If you venture up Oxfordshire’s canals over the next few weeks, it’s likely you’ll come across a curious band of players.
Mikron theatre company is back and this year it is celebrating 50 years of telling stories of particularly British things.
And if that wasn’t unique enough, the company has a specific style of touring - by vintage narrowboat on the canals, by river and road.
Founded in 1972 and based in the village of Marsden, at the foot of the Yorkshire Pennines, the company has been touring professional theatre to canal and riverside venues by inland waterways for 50 years.
It annually commissions two new scripts with original music that are performed ‘in rep’ touring by road in spring and autumn and, in summer, on board their historic narrowboat, Tyseley.
They perform their shows in places that other theatre companies would not dream of, reaching audiences other companies cannot.
A play about growing-your-own was staged on an allotment, a play about bees performed next to hives, a play about fish and chips to audiences in a fish and chip restaurant, as well as plays about hostelling performed in YHA hostels and one about the RNLI, performed at several lifeboat stations around the UK.
A new play, Red Sky at Night by Lindsay Rodden, focuses on the British obsession with the weather.
Playwright Lindsay Rodden said: "Through an incredible half a century, whatever the weather, Mikron have travelled the country, chronicling our histories, our struggles, our passions and our lives.
"I am over the moon to write just one of these stories, and say Happy Birthday Mikron, fighting fit and 50 years young!"
Red Sky at Night, which will be performed on North Aston Village Green and a community centre on the banks of the Thames in Henley, tells the story of Hayley, whose sunny, beloved dad was the nation's favourite weatherman.
Hayley is now following in his footsteps, to join the ranks of the forecasting fraternity. Or at least, local shoestring teatime telly.
When the pressure drops and dark clouds gather, Hayley is melting faster than a lonely snowflake. She's seen the future's forecast, but will anyone listen?
Ms Rodden said: "Through the chronicles of history, people have gazed up and marvelled at the mysteries of the weather. Generations have tried to master the elements and understand the magic of the skies."
Directed by Marianne McNamara, it will be touring nationally until 22 October performed alongside Raising Agents, Maeve Larkin's play about the founding of the Women's Institute.
The website states: "Bring your anorak and your factor 50. Well, you never know."
Friday June 24 at 7pm, North Aston Village Green, Bicester, OX25 6HS
Friday July 15 at 7.30pm, Eyot Centre, Wargrave Road, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 3JD
www.mikron.org.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here