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Live indoor theatre returns to Lyth Arts Centre and the kids love it





Children with their parents in the theatre of Lyth Arts Centre at the end of this week's production of Two in a Barrel. Picture: DGS
Children with their parents in the theatre of Lyth Arts Centre at the end of this week's production of Two in a Barrel. Picture: DGS

One of the first live theatre performances, since lockdown restrictions came into operation two years ago, took place at Lyth Arts Centre (LAC) to the delight of the children and parents who attended.

Performers Ruxy Cantir and Sarah Rose Graber were on stage for their quirky environmental production called Two in a Barrel – which concerns two characters stuck in a barrel on an island of plastic rubbish.

Performers Ruxy Cantir (right) and Sarah Rose Graber on stage at Lyth Arts Centre for last Monday's Two in a Barrel show. Picture: DGS
Performers Ruxy Cantir (right) and Sarah Rose Graber on stage at Lyth Arts Centre for last Monday's Two in a Barrel show. Picture: DGS
Children and their parents enjoying the workshop by Ruxy and Sarah on Monday afternoon. Picture: DGS
Children and their parents enjoying the workshop by Ruxy and Sarah on Monday afternoon. Picture: DGS

"It's really a blessing to be coming back to this. We've been really missing it so it feels delightful to be doing it all again," said Ruxy after last Monday's show.

Sarah added: "And being artists, the big part of making work is about community and connection. The opportunity to feed back and share spaces is so fulfilling because it allows us to bring back the magic of what theatre is all about."

Ruxy said that their current production is about "how we deal with sharing space, consumerism and the waste we create". Two in a Barrel is a "clown-inspired, physical theatre performance" for young audiences (ages 5+) and though the two artists do various family-orientated productions, they have also created shows that are more geared towards adults.

Sarah, left, and Ruxy then conducted a workshop with the children after their performance at Lyth Arts Centre on Monday afternoon. Picture: DGS
Sarah, left, and Ruxy then conducted a workshop with the children after their performance at Lyth Arts Centre on Monday afternoon. Picture: DGS
Two in a Barrel is a welcome return of live theatre permormances in the Lyth-based venue. Picture: DGS
Two in a Barrel is a welcome return of live theatre permormances in the Lyth-based venue. Picture: DGS

"Our hearts and our heads have been re-energised and filled with such joy to be back sharing spaces and to connect with audiences," said Sarah. "So many, during the pandemic, have really missed what it means to engage with art in this way. It feels like a real privilege to connect with them and share this work...and feel the joy that's coming back at us."

"You don't get that joy when you're doing an online thing," added Ruxy. Over the lockdown period, the two kept busy with online performances and workshop facilitations and even performed outdoor shows, such as last year's Unicorn Dance Party at LAC.

Two in a Barrel workshop after the main theatre event. Picture: DGS
Two in a Barrel workshop after the main theatre event. Picture: DGS

Charlotte Mountford, LAC co-director said: "'It has been wonderful to welcome performers and audiences back inside the LAC theatre this spring after a long hiatus.

"We have been really overwhelmed by the audience response with many shows selling out. All of the performers so far have commented on the warm Caithness welcome they've had with several telling us Caithness has given the best and biggest crowds on their entire tours. We look forward to carrying on throughout the year."

The full programme of forthcoming events at the arts centre can be found online at: lytharts.org.uk/

Related article:

Co-director of Lyth Arts Centre leaves at end of this month


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