DECEMBER 2024

Due to overwhelming demand and after two sold-out seasons, Robert Bathurst (Cold Feet, Downton Abbey, Toast of London) will once again star in the critically acclaimed, award-winning immersive production of Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell, performed in his favourite Soho haunt, the legendary Coach and Horses pub.

Named a Times Critic’s Pick of the Week and with Robert winning Best Actor at the London Pub Theatre Awards (2024) for his portrayal of Jeffrey, this production is an unmissable celebration of Soho’s chaotic charm.

This one-hour one-man show is adapted by James Hillier from the critically acclaimed West End play by Keith Waterhouse based on real life journalist Jeffrey Bernard…a regular at The Coach and Horses in Soho. 

Having fallen asleep in the Gents and waking up in the middle of the night inside the legendary pub, Jeffrey Bernard is not a man to waste the deserted hours ahead of him before Norman the landlord opens up again in the morning. Don’t miss the chance to down a pint in The Coach and Horses whilst this Soho legend puts a few (many!) drinks on the tab and regales us with stories of busted bookies, failed marriages, illegal cat-racing and introduces us to his favourite pub trick involving a pint glass, match-box and a raw egg.

Presented by Defibrillator and M. Green Productions, and directed by James Hillier, Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell runs 19 January - 10 February at Coach and Horses on Greek Street. Further details and Tickets.

NOVEMBER 2024

ROBERT BATHURST ANNOUNCED AS PATRON OF LONDON PUB THEATRES

Following receiving his award as Best Actor for his role in JEFFREY BERNARD IS UNWELL by Keith Waterhouse at the London Pub Theatres Awards 2024, ROBERT BATHURST has kindly agreed to become Patron of London Pub theatres over the next year.  Mr Bathurst said "I would of course be happy to champion your organisation and the vibrant, disparate pub theatre scene and its place in the profession, though I don’t claim a wide knowledge of what’s going on. I guess I’d learn more by reading the magazine!"

Currently filming for his role as a surgeon in medical programme, CASUALTY, Bathurst is probably best known for his role in ITV comedy drama COLD FEET, which ran for five series from 1998 to 2003 and again for four further series from 2016 to 2020.  He is also well know for his many theatre roles, including his most recent role at Coach and Horses pub in Soho, in which he played the role of Jeffrey Bernard. 

Robert Bathurst biography

Robert Bathurst’s screen credits include Toast of London, Cold Feet, Joking Apart, Downton Abbey, The Larkins, Dr Who, The Mezzotint, Munich: The Edge of War.

Robert’s numerous West End and touring theatre productions include classics by Chekhov, Shaw, Shakespeare, Wilde, Ibsen and Aphra Behn, with more modern works by, Michael Frayn, Noel Coward, Joe Penhall, Steven Thompson, Michael Wynne, Claire Luckham and a staged adaptation of Peattie & Taylor’s Alex cartoon strip. In Chicago he played the title role in King Charles 111 by Mike Bartlett and starred as a Tennessee Scrooge in the musical Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol at the SouthBank Centre.

He co-wrote and directed The Fall, a film drama about jockeys. He devised and produced the staging of Love, Loss & Chianti by Christopher Reid a two-actor play in verse with cartoon animation by Charles Peattie. He has written articles on showbusiness and horseracing for The Oldie magazine and book reviews for The Tablet. As a reader of audiobooks he won the Audie as Best Male Narrator in 2020. Robert has recently recorded the first three Lord Peter Wimsey detective novels by Dorothy L Sayers and the classic schooldays novel Goodbye Mr Chips. He has recently spent three months playing a surgeon on BBC’s Casualty, which will be released in the Spring. He is unavailable for medical advice.

OCTOBER 2024

STANDING OVATION AWARDS and LONDON PUB THEATRE OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2024 WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The sixth London Pub Theatre's Awards celebrating achievements in London Pub Theatres were held at Upstairs at the Gatehouse in Highgate on 20 October. 

The highlights:

LONDON PUB THEATRE OF THE YEAR was awarded to THE HEN AND CHICKENS THEATRE Artistic Directors, James Wren & Felicity Wren and theatre manager Mark Lyminster.   For 25 years, the Hen and Chickens Theatre has been offering some of the most diverse programmes of any theatre in London. Intimate black box theatre, lots of stand-up comedy, and a unique place as a venue for independent films. The Camden Fringe stages numerous plays there, and participants in the festival speak fondly of their reception notwithstanding the hectic turnaround. The theatre offers outstanding support to artists both new and established. It’s a very welcoming theatre and for 25 years has been nurturing artists and finding new talent. It is, fun, and inspiring, well known for friendliness, atmosphere and good times. 

The ACTORS AWARD was awarded to Robert Bathurst for his virtuoso solo turn  in JEFFREY BERNARD IS UNWELL at Coach and Horses, Soho.  Robert Bathurst, has been a staple of British stage and screen since the early 1980s, perhaps most famously in the TV series Cold Feet. Notable theatre productions include Noises Off and a spell at the National Theatre. He said, of Jeffrey Bernard, that the play is "a brilliantly funny, sour and surprisingly moving manifesto for the right of people to destroy their liver and wallet in any way they choose."

Head Judge David Weir said:  “The awards are a celebration of theatre makers who light the stage with amazing work that makes all that sitting in the dark the pleasure it can be, the journey that takes us somewhere our imaginations can soar, the show that sends us home singing and telling our families and friends that this one’s a zinger and everyone should see it. If only everyone did, and if only we could reward absolutely everyone who’s made our awards team argue passionately for the brilliance of the best work we’ve seen. We can’t, and that’s a sorrow, we are honouring some of the fine work that’s happened on pub theatre stages from Highgate to Penge, from Chiswick to Brockley, and for that, we say congratulations.”

The full list of winners is below.

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR LPTM STANDING OVATION AWARDS 2024

Winners will be announced at a live ceremony at Upstairs at the Gatehouse

Sunday 20 October 2024

CONGRATULATION TO ALL THE FINALISTS

The ceremony is by invitation only, and all finalists (listed below) can expect to receive theirs within a few days.

BEST PRODUCTION (New writing)

THE GREAT PRIVATION (How to flip ten cents into a dollar) by Nia Akilah Robinson at Theatre503

FOAM by Harry McDonald at Finborough Theatre

A WOMAN WALKS INTO A BANK by Roxy Cook at Theatre503 

IN CLAY Musical at Upstairs at the Gatehouse, Book & Lyrics by Rebecca Simmonds, Music & Lyrics by Jack Miles

NEW WRITING

Seth Jones & David Keogh for PAST TENTS at Brockley Jack Theatre

Saskia Mollard and Tobias Abbot for EUCHARIST Springbok Production House at Etcetera Theatre

Luke Adamson for THE GIRL IN THE GREEN ROOM at Bridge House Theatre

Eleanor Boes for WE WEREN'T INNOCENT, WE WERE GIRLS at White Bear Theatre

REDISCOVERY/ADAPTATION

KNOCKING ON THE WALL by Ena Lamont Stewart at Finborough Theatre 

Shakespeare’s THE TEMPEST by Burnt Orange Repertory Company at Drayton Arms Theatre

HANSEL AND GRETEL by Engelbert Humperdinck / Opera Kipling, Camden Fringe Festival at Upstairs at the Gatehouse

OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION VALUES

THE GENTLEMAN OF SHALOTT by Gareth Watkins at The hope Theatre - Set and props by Stephen Stephenson, soundscape by Craig Byrne and lighting by Daniel Philipson

