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CURVE CONTINUES COMMITMENT TO LOCAL ARTISTS WITH COHORT OF CURVE RESIDENT CREATIVES

Leicester’s Curve has announced the 16 Midlands theatre-makers and companies who will join the theatre as Curve Resident Creatives.

Curve’s commitment to supporting and developing talent from across the region continues with the appointment of the Resident Creatives who will play a key role in shaping the future of the theatre. The Curve Resident Creatives will be embedded in the life of the theatre and will be supported by Curve to create new work and develop artistic practice in Leicester.

The Curve Resident Creatives – who are based-in, from or committed to creating work in the Midlands – are: multi-award winning, female led company Burnt Lemon Theatre, who specialise in creating innovative new musicals; Nilima Devi MBE, performer, choreographer, educator and founder and Artistic Director of the Centre for Indian Classical Dance (CICD); LGBTQ+ focused new writing company Emmerson & Ward; dance theatre company Gerrard Martin Dance; artistic director, performer and choreographer of Morph Productions Subhash Viman Gorania; female led theatre company The Gramophones; playwright and community theatre practitioner Samson Hawkins; bilingual performance maker of Croatian origin Tina Hofman; experimental multidisciplinary artist Hal Mayer; dancer, choreographer, movement director and qualified Registered Sign Language Interpreter (RSLI), Stacey McCarthy; South Asian arts and culture company Phizzical; Kathak dancer and choreographer Kesha Raithatha; Kathak artist, teacher, choreographer and mentor Sonia Sabri; movement company State of Flux; composer, lyricist and writer Jude Taylor; hip hop dance company Wayward Thread.

The artists and theatre-makers were selected following an open call-out and interview process.

Speaking about the Curve Resident Creatives, Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said:

“Our astonishingly talented team of Curve Resident Creatives represent the artistic heart and soul of what makes Leicester and the East Midlands such a unique and exciting place to make theatre.

“A diverse coterie of artists and companies at varying stages of their development, the Resident Creatives scheme aims to elevate and support these incredible artists as they make work which reflects the world around us, is provocative and created with a sense of mischief.

“Our Resident Creatives will also share their unique skills across our organisation and in our communities, as we come together to define our shared futures.”

As part of the announcement, Curve commissioned photographer Ellie Kurttz to capture each artist in a virtual photoshoot. The collection of images follows Ellie’s series of photographs of performers taken throughout lockdown in 2020, called ‘Portraits in Isolation’.

The Curve Resident Creatives will sit alongside Curve’s existing group of Associates, leading artists, practitioners and companies who, with the theatre’s support, create new work which is showcased at Curve and beyond. Curve Associates include Akram Khan Company, Lighting Designer Ben Cracknell, theatre company Sheep Soup and Composer Tasha Taylor Johnson.

To find out more about Curve Resident Creatives and see the full gallery of Ellie Kurttz’ photographs, visit – https://www.curveonline.co.uk/about-us/artists/resident-creatives/

About the Curve Resident Creatives

Burnt Lemon Theatre

Burnt Lemon Theatre is a multi-award winning company led by Co-Artistic Directors Cara Baldwin and Hannah Benson and Producer Tanya Agarwal, who give rise to innovative new musicals. With fringe hits including Untapped Award winner Tokyo Rose, they tackle sensitive stories with tenderness, punch and precision.

“We are beyond thrilled to be working with Curve as Resident Creatives. Curve is an immense hub of inspiration, and at such a career defining point of our company’s trajectory, their support will strengthen our creative voice and help us grow towards our goals.” – Cara Baldwin, Co-Artistic Director of Burnt Lemon Theatre.

The Centre for Indian Classical Dance

The Centre for Indian Classical Dance (CICD), founded in 1981 by Artistic Director Nilima Devi MBE, passionately believes that South Asian Dance is for everybody irrespective of age, gender, ability, race and nationality. It acts as a teaching centre and a specialist dance agency in the East Midlands, promoting classical and other forms of Indian dance through classes, workshops, performances, exhibitions networking and partnerships at local, regional and national level.

“CICD is very excited to be part of CRC and look forward to working in partnership with Curve to contribute to the cultural heritage of Leicester’s community, creativity and bringing people from all ages and background to Curve to enjoy diverse artistic shows and feel connected socially.” – Nilima Devi MBE, Artistic Director of the Centre for Indian Classical Dance.

Emmerson & Ward

Emmerson & Ward formed in 2018 by Producer Max Emmerson and Writer Rob Ward, and are a new writing company with a focus on LGBTQ+ work.

“For several years we have been producing and touring our own work around the country and this opportunity to be a Curve Resident Creative will provide us with a creative base. For a venue as prestigious as Curve to offer us this chance represents to us a recognition of our work and a seal of approval from a theatre and creative team we admire hugely. We are incredibly grateful for this. We cannot wait to start work with Curve and the local Leicester community”. – Producer Max Emmerson and Writer Rob Ward.

Gerrard Martin Dance

Gerrard Martin Dance (GMD) is a project-based company, which was created in 2011 by dancer and choreographer Gerrard Martin. GMD produces dance theatre which is engaging, passionate, emotive and socially relevant.

The company teaches and facilitates creativity through dance, movement, and yoga. GMD enhances desire and passion for dancing, elevates self-esteem, and nurtures and encourages potential.

Gerrard Martin Dance believes in collaboration and engages artists across different art forms.

“Being given the opportunity to create and collaborate as a Curve Resident Creative is amazing! To be embedded within a nurturing, supportive arts community, not only helps my company in developing its mission, but will also promote dance to both traditional and new audiences alike. I am ready for the challenge ahead and feel excited to be given the opportunity in this new creative environment.” – Gerrard Martin, Artistic Director of Gerrard Martin Dance.

