Boxford Masques return this summer written by acclaimed author Geraldine McCaughrean

The Boxford Masques return this year with another very special show, The River and The Bell, to be staged on the Boxford Rec from July 26 to 30 – under cover of canvas to keep any July tempests or heatwaves at bay!

As ever,this large scale singing/dancing/acting community show is open to new backstage helpers and performers, so if you’re interested in a gentle challenge or something different in your life, just message the Masques via the website boxfordmasques.org.uk where there’s plenty of information about the upcoming show and Masques past.

There’ll also be an informal Meet and Greet for all those interested, at the Village Hall in Boxford on Sunday (April 23) between 2.30pm and 4.30pm. Just turn up to find out all about the event and ask any questions in person from some of the organisers - there’ll be tea and cake!.

This year the show is all about Boxford itself, full of true and tall tales from the village’s history, and set in a once familiar local pub where a rag-tag band of musicians strike up a dance for one last time.

The play is written by acclaimed local author Geraldine McCaughrean, with original music from local legend Dave Stephens, and will be directed by the Watermill’s Ade Morris. Rehearsals will be held on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from May 31, with three Sundays in July when the panic sets in...

The actors will be of all ages and talents, and of course there’ll be a children’s company too - always a vital element (who’ll rehearse on Saturday afternoons in July).

So whether you’re five or 95, this is your chance.

The event is always such great fun, to either watch or be involved in, and the Masques are looking forward to repeating the huge success of their 2021 show Bellerophon.

Fingers crossed for warm weather, warm hearts and warm applause.

Watch this space for when tickets go on sale.