Packed line up to celebrate 50 years of the Plough Arts Centre

The Plough Arts Centre in Great Torrington is inviting the community to join it in celebrating a milestone anniversary.

Half a century ago on April 11 The Plough opened its doors to bring the community together through theatre, film, art and live performance, becoming a true cultural hub for the town.

Through thick and thin, a pandemic and funding fears, the theatre has endured and in the coming weeks is hosting various shows and events to mark its 50th anniversary.

What better way to celebrate a 50th than with a rip-roaring pantomime – and Wotcha Gotcha – Pantomonium brings a hilarious three show run to the Plough on Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12.

It brings together a cast of 22 local performers in a unique and hilarious blend of Victorian, Dickensian, and Steampunk comedy - mixed with traditional British panto and a few Plough-themed surprises.

Suitable for ages from eight to infinity, the show also stars actor and writer Emlyn Harris, a veteran of 26 pantomimes and now also a Torrington resident.

Expect to see the Mad Hatter and Alice, Professor Moriarty and other Holmes-esque characters, Oliver Twist and the Artful Dodger, a fabulous panto dame and a whole host of other fantastic characters. Of course, no Plough panto would be complete without a pantomime ‘Plough Cow’…

During his long career in theatre, television and radio, Emlyn Harris has appeared in pantomimes alongside a host of stars, including Fawlty Towers ‘Manuel’, Andrew Sachs, Dad’s Army actor Ian Lavender, comic legend Barry Cryer, Bernie Winters and Schnorbitz and Doctor Who actor Peter Davison, plus film and movie star Gary Oldman.

Above: Veteran panto dame, actor, writer and now Torrington resident Emlyn Harris will be starring in The Plough’s 50th birthday pantomime on April 11 and 12. Credit: Plough Arts Centre

Emlyn said: “I moved to Torrington a few months ago and one of the principal reasons for choosing this town - apart from its delightful setting and amenities - was The Plough Arts Centre.

“The range of creative workshops and opportunities it offers for people to engage with the arts is remarkable. The talented young people in the panto cast have already experienced the joys of live theatre through The Plough Arts Centre’s Youth Theatre and its many creative workshops for all ages and abilities.”

Also on April 11, The Plough is bringing Tarka the Otter back to the big screen, offering audiences the chance to revisit the dramatic and moving story of Tarka’s survival in the wild.

The Plough is calling on anyone with memories or stories about the making of this beloved film to get in touch and share their experiences – please email mail@theploughartscentre.org.uk.

A special anniversary exhibition also opens on April 11 and runs until May 31 - 50 Years of The Plough: Anniversary Exhibition chronicles the theatre’s journey, showcases its evolution, including film screenings, theatre productions, art exhibitions and outreach programmes.

Those who have been part of this incredible journey are encouraged to add their voices to a ‘Story Box’ video installation at the venue where they can share their Plough memories.

The exhibition has a preview night on Thursday, April 10 at 6.30pm, with all welcome and entry is free.

For more information about The Plough Arts Centre and forthcoming shows and events, please visit www.theploughartscentre.org.uk.