Subhash Viman Gorania

Subhash Viman Gorania (SVG) is Artistic Director, performer and choreographer for Morph Productions, which fuses both classical Indian dance practice and contemporary forms. There is sophistication of technical, design and musical languages embedded in narrative driven work, which delves into social issues such as the impacts of migration and bullying. With a desire to blend art forms and transform lives, SVG is exploring new ways to animate stories and the dancing body through digital mediums. 

“Being a Leicester based dancer, performer and artist, it is a blessing in disguise during this lockdown period to have Curve, as an internationally renowned theatre, open up this Creative Residency to Morph Productions. This opportunity will provide the company with the tools and resources it needs to develop a new wave of animation in dance for digital platforms and live screening. Our partnership with Curve will enable a new network of support at this critical time for which we are very grateful.” – Subhash Viman Gorania.

The Gramophones

The Gramophones are a devising theatre company based in Nottingham, led by Co-Artistic Directors Hannah Stone and Ria Ashcroft. They focus on telling stories that put women centre stage and often use aerial theatre, music and storytelling in their work. They are currently working on Aidy the Awesome, a new aerial theatre show about a grandmother and granddaughter superhero duo!

“To have Curve’s support at this time when the theatre industry is in such difficulties means a lot to a small company. We’ve had an ongoing relationship with Curve as we’ve developed and so we are very excited to formalise this by becoming a Curve Resident Company.” – Hannah Stone and Ria Ashcroft, Co-Artistic Directors of The Gramophones.

Samson Hawkins

Samson is a playwright and community theatre practitioner from Northamptonshire. He specialises in creating rural relaxed theatre for everyone. He’s worked with The Nottingham Playhouse, The Oxford Playhouse and The Orange Tree Theatre. As well as being a Curve Resident Creative, he is a New Associate at New Perspectives, a Graeae Beyond member and part of the Royal Court Script Panel. 

“I’m really looking forward to working with a theatre with such bold ambitions about the future of theatre and the Leicester community and hope that we can make some inspiring things happen together.” – Samson Hawkins.

Tina Hofman

Tina Hofman is a bilingual performance maker of Croatian origin, who works both independently and leads Notnow Collective. Her work is inspired by standing on the precipices, disruptions, migration and fantasy, and uses collaborative practice and movement as primary languages. Having mainly created indoor studio work, Tina is now moving into both digital and outdoor spaces, and aims to create strong international corridors of creativity. She is a core member of Migrants in Theatre movement.

“Becoming a Curve Resident Creative comes at a unique point in my career: whilst the pandemic put my practice through a massive spin cycle, this residency means developing on those new offerings that are arising from this unplanned and unpredictable period. I am excited to be part of this cohort with such a variety of artists and practices, and have the brilliant Curve team behind for support – we seem to share a strong drive to emerge into post-Covid times unafraid of responding to the New and the Unknown.” – Tina Hofman.

Hal Mayer

Hal Mayer is an experimental multidisciplinary artist, his work ranging from Film, Theatre, Immersive, Mixed Media and Visual arts. Within his rooted movement practice he channels Butoh methodology through Hip-Hop dance disciplines. Using styles such as Tutting, Popping and Krump to tell provoking and harrowing narratives.

“Having come to a place in my artistic journey where I’m bored in my practice, I’m hoping to feel invigorated again with the support of the theatre and the collaboration of my fellow Resident Creatives. Coming back home from a stretch in London, it’s great to have a base to work out of closer to home. I look forward to what’s to come.” – Hal Mayer

Stacey McCarthy

Stacey McCarthy is dancer choreographer, movement director and practitioner from Leicester, who is also a qualified Registered Sign Language Interpreter (RSLI) and provides access to the Performing Arts for the Deaf community and audiences. She regularly collaborates with and teaches young people. Stacey takes inspiration from art forms inspired by Black culture including contemporary and commercial styles of dance. She is currently working on some exciting shows, developing various projects of her own and is looking to further collaborate with Deaf and hearing creatives to bring more opportunities to the Midlands.

“I am delighted to be a Curve Resident Creative, this opportunity will allow me to explore new working relationships to instigate change whilst developing my own practice.” – Stacey McCarthy.

Phizzical

Phizzical tells tomorrow’s stories today.  Informed by global narratives & South Asian culture, Phizzical has produced 49 projects (22 own), toured nationally/internationally & developed 27 projects for diverse artists since 2003. Phizzical is led by Artistic Director and CEO Samir Bhamra,

“It’s fantastic that Curve wants to enable us to explore and share stories from communities who are easy to ignore. We tell tomorrow’s stories today to benefit, entertain and integrate diverse and polarised communities. This residency will build on sharing creative inspiration, fuelling ambition and widening the doors to welcome everyone to learn from one another.” – Samir Bhamra, Artistic Director and CEO of Phizzical.

Kesha Raithatha

Kesha is a dancer and choreographer who embodies Kathak and Contemporary movement. Shecreates work that is rich in detail and experimentally reconsiders contemporary South Asian dance. Her curiosity and exposure to a wide range of movement training informs and invigorates her dance-making vocabulary. She is passionate about exploring her dance a way which allows the viewer to have a surreal and transcendental experience, but also as a means to be a voice for the collective. 

“I am extremely delighted to have my long-standing relationship with Curve formalised at a time where artists really need a space to explore and belong. To create work in my home city that represents the local demographic and my personal journey makes me hopeful. It is a privilege and a very exciting prospect.” – Kesha Raithatha.