A WOMAN WALKS INTO A BANK by Roxy Cook at Theatre503 - Set design by David Allen, lighting design by Joe Price and sound design by Hugh Sheehan

THE SECRET GARDEN by Take Note Theatre at Theatre at the Tabard  - Designer Hazel Owen and lighting designer Nat Green, music by Nick Gilbert and costume designer Alice McNicholas

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTION

THE GENTLEMAN OF SHALOTT by Gareth Watkins at The hope Theatre

FIRE EMBERS ASH by Hailey Mashburn at Barons Court Theatre

A WOMAN WALKS INTO A BANK by Roxy Cook at Theatre503

COMEDY

SPY MOVIE: THE PLAY! by Matthew Howell and Jack Michael Stacey at The Hope Theatre

PAST TENTS by Seth Jones and David J. Keogh at Jack Studio Theatre

ATTENTION SPAN at Brave Mirror Productions, Camden Fringe at The Hen & Chickens Theatre

NEW PLAY RAISING AWARENESS

HOW DID I GET HERE by Helen Squires at Bread and Roses Theatre 

A really important play, raising the understanding of addiction, in an illuminating and entertaining way.

SPLINTER by Martha Loader at Jack Studio Theatre

A tender look at early onset dementia; a hauntingly heartbreaking ode to love and memory.

THE WORDS ARE THERE by Ronan Dempsey at The Hope Theatre

Explores the subject of domestic violence towards men, with the male victim enduring emotional, mental and physical abuse.

RED PILL by Sam Went at The Lion & Unicorn Theatre

Highlights the part the internet can play in radicalisation.

ACTORS AWARD

Robert Bathurst as Jeffrey in JEFFREY BERNARD IS UNWELL by Keith Waterhouse at Coach and Horses, Soho 

Joshua J Parker in the title role THE LIFE AND DEATH OF RICHARD III, after William Shakespeare, Messy Kind Theatre at Barons Court Theatre 

Luke Rose in DC RICHARD HEAD by Luke Rose at Canal Café Theatre

Matthew Zajac in THE TAILOR OF INVERNESS at Finborough Theatre

DUOLOGUE/TWO HANDER

Matthew Parker and Bryan Pilkington for OH NO IT ISN’T by Luke Adamson at Jack Studio Theatre

ROSALINE AND JULIET written and performed by Lily Roberts and Lara Lawman / Tale Blazers Theatre Company, Camden Fringe at Lion and Unicorn Theatre

EUCHARIST written and performed by Saskia Mollard and Tobias Abbott / Springbok Production House at Etcetera Theatre

Oliver Maynard and Nick Hyde for DOUBLE ACT by Nick Hyde at Lion and Unicorn Theatre

ENSEMBLE ACTING

HOW DID I GET HERE? By Helen Squires at The Bread & Roses Theatre - Actors: Luke Madaj, Yan Toby-Amisi, Erica Taveres-Kouassi, and Niamh Drumgoole

WE WEREN'T INNOCENT; WE WERE GIRLS by Lucid Blue Stories at White Bear Theatre - Actors: Liv Hodder, Allie Aylott, Lucy-Lou Gallivan, Hannah Dootson, Sophie Reisner, Declan Adamson

THE HOUSE WE INHERIT at Bridge House Theatre - Actors: Sarah Majland, Boyan Petrov, Öncel Camcı

DRESSING GOWN by Andrew Cartmel at Theatre at the Tabard - Actors: Jamie Hutchins, Ryan Woodcock, Rosie Edwards & Freya Alderson

CONSTELLATIONS by Burnt Orange Theatre at Drayton Arms Theatre - Youth ensemble

BLACK BOX

MAGGOTS by Farah Najib at Lion and Unicorn Theatre

THE GIRL IN THE GREEN ROOM by Luke Adamson at Bridge House Theatre,

THE TRIALS OF GALILEO by Nic Young at The Old Red Lion Theatre

SOLO SHOW

Alfredo Mudie Smart as CHET BAKER: Let’s Get Lost by Tim Connery at Bridge House Theatre

CARELESS TALK Adapted and performed by Ali Williams Camden Fringe at Rosemary Branch Theatre

THE OLD QUEEN’S HEAD Written and performed by David Patterson at The Lion and Unicorn Theatre

HER SHOES Writer and Performed by Megan Marszal at Old Red Lion Theatre

 
DIRECTOR

Jenny Eastop for DRESSING GOWN by Andrew Cartmel at Theatre at the Tabard

Matthew Iliffe for FOAM by Harry McDonald at Finborough Theatre

Callum Sharp for THE GREATEST PLAY OF ALL TIME at Old Red Lion Theatre

Sharon Willems for THREE QUEENS by Rosamund Gravelle at Barons Court Theatre

Robert McWhir (director) and Aaron Clingham (Musical director) for THE STORY OF MY LIFE at Stage Door Theatre

OBITUARY: CLEO SYLVESTRE

We are saddened hear of the passing of CLEO SYLVESTRE, the trailblazing Director at Rosemary Branch Theatre for 20 years.  Her career spanned theatre and television and she graced many stages as a wonderful blues singer.

In 1996 Cleo Sylvestre, along with Cecilia Darker, became joint Artistic Directors of Rosemary Branch theatre which continued for 20 years and the legacy continues today.  (Genevieve Taricco and Scarlett Plouviez Comnas took over in 2016, followed by  Laura Killeen who took over in 2021).

Cleo returned to tread the boards at Rosemary Branch, and rock the house with her live band as she shared tales of recording with The Rolling Stones, hanging out with Jimmy Page, Roger Daltry and Joan Crawford.  De Beauvoir actor and singer Cleo Sylvestre MBE was the first black woman ever to play a leading role at the National Theatre.  She stopped singing for nearly 60 years after having made a record with the then unknown Rolling Stones.   In her acting career she worked with Ken Loach and Joan Crawford.

REBOOT FESTIVAL returns to BARONS COURT THEATRE for fourth year

London’s biggest short plays festival returns for its fourth edition 3 - 21 September.  Each of the three weeks features 6 short plays from experienced and emerging writers, with highly regarded international artists as well as local talent, giving audiences an opportunity to enjoy a variety of shows with universal appeal.

The festival's  goals are multi-faceted: to be a platform for emerging writers to see their work performed at no financial cost; to be a gateway for international writers into the London scene; to be a stepping stone for young/emerging actors trying to get their foot in the door; to provide opportunities for actors who have been out of the industry for a while, for various reasons; to provide directors with an opportunity to stage their work with no financial risk; to incubate new plays and create connections between creatives.

The festival is run by Kibo productions, led Artistic Director Sharon Willems and Executive Director Leo Bacica. 

View programme and book here

NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR THE STAGE DEBUT AWARDS 2024 include playwright Harry McDonald for Foam at Finborough Theatre /   Lighting designer Skylar Turnbull Hurd for These Demons at Theatre503, London

The Camden Fringe festival returns for its 18th year this summer

Image: Camden Fringe launch party (23 July 2024 at Courtyard Theatre) founders Michelle Flower and Zena Barry

August 2024

The Camden Fringe festival returns for its 18th year this summer, with more than 320 productions taking place at 23 venues across north London including many pub theatres. The festival runs for 4 weeks from Monday 29 July to Sunday 25 August. As usual the line-up of performances is wide ranging - including stand-up comedy, musicals, physical theatre, new writing and dance. Full details on all of the shows taking part can be found at  camdenfringe.com or pick up a brochure at participating theatres.

