Arthur's Plough 2026

Fordhall Farm is to be put firmly back on the theatrical map this autumn with a brand-new version of the county’s legendary play about Fordhall Farm.

“Arthur’s Plough– 2026” will be performed at Festival Drayton Centre (Market Drayton) and Theatre Severn (Shrewsbury) in October 2026.

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As the farm celebrates 20 years in community ownership, Chris Eldon Lee has returned to revive and update the musical play, first performed in 1991. The original show was given 16 performances, including two in Market Drayton and four at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle Under Lyme. Every performance sold out. It toured again in 2008 to similar success. At the time, the play’s subject, veteran organic farmer Arthur Hollins, brought his children Ben (then 7) and Charlotte (9) to every performance.

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Having saved their tenanted farm for the nation by placing it into community-ownership, Ben and Charlotte Hollins- now in their 40s - persuaded Chris to re-embark on the project one last time. Joined by fellow producer Maggie Love, and musical director Mary Keith, the original delivery team are in place to deliver another entertaining show-stopper.

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‘Arthur’s Plough - 2026’ will be performed under professional direction and management by a dozen of the best community actors in Shropshire, accompanied by the “Mere Singers” choir, which is being expanded for the occasion.

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This will be a tremendous play celebrating Arthur’s Hollins’ journey into organic farming, his pioneering yoghourt factory, and more recently the fight to save their family home from industrial development and the innovative share scheme that has placed Fordhall on the map once again. You’ll leave inspired by the power of collective community action, you’ll create a new passion for microbial life below the soil surface and you most importantly you will have great fun along the way!

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Anyone wishing to sing in the show should ring Mary Keith on 01948 710 586. To help in any other way, please ring Fordhall Farm on: 01630 638696‍

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Festival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton

Saturday 17th October 2.30pm and 7.30pm‍

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Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury‍

Thursday 22nd October 2.30pm

Friday 23rd October 7.30pm

Saturday 24th October 2.30pm and 7.30pm

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Tickets are restricted. To ensure you get yours book them early – this will be the last time this theatre performance is done live!

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Author, Chris Eldon Lee says, “It’s a warm, loving and humorous play, expanded to tell both Fordhall’s pioneering stories. It has its serious moments, but the emphasis is very much on using comedy to unearth the story beyond the TV soundbite. There will definitely be singing pigs and dancing microbes.”

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