The Hatters Requiem & Strange Meetings

A chance to see premiere performances of two hour-long shows, in Oswestry for two nights only. Both written by Shaun Higgins and developed by local arts troupe Spike Rose Productions, Strange Meetings and The Hatter’s Requiem are two very different shows united in shared themes – an exploration of identity and searching for belonging – both told with a mix of humour and pathos.

STRANGE MEETINGS

Drawing on his history, his poetry and his letters, Strange Meetings documents the later life of Wilfred Owen, beginning with his admission to hospital with shell-shock, his auspicious meeting with Siegfried Sassoon and the resulting flourish of poetry, his return to France, and the final and fatal battle in November 1918. Alive with the richness of his language and humour, this is the story of Oswestry poet and soldier Wilfred Owen, told in his own words.

THE HATTER’S REQUIEM

Searching for his beloved Alice in a race against Time, Hatter leaves home. But what is Wonderland without Hatter? And – more importantly – what is Hatter without Wonderland? Catapulted into an even topsy-turvier dark near-future, our galumphing hero must face some terrible truths … But if all truth comes at a cost, will the discovery be worth the price paid? An exploration of excitement, The Hatter’s Requiem follows our mimsy milliner’s quest for love and identity and – ultimately – redemption. A quirky ensemble adventure awaits. Tick tock!

The Hatter’s Requiem is scheduled to appear at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and all proceeds from these shows (including the interval raffle!) will go towards offsetting our production costs.