The Camden Fringe was established in 2006 by Michelle Flower and Zena Barrie, who still do all the day to day management of the festival. Flower commented:

"It seems crazy to think that the Camden Fringe is now old enough to vote. We are delighted that the creative urge remains undiminished and every year there are more theatre makers, improvisers and comedians producing inventive and interesting new work that we can host."

Spotlight on some of the shows in the 2024 line up

The set-up of long-form improv shows has become ever more ambitious. Along with improvised TV shows, Shakespeare plays and musicals, there are also post-apocalyptic adventures Tales From the Wasteland (at Etcetera), a psychological thriller  Things Between Heaven and Earth (Rosemary Branch and Hen & Chickens Theatre) a production based on the works of Neil Gaiman Mixed Omens (at Etcetera), and an award winning play about a refugee Refuge (Etcetera Theatre).

Play AI (at King's Head Theatre) is a one-off show that will mix audience suggestions with artificial intelligence to generate, scene by scene, a brand new show which will be played for laughs. The shadow of AI also looms large over comedian Steph Darcey's Prototype (at Old Red Lion) about a robot politician. She describes it as The Thick of It meets Westworld. Audiences who attend the show [computer] will interact with the "main character", an autonomous projected "computer".

As well as being inspired by the future of technology, there are plenty of shows that are taking their cue from history. Mrs Pack (Etcetera) and Careless Talk (Rosemary Branch Theatre) both bring to light stories of real female pioneers that have been overlooked. Based on real historical accounts, My Female Husband (Old Red Lion) is a queer and mischievous courtroom drama exploring the true lives of female husbands in the eighteenth century. Also set in court, Titanic (Upstairs at the Gatehouse) - The Inquiry brings to life genuine testimony from the survivors of the ill-fated ship. From the creators of the critically acclaimed Fabulett 1933 (Camden Fringe 2021), The Pink List (King's Head Theatre) is a one-person musical inspired by the untold stories of gay men in postwar Germany.

Scriptless (Lion and Unicorn Theatre) is a comedy in which everyone has learnt the script and rehearsed just like a regular play... except for one. Coming in completely blind, they’ll have to bulls**t their way through the entire show.   View more shows on LPT critic's choice of shows here

For details of shows in pub theatres, follow these links:

Canal Cafe theatre A cabaret style venue in Maida Vale

Etcetera Theatre This venue in Camden is where the fringe first started and is an essential part of your festival experience

Hen and Chickens Theatre run by three actors in Islington

Lion and Unicorn Theatre In the heart of Kentish Town

Old Red Lion In an historic pub in Islington

Rosemary Branch Arty vibes with an often feminist agenda in Islington

Rose and Crown in Walthamstow

Upstairs at the Gatehouse Our largest pub theatre situated in beautiful Highgate

YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, TRANSFERS TO SHANGHAI FROM LONDON PUB THEATRE, UPSTAIRS AT THE GATEHOUSE

Based on The Comic Strip by Charles M. Schulz  with Book, Music, & Lyrics by Clark Gesner, YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN had a five star runs at

 UPSTAIRS AT THE GATEHOUSE (Dec 23 - Jan 24).  Now Chromolume’s “joyous” production is transferring to FANCL Arts Centre, Shanghai.

Chromolume are partnering with Shanghai theatre school and producers iMusical to bring this iconic and heartwarming show to a whole new audience this August.

The performances in Shanghai will be accompanied by masterclasses and workshops for young Chinese performers who will have the opportunity to rehearse and perform alongside the London cast and creatives.

Much of the London cast will be returning to their original roles. The “all singing, all dancing triple-threat” (All That Dazzles) Oliver Sidney returns as Snoopy, Eleanor Fransch reprises her “wonderfully outspoken Lucy” (The Stage), Troy Yip is “a joy as Schroeder”, and the “scene stealing” Jacob Cornish returns as Linus (All That Dazzles). Joining the cast will be João Almeida as Charlie Brown (The Crucible, High School Musical [Brazil]), and Poppy Austin as Sally Brown, who will be making her professional debut. 

THREE BOX OFFICE FAVOURITES RETURN FOR A SECOND RUN

TOM LEHRER IS TEACHING MATH AND DOESN'T WANT TO TALK TO YOU returns after a record breaking sell-out run at Upstairs at the Gatehouse

After a sell-out record  breaking run earlier this year Chromolume Productions are delighted to bring it back to Upstairs at the Gatehouse in Highgate for another run, 9 - 14 Jul 2024.

The show investigates the strange disappearance of Tom Lehrer in 1960 at the height of his fame, as singer, songwriter and satirist. He spent the rest of his career as an obscure maths lecturer.  The show includes some of his greatest songs, like Poisoning Pigeons in the Park, and The Elements.

More details and tickets can be found on the Gatehouse website Upstairs at the Gatehouse – Award Winning London Theatre

Read LPT review of the show here

ANIMAL FARM RETURNS, PART OF A GEORGE ORWELL DOUBLE BILL WITH 1984, TO GOLDEN GOOSE THEATRE AFTER WINNING LPT AWARD

Paul Stebbings won LPT Standing Ovation Award for best adaptation for George Orwell's Animal Farm.  The show had a successful International tour which included London's Golden Goose Theatre in 2023.  It now returns as a double bill with 1984 to Golden Goose Theatre in Camberwell 9 - 20 July 2024

In Animal Farm the farm animals are betrayed; their utopian dreams turn to dystopian nightmare in this timeless allegorical masterpiece. 1984 is about a post-apocalyptic surveillance society, in which Winston Smith faces a precipice. He longs for freedom with his only solace - his diary. Until he meets Julia.

More details and box office can be found on the Golden Goose website Golden Goose Theatre | Theatre | Golden Goose Theatre, Camberwell New Road, London, UK   Read LPT review of Animal Farm here

SAHER SHAH’S DEBUT PLAY VITAMIN D RETURNS

WITH LONDON RUN AT SOHO THEATRE AFTER WINNING AN LPT AWARD

Vitamin D will return with a London run at Soho Theatre, following the productions successful sell-out national tour last year.  London pub theatres magazine reviewed the play last year at Rosemary Branch Theatre, and subsequently the show won LPT Standing Ovation Award for best show 'raising awareness'

Melina Namdar directs Saher Shah’s debut play exploring the stigma of divorce in British South Asian culture. Larki is moving back in with her parents and going through a divorce…it’s tragic. She’s facing opinions, questions and smothering love from friends, family, aunties and “BFF’s", plus the epic decision between jalebi or gulaab jamun. She's searching for something, she just hasn't quite figured out what yet.

The production runs at Soho Theatre, Dean Street 3 to  21 September.  Box Office: 020 7478 0100/ tickets@sohotheatre.com

www.sohotheatre.com 

THE STAGE DEBUT AWARDS WHO WILL BE THE BREAKTHROUGH STARS OF 2024? SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW OPEN! DATE, VENUE AND HEADLINE SPONSOR ANNOUNCED

The Stage Debut Awards, the only awards devoted solely to recognising breakthrough theatre talent both on and off stage, today announces that submissions for 2024 are now officially open. The live ceremony will be held on Sunday, September 29, and promises to be an unforgettable night celebrating the outstanding achievements of upcoming performers and creatives who have made their professional debuts on stages across the UK over the past 12 months. This much-anticipated annual fixture in the awards calendar will be hosted again at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London. On the night, a mix of the industry’s freshest talent and a starry who’s who of established names will be entertained by Theatreland’s most exciting artists, performing musical numbers up close in this intimate space. Tickets will go on sale soon.

