The Mikron Theatre Company exists to present original and accessible live theatre which is both entertaining and thought-provoking. They perform mainly outside pubs, which they have travelled to on Tyseley. As their program says, "During the summer, we travel and live on our 64 year old narrowboat "Tyseley", which used to be part of the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company's fleet. Upon nationalisation she passed to British Waterways and finished her commercial days on the cement run from Long Itchington to Camp Hill. Tyseley has recently been refurbished by Tim Leech of Dutton Dry Docks with sign writing by Tony Lewery. We would like to acknowledge the support of the Foundation for Sport and the Arts, Yorkshire Forward (Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Development Agency) and many members of the public."

Last year there were problems with the boat: "At the end of the 1998 tour it was clear that Tyseley was in need of major, and expensive repairs. Indeed, it was agreed that unless such repairs were carried out there could be no Waterways Tour, for it would simply not be safe. There was enough in the reserves to cover the essentials, but no more, and if that was spent, there would not be enough left to pay for a full tour. We decided it was better to go ahead, and if at the end of the year the coffers were empty, then we faced closure. In order to cut costs, it was also agreed to tour just one production, and reduce the cast from four to three.

There did, however, seem to be a real possibility that there would be a sympathetic response to an appeal for funds to save this historic canal boat. The result exceeded expectations. Money came in from trusts who have chosen to remain anonymous, and there was a massive contribution from Yorkshire Forward, the Yorkshire & Humber Regional Development Agency. The Foundation for Sport and the Arts has supplied funds to ensure that a complete refit will be finished during the winter of 1999/2000. Most gratifying of all has been the generosity of the general public. As a result, the work will all be completed without the need to deplete, let alone exhaust, the meagre funds."

The postcard shows Tyseley outside Preston Brook Tunnel on the Trent and Mersey Canal. The postcard and other Mikron sales items are available at any of the performances or from their base:

Mikron Theatre Company Marsden Mechanics Peel Street Marsden Huddersfield, HD7 6BW