LAURIE Lee’s classic memoir of Cotswold rural life from 100 years ago is brought dramatically to life on the Dawlish stage later this month when the Shaftesbury Theatre Company presents ‘Cider With Rosie’, adapted for the stage by James Roose-Evans.

A large all-age cast, with several actors playing multiple roles, will playfully recreate the rich assortment of villagers from Lee’s youth – marking his famous book’s 65th anniversary and his own 110th birthday.

The show promises an evening of fun, creative energy, imagination, poignancy, reflection, film, music and lashing of local cider, courtesy of Local cider maker Ashcombe Cider,  and local historian Viv Wilson is appearing as never before… 56 years after first singing solo at The Shaftesbury Theatre.

This special Spring production is attracting plenty of interest, particularly after cast members were seen filming in Dawlish over Easter. 

Their portrayals will take audiences on a nostalgic journey to taste life on the edge: the edge of the Cotswolds, the edge of a now vanished age and the edge of an apple orchard in summer. “Never to be forgotten, that first long secret drink of golden fire, juice of those valleys and of that time, wine of wild orchards, of russet summer, of plump red apples and Rosie’s burning cheeks. Never to be forgotten or tasted again.” 

Tickets for the 7.30pm performances between April 24 and 27 at 7.30pm are available online at https://shaftesbury-dawlish.co.uk or from the box office on 01626 863061.