Theatre comes to Leamington allotment

Mikron Theatre will build on the roaring success of last year’s visit with an acclaimed tale of chocolate that it is touring around the country by canal, river and road.

The show, entitled Pure, will again take place in the car park, where last year the biggest audience to date sat on chairs and hay bales in fine summer weather.

Mikron’s four performers use live music, witty dialogue, fast-paced plots and audience interaction as they bring their family-friendly tales to life.

The roving company celebrates its 45th anniversary this year, and Pure has already received glowing reviews in the national media since the group – which uses a vintage canal boat to reach many of its shows - began its latest UK tour last month.

Artistic director Marianne McNamara said: “I take the legacy of Mikron and its promise to provide theatre everywhere for everyone very seriously. For 45 years Mikron has toured places that other companies don’t. We love how informal our performances are, and make shows that we can all relate to.”

The show on August 10 coincides with National Allotments Week and visitors will have the chance to tour the site’s prize sheds and treasured plots. The guided walk will take in highlights including a unique and much-praised hut by Oliver Renson which incorporates washing machine windows.

A spokesman for St Mary’s Allotments said: “We’re thrilled to welcome back Mikron for a fifth time and are looking forward to another dazzling display of great acting, music and laughter.

“Last year was our biggest audience to date and this time we’ll find a place under the skies and a cup of tea and slice of cake for everyone.

Pure spans 150 years of chocolate as it focuses on a food manufacturer’s attempt to relaunch the nation’s former favourite bar in a blaze of razzmatazz. The show asks if success always has a sweet smell.

Refreshments will be available on the evening and the show is free, with a collection for the group after the performance.

Pure takes place on Wednesday August 10 at 6.30pm. Access via Radford Road entrance, but drivers are asked to park next door in the Newbold Comyn car park.