Southwell Folk Festival - Pauper's Path

The Pauper's Path to Hope at Thoresby Riding hall Theatre
A special performance of the folk opera commissioned by The Gate to Southwell Folk Festival and The National Trust and premiered at the festival in 2011.
Proceeds to Southwell Care Project.
Written by Mick Ryan, The Paupers’ Path is based on research carried out by Mick Ryan at the town’s workhouse and features an illustrious cast of Mick Ryan, Paul Downes, Judy Dunlop, Heather Bradford, Maggie Boyle, Roy Clinging and Phoebe Kirrage with members of the Thoresby Colliery Band.
It tells the tale of seven people forced by circumstance to enter the dreaded workhouse of the 19th Century but able, by courage and determination, to escape it's clutches. Through original song, music and dialogue it presents a broad and balanced view of the history and issues surrounding the Union Workhouses of the Victorian era. By means of flashback to happier times of humour and hope, the harshness and depression of workhouse life is relieved, both for the characters and audience and the show ends on a note of optimism.
"Poignant and uplifting" Rachel Harrison, Manager. The Workhouse
"Should be taken all over the country" Terry Walden, Ely Folk Festival
"Cannot fail to make an impact" Sue Houston, Whitby Folk Week.
’The Pauper’s Path’ presents, in music, song, verse and monologue, an account of life in the workhouse. Through the personal stories of seven characters, we learn the intentions of the proprietors, the reasons why people entered ‘The Union’, the rules which governed every aspect of a pauper’s life ‘inside’, how such people coped with the conditions of residence and the possible means of escape. By means of flashback to happier times of humour and hope, the meanness and depression of workhouse life is relieved both for the characters and the audience, and the show ends on a note of optimism.
Real Ale, Wine and Spirits Bar serving before and during the interval.
Tickets via PayPal from www.ruralrootsmusic.co.uk from Thoresby including credit/debit cards on 01623 822009 or from Southwell Library (cash and cheques only).
Information Line: 01636 816678
’The Pauper’s Path’ presents, in music, song, verse and monologue, an account of life in the workhouse. Through the personal stories of seven characters, we learn the intentions of the proprietors, the reasons why people entered ‘The Union’, the rules which governed every aspect of a pauper’s life ‘inside’, how such people coped with the conditions of residence and the possible means of escape. By means of flashback to happier times of humour and hope, the meanness and depression of workhouse life is relieved both for the characters and the audience, and the show ends on a note of optimism.