Author: FairyPoweredProductions

Capital Theatres is recruiting for recovery

Capital Theatres seeks to appoint 3 key individuals to its team – Director of Finance & Business Services, Director of Development & Head of Creative Engagement.

Under the leadership of a new Chief Executive Fiona Gibson, Capital Theatres is moving into an exciting new strategic phase as it spearheads the cultural and economic regeneration of its communities in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is now recruiting for three key positions to help it move successfully forwards, including a new post for Head of Creative Engagement, further developing its increasing focus on community engagement and developing artistic talent, and a new Director of Development who will lead the fundraising campaign to support the redevelopment of the King’s Theatre as well as a variety of creative projects. It’s current Director of Finance, Iain Ross is set to retire after 11 years with Capital Theatres and so the third role is set to steer the organisation financially as it charts its way through recovery and seeks to expand its creative vision.

Director of Development; an important role in the future strategic direction of the organisation, the post will be responsible for devising and implementing a creative and innovative fundraising strategy, of which a key priority will be the King’s Theatre Redevelopment Campaign. Building on the success already achieved in the early phases of the capital appeal, the new Director will lead the public launch of a high-profile capital campaign, which will see the century-old, iconic landmark in Edinburgh transformed and restored it to its former glory, ensuring its future for generations to come.

Head of Creative Engagement; a new role for a special person who can grow and develop all aspects of the Creative Engagement programme, centring on Capital Theatres’ strategic ambition to co-create high quality projects that make a real difference inside the local communities it serves. The role will also lead on increasing community engagement around the King’s Theatre Redevelopment Campaign, develop the Studio as a ‘go-to’ venue for emerging artists and new work, pioneer alternative performance experiences for audience members whose needs are not met by traditional models and evolve the organisation’s award-winning engagement activity with people living with dementia.

Director of Finance and Business Services: Resilience and longevity of the theatres is paramount and the Director of Finance & Business Services is pivotal to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the organisation. The role will manage the financial business case for delivery of the King’s Theatre redevelopment project, along with financial decisions support for the broader organisational strategy including collaboration and co-production with cultural consortia and artistic partners, revenue growth through trading and the cashflow planning and reporting requirements of public and private fundraising.

More information on the roles and details on applying are available at https://www.capitaltheatres.com/about/jobs

• THE WORLD PREMIERE OF NEW PLAYCRUISE TO OPEN IN THE WEST END AT THE DUCHESS THEATRE FROM 18 MAY – 13 JUNE 2021. TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM WWW.CRUISETHEPLAY.CO.UK
   
• WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY JACK HOLDEN, THIS BOLD, ONE-MAN SHOW FEATURING LIVE MUSIC WILL BE ONE OF THE FIRST PLAYS TO OPEN IN THE WEST END FOLLOWING ITS CLOSURE IN MARCH 2020.
    
• SET IN 1980’S SOHO AND INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY, ‘CRUISE’ IS A TIMELY CELEBRATION OF QUEER CULTURE AND A POWERFUL TRIBUTE TO THE VETERANS OF THE AIDS CRISIS. 
   
• CRUISE MARKS WEST END DEBUT AS A PLAYWRIGHT FOR JACK HOLDEN AND FOR THEATRE PRODUCERS KATY LIPSON AND LAMBERT JACKSON.

Aria Entertainment and Lambert Jackson are thrilled to announce that the world premiere of CRUISE will reopen the West End’s Duchess Theatre from 18 May – 13 June 2021 with a press night on 20 May.  Written and performed by Jack Holden (War Horse, West End; Ink, Almeida Theatre), CRUISE is an urgent, moving, and inspirational new play with live music and spoken word.

Based on a true story Jack was told whilst volunteering for Switchboard, the LGBTQ+ Listening Service, this new play pays tribute to a generation decimated by HIV and AIDs. Bringing to life 1980’s Soho, this kaleidoscopic musical is a celebration of queer culture with an uplifting 80s electronic soundtrack performed live by John Elliott.  Directed by Bronagh Lagan, the filmed version will still be available to watch from 15 April – 25 April at Stream.Theatre before it arrives at the Duchess Theatre in the West End this May.