Sonia Sabri

Sonia Sabri is a multi award-winning dance artist and choreographer. She is one of the world’s leading Kathak dancers and amongst the brightest and most inspirational of British born dancer-choreographers working in the twenty-first century. She has created a fresh, unique style of Kathak by reinventing it from within, by pushing boundaries and generating work that is original in concept and exciting and relevant to today’s audiences. 

“I am so delighted to be selected for Curve Resident Creatives. I am looking forward to pursuing my creative investigations with an age old art form through the support and expertise of the Curve in a city that is bursting with new talent, innovation and dynamic energy.” – Sonia Sabri.

State of Flux

STATE OF FLUX is a movement company bringing their unique performance style and bold visual concepts to choreography, movement direction and live performance. The company is led by Artistic Director Laura Weston and Associate Artist and Producer Brad Foster.

“As Leicester born and bred artists we’re thrilled to be bringing our movement work to the city, the theatre and its communities and are really excited to be part of this new journey with Curve and the incredible Resident Creatives we are sharing it with.” – Artistic Director Laura Weston and Associate Artist and Producer Brad Foster.

Jude Taylor

Jude Taylor is a composer, lyricist and writer from Leicestershire. His work includes Steep Themselves in Night (The Other Palace, 2018) and Make Me Infamous (MP Theatricals, 2020). He is also an experienced workshop facilitator and teacher. 

“Living locally, Curve has played a huge role in my life growing up and so I’m absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to be coming on board as a Resident Creative. The funding and training I received through Curve’s Young Arts Entrepreneurs scheme in 2012 kickstarted my career in theatre and education, and so I’m excited to be back to continue my journey almost 10 years on. I look forward to further developing my practice, working with a range of wonderful people, and hopefully taking my work as a musical theatre composer and writer to the next level.” – Jude Taylor.

Wayward Thread

Wayward Thread is a hip hop dance company led by Artistic Director Si Rawlinson. Rooted in break, the company uses hip hop styles, contemporary dance, physical theatre, spoken word and film to explore compassion, identity, and the dissonant relationship with a rapidly changing world.

Introducing EPISODES from stream.theatre – a new home for on demand Arts programming. 

EPISODES will give audiences a library of programmes, series and documentaries that celebrate the Arts, to be enjoyed on demand, with no subscriptions. Visit stream.theatre/episodes

stream.theatre has created and curated a huge range of exciting programming that celebrates theatre and the Arts and will host it via EPISODES, a new area of the streaming platform. 

Aimed at industry insiders, aspiring theatre-makers and creators, or simply those with an interest in the Arts, EPISODES includes exclusive masterclasses with theatrical legends (including Elaine Paige, Paines Plough and Oti Mabuse), beautiful documentaries and original series (including In The Company of Actors with Cate Blanchett and Hamilton: One Shot to Broadway), with new titles being added every month.  

All of the content within EPISODES will be available On-Demand and can be purchased episode by episode or, if there are multiple episodes within a programme, at a discounted series rate. Users won’t have to take out a subscription to access the content. 

 EPISODES premieres this month (March 2021) with initial content on sale now and available to stream from Monday 15 March. It includes two original EPISODES’ Masterclasses; The Art Of New Writing with Paines Plough, a four part series exploring how to produce new work, and Dancing with Oti Mabuse, a four part series teaching you ballroom basics. Documentaries include In the Company of Actors, a behind the scenes look at preparations for Hedda Gabler at Syndey Theatre Company, starring Cate Blanchett, and Hamilton: One Shot To Broadway, the story of the hit musical that changed the face of Broadway. There are also original series including Theality TV, the story of making an Off Broadway Musical; Little House on the Ferry and Broadway Masters, a collection of workshops from Broadway’s experts, including Taye Diggs, Anthony Rapp and Laura Osnes. 

New EPISODES content will be available each month. April’s programming is on sale now and will stream from Friday 9 April. It includes more original EPISODES’ Masterclasses: Creating The Character with Elaine Paige, a six part exploration of her most iconic roles and performances, and Finding Your Voice with Hazel Holder, a three part practical guide of vocal technique. There is behind the scenes comedy with Submissions Only a web series about the casting process for musicals and some help getting fit for the summer with Built for the Stage, fitness classes with a theatrical beat. The previously announced A KILLER PARTY, the UK version of the hit US episodic musical, joins the April line up.

Oti Mabuse said: I had so much fun filming my Episodes Masterclass – I wanted to make sure it could be enjoyable and useful to experienced dancers or complete beginners. I think people are going to love browsing EPISODES and discovering some new things.

Katie Posner and Charlotte Bennett, joint artistic directors of Paines Plough, said: We loved filming our episodes masterclass for stream.theatre. We hope they de mystify how an organisation like Paines Plough discover, develop and nurture writers. These episodes were designed to share a snap shot of how we begin the process of making work from the page to it being produced on stage.

There are over 50 more titles to be released in the coming months, including original EPISODES’ Masterclasses with design house Feast Creative, award winning wigs designer Richard Mawbey, Hamilton Dance Captain Alex Sarmiento, designer Hugh Durrant and many more.

You can browse EPISODES now by visiting www.stream.theatre/episodes or by clicking on EPISODES in the menu on the homepage of stream.theatre.

