Theatre / Community Theatre
Valley Arts produces community show with hundreds of collaborators in the Chew Valley
More commonly known as Valley Arts, Chew Valley Performing Arts is a charity that for nearly a decade has been dedicated to the promotion of accessible performing arts for everyone in the area.
It delivers its goal through a multitude of theatre, music and family events, as well as a weekly youth theatre and holiday clubs for children and young people with a love of drama.
In the summer of 2024, following partnerships with six local schools and a string of free creative community workshops from arts and crafts to clay, illustration and music, Valley Arts will be presenting one of their most ambitious feats to date.
is needed now More than ever
On the weekend of July 13-14, a cast of over 30 will be presenting the brand-new play Rising Waters on the outdoor stage at Yeo Valley Organic Garden on Holt Farm – with views of Blagdon Lake.
The project has been over a year in the making, involving hundreds of participants of all ages along the way, as well as a documentary film and a local writing competition.
Rising Waters – photo: Valley Arts
“This performance is not only about entertainment,” explains Kate McGregor director and creative producer on the production. “It’s about building community and showcasing the incredible community that thrives within the Chew Valley.”
Written by acclaimed Bristol playwright Toby Hulse, Rising Waters is an environmentally themed story laced with magic, music and song, featuring a giant fish puppet and the arrival of a mysterious girl, soaked to the skin, with a message that cannot be ignored.
All proceeds from the show will go back into future community initiatives for the local area.
Rising Waters is at Holt Farm, Yeo Valley Organic Garden on July 13 at 7pm and July 14 at 3pm and 7pm. Note this is an outdoor, unseated show, and audience members are invited to bring picnics; Valley Arts will be running a bar for drinks. Tickets are available at www.valleyartscentre.co.uk.
All photos: Valley Arts
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