Northumberland Theatre Company is set to thrill rural audiences the length and breadth of Great Britain with its imaginative adaptation of Charles Dickens’ The Old Curiosity Shop, from 3rd September until 30th October, 2010.

This extensive tour, which takes the company to 40 rural venues in England, Scotland and Wales, comes to Edinvillie Hall on Tuesday 7th September 2010 at 7.30pm.

Penned by regular NTC playwright Steward Howson, this innovative adaptation features a cast of six with actor Helen Buchanan who, in a twist on this classic tale of the struggle between good and evil, takes on the roles of both Little Nell and Quilip.

Gillian Hambleton, director of the production said: “As a small touring theatre company going to many rural venues that aren’t necessarily equipped for staging plays, we have to be very imaginative not only with our sets but also in how we adapt the story. This is an ensemble piece, storytelling through physical creation of images and characters. In it, we have a twist to the tale with a female actor playing both leading roles – reflecting the central theme of the play – the struggle between good and evil.”

Staying true to the inner life of the book this adaptation shows Dickens at his best - both humorous and a master of the grotesque – as the story follows Nell and her gambling-addicted Grandfather taking flight from demons and enemies.

“The story is actually not about a shop at all. It’s a journey - undertaken by Nell and her Grandfather. Along the road they meet a whole fun and horror house set of characters who help and hinder, amuse and bemuse, sucker and succour them. It will definitely take the audience on a rollercoaster ride of emotions,” she added.