This year, it will be bigger, bolder and even more fun. KCT is back with this year’s summer street theatre on May 10th between 11am and 1pm.

Mayfest will add a blast of colour to the town centre as it passes through, promoting a sense of community spirit and raising awareness of a vibrant Kendal to both locals and visitors.

The company will sing, dance and make music on the streets of Kendal, progressing from Kendal Parish Hall to Waterside Cafe, Stramongate, Market Place, Outside the Library, here in Wainwright’s Yard and at the Birdcage. The company will perform a short play at each stop, telling a story through songs, mime and dance.

Each performance will be introduced by the Town Crier and followed by the ensemble singing an adaptation of the traditional May folk song, Hal an Tow, with some new verses composed to be specific to Kendal. Each chorus has a dance; each verse has a mimed scene – St George & Dragon; Spanish Armada; Dickie Doodle; Robin Hood.

All of KCT’s productions involve a diverse cast of people who bring a wide range of skills and talents to the group. Inclusion is at the heart of this company, and everyone is welcome. The company never auditions and builds its casts around the interested members. KCT is particularly active in working with people with diverse needs and abilities.

Local musicians and a group of London musicians with Kendal links will support the core group of Kendal Community Theatre actors. Enthusiasm is more important than perfection, and mistakes will be welcomed as an addition of local colour. Audience participation is also welcome, with members of the public invited to join in with the singing and dancing. The actors would like to encourage members of the public to follow the procession through the streets.