Pippa’s Progress

 

Gatton Community Theatre (GCT) launches their new production of Pippa’s Progress with their rehearsals at Gatton Park, Reigate. The play is to be performed as open air theatre letting the audience be fully involved as they move around the stunning Gatton Park grounds between each scene.

Times have changed since John Bunyan wrote his well-known book: ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’ about an uphill struggle to heaven, yet we all still seek meaning in our lives and experience journeys towards goals. Simon Parke wrote the book ‘Pippa’s Progress’ which the GCT is now bringing to life which follows Pippa, a twenty first century pilgrim as she encounters eccentric and disruptive characters such as Chill Out and Dee Straction. The script has been written by GCT’s director Anna Thompson with the help of assistant director Lixi Chivas.

The play is a witty and relatable journey through our own time with a cast of 46 brilliant amateur actors ranging from the ages of 10 to 60+. Simon himself came to the first script read through on the 14th of April and visited the area of Gatton Park where the production will take place. The performances are in July on: Wed 15th, Thurs 16th, Fri 17th , Sun 19th (sign language interpreted performance) Tues 21st, Weds 22nd, Thurs 23rd, Fri 24th and Sat 25th. They are all at 7:30pm and tickets are on sale now.

Pippa’s progress promises to be a colourful performance in the new age of technology. It is a wonderful and fanciful tale with a main character that we can all find a little piece of ourselves in.

Gatton Community Theatre performs a main production once every two years with fantastic results. They also create enchanting fairy tale treasure hunts annually, allowing children to interact with their favourite fairy tale characters. This year it is on the 25th of May, bank holiday Monday from 1pm to 4pm. It is ideal for families and young people and follows the clues around the magical grounds of Gatton Park, Reigate.

For further information and to book tickets go to the Gatton Community Theatre website: www.gattoncommunitytheatre.org.uk

 

By Heather Seldon, Reigate College