Keswick's Theatre by the Lake is about to launch its inaugural CumbriaFest (September 18-October 31), a celebration of the stories created in and inspired by the county.
The festival will showcase the talents of local theatre makers nurtured through the theatre's artist development network, Cumbrian Creatives.
The festival kicks off (September 18-21) with The Dreamtime Fellrunner by Julie Carter, a poetic exploration of Julie’s life as a fell-runner. Produced in association with TBTL, the piece promises to take audiences on a deeply personal journey through the rugged landscapes of Cumbria. After its premiere in the TBTL Studio, the show will tour to venues across Cumbria and beyond, bringing the Cumbrian story to a wider audience.
Adding to the festival’s excitement is the world premiere of TBTL's new commission Steel, by local playwright, Lee Mattinson. Set in and inspired by Mattinson’s upbringing in Workington, Steel follows the adventures of two lads on a town-wide treasure hunt, searching for a contract that could change their lives. See this in the TBTL Studio (October 3-19) before a West Coast community tour.
The festival also features a series of one-night shows, workshops (such as the Moonlighters Collective's physical-theatre and movement workshop) and social events designed to bring people together, offering chances for local artists and audiences to shape the future of artist development at Theatre by the Lake. The theatre will donate £1 of every CumbriaFest ticket sold to support developing artists in Cumbria.
Artistic director Liz Stevenson, said: "There are so many stories to tell about Cumbria and a huge appetite from artists and audiences to share the stories that relate to us and our experiences.
"CumbriaFest connects audiences to the artists creating new plays and experiences right here on our doorstep and every ticket sold contributes to supporting Cumbrian artists in the future."
More info and tickets here