Beach Hut Theatre Company Archive
WILD IN THE HEART
Beach Hut went wild in the summer of 2018 with 'Wild in the Heart' and 'The Wild Zone', six free original plays that provided a new way of looking at nature and familiar green spaces in Scarborough’s town centre.
The ‘Wild in the Heart’ project reimagined Scarborough Library and town centre green spaces with six stories for children and families that explored, entertained and provoked discussion around all things related to wilderness and its impact on youngsters in the area.
Beginning on May 26th, ‘The Wild Zone’ was a new science-fiction play written and directed by John Pattison. Set in the 24th century, when the loss of nature has reached a critical point, it tells the story of two scientists who stumble on a secret facility guarded by a quirky super computer, which may just hold the key to humanity’s survival. Performed in a large gazebo located in Scarborough Library’s main lending area, the play featured projected images, a 5.1 surround sound immersive experience and an especially composed new score.
A week later on June 2nd, ‘Wild in the Heart’ continued with five more short original plays directed by Alison Watt. These were performed in the town centre green spaces including Albemarle Crescent, Alma Square, the Crescent Gardens and Woodend. Written by emerging community writers it featured 'Stick!' Paul Beck, ‘Stung by Nettles’ by Rosie Larner, 'CLASSIFIED: Dalby – HCN' by Lisa Ponter, ‘Level Up’ by Paul Spencer and ‘From Little Acorns’ by Michelle Watts. Each play considered the impact of nature on children with stories that were funny, fantastical and thrilling.
As part of the project, audiences also took part in an urban nature hunt. Moving between each play, children picked up their special ‘Wild in the Heart’ card marked with a nature stamp - when they had collected all six, they received a special nature-themed goody bag.
The ‘Wild in the Heart’ project was a partnership between Beach Hut Theatre Company, Scarborough Library, Woodend Creative and Scarborough Borough Council, co-funded by NYCC Stronger Communities.
