A THOUGHT-PROVOKING one-man theatre show, which charts the beginnings of the late 19th Century struggle for the right to roam movement is coming to Peopleton on March 15.
Behold Ye Ramblers blends contemporary reflections, music hall songs, poetry, and historical reenactment to bring to life the passionate individuals who defied restrictions and paved the way for the National Parks and public footpaths so cherished today.
The show, written by and starring Neil Gore, is part of the Live & Local community touring scheme, which brings high-quality live shows to rural communities across the Midlands.
Neil Gore who has written and will stare in the one-man show. s
Steve Wilson, artist engagement officer for Live & Local said: “As debates around land access and environmental responsibility continue to unfold, Behold Ye Ramblers is more relevant than ever.
“This show not only revisits a landmark moment in our history but also asks critical questions about the future of public land rights in the UK, especially pertinent to rural communities where our network operates.”
A key figure from the movement and who is represented in the show is George WB Ward, nicknamed the ‘Walking Class Hero’.
Ward was a staunch advocate for public access to the countryside and played a significant role in rallying support for the right to roam, tirelessly campaigning for working-class communities to have access to the natural landscapes surrounding them.
His activism helped lay the foundation for modern land access laws and continues to inspire contemporary movements fighting for outdoor accessibility.
The play’s director Louise Townsend is keen to resurrect the past voices of ramblers and campaigners.
“The production aims to reflect those changing times by using hard-hitting songs from great writers such as William Morris and Edward Carpenter.
It includes the projection of early photographic images of people at home, at work, at play and campaigning for social, political and cultural change,” she said.
The production takes place at People Village Hall at 7.30pm. Email [email protected] or call 07565 561178 for tickets which cost £15.
To buy tickets online, visit liveandlocal.org.uk.
