Dickens homage opens new venue

Rehearsals are under way for A Dickensian Christmas at Bodmin’s Old Library. In recent months the former library has been undergoing a transformation to become a theatre and music venue and arts cafe, with community at its heart.

Coordinated by intoBodmin, volunteers have redecorated the inside of the building – most recently with the construction of a new stage for live entertainment.

A Dickensian Christmas is the first co-production from intoBodmin and Ha-Hum-Ah Theatre, and will see the Old Library going back to its Victorian roots. The action takes place on Christmas Eve 1869, when the arrival of an unexpected visitor surprises the household staff of 48 Doughty Street, the home of Charles Dickens. All he wants is a room for the night, and in return he’ll entertain with his finest festive stories.

Fin Irwin, director of intoBodmin CIC, the organisation behind the Old Library’s transformation, said: “Even if you’re not a ‘theatre person’, if there’s one time in the year that we enjoy a good show, it’s at Christmas. And nothing represents the festive season better than a bit of Dickens. This play has it all – laughter, tears, puppets made out of kitchen utensils and four actors playing 40 characters. We’re thrilled to be working with such a talented local theatre company on our first in-house production at The Old Library.”

Funded by Arts Council England, Cornwall Council and FEAST, the show is billed as a “festive romp through some of English literature’s most loved Christmas fables, poetry and music” and is directed by Ben Kernow, with musical direction by Dan Bottomley and puppetry design and direction by Maia Kirkman-Richards. The 40 characters will be played Soo Drouet, Felix O’Brien, Eleanor Toms and Padraig Dooney.

The Old Library is one of six venues the show will tour this December, along with dates in Boscastle, Fowey, Bodmin College, Launceston and Callington.

Sophie Hodge, marketing and outreach manager for plays like King Of Prussia, The Riot, The Dead Monkey and Ting Tang Mine. The award honours his legacy by promoting talent and new writing. intoBodmin, said “We really wanted to bring some festive magic to the community, and that means everyone in the community. Location or ticket prices shouldn’t be a barrier for people who want to enjoy a

This year, it received more than 1,150 entries internationally, and a shortlist of eight plays was judged by a panel of industry professionals. performance, and it’s one of intoBodmin’s goals to make great shows accessible to those who may not usually be able or afford to go.”

Tickets are available online via intobodmin.co.uk

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Submissions for the 2019 Nick Darke Award will open early next year, with a prize of £6,000 for the winning screenwriter or playwright.