A tale of adventure especially for children and families in Dumfries
A specially created children’s outdoor performance featuring giant puppets and a pipe band is taking place as part of the events to mark this month’s 200th anniversary of Wellington’s victory at Waterloo.
The 1815 triumph by combined British and Prussian forces over Napoleon, who had gathered his largest ever army, brought an end to years of war, bloodshed and hardship that had consumed vast areas of Europe.
Dumfries is now twinned with Gifhorn in Germany and men from both towns fought side by side in the decisive battle that toppled the French emperor and finally halted his attempts to dominate the continent.
The free performance, called Waterloo Sunset, is being created by the Electric Theatre Workshop and will take place on the Plainstanes, in front of Midsteeple, on Saturday, June 6 at 11am.
It tells the story of a young boy from Dumfries who is trying to solve the mystery behind his father’s disappearance – which leads him on a great adventure and ultimately to the Battle of Waterloo.
Jack Finlay, part of the ETW team which has created the show, said: “Two hundred years ago there would have been families all over Dumfries anxiously awaiting news of their menfolk who had gone to Europe to fight Napoleon. The same was true of families in Gifhorn.
“We wanted to commemorate the battle, which was a huge event that affected families all over Scotland and changed the whole direction of European history.
“Waterloo Sunset follows the story of a young boy from a small fishing family who travels across the ocean in search of his father – along the way he meets a dragon and even confronts Napoleon himself.
“It’s a really lively and interactive show that’s designed for the whole family, so we hope lots of people will come along and join us on the day.”
The larger-than-life puppets include the characters of the boy (also called Jack), his companion Gull and Napoleon.
Audiences are being encouraged to bring along to make their own flags to wave during the performance.
Dumfries Provost, Councillor Ted Thompson, said: “Waterloo was a decisive moment for Europe which concluded the Napoleonic Wars and ended almost a millennium of conflict between France and Great Britain.
“Soldiers from Gifhorn and Dumfriesshire fought together on that historic occasion and we are delighted that visitors from Gifhorn will be among the audience for the performance so we can celebrate both these links and the ties of friendship which bind us together today.”
The event is suitable for the whole family. It is free and will last for around an hour.
Audiences are welcome to bring along some brunch to enjoy while the show is taking place.
There will also be music from the Buccleuch and Queensbury Caledonia Pipe Band.