Nica Burns of NIMAX Theatres said: “Hard as it is to find anything to celebrate in the theatre in this incredibly difficult pandemic year, being able to invite a talented new team of theatre-makers to reopen the Duchess theatre is a delight.  A warm welcome to producers Katy Lipson of Aria Entertainment, Jamie Lambert and Eliza Jackson of Lambert Jackson and their playwright Jack Holden, all making West End debuts. For four weeks only, prior to the reopening of the popular comedy The Play That Goes Wrong, so book now!”

Marking Aria Entertainment’s first production in the West End Katy Lipson said: “It is an absolute honour to have the opportunity to present this play, not only on a West End stage but as we are coming out of what has been one of the most difficult and challenging years for all. It is a brave and innovative show which brings us into a world and part of history which we may not be so familiar with. A story which we should hear about; one of survival, loss, rebuilding a life, and looking forward to the future. All on top of the most uplifting and brilliant soundtrack. After receiving the script during lockdown, I couldn’t have imagined that we’d be presenting it as our first West End play the following year. I am so looking forward to sharing it with a live audience.”

Lambert Jackson said: “For our first West End run, we are so excited to be bringing this innovative, new, and important piece of theatre to reopen the Duchess Theatre. From the moment we read the script, we knew we had to be involved. This has been a very uncertain time for theatre in the UK, and it feels right to be producing a brilliant new play by a British writer to bring important, queer British stories to audiences at this time.”

~ February 29th, 1988. Soho, London. ~

CRUISE is the true story of what should have been Michael Spencer’s last night on Earth.  When Michael is diagnosed with HIV in 1984, he’s told he’ll have four years to live – at most. So, with the clock ticking, he and his partner, Dave, decide to sell their house, flog the car, spend everything they have, and party like it’s the last days of Rome. When Dave dies two years later, Michael doubles down on his hedonistic ways, spending what little he has left and drowning himself in drink and drugs. 

On the last night of his four-year countdown – the 29th February 1988 – Michael decides to go out with a bang. He puts on his favourite jacket, heads for Soho, and embarks on a long night of farewells. He says his goodbyes to friends, enemies, and strangers; old haunts, dive bars, cafes, clubs, and pubs; his brothers, sisters, allies, and exes. He dances, sings, and says yes to everything and everyone. Then, with all his affairs taken care of, Michael promptly… survives.  Michael got lucky, and he goes on to live to a ripe old age. Michael has been given the gift of life; but what kind of life can he now live?

The full creative team includes Jack Holden (writer and performer), John Elliott (Music and Sound Design), Bronagh Lagan (Director), Nik Corrall (Design), STUFISH Entertainment Architects (Co-Design), Jai Morjaria (Lighting Designer) Sarah Golding (Movement) and Max Pappenheim (Additional Sound Design).

Initial development supported by Help Musicians Fusion Fund and Shoreditch Town Hall

Remember, remember the 5^th of November…

BASED ON ONE OF ENGLAND’S DARKEST & MOST SCANDALOUS MOMENTS IN HISTORY

AND FEATURING SOME OF BROADWAY & THE WEST END’S

FINEST MUSICAL THEATRE STARS

THE EXPLOSIVE NEW MUSICAL DRAMA

RETURNS BY POPULAR DEMAND FOR AN ENCORE SCREENING

OF ITS CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED ONLINE CONCERT

NOW AVAILABLE FOR INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCES

ON-DEMAND FROM 26-28 MARCH 2021

★★★★★

West End Best Friend, All That Dazzles

‘This is an exceptional musical in the making.’

West End Best Friend

★★★★

The Reviews Hub, The Upcoming, North West End, Fairy Powered Productions

‘Treason has lush melodies, a talented young cast, the historical sweep of a Les Mis combined with a certain multi-cultural chic a la Hamilton.’

The American

Following its highly anticipated World premiere and online concert screening, streamed from Cadogan Hall on 12-14 March, Treason The Musical returns by popular demand.

For a special encore streamed performance, the online concert will now be available on-demand for a limited time from 26-28 March 2021, enabling a wider international audience across different time zones to be a part of this bold new musical’s journey to life.

A historic tale of religious persecution and brutality, ending in an ambitious yet fateful plot to bring down both the monarchy and the government, Treason is an exciting new musical drama based on England’s notorious gunpowder plot of 1605.

Receiving high acclaim from both audiences and critics alike, this plucky new British musical, which is currently in development ahead of a full scale West End production, has offered theatre fans and audiences a unique insight into the journey and progression of a new musical.

