This January the award-winning Cornish company Miracle Theatre arrive in Dorset to whisk us off on an epic adventure into unknown territories of entertainment, with a show packed full of comedy and melodrama, not to mention some high-kicking can-can!
Dr Livingstone, I Presume? is the tale of the great explorer and his travels to the heart of Africa in search of the source of the river Nile – told from an unusual perspective.
Those familiar with Miracle winter shows may recognise The Ffitch Repertory Players from shows such as Frankenstein and The Revenge of Rumpelstiltskin. This time the Victorian travelling theatre company is on the verge of collapse! Their attempt to tell the story of the famous explorer via a series of music hall turns (song and ballet, ventriloquism and stand-up comedy) is as fraught with danger and catastrophe, as any expedition into the heart of Africa.
This charming show, which is a revival of Miracle’s 1997 hit, written by Bill Scott and Steve Clarke, stars Miracle stalwarts Ben Dyson, Ciaran Clark, Holly Cassidy and, making his Miracle debut, Kneehigh’s Giles King.
“Dr Livingstone, I Presume? proved a huge hit with audiences first time round and this refurbished version, with its fantastic cast of comic and musical talent, promises to sparkle with even greater charm!” said BillScott, Artistic Director.
Miracle winter shows have gained a reputation for being just the ticket for a winter treat, whether you usually love a traditional panto or are looking for an alternative for a giggle-filled night out with family and friends. Both a hurrah to courage and endurance and a swipe at the 19th century ideals of imperialism, chauvinism and hypocrisy, this curious slice of history is served up as a magnificent melange of musicality … and comes with a side dish of lion wrestling, BRAVO!
Thur 15 Jan, 7:30pm. Gillingham School Creative Arts Theatre. 01747 833844
Fri 16 Jan, 7:30pm. Lytchett Minster School Theatre. 01202 622413
Sat 17 Jan, 7:30pm. Corfe Castle Village Hall. 01929 480483
Sun 18 Jan, 7:30pm. The Exchange, Sturminster Newton. 01258 475137
