Yew Tree Farm, Coniston, was checked out by Heidi and Henrietta, two enigmatic ‘sheep’, who are part of a new and unusual production.
The Herdwick duo visited the farm to happily display their quintuplet lambs and promote their street theatre show – Flock.
Flock is the most recent production by Ulverston’s acclaimed Bread and Butter Theatre Business, influenced by their surroundings, and a long-lasting love of all things Herdwick by business creator Garry Gifford.
Formed more than 25 years ago the Theatre Business has performed at events all over the world, delivering its own brand name of accessible street theatre.
Mr Gifford had constantly imagined developing his own ‘flock’ of iconic Lakeland sheep, and wished to find a method of including his love for the breed and all things Lake District into a special walkabout street performance.
In 2021 he made an application to The Culture Healing Fund to enable him to team up with master prop makers and puppeteers The Flying Buttresses to produce a household of Herdwicks, 2 adult sheep and a pram loaded with lambs.
Flock will be premiered at Another Fine Fest in Ulverston on Saturday, June 18 before going out to pastures brand-new.
The Herdwick inspired walkabout efficiency incorporates mime, dance, sound results and music.
Mr Gifford stated: “As a business we felt it was really crucial that Flock must be promoted within the lovely landscape of the Lake District and where much better than at the splendid Yew Tree Farm near Coniston, where we got to satisfy and learn about the Herdwick sheep in their natural environment when we signed up with among the farm’s “Herdwick Experiences.”
“The goal is not only to amuse people in our normal locations, which include town centres and celebrations but to reach new audiences at the many rural occasions that run each year up and down the nation, such as county programs and agricultural fairs.
“Where we hope our Herdwicks can bring a flavour of the Lake District to all corners of the UK and hopefully the world.”
Jo McGrath, founder of the Yew Tree Farm Herdwick Experience, stated: “Support Theatre Business’s performance of Flock will supply people from all walks of life with an enjoyable and truly interesting method of discovering the enigmatic Herdwick breed for themselves and likewise hopefully a little about the calmness and charm of the Cumbrian fells in which they live and the standard hill farms like ours, Yew Tree Farm, Coniston that look after the flocks.”
A former British Military Officer, Eddie went on to study History and then Journalism at Sheffield Hallam University. A keen outdoorsman, he has co-written several books on Outdoor Survival and Wild Camping. Now living in Penrith, Ed is a keen fellrunner.
