The cast reunite for more rehearsals, and some back-stage shots...
After a fantastically successful 5 show run in September 2025, Wild Will are re-staging Jerusalem in April 2026. The same cast (mostly) are already rehearsing onset to make the show even better.
This is such a fun part for the cast and crew, it's hard to keep a straight face as the cast get back into character!
The production takes place outdoors at Mothecombe, where the woodland setting forms an integral part of the atmosphere. The trees, open air and changing light combine to heighten the tension, humour and intimacy of the story, creating a setting that feels inseparable from the play’s themes and tone.
From the moment audiences enter the space, the location shapes the mood. The caravan positioned among the woods places the audience directly inside Johnny Byron’s world, making the contrasts in the play—between authority and resistance, community and isolation—feel more immediate and tangible. The environment allows quiet scenes to feel more reflective while lending the more explosive moments a rawness that an indoor setting cannot match.
The cast is drawn from across the local community. Like the characters, this mix adds an authenticity to the production, giving performances a grounded quality that many audience members remark on. Reviewers have consistently noted the strong emotional impact and high standard of acting achieved by the company, despite it being an amateur group. Their commitment and connection to the area feed directly into the energy of each performance.
A defining part of the experience is the company’s emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity. Wild Will Theatre operates as a charity and runs pay‑what‑you‑can performance options, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to attendance. This dedication to making live theatre available to everyone shapes the overall experience and encourages a welcoming, community‑driven atmosphere around each show.
Audience feedback from previous years consistently highlights the uniqueness of attending Jerusalem in this environment. Many describe it as an unusually powerful encounter with the play, with a large majority giving it top ratings and praising its combination of landscape, storytelling and community involvement.
