Roaring success as dinosaurs came to life in Dosthill Park
Large crowds enjoyed an afternoon of open-air family theatre in Dosthill Park on Sunday July 16.
Award-winning theatre company Illyria performed the thrilling Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Lost World, where life size dinosaurs created monster laughs and roars, entertaining a family audience.
A lovely warm and dry day greeted families as they arrived with their picnic blankets ready for the afternoon of entertainment.
The theatre company, Illyria, has been popular with audiences in Tamworth and across the region over the past 25 years. Their unmatched reputation for innovation makes them the first open-air theatre company to tackle this type of open-air touring show.
The story described four explorers, led by the redoubtable Professor Challenger, who travel to South America following a few vague directions scribbled in a sketch book.
They find the beauty of the nature beyond their wildest dreams. They became involved in tribal warfare between ape-men and humans and encountered terrifying dinosaurs. A real hit with the audience.
Excellent reviews have said: “I took my 10-year-old grandson; he thought it was a fantastic event and thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope to see some more in the future.”
“This is the third year we have been to see outdoor theatre at Dosthill Park. We have loved the shows. They are always well organised. We love the Illyria Theatre Company and hope they produce more work in the future. This was a lovely and relaxed event which the whole family enjoyed.”
“The show was brilliant and the event well organised. We are looking forward to another one next year.”
“We really enjoyed it. Chloe my daughter said it was cool! Looking forward to what will be on next year. Thank you Tamworth Borough Council and Illyria Theatre Company.”
Audiences won’t have to wait long for another family theatre production - Kangaroo and The Big Bad Boot is coming to St Editha's Church, Tamworth on Friday August 18, presented by award winning puppet company – Garlic Theatre.
Garlic Theatre is an international puppetry theatre company that has toured to 21 countries outside the UK. They tour successfully to theatres, festivals, art centres, village halls and schools to average audience figures of 20,000 per year.
Founded in 1997, Garlic Theatre has a fantastic reputation for unusual, funny, eccentric and highly original performances that fire the imagination of children and adults. They aim to challenge, entertain and stimulate people of all ages through the power of puppet animation.
The story describes a magical baby joey's fantastical journey to an island of lost shoes, inhabited by a collection of strange shoe (and handbag and Hoover) creatures.
If you have young children and are looking for something surreal and a little different, this show is worthy of a visit. Suitable for all ages over 4 years old.
Doors open 30 minutes prior to the performance which starts at 3pm and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Audience members are welcome to bring their own drinks.
Tickets are priced at £9 for adults and £5 for children and can be booked in advance or purchased on the door.
Tickets are available from: St Editha's Church Bookshop on 01827 68339; Tamworth Arts and Events website at www.tamworthartsandevents.co.uk in person from Tamworth Information Centre in Marmion House, Lichfield Street, or by calling the Box Office on 01827 709618. A transaction fee of £1 is payable on all online and telephone bookings.
