WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT SPANIEL IN THE WORKS THEATRE COMPANY
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2023 PERFORMANCES
NEXT PERFORMANCES
We currently have a couple of exciting projects in development and more news will be posted here soon.
Recent Film Projects
We have been working on a number of film and video projects in addition to our community film - Days of Hope.
Most recently we have completed this film for Stroud Festival of Nature made up of short videos of wildlife from the people of Stroud. We hope you enjoy it!
Most recently we have completed this film for Stroud Festival of Nature made up of short videos of wildlife from the people of Stroud. We hope you enjoy it!

DAYS OF HOPE
- THE CHARTISTS IN STROUD
FILM PREMIERE FOLLOWED BY LIVE MUSIC FROM
CHINESE BURN AND THE FORGETTING CURVE
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 18TH 2022
LANSDOWN HALL AND GALLERY
Lansdown, Stroud GL5 1BB
On 21st May 1839 there was a meeting of the Chartists at Selsley Common to show their support for the vote for everyone. This community film Days of Hope tells the story of the Chartists in Stroud through a mix of drama, comedy, information and music.
Days of Hope - the community film which focuses on the struggle by people in Stroud to get the vote - is now finally finished and will have a premiere on Friday 18th November 2022 at 7.30p.m. The film which features all manner of local community people includes two songs from the bands Chinese Burn and The Forgetting Curve and after the screening each band will play a live set.
Tickets £10.00 to book click here
- THE CHARTISTS IN STROUD
FILM PREMIERE FOLLOWED BY LIVE MUSIC FROM
CHINESE BURN AND THE FORGETTING CURVE
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 18TH 2022
LANSDOWN HALL AND GALLERY
Lansdown, Stroud GL5 1BB
On 21st May 1839 there was a meeting of the Chartists at Selsley Common to show their support for the vote for everyone. This community film Days of Hope tells the story of the Chartists in Stroud through a mix of drama, comedy, information and music.
Days of Hope - the community film which focuses on the struggle by people in Stroud to get the vote - is now finally finished and will have a premiere on Friday 18th November 2022 at 7.30p.m. The film which features all manner of local community people includes two songs from the bands Chinese Burn and The Forgetting Curve and after the screening each band will play a live set.
Tickets £10.00 to book click here
Refugee Matters/
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Bertie Bassett is 50 Something and Sad
"When you're younger you can eat what you like, drink what you like and still get into your 26 inch waist trousers and zip them closed. Then you reach that age......"
So what makes John "Bertie" Bassett sad? Could it be that reaching the age of 50 Something the world seems strange, curious, sad and quite frankly annoying. Part stand up, part personal reminiscence, part observational, part rant, part shout at the world this show will certainly ask the big questions that none other does like: What do Barry Cryer, Dave Gahan and Steve Baker MP have in common? Is it possible to do a punk clog dance? What makes Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine so important? and why are there only two women on Tracey Island? Contains strong language but no nuts! 16+ Tickets:
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Recent Videos
Peter Drinkwater the Nailsworth Apothecary of 1810
- created for the Museum in the Park from original documents
Idle Thoughts of An Idle Fellow by Jerome K Jerome
-created with thanks to Aziloth Books
Fish, Fykes and Ferries - The Fisherman
- created and filmed for Gloucestershire Archives (2011)
Recent Performances
WAR IN MIND
by John Bassett

This powerful performance based on archive records and personal testimony, explores the lives of real people affected by shell shock in the First World War and contemporary sufferers.
In World War One we meet Driver William Charles Phillips, who never actively fought at the front, but died in Gloucester Asylum in 1917;
Doctor Harold Hills who worked with shellshock patients and prevented many men being shot for desertion;
and Violet Hall, a wife and mother from a Gloucestershire village who lost her sons and was then ostracised from the local community.
Matt is a modern day veteran, living on the streets. But what got him to this place and how is he surviving?
Suitable for ages 10+
Driver William Charles Phillips from Tetbury
Next Performances
Friday October 4th 2019 7.30 pm
The Mission Theatre,
32 Corn Street Bath BA1 1UF
Tickets £ 10.00 please click here to book
or contact Bath Box Office on 01225 463362
Saturday October 5th 2019 7.30 pm
The Mission Theatre,
32 Corn Street Bath BA1 1UF
Tickets £ 10.00 please click here to book
or contact Bath Box Office on 01225 463362
Monday October 7th 2019 1.30 pm and 7.00 pm
Gloucester Cathedral - The Lady Chapel
12 College Green, Gloucester GL1 2LX
Tickets £ 10.00 please click here to book for 1.30pm
Tickets £ 10.00 please click here to book for 7.00pm
In World War One we meet Driver William Charles Phillips, who never actively fought at the front, but died in Gloucester Asylum in 1917;
Doctor Harold Hills who worked with shellshock patients and prevented many men being shot for desertion;
and Violet Hall, a wife and mother from a Gloucestershire village who lost her sons and was then ostracised from the local community.
Matt is a modern day veteran, living on the streets. But what got him to this place and how is he surviving?
Suitable for ages 10+
Driver William Charles Phillips from Tetbury
Next Performances
Friday October 4th 2019 7.30 pm
The Mission Theatre,
32 Corn Street Bath BA1 1UF
Tickets £ 10.00 please click here to book
or contact Bath Box Office on 01225 463362
Saturday October 5th 2019 7.30 pm
The Mission Theatre,
32 Corn Street Bath BA1 1UF
Tickets £ 10.00 please click here to book
or contact Bath Box Office on 01225 463362
Monday October 7th 2019 1.30 pm and 7.00 pm
Gloucester Cathedral - The Lady Chapel
12 College Green, Gloucester GL1 2LX
Tickets £ 10.00 please click here to book for 1.30pm
Tickets £ 10.00 please click here to book for 7.00pm

