A Disney favourite reimagined, a play first seen at Shakespeare’s Globe, a “vampire chiller” and a Hollywood-inspired vision of Alexander Dumas’s most famous novel are highlights of the autumn and winter season at Warwick-based Playbox Theatre.
Playbox develops theatre for and with young people. Based at its own custom-designed complex The Dream Factory, the company aims to develop the skills, talent and confidence of young people through innovative methods.
Playbox will stage the Warwick Musical Theatre Festival from 9 until 12 September, with the company’s new take on a Disney favourite, The Little Mermaid Jr being directed by Juliet Vankay.
First seen at Shakespeare’s Globe, Jessica Swale’s play Blue Stockings is set in 1896 at Girton College, Cambridge. It will be revived by Playbox from 30 September until 3 October.
A “vampire chiller for our age”, Let the Right One In is based on the novel and film by John Ajvide Lindquist and is adapted by Jack Thorne. Playbox will present it from 5 until 7 November.
For Christmas 2015 Playbox will perform The Three Musketeers, inspired by Alexander Dumas, from 17 December until 3 January.
Meanwhile, after ten years at St Mary’s Church in Banbury, Playbox is moving across town to the Mill Arts Centre. The company will run weekly sessions there for young people aged from five to 19.
Playbox director Emily Jane Quash said, “we’re delighted to be launching Playbox Theatre at The Mill. It’s an engaging and stimulating venue with such a creative vibe that we know our members and families will love.
“The move will enable us to offer expanded opportunities to Playbox members, with increased chances to perform work, open new courses and programme holiday events. We’re looking forward to developing close links with the excellent team at The Mill and know that our companies will have huge artistic synergy.”