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An unexpected gift can often turn out to be the best sort of gift, as is the case in George Eliot's classic tale of Silas Marner. Driven out of one community and shunned by another, Marner lives a solitary life developing only a love for the money he earns from weaving until the moment a young child is “delivered” to his door. As their love for each other grows, Marner and his adopted daughter are welcomed by the people of the village of Raveloe but together they all discover that events are being shaped by extortion, long-standing secrets and deception.

This stage adaptation, The Allesley Silas, is also an unexpected, but most welcome, gift. Inspired by his belief that the story is set in Allesley Village (The Rainbow pub and The Red House, opposite the church, feature as prominently in the tale as they do in the village today), writer Alan Pollock  has reached out to the local community and invited them to help tell the story.

The result is a delight, showcasing the talents of many people from the local area; not just on stage but also in the creative and imaginative set design, the music, the puppetry, the directing and the overall production. A special mention should go to Adrian Decosta for his portrayal of Silas which opens our eyes to both the anguish and compassion of the miser whilst also having its humorous moments.

It would be a travesty if The Allesley Silas is not to be seen again. If it does reappear (and it surely must), my advice would be to make sure that you are there as you could well be surprised by the gift that it is.  

stevehall112@outlook.com