Stage company takes steps to recount past

PICTURED left to right: Craig Anderson, James McLean, Rose McPhilemy and Claire-Marie Seddon

AN AWARD-winning theatre company will put their Best Foot Forward when they visit Oldham.

Now in their 46th year, Mikron Theatre Company, who visit Oldham Library on Thursday, April 6, promise to delight audiences with energetic, fresh and original tales of national institutions and the social histories of everyday people.

The latest show, Best Foot Forward, written by Maeve Larkin and directed by Marianne McNamara, traces the history of Youth Hostelling Association (YHA) from its inception in 1911 in the mind of a young German teacher-soldier who found himself in No Man's Land at the Christmas Truce, through to its founding in Britain in the thirties right up-to-date with modern hostels.

Maeve Larkin's fast-paced and funny script is full of memorable characters, shenanigans and peril, and even a hint of romance along the way brought to life by a team of four singing, instrument-playing, character-swapping actors.

Journey

It will also show the story of Pearling Manor, a hostel rich in YHA history which is under threat from external forces who are looking to turn it into a golf club. Connie, first ever warden, will take the audience on a journey through the YHA's past in the hope of securing its future.

Caroline White, Chief Executive of YHA (England and Wales), said: "The YHA network has changed beyond recognition in recent years, however many people still remember the days of wardens, chores and curfews.

"Thankfully, these are long gone but they are absolutely part of YHA's rich history and what better way to celebrate it than with comedy in this brilliant production."

Maeve, who has written three previous shows for Mikron, said: "I'm chuffed to be back with Mikron, with a subject close to my heart. Writing for Mikron about the YHA felt like a marriage of minds and as both have an appetite for wanderlust the passion is kept alive. It's been a pleasure to write."

Marianne McNamara added: "In our 46th year of touring, we're thrilled to welcome back Maeve after the huge success of 'Raising Agents', our Women's Institute play in 2015. Maeve has brought her trademark humour, pathos and faultless research to Best Foot Forward.

Amazing

"We're so excited to be touring the show all year to both Youth Hostels and our regular non-theatre venues. YHA have been amazing to work with and we can't wait to welcome audiences across the nation to one of our 150 venues"