New Th'ESPians prepare to share home spun tails

A new community theatre company is set to share its first production - bringing the Arabian Nights stories to life, back here on the Fylde coast.
The Electric Sunshine Project Community Theatres Sean Brown, Ruby Coupe, Kieran McGuiness and Julie NeishThe Electric Sunshine Project Community Theatres Sean Brown, Ruby Coupe, Kieran McGuiness and Julie Neish
The Electric Sunshine Project Community Theatres Sean Brown, Ruby Coupe, Kieran McGuiness and Julie Neish

Sandgrown Tails is the first full-scale production from Th’ESPs - the Electric Sunshine Project’s theatre company.

Named after the resort’s Illuminations, which on their launch in 1879 were called ‘electric sunshine’, the group has been running for two years staging various workshops and performances.

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Next month, they will present this new work, ‘a collection of familiar stories retold in unfamiliar ways’.

The Electric Sunshine Project rehearsing for Sandgrown TailsThe Electric Sunshine Project rehearsing for Sandgrown Tails
The Electric Sunshine Project rehearsing for Sandgrown Tails

Melanie Whitehead, who leads Th’ESPs, said: “This piece of theatre features an ensemble cast of 16 local players who, through poetry, puppetry and storytelling, retell a selection of well-known tales in surprising, funny and memorable ways.

“At its core, Th’ESP’s is a relaxed, supportive environment for acting, movement, masks, puppetry, script work and games where everyone is given the opportunity to get involved, contribute ideas, and most importantly have fun.”

Melanie, who has worked with the National Theatre on high-profile productions such as War Horse and The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Nighttime, added: “Th’ESP’s and Sandgrown Tails has been funded by the Big Lottery Fund, we are grateful for their support and that of the creative community in Blackpool for their contributions to this project.”

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Suitable for children aged seven and over. Performances are at 7.30pm on Friday, August 3, Saturday, August 4 at 11.30am, 3pm and 7.30pm, and Sunday, August 5 at 2pm and 5pm, at The Attic on Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Tickets cost £5.

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