If it rains we get wet, says the director

8:43am Friday 16th May 2008

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ERIC Jones will ensure that open air theatre in Evesham is memorable. The experienced director, who has worked on Shakespeare productions at the Globe and a royal charity gala as well as pantomimes and village hall shows, is sacrificing his free time to do it, but happily so.

"It's going at a rate of knots," he said. "We're having two rehearsals a week and we're doing five of the most famous stories, including the Miller's Tale."

If the title doesn't give it away, the name of the playwright will: Geoffery Chaucer. Evesham Festival Players outdoor performance of The Canterbury Tales will take place at Evesham Garden Centre (Twyford) on Friday, July 18, and Saturday, July 19.

"I want to make it so people will want to come back next year," said Jones, referring to plans to make the open air event annual.

"I want to spend a decent amount of money building a decent set, with good lighting."

Earlier this month, the players were given a boost in the form of £3,500 from Evesham Town Council. And, while most people worry about Mother Nature, bad weather is far from taboo for Jones. "When people ask me what we'll do if it rains - and they do - I have one answer. We get wet.' I haven't enough brain space to worry about things so out of my control."

Jones is confident the sun will shine on the eagerly-awaited production.

The group is also performing Dylan Thomas's Under Milk Wood at Evesham Methodist Church in June.

Tickets are on sale at the Almonry, Evesham, and Evesham Book Shop. Tickets to The Canterbury Tales will be online in the near future.