1 week Ago
Fizzgigs, an arts group, has written an original play recounting the history of the Poor House, which was built on Swan Hill. The workhouse was built in 1790 and remained in place until 1930. The play, which will be performed on June 14 and 15 at St Mary’s Church, Ellesmere, will tell the stories of some of the inmates in the workhouse.
Fizzgigs members Kate Westgate and Jenny Wilbraham wrote the play after discovering that the Poor House had been near their own homes. Ms Westgate said: "The Poor House, as it was known, was demolished in 1939 and there is very little trace of it left. "We were absolutely fascinated by it and the stories that were linked to it.
"Fizzgigs has staged several historical productions about the town’s past, including the canals and the market charter, so this seemed the obvious choice for our next production." She added: "It’s our way of bringing local history to life in a kind of docu-drama that the entire community can get involved in." The play will be performed at 2.
30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday, June 14, and at 2.30pm on Sunday, June 15.
Entry is free, but there will be a voluntary collection at the end of each performance. The cast of 19 includes the Rev Pat Hawkins, vicar at St Mary’s, who has also offered the use of a silver chalice used in religious services at the workhouse. Ms Wilbraham said: "Researching the play has introduced us to some fascinating stories about people who were involved in the setting up of the original House of Industry in 1790 and the people who lived there through its history.
"The descendants of some of them are still in the area." She explained that the institution was initially set up as a House of Industry to support the area’s poor, but became a regulated Poor House with a much harsher regime after 1836. Ms Westgate, who is directing the performance, said: "We have taken the stories of just a few of the people who were involved in the workhouse and used them to tell the story of its 140-year history.
"It’s a story based on true events but not necessarily historically accurate." The family-friendly shows will feature original songs written by Fizzgigs member Mirjana Garland and performed by The Fizzgigs Band. Tickets are available from Ismay’s shop and Our Space in Ellesmere.
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