HISTORY, love and art intertwine to tell the story of artists Marc Chagall and his wife Bella.

Renowned theatre company Kneehigh is returning to Salisbury Playhouse with The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk next week.

Marc and Bella Chagall were the flying lovers of Vitebsk. Partners in life and on canvas, they are immortalised as the picture of romance. But whilst on canvas they flew, in life they walked through some of the most devastating times in history.

Emma Rice directs Marc Antolin, who reprises his role as Chagall. Joining him as his wife Bella is Daisy Maywood, in Daniel Jamieson’s critically acclaimed play.

Marc says: “It is about Marc Chagall, the Russian Jewish painter, and his wife Bella, and charts their life from the moment they meet as teenagers and fall in love and then spans their whole time together during some of the most dramatic events in European history.”

The production traces the lives of the young couple as they navigate the Pogroms, the Russian Revolution, and each other in a vigorous staging woven throughout with live Klezmer music from Ian Ross and James Gow inspired by the Russian Jewish folk tradition.

Marc Antolin’s credits include Romantics Anonymous, Twelfth Night and Peter Pan. Film and television credits include London Road, Coconut Shy, Love Actually and More Than Love.

Daisy Maywood’s credits include Promises, Promises, Wonder.Land and Medea. Television and film credits include London Road and Doctors.

Marc said: “I have loved reimagining him [Marc Chagall] for the theatre production.

“A lot of people I imagine know his paintings so to tell a bit about his home life and his relationship with Bella rather than people just seeing the pictures he has painted of him and Bella.

“It is really lovely in this production that you learn about Bella more rather than just seeing her as an image in his work.”

Daisy added: “Bella’s story is extraordinary, her strength is extraordinary and her humor and her passion for her husband. It is just a lovely thing to do you get to fall in love every night and sing songs and talk about parts of history that are important and shouldn’t be forgotten.

“It is lovely to get this opportunity to tell somebody’s story - it is a great privilege.”

The production combines elements of theatre, music and dance.

“The whole play is massive treat for the senses,” explains Marc. “There are a lot of emotional journeys in it.

“This show is so unique and wonderful to be part of it.”

Daisy adds: “It is 90 minutes of history, love and art all intertwined.”

The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk is in the Main House until Saturday, March 31. For tickets call 01722 320333 or by visiting salisburyplayhouse.com