East Midlands-based New Perspectives is celebrating its 50th anniversary by taking a new comedy, Model Village, to arts venues and village halls across the country.
Described as a “subversive satire with a hint of surrealism”, the comedy involves miniature residents of a model village rebelling against plans from a radical urban artist to update their “charming” 1930s landscape.
With the village in decline and visitor numbers low, the model-makers hope an update will put the attraction back on the tourist map. But they are brought eye-to-eye with the residents of the waist-high houses who want to return to the halcyon days, and they must learn to collaborate across the divide.
Model Village is “the story of a community hankering for an idyllic past, asking if it is possible to restore it or whether to embrace a bold new future. In the end, the audience will vote to decide on what the outcome will be.”
Writer Anita Sullivan said, “I grew up in a rural community and first encountered theatre in a village hall. I’m delighted to be turning full circle with Model Village. It’s written with heart and playfulness. What is a model village today? What do the little people want? I hope you’ll vote for the village you want to see.”
Director Angharard Jones added, “Model Village is a unique, fantastical play that sees two worlds collide. It speaks to the idea of change, progress, tolerance and rebellion. Anita has crafted a brilliant and thoughtful script that traverses across realities while remaining relatable and recognisable.
“Model Village is full of surprises, humour and quirk with a hint of the absurd and is a joyful challenge to direct. We’re thrilled to be sharing this with audiences for the first time in their own community spaces and look forward to seeing what decisions the audiences will make for how we leave the play.”
The cast comprises Abigail Pidgeon, Duane Hannibal and Lee Rufford. Set designer is Gemma Caseley-Kirk, lighting designer is Alexandra Stafford, Adam McCready is sound designer and assistant director is Martha Kent.
Model Village will open at NonSuch Studios, Nottingham on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 October. It will then tour to Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Wolverhampton, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, Grimsby and Dorset until Saturday 25 November.