The concert is performed by a selection of some of the West End and Broadway’s most gifted performers including Lucie Jones (Les Misérables, Waitress), Oliver Tompsett (& Juliet, Kinky Boots), Daniel Boys (Falsettos, Nativity Rocks!), Waylon Jacobs (Hamilton, Memphis), Bradley Jaden (Les Misérables, Wicked), Emmanuel Kojo (Oklahoma!, Show Boat), Rebecca LaChance (School of Rock, Beautiful), Cedric Neal (Chess, Motown), Sharon Rose (Hamilton, Caroline Or Change), and alongside the multi-talented poet, writer and performer, Debris Stevenson (Poet in da Corner), as the show’s narrator.

Remember, remember the 5th of November,
for its gunpowder, treason, and plot
We’re here to tell you the rest of the tale,
the one that history books forgot
Guy Fawkes remains an anonymous figure, 
we have more to bring to the table
It’s time to meet the rest of the plotters,
in our fiery musical fable

With a fusion of original folk and pop songs, this wonderful new musical tells one of the most intriguing tales in England’s history, and features a stunning score and lyrics by Ricky Allan, and book by Kieran Lynn and Ricky Allan. The musical’s world premiere online concert, filmed at London’s prestigious Cadogan Hall, is directed by Hannah Chissick, with musical supervision by Nick Pinchbeck and orchestration and additional arrangements by Matthew Malone.

Five of the musical’s tracks have already been pre-released on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music, and a further five new and unheard tracks from the show can also be heard in the online concert.

The five pre-released tracks currently available to stream are: Take Things Into Our Own Hands featuring Hadley Fraser, Waylon Jacobs, Emmanuel Kojo and Oliver Savile; The Day Elizabeth Died featuring Kelly Agbowu, Hadley Fraser, Waylon Jacobs, Emmanuel Kojo, Rebecca LaChance, Christina Modestou and Oliver Savile; Blind Faith featuring Rosalie Craig and Oliver Savile; The Promise featuring Daniel Boys and Oliver Savile; and The Cold, Hard, Ground featuring Hadley Fraser.

*Please note that the Treason in concert cast differ from the original track recording cast.

Follow Treason the Musical on all social media platforms @treasonmusical and treasonthemusical.com to be the first to hear the latest news and information. 

LISTINGS

Music & Lyrics by Ricky Allan

Book by Ricky Allan & Kieran Lynn

Directed by Hannah Chissick

Musical Supervision by Nick Pinchbeck

Orchestration & Additional Arrangements by Matthew Malone

Produced by Stephen McGill & Ricky Allan for Fiery Fable Productions, Square Peg Productions & Katy Galloway Productions,alongside Associate Producer Piers Cottee-Jones Entertainment

Website: treasonthemusical.com 

Twitter/Facebook/Instagram: @treasonmusical

METTA THEATRE, ROYAL & DERNGATE NORTHAMPTON, QUEEN’S THEATRE HORNCHURCH & STEPHEN JOSEPH THEATRE PRESENT

CELLS

A NEW MUSICAL FILM TO BE RELEASED EPISODICALLY FROM 19 APRIL

STARRING CLIVE ROWE AND LEM KNIGHTS

Metta Theatre – one of the UK’s leading production companies devoted to British musical theatre – is pleased to announce the release of a film of a brand-new musical, CELLS, written, developed and recorded entirely during lockdown by the award-winning writer/director P Burton-Morgan and composer Ben Glasstone and starring Metta’s recently announced Patron, the Olivier award winning Clive Rowe alongside rising star Lem Knights.

A university science lab. A kebab shop at 2am. An online gaming forum. Two strangers’ lives become intertwined. Alan Bennett meets The Streets in this tender and uplifting new work, giving voice to the lives of two everyday blokes.

Metta are partnering with three major regional venues – Royal & Derngate Northampton, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough – with each partner venue hosting episodes on their websites. The first episode will be launched on Monday 19 April, with subsequent episodes released daily, and the full film will be available on Monday 26 April, along with the album to be released on Spotify and other digital platforms. The film, in episode form and then in its entirety will be free to all to access via YouTube with a suggested donation (£3 per episode, £10 for the whole film) – all of which will go to the three regional theatres to help support their recovery.

https://www.mettatheatre.co.uk/cells

CELLS is written and directed by P Burton-Morgan (Madam Butterfly UK tour, In the Willows, UK tour, Jungle Book UK & International Tour), with music by Ben Glasstone, mixed and mastered by Simon Small and the Musical Director is Phil Cornwell. The Director of Photography is Jon Dickinson, the films are edited by Will Reynolds. Phil Cornwell plays keys and double bass and Curtis Volp is on guitar.