Play thief or detective from behind a
blindfold in two new interactive shows
from Morpheus

• Theatre company Morpheus add two new shows following the ongoing success of
• Locked Down, Undercover and Spymaker
• Manor of Lies pits audiences against a villainous blackmailer in a Regency whodunnit
• Families are challenged to crack an eccentric billionaire’s security in Eggstraction
• The five shows are performed over Zoom for small groups of blindfolded participants

Manor of Lies available from 14th March
Eggstraction available from 20th March
Locked Down, Undercover and Spymaker available now

“the most exhilarating part of it is in the human connection and collective decision-making”
**** Guardian (on Locked Down)
“The beauty of the blindfold is that it allows the experience to take place entirely in your imagination”
****The Stage (on Locked Down)

@uk_morpheus | morpheus-show.co.uk
In time for Easter, Morpheus are adding two new blindfolded experiences to its growing body of interactive online theatre. For adults, Manor of Lies is a Regency whodunnit pitting audiences against a villainous blackmailer to save notorious playboy Lord Dante Rochester. For families, Eggstraction challenges young detectives to test the security an eccentric billionaire’s museum and steal his new treasure, the fabulous lost Faberge egg. The shows, led by live online actors, are designed to be fully interactive for small audiences, who wear headphones and blindfolds to immerse them within the world. The two new shows join Locked Down, Undercover and Spymaker.

As the pandemic continues to separate families and friends, the five shows from Morpheus offers new ways of connecting, and opens up possibilities for long-distance social gatherings in the future. The shows combine the liveness of theatre with the interactivity of escape rooms, all from the comfort of a couch.

Manor of Lies starts with a dastardly blackmail note and four mystery guests. In a beautiful country house, Lord Dante Rochester is a desperate man on the brink. The notorious playboy and rogue urgently requests your presence, your wit and your sleuthing skills to save him – and yourself – from scandal.

Following the success of teen’s show Spymaker, and children’s show Winter Rescue, Eggstraction is Morpheus’ first show for families. Eccentric billionaire Frederick Hampton is challenging you and your crack team of detectives to test the security of his museum. Inside is his new treasure, one of the lost Faberge eggs of the Romanov Empire. But you are not the only one after the prize, the notorious Master Criminal known only as The Easter Bunny is hot on your tail!

Morpheus is a theatre company run by Yana Greene. Yana Greene began the company with its first show All Hallow’s, followed by Locked Down and Undercover which she translated from the original Russian and adapted to be delivered virtually. The two new shows have been created by UK scriptwriters.

Yana Greene said, “It was a bit of a gamble bringing the first show to the UK, but the audience was so delighted I simply had to introduce new ones. There is now a team of scriptwriters and developers to create delightful escapist experiences.”

Listings information
All shows: £39 | Group of six: £195
Tickets available from morpheus-show.co.uk

Manor of Lies (available from 14th March)
Running time: 2hrs (approx.) | Suitable for ages: 18+
Scandal! A dastardly blackmail note. Four mysterious guests. A beautiful country house and the desperate plea of a man on the brink -Lord Dante Rochester, the notorious playboy and rogue of Darcy Manor, urgently requests your presence, your wit and your detective skills to uncover the villainous blackmailer. With suspects, cyanide and syphilis at every turn, will you be able to solve the mysteries of this Regency whodunnit and save yourselves from scandal!?
Script by Angus Yellowlees

Eggstraction (available from 20th March)
Running time: 2hrs (approx.) | Suitable for ages: 8 – 98
As a crack team of detectives, you are challenged by the eccentric billionaire Frederick Hampton to test the security at his Museum. His challenge, use whatever means possible to break into the building and steal his new treasure, one of the fabulous lost Faberge eggs of the Romanov Empire. Unfortunately you are not the only ones after the prize, the Master Criminal who calls themselves ‘The Easter Bunny’ is hot on your trail and they will stop at nothing to get the egg. A fabulously funny Easter escapade for Families, friends and furry felons.
Script by Dominic McChesney

Locked Down
Running time: 2hrs (approx.) | Suitable for ages: 18+
You wake to find yourself in a strange place. Memories distorted – a jigsaw puzzle of violence and horror. But what happened? As you explore your new surroundings, the piece begin to slot together. There was a deadly virus. Mass panic. Riots. A civil war. There is now just one hope for civilisation: you.
Adapted by Yana Greene

Undercover
Running time: 2hrs (approx.) | Suitable for ages: 18+
A mysterious group of elegantly dressed strangers; a night time rendezvous in the heart of a desert; a genius scientist in the clutches of the enemy; and a dangerous mission ahead. Who are these people? Spies? Undercover agents? And what are they doing here? And why?! It is up to you to discover the answers.
Adapted by Yana Greene

Spymaker
Running time: 2hrs (approx.) | Suitable for ages: 13 – 17
Your country needs you! Have you got what it takes to become a secret agent? Can you sneak behind enemy lines, uncover the mysterious invention of a crazy scientist, avoid the guards, and escape from a world gone mad? Are you made of the right stuff?
Adapted by Yana Greene

York Theatre Royal re-opens on May 17 with a celebration of York’s creativity

A call-out has gone out to York artists – poets, writers, performers, singers, dancers, digital artists – to help celebrate the return of live performance to York Theatre Royal when it re-opens on May 17.

The theatre is commissioning a series of “love letters” from local artists – under the umbrella title Love Bites – to be performed on the opening night of The Love Season, a season of plays based on the theme of love. The commissions will then be presented across the following fortnight as a prelude to the theatre production playing each night.

The theatre aims to commission 20 Love Bites love letters, each lasting up to five minutes. Artists will be offered £1,000 a commission plus £150 every time it is performed.

Creative Director Juliet Forster said: “We want local artists working in any form or medium and currently living in York to join forces with us in celebrating the start of live performances when restrictions lift in May. We are looking for artists to create love letters through any medium.

“The love letter could be to a person, a place, an object, the city of York itself – or anything else. We are very keen to incorporate as wide a mix of art forms and interpretations of what a love letter is as possible. It could be a poem, a song, a piece of digital art, a dance piece but should be able to be performed or shared both live and in digital form. 

“The piece should have a duration of up to five minutes. If the artist doesn’t want to perform the piece themselves we will work with them on engaging an appropriate performer.”

