Ahoy there MATE-ys: Prescot company off to Treasure Island
A "SPECTACULAR steampunk inspired re-imagining" of Robert Louis Stephenson’s pirate epic Treasure Island will be touring outdoor venues in the region this summer before an Edinburgh Fringe run - and the fun begins this weekend as the production debuts at the Unity Theatre.Directed and produced by Prescot-based MATE’s artistic director Gaynor La Rocca with original live music by Taran Harris, the company says: "This year’s buccaneering adventure promises to be a thrilling voyage for all the family."All hands will be on deck as they splice the main sail for the maiden voyage tonight and tomorrow (April 20 and 21) at Liverpool's Unity Theatre.The MATE ship will then travel on to tour parks, gardens and woodlands across Merseyside throughout June and July, with its final port of call at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August.More than 100 local community actors, dancers, musicians, singers, sewers, crafters, local steampunk enthusiasts and volunteers aged 8 to 80+ have been working for the past six months with MATE Productions’ team of professional practitioners to create the steampunk pirate spectacle.After the Unity shows, you can catch them at Prescot Woodland Theatre (Saturday, June 9, 4pm & 7pm); Reynolds Park, Woolton (Sunday, June 10, 2pm); Sudley House gardens (Saturday June 23, 2pm); St James Gardens in the Anglican Cathedral (Saturday, June 30, 2pm); St Nicholas Church gardens, Halewood (Saturday, July 1, 2pm & 7pm); Croxteth Hall Walled Garden (Saturday July 7, 2pm & 7pm); Ness Botanic Gardens (Sunday July 8, 6pm); and back to Prescot Woodland Theatre on Saturday July 14 (2pm & 7pm).They will then be the Space Triplex at the Edinburgh Fringe from August 13 to 18.The Unity Theatre tickets are available from their website. For all other venues book online via www.mateproductions.co.uk, or call Ticket Quarter on 0844 8000 410.
