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Broomdsher’s tour of their critically acclaimed musical based on Edith Holden’s Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady – The Country Diary in Song – has been rescheduled for 2021 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The show, which interweaves traditional British folk songs with Edith’s evocative journey through a year in the countryside, played two sell-out shows in March, which had audiences on their feet singing and received glowing reviews.

It was due to tour in Devon in June, before going to Scotland in July and then to London for several shows.

All the venues are extremely keen to present the show and every one has agreed to reschedule a date for next year.

John Palmer, who devised the show with Broomdasher, said: “Next year is the 150th anniversary of Edith’s birth, so there is a very good reason to celebrate this forerunner of today’s eco warriors with a show full of brightness and hope.”

The premiere was the opening event at the new Olton Project Muslim centre for educational and spiritual development, in the former United Reform Church, opposite where Edith used to live. It was also the climax of a day commemorating the centenary of one of Solihull’s most famous residents.

Edith’s classic book The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady was a worldwide phenomenon when published in 1977, her beautiful paintings and words creating an exhilarating journey through the seasons, celebrating birds; flowers; animals and the life of the people of the countryside. It sold seven million copies and was in the Sunday Times best-sellers list for a record-breaking 63 weeks.

Broomdasher’s show cast Edith as an Edwardian Eco-Warrior, exploring the links between her celebration of natural history and the environment, iconic folk song collector Cecil Sharp and The Arts and Crafts movement they both supported.

Confirmed venues for 2021 include Meavy; Torrington and Pyne Upton in Devon; Callendar in Scotland and Hampstead in London, with other locations under discussion.