No Finer Life – Don't Miss It Webteam Review

Regrettably, the Rural Touring Arts Programme has no plays scheduled for the Barbour Institute in it's next programme.

That said, having just braved temperatures of -5 degrees to see live theatre in Tarporley, this member of the Webteam cannot sufficiently recommend that you try to fit 'No Finer Life' into your schedule for Thursday 1 March, just down the road at the 'Talbot Theatre' in Whitchurch (CLICK HERE). This is a masterpiece from the touring group 'Dogwood Productions' – a timeless 'gem'.

'No Finer Life' follows the story of Elizabeth (Rebecca Bailey) a Land Army Girl who falls in love with farmer George Henderson, author of 'The Farming Ladder' (1944). His book was groundbreaking (literally) in that it challenged farmers to re-evaluate the new practices in farming that were emerging in the 1940s and championed that small farmers remain loyal to previously tried and tested production methods. The script is everything to do with the assault on rural Britain and the environment and many of the issues raised, hold resonance today.

Not only is the performance entertaining and thought-provoking but it is of particular interest to anyone living in rural communities. Interestingly too, this one-woman play is written by Graham Harvey who for the last 20 years has been the Agricultural Storyline Editor of The Archers. An added bonus is that Graham takes part in an after-show conversation where he discusses the inspiration for the script and is also prepared to discuss all matters 'Ambridge' (without giving anything away)!

The extremely talented and versatile 'Rebecca Bailey' was superb as the land girl 'Elizabeth' and the new live music and songs composed and performed by Alastair Collingwood were memorable indeed.

Brave the weather and get down to Whitchurch on Thursday – don't miss it.