‘Expect Downton Abbey with gardening tips!’ in Ropsley hall

A gentle portrayal of a veteran gardener can be seen on stage in Ropsley next week.

In Old Herbaceous Peter Macqueen throws a warming comfort blanket round his audience with his touching and gentle portrayal of veteran gardener, Herbert Pinnegar, in Reginald Arkell’s story of a man looking back over his life and over English rural social history.

Old Herbaceous, to give him his nickname, is at times charming, crotchety, stubborn and given to flashes of humour… He’s full of little knowing chuckles as he casts his mind back nostalgically. Macqueen, or is it Pinnegar, sprinkles garden wisdom into a tale which engages the audience and as a gardener himself, Macqueen has empathy with the character, inviting his audience, his guests, to share his greenhouse, his tips and his life.

As one critic put it: “It’s Downton Abbey with gardening tips – what more could the modern theatregoer ask for?”

Old Herbaceous is on stage at 8pm on Friday, March 27, in Ropsley Village Hall and presented in association with Lincolnshire Rural and Community Touring.

Tickets cost £8 or £20 for a family. Call 01476 585 333 or email fpaul.mason@btinternet.com for tickets and more details.