Theatre in Keswick will return to its roots later this year.
Trailer Story pays homage to the Century Theatre – the inspiration for today’s Theatre by the Lake – and will see a trailer in Crow Park from August 5 to August 8 for performances.
Theatre by the Lake has joined forces with English Touring Theatre for the project.
Century Theatre, founded just after World War Two, was a collective and toured the country in a pop-up space pulled by trucks called The Blue Box.
The Blue Box eventually broke down on Lakeside car park where it remained for many years, leading to the campaign for the creation of Theatre by the Lake and a permanent home for theatre in Keswick.
Trailer Story will begin with a residency in Newcastle city centre and Keswick, where it is being presented with support from the National Trust before it sets off around the UK.
Performances will be housed in a touring truck, usually used to tour production sets around the country, but used as a space for artists and audiences to meet.
A spokesman said: “The project will celebrate our nation’s diversity, resilience and community spirit by programming an exciting range of events, giving a platform for local artists in each area to take over the space, making the festival unique to each location.”
Liz Stevenson, artistic director of Theatre by the Lake, said: “When I first heard about this idea I was overjoyed.
“People have such fond memories of the origins of Theatre by the Lake and the story of The Blue Box.
“This is such an exciting project to be part of, bringing our communities together and allowing a platform for national as well as local artists to showcase their work.”
Further details and tickets will be released soon.
