Wild theatre comes to Dartmoor

This October, live theatre is heading to the heart of Dartmoor as Chagford’s Jubilee Hall prepares to host Wild, a moving new production by Black Country Touring.

The show poses a central question: what does “wild” mean to you? For some, it’s crashing waves or the howl of a wolf. For others, it’s the wilderness outside their front door, or the untamed spark within themselves. Wild explores these ideas through a patchwork of real-life stories gathered from more than 70 people in rural, urban, and coastal communities.

Written by Rochi Rampal, the play was inspired by accounts from residents, community workers and even a mountain rescue team. Tales of childhood adventures, camping at the edge of shadowy woods, encounters with tornadoes and the roaring sea, as well as reflections on the wilderness of the human mind, have been woven into a full-length piece of theatre.

The result is a vivid production blending live music, immersive soundscapes and powerful storytelling. The performance takes audiences on an emotional journey from exhilaration and fear to childlike wonder, inviting them to consider their own meaning of “wild.”

It’s also a rare opportunity for Dartmoor audiences, as professional touring theatre seldom reaches venues in the area. The show is being presented by Villages in Action as part of Create Tour Connect, a nationwide project led by Applause Rural Touring and supported by Arts Council England. The initiative brings small-scale productions to rural communities across the UK, offering performances that might otherwise only be seen in city theatres.

Luke Jeffery, Producer at Villages in Action, said:
“Our aim is to make sure communities in Devon don’t miss out on the kind of theatre they’d normally have to travel miles to see. There’s something really special about seeing live theatre in a rural venue like Jubilee Hall. It’s an opportunity to connect not just with the performance, but with the people around you.”

The staging of Wild also adds to its uniqueness. Performed in traverse, the action takes place down the centre of the hall with audiences seated on either side - a little like a fashion show catwalk - ensuring more people enjoy a “front row” experience close to the actors.

Performances will take place at 7.30pm on Thursday 23 and Friday 24 October at Jubilee Hall, Chagford. Tickets are available now via villagesinaction.co.uk