P Burton-Morgan, who in 2020 won the Writers Guild of Great Britain Award for musical theatre book writing for In the Willows explains, “I’ve been talking to Clive about writing something specifically for him ever since we met 4 years ago, so I’m thrilled to have this opportunity. It’s been a wild adventure creating a music video musical for this brave new world of ‘digital theatre’ in which we find ourselves. Hopefully we’ve succeeded in taking the best of both theatre and film to create something intimate and unique.”

James Dacre, Artistic Director at Royal & Derngate said, “In a year in which new musicals lie at the heart of our work, we’re delighted to be supporting Poppy and Ben to launch this touching story of a powerful new relationship formed between two strangers.”

Paul Robinson, Artistic Director at the Stephen Joseph Theatre said, ““Cells is an innovative and uplifting new musical that demonstrates the brilliant creativity of artists reacting to their circumstances – the SJT is delighted to be partnering with Metta Theatre, as well as Royal & Derngate in Northampton and the Queen’s Theatre in Hornchurch to present it. Any money raised from the two episodes that we’re hosting will be equally split between our talented Associate Companies – Voxed, The Faction, Box of Tricks, and Arcade – so watch this space for more exciting work with them.”

Douglas Rintoul, Artistic Director at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch said, “Musicals are at the heart of our programme here at QTH, and so we’re thrilled to be supporting this innovative digital project from our exceptionally talented colleagues at Metta”.

P Burton-Morgan and Ben Glasstone met on the musical theatre writing training programme Book, Music and Lyrics in 2017. They have also written The Rhythmics together – a mid-life crisis of masculinity musical about Manchester’s premier all male Rhythmics Gymnastics performance ensemble. One of the songs ‘Waiting To Begin’ won second prize in the Stiles & Drewe Song Prize 2019 and later that year they workshopped the show at The Other Palace and Birmingham Rep. They released a cast album of The Rhythmics in 2020 and hope to premiere the piece as soon as such things are legal again.

Established in 2005 by P Burton-Morgan and Motley trained Designer William Reynolds, Metta Theatre has been at the forefront of new work – with a strong focus on the development of new British musicaltheatre, and a commitment to highlighting climate justice and sustainability; disability and deaf integration and inclusion (both from a political perspective and in order to artistically enrich the work); queering mainstream and family theatre – writing characters that represent and normalise (rather than problematise) the diverse range of queer experiences and identities; re-gendering protagonists in order to give girls strong female role models.

During the 2020 pandemic, the company focussed on the launch of two other studio albums and music videos for THE RHYTHMICS and HOUSEFIRE, as well as the launch of environmental consultancy Metta Green.

HAIR THE MUSICAL (IN CONCERT)

DIRECTED BY ARLENE PHILLIPS

AND STARRING LUKE BAYER, NICOLE RAQUEL DENNIS, JORDAN LUKE GAGE, GRACE MOUAT, MILLIE O’CONNELL, JODIE STEELE AND LAYTON WILLIAMS

WILL DO TWO PERFORMANCES AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM ON SUNDAY 13 JUNE

AND SOUTHAMPTON MAYFLOWER THEATRE ON SUNDAY 27 JUNE 2021

Following a sell-out run as part of The Turbine on the Jetty season, Hair The Musical (In Concert), directed by Arlene Phillips, will now play two performances at the London Palladium on Sunday 13 June, and two performances at Southampton Mayflower Theatre on 27 June 2021. The performances were originally planned for earlier this year, but were delayed due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Hair The Musical (In Concert) has book and lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado, music by Galt MacDermot, musical direction by Paul Schofield, design by David Shields, lighting and video design by Andrew Exeter and sound design by Dan Samson. Hair The Musical will once again be directed by Arlene Phillips.

The cast are Luke Bayer (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Nicole Raquel Dennis (Dear Evan Hansen, Waitress), Jordan Luke Gage (Bat Out Of Hell and & Juliet), Grace Mouat (SiX and & Juliet), Millie O’Connell (SiX, Rent), Jodie Steele (Heathers, SiX) and Layton Williams (Everyone’s Talking About Jamie, Rent).

