Warwick-based young people’s company Playbox Theatre is to have its first residency in San Francisco, performing two productions over a ten-day period.
Twenty young actors will take Monkey—Journey to the West and Mustardseed’s Magical Mayhem to the Bay Area Children’s Theatre from 26 July until 4 August.
Playbox made Monkey—Journey to the West in 2008. Created by Playbox artistic director Emily Jane Quash, the tale is adapted from the Chinese legend of the Monkey King. The latest version was developed with literary director Toby Quash and the company, which features Matthew Hayhurst, Lynton Appleton, Dan Bainbridge, Joe Banks, Alfie Brunt, Mike Moulton, Charlie Davis, Grace Martin, Hollie Hudspith, Eva O’Hara, Sammie Horton, Juliette Duffey, Nancy Hall, Thara Harrison and Charlotte Haigh.
Mustardseed’s Magical Mayhem, inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is a participatory show for children aged three to seven. It was part of Playbox’s spring festival in Warwick and played at Santa Monica Playhouse, California in 2014.
Meanwhile, Playbox is to expand is Stratford branch by moving into Stratford ArtsHouse.
The company will be able to offer training programmes and workshops, holiday courses and performance projects to complement its work at the Dream Factory, Warwick.
Playbox Theatre opened in Stratford in 1994. Nine years later, it was invited to become advisory partners in the redevelopment of Cox’s Yard. The site evolved from a museum and pub to become a family-driven centre for entertainment and dining.
Artistic director Emily Quash said, “I’m looking forward to opening the doors to more young people with a passion to explore the world the Playbox way. The Stratford centre is pivotal to the work of Playbox Theatre and many of its alumni enter the performing arts and creative industries after their time with the company.
“Our move to the ArtsHouse will allow us all to flourish and we’re excited to be moving to a hub that has creativity at its core, where we know our work will be celebrated and encouraged.”