Newly rebranded ATG Entertainment returns as the headline sponsor. Trafalgar Entertainment reaffirms its sponsorship for the Best West End Creative category, Crossroads Live for Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer and Sonia Friedman Productions for Best Writer. This year, we welcome the Noël Coward Foundation and Michael Harrison Entertainment to The Stage Debut Awards' esteemed stable of sponsors with their support for the Best West End Debut Performer and Best Performer in a Musical respectively.

The eight eligible categories championing performers, directors, designers, writers, composers and lyricists are Best Performer in a Play; Best Performer in a Musical; Best Director; Best Writer; Best Designer; Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer and Best West End Creative Debut. The winner of the Best West End Debut Performer is the only category to be determined by a public vote. Last year, theatre audiences picked former Strictly Come Dancing’s breakout star Rose Ayling-Ellis as the winner for her standout debut performance in As You Like It at @sohoplace. The star has recently announced landing a major upcoming BBC television role.

Anyone who has made their professional debut between July 18, 2023 and July 17, 2024 will be eligible. Submissions can be made HERE and entries will close on the June 30. The shortlist of nominees will be announced in August.

Ted Stimpson, Group CEO of ATG Entertainment said: “We are delighted to be supporting British theatre’s emerging talent through The Stage Debut Awards for the third year. At ATG Entertainment, we profoundly appreciate that we must nurture the next generation of talent that will bring exciting and groundbreaking ideas and voices to our audiences. We look forward to being part of an exceptional night celebrating the awesome talent at these awards in September."

The Stage Debut Awards launched in 2017 and has proven to be a career defining launchpad with recipients of these prestigious awards enjoying continued success across stage and screen. Last year’s winners included Rob Madge for My Son's a Queer, (But What Can You Do?) at Garrick Theatre and Ambassadors Theatre, Isobel Thom for their leading role in I, Joan at Shakespeare’s Globe, Michael R Jackson for composing A Strange Loop at the Barbican Theatre and Tingying Dong for her sound design on The Crucible, Gielgud and National Theatre. A further roll call of notable award winners from previous years include Shan Ako (Hamilton), Spitlip (Operation Mincemeat), Tyrell Williams (Red Pitch), Sam Tutty (Dear Evan Hansen), Miriam-Teak Lee (& Juliet), Bush Theatre artistic director Lynette Linton (Sweat) and composers Femi Temowo (Death of a Salesman) and Dan Gillespie Sells (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie).

For details on eligibility and the judging process see The Stage Debut Awards website: HERE

THIS IS HOW IT WORKS:

● The Stage Debut Awards highlight breakthrough actors, writers, directors, designers, composers or lyricists to help cement their position in the industry

● The Stage's nationwide network of theatre critics puts forward nominees for productions they have reviewed. Performers, writers, directors, designers, composers or lyricists making their stage debut (and their agents) are encouraged to nominate themselves for consideration.

● A selection of 20 expert advisers including casting directors, producers, designers and other creatives from across the UK help curate the shortlist.

● The judging panel will meet in July to decide the shortlist and winners in all categories, except the Best West End Debut Performer, which will be shortlisted by the judging panel but the winner will be decided by a public vote.

● Winners will be revealed during an awards ceremony held on Sunday, September 29, 2024.

THE HOPE & ANCHOR ANNOUNCES NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTORS OF THE HOPE THEATRE

1st May 2024

The Hope & Anchor is delighted to announce the appointment of Laurel Marks and Toby Hampton as the new Artistic Directors of The Hope Theatre.

Laurel Marks is an award-winning theatre maker who has expertise in almost every aspect of the theatre industry. She is an actor, director, lighting designer, stage & production manager, set designer and much more as well as being our current technical manager for The Hope Theatre; a role she has held since January 2022.

Toby Hampton is an award nominated director, writer and producer and a local to the North London area. He will be returning to The Hope Theatre where previously he has been the Theatre Assistant and Associate Director from January 2018 before becoming the Deputy Artistic Director from January 2020. Aside from his work at The Hope, Toby has been producing and directing high-quality work which most recently includes a run of his 21 Round For Christmas, co-written with Matt Ballantyne at Park Theatre.

Laurel said: "I'm thrilled to be taking on a new role at a theatre that has given so much to me over the past few years. The Hope Theatre has produced brilliant productions that feel much larger than its actual dimensions time and time again. I'm so excited to work with Toby on bringing in a wide range of creatives and their new, bold and vital work."

Toby said: "I'm so excited to be returning to The Hope after a short time away. This theatre has played such a large role in my career development and I'm looking forward to giving that back to the talented and hungry creatives that bring their work to our stage. We are committed to providing a safe space to make daring work and I can't wait to get started."

A spokesperson for the Hope & Anchor pub said "We are very excited for Laurel and Toby to bring their extensive experience of the industry and love of our venue back to The Hope Theatre."

Laurel and Toby will take up the role from 9th June 2024 and are now programming work for their first season from September 2024 onwards, following a brief closure of the building over the summer for planned renovations. Any theatre makers who wish to submit a show for programming consideration, please visit www.thehopetheatre.com<http://www.thehopetheatre.com> to check the submission process and email your pitch to Laurel and Toby via thehopetheatresubmissions@gmail.com <mailto:thehopetheatresubmissions@gmail.com>

APRIL 2024

Theatre503 is delighted to announce the appointment of five new Trustees plus an Associate Trustee representing a valuable range of backgrounds and expertise (see more below). They join Theatre503’s Board in supporting Theatre503’s leadership - Artistic Director & CEO Lisa Spirling and Executive Director Emily Carewe - and team as the company continues an exciting period of expansion and innovation including the development of the 503Studio at Nine Elms.

Theatre503 is now recruiting for a new Chair to lead this exceptional Board, to succeed Erica Whyman who is stepping down from the role after 10 years.

Erica Whyman on the role of Theatre503 Chair: ‘I have loved being Chair of Theatre503. It has been a privilege and a pleasure. Serving as Chair has kept me close to and inspired by artists at the very beginning of their career and able to engage in a wide-ranging and courageous dialogue about the future of playwriting, about how we become a truly inclusive industry, and about how we imagine new business models and new ways of working so that theatre can thrive. I can guarantee that my successor as Chair will be inspired, nourished and stretched by this youthful, ambitious and daring team. I encourage anyone interested in applying – you could make a real difference.’

Theatre503 is at the forefront of identifying and nurturing new voices at the very start of their careers and launching them to the industry.  The theatre stages more early career playwrights than any other theatre in the world – with over 120 writers premiered each year from short pieces to full length productions.

Their diverse pipeline of talent has resulted in modern classics like The Mountaintop by Katori Hall and Rotterdam by Jon Brittain – both Olivier Award winners – to future classics like Yasmin Joseph’s J’Ouvert, winner of the 2020 James Tait Black Prize and a West End transfer/BBC Arts recording, and Wolfie by Ross Willis, winner of the 2020 Writers Guild Award for Best New Play. Writers who began their creative life at Theatre503 are now writing for series including One Day, The Crown, Succession, Doctor Who, Killing Eve and Normal People, and every single major subsidised theatre in the country now boasts a new play by a writer who started at Theatre503.

he newly appointed Theare503 trustees are:

• Joshua Chua is a theatre fundraiser, currently Head of Trusts and Grants at Donmar Warehouse. Joshua says: “It is an honour to join the board of Theatre503, a brilliant organisation which has launched so many exceptional playwrights and early career artists, and plays an essential role in the UK’s theatre ecosystem.”

