The Rude Mechanical Theatre Co are back at Mill Farm on Friday, 21st July for the latest date on the summer tour of their latest outdoor play, Mrs Popplewell's Garden.
The Rudes return to the farm, bringing their latest magical commedia dell'arte inspired production back to Bradford Abbas in July. Expect music, laughter, vibrant costumes and much more from the extremely talented performers of this touring company. It's going to be a brilliant summer's evening and one that is sure to delight all the family, parents and children alike!
Mrs Popplewell's Garden
It's April 1940 and The Willows School for Girls, including Jocasta, Daphne and Dotty, will have to move lock, stock and the proverbial barrel from its idyllic home in Little Inkling, Sussex, to Buckinghamshire, where they will take refuge from the war. Lessons are suspended and they have two weeks left to have some fun and say goodbye to their friends. But it’s a disaster for Daphne. All she wants is to be kissed before she’s seventeen, but now she’s got to move away, she may never see Gerald again! Jocasta’s opinion is it’s actually an ‘opportunity in abundance’ because they can make one last raid on the old witch Miss Popplewell’s strawberry patch and, as Gerald lives next door to Apple Tree Cottage, Daphne may see him. He’s always watering his hollyhocks. But an intruder gets in first, tramples all over Miss Popplewell’s borders, stamps his muddy boots all over her scullery floor, skulks into her larder and helps himself to a plate of scones! Still warm, they were! Who is the intruder? Is it the gypsies, a burglar, a foreign agent, even an escaped convict? The entire village goes into a panic. They’re not safe in their beds! But they’re British! They must stick together. Rise to the occasion. In the meantime, will the girls get the strawberries? Will their kindly headmistress, Miss Tricklebank, confine them to their dorms and will Daphne finally get kissed before she's seventeen? A comedy of manners woven with poignancy and gently unearthing buried things from Miss Popplewell’s past.
Founded by Pete Talbot in 1997, The Rude Mechanicals Theatre Co was created with the aim of bringing theatrical production to rural communities and are funded by the Arts Council and local supporters.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Bar: From 6pm
Performance: 7.30pm
Ticket details and info available on The Rudes website directly:
https://www.therudemechanicaltheatre.co.uk/book-tickets/
Enquiries:
events@millfarmdorset.com
or
01935 414778
Just a short walk across the farmyard from the recording studio & venue you will find our wonderful farm cottages; Fox, Kingfisher and Owl. These three cottages are very popular with guests seeking to visit the farm to record or on a relaxing break. They are frequently called home by bands and other performers, as residential accommodation whilst recording in the studio or using The Omelette Club, our venue. Fox and Owl cottages both have spacious accommodation for two guests sharing. The cottages all have double bedrooms with king size beds and en-suite shower rooms. Kingfisher Cottage is our larger open plan cottage. Fox and Kingfisher come with cosy wood-burners to curl up next to. The ideal country getaway and all very popular! The ideal place to relax and unwind after a day recording or exploring the local countryside, the cottages have been recently converted to a high standard and feature all the modern luxuries and touches you have come to expect. Fox and Kingfisher cottages can be booked in conjunction with the recording studio, please use the enquiry form to send us a quick message and we will get right back to you to confirm rates & availability.
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