2020
#15 Horses! Horses!
A co-production with Theatre Orchard.
Johnny’s putting on a Big Fun fundraiser tonight at the Nags Head, though he’s not in the mood for fun.
Horses! Horses! is the darkly comical tale of a stolen horse, wild west-country soul and the mess we make of relationships. Landlord Johnny is desperately trying to save his pub, while his wife Susie is hiding out on Ted’s farm. A show performed in the midst of your local boozer with pub games, pints, crisps, heartbreak and laughter, country music, lots of karaoke and a few surprises.
Shortlisted for the Tobacco Factory Theatres’ Scriptspace Award, Horses! Horses! was first developed through Bristol Old Vic Ferment.
Written by Rina Vergano
Directed by Emma Callander
Designed by Julie Read
Sound design by Greg Hall
Stage Management by Tessa Gaukroger
Performed by Kesty Morrison, Owen Slattery and George Williams
Photos by Paul Blakemore
Somerset Emergency Theatre
Somerset Emergency Theatre is a programme of activity designed to ensure artists and audiences remain culturally connected even when there's a pandemic.
Despite the huge challenges the cultural sector experienced in 2020 as a result of Covid-19, Wassail continued to commission, support or employ freelance theatre makers. This was only possible due to support we received from Arts Council England, South Somerset District Council and Somerset Community Foundation.
#16 Radio Zummerzet
Never having made a radio play before, we created Radio Zummerzet.
Devised by the cast it features eclectic radio personalities and bombastic local news stories, exploring a picture of the country through local voices and rural responses to the Covid-19 crisis.
You can download all three episodes here.
Directed by Jesse Briton
Sound Design by Greg Hall
Performed by Jack Kelly & Lizzie Stables
Featuring Dan Gaisford, Lucy Harrington, Georgia Jackson, Selina Keedwell, Gavin Osborn, Ellie Westbrook and Kid Carpet
#17 Heartbeat
A month before lockdown, Pete Steel got married. Four weeks later, Pete’s wife Babs vanished into a puff of smoke and then the world locked down. Today, Pete is doing his bit for the village as he carries out a survey on behalf of the parish council that explores what’s at the heart of our community.
Heartbeat was among the first pieces of British theatre to reach audiences as it toured to 20 venues (mostly houses) the day after outdoor performances were permitted in July 2020.
Written by Nick White
Directed by Joanna Procter
Designed by Julie Read
Performed by Nick White and Joanna Procter
#18 The Tale of the Charming Rat
A co-production with Tall Tails Theatre Company.
Cooper the rat is having a very strange day. Asha has been invited to a party and it’s up to Cooper to get her there on time! Will he pull it off without getting caught by Rats All Folks Exterminators? Join in this epic adventure and help him along the way.
A Somerset-inspired retelling of the classic Cinderella story, featuring high levels of access provision.
Written by Nick White & Richard Young
Directed by Nick White
Design by Nancy Betton
Music by Nick Brace
Access & Inclusion Consultant: Lulu Nunn
Sign Consultant: Sonia Sansom, Regional Makaton Tutor
Performed by Abby Young & Richard Young
