Salisbury announce third annual Theatre Fest West

Salisbury Playhouse has announced the programme for Theatre Fest West 2014, a celebration of the most imaginative theatre from the region. Now in its third year, Theatre Fest West is bigger than ever, welcoming companies from across the south west to take part in events at Salisbury Playhouse, Salisbury Arts Centre and Trowbridge Arts during April.

Highlights at Salisbury Playhouse include Visitors, the new play by Barney Norris, which opens the festival on Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 April. In a farmhouse on the edge of Salisbury Plain a family is falling apart. Stephen cannot afford to put his mother into care and Arthur cannot afford to stop working to care for his wife. When a young stranger moves in to care for Edie the family is forced to ask if they are living the way they wanted. Presented by Up in Arms, Visitors stars Linda Bassett, whose many screen credits include East is East, Calendar Girls and Larkrise to Candleford.

Following their hugely popular 2012 production of The Crowstarver, Exeter-based Theatre Alibi returns on Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 April with Hammer and Tongs, which digs deep into the human compulsion to argue the toss. From farcical fisticuffs at a wedding disco to squabbling for control of the TV remote, this is a very human comedy – physical, funny, absurd, musical, moving and absolutely bloody minded.

Forest Forge Theatre Company presents Battles Lines on Tuesday 15 April – a trilogy of short plays that explores the region’s experiences of war. Covering the First and Second World Wars whilst also encompassing modern warfare, this trio of plays has been written by David Haworth and explores the way war has shaped the lives of generations.

On Monday 7 April, The Story Exchange will be roaming the streets of Salisbury, engaging passers-by with the act of story making. Armed with games, exercises, challenges, competitions and spontaneous performances, the madcap Exchange staff wheel their barrow through the streets so the whole family can enjoy sharing stories at this free event.

For a full list of productions please visit www.salisburyplayhouse.com

– Kris Hallett