Drama performed on the canalside - two portions of plays served up in the pubs

Mikron Theatre, the cast of One Of Each from left to right: Ellen Chivers, James McClean, STeve McCourt, Rachael Henley. Picture by Peter Boyd

Fish and chips and the WI - two very English traditions - make perfect subjects for comedy. Last week we reported the imminent arrival of the Mikron Theatre Company with these tasty offerings.This week we take a closer look at the plays in question, which will be performed outdoors at pub locations in Marsworth, Bulbourne and Berkhamsted over the next few days.

One of Each tells the story of Sir Caspian Delamere, a man on a mission to find the finest fish and chips in Britain. He’s narrowed it down to two seaside vendors who are finalists for his Golden Fish Fork award.

But by coincidence The Pickled Egg and The Silver Darling are rival establishements run by twins, Roderick and Annette Whale. Unable to agree on th ebest way to cook our traditional British dish they went their separate ways years ago and now find their food and philosophies in direct competition for the coveted Golden Fish Fork.Their story is covered by journalist Meriel Hacker and she is after a schoop. So what will she do when she hooks a much bigger fish than she ever expected?

Mikron tour throughout England by narrowboat, travelling along canals and rivers and mooring up to play all sorts of venues, in pubs, cafes, village halls, allotments, marinas and dry docks.

One of Each can be seen at The Anglers Retreat in Marsworth on Sunday and at The Grand Junction Arms in Bulbourne on Tuesday (June 16).

Raising Agents, the second play, is set around Bunnington WI, a branch that is a bit down at heel. Dwindling membership means they can barely afford the hall let alone a decent speaker. So when a PR guru becomes a member, the women are glad of new blood. Initially. But the milk of WI kindness begins to sour when she rebrands them the Bunnington Bunnies.

Raising Agents can be seen at The Grand Junction Arms, Bulbourne on Tuesday (June 16) and at The Rising Sun in Berkhamsted on Wednesday (June 17).

All performances are at 7.30pm. There is no need to buy a ticket, as a collection will be taken by the company after the performances. Please remember the shows are outdoors, although there will be shelter available in case of wet weather, audience members should dress appropriately for a British summer’s evening. Mikron suggest sunscreen, sunglasses, waterproofs, wellies and blankets!