THEATRE PREVIEW/by Jo Henwood

CHESHIRE’S famous Sandstone Ridge provides the theme for the latest offering from Theatre in the Quarter.

Chester’s leading professional theatre company has teamed up with Habitats and Hillforts and Cheshire Rural Touring Arts to present Forgotten Fortress, a thrilling winter tale.

The hill forts along the ridge have always been mysterious as William discovers when he meets Bryth on the ancient earthworks in the fields above the farm where he lives. When they exchange stories, William and Bryth realise that the times in which they live, and the future that lies ahead of each of them, will never be the same again.

More than just a family play for Christmas, this enchanting tale takes the audience on a journey into Cheshire’s past – as far back as the iron age. Š

Forgotten Fortress is a new musical play created by writer Helen Newall and composer and musical director Matthew Baker. It is directed by Russ Tunney and designed by Emma Cains.

Helen, Matthew and Russ have collaborated on a number of successful productions including Theatre in the Quarter’s sell out shows Silent Night (2008) and Home for Christmas (2009).

Matthew said: “We have always been really inspired by our local communities.

“Our last two Christmas shows have been about the memories of people living today – what we’ve done here is go much further back into Cheshire’s past and draw on historic records and findings from excavations of iron age sites.”

Helen added: “I got so much from working alongside the archaeologists and volunteers at the sites on Eddisbury and Helsby Hills.

“We’ve really drawn on their passion, enthusiasm and depth of knowledge in creating these stories.”

Forgotten Fortress is performed by four professional actors with choirs from the following primary schools: Ashton Hayes, Bickerton, Dee Point, Delamere, Frodsham Manor House, Helsby Hillside, Kelsall, Kingsley, Shocklach, Tarporley, Tarvin, Utkinton and Weaver Vale.