Production Notes for The Walsingham Organ

Welcome to The Walsingham Organ

Alastair Cording first suggested to me the story of Septimus Lee Warner and Miles Brown and their falling out over an organ, after he had heard about it on the radio. It sounded just our sort of thing and I told him to follow his nose and start digging. I know his research really began to take off once the trail led him to Howard Fears, the local historian bloodhound who had already dug up most of the bare facts of the case. We are delighted that he agreed to write something for this programme and are deeply indebted for his labours.

Alastair, however, like all good dramatists has moved beyond the facts and created a piece of theatre. The background of the time is rich in a sense of change. The Victorian period was a long one and saw parts of the country move from almost complete isolation to centres of commerce. While many were unaware or indifferent to this process, there were also many who were determined to see themselves and their local economies as winners in this early boom-or-bust strategy. The resultant strain on local societies was often equally great. This, coupled with the human need for love and faith, drives some men mad. It is frequently amazing then how easily a local eccentricity can become a tragedy.

This is a tour that is breaking new ground as it goes into the new financial year. As a result of the Government’s new funding for regional theatre (three cheers for the ex-Minister for Culture, Chris Smith!), we have been able to extend the tour and embark on new site-based residencies for the further-flung corners of our empire. If you live in North Norfolk, West Suffolk or down in Essex near Maldon, we will be bringing our new seating for 3 nights in a local venue.  Of course in North Norfolk we hope this will give us a chance to play a longer stint in or near Walsingham itself, the epicentre of this unique act of rebellion. However, I am writing this before we have found the venues!

The new funding will also allow a new site-specific show, like The Wuffings, every other year and we are still on the look-out for exciting new spaces. Do you know of an unused warehouse, a farmer who has a large barn standing empty or a manufacturing plant with spare capacity during the June/July period? Let us know on 01473 218202. We now have the ability to transform almost any space into an exciting theatre!

All of this news has been overshadowed by the loss of Maggie Jones, our Administrator, who died just after Christmas. We miss her greatly at this time, since she was always so involved with setting up the village hall tour (see p.13 for a remembrance).

However, Maggie would have wanted me to end on some positive news, so it is good to report that our new production for 16-24 year olds is going ahead. Called the Xmaseve project, it is looking at the eternal dilemma for everyone moving into the adult world: do I stay or do I go? Every Xmas Eve those who have left return, and those who have stayed watch and wait. The two worlds meet, down at the pub, on the corner, or just at home. Do you have a story about this? Do you know a group of people who might want to talk to us? Ring Gill Brigg, our outreach co-ordinator on the Xmaseve project to get involved.

In the meantime, many thanks to Barclays Community Fund who have given us our new touring display boards.

Ivan Cutting - Artistic Director