Travelling show celebrating the East Riding set to return to the county for the last time
Mikron Theatre is returning to East Riding Mobile Libraries with Top of the Wold, a travelling play created especially to celebrate the East Riding of Yorkshire.
This September, Top of the Wold returns to the East Riding for the final leg of its libraries tour, visiting villages, towns and coastal communities once more to share a unique story shaped by the people of this region.
Playwright Maeve Larkin has crafted a production that reflects the voices and rich experiences of local communities, her research included extensive conversations with local groups as well as visits to towns and villages across the area.
The one-of-a-kind play features original songs and follows four actor-musicians as the mobile library dives into chapters that teem with the lives of then and now.
Stretching from Bridlington to Howden, the play explores a region often overlooked by the nation it helps sustain, while facing the relentless force of the North Sea.
The play has been a collaborative effort to produce, with local community groups not only shaping the script but getting involved in other ways too.
‘Knit & Natter’ groups supported the production by knitting intricate pieces that showed what the East Riding means to local people, creating displays for libraries across the county.
Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Top of the Wold has brought together a rich mix of perspectives and themes from across the East Riding, inspired by the author’s encounters with local people.
“We are delighted to welcome the production back for one final tour of our libraries and look forward to seeing audiences enjoy this celebration of the East Riding and its communities, ending with a special performance at Goole Library.”
Marianne McNamara, director of Top of the Wold, added: “Top of the Wold is a vibrant ode to the East Riding. It’s Mikron’s tradition to shine a light on unsung heroes and places and our team has worked exceptionally hard to bring these fantastic stories to life. We’re thrilled to be bringing the show back to the communities that helped inspire it for one final tour.”