Theatre productions to help churches reach out during Olympics

Christian theatre groups have put together Olympics-inspired productions to help churches get the most out of the Games next summer.

The original productions have been produced by Saltmine, Lantern Arts, Riding Lights and Act4.

Saltmine's production, In Their Shoes, explores the roots of the modern Olympic movement and will tour in 2012 in collaboration with a Muslim theatre company.

Churches are being encouraged to use the productions to engage with their communities during the London 2012 Olympics, either by hosting them in their churches or by taking them to their local schools.

David Willson, chief executive of More than Gold, the umbrella organisation for church outreach during the Games, said: "We hope churches will host at least one of these productions and take them to schools and young people as well.

"This is one more way they can use the Games to engage with their communities."

Saltmine Theatre Company’s In Their Shoes focuses on a pair of sports trainers - the Muslim (Stripe) and Christian (Spot) - that neighbours are fighting over.

The production highlights the need for communities to get along spite of their differences.

Lantern Arts Centre is putting on Dangerous Journey, a revised version of the John Bunyan play based on one man's race.

Riding Lights Theatre Company have gone back to the roots of the modern Olympics to create Monsieur de Coubertin’s Magnificent Opymlic Feat!.

With zest and fun, the plot moves from glittering banquets in Paris to rural Shropshire’s Olympics.

Act4's production, Star Citizen 2012, is a record breaking interactive game show that connects 2012 with an encouraging message to people to reach their potential.

Though the focus is on performances in primary schools, it is also relevant for community groups and churches.

Links to details of all four productions can be found at www.morethangold.org.uk/productions