DARLINGTON BASED YOUTH PROJECT NEEDS YOUR VOTES FOR A SHARE OF £1MILLION FUND
The Darlington based In2 Project is on the shortlist to win a share of Persimmon Homes’ Building Futures £1million pot supporting under-18s nationwide.
The aims of the In2 Project are to help build confidence, foster aspiration and improve general health and wellbeing by opening up access to cultural and sporting activities for pupils in some of the most deprived wards in the area.
As the home of the In2 Project Darlington Hippodrome has hosted sessions with musicians, circus performers, actors, theatre producers and even inventors over the last year.
Persimmon Homes North East is backing the In2 project to be a prize winner at a gala dinner in October, where cash awards of £100,000, £50,000 or £20,000 will be made to those projects winning the most online votes.
Councillor Andy Keir representing the In2 Project said “it is a huge achievement to have been selected as a regional finalist, but now we really need people to get behind us and get voting so that we are in the strongest possible position to earn one of the top three cash awards on the night.”
Councillor Keir added “Voting could not be simpler. Just log on to www.persimmonhomes.com/building-futures/ and select the In2 Project and vote for us. We would really appreciate everyone’s support.”
Building Futures is being delivered through the Persimmon Charitable Foundation. Through the scheme, a total of 128 grants of £1,000 have been awarded to groups supporting sport, education & arts and health across Persimmon’s 31 regional businesses and its head office.
Online voting opened on 27 July and will close at midnight on 18 September 2020.
FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE UK PREMIERE OF C-o-n-t-a-c-t, A SOCIALLY DISTANCED OUTDOOR PLAY FEATURING LIVE PERFORMANCE AND 3D SOUND DESIGN IN PUBLIC SPACES ACROSS LONDON
Full cast of the UK premiere of C-o-n-t-a-c-t. Credit Pamela Raith.
Aria Entertainment and WEF Productions are delighted to announce full casting for the UK premiere of C-o-n-t-a-c-t, an immersive outdoor performance with a 3D sound design which audiences will listen to on their own headphones, opening on Monday 31st August 2020.
The play will see performances from Charles Angiama (The Exonerated, Hope Mill Theatre; My Week with Marilyn),Louis Bernard (Radieuse Vermine, Théâtre Montparnasse), Chloe Gentles (Beautiful – The Carol King Musical), Max Gold (Endeavour; Poldark), Richard Heap (Buried Child, National Theatre; The Summer Before Everything, Menagerie Theatre), Aoife Kennan (ITV’s Victoria;For Services Rendered, Jermyn Street Theatre), Katja Quist (Earthquakes In London, Bristol Old Vic) and Laura White (The Play That Goes Wrong, West End and UK Tour). The cast will alternate between three London locations; Tower Bridge, Greenwich and Clapham Common.
C-o-n-t-a-c-t brings together a creative team of international talent including Director Samuel Sené, Book by Eric Chantelauze, English adaptation by Quentin Bruno, Music and Sound Designer Cyril Barbessol and Associate Director Bronagh Lagan.
Originally created by Samuel Sené and Gabrielle Jourdain and premiering in France with French production company Musidrama over the summer in a world where social distancing became the ‘new normal’, this timely story of a moving and unexpected encounter explores the themes of mental health and anxiety through the eyes of Sarah as she is approached by someone she believes to be a stranger. She discovers that he can hear her thoughts but how? Who is this man? Dive into her mind in this unique sensory and immersive new show and experience theatre like never before.
The show will run for 50 minutes without an interval and audiences will download the audio from the app which is a completely new piece of technology which synchronizes the spectators and actors, allowing the show to play with theatrical concepts and a new form of dramaturgy. Audiences of no more than 15 per show will purchase their tickets online and will then receive a link to download the app which will provide the exact location.
Tickets can be purchased via TodayTix or the C-o-n-t-a-c-twebsite.
Broadway Records and Ginger Quiff Media release ‘Beautiful City’ to mark Godspell 50th Anniversary Available on all digital platforms from Sunday 16 April 2020
Acclaimed West End star Jodie Steele (SIX; Heathers; Wicked) will lend her flawless vocals to a female-led recording of Godspell’s ‘Beautiful City’, to be released as a single ahead of the show’s 50th anniversary. Producers Ginger Quiff Media have teamed up with premiere industry record label, Broadway Records, to make this a reality. Renowned for immortalising major Broadway shows with outstanding cast recordings, this is an incredible opportunity to mark the upcoming anniversary production.