What audiences have said about War in Mind
"Excellent. So glad you brought to life the memories of these men and women."
"Enjoyed it, touching. I didn't know what to expect and felt lots of different emotions and was taken to another place."
"These three actors infused this performance with reality and compassion. It brough to life the truth about the repercussions of war - from Front Line to grieving mothers and the unyielding horror of it all."
"Incredibly powerful work, most especially because it is drawn from local historical records. This really brought home the impact on local lives. Of incredible interest was the alienation of the woman combined with her unimaginable loss. Extremely well acted throughout and totally believeable!"
"Excellent. So glad you brought to life the memories of these men and women."
"Enjoyed it, touching. I didn't know what to expect and felt lots of different emotions and was taken to another place."
"These three actors infused this performance with reality and compassion. It brough to life the truth about the repercussions of war - from Front Line to grieving mothers and the unyielding horror of it all."
"Incredibly powerful work, most especially because it is drawn from local historical records. This really brought home the impact on local lives. Of incredible interest was the alienation of the woman combined with her unimaginable loss. Extremely well acted throughout and totally believeable!"
THE FINAL JOURNEY OF EDWARD WILSON
by John Bassett

First performed at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham to commemorate the centenary of Capt Scott's ill fated mission to the South Pole, this play charts the life of Edward Wilson, explorer and naturalist on Scott's journeys to the Antarctic. Wilson encounters a mysterious figure as he and his fellow explorers face the end of their journey at the Pole. Cheltenham born Edward Wilson, the naturalist, 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 exploration but also a brave one who died at the South Pole.
"A sledge-load of information... wide-eyed in wonder, still-jawed in admiration... a worthy addition to events celebrating Wilson's bravery" - Gloucester Echo.
“Brilliantly captures Wilson – how he thought, what drove him and the spirit which animated explorers of that time.” – Audience member.
"A sledge-load of information... wide-eyed in wonder, still-jawed in admiration... a worthy addition to events celebrating Wilson's bravery" - Gloucester Echo.
“Brilliantly captures Wilson – how he thought, what drove him and the spirit which animated explorers of that time.” – Audience member.

“Thank you for bringing new audiences to the life and work of a terrific human being… a wonderful portrayal, showing Wilson’s intelligence and innocence” – Audience member
For **** review from Broadway Baby see link below
https://broadwaybaby.com/shows/the-final-journey-of-edward-wilson/737819
(Picture by Edward Wilson - courtesy of David Wilson)
Part of Barnstaple Theatrefest 2019
For **** review from Broadway Baby see link below
https://broadwaybaby.com/shows/the-final-journey-of-edward-wilson/737819
(Picture by Edward Wilson - courtesy of David Wilson)
Part of Barnstaple Theatrefest 2019

