4 December 2013

'In the Bleak Midwinter' - an open-air extravaganza at Botanic Garden

The University of Dundee's Botanic Garden will this week play host to an evening of live music and theatre as a haunting Christmas tale is performed by a company made up entirely of University graduates.

DBS Productions will stage 'In the Bleak Midwinter', their annual Christmas ghost story, at the Botanic Garden from 7.30pm on Friday, 6th December. This year's performance is 'The Christmas Present' and, with a full cast performance and large-scale puppetry, the open-air event is set to thrill and chill in equal measure.

The Christmas Present centres on Henry Rhodes, who has made a discovery that promises to not only prove his life's work worthwhile, but also lead to great fortunes. However, not all gifts are given freely and some come at a terrible, inhuman, cost'

Music will be performed on traditional instruments by local musician Paul 'Lefty' Wright. The cast comprises Iain Martin, Lynne Martin and Iain Sneddon, while the play is written, directed and produced by JD Henshaw.

Annie Marrs, from DBS Productions, said, 'We look to bring an adult audience a little escape from the hectic run up to Christmas with our Victorian-themed evening of haunted tales and yuletide music. Everyone is entitled to that special Christmas feeling, a little bit of escapism in the frosty night, and there will be more than a little festive cheer in the form of mulled wine and mince pies.'

DBS Productions is a production company that specialises in performance and bespoke events across Scotland. Formed by JD Henshaw six years ago, DBS brings together talent from across Dundee and the UK to create all forms of production, from spectacular events to intimate moments of theatre.

Performances have taken place across the UK, with work regularly appearing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and toured in London's West End. As part of DBS Productions' ongoing commitment to Dundee, theatre events take place at the Botanic Garden throughout the year.

'In the Bleak Midwinter' takes place at the Botanic Garden from 7.30pm on Friday, 6th December and mince pies and mulled wine will be served. Tickets, costing £12, can be booked by calling 01382 381190. As the event takes place outdoors, attendees are advised to dress warmly.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277