GALLERY
Bloomin’ Church! has been a huge journey from the initial idea to the amazing performances at the Devonport Playhouse from 18th to 21st October and was possibly the biggest and most exciting opportunity for ‘mission’ for the circuit ever!
Bloomin’ Church! is about a church community, led by their clumsy Minister, trying to find ways to break down some of the barriers that exist both between church and community and between the church members, to create a safe space where all feel welcome. There are currently many sensitive issues facing the church and I was careful not to tackle any head-on! Theatre allows us to literally remove the walls of church and give people a glimpse inside – to see beyond structures and perceived notions. I also wanted to allow an opportunity for church members to engage in different perspectives.
This play was a bridge between people – within the safe, liminal, space of theatre – with no judgement and no expectations, except to openly engage with a piece of theatre.
My hope is that this was just a starting point – to show people that the production holds it own alongside secular professional theatre and how it can be used, to break down the walls of church and make God more accessible to all…
I was overwhelmed with positive feedback for the play, as well as the standing ovations from the audiences.
Photos credit: Mike Pitches Photography
reviews for Bloomin’ Church!
“Bravo! You wonderful human being, that was BRILLIANT! I laughed, I cried, I sang along. And I’m filled with hope for this messy, imperfect thing we call church!!”
Holly Adams – Evangelism and Contemporary Culture Officer of the Methodist Church
"Thanks, Anne; brilliant show. Loved the way that song, dance, poetry and metaphor were used to give insights into the inner lives of the characters. Beautifully written and performed, a LOT of fun; touching, amusing, entertaining, and with some very sound pastoral theology, without being 'preachy'. Well worth the trip from Exeter."
Mark Cassidy – Actor & Theatre Maker at Boo to a Goose Theatre
"I was very fortunate indeed to attend the Dress Rehearsal of 'BLOOMIN' CHURCH!' at the Devonport Playhouse, last evening. It has been very sympathetically written by Anne Middleton, professionally directed by Mark Sidey with Andy Martin's expertly designed set and lighting. It was extremely well performed by all members of the cast. A triumph indeed!
Don't miss this incredible production. In my opinion it is a must!"
Brian Gerry – MD to Plymouth Police Choir & Chair of Plymouth Theatre Company / the Devonport Playhouse (so we will thrilled that the play had his seal of approval!)
“I can’t find the words to express my admiration for what you have achieved with this remarkable piece of writing! It really is exceptional and I’m not just saying that because I had a tiny involvement. I have seen literally thousands of performances during my lifetime and ‘Bloomin’ Church!’ is up there with the best! It is incredibly detailed with the most insightful observations of human character and behaviour and the overall messages are conveyed in an immensely entertaining way. There are thankfully many really funny moments because these are interrupted by contrasting episodes of heart wrenching emotion and I have to confess tears filled my eyes on numerous occasions. I won’t list them here as I don’t want to spoil anything for others … all I will say is this… if you haven’t seen it yet… GO!!!!! Anne has written an amazing piece of theatre and the talented cast do it justice with their heartfelt interpretations. Simply Bravo!!!! I can’t wait to see it again on Saturday night!”
Rob Young – MD/Composer for Bloomin’ Church! (‘Join the Dance’ and ‘Let it Shine’)
“It was a terrific performance – congrats to everyone who worked on it. We thoroughly enjoyed it and thought the messages were worth saying. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all took them to heart!”
Mary Craddock, Member of PDMC
“What made if good for me was that I could relate to many aspects of the play. But of course I could, it was about Bloomin’ Church! A story in which the word Bloomin’ starts off in a derogatory way and by the end is used as a term of endearment, Blooooooming Church. We saw in the play transformation of church because we saw the transformation of the characters and it was the characters who made the play because it is the characters who make church. Characters who we could all recognise as we look around church. The play was not about anyone, but it was about everyone. It was seeing how in some ways church is complicit in allowing people to hide behind masks of life and not being allowed to be their true selves…
…Sometimes it takes something creative, like a play, to shine a light in our lives to realise that we all have work to do to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. I just hope and pray that we have the courage to see the process through.”
Rev. Al Lowe – Minister, Plymouth and Devonport Methodist Circuit