YOU simply can't keep them off the water.
They spend all summer touring the waterways by narrowboat taking theatre to canalside communities. And in the autumn, they take to the road, by van. Most of the time.
Mikron Theatre Company are back home in Marsden, preparing for their second big tour of recent months.
Just back from a national tour for the 34th year in a row, Mikron's four actor-musicians will soon head out again with a pair of shows that have been wowing audiences nationwide.
The company will kick off its 24th autumn, supposedly land-based tour, with a trip on the Rochdale Canal.
Usually, when the company heads out into the South Pennines and surrounding regions, the actors leave Tyseley behind and travel courtesy of a large red van.
That's certainly what they will be doing on a six-week tour from mid September to late October as they take their two shows to pubs, restaurants, community centres, village halls and arts centres across Yorkshire, Lanchashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside.
First date on the tour is at the Marina in Hebden Bridge and an appointment with Verdopolis, a luxury trip boat.
On September 19, Mikron will stage a performance on board during a 2½-hour cruise on the Rochdale Canal. Supper will be served.
Those who catch up with the company on this tour will see two brand new shows.
Wheel Of Fortune charts the changing fortunes of the Forth and Clyde Union canals which connect Glasgow and Edinburgh.
It was written by the now usual Mikron writing team of Mike Lucas and Jim Woodland with original music and songs, also written by Jim.
The company's four performers have to combine acting talents with musical skills.
Between them Ellen Callender, Laura Sydonie, Robert Took and Daniel Wexler, play instruments including clarinet, saxophone, violin, guitar, keyboard, harmonica, flute and African drum.
The second show is Village Voices, written and directed by Richard Povall. An affectionate look at life in a small community, it has music by Richard and by Rebekah Hughes.
Local dates include Nosh at Almondbury(September 20, October 4 and 18), the Butcher's Arm at Hepworth (September 27), Shelley Village Hall (September 29), the Golcar Lily (October 19) and Marsden Mechanics (October 28).
Full details from Mikron on 01484 843701 or www.mikron.org.uk