Those interested in being commissioned are being asked to write a short proposal for what their love letter might be, how, it could be performed live and translated into digital form. They are also being asked to submit links to their website or previous work. Submissions should be emailed to [email protected] by 22 March 2021. Details of how to apply are on the theatre website yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

The theatre is set to reopen on May 17 once government restrictions are lifted. Chief Executive Tom Bird said: “We’re ecstatic at the prospect of re-opening in May with the much-anticipated Love Season. After the challenges that the pandemic has brought for freelance artists, we’re particularly delighted to be able to commission 20 York artists to relaunch the theatre programme with Love Bites. We’ll be announcing the remainder of the season in April. We can’t wait to welcome the people of York back to their wonderful theatre.”

READING REP THEATRE REACHES FUNDING TARGET AND RAISES OVER £1 MILLION FOR NEW CULTURAL ARTS HUB

Reading Rep Theatre today announces that it has reached its funding target and raised over £1 million for a new cultural arts hub in Reading. The company, founded in 2012 by Artistic Director Paul Stacey with an initial investment of just £500, will open its first permanent home in October 2021, housing the multi-award-winning Reading Rep Theatre and providing a space to bring the local community together as it emerges from isolation.

Reading Rep is Reading’s only year-round professional producing theatre, and the new cultural hub will provide the facilities for the company to continue producing critically acclaimed productions, as well as delivering participatory projects to those with least access to the arts. The venue will open in October 2021 with a bold new artistic season of work, with details to be announced.

Paul Stacey, Artistic Director, today said, “With the light at the end of the tunnel of this incredibly challenging year now shining brighter than ever, we can’t wait to open our new doors later this year and share space, laughter, and stories with our community and audiences again. We have been so humbled and delighted by the support we have received over the last two years – our new cultural arts hub is a significant next step for Reading Rep and for Reading, and we are so excited to share what we have planned for the first season in our new home!”

The company began its life in the black box theatre at Reading College, producing packed out plays on a shoestring. Before long, Reading Rep grew to be a beloved home and playground for many of the UK’s leading theatre-makers, including Barney Norris, Roy Alexander Weise and Mischief Theatre. Collaborations and co-productions with leading regional and London theatres including Nuffield Southampton Theatres, Arcola Theatre and Oxford Playhouse placed Reading firmly within the national theatre landscape.

With community at the heart of the artistic vision of the company, Reading Rep created ENGAGE in 2015, the flagship community outreach programme providing access to the arts for Reading’s most vulnerable communities. ENGAGE provides a year-round programme of workshops, delivered in partnership with Reading Libraries, Reading Borough Council, the Cultural Education Partnership, the NHS and numerous others, that has reached 15,000 children, young people and adults in the last 18 months alone.

With critical acclaim and sell out success, Reading Rep was ready for a new and permanent home, and in 2018, just six years after its first production, the company began raising funds to convert a former 1927 Salvation Army Hall. The new cultural hub will include a 168-seat theatre, a permanent education and learning centre, backstage areas, new front of house facilities, and a café/bar. The building is being converted by Total Projects, and is designed by David Hughes, the architect of the award-winning Park Theatre.

About Reading Rep Theatre

Reading Rep Theatre was founded from scratch in 2012 by Paul Stacey, operating out of a sixty seat venue. It has since grown into Reading’s multi-award-winning resident professional producing theatre. 

As Reading’s only year-round producing theatre, the company provides support to some of the UK’s leading emerging artists, ensuring that everyone in Reading, but especially those with least opportunity, can access high-quality theatre and culture. 

In 2018 nearly 15,000 children and young people were reached through Reading Rep’s award-winning ENGAGE programme providing year-round youth theatres, school workshops, and a work experience scheme.

@ReadingRep

#BuildRDGRep

www.readingrep.com

The National Theatre adds new productions to streaming platform: the Young Vic’s Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and the NT and Out of Joint’s Consent by Nina Raine  

– Both productions are now available on National Theatre at Home platform to stream worldwide  

– Cat on a Hot Tin Roof will also be available with audio-description  

– The NT also becomes the first performing arts organisation featured in the Bloomberg Connects app – a free digital guide to more than 20 cultural organisations around the world.  

The National Theatre has today announced that two new filmed productions have been added to its streaming service National Theatre at Home: the Young Vic’sCat on a Hot Tin Roofandthe National Theatre and Out of Joint’s co-production Consent.  

The Young Vic’s 2017 West End production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof was directed by Benedict Andrews (A Streetcar Named Desire) with Sienna Miller (21 Bridges, American Woman) as Maggie, Jack O’Connell (Unbroken, Trial by Fire) as Brick and Colm Meaney (Gangs of London) as Big Daddy. Tennessee Williams’ searing, poetic story of a family’s fight for survival is a twentieth century masterpiece.  

Nina Raine’s play Consent premiered in the Dorfman theatre in 2017, a co-production between the National Theatre and Out of Joint. Following a sold-out run at the National Theatre, it transferred to the Harold Pinter Theatre in 2018. The acclaimed production of this challenging and funny play features the original cast including Anna Maxwell Martin (Motherland, The Personal History of David Copperfield) and Daisy Haggard (Breeders, Back to Life).  

Also announced today, as part of the NT’s partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies to broaden access to world-leading institutions and offerings is the National Theatre’s guide on the  Bloomberg Connects app. The NT becomes the first performing arts organisation join the app which provides access to museums, galleries, and cultural spaces around the world anytime through digital guides, content from artists, curators, and experts. Launching today, the National Theatre’s guide on the app includes exclusive content including introductions from NT Joint Chief Executives Rufus Norris and Lisa Burger, interviews with NT Associates, an interview with Romeo & Juliet film adapter and associate director Emily Burns, That Black Theatre podcast episodes and a new, exclusive ‘backstage tour’ of the National Theatre, showcasing the historic building and recreating the in-person backstage tours. The app is available to download for free on the Apple Store or Google Play.   