Please note that all cast are subject to availability and may change before the performance dates.

The American tribal love rock musical Hair celebrates the sixties counterculture in all its barefoot, long-haired, bell-bottomed, beaded and fringed glory. In this specially produced concert version, get ready to groove to an infectiously energetic rock beat with songs like “Aquarius,” “Good Morning, Starshine,” “Hair,” “I Got Life,” and “Let The Sun Shine.” Exploring ideas of identity, community, global responsibility and peace, Hair remains relevant as ever as it examines what it means to be a young person in a changing world.

THE AGENCY AT KILN THEATRE ANNOUNCE HOPE IN ACTION – A VIRTUAL EVENT SHARING PROJECTS CREATED BY YOUNG PEOPLE OF BRENT

Kiln Theatre today announce Hope in Action, a series of virtual events marking the end of The Agency scheme and launching the four new projects imagined and realised by young people of Brent. The Agency: Triple Bill will launch Sancia’s Podcast, Consent First, and Film4Thought on 17 March, with Living Histories launched on 19 March. The series concludes on 20 March with The Agency: Recovering Hope, a workshop for young people living, working and studying in Brent, hosted by Amber Anderson, Marco Campbell, Dan Glass and Fizza Syed. All events are free and will be held online, to sign up please visit kilntheatre.com/the-agency.

The Agency is a Brent 2020 London Borough of Culture scheme to support young Brent based entrepreneurs between 15–25 years old to develop ideas for social change in their area. Chosen by an expert panel, the four successful projects were awarded £2000 each for development. London Borough of Culture is a Mayor of London initiative designed to put culture at the heart of local communities.

Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said today, “Creativity is part of London’s DNA. Every young Londoner must be able to participate and create change in their communities. It’s great to see Brent’s London Borough of Culture legacy in action: local young people creating their own zines, podcasts, and more, with the help of the award-winning Kiln Theatre.”

Artistic Director of Kiln Theatre, Indhu Rubasingham, also commented, “Being able to continue the agency project, whilst the whole country shut down has been a testament to the resilience, passion and determination of the young people of Brent. Their projects have influenced us as an organisation and given us much-needed optimism in these dark times. It has demonstrated to us how positive the future could look like, if more young people were given the resources and tools to incite change and transformation of our society.”

Kiln Theatre’s Head of Creative Engagement, Jenny Batt added, “The Agents have shown an inspirational level of commitment to community and creativity. Through all the challenges of this last year they consistently progressed their social change projects, adapting to many changes and obstacles along the way. They have realised their amazing visions; we are so proud to share their achievements and we cannot wait to see what their next successes are on their journey.”

Gemma Rowan who has been leading the Agency programme also said, “The last year has been full of unprecedented challenges for everyone. The young entrepreneurs we work with reflect the exceptional creativity and energy that exists in Brent, 2020’s London Borough of Culture. They are making change and creating hope at a time when it is most needed.”

THE AGENCY: TRIPLE BILL

Wednesday 17 March, 6pm

Hosted by Teasha Louis, The Agency alumni and founder of What We Want

SANCIA’S PODCAST

Celebrate the launch of Sancia’s Podcast, a space which aims to change and challenge the negative perceptions around Care Experienced People and the care system itself.

An evening of celebration, listening, chats and exchange:  audiences will gain a sneak peak of the first three episodes, followed by an exclusive Q&A with the podcast host.

@Sanciaspodcast

CONSENT FIRST

Consent First works towards expanding the education of young people around sex, consent and relationships. Selected work will be published in a creative, new magazine that will be given out across Brent.

The audience will get a first look at some of the content of Consent First’s new zine about healthy relationships and pleasure, which has been created alongside other aspiring young creatives in Brent.

@consentfirst_

FILM4THOUGHT

Join Lina, Nathan, Berlyn and Yusra to hear about their new project Film4Thought, in which young people in Wembley take the lead in planning and shooting their own short films around pertinent topics: family issues, gangs, body image and sexual assault.

The evening will end with the world première of their first short film, and a chance to find out more about their process.

@Film4Thought._

THE AGENCY: IMMAPANCY by LIVING HISTORIES

Friday 19 March, 7pm

Hosted by Michael Appouh

Join Michael and hear about Living Histories, his oral histories project that aims to trace the identity and legacy of Harlesden in the wake of city-wide redevelopment.

