The Last Wilderness

20th Aug 2009

10th-12th September 2009, 7pm Harehope Quarry, Frosterley The Last Wilderness is a new site-specific creation from Changeling Productions, the theatre company known for creating unique work in unusual places throughout the UK and Europe. The Last Wilderness is the dramatic story of Thomas Allman, a North Pennines hill farmer, faced with the biggest decision of his life. Should he sell his farm to the mysterious stranger who apparently offers him the answer to all his problems? Haunted by the failures and betrayals of the past and his hopes for the future Thomas finds himself journeying to The Last Wilderness, a place where he must face up to who he is and what he is. Performances will take place over three evenings in the beautiful surroundings of Harehope Quarry in Frosterley, an eco-project that explores sustainable living, where the world-famous Frosterley Marble was originally quarried.

Combining theatre with music and new songs (performed on a variety of traditional and newly-created site-specific instruments, such as musical stones), giant puppets and the natural beauty of Harehope Quarry and the North Pennines, The Last Wilderness will be performed by professional actors and singers alongside local amateur choirs and young participants. The 60-strong cast includes:

Thomas Allman – Tony Neilson
The Stranger – Charles Richmond
Elizabeth – Rebecca Pedlow
The Narrator – David Napthine

Accordion – Amy Thatcher
Violin – Sophie Ball
Cello – Duncan Brown
Percussion – Chris Stones
The Last Wilderness Brass Quartet
Bishop Auckland Choral Society, conducted by Venera Bojkova
The Bishop Auckland, Willington and Spennymoor Sing Up Choirs
The Weardale Sing Up Choir

Come and enjoy a wonderful evening out for all the family – with pre-show activities for children from 6pm. Bring a picnic!

Tickets: £8 and £6 (concessions). Family tickets £20 (2 adults, 2 children). Available on the door or by calling 07733 580820.

Please note: this is an outdoor performance and will go ahead come rain or shine. You are advised to come prepared for wet weather (this is Weardale!) and to bring something to sit on, as well as a torch. The performance should be finished by 8.30pm.

Next Events

North Pennines Rock Detectives club: Harsh environments
25th Sep 2010
10.30am – 1.00pm. Come and find out what plants and animals can tolerate living with lead on the Hudeshope Beck in Middleton-in-Teesdale. Contact for details.
Volunteer day
09th Oct 2010
10.00am – 4.00pm. Join our regular volunteering event. Tasks will include the continued work on the eco-classroom and nature reserve management. Refreshments and a light lunch are provided so if you intend to come please let us know so we have an idea of numbers.
Halloween fun!
31st Oct 2010
4.00pm – 6.00pm. Come and help us celebrate the end of summer and the onset of the long dark nights of winter. A mixture of Halloween, Celtic New Year and a bonfire thrown in! Adults £4.50, Children £2.50, Families £9.00. Drop-in.
North Pennine Rock Detective club: A village built on lead
20th Nov 2010
10.30am – 1.00pm. Come and explore Allenheads village with us. A typical North Pennines lead mining settlement. Contact for details.
Lighting up time!
04th Dec 2010
3.30pm – 5.00pm. Join us in a lantern parade, ending by the Christmas tree in Frosterley. We will add the willow baubles created on the willow Christmas decoration workshop to the tree and then enjoy refreshments as the Christmas tree lights are turned on. Donations towards the cost of the Christmas lights will be gratefully received.