LOSING The Plot is something Mikron Theatre Company will never do.

After all, the company marks its 40th anniversary next year, a remarkable achievement given that arts organisations are facing some of the toughest economic times in years.

What has always driven this company’s success is its ability to deliver live theatre packed with music, humour and powerful storytelling.

The company travels by narrowboat on the country’s waterways in summer and by van on the roads in the autumn.

For 2012, Mikron has commissioned two new shows. One is called Losing The Plot and is by Yorkshire-born writer Deborah McAndrew.

It will be directed by Adam Sunderland, who like the company, is based in Marsden.

Deborah McAndrew has written extensively for the stage. Her recent work includes an adaptation of Accidental Death of an Anarchist for Northern Broadsides and Oliver Twist for Bolton Octagon Theatre.

Many will remember Deborah as Angie Freeman, a role she played in Coronation Street until 1998.

Adam Sunderland is an actor and director. His recent credits include The Water Babies, Heidi – A Goat’s Tale and Treasure Island all for Northern Broadsides, and Strange Voyages for Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough.

Adam’s show, Heidi was nominated for a TMA award two years ago.

Losing The Plot tells the stories of the gardeners of Thistledale Allotments, a rag-bag bunch of diggers and dreamers.

And given Mikron’s track record of staging shows in unusual venues, it is hardly surprising that they are on the look out for suitable allotments in which to stage this new piece.

Mikron’s Artistic Director, Marianne McNamara who commissioned Losing The Plot last summer, explained why she was drawn to the theme of allotments.

“Mikron have always told the story of events, innovations and movements through the eyes of ordinary people and communities,” she said.

“Losing The Plot explores the history of allotments, and how they are thriving these days in a time when self-sufficiency is making a resurgence.”