‘Beautiful City’ will be available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major digital platforms. You can also find the single at www.broadwayrecords.com/beautiful-city
Praised by composer Stephen Schwartz (Wicked; Pippin; The Prince of Egypt) for her ‘stunning’ rendition, the track offers a glimpse at what people can expect from the highly anticipated Godspell online concert experience, streaming later this month. Resonating with the current climate, and the hope for better tomorrow, the message behind ‘Beautiful City’ feels more important than ever. Led by Steele, the song inspires optimism, that a beautiful city will be built from this chaos.
Featuring in the 50th anniversary Godspell online concert, alongside an incredible ensemble of West End talent, Jodie will star with theatrical legends, Ruthie Henshall (Chicago; Billy Elliot), Darren Day (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat; Priscilla, Queen of the Desert), Sam Tutty (Dear Evan Hansen), Ria Jones (Sunset Boulevard; High Society), Jenna Russell (The Bridges of Madison County; Fun Home).
Also starring in the production will be: Danyl Johnson (The X Factor finalist), Jenny Fitzpatrick (Tina, The Musical; Our House), Natalie Green (The Prince of Egypt; Hair), John Barr (The Story of Bart; Tommy), Sally Ann Triplett (Mamma Mia!; Viva Forever), Matthew Croke (Aladdin), Alison Jiear(Jerry Springer: The Opera), Shekinah McFarlane (Six; Hair), Lucy Williamson (The Fix; Judy & Liza), Ronald Brian (Beautiful, The Carol King Musical; Newsies), Jerome Bell (The Voice USA; Hairspray) and supported by an ensemble from Italia Conti.
Directed by award-winning Michael Strassen (Billy; Assassins), it will be filmed from the cast’s homes and edited together with striking visual animations. It is a revival of Godspell like never before, revamping the show for the modern technological age. Available for three days only to stream worldwide this summer, this promises to be the online theatrical event not to be missed.
To look towards a brighter future post-lockdown, the concert will raise money for wonderful charities: Hope Mill Theatre (A Factory of Creativity CIO), Acting For Others, and National AIDS Trust.
Rowntree Park, York – until Saturday 22 August 2020
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
3***
Park Bench Theatre bring live theatre back to York with an outdoor season of three monologues for all ages in the city’s Rowntree Park from 12th August to 5th September. The productions are presented in carefully laid out in spacious gardens, already marked out in bubbles, allowing the audience to keep socially distanced.
After five long months I was excited to be given the opportunity to finally be able to see a live show, in the flesh. First Love, by Samuel Beckett, directed by Matt Aston, is the first of the three shows being performed at Rowntree Park.
After parking the car in our usual spot, we set out for a lovely walk down by the river, armed with camping chairs over our shoulders I wasn’t too sure where I was going, good job I had Marcus with me, otherwise I would have ended up on the wrong side of the river. Once we got to the park, we found their car park still had plenty of spaces left, I enjoyed the walk more. The venue was easy to find with directions in place, and then volunteers were on hand to guide you. On entering the secluded garden, which had separate entrance and exit areas, we picked up our receivers and earphones, you can take your own, to hear the one-man performance, and set up in our own bubble. It was great to see blankets laid out, people enjoying their picnics and just chatting away. Make sure you take an extra layer of clothing, as you are at the mercy of the elements.
A nameless man, dressed in a black bowler hat and an oversized trench coat, giving the appearance of a man who has led a burdensome life, enters the garden. As he approaches the park bench, he starts to re-count his story. The whole show is performed on or around this park bench.
It’s a tale about, how after his father’s death he is made homeless, sleeping on a park bench. It is on this park bench where he meets Lulu, or Anna, he can’t quite make up his mind what to call her. She comforts him by first stroking his ankles and a “love story” begins. Though his feelings are conflicted and he is disturbed by them, he still moves in with her, occupying a room, after clearing all the furniture out and piling it up in the corridor. She manages to slip into his bed and they conceive a child. He discovers that she works occasionally as a prostitute, only wishing that she would not make so much noise. Once she gives birth and as the baby cries, he puts on his coat and hat and abandons them both.
