SHAKE is delighted to announce the famous Suffolk-based sculptor LAURENCE EDWARDS has
joined the creative team for the new stage production of AKENFIELD.
“I’m intrigued to work within a stage set, designing all the elements. It’s a fascinating new
challenge for a sculptor” he said from his studio in Saxmundham. “Akenfield is part of my
background, and close to the hearts of so many in Suffolk and wider East Anglia.”
The newly completed play has been adapted from Ronald Blythe’s iconic Akenfield; Portrait of an
English Village. The new play has been written by Glenn Wilhide, who lives in Suffolk full time
and is best known for producing the first series of The Royle Family with Caroline Aherne, among
other TV and film credits.
“Writing a play for Suffolk people to perform, based on Ronald Blythe’s superb writing, has been
an exciting project.”
Taking its lead from the 1975 film which was performed by non-professional local people, and
echoing the book itself with its 49 testimonies by local people, the stage play of Akenfield is being
cast authentically from within the Suffolk community.
Traditional and original music for the production is being composed by the young local Folk
musician Finn Collinson, who will be playing live on stage with other musicians during
performances.
Produced by Jenny Hall and Liz Cook via the Benhall-based theatre company SHAKE Festival, and
directed by Jenny Hall, the new play will initially be performed as 9 previews in Framlingham,
Halesworth, Ipswich, Stowmarket and Saxmundham.