Work put into increasing the quality of programming, and support of the theatre-makers involved, has paid off handsomely at the Space. The atmospheric, converted Victorian chapel attracted more audience members in 2019 than in any of the previous 23 years. The venue’s Spring 2020 Season promises more of the same bold, inventive and intriguing new work.
Central to the season is Two Fest, a festival of new duologues commissioned from a team of exciting new and established writers. Anyone who has ever argued politics with family, clashed with a colleague, felt betrayed or missed someone after they’ve gone, will find plenty to relate to across Two Fest’s three programmes of short plays, running in rep between 10th and 22nd February.
The success of The UnDisposable’s Shakespearean adaptation, The Jailer’s Daughter (★★★★★ a masterstroke of contemporary theatre – The Upcoming), which sold out in August 2019, led to the company becoming Associate Artists of the Space. The UnDisposables return with a contemporary take on Julius Caesar, 10th to 21st March. Drawing parallels with today’s struggle to lead change in the face of the climate crisis, this production delves into the moral ambiguity within Shakespeare’s classic text.
Today’s challenging political and social climate is further explored through the work of three exciting new companies. Written by investigative journalist Lucinda Borrell (The Telegraph, Dispatches, Panorama), new play Us Two (21st to 25th Jan) explores journalistic ethics through the lens of celebrity #Metoo allegations.
The Secret Diary of a White Supremacist (14th to 18th April) challenges audiences as parallel tales of historic and modern-day racism interweave.
Intersectional feminist theatre company, Blue Stocking Effigy perform Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again by Alice Birch (28th Jan to Feb 2nd). This ‘badly behaved’ play deconstructs oppression and the structures that support it.
Less political, but equally timely, emerging artist’s collective Pursued by a Dragon bring Feeling Lonely at Parties (14th to 18th Jan). This ‘story without words’ uses physical theatre and music to explore today’s dystopian sense of mania and melancholy.
That Was All (31st March to 4th April) is a lyrical one woman show examining New Age beliefs, family and memory written by Frances Grin for Mrs C’s Collective.
Thiasos Theatre Company presents Aristophanes’ Ploutos (7th to 11th April) about delivering what everyone is after: WEALTH. This laughter-led take on classical Greek theatre is full of songs, dances, feasts, farts and anarchy.
How to Survive the Cherpocalypse (28th April to May 2nd) is a spectacular evening of feminist Cher-based cabaret – celebrating ageless beauty and survival skills.
Adam Hemming, Artistic Director commented “We’re thrilled to continue our success into 2020 with a similarly diverse, topical and entertaining programme – from Shakespeare to Cher with lots more theatrical talent in between. 2020 will see us expand our artist development opportunities and continue our new ‘Live @ 5’ Facebook broadcasts (every Monday at 5pm).”