I must admit I’m not a big fan of monologue pieces, and though I found his character utterly loathsome, with no redeeming quality, Chris Hannon showcased his ability, not to only perform outside, but on his own, a daunting prospect to us lessor folks. He managed to engage the audience for the whole 60 minutes.
Be warned, there are times that very strong language is used.
It was great to see some live theatre, theatre is suffering horrendously at the moment. Hopefully, this is the start of the end of those difficulties, we can dream. Theatre needs as much support as it can and I’m looking forward to seeing the next show later on this month.
in association with Battersea Power Station Development
ANNOUNCES
THE TURBINE ON THE JETTY
RUNNING FROM
WEDNESDAY 26 AUGUST TO SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER
INCLUDING
HAIR – AN OUTDOOR CONCERT
4 – 6 September 2020
A specially curated festival of live entertainment for all the family. Presented on a safe and socially distanced jetty next to the iconic Battersea Power Station.
Presented by arrangement with Concord theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC www/concordtheatricals.co.uk
Book and Lyrics Music By
Gerome Ragni and James Rado Galt MacDermot
Directed by Arlene Phillips
Cast
Matt Croke
(Aladdin and Funny Girl)
Danielle Fiamanya
The Color Purple (The Stage Debut Award Winner) and & Juliet
Jordan Luke Gage
Bat Out of Hell and & Juliet
Grace Mouat
SiX and & Juliet
Millie O’Connell
SiX and Be More Chill
Jodie Steele
Heathers and SiX
Layton Williams
Everyone’s Talking About Jamie and Rent
Musical Direction by Katy Richardson, Design by David Shields, Lighting Design by Andrew Exeter and Sound Design by Dan Samson.
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 directed by Arlene Phillips, 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.
Arlene Phillips says “I am thrilled to be directing this small but mighty open air concert of Hair. Now more than ever we need music that lifts our spirits and feeds our souls to remind us that theatre is alive. I believe that a musical with a strong political message is important not just to give us hope, but to inspire a future generation.”
Paul Taylor-Mills, Artistic Director, The Turbine Theatre, said “I’m always impressed by my artists ability to make work happen in what has always been a difficult industry to work in. The surprises of 2020 have made this challenge even greater. The Turbine on the Jetty Season is only possible because of the patience, expertise and fearlessness of the incredible companies and artists that have worked with me over the last couple of weeks to get this off the ground. The project is a mammoth undertaking and to say I’m thrilled with the variety of work on offer is an understatement. Even against the odds The Turbine Theatre continues to programme classic work in a fresh way and support both seasoned artists and provide a platform for new voices. Please do come and support us. The arts needs you more than ever, there is no other way of putting it.”
Horrible Histories is coming to the Jetty with its West End production of Barmy Britain. It’s the history of Britain with the nasty bits left in!
One Duck Down – 30th August 2020 (2pm)
7000 rubber ducks. Seven Seas. One big adventure!
Inspired by a true tale (featured on Blue Planet II) that saw 7000 rubber ducks cast adrift in a mighty storm.
Jam packed with music, clowning and puppetry and with a set and props which are recycled from the lost and found of rubbish both on land and at sea, join us on an ocean clear-up adventure that would make David Attenborough proud.
Winner of Family Show of the Year at Vault Festival.
The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons – 31st August 2020 (8pm)
A spectacular high-pitched celebration of timeless music from one of the biggest selling groups of all time. Featuring cast members from the smash-hit musical Jersey Boys.
Bard in the Yard – Saturday 6th September 2020 (2pm)
Bard in the Yard is a solo show about William Shakespeare being stuck in a plague quarantine in London in 1605… Quite literally stuck. Help the Bard rekindle the fire of his Muse in this whirlwind of a play “delivered to perfection” (The Telegraph) for the times by Will & Co!
The Final Countdown – 8th September 2020 (8pm)
The Final Countdown is a spectacular rock and pop concert featuring some of the greatest Power Ballads from the 1980s.
Aesops Fables: The Harvest Festival – 9th September 2020 (2pm)
Harvest time is nearly here and there’s still so much work for the animals to do. Can they put their disagreements aside and get the job done in time for the festival?
