A Third and Two Firsts, with More to Come

Old Herbaceous

Bluebird Belles

Bowjangles

Mavis Sparkle

This week until Thursday, Ashton Hayes Theatre Club is presenting their play Madame Bovary. Postponed twice because of Covid, this isthird time lucky for this bold, and very persistent company and well worth the wait. An adaptation of Flaubert's novel of 1856, the play is full of wit and humour with a dazzling performance by Georgia Firth as the romantic heroine. Tickets are available on the door if you haven't got one yet.

The event is special as well fortwo firsts. This is the first time a production had taken place on the newly renovated stage and the first time that the audience has been able to use the new raised seating.

Vice Chair Sue Hardacre said "When we decided to renovate the stage during the first lockdown, we never thought that it would be so long before it could be used for its proper purpose with actors treading the boards. We are delighted that Ashton Hayes chose to bring their productions to Tarvin, though both of us know that it can be a bit of a challenge fitting them in with other users. That we can now offer seating system with better sight lines is a bonus."

This autumn will see several productions using both the stage and the seating to offer some extraordinary experiences.

The season opens on September 17th with the gentle and haunting one-man show, Old Herbaceous, tales of the 'Big House' told by an elderly Head Gardener at the end of his career – with gardening tips! Tickets from Tarvin Post Office or on the door. £10/£6 for under 16's.

On October 29th there will be a concert by the Bluebird Belles, a close harmony trio first booked to sing at a 2020 concert to celebrate VE day. They have a wide repertoire of songs covering many decades and the evening should be one of very happy harmonies.

On November 12th you are invited to come and enjoy Bojangles with their new musical "Dracula in Space". Four virtuosi musicians will dazzle you with their genre-bending music, wit and dance. There has never been anything like this in Tarvin before!

December 3th is the evening of the Christmas Market but this year there will be no pantomime because the production company has ceased touring. However, the Community Centre was determined to offer a theatrical experience and is delighted to present two afternoon shows of Mavis Sparkle, a children's show with a delightful mix of illusion and animation that should warm the heart. This has toured the Rural circuit to great acclaim, not a Christmas theme perhaps, but still full of magic.

Sue said "We think that we have a programme to suit many ages and tastes and look forward to welcoming audiences back. We have always tried to be a leading venue for the arts in rural west Cheshire and with the new stage and seating, we think we are succeeding. Plus, Ashton Hayes will be back again in March 2022!"

For details of all the productions, keep an eye on Tarvin Online, Tarvin Community Centre website and Facebook page and posters round the village

Ed: Click on the pictures to enlarge them.