• Pippa Hill is Head of New Work at RSC. Pippa says: “I have loved and admired the work of Theatre 503 for twenty years. The company’s unique talent and energy in finding, supporting and producing the best emerging playwrights is unparalleled. It is a huge honour to join the company as a Trustee.”

• Naomi Kerbel is a Communications expert, currently Communications Director for SEC Newgate and former broadcast journalist. Naomi says: “I'm excited to tell (and sell!) the story of why 503 is a vital, beautiful piece in the cultural jigsaw puzzle of the UK.”
• 
  
• Kandy Rohmann is an actor, writer and producer, her plays include The Divine Art of Letting Go at Theatre503. Kandy says: “I’m looking forward to helping highlight and promote the amazing work of Theatre503, so it garners the attention and recognition it so rightfully deserves.”

• Cerian Walsh was an investment banker and is now Commercial Director at IWA. Cerian says: “I am truly excited to be part of such a nurturing and culturally significant institution and look forward to helping Theatre503 reach even greater heights over the coming years.”

• Tian Brown-Sampson (Associate Trustee) is a director, producer, movement director, writer, dramaturg, translator, facilitator, and former Theatre503 Resident Associate Producer. Tian says: “For many years 503 had been a home to me and so many others, provided me a space to grow and flourish, and continued to invest in my evolution as a cultural and artistic leader; so it is the greatest pleasure to return in this capacity to be part of this next phase of Theatre503’s tremendous legacy in serving its community and artists.”

The new Trustees join the Board with immediate effect, alongside its existing members, Erica Whyman (Chair), Royce Bell (Vice-Chair), Emma Rees (Vice-Chair), Ollie Raggett, Zena Tuitt-Collins, Eleanor Lloyd, Roy Williams and Jack Tilbury. 

A new FESTIVAL opens in SE London to promote and celebrate NEW WRITING 

UNRESTRICTED VIEW CELEBRATES 25 YEARS AT THE HEN AND CHICKENS THEATRE

Image: Unrestricted View team at The Hen and Chickens Theatre, James Wren, Felicity Wren and Mark Lyminster

Unrestricted View, the London theatre company dedicated to fostering bold new writing and comedy, proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary at the helm of the Hen & Chickens Theatre.

Unrestricted View's journey began in 1997, a love story intertwined with artistic passion. When Felicity Wren gifted James Wren a simple paper pad for their first wedding anniversary, it sparked a fire. James penned his first play, and together, the couple (now divorced but ever-collaborative) embarked on a remarkable theatrical adventure.

Their second production in 1999 landed them at the Hen & Chickens Theatre, a 54-seat black box pub theatre steeped in London's artistic spirit. The theatre was manager less at the time and after their run of their production, the then bar manager Dani Higginson asked James & Felicity if they would consider taking over the reins.

Over the past quarter-century, Unrestricted View has transformed the Hen & Chickens Theatre into a haven for artistic exploration. The company has provided a safe space for countless playwrights, directors, and actors to develop their craft and connect with industry professionals. Their efforts have yielded impressive results, nurturing the careers of comedic luminaries like Jimmy Carr, The Mighty Boosh, and Sarah Millican to name a few.

There have been ups and downs over the years with awards, fires, love stories and losing dear friends.

Unrestricted View's unwavering commitment to the artistic community extends beyond the stage. They curate three annual film festivals including the now BIFA (British Independent Film Awards) qualifying Unrestricted View Film Festival, providing a platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their work.

"For 25 years, Unrestricted View has been a catalyst for artistic expression," says Felicity "We are incredibly proud of the diverse voices we have championed and the artists we have helped launch. Our dedication to fostering new writing and comedy remains as strong as ever, and we look forward to many more years of pushing boundaries and celebrating artistic audacity at the Hen & Chickens Theatre."

About Unrestricted View

Unrestricted View is a London-based theatre company committed to providing a platform for bold new writing and innovative comedy. Established in 1997 By Felicity & James Wren, the company has nurtured the careers of numerous playwrights, directors, and actors while fostering a vibrant artistic community at the Hen & Chickens Theatre. Unrestricted View also champions independent cinema through their three annual film festivals.

Felicity Wren (Co- Founder and Executive Director): Felicity is now based in LA, but is still very much involved in the running of the company. She is also Vice President of Development for The ISA (International Screenwriters Association) and Creative Screenwriter Productions.

James Wren (Co-Founder and Artistic Director): James is also Festival Director for Unrestricted View Film Festival (Now a BIFA Qualifying festival). He is also an actor/writer and a director of FMW Films.

Mark Lyminster (Theatre Manager): Mark has been a pretty much permanent fixture during our time at the H&C and is the heart, soul and Queen of this theatre. He is also an actor and Festival Director For Rainbow Umbrella Film Festival.

View all shows coming up at The Hen & Chickens Theatre and book  here 

Read our interview with James Wren here

VOILA! THEATRE FESTIVAL returns 2024, and now includes pub theatre venues

'CONNECTING BORDER-BUSTING THEATRE TO CITIZENS OF EVERYWHERE'

VOILA! THEATRE FESTIVAL IS BACK! After celebrating 10 years at The Cockpit the team took a short break last year in order to relaunch with a new festival model. They are joining forces with a host of new venues to showcase even more panlingual theatre across London this November! The festival is produced by The Cockpit and expanded thanks to support from Arts Council England.

As well as The Cockpit, the festival now includes Applecarts Arts, Barons Court Theatre, Theatre Deli, The Questors Theatre – Studio, The Space Theatre, Upstairs at the Gatehouse & Camden People’s Theatre & Playground Theatre. 

Voila! Theatre Festival is a place for artists to create, to connect, and to celebrate collaboration. The festival will support individuals and companies to make a daring leap: presenting a new piece of work, touring to a new audience, or translating a play into a new language. Previous programmes have included cross-cultural mash-ups, adaptations, bilingual comedies, devised theatre, solo performance, puppetry, clowning, circus, dance, music, stand-up, family shows, and more.

The festival embraces an entrepreneurial fringe model in order to platform emergent theatre: contemporary artist-led work that responds to our world with a sense of urgency.  It supports and mentors theatre makers to take the next steps in self-producing their work, bypassing institutional gatekeepers. Voila! creates a home for artists to speak in their own voice, in their own accent, and in their own language.

The festival runs 4 - 24 November 2024 and applications are now open to take part, read more about this on the Voila Festival website HERE

THEATRE503 ANNOUNCES NEW SEASON OF WORK

THEATRE503 announces its new season of work which includes THE GREAT PRIVATION by NIA AKILAH ROBINSON (Theatre503's International Playwriting Award Finalist) among its 2024 premieres

Harlem playwright Nia Akilah Robinson’s The Great Privation: How to flip ten cents into a dollar premieres in May, and is directed by Theatre503’s Carne Associate Director and 2023 JMK Award Winner Kalungi Ssebandeke. The production is one of three world premieres of new plays by debut writers at the new writing powerhouse, to include Tachwedd by 503Five alumnus Jon Berry (October) and Bungalow by Ruth D’Silva (September).

