A festival of live theatre, dance, storytelling and more will be coming to Great Malvern for a week of extraordinary experiences.
Running from 20-28 September, FEAST (Festival of Equality in Arts and Society through Theatre) has been organised by co-directors Tiffany Hosking and Michelle Pogmore from Reaction Theatre Makers.
Their aim is to bring their shared love of regional and international theatre work to the heart of the Malvern Hills and have built up a reputation for challenging, diverse and highly professional work that is accessible to all.
Malvern Cube is the host venue, with other locations offering events including the Coach House Theatre, Emslie House and Priory Park.
To kick off the festival on Monday 20 September, visitors can join a fascinating talk called 'Spare me the Drama' at The Coach House Theatre in company with Chris Bassett. The talk maps the development of the pleasure gardens, concert halls and Malvern theatres.
It will look in particular at the principal surviving venue, the Assembly Rooms and Winter Gardens (now called the Festival and Forum Theatres) which were the home for the ground breaking drama festivals of the 1930s premiering the work of playwright Bernard Shaw and starring some of the most famous actors of the time. The event will include a display of material from the Festivals including scripts, props, and photographs.
During the week, people will be able to enjoy different pieces such as 'In Fields', an evening concert by composer and musician JuliLa who will perform her collection of finely crafted songs to uplift and inspire.
Other performances featured will be 'Ceremony of Golden Truth' by Lucy Hopkins, 'The Endling' by Strange Futures, 'The Very Grimm Brothers Unlocked' with Jeremy Fallowfield and FEAST's most fierce offering, 'Friday Night Bite'.
On Saturday, 26 September, a family day event will take place at both Malvern Cube and Priory Park. Families will be able to enjoy adventure walks, Jewish storytelling and OddStepperz dance workshops.
Malvern Hills District Council has provided the festival with an Event Development Grant of £1,000.
Cllr Daniel Walton, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Tourism, said: "We are pleased to be supporting FEAST, it is a fantastic representation of talent and we are so lucky that we have the chance to enjoy this in Great Malvern. I would urge people of all ages to take advantage of the many events on offer which aim to challenge, move and inspire".
Visit www.feasttheatrefestival.com/for more information and the full festival line up including workshops and Fringe Theatre performances throughout the week .
