The Merlin Theatre is hosting a 'feelgood fundraising' week to raise money towards a new stage-lighting system and to help emerging young theatre company, Black Hound Productions, to perform their two plays at this year's world famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Kicking of with a fantastic six piece ABBA revival band, 'SOS', on Friday. 17 June, this well-loved venue is asking Frome residents and visitors to come along to their outdoor, ampitheatre for a real festival-atmosphere evening gig. Ticket-buyers can grab a few drinks from the bar, dress up in 70's style if they want to and have a Super Trouper Dancing Queen of a night out to help the theatre make some much-needed Money, Money, Money! 

Next up, on Weds 20 July, is a double-bill of two short plays. The Merlin is proud to present a pre-Edinburgh performance of Black Hound's 'Alright?'. This light hearted and honest piece follows the life of teenager Noah (Dillon Berry) as he grapples with his own mental health. Like a lot of 15-year-olds, Noah finds life difficult. Very difficult. And he doesn't know how to cope. This heart warming story is about coping, about getting by.

The double-bill evening is rounded off with the debut of 'Seeds of Memories' from local theatre-maker, Patrick Withey. Recently it has felt like grief is all around us. This wistful and uplifting exploration of the magic of memories and the feeling of loss, including poetry and puppetry, shares and explores the beautiful memories we all grow throughout our lives.

Tickets for the outdoor ABBA SOS fundraiser gig and/or for the Edinburgh double-bill can be purchased from the Merlin website www.merlintheatre.co.uk or 01373 465949.