Lisa Spirling, Artistic Director said: “Nia Akilah Robinson, Jon Berry and Ruth D’Silva are bold, brilliant debut writers all with the bravery and skill to crack open our hearts and minds in their quest for the humanity in us all. The audacious writing in their plays explores and then shatters the status quo of what has gone before, they ask difficult questions, hold up to the light big ideas and societal fault lines, and hold the characters within them with nuance and soul. We can’t wait to share their words and their worlds with you.”

Theatre503 is delighted to confirm that the Theatre503 International Playwriting Award will return for 2024/5, with submissions opening on 1 June 2024. Further information will be announced soon. Theatre503’s Writer’s Programme of online and in-person writing masterclasses and courses will continue through 2024, and a programme of new writing short runs during the Summer is to be announced.

The season in brief:

• The Great Privation: How to flip ten cents into a dollar by Nia Akilah Robinson, directed by Kalungi Ssebandeke, a Theatre503 production (14 May – 1 June 2024)

• Bungalow by Ruth D’Silva, directed by Beth Kapila, a co-production with Jessie Anand Productions (10 – 28 September 2024)

• Tachwedd by Jon Berry, directed by Jac Ifan Moore, a co-production with Phoebe Stringer Productions (15 October – 2 November 2024)

Further details are available here Theatre503

Building on the success of last year’s 8th critically acclaimed incarnation of the Clapham Fringe, The Bread and Roses Theatre today announces a dynamic rebranding and expansion of its flagship festival. Heading into the 9th year of the much-loved Off West End Festival, The Bread and Roses Theatre has continued to expand from 2023’s biggest and most international line-up, with companies from across the globe bringing us their work, including a production from Japan, and an expansion to five venues: Bread & Roses Theatre,  Golden Goose (Camberwell) The Railway (Clapham), Two Brewers and Central Film School.

Each venue hosts a variety of work: The Bread & Roses Theatre and Golden Goose host Performance, Works In Progress and more; The Railway hosts Comedy Bandits; The Two Brewers hosts drag, spoken word and performance art and Central Film School hosts independent film screenings.

Alongside some of the best and most crowd-pleasing theatre, comedy, works in progress, experimental performance and emerging artists at our founder venue, the Festival is due to expand even further to include venues from across the borough of Lambeth, full details to be announced shortly.

The Festival team are also keen to hear from any venues in the Lambeth area who we have not yet reached out to, so please don’t hesitate to contact us at lambethfringe@breadandrosestheatre.co.uk

The Festival is curated and produced by the The Bread & Roses Theatre, led by Managing Director Rebecca Pryle, Artistic Director Velenzia Spearpoint and Associate Producer Alexander Knott.

The Bread and Roses team comment: “With 2024 being the ten year anniversary of The Bread & Roses Theatre, and the 9th year we have run this festival, it feels like the perfect time to spread our wings even wider, and bring the whole borough of Lambeth together for what we hope will be the fastest-growing and most vibrant Off West End arts festival in the city. With favourable deals for artists, and a wide range of venues to choose from, we can’t wait to welcome audiences to the very first Lambeth Fringe!” 

The Guardian on the Bread and Roses: "A new wave of venues has opened in recent years, all on the sweetheart deals of old.”

The festival runs 19 September - 20 October 2024   

Lambeth Fringe Festival on Facebook

Lambeth Fringe Festival on Twitter

NewsRevue transfers to the Seven Dials Playhouse for 3 weeks

NewsRevue is in a new home from this Thursday for the next 3 weeks whilst the Bridge House Pub that houses the Canal Cafe Theatre undergoes a major refurbishment. Featuring an uber talented cast of NewsRevue alumni waiting to wow audiences from a central London location. With material choices inspired from West End musicals, expect a witty takedown on the fiasco that was the Willy Wonka exhibition in Glasgow, Adelaide’s Lament by Vladimir Putin and a dazzling finale parodying the show tunes of Matilda ‘If I grow up, Protesting Children and the inexorable demise of the NHS to Naughty,” in addition to the usual hallmarks of this Guinness World Record-breaking show. Notes to Editors Title: NewsRevue Performance Dates: 7th to 23rd March, Thursdays to Saturdays at 9pm Running Time: 60 minutes Location: Seven Dials Playhouse, 1A Tower Street, London, WC2H 9NP Box Office: https://sevendialsplayhouse.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/ shows/ 1173652584 020 3841 6600 Tickets: £16.50/£20 (plus £1.50 booking fee) Director: James Larbow Musical Director: Andy Campbell Smith Cast: Alice Gold, Andrew Macmillan, Harry Rundle & Helen Cunning

PUB THEATRES WIN at OffWestEnd AWARDS 2024

Image: Kate Bannister receives Artistic Director Award for her work at Brockley Jack Studio

The Offies are designed to celebrate the best of independent, alternative and fringe theatre across Greater London and at selected fringe festivals around the UK. Their 2024 ceremony, on the evening of Sunday, 25 February, at the Woolwich Works, gave out over 50 awards across an large range of categories and to a hugely diverse range of recipients. Over 850 people attended to participate in the second live Offies ceremony since March 2020.

Pub Theatres were winners in a number of categories. 

The ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AWARD was presented to KATE BANNISTER, Artistic Director at the JACK STUDIO THEATRE.  In her acceptance speech Kate pointed out the importance of small theatres to the theatre ecology and paid tribute to Karl Swinyard who runs the theatre with her. Our huge congratulations to her, on receiving this recognition for her work.

Image: Scavengers

OFF FEST AWARD for CAMDEN FRINGE FESTIVAL went to SCAVENGERS by BRYAN OLIVER (Urban Wolves Theatre Company) at ETCETERA THEATRE

Image: Wasteman

OFF FEST AWARD for GREATER MANCHESTER FRINGE went to WASTEMAN by JOE LEATHER at KING’S ARMS pub theatre, Salford

 FULL LIST OF OFFIES WINNERS 2024

SPECIAL AWARDS 2024

Artistic Director: Kate Bannister, Artistic Director, Jack Studio Theatre

Producer: Open Bar Theatre

Special Achievement: David Byrne, formerly at the New Diorama Theatre (now at the Royal Court)

PEOPLE’S VOTE – awards for venues, voted by the public

Foodie Experience: Park Theatre

Programmes: Bridge House Theatre

Theatre Bar: Kenneth More Theatre

Facilities: Queen's Theatre Hornchurch

Most Comfortable: Queen's Theatre Hornchurch

Most Welcoming: Orange Tree Theatre

Online Info & Booking: Queen's Theatre Hornchurch

Programming Policy: Orange Tree Theatre

Social Media Presence & Activities: Queen's Theatre Hornchurch

OffFest – awards for theatre at fringe festivals

Vault Festival

How We Begin / Surfacing Acts Theatre / Pit at the Vaults

Brighton Fringe

Experiment Human / Hooky Productions

Camden Fringe

Scavengers / Etcetera Theatre

Greater Manchester Fringe

Wasteman / Joe Leather / Kings Arms Salford

Edinburgh Fringe

MUSICALS & CIRCUS

Godfather Death: A Grimm's Musical / Greenside

LGBTQIA

52 Monologues for Young Transsexuals / Pleasance Courtyard 

NEW WRITING

Mark Thomas's 'England & Son' / Summerhall

SOLO PERFORMANCE

SAD-VENTS / Underbelly

THEATRE

Diana the Untold and Untrue Story / Pleasance Dome

Offies

DESIGN

COSTUME DESIGN

Lambdog1066 / The Flea / Yard Theatre

SET DESIGN

Galya Solodovnikova / The White Factory / Marylebone Theatre

LIGHTING DESIGN

Ryan Joseph Stafford / Bacon / HFH Prodns / Riverside Studios

VIDEO DESIGN

Oleg Mikhailov / The White Factory / Marylebone Theatre

SOUND DESIGN

Sam MacDonald / Colossal / Soho Theatre

MUSICALS / OPERA / CABARET / PANTO

CHOREOGRAPHY / MOVEMENT

Matt Cole / Police Cops: The Musical / Southwark Playhouse

CABARET

Thick&Tight / Tits & Teeth: A Retrospective Of An Outstanding Career / Shoreditch Town Hall