Lisa Burger, Executive Director and Joint Chief Executive of the National Theatre, said: “We’ve been thrilled with the audience response from around the world to the first three months of National Theatre at Home. This month sees two more fantastic productions on the NT’s streaming platform – shows that sold out in the West End and the NT – and it’s wonderful to be able to provide these on demand. We’re also very pleased to be launching our guide on the Bloomberg Connects app, as part of our partnership with Bloomberg as supporters of National Theatre at Home. For the NT, it’s essential that access to arts and culture is as widely available as we can make it and never more so than during this period of lockdown and closure. This free app gives audiences exclusive content and insight to a range of international arts organisations and it’s brilliant that the National Theatre is featured as well. The virtual backstage tour is very exciting.  We so wish we could welcome audiences back into our building and this helps to make that possible, even if only digitally for now.”   

Jemma Read, Global Head of Corporate Philanthropy at Bloomberg LP said, “At Bloomberg Philanthropies, we’re harnessing the power of the arts to improve the quality of life in cities across the globe. We’re proud of the impact that we’ve made through our partnership with the National Theatre to date and we’re excited to build on this foundation. As the first performing arts organisation to join the app, National Theatre on Bloomberg Connects will deepen audience engagement and will enable communities everywhere – regardless of social or geographical circumstances – to enjoy world class theatre.” 

National Theatre at Home now has 18 productions to stream on the platform available at any time, including Angels in America Parts One and Two with  Andrew Garfield, Nathan Lane  and  Russell Tovey, Medea with Helen McCrory and Michaela Coel, Mosquitoes with Olivia Colman and Olivia Williams, Phèdre with Helen Mirren and  Dominic Cooper, the Young Vic’s Yerma with Billie Piper and Othello with Adrian Lester and  Rory Kinnear.    

All productions on National Theatre at Home are available with captions. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof will also be available with audio-description to support blind and partially sighted audiences worldwide. Eight other National Theatre at Home titles are currently available with audio-description: Angels in America Parts One and Two, Othello, Donmar Warehouse’s Coriolanus, The Cherry Orchard, Amadeus, Julie, Phèdre and the Young Vic’s Yerma.   

National Theatre at Home is available now at ntathome.com, with single titles available from £5.99 – £8.99, a monthly subscription for £9.99 or a yearly subscription for £99.99.     

National Theatre at Home is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies.     

#NationalTheatreatHome       

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof    

The Young Vic’s 2017 production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, the powerful masterpiece by Tennessee Williams, features Sienna Miller (21 Bridges, American Woman) and Jack O’Connell (Unbroken, Trial by Fire) in the iconic roles of Maggie and Brick, with Colm Meaney (Gangs of London) as Big Daddy.   

 A Mississippi family gather at their country property to celebrate Big Daddy’s birthday. The scorching heat is almost as oppressive as the lies they tell each other. Brick and Maggie dance around the secrets and sexual tensions that threaten to destroy their marriage. Which version of the truth is real – and which will win out?   

Directed by Benedict Andrews (A Streetcar Named Desire, Three Sisters), the cast also includes Brian Gleeson (Peaky Blinders), Richard Hansell (The Secret Garden), Lisa Palfrey (Sex Education), Michael J. Shannon (Dark Shadows) and Hayley Squires (I, Daniel Blake).  

Filmed for National Theatre Live in 2018 in the Apollo Theatre in the West End, the Young Vic and The Young Ones present a Young Vic production, with special thanks to Jack Keenan.  

This production is available at least until 9 March 2022.   

Consent   

Nina Raine’s 2017 play was directed by Roger Michell (Notting Hill, Enduring Love) and premiered in the Dorfman theatre before transferring to the Harold Pinter Theatre in 2018, following a sold-out run.   

Friends take opposing briefs in a rape case. The key witness is a woman whose life seems a world away from theirs. At home, their own lives begin to unravel as every version of the truth is challenged.    

This funny, painful and challenging play by Nina Raine (Tiger Country, Tribes) sifts the evidence from every side and puts justice herself in the dock.   

The cast is Anna Maxwell Martin (Motherland, The Personal History of David Copperfield), Daisy Haggard (Breeders, Back to Life), Adam James (I May Destroy You), Ben Chaplin (The Dig), Priyanga Burford (Industry), Pip Carter (1917) and Heather Craney (MotherFatherSon).  

Filmed for the National Theatre Archive in 2017 in the Dorfman theatre, this is a production from the National Theatre and Out of Joint.  

This production is available at least until 9 March 2022. This play contains discussion and depiction of sexual violence.   

L E S   M I S É R A B L E S  –  T H E   S T A G E D   C O N C E R T

TO RETURN TO THE SONDHEIM THEATRE FROM 20 MAY 2021

PRINCIPAL CASTING HEADED BY THE STARS OF THE WEST END CAST

JON ROBYNS AND BRADLEY JADEN, WITH LUCIE JONES AS FANTINE

NEW BOOKING DATES ANNOUNCED

THE FULL PRODUCTION OF

L E S   M I S É R A B L E S

STARRING MOST OF THIS COMPANY

RETURNS TO THE SONDHEIM ON 25 SEPTEMBER 2021

THE NATIONAL TOURING COMPANY

RECOMMENCES AT THE THEATRE ROYAL GLASGOW NOVEMBER 2021

WWW.LESMIS.COM

Performances are set to return for the spectacular production of Les Misérables –The Staged Concert at the Sondheim Theatre.  Today (10 March 2021) it is officially announced that the show will resume performances for a new season on 20 May 2021, booking to 5 September 2021.  Patrons whose bookings were affected by the Government’s previous directives will be contacted from today, followed by booking for Priority members from 10am on Friday 12 March and public booking opening at 10am on 15 March 2021. 

