mikron.org.uk – because they are a touring theatre, you will need their schedule so you can arrange your visit. They write and perform 2 plays each year and try to perform both plays in adjacent areas so you can attend both.
Their other 2015 play is called ‘One of each‘ and it is our intention to make a visit this Sunday to The Goat and Trousers, a small pub in Rowney Green village hall where we will, without doubt, enjoy another thoroughly enjoyable evening.