PANTO DESIGN

Emily Bestow, Henry Slater, Liam McDermott, Pavlov’s Puppets / Snow White / Greenwich Theatre

PANTO PERFORMANCE

Ensemble / Tossed / Royal Vauxhall Tavern

PANTO PRODUCTION

Odyssey / Charles Court Opera / Jermyn St Theatre

OPERA PERFORMANCE

Heming Li / Turandot / The Opera Makers & Ellandar Prodns / Arcola: Grimeborn

OPERA PRODUCTION

Trouble in Tahiti / Arcola: Grimeborn

NEW MUSICAL

Zachary Hunt, Nathan Parkinson, Tom Roe, Ben Adams / Police Cops: The Musical / Southwark Playhouse

MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Rio Kai / Recognition / Talawa / Fairfield Halls

SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL

Annie Wensak / Flowers for Mrs Harris / Riverside Studios

Allie Dart / Unfortunate: the Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch / Southwark Playhouse

LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL

SuRie / Annie Get Your Gun / Lavender Theatre

Lauryn Redding / Bloody Elle / Soho Theatre

DIRECTOR (MUSICALS)

Hannah Chissick / Eugenius / Turbine Theatre

MUSICAL PRODUCTION

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button / Southwark Playhouse

THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES

TYA DESIGN

Toby Olié, Daisy Beattie / Wolves in the Walls / Little Angel Theatre

TYA WRITING / ADAPTATION

Magero Otieno-Magero / He Said She Said / Kiln Theatre

TYA PERFORMANCE

Marijn Brussaard, René Groothof, Kim Karssen / The Invisible Man / Theater Artemis / Unicorn Theatre

TYA MUSIC / SOUND

Conrad Murray / Pied Piper / Battersea Arts Centre

TYA PRODUCTION

The Toymaker's Child / Chickenshed

CROSS-GENRE

ACCESS

High Times and Dirty Monsters / Bernie Grant Arts Centre

COMMUNITY OUTREACH YOUTH

The Realness / The Big House

ONLINE PRODUCTION

Father Unknown / Northern Stage

The Silence & The Noise / Pentabus & Rural Media

IDEA DESIGN

Sound Design by Persis-Jade Maravala & Ross Flight / Binaural Dinner Date / ZU-UK / University of Greenwich

IDEA PERFORMANCE

Gemma Paintin / The Talent / Action Hero & Deborah Pearson / Battersea Arts Centre

IDEA PRODUCTION

Kim Noble / Lullaby for Scavengers / Soho Theatre

NEWCOMER

Kasper Hilton-Hille / That Face / Orange Tree Theatre

PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLE

Euan Wilson, Chioma Uma, Alice E Mayer, Harry Curley, Tom Crabtree, Christopher Atkinson / The Brief Life and Mysterious Death of Boris III, King of Bulgaria / Arcola

PLAYS

MOST PROMISING NEW PLAYWRIGHT

Rafaella Marcus / SAP / Soho Theatre 

NEW PLAY

Mojisola Adebayo / Stars / Tamasha Theatre / ICA

SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A PLAY

Dorothea Myer-Bennet / Possession / Arcola Theatre

Thomas Judd / Sense & Sensibility / Open Stage / Fullers Pub Gardens

PERFORMANCE PIECE

Sutara Gayle / The Legends of Them / Hackney Showroom & Brixton House

SOLO PERFORMANCE IN A PLAY

Samuel Barnett / Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is Going To Happen / Bush Theatre

LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A PLAY

Ned Costello / Leaves of Glass / Park Theatre

Sally Paffett / Vermin / Arcola

DIRECTOR (PLAYS)

Jay Miller / The Flea / Yard Theatre

PRODUCTION (PLAYS)

The White Factory / Marylebone Theatre

The Hope Theatre is Set to Continue at The Hope & Anchor 

The Hope & Anchor pub in Islington, home of The Hope Theatre, has clarified that the multi award winning Theatre will not be closing following the recent announcement that the current producers, Solar Plexus, are stepping down.   The pub is happy to confirm that it is still committed to the theatre’s future.

A spokesperson for The Hope & Anchor said: “The Hope Theatre is a place for artists to thrive and its commitment to artists, along with its long-standing in-house Agreement with Equity, is of paramount importance to us as we enter this new phase of The Hope Theatre in 2024 and beyond.

“We thank the Board of Solar Plexus Productions for their help during their sojourn at The Hope Theatre and we will continue our good work sticking to the principles and format that we have always held dear since the very beginning when we started The Hope Theatre 11 years ago."

“The future is very exciting as we look to grow the wonderful theatre based in the Hope & Anchor pub in Islington and build on its past successes. We look forward to sharing further news soon and we remain committed to those companies who are currently programmed at The Hope Theatre, and we encourage the theatre community to come support them.”

For further information on the current season at The Hope Theatre go to https://www.thehopetheatre.com/whats-on/.

DENHOLM SPURR named as new OFFWESTEND DIRECTOR

Actor/Producer Denholm Spurr named as new OffWestEnd Director.

“I want OffWestEnd to be not just a pat on the back but a hand to cling onto“

Incoming OffWestEnd director Denholm Spurr dedicates his tenure to transforming opportunities in the sector. OffWestEnd announced its successor at a glittering award ceremony at the Woolwich Works on Sunday 25 February. Denholm Spurr has been involved with OffWestEnd and The Offies for 12 years, originally serving as an assessor in 2012, before going on to produce both live and cyber ceremonies for the brand.

He’ll be taking over from Geoffrey Brown who recently announced he’ll be stepping down as Director from July this year. In a speech at the end of the ceremony, Spurr celebrated the outgoing director,’s “tremendous tenure” and named Brown as “a mentor, a friend, and a constant inspiration”.

Spurr also used his speech to outline his “unreservedly radical” mission statement as he becomes the youngest ever Director of the organisation, which was established in 2005 and founded the OffWestEnd Awards (The Offies) in 2010. He also paid tribute to OffWestEnd founded Sofie Mason & Diana Jervis-Reed who “unified” the sector through the organisation.

In his speech, Spurr candidly outlined the struggles he has faced as an artist and theatremaker in London — including experiencing homelessness and turning to “unconventional means” to sustain his creative career: “That's precisely why I'm taking on this role. I want to serve the community that has brought me so much joy despite the struggles. My tenure as Director of The Offies will be unreservedly radical, marked by a fearlessness in advocating for our community - for practitioners, for venues facing funding and lease dramas, and for producers investing in big ideas. I want to be a supporter of, a voice for and a collaborator with our community.”

