A PLAY about a gardener with a remarkable ability to re-imagine country estates and mansions is going on tour throughout Dorset next month.

The Eye-Catcher will be staged as part of this year's 300th anniversary celebrations of Lancelot 'Capability' Brown.

Starring John Cobb, this is an affectionate, comic and visually stimulating show, where we meet the man himself; charming, personable and the first professional gardener.

The play is touring to Nether Compton Village Hall, Broadoak Village Hall, Milton Abbey School Theatre and Drimpton Village Hall from June 14 to 17.

His effortless climb from Northern anonymity to becoming one of the most famous names in England is recounted, with evocative music, stunning visuals and puppetry.

The 2016 Capability Brown Festival is the first celebration of his works, and brings together a huge range of events, openings and exhibitions. In association with this, Artsreach are pleased to be bringing a brand new theatre show based on his life and gardens to Dorset.

Brown reimagined and redesigned country estates and mansions throughout the eighteenth century, moving hills, making flowing lakes and serpentine rivers and creating a magical world of green. In 1741 he reached Stowe, Buckinghamshire where he rapidly assumed responsibility for the execution of both architectural and landscaping works in the famous garden. While at Stowe, Brown also began working as an independent designer and contractor and in autumn 1751, he was able to move with his family to the Mall, Hammersmith, the market garden area of London.

Here in Dorset there are just three gardens designed in part or in whole by Brown; at Sherborne Castle (one of Brown’s first commissions), Highcliffe Castle in Christchurch, and around Milton Abbey in Milton Abbas. Artsreach is especially excited to be touring The Eyecatcher to Nether Compton, near to Sherborne, and to Milton Abbey School in the grounds of a Capability Brown garden.

With a post show discussion led by actor John, prepare to be entranced by the gardens of Lancelot Capability Brown.

The Eyecatcher comes to Nether Compton on June 14. Call 01935 413220 for tickets. On June 15 it comes to Broadoak Village Hall. Call 01308 424922 for tickets. On June 16 it will be at Milton Abbey School Theatre. Call 01258 882322 for tickets. On June 17 it will be at Drimpton Village Hall. Call 01308 867442 for tickets.

See artsreach.co.uk or capabilitybrown.org for more information.

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