Behold Ye Ramblers Theatre part of the Live & Local’s Community Touring Scheme to come to Coddington Village Hall in April

A new theatre show, which tells the beginnings of the struggle for the right to roam movement is coming to stage next month.

Behold Ye Ramblers, written by and starring Neil, is part of the Live & Local’s Community Touring Scheme and will be staging at Coddington Village Hall on April 27 at 7.30pm.

The one-man show blends storytelling, music hall songs, poetry, historical reenactment and contemporary reflections, to bring to life the passionate individuals who defied restrictions and paved the way for the National Parks and public footpaths we cherish today.

Steve Wilson, artist engagement officer for Live & Local said: “As debates around land access and environmental responsibility continue to unfold, Behold Ye Ramblers is more relevant than ever.

“This show not only revisits a landmark moment in our history but also asks critical questions about the future of public land rights in the UK, especially pertinent to rural communities where our network operates.”

One key figure in this movement, who is represented in the show, was George WB Ward, nicknamed the “Walking Class Hero”, a staunch advocate for public access to the countryside.

Ward played a significant role in rallying support for the right to roam, tirelessly campaigning for working-class communities to have access to the natural landscapes surrounding them.

His activism helped lay the foundation for modern land access laws and continues to inspire contemporary movements fighting for outdoor accessibility.

The play’s director Louise Townsend said: “The production aims to reflect those changing times through the use of some hard-hitting songs from the time from such great writers as William Morris and Edward Carpenter, and projection of early photographic images of people at home, at work at play and campaigning for social, political and cultural change.”

The show will be touring village halls across Live & Local’s network in Worcestershire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire and Lincolnshire between March and April.

To book tickets for the Coddington show, contact the box office on 07984 849730 or 01636 708781 or email iturner@coddington.org.uk.