A live launch of recordings, conversations, reflections and memories of Harlesden, including local guest artists and residents of Harlesden sharing their stories in response to our Living Histories.

www.livinghistories.co.uk

@livinghistories

THE AGENCY: RECOVERING HOPE

Saturday 20 March, 2pm

Workshop with Dan Glass, Marco Campbell, Fizza Syed and Amber Anderson

Our final wrap up party will start with Recovering Hope, a workshop for young people living, working and studying in Brent. Hosted by with live illustrator Amber Anderson, Marco Campbell, Dan Glass and Fizza Syed.

As we emerge from the pandemic what are your hopes for the future? We will talk about the impact of the pandemic on young people in Brent and what we want to happen now. This is a conversation and training in strategies of resistance, ideas for creative disruption, imaginative intervention and thinking-outside-the-box tools for positive social change.

Amber Anderson is an illustrator whose work includes live scribing, the creation of images to capture live conversations.

www.amberanderson.co.uk

@amberdrawslive

Marco Campbell is a local creative who works with young people in Brent to develop their ideas and realise their potential. He is a youth worker, facilitator and artist with The Agency.

Dan Glass is an ‘Aids Coalition to Unleash Power’ (ACT UP), healthcare, and human rights activist, performer, presenter and writer. Glass has been recognised as Attitude Magazine’s Campaigning Role Models for LGBTQI Youth, a Guardian UK Youth Climate Leader, 2017 Activist of the Year with the Sexual Freedom Awards, and was announced a BBC Greater Londoner in 2019 for founding Queer Tours of London – A Mince Through Time. Glass is an artist with the global In Place of War artist network and an educator from the Training for Transformation movement. Glass recently presented the short films Never Again – Fighting the Polish Far-Right, and Censoring Palestine: The Weaponisation Of Anti-Semitism, as well as Coronavirus Cabaret: the online show combating social isolation. His book United Queerdom: From the Legends of the Gay Liberation Front to the Queers of Tomorrow was recognised as Observer book of the week June 2020. 

www.theglassishalffull.co.uk

@danglassisfull

Fizza Syed is a young entrepreneur from Brent, she is an Agent and the founder of Consent First a project that expands education around consent and healthy relationships.

@consentfirst_

HOPE IN ACTION

LISTINGS

kilntheatre.com/the-agency

THE AGENCY: TRIPLE BILL

Wednesday 17 March, 6pm

THE AGENCY: IMMAPANCY by LIVING HISTORIES

Friday 19 March, 7pm

THE AGENCY: RECOVERING HOPE

Saturday 20 March, 2pm

Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Royal & Derngate, Northampton present

Ralph Fiennes
in the world premiere stage adaptation of 

FOUR QUARTETS

By T.S.Eliot
Directed by Ralph Fiennes

Designer Hildegard Bechtler 
Lighting Designer Tim Lutkin 
Sound Designer Christopher Shutt 

Ralph Fiennes will create a brand-new stage adaptation of T.S. Eliot’s Four Quartets this summer. Announced this week as Britain marks a year since regional theatres were forced to close, this world premiere production will welcome audiences back to live theatre when it re-opens the Theatre Royal Bath from 25 May – 5 June, and launches Royal & Derngate’s Made in Northampton season in the venue’s Royal auditorium from 8 – 12 June in a co-production between both venues. The production will then tour to the Oxford Playhouse from 14 – 26 June and Cambridge Arts Theatre from 28 June – 10 July, with further regional touring dates to be announced.

Nobel Prize winner T.S. Eliot is one of the giants of modern literature. Compelling, moving and symphonic, Four Quartets was the culminating achievement of his career as a poet, offering four interwoven meditations on the nature of time, faith, and the quest for spiritual enlightenment. Mostly written before WWII when the closure of playhouses during the Blitz interrupted Eliot’s work in theatre, the Four Quartets (Burnt Norton, East Coker, The Dry Salvagesand Little Gidding), contain some of the most exquisite and unforgettable reflections upon surviving periods of national crisis. 

Ralph Fiennes’ distinguished stage work is matched by performances in some of the greatest films of our time. The winner of a Tony Award for playing Hamlet, he has worked extensively in theatre, where his recent credits include Antony and Cleopatra, Richard III and The Master Builder. His numerous film roles include a BAFTA award winning performance in Schindler’s List; The English Patient; The Grand Budapest Hotel; The Constant Gardner; Skyfall; In Bruges; The Dig and The Harry Potter series. 