Macbeth: Sleep No More – 9th September 2020 (8pm)
“All hail Macbeth that shalt be King hereafter…”
Eight simple words from three mystic women – that’s all it takes to tempt a once-great man to ruin…
Vivienne de Vil in ‘With One Look’ – 11th September (5pm)
Confidant to the stars, Vivienne de Vil celebrates some of the leading ladies of musical theatre, spilling some of their deepest secrets and singing their iconic songs!
Black Sails – 12th September 2020 (2pm)
Double Trouble Theatre Co. presents Blacks Sails! A pirate summer pantomime full of songs, sword fights and fun for all the family.
Great Expectations – 12th September 2020 (5pm)
1803. Pip, a seven year-old orphan boy, visits his mother’s grave.
A frightening encounter with an escaped convict begins a series of events that will change his life forever.
Written by one of England’s greatest authors, Charles Dickens, Great Expectations is the profound and complex story of Pip’s journey through life.
Some of his most memorable characters – the terrifying Magwitch; Joe Gargery, the kind and generous blacksmith; the eccentric Miss Havisham; the cold and beautiful Estella; Mr Jaggers the pompous lawyer and Pip’s wise friend, Herbert Pocket – are vividly brought to life in this anarchic and joyful telling of this glorious tale.
Using Dickens’ original text (well, mostly!) David Mynne’s skilful, one-man performance of this epic story is deft, daft, delightful …and definitely Dickens!
Be prepared to be scared and amazed, to cry and laugh!
The Femmes – Vintage vocal Harmony Trio – 13th September 2020 (2pm)
The Femmes are a vintage inspired vocal harmony trio. With more fizz than a glass of champagne, these starlets will whisk you back to the 1940s and then take you through the years, giving each decade a “Femme makeover”. Expect Hollywood Glamour, nostalgia and toe-tapping tunes that will guarantee to get you in the mood for a glorious weekend.
Roles We’ll Never Play – 13th September 2020 (8pm)
A dazzling cast come together for a special night with the glorious Thames as our backdrop! After massive success we can’t wait to bring our concert back in September.
The Two Gentlemen of Verona – 15th September 2020 (8pm)
World renowned Shakespeare company bring their hilarious production of this hidden gem to this exciting new festival.
West End Rocks! Feat. Vocal Extreme – 16th September 2020 (8pm)
Featuring vocalists from London’s West End shows such as We Will Rock You, Rock Of Ages, Bat Out Of Hell and Beautiful! – The Carole King Story, this show will take you on a rollercoaster ride with some of the biggest rock hits and power ballads ever written, all sung in 3-part harmony.
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical – 17th September 2020 (8pm)
Experience Olivier Award-Winning, spontaneous musical comedy at its absolute finest in an intimate, stripped back open-air performance!
The Barricade Boys – 18th September 2020 (8pm)
Direct from London’s West End, THE BARRICADE BOYS are theatre lands most exciting new vocal group. Powerhouse vocals, slick dance routines and an incredible array of music.
Catfish The Musical: In Concert – 19th September 2020 (8pm)
Two strangers online write a musical about two strangers online. Catfish the Musical explores the highs and lows of social media and modern dating in a one-act, black mirror, cinematic drama.
THE TURBINE THEATRE
GENERATING NEW WORK.POWERING PREMIERES.RE-ENERGISING CLASSICS.
Artistic Director, Paul Taylor-Mills opened The Turbine Theatre inAugust 2019. On the banks of the Thames next to the iconic Battersea Power Station, the theatre is located under the Grosvenor Bridge railway arches at Circus West Village, the first chapter of the iconic Battersea Power Station’s regeneration, which is already a thriving riverside destination located at the foot of the iconic Grade II* listed landmark.The Turbine on the Jetty will take place in the open air on the landing jetty at Battersea, allowing social distancing.
The Turbine Theatreis an intimate theatre with big ambitions. Everything we do revolves around one simple idea: powering the imagination. For the Turbine one the Jetty we have curated a line up of entertainment including music, cabaret, Shakespeare, musical theatre and children’s shows
New energy drives everything we do, from festivals of brand new works, world premieres of new productions and classic stories reimagined for contemporary audiences.