Cameron Mackintosh said: “As the West End marks the first anniversary of the enforced closure of British Theatre due to the pandemic, I am delighted to announce that the acclaimed spectacular staged concert of Les Misérables, which previously sold out all performances on Shaftesbury Avenue, will return to the Sondheim Theatre on 20 May 2021 with a reduced capacity and necessary social distancing requirements.  The cast drawn from the West End and National Tour Companies will be headed by Jon Robyns as Jean Valjean, Bradley Jaden as Javert, Lucie Jones as Fantine, Shan Ako as Eponine and Harry Apps as Marius. Gerard Carey and Josefina Gabrielle will play the Thenardiers.  During the run other celebrated Jean Valjeans will be playing guest performances alongside Jon Robyns. The Staged Concert will play until 5 September 2021 only, when the theatre will close for three weeks in order to re-mount the full production of Les Misérables which opened just over a year ago to rave reviews.  The National Tour of Les Misérables will also resume performances in November at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow starring Dean Chisnall, Nic Greenshields and Katie Hall.”

Public excitement for Les Misérables –The Staged Concert,which originally had a sell-out season at the Gielgud in August 2019, has been exceptional.  Due to extraordinary public demand the last run of the show in December 2020 sold out within twenty-four hours and was extended twice as a result.  Sadly, after the Government’s updated Covid-19 restrictions the show had to be suspended after only 10 performances. 

This spectacular production has a Company of over 50 actors and musicians drawn from the acclaimed West End and National Tour Companies of Les Misérables and will initially play to a 50% seating capacity with strict Covid safety measures in place.  Social distancing will be followed front of house, on stage, backstage and throughout the building.   The Theatre will move to full capacity as soon as the Government allows for it.

The principal cast includes Jon Robyns as Jean Valjean, Bradley Jaden as Javert, Lucie Jones as Fantine, Shan Ako as Éponine, Harry Apps as Marius, Gerard Carey as Thénardier and Josefina Gabrielle as Madame Thénardier.  Further casting will be announced shortly. 

Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Les Misérables is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel with additional material by James Fenton and adaptation by Trevor Nunn and John Caird.  The Staged Concert is directed by James Powell and Jean-Pierre Van Der Spuy and conducted by Alfonso Casado Trigo.

The critically acclaimed new full production of Les Misérables which opened in January 2020 is planned to re-open at the Sondheim Theatre on 25 September 2021 as long as the Government has withdrawn social distancing allowing full capacity audiences and has made a contingency insurance available for the theatre and music industries in the event of any more sudden unscheduled closures.  All plans for the re-openings are in accordance with the Government’s latest directives and therefore subject to change.

ON THE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THEATRES CLOSING

DAME JUDI DENCH PRAISES THEATRE SUPPORT FUND+

THE CREATORS OF ‘THE SHOW MUST GO ON!’

FOR RAISING AN OUTSTANDING

£800,000 FOR CHARITIES

Renowned theatre, film, and TV actress Dame Judi Dench has praised the creators of ‘The Show Must Go On!’ merchandise, the Theatre Support Fund+ for raising £800,000 for charities Acting For Others, The Fleabag Support Fund and NHS COVID-19 Urgent Appeal.

16 March 2021 marks the one-year anniversary of theatres closing across the U.K and despite the recent budget news from the government, there are still many freelancers who have not been able to claim any support with many now being out of work for a year. Theatre Support Fund+ will continue raising funds for those who have been affected by the pandemic until the theatres finally reopen and workers can return to their full-time jobs.

Dame Judi Dench said today, ‘I have been devastated by the effects the pandemic has had on the theatre industry but I am also proud of what we have achieved by standing together through these times. Chris and Damien at the Theatre Support Fund+ have done such profound work by raising this incredible amount of monies and have been able to help thousands of freelancers. There are still many workers who need our support and I am delighted to be able to support their campaign. I wish them all the best in their continued journey to help freelancers until our theatres can open again, The Show Must Go On!’

Theatre Support Fund+ are also the creators of The Show Must Go On! Live at The Palace Theatre which has been rescheduled to 2 ^– 6 June 2021. More information and casting to be announced soon.

Chris and Damien said today, ‘We cannot wait to bring this very special concert to the stage which will be a true celebration of the West End. We’re currently working hard with all of the shows involved to finalise plans and very soon we’ll be able to share with you all the exciting details about the show.  We look forward to welcoming you to the Palace Theatre in June and thank you for your continued support’.

In addition to Dame Judi other notable names which have supported the campaign include;

President of the Fleabag Support Fund+ Phoebe Waller Bridge, Michael Ball, Christopher Biggins, Samantha Bond, Todrick Hall, Amanda Holden, Sir Derek Jacobi Lesley Joseph, Myleene Klass, Keira Knightley, Beverley Knight, Bonnie Langford, Patti LuPone, Sarah Parish, Melanie Sykes and Marisha Wallace.

Theatre Support Fund+ was set up by theatre industry workers Chris Marcus and Damien Stanton to help those who have been affected by the pandemic. In 11 months the team have taken over 70,000 orders and the £800,000 raised has helped thousands of workers who have had no or limited work since theatres shut a year ago. ‘The Show Must Go On!’ design is an amalgamation of the 16 biggest West End Musicals and has been recognised internationally with orders been sent to 73 different countries across the globe.

