A SPECIALLY constructed marquee at Ipswich's waterfront will be the set for the next play by theatre company Eastern Angles.The classic children's adventure story by Arthur Ransome, 'We Didn't Mean To Go To Sea', will be performed by the group, based in Sir John Mills theatre in Ipswich, at various venues across the region throughout July and August.

A SPECIALLY constructed marquee at Ipswich's waterfront will be the set for the next play by theatre company Eastern Angles.

The classic children's adventure story by Arthur Ransome, 'We Didn't Mean To Go To Sea', will be performed by the group, based in Sir John Mills theatre in Ipswich, at various venues across the region throughout July and August.

The play will be premiered at Ipswich from July 3 until July 6 as part of Ipswich Borough Council's Ip-Art festival and will then tour to 11 venues across East Anglia, including Shotley, Aldeburgh and Woodbridge.

It tells the tale of four children arriving at Pin Mill and getting invited aboard the Goblin ship, which leads to a fight for survival.

The play has been adapted for the stage by Nick Wood and will be directed by Ivan Cutting, artistic director and founder of the Eastern Angles.

Mr Cutting said: “We are all really excited about staging an adaptation of 'We Didn't Mean to Go To Sea' - this Arthur Ransome book is a real hidden treasure with loads of theatrical possibilities and a story that is firmly rooted in Suffolk.

“We are especially looking forward to performing the show in the nautical atmosphere of Ipswich's thriving waterfront area as part of Ip-Art festival.”

Tickets range from £7.50 to £10.50 and can be bought from the box office at Sir John Mills theatre, Gatacre Road, Ipswich, or by calling 01473 211498, or visiting www.easternangles.co.uk

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Arthur Ransome's former boat, the Nancy Blackett, was restored and is now based in the Orwell by the Nancy Blackett Trust.