Four Quartets is directed by Ralph Fiennes who will be joined by a remarkable creative team including Hildegard Bechtler (Designer) who won an Olivier Award for After the Dance at the National Theatre and received nominations for Top Hat and Oresteia; Tim Lutkin (Lighting), winner of an Olivier Award for Chimerica and Christopher Shutt (Sound), winner of a Tony Award for War Horse. The Assistant Director is Eva Sampson and the Movement Director is Fin Walker.

Four Quartets is presented by Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Royal & Derngate, Northampton.

Listings

Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Royal & Derngate, Northampton present

Ralph Fiennes 
in the world premiere stage adaptation of 

FOUR QUARTETS

By T.S.Eliot
Directed by Ralph Fiennes

Designer Hildegard Bechtler 
Lighting Designer Tim Lutkin 
Sound Designer Christopher Shutt 

Theatre Royal Bath
Saw Cl, Bath BA1 1ET

Performance schedule:  
Tuesday 25 May – Saturday 5 June 2021
Evenings performances at 7.30pm
Press Night Wednesday 2 June at 7pm  

Box office:
www.theatreroyal.org.uk or 01225 448844

Royal & Derngate, Northampton  
19-21 Guildhall Rd, Northampton NN1 1DP

Performance schedule:  
Tuesday 8 June – Saturday 12 June 2021
Press Night Wednesday 9 June at 7.00pm
Evenings performances at 7.30pm and Saturday matinee performance at 2pm

Box office:
www.royalandderngate.co.uk or 01604 624811
*on-sale from 29 March

Oxford Playhouse
11-12 Beaumont St, Oxford OX1 2LW

Performance schedule:
Monday 14 June – Saturday 26 June 2021

Box office:
www.oxfordplayhouse.com or 01865 305305
*on-sale from 29 March

Cambridge Arts Theatre
6 St. Edward’s Passage, Cambridge CB2 3PJ

Performance schedule:
Monday 28 June – Saturday 10 July 2021

Box office:
www.cambridgeartstheatre.com or 01223 503 333
*on-sale soon

THE SHOW WENT ON(LINE)

Moving forward, looking back: a year of ingenuity for Darlington Hippodrome.

On Monday 16th March 2020, Darlington Hippodrome temporarily closed its doors following official government guidance that advised people should avoid public buildings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s been a demanding and unpredictable year since then, but thanks to the theatre’s dedicated staff and most importantly, their loyal customers, there has been plenty to smile about and take part in over the last year.

The regular online Hippodrome Pub Quiz (without the pub!) has been the smash hit of the year. Marketing Officer Julian Cound has excelled as the genial host of the regular brain workouts. Julian has helmed 67 trivia streams which have seen over 4200 quizzers take part!

It’s been a challenge to keep active whilst we’ve been in lockdown but with the help of dance partners The D Project, the theatre has put on over 50 dance fitness sessions for adults. The Monday Movers session for the over 65s has proven particularly popular. The kids have been alright too with 130 youth theatre and dance sessions taking place onstage (when restrictions allowed) and online.

Senior House Manager Andy Hutchinson-Clish took us on a virtual tour around the Hippodrome’s usually off-limits backstage areas and led viewers on a virtual ghost tour (the theatre has so many ghosts this required two videos!). These videos have racked up over 10,400 views.

The Hippodrome’s two charities of the year, St Teresa’s Hospice and Darlington Samaritans, have been the recipients of the continued generosity of the theatre’s following. Over the last year, participants in our Hippodrome Pub Quiz have donated £315 to Darlington Samaritans. In early December 2020, a group of staff (and a few dogs) ran the St Teresa’s Hospice Santa Fun Run dressed as Santas, raising an incredible £1290 to help the hospice continue the vital work they do.

And it’s not just external charities that have experienced the kindness of the theatre-going public – a staggering £20,000 has been donated to the theatre by customers.

People have also been able to enjoy classic cinema screenings, book clubs, artist masterclasses, literary livestreams, a digital careers fair, and life drawing sessions.

There is hope on the horizon for the return of live events and the Hippodrome team are working hard to continue their innovative programme of online events whilst planning an exciting programme of public events both inside and outside the theatre.

Councillor Andy Keir, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for local services said “The theatre has faced a tough year but managed to keep the public engaged with an exciting and regular programme of events and activities. The generosity of the public towards the theatre’s chosen charities and the theatre

itself has been heart-warming and commendable. There is some light at the end of the tunnel and I’m sure we all can’t wait until we’re able to enjoy the Hippodrome again in person.”

Keep up to date with what’s going on at the theatre by following them on social media:

Facebook: DarlingtonHippodrome

Twitter: @DarlingtonHipp

Instagram: @DarlingtonHippodrome

Find out what’s on:

www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk/whats-on/

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR IRIS THEATRE’S DEVELOPMENT SCHEME startDIRECTING

Iris Theatre today announce that applications are open for startDIRECTING 2021 – one strand of its development scheme start which supports those beginning a career in theatre.

startDIRECTING, now in its second year, supports four people who want to begin a career in directing for theatre, but have yet to receive any formal, vocational training in the role. The programme runs over eight months (May – December 2021) with regular online sessions curated and hosted by the company’s Artistic Director, Paul-Ryan Carberry.

Participants in the scheme will also be given the opportunity to be placed as Assistant Directors across Iris Theatre’s Summer Festival and Winter Season – allowing the opportunity to apply some of the skills gained in learning sessions in a practical environment.

Paul-Ryan Carberry, Artistic Director of Iris theatre said today, “We are really delighted to be moving ahead with our second year of startDIRECTING. It is vital that artists at the very beginning of their careers are afforded opportunities to nurture and celebrate their creative instincts. I’d like to give a huge shout out to our regular monthly donors, without their vital generosity, these schemes would not be possible. We are so proud of our 2020 cohort, it was a joy to see them grow and flourish, and we look forward to welcoming and working with another group of artists.”

Applicants should be over 18, not have received any formal education in directing, not directed any professional theatre production or assisted on more than 2 professional productions.

For further information and to apply: www.iristheatre.com/start. Applications are open now, until Friday 3 April at 6pm. If you require the form in an alternative format, get in touch with us at 020 7240 0344 or via [email protected].

Due to coronavirus, Iris Theatre’s inaugural start scheme was adapted with startDIRECTING taking place online. The scheme’s second strand, startDESIGNING, for early career designers or design students, was unable to proceed, the 2020 cohort will therefore take up their places for 2021 and will be announced shortly.

Iris Theatre’s start scheme is supported by the generosity of the company’s regular donors. To find out more of donate please visit: www.donorbox.org/become-a-member-of-iris-theatre 

PRESS STATEMENT

An update from Royal & Derngate

From Jo Gordon, Chief Executive & James Dacre, Artistic Director

A year on from closing our doors, we are delighted to announce that we will be welcoming audiences back to live performances at Royal & Derngate from Monday 17 May, subject to Government guidelines remaining to plan. Meanwhile, we will continue to deliver a wide range of shows and activities online through the “Royal & Derngate At Home” section of our website. 

Marking the beginning of our new annual partnership with the National Youth Theatre, we will reopen with our rescheduled co-productions of Animal Farm and Othello, presented in the Royal auditorium with socially-distanced seating.

Tomorrow we will also be announcing a major new Made in Northampton production to follow in the Royal.

In advance of these performances, from Tuesday 13 April we will be re-opening our in-person Box Office facilities, which will be in their new location in John Franklins bar, adjacent to the theatre on Guildhall Road. 

We had great feedback about our Covid safety measures from Northampton Filmhouse customers when we were able to reopen our cinema briefly in December, and so audiences can rest assured that we have all necessary precautions and procedures in place for their safety. 

We also have contingency plans in place for our opening productions, should alterations to the roadmap mean that live performances cannot yet take place on those dates.

There is still much uncertainty in the touring show market, as promoters are juggling with rearranging tour dates across the country, so we do expect that there will be some further date changes to visiting Derngate productions scheduled in the summer. Please do bear with us – our Box Office team will contact tickets holders with any updates as soon as they can. We will also announce reopening dates for the Filmhouse as soon as we can.

Planning and preparations for our reopening have been made possible by support from the Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund #hereforculture, via core funding from Arts Council England and Northampton Borough Council and through the extraordinary generosity of our audience’s donations to our Bring Us Back Together fundraising campaign. 

We are hugely grateful to all our customers and colleagues for their support and patience over the last year. We can’t wait to see you back!

Jo and James