Live Theatre’s Elevator Festival, an opportunity to take a first look at plays by the future theatre makers from the North East and beyond, returns next month from 16 to 26 March. Made possible through the Live Theatre Bursary and Talent Development programme, the Festival not only presents performances and readings of new plays but also a programme of workshops with leading theatre professionals, as well as networking opportunities for theatre-makers in the region.
The programme consists of:
Tue 15 March @ 7:30
Artists’ Question Time
A chance for theatre artists and audiences to put their questions to a leading industry panel. Hosted by Live Theatre’s Artistic Director Jack McNamara.
Wed 16 – Sat 19 March @ 7:30
Intergalactic (Petals and Constellations)
Alison Scurfield's debut play, directed by Graeme Thompson, is "a witty and tender tale about grief, growing up gay—and the universe."
Sat 19 March @ 11:00
Introduction to Directing
A workshop led by Jack McNamara
Sat 19 March @ 4:00
Kailey
A reading of Kerry Wright’s semi-autobiographical comedy drama about the turbulent journey of an 18-year-old as she tries to navigate life alone whilst her mum is caught in the prison system.
Mon 21 March @ 7:30
Elevator Scratch Night
Five North East artists present work-in-progress extracts of brand new theatre, an opportunity for them to test and explore their new work in front of an audience and to receive feedback which can help to shape the development of the productions.
Wed 23 – Sat 26 March @ 7:30 (2:30 matinée on Sat 26 March)
The Twenty Seven Club
Adapted by Lucy Nichol and Chris Connel from Nichol's novel and set in 1990s Newcastle after the recent death of Kurt Cobain, the play explores the mental health crisis and its origin. Emma becomes obsessed with one question: why do so many rock stars die aged 27?
Sat 26 March @ 11:00
Directing By Design
A workshop by Jack McNamara
“It’s so important to be able to get back to one of the most vital things we do at Live Theatre,” said Graeme Thompson, Creative Producer at Live Theatre. “Now more than ever, it is vital to look to the future and support artists from our region to create bold, original and contemporary new theatre.”
“The Live Theatre Bursary has given Chris and me the opportunity to expand and develop our skill sets and really challenge ourselves,” said Lucy Nichol. "For Chris, this has meant stepping outside of acting and into the role of writer/director, while I have been able to learn how to transfer a story from page to stage. Live Theatre’s encouragement and support has been invaluable and we can’t wait to introduce The Twenty Seven Club to audiences.”
Tickets are priced from £6–£8 with many events free. To book tickets or find out more, contact Live Theatre’s Box Office on (0191) 232 1232 or visit the Elevator section of the web site.