Shows included on the design are & Juliet, Come From Away, Dear Evan Hansen, Everybody’s Talking about Jamie, Hamilton, Les Misérables, Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins, Matilda The Musical, Six The Musical, Tina, The Tina Turner Musical, The Book of Mormon, The Prince of Egypt, Disney’s The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera and Wicked.

All merchandise can be found at www.theatresupportfund.co.uk

Highly-acclaimed David Bowie homage, From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads, to be released as audio book

Streaming from 21st March 2021

After 143 live performances in the UK, the highly-acclaimed production From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads, an homage and celebration of David Bowie, will be released worldwide as an audio book on all Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon and all streaming services from Sunday 21st March.

With nods to Bowie’s heroes and influences, the audio version of From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads offers audiences the chance to immerse themselves in pure Bowie heaven.

From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads is a theatrical road movie, thrillingly evoking Bowie’s London. A young man with an illness no-one can understand receives an unexpected gift on his 18th birthday, propelling him on a surreal and thrilling journey to London. He performs on the stage where Ziggy Stardust was born, finds himself in Bowie’s bedroom and is led on a treasure trail to discover the truth about himself and his family. What follows will change his life forever…

The audiobook makes use of the original production team with writer and director Adrian Berry and performer Alex Walton. The audiobook has been recorded in collaboration with the original sound designer and engineer, Alan Boyd (Little Sparta), in his Kentish Town Studio.

Director and writer Adrian Berry comments, I wanted to celebrate Bowie’s art and to take the audience on a journey to where it all began. In bringing Bowie’s history into the 21st century, we can see how his fans today relate to him and why he remains such an enduringly important figure in popular culture. This show will also be a celebration of the London that formed Bowie, creating his many unique characters and astonishing musical direction.

From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads is more than just an amazing homage to David Bowie. This
production will … take you on a journey that is emotional and engaging. For those who shed a tear when Bowie passed this is also a perfect nod to the man himself (★★★★★, Everything Theatre).

The curtain rises again at Birmingham Repertory Theatre
Audiences welcomed back with productions that put local artists centre stage 

ROSIE KAY: ABSOLUTE SOLO II

LIGHTPOST THEATRE: CONSTRUCTED 

Birmingham Repertory Theatre has become the first major venue in Birmingham to announce the return of live performances this May.  

The venue will see two productions which were postponed due to local restrictions and lockdowns finally take to the stage. Both productions are created and performed by Birmingham artists; Rosie Kay’s Absolute Solo II on Wednesday 19 May 2021 and Lightpost Theatre’s Constructed from Thursday 27 – Saturday 29 May 2021. Tickets are on sale now at birmingham-rep.co.uk. Customers with tickets for previously scheduled dates for both productions will be contacted direct by the box office 

Sean Foley, Artistic Director of The REP said; “It’s been almost twelve months since we closed our doors and ceased almost all live performance. It’s been an extremely challenging period for all theatres across the country, but I’m delighted we can now look forward to welcoming back audiences and artists, and am thrilled to announce that now, quite rightly, some of Birmingham’s brightest talent will reopen the venue in May. 

“After being able to reopen briefly in October with the World Premiere of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Lazuli Sky, and then moving the special Christmas production of The Nutcracker at The REP online – the first livestream ever from the REP – we will continue our presenting of the best that the City can offer. Acclaimed choreographer and dancer Rosie Kay premieres Absolute Solo II on 19 May. Lightpost Theatre Company, a company of young black men between the ages of 16-26 from across Birmingham and the West Midlands, and supported by The REP, will premiere their brand-new production, Constructed a week later from 27-29 May. 

“Both will showcase the very best our city has to offer as we all gather together again, the theatre returns to live performance, and The REP looks forward to celebrating the 50th anniversary of our home in Centenary Square.” 

21 years on from her first ever solo show, Absolute Solo, which she performed in the 1999 Edinburgh Festival, and six years since last appearing on stage herself, Kay returns with Absolute Solo II – works that look backwards and forwards at her personal experience as a female in dance. The triple bill includes a new work created on her-self during lockdown which explores the notion that now, as an older dancing female, she has something to say about the female body and the experience of being female and being on stage.  

Constructed explores the culture of working-class black men in Britain. Set on a failing construction site, a group of labourers seek to better themselves but hierarchy and social circumstance forces them to stick to the job at hand. When a rare opportunity for promotion arises, fragmented relationships born out of frustration threaten to break apart the brotherhood of co-workers. This new play seeks to dig deeper behind the workplace banter of a construction site, exploring the challenges that face working class manual workers both on site and at home. Constructed is directed by CJ Lloyd Webley and Mathias André. 

Lightpost Theatre Company originated as part of Shifting the Dial – a programme that aims to improve the mental well-being of young men of African, Caribbean, or mixed African or Caribbean heritage. The Shifting the Dial Partnership is a unique collaboration comprised of The REP, First Class Legacy, Centre for Mental Health and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.  

In line with current Government regulations, The REP has taken a number of carefully managed steps and precautions to help audiences feel safe and enjoy their chosen performance. The theatre has introduced a series of new safety measures such as socially distanced seating, hand sanitising stations, temperature checks and additional cleaning. More information can be found at birmingham-rep.co.uk. 

The REP will be monitoring the situation closely regarding government advice around performances in outdoor and indoor venues, with a number of contingencies in place. The priority, as always, will be the safety of audiences, performers and staff. 

Rosie Kay’s Absolute Solo II plays on Wednesday 19 May 2021 and Lightpost Theatre’s Constructed from Thursday 27 – Saturday 29 May 2021. Tickets are on sale now at birmingham-rep.co.uk.