The Strike a Light festival is returning to Gloucester this month, bringing a huge variety of performing arts to the city.

The festival begins with ‘Juliet and Romeo’, a spin off of the classic Shakespeare story on Tuesday 12th February at Gloucester Guildhall.

Following that is a show by a local artistic company, ‘Raised Eyebrows Theatre’, who will be staging their brand new family show at the Guildhall.

“Our work is built around an unrelenting mission to show young people that theatre is a mirror that should reflect us all,” explained co-director of Raised Eyebrows Jess Gibbs.

Jess and co-director Elise Heaven are both professional Theatre-Makers and set up the company in 2014.

Jess continued: “The company is unapologetically Gloucester based, creating professional theatre that then tours nationally.

“We’re aiming to be one of the many companies that prove this area has the artistic infrastructure and support to nurture and develop successful artists and theatre work."

Both Elise and Jess have had years of experience in the theatre and creative arts, with Jess previously working with many Gloucestershire organisations including The Wilson and Everyman Theatre.

The show the pair are currently working on for Strike a Light is called ‘Charmane’, a play with underlying themes of identity and self-acceptance.

“Charmane' is our second show as a company and has been co-commissioned by Strike A Light, GL4 and The Collaborative Touring Network,” Jess continued. “Charmane' is a puppetry show for families, written and directed by Elise Heaven.

“Piggin says that Charmane is a kitten because she looks like one. Charmane doesn’t feel like a kitten. But Piggin wants a friend and Charmane wants a mane so they stick together.

“Charmane' is a story about acceptance, courage and learning how to find your inner roar!”

Raised Eyebrows Theatre will be performing a preview of ‘Charmane’ at Strike A Light Festival on Wednesday 20th February, at 2pm and 7pm.