If a ukelele-playing gecko and a flamboyant bat can’t make you smile, then a mischievous monkey, a wise old owl and a cynical camel are sure to amuse you.
Meet the characters in Mountains of the Moon, the latest offering by the creators of the captivating Crooked Spire musical, Ashgate Heritage Arts (AHA), coming soon to venues across Chesterfield and surrounding areas from Saturday 26 October – Friday 1 November, writes Kate Dawson.
Audiences will enter a mythical world, where the unlikely five-some find themselves in dire straits unless they can find a way to get the rain to fall and replenish the river which has dried up, so they can drink. A number of hairbrained schemes are hatched before Owl remembers a story that grandmother once told, and suggests they find the ‘Honeybird’ whose song can make the Rain God cry.
The hour-long show is packed with songs, witty banter and plenty of laughs as the animals reveal their foibles and unique personalities.
The show was conceived by Martin Coslett, AHA producer, when he was studying for an MA in Writing Musicals at Mountview Theatre School, London, six years ago. Martin wrote the music and script for the show together with Thomas Forbes Briscombe and it was arranged by musical director Harry Style, who previously worked on The Crooked Spire.
The story draws upon the myths and fables around the Honeybird and its relationship with the Rain God, which exists in various cultures.
Martin explained: “In African storytelling, water is the source of all life and mankind has a spiritual connection with the natural world. As we contend with the current climate crisis, there’s something we can learn from that.
“There’s also a positive message about how the animals put aside their differences (and primal instinct to eat each other) and work together for the common good!”
The show is packed with powerful songs and lively choreography, with director Frazer Deakin cleverly employing props to create the magical world.
Frazer said: “The show has a playful energy and sparks the imagination. It has a poignant message woven throughout, but the colourful characters and brilliant music also provide a fantastic hour of fun.”
The show was successfully previewed at the Buxton Fringe in 2023, where it won two awards for Best Children’s Show and Best Youth Actor, scooped by Chesterfield’s own Eddie Waller, then aged 12.
Eddie describes his character, Gecko, as “strong minded, smart and very funny – he can be serious when he needs to be serious, but he’s also funny at the right time.”
Earlier in the year, Eddie spent ten weeks filming the lead role in a feature film alongside a well-known actress. The film is set for general release in 2025, but further details are under wraps until the official publicity starts.
Eddie says it was the Crooked Spire which really helped him hone his craft and he can’t wait to perform in ‘Mountains’: “I’ve been acting as long as I can remember and always loved it. It just makes me feel happy. Being part of this smaller cast gives me a chance to move around the stage and interact with the audience more. I can’t wait to get back out there!” he enthused.
Another local cast member is Drew Sinclair who has been touring the UK with the Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company.
The show has been arranged by musical director Harry Style, who previously worked on The Crooked Spire medieval murder-mystery musical with AHA.
Frazer said: “The people of Chesterfield are incredibly fortunate to have access to such high-calibre musical productions in their community. Having these shows locally not only enriches the cultural life of the area, but also provides a space where the community can come together to share the joy, emotion and artistry that musicals offer.”
Thanks to funding from Chesterfield Borough Council, via its Community Fund, the production is being performed at eight local community venues across the area.
Show dates are:
- Sat 26 Oct, 2pm: Church of Jesus Christ, Stonegravels, Sheffield Road, S41 7GZ.
- Mon 28 Oct, 1.30pm: Loundsley Green Community Centre, Cutthorpe Road, Chesterfield, S40 4QU.
- Tues 29 Oct, 2pm: Speedwell rooms, Inkersall Road, Staveley, S43 3JL.
- Wed 30 Oct, 11am: Chesterfield College Theatre, Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, S41 7LL.
- Wed 30 Oct, 6pm: Bakewell Town Hall, The Square, Bakewell DE45 1BT.
- Fri 1 Nov, 6pm: Matlock Bath Grand Pavilion, South Parade, Matlock Bath, DE4 3NR.
- Sat 2 Nov, 2pm: Whittington Moor Methodist Church, Scarsdale Road, Whittington Moor, Chesterfield, S41 8NA.
- Sun 3 Nov, 2pm: Rose Theatre Chesterfield Studios, Eastwood Buildings, Rose Hill, Chesterfield, S40 1LW
Tickets start at £10, with discounts at some venues. Check the venue for details. Box office: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ashgateheritagearts or 0333 666 3366
Editor’s Note: To find out more, go to AshgateHeritageArts.co.uk or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashgateheritagearts/