Readers will probably remember the disastrous last year for the Croydon Warehouse Theatre. Promised a brand new building as part of the redevelopment of the site on which the long-established theatre stands, that dream disappeared into the far-distant future when the economic climate delayed a start on the new development until some unknown date in the future (if at all).
With a decrepit theatre in urgent need of repair and its limited life meaning that it did not qualify for help from the funds made available to the Theatres Trust and a serious lack of funding, this led to both the closure of the building and the theatre company going into administration.
Not only did that end production but threatened the presentation of the annual International Playwriting Festival which has been part of the theatre’s annual programme and draws entries from all over the world. It always presents a selection of entries or scenes from them in simple stagings or rehearsed readings and has been a showcase for many plays that went on to successful productions. It also presents plays from collaborating theatres in Cyprus and Italy.
At first it was thought that the Festival would have to be abandoned, but now it is going to happen, a few months late admittedly, but a 26-year-long tradition will be continued.
It has found both a new producer and a new home. Members and friends of the Warehouse have formed a new company, Warehouse Phoenix, and they will be presenting the Festival at Croydon’s Fairfield Halls where the Arnhem Gallery will be specially converted to a theatre for the occasion.
On Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 June, the 27th Festival will present the best plays selected from last year’s competition. The programme will also include the winning play from the BRIT School’s annual ‘Strawberry Picking’ season and winning plays from the IPF’s International partners: Extra Candoni in Italy & Theatro Ena from Cyprus. Warehouse Phoenix will also be bringing a top UK touring company for a special guest performance.
The two days will be arranged into four programmes at 5PM and 7PM both days with a supper interval each day and between 30 and 40 actors, writers and playwrights will be taking part.
Exact details of the programme have yet to be announced, but the company’s web site will be kept constantly up to date: www.warehousephoenix.co.uk
Meanwhile, the Warehouse Theatre’s fund-raising appeal is still ongoing.