MIKRON Theatre are making a splash as they stride out in Stroud with two shows next week.

The award-winning waterways theatre company celebrate the heroes of the RNLI and the history of YHA on their summer tour, stopping at two Stroud venues on August 26.

Now in their 46th year, Mikron Theatre Company bring their energetic, fresh and original tales of the everyday people and national institutions.

In at the Deep End, performed at 7.30pm at Maypole Village Hall, Paganhill, dives into two hundred years of saving lives at sea with the RNLI.

Mikron and their team of four talented actor/musicians have turned their talents to recreating the history and modern-day challenges of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

The fast-paced plot zips backwards and forwards through the years, throwing up little-known facts and questions to ponder, all setting sail in a sea of live music and memorable characters.

With maritime music composed by Rebekah Hughes and fathoms of fun in Laurence Peacock's brand new script, join Mikron as they celebrate a favourite national institution.

Amy Casbolt, RNLI community fundraising manager, said: ‘It's really exciting that the Mikron Theatre Company is touring with a play about our lifesaving charity. The RNLI was founded in 1824 and our volunteers have a rich tapestry of inspiring stories to tell.

‘We're delighted that the play will spread the word about the RNLI and its history. We are also very grateful that Mikron will donate 50 percent of box office takings from shows which are hosted at RNLI venues, this will help us to continue our vital work of saving lives at sea.'

The second show touring the region is Best Foot Forward.

This time it's the turn of YHA (Youth Hostelling Association) to get the Mikron treatment. The show is performed at Rodborough Community Hall on the afternoon of August 26.

Best Foot Forward is written by Maeve Larkin and directed by Marianne McNamara. The show traces the history of Youth Hostelling from its inception in 1911 in the mind of a young, German teacher-soldier who found himself in No Man's Land at the Christmas Truce, through to its founding in Britain in the 30s and right up-to-date with modern hostels still holding true to the founding ideals.

Marianne McNamara, artistic director of Mikron said: "I take the legacy of Mikron very seriously and our promise to make theatre everywhere for everyone.

"For 46 years Mikron has toured to places that other companies don't, and that means we are often deep in heart of the countryside, with no venue nearby, or finding ourselves performing in the most unlikely of places - a boatyard, an allotment site, even inside a tunnel. And this year we will be adding Youth Hostels and Lifeboat Stations to the places we perform in!"

  • For tickets to both shows and more information call Box Office 01453 758138 or visit mikron.org.uk