Raising Agents

Square Chapel Arts Centre, Halifax, April 12, 7pm

Mikron Theatre is delighted to announce it will commence celebrations of 50 years of touring by canal, river and road, with an exciting remount of its hugely successful 2015 production of Maeve Larkin’s (Best Foot Forward, Mikron Theatre) play about 125 years of the Women’s Institute- Raising Agents. Featuring music written by Mikron’s Marsden neighbours, the acclaimed folk duo O’Hooley and Tidow (Gentleman Jack, BBC), Mikron’s golden anniversary national tour goes through to

October.

Raising Agents tells the story of Bunnington WI. A bit down-at-heel, with memberships dwindling, it means they can barely afford the hall, let alone a decent speaker. So, when a PR guru becomes a member, the women are glad of new blood. Initially, the milk of WI kindness begins to sour when she rebrands them as the Bunnington Bunnies. They are hopping.

With stakes higher than a five-tiered cake stand, a battle ensues for the very soul of Bunnington, perhaps the WI itself!

On the threshold of one century into the next,

this tale of hobbyists and lobbyists asks how much we should know our past or how much we should let go of it. The production’s cast will feature Thomas Cotran (Atalanta Forever, Mikron Theatre and Great Expectations, Dundee Rep/ Horsecross Arts); Alice McKenna (Beauty and the Beast, Theatr Clwyd) and James McLean and newcomer Hannah Bainbridge. Raising Agents is directed by Rachel Gee, designed by Celia Perkins.

Playwright Maeve Larkin said: “I am so thrilled that Mikron Theatre will be restaging Raising Agents for their 50th Anniversary

tour. As with the WI’s old paradoxical motto ‘Grave and Gay’, it aims to transcend the sum of its parts by celebrating the timeless principles of community, activism and sisterhood.” Director Rachel Gee added: “To direct for Mikron in our 50th year of touring, with such a brilliant show and team, is an honour and a pleasure. “The WI is such an incredible story to share, and I know everyone will love the tales, trials and tribulations of the WI.”

For further information on Raising Agents and Red Sky At Night please visit www. mikron.org.uk

Picture (left) by Liz Baker