Bridge Chambers, Barnstaple, EX31 1HB
Friday June 28th 8.00pm
Saturday June 29th 6.30pm
Sunday June 30th 4.00pm
This is a pay-what-you-will-show.
There are no tickets but there will be a bucket-collection
Friday June 28th 8.00pm
Saturday June 29th 6.30pm
Sunday June 30th 4.00pm
This is a pay-what-you-will-show.
There are no tickets but there will be a bucket-collection
WAR IN MIND
Linocut image from the Patriots Progress
by William Kermode |
War in Mind is a new project from Spaniel in the Works Theatre Company looking at the legacy of World War One. The project involves workshops and performances and explores lives affected by shell shock including the sufferers, doctors and those whose mental state was not recognised in particular the families left at home.
As part of the project we will be running workshops in archive research and printmaking. Details of workshops and performances can be found below. We have also created a blog - click here to find out more This project is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. |
Friday 12th April 2.30 p.m and 8.00 p.m.
The Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE
Tickets £ 11.00
Available from
The Subscription Rooms Box Office
2.30 p.m. show click here
8.00 p.m. show click here
Available from
The Subscription Rooms Box Office
2.30 p.m. show click here
8.00 p.m. show click here
Friday 10th May 8.00 p.m.
The Painswick Centre, Bisley Street, Painswick, GL6 6QQ
Tickets £10.00
Available by clicking here
Available by clicking here
Tuesday 14th May 8.00 p.m.
The Cheltenham Playhouse, 47 -53 Bath Rd, Cheltenham, GL53 7HG
Tickets £ 12.00 £10.00 (Concessions)
Available from
Cheltenham Playhouse Box Office
Part of Mental Health Awareness Week
Available from
Cheltenham Playhouse Box Office
Part of Mental Health Awareness Week
Wednesday 15th May 2.30 p.m., 8.00 p.m.
St John on the Wall Church, Broad Street, Bristol, BS1 2EZ
St John on the Wall Church, Broad Street, Bristol, BS1 2EZ
Tickets £10.00
Click here to book for 2.30 p.m. performance
or from Bristol Ticket Shop on 0117 9299008
or online here
Click here to book for 8.00 p.m. performance
or from Bristol Ticket Shop on 0117 9299008
or online here
Part of Mental Health Awareness Week
Click here to book for 2.30 p.m. performance
or from Bristol Ticket Shop on 0117 9299008
or online here
Click here to book for 8.00 p.m. performance
or from Bristol Ticket Shop on 0117 9299008
or online here
Part of Mental Health Awareness Week
Friday 17th May 8.00 p.m.
Rodborough Parish Church, Walkley Hill, Rodborough, Stroud, GL5 3TX
Tickets £ 10.00
Click here to book
Part of Mental Health Awareness Week
Rodborough Parish Church, Walkley Hill, Rodborough, Stroud, GL5 3TX
Tickets £ 10.00
Click here to book
Part of Mental Health Awareness Week
Saturday 18th May 8.00 p.m.
St Saviours Church, New Church Street, Tetbury, GL8 8DS
Tickets £ 10.00
Click here to book for 8.00p.m. performance
or available from Tetbury Tourist Information Centre on 01666 503552
Part of Mental Health Awareness Week
Apologies the previously advertised 2.30pm performance has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
St Saviours Church, New Church Street, Tetbury, GL8 8DS
Tickets £ 10.00
Click here to book for 8.00p.m. performance
or available from Tetbury Tourist Information Centre on 01666 503552
Part of Mental Health Awareness Week
Apologies the previously advertised 2.30pm performance has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
Mental Health Awareness Week is organised by the Mental Health Foundation
Future Performances
Friday October 4th 7.30 p.m.
Saturday October 5th 7.30 p.m.
The Mission Theatre, 32 Corn Street, Bath, BA1 1UF
Tickets £ 10.00
Saturday October 5th 7.30 p.m.
The Mission Theatre, 32 Corn Street, Bath, BA1 1UF
Tickets £ 10.00
Monday 7th October 1.30 p.m., 7.00 p.m.
Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester, GL1 2LX
Tickets £10.00
Part of World Mental Health Week
War in Mind Workshops
Print Workshop
Sunday 17th February 1.30 p.m.
The Museum in the Park, Stratford Park, Stroud, GL5 4AF
Inspired by the linocuts of William Kermode this workshop will introduce simple ways to create new prints using recycled polystyrene and paint.
The workshop is suitable for families with children over 9 and will look at images from World War One to create powerful prints using simple techniques and materials.
£ 2.50 per child (accompanying adults free)
£2.50 for adults not accompanying children
To book click here
The workshop is suitable for families with children over 9 and will look at images from World War One to create powerful prints using simple techniques and materials.
£ 2.50 per child (accompanying adults free)
£2.50 for adults not accompanying children
To book click here
Archive Workshop
Saturday 23rd March 1.30 p.m.
Tetbury Police Museum and Courtroom,63 Long Street, Tetbury, GL8 8AA
To book click here
Tetbury Police Museum and Courtroom,63 Long Street, Tetbury, GL8 8AA
To book click here
Sunday 24th March 1.30 p.m.
The Museum in the Park, Stratford Park, Stroud, GL5 4AF
To book click here
The Museum in the Park, Stratford Park, Stroud, GL5 4AF
To book click here
A special workshop looking at archive records and the stories that they can tell about people and families. This workshop will include how to find records, where to look online and what the records can tell us. The records will relate particularly to characters as part of our shell shock performance War in Mind including Tetbury driver William Charles Phillips and Stroud doctor Harold Hills
£ 2.50 per child (accompanying adults free)
£2.50 for adults not accompanying children
£ 2.50 per child (accompanying adults free)
£2.50 for adults not accompanying children
To download records for William Charles Phillips click on the icon below

phillips_asylum_records.pdf | |
File Size: | 1511 kb |
File Type: |

phillips_military_records.pdf | |
File Size: | 2614 kb |
File Type: |
War in Mind is supported by Heritage Lottery Fund