Key Projects

Stay for Supper

Extend your evening at the Merlin by staying after a selection of shows for some delicious food, lovingly made by Nicki Hillman. The shows we have food available at this season are : Breakfast at Tiffanys Bonnie and Clyde Probe Lady Chatterleys Lover The Department of Smelling Pistakes Austens Women Arthur Smith Exposed! The post-show delights are available with no advance booking although it is advisable just simply pay on the evening if you decide to stay for supper for just £5 per plate Call the box office for further information...

Mean Feet Restorative Justice Project

Hosted by the Merlin Theatre and led by Mean Feet Dance company, ‘Spaghetti Justice’ aims to draw its target group of children (those from disadvantaged backgrounds) in to dance, theatre and arts activities alongside their peers. This Restorative Justice project commences with a selection of pupils from Oakfield School, Critchill Special School & Frome College watching a performance by Mean Feet Dance. The dance company’s residency then continues over the following six weeks with the young people taking part in ongoing weekly workshops, culminating in a celebratory evening performance by the students involved, at the Merlin. The project focuses on exploring the principles and practice of Restorative Justice – covering social interaction & resolution of playground issues & small family issues - using dance to develop interpersonal and communication skills, emotional literacy, creative problem-solving, conflict-resolution and a feeling of community. The work is designed to be highly accessible to young people who may not have an established interest in dance and seeks particularly to engage those with low self-esteem and low body confidence.

New Writing Competition

We are inviting playwrights to submit short one-act play to our New Writing Competition by January 31st. Your play must be your own original work, with a running time of no more than 30 minutes and a maximum of 6 characters. There are 2 categories: A) Under 25 and B) 25 and over Send your play as a hard copy to the Merlin Theatre, stating group A or B on the envelope and with a cover note giving your name, address, email, phone number and age. These details should not appear on any of the pages. Winners will be notified in early February and the winning play will be produced at the Merlin on 24th March 2011 as a rehearsed and directed script in hand performance. Shortlisted entries will all receive feedback and the winning writers will be invited to participate in future drama writing events at the Merlin.

Summer 2011 Production - Fame !!

At last - the long awaited for Summer production from the Merlin Theatre Company. Fame The Musical will be produced using the same creative team that puts together the spectacular Christmas productions such as Peter Pan and the Snow Queen. Fame will be Directed by Claudia Pepler, Choreography by Amy Morgan-Bell and Musical Director will be Jamie Mason. All three worked on the hugely successful Frome College and Community Production of Westside Story two years ago so have plenty of experience working with large casts of young people on high energy contemporary shows. Auditions will be at the Merlin on Saturday 9th April from 10am. They will be held in a workshop style so no preparation is needed but you will be required to dance, act and sing. The project is for ages 12 to 22. Summer workshop dates are Monday 15 August - Sat 27 August with performances on 25 26 27 August. The cost is £100 (less than £10 per day!!) Payment can be made via the Give it a Go Scheme. For more information contact claudia@merlintheatre.co.uk