A THEATRE company has been created to perform open air plays in the Dales based on local legends.
The Penny Plain theatre company grew from an idea for a fringe festival at Grassington, in Wharfedale, and rehearsals have started on the first production.
A £5,000 grant from the National Lottery has boosted the project. The show is based on the legend of Tom Lee, a local brigand, played by Andrew Jackson.
A suggestion last year by local amateur actor Mark Bamforth to come up with a light-hearted alternative to the international Grassington Festival was taken up by Mr Jackson and other friends, who spoke to festival director Amelia Vyvyan.
Mr Jackson said the Grassington Festival constitution meant only professional companies could perform, so they decided to start one.
He and his wife, Angela, fresh from her role as Morgan Le Fey in the local pantomime, formed the group with help from Craven District Council arts officer Catherine Johnson.
The grant will help buy and adapt a truck to serve as a stage and towards publicity, buying and hiring period costumes and props and paying musicians and other professionals.
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