Theatre

Event

21st November 2024 - 23rd November 2024

Our Country's Good at Wirksworth Town Hall

A gritty comedy-drama follows the officers and convicts in the first penal colony in Australia.



About

21st November 2024 - 23rd November 2024 7:30 pm - 12:00 am

Set in the late 1700s, in the yet-to-be-named Australia, this gritty comedy-drama follows the officers and convicts in the first penal colony as they come to grips with their new realities. When one of the officers makes a request to put on a play using the convicts as actors, it creates turmoil amongst the officers. Should prisoners be punished or given the chance to act in a ‘frippery play’? But the play transforms both the officers and convicts in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Women in particular, from desperately impoverished backgrounds and battling with the brutal convict regime, find their voices and self esteem through performing in the play. They become ‘Ladies’ and even ‘Gentlemen' acting in The Recruiting Officer.

​In fact, the convicts in New South Wales did stage The Recruiting Officer under the direction of 2nd Lieutenant Ralph Clark. The characters in the play are all based on real people whose letters and journals recorded these events, maybe not exactly as they will be portrayed, but certainly close enough to make the point - can theatre be a humanising and rehabilitative force?

Our Country's Good is covered in accolades, including the 1988 Laurence Olivier award for Play of the Year, a 1991 Tony Nomination for Best Play, and a 1991 New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Foreign Play. Chatsworth Players' production, directed by Maggie Ford, will be a gripping and thought-provoking evening.

Chatsworth Players will be raising money for Rideout, Creative Arts for Rehabilitation during these performances. Rideout (Creative Arts for Rehabilitation) was established in 1999 in order to develop innovative, arts-based approaches to working with prisoners and staff within U.K. prisons. We are delighted to be able to support them, and hope that our performance sheds some light on the importance of their work.

Age guidance 16+

Tickets £15 General Admission


How To Find Us

Nearby places to stay

Business

The Old Lock-Up

Unusual and quirky historical and unique guest accomodation. Perfect for a romantic break or for business people wanting to stay somewhere distinctly…


Business

Walker Peak Cottages

Our 2 bedroom, dog friendly cottage located down a quiet lane in Wirksworth is an ideal base for a Peak District stay.


Business

Weathericks and Bradstone

Two charming 5-star cottages set in beautiful countryside with spectacular views over Carsington Water on the edge of the Peak District National…


Submit an event

Do you organise an event in the Peak District and Derbyshire? If so, please submit the details of your event here for the chance to see it published on our What's On page free of charge.

Event submission banner image

Sign up to our newsletter

Receive the latest news, special offers, ideas and inspiration straight to your inbox by signing up to the Visit Peak District & Derbyshire e-newsletter.

18074061679080232