Soulstice

Year of production

2009, 2010

Location

Smithills Hall, Lancashire
Samlesbury Hall, Lancashire

Client

Bolton Council
Samlesbury Hall

A Twisted Tale of Two Seasons

A stunning new site specific theatre show was produced by AtmosFEAR! and premiered in the majestic medieval great hall at Smithills Hall in Lancashire over the 2009 Christmas season.

Soulstice - A Twisted Tale of Two Seasons is a contemporary production of a traditional mummers play performed by AtmosFEAR!'s troupe of Macabre Mummers. The production is a spectacular recreation of living heritage incorporating elements of mummers plays from centuries past and blending them with modern special effects to create a magical masterpiece.

The storyline was inspired by traditional themes which include a duel, resurrection and balance delivered through prose, dance and music. In Soulstice these themes have been given a twist, allowing for new characters and plotlines to support accepted mummer narratives. Our tale revolves around the battle of summer and winter for domination of the land, their battle for supremacy and the rebirth of the fallen King. A quack doctor, guiser, judge and dame complete the cast.

The Macabre Mummers are a band of theatrical performers whose material is based on the traditional mummer's plays of centuries past. Using lavish costumes and makeup, theatrical scores, new scripts and traditional storylines, AtmosFEAR! is completely re-imagineering mummers for a 21st century audience.

Historically, mummers were bands of rural performers who travelled the land performing seasonal folk plays with a variety of themes. The drama usually focussed on people's connection with the land, and performances were staged as the seasons changed. Often performed at Christmastide, mummer's plays were once a central feature of Yuletide celebrations, with mummer's performing in village squares, inns, great houses and castles.

Dressed in elaborate theatrical garb, and often wearing masks to hide their faces, mummer's plays delivered entertainment that would delight and amuse audiences in times long past. Today, AtmosFEAR! is reviving the tradition of mummers plays, producing dramatic living heritage. The Macabre Mummers present a vivid recreation of historical storytelling theatre which can be performed in any appropriate historical venue.

In line with AtmosFEAR!'s core product, The Macabre Mummers productions feature unexpected twists and mysterious timeless atmospheres which combine elements of the ancient plays with the contemporary effects of lighting, sound and even scents, to create an otherworldly ambience. The colourful and vibrant performances have been described by audiences as 'magical', 'artistic', 'authentic' and 'enthralling'.

Soulstice is now takings bookings for the Christmas season, the production is completely self contained and lasts 45 minutes, is performed by six mummers and requires a physical performance space of at least 7 by 5 metres as well as power for a portable 2 speaker PA system.

Download our Soulstice production guide for further information

Contact us now to find out how we can make your SCREAMS come true!