Twits, Wits and Bawdy Baskets plays at the Lion Salt Works on June 14th

31 May 2019 09:21
Published by: Daniel Almond

 

On Friday 14 June at 7.30pm, ‘Twits, Wits and Bawdy Baskets’, a riotous, cross-dressing comedy comes to Northwich’s atmospheric Lion Salt Works Museum. The play explores sexuality, class, identity and gender through the eyes of its lively Elizabethan cast. Parking is free, tickets cost £10 and can be purchased at the Museum’s reception desk or online at www.northwichlitfest.co.uk 

 

This dazzling comedy, which also contains original songs, was written by Northern actor, Steve Cooper* He wrote the play to explore the interesting theme of how attitudes to gender and the homeless have changed in the 400 years since the first Queen Elizabeth was on the throne.

The play is set late in the reign of Queen Elizabeth where most women are little more than the property of father or husband. After a population explosion, poor harvests, rising food prices and lower wages many people are forced into a life of wretched vagrancy. Against this backdrop a starving, ever-hopeful but hapless band of rogues decide to make a killing among the Northern gentry by passing themselves off as a recognised London company of strolling players. A young lady who would be a writer stands in their way.

Twits, Wits and Bawdy Baskets is a hilarious romp through a re-imagined history, using people and places which actually existed, to produce a comedic farce that will provoke thought and much merriment. The Lion Salt Works Museum is pleased to be hosting this performance as part of Northwich LitFest.

The Lion Salt Works Museum has won nine awards since opening in 2015 after a four-year £10m restoration, including winning the National Lottery’s top award for heritage projects in 2016. Cheshire’s Lion Salt Works Museum tells the story of salt in fun and interactive displays, including a sound and light show that evokes the steam rising from the giant salt pans. In addition to a children’s play area, shop, butterfly garden and café, there are also year-round activities. These range from Touring Rural Arts plays, Salt Sunday and Live & Local events to folk evenings and events featuring historic narrowboats. 

 

You may be interested in