On Saturday evening, 4th May 2013, Preston’s Prestfest event proved to be a night of fabulous all round outdoor city centre entertainment. Murder most horrid was apparent on the streets of Preston when the Wooden Spoons Theatre company presented their ‘Cut Throat Tour’. This exceptional performance was part of a walk around the Church Street area of Preston led by three of the Wooden Spoons actors, Sharon Lancaster (artistic Director), Hayley Ginger and Gareth Price-Baghurst.
AdvertisementThe audience witnessed re-enactments of several murders which took place in the 18th and 19th centuries. Sharon and Hayley, who represented two gentlemen of those bygone times, told the audience of gruesome tails involving murder and subterfuge in the dark and dingy alleyways of old Preston while Gareth played eerie incidental music on the accordion which gave a wonderfully macabre atmosphere to the proceedings.
The Wooden Spoons Theatre are developing this ‘Ghost Tour’ and hope to continue in providing more of these thrilling performances in the near future. The company worked very hard in researching the historical material to give the whole event accuracy and authenticity. We say, very well done to all and wish the ‘Spoons’ every success in their work.
A late night performance from the Worldwise Samba Drummers took place in front of St. John’s Minster on Church Street. There ensued an extremely thrilling and rhythmic performance by the Preston based group of Samba drummers who regularly perform various genres of percussion at the University of Central Lancashire.
Crowds of partying people gathered around as the band of drummers beat out many ‘body moving’ and hypnotic sounds for more than an hour. Church Street was alive with exciting rhythm which gave the Prestfest event a terrific festival feel.
Review by Paul D. Swarbrick & Gillian A. Lawson.