THIS summer, Dorset will see the birth of a brand-new annual celebration of live arts suitable for all ages – the Labyrinth Arts Festival.
Attendees are invited to indulge themselves in a dynamic and varied performance programme showcasing the very best local and nationwide talent.
The festival will take place on the outskirts of Wimborne Minster from July 12th to July 14th.
The festival’s inaugural year will host a cross-section of performance encompassing dance, storytelling, theatre, music and improvisation.
The brains behind this endeavour, Maryanna Clarke and Kit Bromovsky, are two industry professionals with local ties who aspire to create something unique, wholesome and utterly joyous.
“At its heart, our festival is a true celebration of live performance”, stated festival director Maryanna Clarke.
“We want revellers to come, relax and immerse themselves in fantastic performances by professional artists that will stir the imagination and soothe your soul.
“This will be an opportunity for people to reconnect with nature as well as one another, and most importantly, have lots of fun.”
The children’s show Sticky Ends is an improvised comic cautionary stories for families with children aged 5+
Attendees have the opportunity to purchase day or weekend tickets, with on-site camping available.
The festival location is a particularly unique site, as it is steeped in historical significance.
Inspired by the nearby neolithic site of Badbury Rings, with a Roman road and the Dorset Cursus running alongside, the site contains man-made structures that emulate these ancient, ritual-landscape features and add a mysterious, otherworldly feel to the place.
These include its own swirling cursus (a raised walkway made of earth, generally from the Neolithic period), the eponymous labyrinth, and the festival’s centrepiece: a beautiful, grass-covered amphitheatre.
All of which offer breathtaking views of rural Dorset.
“It doesn’t matter what your artistic tastes are,” Maryanna added.
“There will be something on offer to whet everyone’s appetites. And no doubt some surprises in the mix too.”
Theatre headline acts include British Touring Shakespeare who are bringing their original sequel to Shakespeare’s classic comedy ‘Twelfth Night’
‘Thirteenth Night: Malvolio’s Revenge’ will also be at the festival which imagines what happens when
Malvolio comes back to enact his revenge.
Additionally, Sun & Moon Theatre will be performing an enchanting production of Shakespeare’s ‘The Winter’s
Tale’ featuring live music, whilst resident company Old School Players will be presenting Harold Pinter’s tension infused, darkly comic play ‘The Dumb Waiter’.
A festival wouldn’t be complete without a line-up of blissful musical acts to sooth your soul. Joining us we have East Dorset’s favourite Celtic trio Murphy’s Lore; the accomplished modern folk stylings of Sam Austin + Band
in addition to the acclaimed folk/classical three-piece Glenn Ross & The Creeks.
There’s plenty on offer for families, furthermore, who can look to enjoy everything from ridiculous comic cautionary tales; a brand new musical fantasy with puppets; participate in an interactive gameshow where
disadvantage is an advantage and be wowed by the world-class skills of magician Pete Heat (plus lots more!)
Adult day ticket: £40
Child day ticket: £15
Adult weekend ticket: £105
Child weekend ticket: £35
Weekend family ticket (four people): £260
Booking fees apply.
Tickets can be bought at: www.fixr.co/event/labyrinth-arts-festival-2024-tickets-959611605
For more information, visit: www.oldschoolplayerstheatre.co.uk/labyrinthartsfestival
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