BELPER GROUP’S WINTER FUN

The Belper-based physical theatre company WinterWalker will hit the road next month for a tour of the Midlands with a first major production entitled Three Keepers.

This is a play without words for everyone aged eight and over. It is a tale of life on a rock lighthouse, told through an inventive blend of physical theatre, dance and comedy and is inspired by the silent film clowning of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin.

The production has been made possible with an investment from Arts Council England’s National Lottery-funded Grants for the arts programme, and by Derby-based regional dance house Déda, which is supporting WinterWalker as resident artists.

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The tour starts on Saturday, February 7 with two performances, at 2pm and 7pm, at Déda in Chapel Street. This will be followed by a performance on February 10 at Buxton Opera House. Then, following dates in Leicester, Coventry, Wellingborough, Louth and Lincoln, WinterWalker will return to the area on Saturday, March 7 at The Brewhouse Arts Centre in Burton-upon-Trent.

Director Kitty Winter, from Belper, explained that the inspiration for the show came from an exhibition on lighthouses at the National Maritime Museum. “We were struck by how small the living quarters were and we imagined three big men having to live and work together in that tiny space, with nothing but the wind and waves outside.

“That seemed a brilliant starting point for physical comedy and the production is like a classic sit-com setup.”

Composer Wayne Walker-Allen added: “We think good theatre should work for everyone, young and old. We hope that Three Keepers will be funny and engaging for children but equally entertaining for their parents and grandparents, particularly with the nostalgic silent-movie playing style.”

See www.deda.uk.com for ticket details.

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