Mikron Theatre Company - Presents Top Of The Wold - Guiseley Theatre

Ever thought about the stories that exist just down the road, in the places people often drive through without a second glance? There’s a whole world of tales in the small towns and villages of Yorkshire, and a new play from Mikron Theatre is bringing them to life in the most brilliant way possible. Picture this: a journey through the East Riding, not in a tour bus, but in a quirky mobile library. This isn't just a story about borrowing a book; it’s a hilarious and heart-warming adventure that dives into community, culture, and what it means to belong to a place. It's a proper celebration of the people and stories that make a county what it is.

All aboard the story wagon

The star of the show is, without a doubt, the East Riding Mobile Library. It's more than just a van full of books; it's a travelling hub of community, a lifeline connecting rural villages. The play, "Tales from a Mobile Library," invites audiences aboard this charmingly unpredictable vehicle. The chapters of this story unfold with every stop, revealing the lives of people both then and now. But this is no smooth ride. The mobile library has a somewhat erratic engine, which adds a bit of drama to its journey through a complex web of rural stops. Can this little library on wheels, with its temperamental engine, manage to pull together the region’s best tales?

The play is packed with original songs that bring the whole experience to life, turning the journey into a musical celebration. It's a look at a part of the nation that often goes unnoticed, a place that feeds the country but is rarely in the spotlight. It’s a story about resilience, community, and the simple things, like caravans and peas, that shape local culture. The mobile library becomes a symbol for connection, chugging along the lanes and byways, bringing more than just literature to the people it serves.

From the wolds to the wild north sea

The setting is a character in itself. The journey takes audiences from the rolling hills of the Wolds to the wild and windswept coast, pounded by the powerful North Sea. The play travels through real places, from Bempton and Bridlington to Hornsea and Howden, exploring a region where the connection to the land is deeply ingrained in everyone. It’s a place where the ever-present sea serves as a constant reminder that everyone is standing on the cliff-edge of a much bigger story. The coast here isn't just a pretty view; it's a force of nature that shapes the land and the lives of the people who live there.

This landscape creates a unique culture, one that feels as organic as the produce grown in its fields. It’s a story that explores how the environment influences community and identity. The constant battle with the eroding sea and the quiet beauty of the countryside form the backdrop for a tale that’s both funny and touching. The play highlights how this connection to the land creates a strong sense of place, a feeling that is passed down through generations. This is a celebration of a specific corner of the world, showing what makes it so special.

A celebration of the wonderfully eccentric

At its heart, this play is a quest to find and celebrate the forgotten stories and the wonderfully eccentric people of the East Riding. It’s a laugh-out-loud adventure that pieces together a patchwork of local culture and community. The mobile library is the perfect vehicle for this exploration, as it meets all sorts of characters on its rounds. These are the lives and stories that don't always make the history books but are the true fabric of a place. It’s a story about resilience, about people carrying on against the odds, with a good dose of Yorkshire humour.

The play beautifully captures the spirit of these communities, highlighting their strength and individuality. It's a reminder that every small town and village has its own epic story full of interesting lives and memorable chapters. As the play so wonderfully puts it:

"If the story of a county is written in a book, the library is the spine that shows you where to look."

This single line sums up the whole adventure. The mobile library isn’t just delivering books; it’s preserving the soul of the county, ensuring that the forgotten tales and eccentric characters are remembered. It’s a fantastic tribute to the power of a shared story.

Catch the show in Guiseley

This heart-warming journey is making a stop at the Guiseley Theatre, offering a perfect night out for anyone who loves a good story, a bit of a laugh, and some fantastic original songs. It's a chance to see a play that is deeply rooted in Yorkshire life but tells a universal story about community and connection.

• Where: Guiseley Theatre, Guiseley, LS20 9BT

• When: April 7th, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

• Tickets: Starting from £14

For those looking for an evening of theatre that is genuinely charming and full of character, "Tales from a Mobile Library" is the ticket. It's a brilliant celebration of the underdog, the forgotten, and the wonderfully unique culture of the East Riding, all seen from the window of a very special mobile library.