IN REVIEW: SALTMINE THEATRE COMPANY WITH 'JOHN NEWTON - AMAZING GRACE'
Cowper & Newton Museum manager Paula Noble was so struck by the poignancy and excellence of Saltmine Theatre's superb delivery of 'John Newton - Amazing Grace' in Olney late last month, she wanted to pay tribute with the following words on Total MK:
'Gifted with incredible talents in storytelling, playing instruments and singing beautifully, this passionate company recounted Olney’s story with energy we will never forget.
St Peter and St Paul Church was transformed into a theatre in which we could easily imagine we were on board ship, then amongst slaves being sold at an auction, eavesdropping on conversations between Newton and his love, Polly, then Newton and William Cowper, as if they were alive and living in Olney today.
Moved with emotion as the ups and downs of John Newton’s life story unfolded before us we were left with a clearer understanding of the poignancy of Newton’s life then and what it means to us now in Olney, and across our nation and the world today.
He was an amazing gentleman who found 'amazing grace' himself.
With their talents we have certainly honoured John Newton in this the 250th anniversary of his curacy in Olney.'
For more information on the history behind the hymn, and to investigate the museum in Olney visit www.cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk
Pic: Stephen Clark
