Rising Waters

Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th July 2024

A magical fish, a mysterious girl and a message for the world. In the midst of Rising Waters, what does the river have to tell us? And will we be brave enough to listen?

The Chew Valley Players have prepared a spectacular community celebration, full of hope, to commemorate the 1968 floods. They’ve worked for months on its creation and have built an enormous puppet fish, written songs, and avidly rehearsed a history play. However, when an unsuspected guest arrives, the message they thought they had to deliver gets turned on its head. Who is this mysterious girl, soaked to the skin? Why is she here, and what could she possibly have to tell us?

Produced by Valley Arts this brand-new play written for the Chew Valley is influenced by the ideas and lived experiences of Chew Valley residents, acknowledging the multi-layered history of the area. The culmination of over a year in the making, and hundreds of community participants, this project asks us to consider how we will thrive alongside the rising waters of the future.

Created by a community cast and a professional team of directors, writer and designer, ‘Rising Waters’ a sensational feast for the eyes, a balm for the spirit, and a community inspired event not to be missed.

Directors – Emma Earle & Kate McGregor
Playwright – Toby Hulse
Designer – Zoe Squire
Production Manager – Anthony Clements

Notes on Performance

• Doors open at 2pm for the 3pm show and 6pm for the 7pm show. Yeo Valley have kindly offered for ticket holders to wander around the fabulous organic garden before the show. The pre-performance will start at 3pm & 7pm in the gardens and the stage show will commence at 3.30pm & 7.30pm.
• Chairs, picnics, blankets and any other low level accessories are welcome. No seating will be provided.
• In case of rain, please don’t bring umbrellas as they block sight-lines for other audience members. Ponchos and raincoats are just as fetching, so please wear these instead.
• The Production will run at approximately 60 minutes with no interval.
• This is an outdoors performance, surfaces may be uneven. There is a flagstone pathway to the grass performance area, which is all on one level.
• This is a working farm – No dogs allowed.
• If you have any access related questions ahead of the performance please get in touch!
• You are welcome to bring your own picnic, which must only be consumed on the Haha garden where the stage will be. Valley Arts will be running a bar, so please support us by buying your drinks from us.

Valley Arts have been running free puppetry workshops in schools during May and June. As part of this children have made and learnt how to operate colourful fish puppets. If they bring their fish puppet with them on either 13th or 14th July, they can join in the performance and come for free. (Please note you still need to book the free place, and children must be accompanied by an adult who has purchased a ticket)

If you have a child who has not made a puppet fish at school, but would like to, please click button for a template and instructions.