Wantage Summer Festival 2001

9th June to 8th July 2001 at various locations in and around Wantage.

What

Wantage Summer Festival is a platform for the talented creative groups from the villages and communities in the south of the Vale and it is enjoyed by both residents and visitors to the area. The abundant nature of this is reflected in the varied programme of events over the 4 weeks of the festival. Every year the Festival builds on its previous success and the 6th Festival in 2001 is no exception. For the last week of the Festival Wantage is hosting a visit from residents of Seesen, Germany, the town with which Wantage is twinned.

More information

From the Tourist Information Centre (01235 760176) situated at the Vale and Downland Museum.

Theatre events

Theatre Workshops, 11th to 15th June.
Three professional theatre workshops a day are offered, lead by Kate Saxon, Education Director from Shared Experience. They culminate in a showcase performance on the Friday evening at Wantage Civic Hall at 8:00. The children's workshops are available at Charlton Village Hall from 3:30 to 5:30 for children 6-10 years and 11-14 years. Adult workshops take place at Challow Park Recital Hall (opposite KAs School west site) in the evening from 7:30. For further details contact Greta Thornbory on 01235 770156 or

Storytelling With Music, Thursday 14th June, 3:30, Wantage Library.
Laurelle Rond is a teacher of music and poetry and lives in Oxfordshire. To enhance her storytelling she uses a variety of musical instruments including a Celtic harp, guitar, recorder, piano accordion and percussion. For 5 –11 year olds. Tickets: £1.50 available only from the Library.

Eternal Summer, Thursday 21st June, 7:30, Wantage Library.
The Domino Players present a themed programme of rehearsed readings of poetry, prose and drama by members of The Domino Players. Tickets (to include wine, soft drinks and nibbles): £2.50.

The Servant of Two Masters, 28th to 30th June, 7:30, Old Mill Hall, Grove.
By Carlo Goldoni, adapted by David Turner and Paul Lapworth, performed by Stagelights. This most famous of Carlo Goldoni’s plays – the first written comedia dell’arte play – concerns the hilarious implications of the servant Truffaldino getting jobs with two masters at the same time – one a lady in disguise. Expect much spaghetti amongst the comic business and lovers' tiffs. Tickets: £4 Concessions £3.

Summer Celebration, Friday 29 June, 7:30, Vale and Downland Museum.
Skeleton Crew and The Domino Players together with The Vale and Downland Museum. Skeleton Crew, playing their characteristic blend of early music and folk, will be joined by members of the Domino Players performing a selection of poetry, prose and drama on the theme of summer. Wine, soft drinks and light refreshments will be served in the interval. Tickets (to include refreshments): £5.

Orpheus in the Underworld, Saturday 30 June, 7:30, Wantage Civic Hall.
A concert version of Offenbach’s comic operetta by Wantage Choral Society. Follow the amorous adventures of Orpheus, Euridice, Pluto, Jupiter and their supporters as they commute between Thebes, Mount Olympus and Hades.Do come and experience this concert performance in English of Offenbach’s famous operetta. Tickets: £8 concessions £6.

Twelfth Night, 4th to 6th July, 7:30, Lains Barn.
By Domino Players. Tickets: £6 concessions: £4.

The Mikado, Friday 6 July, 7:30, Wantage Methodist Church.
A concert performance of Gilbert & Sullivan by The Letcombe Singers and Opera at Wantage. Fun and games in Japan! The Mikado has made flirting a crime punishable by death! His son, Nanki-Poo, disguised as a wandering minstrel, has fled to escape the attention of the elderly ugly Katisha. Nanki-Poo loves Yum-Yum who is engaged to the Lord High Executioner Ko-Ko, whom the Mikado has condemned to death! How will it all end?? Tickets (to include supper after the show): £6.00 Concessions: £5.00.