Scarcroft Allotments, York – Sunday 17th May 2026
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
5*****
Mikron Theatre returned once again to Scarcroft Allotments, York for their latest show, Wensleydale Whey, The Grate Cheese Quest. Their motto is MIKRON THEATRE WHERE YOU ARE, and their aim is to make theatre accessible to all, in an array of places and communities. I have been fortunate to have seen them in numerous places, Lifeboat Station, Hostel and Scarcroft Allotments, just a few from over the years.
Written by Lucie Raine and directed by Elvi Piper, Wensleydale Whey follows Mikron’s familiar four actor-musician format. The script is funny and entertaining, packed with lively, cheese-themed songs. The staging and props are compact and cleverly designed for easy transport by van or narrowboat.
The ruins of Jervaulx Abbey are inhabited by four ghostly monks, led by the Prior (James McLean), who believes he has a direct line to God. These four monks pop up sporadically throughout the show, on a quest to find a way to resurrect their Wensleydale cheese, and finally, after being in limbo for 380 years, may have the chance to ascend.
Back in the “real” world we meet Sylvie (Georgina Liley), a posh city girl who has recently lost her husband. They had moved to the country wanting to forge a life together, but not quite understanding the country ways. This only puts the back up of their neighbour, Farmer Tom (Rob Took). Living with Sylvie is Daphne (Catherine Warnock), her new age sister, they are polar opposites and barely agree on anything. Then along comes Milo (McLean), a trespasser who was “The One”, until the monks decided he wasn’t, and have bestowed that honour on Sylvie. With their meddling behind the scenes, they persuade Sylvie to set up a business together producing cheese, or more importantly Jervaulx Wensleydale Cheese.
With several mishaps along the way, the addition of the glorious Mr Cheeze and the cheese inspector, they manage to submit not one, but two cheeses into the 54th Annual Cheese awards.
McLean is terrific with his comedic timing, both as Milo and his ripped trousers, and as the Prior, insisting that only he has the right to sing the lead in a blues number. Liley encapsulates her character and you fully believe her progression from a townie, to a cheese maker in the countryside. Warnock is excellent as the intense hippy, who slowly mellows, with the help of cheese. Took was especially hilarious as Mr Cheeze, who wouldn’t look out of place as part of the Village People.
All four multi-talented actor-musicians switched effortlessly between roles, playing multiple instruments, guitars, violins, clarinets, accordions and even a kazoo, with ease. They sang the somewhat complicated lyrics with ease, from the opening number Gregorian chant, Ora Et Labora, to the playful Take It Slow. It was a fantastic challenge to work out how many cheeses were mentioned in each song.
This was their first outdoor show of the season, in their 54th year of touring. Armed with our camping chairs and brollies, we set off, expecting the worst from the weather, we got soaked walking the dogs just before we left . By the time we got to the venue the sun was shining and it managed to stay dry for the whole show, no brollies needed. Divine intervention perhaps?
Outdoor theatre adds an extra dimension to a performance, creating a freer, more open atmosphere. It was wonderful to see the allotments full, and the show fully deserved such a crowd. Mikron has once again delivered another wonderful, joyful, funny production, this time packed with cheese. Who doesn’t love cheese? That’s it, I’m off to get the Stilton out of the fridge.
Touring throughout the UK until October, along with their other production Top Of The Wold.