Two decades of top theatre (From Stroud News and Journal)

Two decades of top theatre

HEXAGON Theatre Company is celebrating 20 years of performing this year with a production of Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales at The Space in April.

Hexagon formed in 1985 with six members, hence the name. Their first production was Educating Rita at the Subscription Rooms, and in the intervening years they have put on nearly 40 plays, as well as numerous performances in conjunction with groups like Il Piccolo Coro.

"We've got a number of founder members back in the fold for The Canterbury Tales," said co-founder Mary Moore, "but we're also hoping to have a big party after the show where as many old Hexagonians will turn up, so I hope they'll get in touch.

"We're also hoping to find some new members for the company. We're always keen to attract new members, especially as we're all 20 years older than when we started. We have a number of younger members for The Canterbury Tales, but we always need more!"

Hexagon have spent the last 20 years balancing their output between the populist, such as Sheridan's The Rivals in 2000 and Terry Pratchett's Wyrd Sisters in 1999, and some highly challenging theatre, including Masterpieces by Sarah Daniels in 1989 and A Kind of Alaska by Harold Pinter in 2001.

Hexagon have performed throughout Gloucestershire, from Prema in Uley to Leyhill Open Prison, the Kings Theatre in Gloucester to Stroud's The Space. They were the first company to perform at The Space after it opened in February 2000.

The Canterbury Tales will be performed at The Space in Stroud on April 22 and 23 Tickets are available from the venue. For more information about Hexagon, call 01453 763705.