ON the 20th August at 1pm, Spaniel in the Works Theatre Company will present The Final Journey of Edward Wilson at Saint Saviours Church in Tetbury.

This is the start of a collaboration between the Stroud based theatre company and the Churches Conservation Trust to bring theatre to historic church buildings.

This emotional play, first performed at the Everyman Cheltenham, charts the life of Edward Wilson, explorer, artist and naturalist who journeyed with Scott to the Antarctic and died with him there.

Wilson encounters a mysterious figure as he and his fellow explorers face the end of their journey at the Pole, from this meeting the audience find out about his remarkable life.

Cheltenham born Edward Wilson, was also a caring and religious man and the play explores all facets of his character, not only as an enthusiastic man of science and highly skilled wildlife artist but also as the peacemaker and problem solver on the expeditions.

“Wilson is one of the most remarkable men I have written about,” writer and director John Bassett said “His enthusiasm for wildlife and care and compassion for his fellow man shines through. The play celebrates his life and his work. It is great to be performing the show in these marvellous historic buildings and Saint Saviour’s is a lovely intimate space for the performance. Other performances are planned for later in the year including an exciting community project.”

The Final Journey of Edward Wilson can also be seen at 8.00 p.m. at the Fountain Inn, Gloucester on Thursday 18th August and at 8.00 p.m. at The Painswick Centre on Friday 19th August.

After the hour long performance there will be a chance to see projections of some of the remarkable paintings and sketches that Wilson made.

Tickets for The Final Journey of Edward Wilson are £ 8.00 and £ 5.00 and available from Gloucester Tourist Information, Stroud Tourist Information and Tetbury Tourist Information Centres or online at www.spanielworks.co.uk

Press release ends

Picture attached Sam Rohwer as Edward Wilson – picture by Ned Gibbons

For more information or review tickets please contact Spaniel in the Works on 07941284878 or info@spanielworks.co.uk

Listings information

Thursday 18th August 8.00 p.m.

Spaniel in the Works Theatre Company present The Final Journey of Edward Wilson

The Fountain Inn, 53 Westgate St, Gloucester, GL1 2NW

This emotional play focuses on the life and work of Edward Wilson – artist, naturalist and polar explorer who died with Scott at the South Pole.

Tickets £ 8.00, £ 5.00 (Concessions)

Box Office: 01452 396572 or www.spanielworks.co.uk