Family ties, birthday celebrations and pavlova come together to reveal the secrets hidden in Somerset’s strawberries.

“Sweet, poignant, nostalgic and terribly tragic” Audience Member

Birthday Day is a play about the truths and lies of a Somerset farming family. Three performers and the audience seamlessly entwine to create an annual family party, spanning 70 years. Uncle Brian, Cousin Georgina, Granny and Grandad: they’re all there to celebrate Jeanie and Lily, two sisters who share everything – including a birthday. But one year, on one birthday, at one family party, things change forever. You are invited to join the Birthday celebrations on the farm, and watch their story unfold.

Birthday Day is inspired by the short story A Notable Oak Tree by Nick White, which itself was inspired by conversations with Somerset farmer Duncan Palmer.  The story explores relationships, traditions, untold truths, birthdays and seasons of change.  It brings people together through food and theatre and encourages us to reflect on the relationship we have with our own community, the land and each other.

This performance is made possible by the generous support of Arts Council England, Take Art, The Octagon Theatre & Westlands Entertainment Venue, and Bridgwater Town Council.

Birthday Day is suitable for anyone aged 8+. The show has not been made with young children in mind but they are very welcome. If you have any questions around this please do contact us! 
 
Ticket price options
We want everyone to have the option to experience local theatre but we know that in these difficult financial times it’s not always possible. Standard tickets cost £10 each but we are offering multiple price options so that those who want to come but can’t afford it can buy a concession ticket at £8, and those who have the means and want to help others to experience theatre can buy an abundance ticket at £12.

Running time: approx. 1hr

Important information: 
As with many Wassail shows, the audience sits in the heart of the action.  In “Birthday Day”, you are one of the guests of a family party.  The performers may ask for your help with some small jobs on occasion.  If you don’t feel able to help, you don’t have to.

This performance takes place on uneven ground. Please wear suitable footwear and come prepared for the weather. Audience members are required to sit around tables. Although we have a few chairs available we are asking everyone to PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR. Contact us if you have any questions about this. wasson@wassailtheatre.co.uk

Access: This is a working farm. Please wear appropriate outdoor footwear and mind that there are sometimes sudden appearances of badger holes so please, watch your step!
There is a natural, hilly pathway to walk up to access the play setting, please account for this.

There are 2 toilets available with hand-washing station. Neither is accessibility toilet.

Dogs on leads are welcome at the farm. Please note they have two lovely pigs, Pearl and Barley, and other animals – so they MUST be on a lead.

Travelling to the farm: There is plenty of street parking on Glenfrome Road and the road opposite the farm.
Buses 47, 48, 49, 19, 24 and 25 are all nearby and can be accessed using the FirstBus app.
The nearest train station is Stapleton road and is under 20 minutes walk from the farm.

Refreshments: The canteen will be ​open serving tea, coffee and soft drinks. You are welcome to BYO drinks.

This show contains real food which is eaten by the cast during the action.  The food is in close proximity to the audience.

The food contains: strawberries, sugar & egg whites (whisked & baked into a meringue), and whipped cream.

Following the end of the performance, the audience is welcome to help themselves to the remaining food.

We cannot guarantee that these foods are free from food allergens. We advise those with food allergies or sensitivities to inform the stage manager or the cast before the performance begins.  We will do everything that we reasonably can to ensure the audience does not come into contact with any food they are allergic or sensitive to.