Carol’s Christmas

Boxworks theatre began as a Falmouth University Graduate company in August of 2019 with original members Ellie Hawkes, Robyn Collind, River Owsley-Brown and Ollie McFarlane.

Their first performance was a 10 minute version of Grimms ‘Hansel and Gretel’ with their friend Henry Irving at the Barbicans ‘Septemberfest’. Following the success of this performance, Boxworks embarked on an attempt to write and produce a full length Christmas show to be performed Christmas of 2019. Seeking inspiration they went around local retirement homes interviewing the residents about their christmas memories. From these series of interviews ‘Carols Christmas’ was created and shown in December of 2019 at Falmouth Rugby club, The original cast being Robyn Collins, River Owsley-Brown, Grace Collett, Henry Irving, and Ollie Mcfarlane. After this, due to illness of members, other commitments, and a global pandemic; Boxworks has been dormant for most of 2020 but are thrilled to come back with ‘Carol’s Christmas’. Albeit with a slightly different cast.

Cast members are: Ollie McFarlane, Grace Collette, James Darcy, River Oosley-Brown, Lydia Coulls-Day.

The show is about Carol (a care worker in an old folks home) who is working on Christmas Day and she talks to the old folks about their various memories of Christmas. We went around local old folks homes (in Truro and Falmouth) and asked residents there to share their Christmas memories so all the stories we tell in the show are based on true stories from local people. The play touches on themes like dementia, loneliness and community.

Cornwall based theatre company Popp Theatre have created a new, innovative theatre space for an exciting season of performance in Truro.

Gwaryjy (‘theatre in the house’ in Cornish) contains 16 clear pods, each cocooning the audience around the stage, creating a safe space for both the audience and the performers. Based at the Pydar Pop Up in Truro, Gwaryjy is a fully accessible venue created by Catherine Lake & Jason Gerdes.

Each pod has space for 4 people, and pods will be sold as a whole, costing £30. A single occupancy rate will be available for £20.

Popp Theatre is supported by Arts Council, Crowdfunder, Cornwall, Council, Truro City Council, Arts Well, and Stephens Scown LLP.