Paint the Town Fred (A colourful perspective on the creative partnership between Fred and Mary Elwell)
This piece of Folk Theatre peeled back the layers of paint from the lives of Fred and Mary Elwell. Fred and Mary lived full and fascinating lives filled with people and places as well as troubles and tragedy, both here in East Yorkshire, and on their travels throughout Europe.
Mary was a skilled artist in her own right and both her and Fred exhibited at the Royal Academy as well as other galleries. Having worked closely with the Beverley Art Gallery Curator Helena Cox, and the leading authority on Fred Elwell; Wendy Loncaster, this play took the covers off the real life stories behind the creative partnership of Beverley’s best known artists.
The narrative was a whistle stop tour of Fred's early years of study abroad before a commission to paint Mary's portrait signalled the start of a blossoming relationship and a beautiful love story. The production included projections of paintings by both Fred and Mary during the performances as well as a blended series of reconstruction paintings showing the build up of Fred’s wonderful portrait of Mary.
Wendy Loncaster, The Elwells Official Biographer:
"Exceptionally honoured to have played that biographical part in this most successful drama. I enjoyed this spectacular performance so much that I saw it twice over, and have to say that I was always convinced, and loved every minute. The play has shone a glowing light upon the Elwells, as real people; bringing our artists, Fred and Mary, very much to the fore. At the same time, Paint the Town Fred is drama at its best: it draws our attention. There is wit, dramatic contrast, surprise and aplomb, from the very start.”