Precious Bane

A large-scale outdoor production based on Mary Webb's novel.

Precious Bane, set in the early 1800s, is the story of Gideon and Prue Sarn.  A brother and sister entirely different: one all darkness, the other all brightness; one consumed by the lightning inside and the other emanating warmth; one ruthlessly desiring more whilst the other knows the value of her little piece of here and now.  Their tale of love lost and won, betrayal and murder is played out against the Shropshire landscape, where questions about humanity’s relationship with the land abide.

Performed out in the open air, with grass underfoot, the sky above and a backdrop of hills and water.  Sounds idyllic?  It is.  A hundred singers surround the audience. A company of actors weave amongst them. A legendary production, this was event theatre at its very best.

Sublime The Times

Darkly delightful.. full of wit, invention and charm. Outdoor theatre doesn’t come better than this. The Guardian

‘Bewitching.  Time is rewound and the audience transfixed – with a cracking pace, stunning visual effects, and the quite superb singing of a 60-strong choir.’ The Stage

‘Gripping, uplifting and funny – a good night’s entertainment and an unqualified success!’ Shropshire Star