The Lost Words is an outdoor theatrical adaptation of the award-winning book by Jackie Morris and Robert Macfarlane, currently taking place in the grounds of Bolton School, but with two weeks of performances open to the public from July 11.
Set in a giant “goldfinch nest” dome in the grounds of the school, the production features an RAF heron, a singing, tap-dancing barn owl and a breakdancing raven on a woodland art trail.
Children are encouraged to seek, find and speak lost words of nature, inspired by performances by three actors and original artworks created by Wild Rumpus—beside a soundtrack and voice recordings of the “spells” from Julie Hesmondhalgh, Maxine Peake, Denis Lawson and Don Warrington.
It’s also as carbon neutral as possible—with all lights hand-held and powered by rechargeable batteries, and sound through rechargeable speakers—all powered through portable solar panels. The set has been decorated using found fabrics and branches.
The original production premièred at Timber Festival in 2018 (commissioned by Wild Rumpus and The National Forest) before touring. This new production has been recommissioned by Bolton School and, following a residency in the grounds, there will be smaller performances at various community sites around Bolton (in collaboration with Bolton At Home) and at Heaton Park in September.