The sun shone brightly as we all took our seats at Scarcroft Allotments in eager anticipation of seeing Mikron’s second show this year, Common Ground, written by Poppy Hollman and telling the story of Rambling and our Rights of Way. Far from rambling on, Poppy continued her story from Twitchers last year and clearly got over the message in two 45-minute acts that we need “more people to access, understand, and appreciate nature so that they care about it.”

By the time you'd seen the play, in true Mikron style, you had a much better understanding of how current land ownership and the access we have today are not inevitable. There were also lots of laughs; my young granddaughter giggled with glee at the antics of a particularly mischievous sheep who strayed her way.

Eddie Ahrens, returning for his second year with Mikron, along with newcomers Mark Emmons, Georgina Liley, and Lauren Robinson, brought the play to life. All four gave mesmerising individual and ensemble performances, particularly the fabulous folk song-style musical numbers (composed by Dan McGlade and directed and arranged by Rebekah Hughes).

We all lapped up the rollicking opening numbers to Part One (Those Mountains are calling to you) and Part Two (The Baaaa-bershop Quartet with Don't electric fence me in), with the glorious sunshine adding to the magic of the Mikron experience.

Eddie nearly stole the show with his "hill"arious portrayals of pretentious Portia, and Lauren got us all on board in her role as Tik Tok influencer Myra (or maybe Mary?). The running joke about Mary went down very well, and it was an inspired idea. Georgina made dopey PA Bunny a delight, and she showed us in the end that she wasn't quite so dopey after all—go gal! Mark was superb in the role of Jamie; memories of his father became important to us in the audience. That cut-down tree became real, as was the lump in my throat at his reaction to hearing the news. We shared in his jubilation as he was presented with a very special sign; all credit goes to Mikron for drawing us in so closely to the story.

With lots of props hidden away, Celia Perkins' simple set fit in perfectly, transporting us to past times with the air of a magician. Just as quickly, the donning of a jacket or hat brought us back to the present.

Gitika Buttoo’s direction made for seamless storytelling, and it was clear that the cast had a very close bond; the joy and energy they brought to their performances was a breath of fresh air. It was such a privilege to share in the experience of live entertainment in such beautiful surroundings, bathed in glorious sunshine. It was an ideal way to spend a sunny afternoon.

Julia Pattison watched Common Ground at Scarcroft Allotments