Following the announcement this week that Iris Theatre, the resident theatre company of the Actors’ Church in Covent Garden, is one of the twelve new beneficiaries of Sir Ian McKellen’s 80th Birthday tour, Paul-Ryan Carberry, Artistic Director, today announces its winter season 2020.
Known for its annual summer season of outdoor theatre, the company’s inaugural indoor winter season opens in December with live performances from the Ivor Novello Award-winning classical choir, Mediaeval Baebes, performing tracks from their new album, Christmas carols and traditional folk songs. In February, Willow Walk Productions’ hit musical St Anne Comes Home, supported by Iris Theatre, returns to The Actors’ Church following its successful première in August.
The company also present The Snow Queen, an interactive digital adventure for families. Directed by Natasha Rickman and using innovative new technology, families are able to take part in the story, helping the characters on their adventure.
Iris theatre will also continue its PLATFORM initiative, hosting monthly showcases throughout 2021, championing and supporting artists from a variety of disciplines as they take the next steps in their careers. Previous PLATFORM artists include Reuben Johnson, Dylan Wynford & Nick Hart. The next two PLATFORM events will take place on 29 January and 26 February 2021, with artists and further details to be announced.
In addition, Iris Theatre are pleased to host Potential Difference’s Signal Fires event in November, one of a series of productions being presented nationwide this Autumn by the UK’s leading touring theatre companies.
As part of an ongoing commitment to supporting early career artists, Iris Theatre’s Start:DIRECTING programme offers training, mentoring and placement opportunities for artists of all ages who have a passion for making theatre. The initial cohort of 5 incredible early career directors will receive creative placements across the winter season due to the support of Iris’ funders and the winter season companies. Start DIRECTORS are Grace Bussey, Monica Cox, Moe Farah, Jenny Horsthuis, and Larissa Nugroho.
Artistic Director of Iris Theatre, Paul-Ryan Carberry today said, “We are really excited to share with our audience such an eclectic group of artists and events this winter. Despite the difficulties of 2020 we remain determined to not stand still and drive forward with our ambitions for making more opportunities for artists than ever before. We are so grateful for the incredible support we have received this year and we’d also like to say a big thank you to Sir Ian McKellen and to ATG for their generosity towards Iris Theatre; we are honoured to be one of the charities being supported by Sir Ian’s recent tour.”
Executive Director, Charlotte Lund added, “Iris Theatre strives to provide transformational opportunities for artists and audiences alike whether it is an original, innovative digital performance or Ivor Novello winning musicians, this season certainly offers something for everyone. We hope that whether we are welcoming our audiences back through our doors in person or online that they’ll be able to experience the joy and magic of live theatre together.”
Social distancing measures will be in operation at The Actors’ Church, with tickets available in singles and pairs. All patrons, unless they have a known medical condition, will be required to wear a face covering at the venue. For full details on the measures implemented to ensure audience safety and wellbeing, please visit: www.iristheatre.com
