Backpack Ensemble in Leicester for student festival

Published: 22 March 2018
Reporter: Steve Orme

Essential support: The Search for a Black-browed Albatross Credit: Phil Crow

The Backpack Ensemble is heading to Leicester for the National Student Drama Festival with its show The Search for a Black-browed Albatross.

The company was able to enter the festival through support from New Diorama Theatre, Lincoln Performing Arts Centre and a crowdfunding campaign.

The Backpack Ensemble’s producer, James Ashfield, said, “this support early on in the company’s life is essential for future sustainability.”

Craig Morrow, artistic director of Lincoln Performing Arts Centre, said the company’s “commitment to professional development from the start, combined with astute engagement with the arts industry, taking the time to build a profile and adopt sustainable touring models, stands them in good stead to grow into a successful contemporary theatre company”.

The Search for a Black-browed Albatross has appeared at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Lincoln Performing Arts Centre and was selected for Camden Peoples Theatre’s festival Sprint.

The National Student Drama Festival will be held at Leicester’s Curve, De Montfort University and The Venue from Saturday 24 March until Friday 30 March.

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