Maison Foo and Milk Presents are now official associate companies of Derby Theatre.
Derby-based Maison Foo “exist to create mischievous new theatre that challenges audiences and tickles their imagination”. Co-artistic directors Kathryn Lowe and Bethany Sheldon devise work that draws on influences from puppetry, clowning and physical theatre.
Milk Presents, made up of Ruby Glaskin, Adam Robertson and Lucy J Skilbeck, make theatre that is “a fun, quirky and extraordinary celebration and exploration of gender”.
Both companies already have a relationship with Derby Theatre. They have led workshops as well as performing there on a number of occasions.
As associate companies, the two will benefit from commissioning money, rehearsal space, the chance to attend artistic programme meetings and feed into the running of the theatre, direct access to the advice, skills and expertise of the theatre’s artistic director and chief executive Sarah Brigham, professional development sessions and involvement in directing a youth theatre production.
Brigham said, “Maison Foo and Milk Presents are two fantastic, innovative and incredibly inspiring theatre companies who are both very highly regarded and have received high praise for their work, both on a local and national level. I’m thrilled that we’ll develop our relationship further with them.”