THE experiences of the dale’s younger generation throughout the pandemic form the basis of a new play which will be premiered later this year.
The junior members of youth theatre group the Turrets have been working on Lockdownland since restrictions were lifted in the summer and they were able to meet and rehearse together again.
Director Laura Shaw described the play as a fairy tale set in the dale when time stands still and a creature from another world comes through a portal. It results in a journey to tackle and unseen enemy – Crowna – and incorporates themes such as being kind and looking after the vulnerable.
“It is all their ideas and experiences,” said Ms Shaw.
She highlighted how the Turrets work had been disrupted along with all other groups and societies during the Covid alert.
“We went into Zoom for the first lockdown, came back in September last year then back into Zoom in January.
“Alongside what we were offering online, we worked on their ideas for a play, recording how they were feeling during lockdown.”
Ms Shaw described the result as “a bit of fun”.
“They spent a day filming a trailer in Flatts Wood and Startforth Community Centre, which was a great experience.
“Seeing themselves on film and hearing their voiceovers has been lovely for them.
“We are looking forward to being on stage. Some are quite nervous as all elements of stagecraft are new to them, but they are keen to learn very quickly. They would be chuffed that people wanted to come and see the play that they made up.”
Lockdownland will be staged at The Witham on Thursday, December 2, at 7pm. Tickets are £4 adults, £3 children and free for U4s and are available now. Go to www.thewitham. org.uk or call the box office on 01833 631107.
