A NEW collaboration to bring theatre to churches, telling the story of Edward Wilson who journeyed with Scott to the Antarctic, will come to Saint Saviours Church in Tetbury on Saturday, August 20.

The Final Journey of Edward Wilson is an emotional play that was first performed at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham.

It is being produced by Stroud based theatre company Spaniel in the Works with the help of the Churches Conservation Trust and follows the doomed group of explorers who died in a quest to reach the South Pole.

Wilson encounters a mysterious figure as he and his fellow explorers face the end of their journey at the Pole, from this meeting the audience find out about his remarkable life.

Edward Wilson, who was born in Cheltenham, was a caring and religious man and the play explores all facets of his character, not only as an enthusiastic man of science and highly skilled wildlife artist but also as the peacemaker and problem solver on the expeditions.

Writer and director John Bassett said: “Wilson is one of the most remarkable men I have written about

“His enthusiasm for wildlife and care and compassion for his fellow man shines through. The play celebrates his life and his work.

“It is great to be performing the show in these marvellous historic buildings and Saint Saviour’s is a lovely intimate space for the performance. Other performances are planned for later in the year including an exciting community project.”

After the hour long performance there will be a chance to see projections of some of the remarkable paintings and sketches that Wilson made.

  • The Final Journey of Edward Wilson will be performed at Saint Saviours Church, Tetbury beginning at 1pm on Saturday, August 20. Tickets cost £8, concessions £5, and are available from Tetbury Old Books, the Tetbury Tourist Information Centre, by calling 01666 503552 or by visiting spanielworks.co.uk