Every story is a journey andThe Turbine Theatreaims to be just the first stage for every idea, risk and labour of love that is brought to life in this electric new environment. We want to be the spark for the most talented and diverse voices that theatre has to offer. Now, more than ever, we feel it is vital to provide a platform for the artists and and ideas of tomorrow.
We’re also passionate about playing a vital role at the heart of the emerging local Battersea community, offering a dynamic public space by day, and a groundbreaking theatre by night.
RIVERSIDE STUDIOS ANNOUNCES SCREENING OF SUMMERLAND
AND Q&A WITH WRITER AND DIRECTOR JESSICA SWALE
★★★★
“Canny and adorable, Summerland’s a family film with a difference”
Evening Standard
Riverside Studios today announces a screening of the British World War II drama Summerland and a live Q&A with award-winning director and writer Jessica Swale following its nationwide release on 31 July 2020. Marking their first event since lockdown, the screening and Q&A will take placeon Thursday 20 August beginningat 7.50pm at the newly refurbished multi-disciplinary arts and live events venue. Tickets can be purchased here www.riversidestudios.co.uk/book/cinema/summerland
★★★★
“Swale marks herself as a director to watch.”
Empire
The Summerland cast includes Gemma Arterton (Alice Lamb), Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Vera), Penelope Wilton (Older Alice), Lucas Bond (Frank), Dixie Egerickx (Edie) and Amanda Root (Mrs Lawrence).
Summerland follows the story of fiercely independent folklore investigator, Alice who secludes herself in her clifftop study, debunking myths using science to disprove the existence of magic. Consumed by her work, but also profoundly lonely, she is haunted by a love affair from her past.
When spirited young Frank, an evacuee from the London Blitz, is dumped into her irritable care, his innocence and curiosity awaken Alice’s deeply buried emotions. Bravely embracing life’s miraculous unpredictability, Alice learns that wounds may be healed, second chances do occur, and that, just perhaps – magic really does exist.
Riverside are putting customer safety and well-being at the forefront of their reopening measures, and, as a result, the cinema capacity has been reduced from 200 to 68. This means that audiences will be unable to pre-book specifics seats, and these will be allocated in advance to ensure at least 1m+ social distancing. Audiences are encouraged to book in advance to ensure the best experience possible. As a courtesy to others, Riverside would ask that face masks are worn – staff will likewise be wearing face masks.
Jessica Swale is an Olivier award-winning writer and director, Summerland is her film debut. As a playwright her credits include Blue Stockings, Thomas Tallis (Shakespeare’s Globe), All’s Will That Ends Will (Bremer Shakespeare Company) and Nell Gwynn (Shakespeare’s Globe/ Apollo Theatre – Olivier Award for Best New Comedy). Her adaptations include Sense and Sensibility, Far From The Madding Crowd (The Watermill Theatre), The Secret Garden and Stig of the Dump (Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre). Her directing credits include Fallen Angels (Salisbury Playhouse), Bedlam (Shakespeare’s Globe), The Busy Body, The Rivals, Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me (Southwark Playhouse) and Palace of the End (Arcola Theatre).
Following the DCMS’s announcement of the criteria for the £270 million repayable finance scheme to aid cultural organisations’ recovery, Theatres Trust have released the following statement
Tom Stickland, Theatres Advisor at Theatres Trust, comments:
The announcement of £55m Cultural Capital Kickstart Fund is extremely welcome and will get vital theatre capital projects moving again, improving environmental sustainability, and provide new and improved facilities for engaging with their local communities.
Theatres Trust research has found that major theatre capital projects that were on site are reporting an average of over 3 months delay as a result of lockdown and slower working on site due to social distancing. We have identified more than £65m shortfall in projects on site and at an advanced stage of planning as a result of these cost rises, the reallocation of reserves to support the theatre’s survival and changes to the capital funding landscape, which has seen major capital funders divert or pause their grant giving to respond to the crisis.
Investment in cultural infrastructure supports growth in local economies and enhances sense of local identity. In the longer term we would hope to see further government investment to fill the emerging funding gap.
DEFIBRILLATOR, IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE ACTORS CENTRE, ANNOUNCES
THE WORLD PREMIÈRE OF GEMMA LAWRENCE’S SUNNYMEAD COURT
Following the announcement from government that indoor theatre can return with social distancing, Defibrillator, in association with The Actors Centre, announces the world première of Gemma Lawrence’s new play Sunnymead Court. The production continues the collaboration between Lawrence and Defibrillator’s James Hillier following the critically acclaimed Not Talking at the Arcola Theatre.
The production opens at the Tristan Bates Theatre at The Actors Centre on 24 September, with previews from 22 September, and runs until 3 October. Social distancing measures will be in operation at the Tristan Bates Theatre and throughout The Actors Centre, with a maximum capacity of 28 seats for each performance, with tickets available in singles or pairs only. All patrons, unless they have a known medical condition, will be required to wear a mask at the venue, and for the duration of the 45minute performance. For full details on the measures implemented to ensure audience safety and wellbeing, please see: https://www.actorscentre.co.uk/news/covid-19-safety-procedures-for-sunnymead-court. Also, acknowledging the new normal, an online version of Sunnymead Court will also be available during its run, with details to be announced in the coming weeks.
Artistic Director of Defibrillator James Hillier said today, “After months of uncertainty across the theatre industry, it’s an utter joy to announce a return to live theatre, and to reunite with the extraordinary talent that is Gemma Lawrence on her debut play Sunnymead Court – a piece that has been written specifically for these times.”
Mitchell Reeve, Theatre Programme Manager at The Actors Centre added, “The last number of months have been devastating for our industry and at The Actors Centre, we stand in solidarity with the thousands of creatives whose livelihoods have been decimated by Covid-19. At The Actors Centre, like many unsubsidised organisations, this pandemic has forced us to explore new ways of working so that we can remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting artists.
“We are honoured to be working alongside Defibrillator to present this truly unique piece of theatre, which will mark the first production at The Actors Centre since our closure in March. A tale for the times we find ourselves in — which has been created with social distancing at its core — Sunnymead Court is a powerful piece of new writing which stands as a testament to the resilience of creativity despite these incredibly difficult times. We have been dreaming of the day we could welcome audiences back to our building, and we know that Sunnymead Court is a production which will resonate deeply and profoundly.
“We also want to take this opportunity to reassure audiences that the appropriate Covid-19 safety measures will be in operation throughout our building to ensure a seamless, enjoyable and safe theatre experience. Our online programmes will continue throughout this time and the building will open only for this production.”
Defibrillator in association with The Actors Centre presents
SUNNYMEAD COURT
By Gemma Lawrence
Directed by James Hillier; Produced by Jack Holden
22 September – 3 October 2020
“It’s been hot for days and now the air is heavy with the promise of something else. Thick. With something else.”
From her balcony, Marie blasts out the same tune, every day at 11am. On hers, Stella tends to red geraniums bursting with colour and life.
Two tower blocks facing each other. Two women who are looking for something more.
After a chance encounter in a hailstorm, they start to embark on a new relationship conducted from the safety of their balconies. But when a flurry of miscommunication jeopardises their relationship, will they have the courage to make it work in a world that is changing faster than ever?
Gemma Lawrence is a writer and actor. Previous writing includes straight vodka for Theatre503’s Rapid Write Response, Ribbons performed at Bloom Theatre’s SAPLINGS, and REWILD, performed at Omnibus Theatre and now being developed into a full-length piece as part of the London Playwrights 2020 programme. Homecoming was commissioned for The Space’s Locked Down Looking Up season, and starred Patsy Ferran. As an actor, her theatre work includes Not Talking (Arcola Theatre), Five Plays: Nuclear (Young Vic), Wasted (Orange Tree Theatre), All My Sons (Hong Kong Arts Festival), The Tempest (Southwark Playhouse), As You Like It, Children of the Sun (National Theatre), Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare’s Globe), Gaslight (Salisbury Playhouse), Lee Harvey Oswald (Finborough Theatre), XY: Hopelessly Devoted To You (Theatre503), The Cherry Orchard (Bristol Tobacco Factory, Rose Theatre), Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Redgrave Theatre), The Wild Party (Bristol Tobacco Factory), and Rough Cuts: The Lion’s Mouth (Royal Court Theatre). Her television credits include Shakespeare and Hathaway, 18 – Clash of Futures, Luther, Misfits, 1066, Waking the Dead, Time of Your Life, Stir it Up, All About George, and Ahead of the Class. For film, her credits include Frail, A Bunch of Amateurs, and Enlightenment.
