Little rats invited to join park show

More than 400 people are invited to attend Leamington's largest ever free outdoor theatre production at a two-day arts festival taking place in the town centre.
Art in the ParkArt in the Park
Art in the Park

As part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, Leamington-based Heartbreak Productions is bringing its popular stage production, Ratburger, to Jephson Gardens on Saturday, August 6.

The play is the headline performance at the free-to-attend Art in the Park festival, which attracted more than 5,000 visitors last year and is taking place over the weekend of August 6 and 7.

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The production, which is being brought to the festival by Listers Volkswagen in Apollo Way, Gusto Restaurant in Regent Street and Leamington’s Armed Forces Community Covenant, is the first stage adaptation of children’s book Ratburger – which won Children’s Book of the Year in 2012 and was written by David Walliams.

Art in the Park and Heartbreak Productions have joined theatrical forces to offer children the opportunity to be a part of the story by taking to the stage during the festival performance.

Up to 40 children aged from seven upwards are invited to become ‘camo-rats’ by taking part in two workshops to create their own rat masks and learn a dance - which they will perform for the show’s opening song.

Carole Sleight, organiser of Art in the Park, said: “This is a rare opportunity which has been provided by three well-known businesses in the town who want to share Heartbreak’s birthday with the community and we are very grateful for their support.

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“Ratburger blends dark reality with irreverent comedy to entertain children and parents, so we are confident the play will be popular at this year’s Art in the Park.

“It is the latest in a long line of fantastic bookings and with more than 120 artists, musicians and performers signed up to exhibit, the festival promises to offer another year of exciting art and entertainment.”

Stephanie Kerr, executive director at BID Leamington which helped to make the event a permanent fixture in the town, said: “Leamington has a diverse creative scene so it is really pleasing to see the community supporting the event.”

Maddy Kerr, executive director at Heartbreak Productions, said: “We look forward to providing a dynamic evening of entertainment.”

For more information, or to book tickets and register your child to take part in the performance, visit www.artinpark.co.uk.

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