Compost Mentis features a large compost heap, set in a small allotment, and the Gardener who looks after it.
Their relationship begins to break down when he discovers that the compost heap has developed a life of its own, and harbours thoughts fermenting within.
Live action, puppet, mechanical and musical interventions ensure that the audience, like the Gardener, are led up the garden path.
Compost Mentis is a 30-minute long outdoor theatre show, performed twice a day. It is suitable for all ages, and can work well as a stand-alone show or as part of a themed event.
“Thank you so much for your wonderful shows over the weekend.”
Kriss Russman (Manchester International Festival)
“Nick Hytner received many compliments on your lovely show! … The grass, the bees, the sun … it just worked in the square.”
Watch This Space Festival Team (National Theatre, London)
“A visually poetic piece with the confidence to play at its own pace. Performances, characterisation and set fitted in perfectly to the rural setting.”
Michael Lister (Total Theatre magazine)
“My five year old son discusses it with me regularly!”
Rebecca Johnson (Head of Arts – Blackburn)
“Fantastic performances … the ideal thing … I had a good time watching all that screaming, laughing and pointing … Charming and satisfyingly eccentric.”
Laura McDermott (Creative Producer – Greenwich & Docklands International Festival)
“It was great having your fantastic show with us!!”
Filipa Sousa (Fundacao de Serralves – Porto, Portugal)
Credits
Overall Design and Conception
Sue Auty and Edward Taylor
Initial Ideas Developed with
Steve Tiplady
Devised and Performed by
Sue Auty, Peter Finegan and Edward Taylor
Compost Heap Construction
Bryan Tweddle
Music by
Clive Bell
Guitar
Richard Bolton
Trumpet
Harry Beckett (RIP)
Music Decomposition and Sound Design
Matt Wand
Additional Making
Sue Auty, Dave Chadwick, Beka Haigh, Jack Lockhart, and Edward Taylor
Commissioned by Shropshire County Council.
Additional funding from Arts Council England North West.