James Hillier established Defibrillator Theatre Company in 2011. His directing credits include, most recently Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell (site specific production at Norman’s Coach & Horses) , the world première of Mike Bartlett’s Not Talking (Arcola Theatre – OFFIE Nomination for Best Director), A Lie of the Mind by Sam Shepard (Southwark Playhouse), Terry Johnson’s Insignificance at Langham Place, New York, the Premiere production of Tennessee Williams’ The Hotel Plays at the Grange Hotel in 2012 and The Langham, London in 2014. The Armour by Ben Ellis at The Langham in 2015 which won the Audience Experience Award at Le Miami Rebels, Doug Lucie’s Hard Feelings at the Finborough in 2013. He has directed a number of short films, including How To Make A Good First Impression Part 1 went on to win awards at Tribecca Film Festival and Cannes. He was due to direct the world première of Dexter Flanders at Theatre503 when the Covid-19 lockdown was enforced. He trained as an actor at RADA. In theatre he has worked in the West End and Broadway, and venues including the National Theatre, Almeida Theatre, Bush Theatre, Young Vic, Manchester Royal Exchange and Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh. For television, he was a series regular in season 1 and 2 of The Crown for NETFLIX.
New Adventures announced today that the forthcoming 2020/2021 National tour and the 2020/2021 Christmas season at Sadler’s Wells of Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! has been postponed until 2021/2022.
Recent events and the inevitable knock-on effect these have had to the production’s schedule, coupled with the fact that the industry continues to wait for confirmation as to when theatres can reopen without social distancing has now made it impossible to mount this new production within this ever shortening time frame.
Matthew Bourne said today ‘Today’s announcement is heartbreaking for everyone in the New Adventures family. We love our loyal audiences throughout the UK and we feel a great sense of sadness that we will not get to perform for you on our annual tour at this time. This year would have seen our 18th consecutive Christmas season at Sadler’s Wells with our sparkling new production of “Nutcracker!” I know that there was great anticipation to see this beloved show back after nine years but, alas, we must wait another year for a return trip to Sweetieland! In the meantime, we look forward to shortly announcing a series of adventurous plans, both on and off stage, for 2021 and we live for the day when the curtain rises again on a New Adventures show’.
Group Managing Director Robert Noble andExecutive Director Imogen Kinchin said today ‘This incredibly difficult decision has not been taken lightly. Since the start of lockdown back in March, we have been working extremely closely with both Sadler’s Wells and our family of national touring venues to do all we can to keep to the current timetable. However, the business model cannot operate with social distancing in place and without clarification as to when social distancing will definitely be removed, and due to this lack of certainty we have to make this decision at this time’.
Artistic Director and CEO of Sadler’s Wells Alistair Spalding said today ‘It is with great sadness that we announce today that our shows scheduled until January 2021 cannot go ahead as planned, including Matthew Bourne’s brilliant Nutcracker!. Matthew Bourne and New Adventures have been delighting Sadler’s Wells audiences with their Christmas shows for 17 consecutive years, which have become one of the highlights of our annual programme. We have worked very closely with New Adventures and the other artists and companies in our programme to avoid this outcome, however continuing uncertainty surrounding coronavirus restrictions has forced us to make this decision, with artist, audience and colleague safety at its core. Though we can’t share Nutcracker! with audiences this year, I’m very pleased to confirm that it will return to Sadler’s Wells for our 2021/22 Christmas season’.
All patrons who have booked for the 2020/2021 National tour of Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! do not need to do anything and will be contacted directly by their ticket provider to arrange a refund or credit voucher.
The 2021/2022 National tour dates for Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! will be announced in due course.
All bookers with tickets for the 2020/21 Christmas season of the show at Sadler’s Wells will be transferred into equivalent performances in the 2021/22 season. Bookers do not need to do anything at this point and should expect to receive an email from Sadler’s Wells in the last week of September detailing their new booking information.
Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! will now play at Sadler’s Wells from 7 December 2021 – 30 January 2022.