He issued an open invitation to all UK creatives to get in touch to share their vision of how OffWestEnd can better help support the industry. He concluded by congratulating this years winners and finalists, a full list of which can be found here https://drive.google.com/file/d/169PUoWIVXi9WQ2Kq755ROz80Gj89Vw-_/view

You can read his speech in its entirety here https://drive.google.com/file/d/168qMn1S7FIVbY_Ag47bfLWiDei8XE6qn/view

Historic OLD RED LION PUB & THEATRE is up for sale / the theatre continues to thrive

New proprietors are being sought for Islington's famous Old Red Lion pub and theatre which has gone on the market for £450,000 with Christie & Co.   The theatre continues to thrive.  Artistic director Jack Robertson comments: "This year alone we've had sold out runs, transfers, a festival of new diverse writing to rival Vaults plus a UK premiere & a touring revival coming up." The full theatre programme can be viewed on the website here 

The Grade II listed pub, which was rebuilt and altered over the years, is one of the oldest pubs in London. The original tavern, called the “Redde Lyon”, stood on this spot in 1415. At this time, it was surrounded by countryside and fields.  The present leaseholders are brothers Damien and Lorcan Devine, who took it on in July 2000 and who are now selling up.  The pub is noted for its real ales and being home to one of London’s most renowned fringe theatres.

The theatre was founded by Charlie Hanson in 1979 and he became its first Artistic Director.  When the lease was taken over by the Devines in July 2000, Helen Devine took over as Artistic Director between 2004-2010 and led the ORL to win the Empty Space Peter Brook Award and Dan Crawford Pub Theatre Award! Other Artistic Directors have included Clive Judd, Katy Danbury, Alexander Knott and the newly appointed Jack Robertson (managing the theatre since 2023). 

Over the years the Old Red Lion Theatre has transferred work off-Broadway and four times to the West End. Notable hits beyond the Fringe include: The World Premiere of Arthur Miller's first play NO VILLAIN (Trafalgar Studios); THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG (Trafalgar Studios and No 1 Tour); MERCURY FUR (Trafalgar Studios); KISSING SID JAMES (London and off-Broadway); THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (Old Red Lion Theatre and Theatre Royal Haymarket)

Those interested in taking it on, might like to know that the premises includes an 80-cover ground floor bar, a partially covered outside terrace for 20, a self contained flat for staff, and a fully fitted theatre seating up to 60.  Due to its longevity and rich heritage, The Old Red Lion is a highly regarded establishment.  The property also benefits from having a commercial kitchen, providing an opportunity for a new operator to develop the food trade.

Details of current shows at the theatre are on the Old Red Lion website here What's On (oldredliontheatre.co.uk)

New dining pub theatre STAGE DOOR opens its first season with MARRY ME A LITTLE

Geoffrey Brown is standing down at 30 June 2024, after 7 years as Director of OffWestEnd and the Offies. His successor will be announced at the 14^th Offies Awards Ceremony on 25 February.

OffWestEnd exists to celebrate the full spectrum of independent and alternative theatres.  The Offies Awards are a hugely successful aspect of the work of OffWestEnd – they recognise and celebrate the excellence, innovation and ingenuity of independent theatres across London (and beyond), helping to raise the profile and status of independent theatre by giving venues and companies greater power to promote their work individually and collectively and to reward the new talent that they nurture and that is essential to the future of our theatre industry.

OffWestEnd and the Offies were started in 2010 by Sofie Mason and Diana Jervis Read, and the first Offies awards ceremony was held in 2011. Activities and services grew and they stepped down in June 2017, when Geoffrey took over.

In Geoffrey’s 7 years, OffWestEnd and the Offies have grown and developed significantly with new Offies categories added, to include access  and online categories.  The Offies now send 2 assessors to over 400 shows per annum. The OffComm (Offies Commendation) was introduced to recognise the best of the many productions with short runs. The OffFest award was introduced for theatre performances at festivals, and this now includes fringe festivals in Brighton, Camden, Manchester and Edinburgh. Finally there is the occasional OneOff award to recognise special achievements.

The live awards ceremony was re-introduced in 2018, when 350 finalists, presenters, sponsors and guests gathered at The Albany in Deptford. In the next 2 years, the awards ceremony was held in the Grand Hall at Battersea Arts centre – and then Covid hit. During this period, there were 2 online ceremonies and then the first post-Covid live event in 2023 at Alexandra Palace. Around 900 people are expected to attend the 14th Offies Awards Ceremony next week, on 25 February, at the Woolwich Works. On a practical level, a new branding was introduced and Marketing services have been expanded. 

Finally, it is to Geoffrey's credit  that OffWestEnd and the Offies survived Covid even though their entire income (from marketing services and live awards event) virtually disappeared. Geoffrey says:   “The last 7 years have been some of the most stimulating, exciting and challenging of my entire career of over 45 years of working in arts and culture."

Geoffrey's final Offie ceremony will be held at Woolwich Works 25 February 2024 –  tickets can be purchased here 

JANUARY 2024

Finalists for the OFFIES awards were announced online today  (9 January) and include several shows produced at pub theatres and pub venues. These are listed below:

The full list of finalists can be viewed on the Off West End website

The winners will be announced at an Award ceremony to be held at Woolwich Works 25 February 2024 – tickets (early bird offer to 20 Jan) for this can be purchased here

EVENTS currently running at GATHER TOGETHER STORYTELLING FESTIVAL:

Folklore, illustration, local stories, modern classics, community events, poetry and live music are coming together this winter at The Rosemary Branch for their first ever Gather Together Storytelling Festival, running 18 January - 4 February 2024.

Highlights include -

• Chris Riddell live-illustrates a performance
• New work from James Rowland, Ben Target, Casey Jay Andrews & more
• Cleo Sylvestre MBE tells her life story with live music
• Free community workshops

So many of our favourite stories come with pictures; to emulate that, the phenomenal Chris Riddell will live illustrate the award-winning Unwanted Objects, a story and song show by David Head and Matt Glover.

Local, national and international legend Cleo Sylvestre MBE is treating audiences to the incredible story of her life, accompanied by her live band, in Honey B Mama: Exposed. Hear how she was the first black woman to play a leading role at the National Theatre, recorded with the Rolling Stones and unearthed a long-buried, explosive family secret.

The live music continues in The Selkie’s Wife, a feminist retelling of the classic Selkie myth by award-winning Scottish folk musician and folklorist Essa Flett. 

Multi-award-winning and critically acclaimed storytellers are gracing our stage during the festival to present first glimpses of their brand new work. See work-in-progress performances from James Rowland, Ben Target, Casey Jay Andrews, Joe Sellman-Leava and Aniruddh Ojha.

All stories are worth hearing, so Rosie B has got some opportunities in Gather Together for everyone to share theirs. Local Stories is an invitation for anyone to get on the stage and share.  They are especially looking for stories of the local area, or stories from members of the local community, as these will all be audio recorded and archived by Islington Museum as a resource for generations to come. 

Also in the festival Come Here ‘Til I Tell Ya is a night of enchanting storytelling, soul-stirring poetry, and joyous revelry, dedicated to celebrating the rousing spirit of powerful Irish women. This show will be accompanied by free community workshops looking at Irish women and power.

Plus, Rosie B's monthly comedy nights are getting in on the action with Tall Tales & Cocktails and Sketch Book both centering stories and storytelling in their shows.

Join the festival at Gather Together this winter for some brilliant entertainment and brand new perspectives. It’s the perfect time of year to curl up with a good story.

Gather Together Storytelling Festival

January 18th - February 4th 2024

The Rosemary Branch Theatre

2, Shepperton Road, London N1 3DT

Tickets and information: https://www.rosemarybranchtheatre.co.uk/