Immediately following lockdown New Adventures launched REEL Adventures, a new strand of digital work, and in the past five months the company has worked hard to find new ways to bring their work to the wonderful and loyal audiences in the UK and across the globe on a range of digital platforms. The Festival of Classics season with Sky Arts brought three of their beloved shows into the homes of hundreds of fans, old and new; and for the first time they opened Company class to the public online welcoming over 6,000 participants across 16 weeks of classes. 146 clips of video content including panel discussions, cast and creatives Q&As and archive footage has been shared online attracting over 2.3 million views. To date 130,000 people have tuned into the Workshop Weekends, a weekly programme of creative family dance workshops, which included the DanceVenturers YouTube series aimed at children of primary school age.
New Adventures is a national portfolio organisation supported using public funds by Arts Council England.
Hunt & Darton presents: Radio Local Live and socially distanced, Radio Local hosts a two-day special in Mitcham to celebrate the joys and necessity of local radio and community ‘A pop-up establishment of disarming eccentricity’ Lyn Gardner for the Guardian Gino’s Restaurant, Mitcham, CR4 2PA 21st & 22nd August 10am – 4pm Twitter @HuntDarton | Insta @huntanddarton | #RadioLocal2020 | www.radiolocal.co.uk | www.huntanddarton.com/
Innovative performance duo Hunt & Darton have been delivering their upbeat show, Radio Local, digitally over the summer: now, they will be hosting a one-of-a-kind live event in Mitcham, a specially socially distanced two-day performance of their hyper-local radio show in an independent Italian restaurant. Broadcast live from Gino’s Restaurant on Riverside Radio, the show will run for six hours a day on the 21st and 22nd August with special guest stars and interviewees including international drag sensation Le Gateau Chocolat, performer, writer and Mitcham resident Vijay Patel, The Mayor of Merton – Councillor Janice Howard and showcasing a plethora of Mitcham residents. Complete with neighbourhood anecdotes and interviews with local heroes, the showwillcelebrate everything about what it means to be local and will be built with, by and for residents of Mitcham.
Stringent budgets and an ever-increasing centralisation of the media have led to a devastating demise in support for local radio, with tens of local shows closing their networks earlier this year. Hunt & Darton will gather stories from Mitcham to create their shows, strap aerials to their heads and talk to residents live from Gino’s restaurant with tales highlighting activity local to their guests and what their area means to them. Covid-19 has meant that the show has only been able to be accessed digitally up until now, a pocket of positivity for disappointed theatregoers unable to attend live performance; now residents of Mitcham will once again be able to see the live show as well as hear it on their local radio station.
Drawing on their signature deadpan, playful and inclusive approach, Hunt & Darton will turn regular radio features into a series of absurd games: news bulletins? Local residents divulge anything from DIY successes to family births. Restaurant reviews? Giving Hunt & Darton plenty of time to compile a long list of must-eats before the return of business as usual. Agony aunt? Strangers share their problems in a kind, supportive environment.
Jenny Hunt and Holly Darton said “We feel privileged to have found a way to carry on making work in this adverse time. Radio is a superpower. We are ridiculously excited to still be able make this show with you all and show off some wonderful local communities, commission some great artists and share our collective experiences in this bizarre time. We feel more than ever the need to keep communities connected and to offer some light relief to people with limited travel and as people begin to embrace their neighbourhoods again as lockdown eases. We cannot wait to collaborate with you- let’s make some art, let’s make radio!”
Hunt & Darton is a 10-year old collaborative practice between artists Jenny Hunt and Holly Darton, who both studied Fine Art at Central Saint Martins. Hunt & Darton make work that embraces the ordinary as extraordinary; they replicate, borrow, reframe and reclaim social space, facilitating ambitious public Art that responsibly establishes itself as part of its new home. Committed to creating live work that playfully interrogates definitions of ‘local’, they blur distinctions between conceptual and community space and take ‘public engagement for starters and not as side dish.’ Hunt & Darton are the creators of the Three Weeks Editor award-winning Hunt & Darton Café, a pop-up interactive performance/installation and fully-functioning café. For a Circulate commission they created The Punch, The Sandwich, The Cake, an outdoor show for families. In 2014/15 they also toured a full-length theatre show titled Boredom to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and venues across the UK. They have since developed and toured Radio Local to town squares, parks and more remote locations across the UK. Hunt & Darton are associate artists at Cambridge Junction.
Company information
Conceived and created by Jenny Hunt and Holly Darton
