Creating a space celebrating the vibrant world of West End Theatre, The Theatre Café offers a welcoming environment for regular theatre goers and those new to the theatre the opportunity to experience the West End from a new perspective; whether that be with Open Mic nights, performances or discussions. Reflecting upon this year, founder Jack Malin tells us more about The Theatre Café’s digital adaptations and the venue’s future plans.
Chronicling the journey of two siblings seeking refuge in the UK, Vox Motus‘ Flight, based on journalist Caroline Brothers‘ novel Hinterland highlights the emotional and physical struggle faced by two young protagonists embarking on an unpredictable journey, unsure of their overall outcome.
An initiative continuing on from their work of supporting fellow performers within the industry, Just Add Milk (JAM) recently announced the recipient of this year’s Luke Westlake Scholarship -a reward offering additional support to a 2nd year drama or university student in the pursuit of their performance career. Alongside the scholarship, JAM also produce their own work addressing social issues, previous work witnessing them team up with charities CALM and Muscular Dystrophy UK. JAM tell us more about the crucial work they do.
The NHS have played a significant role in tackling the Covid pandemic, their efforts crucial to the nation’s recovery from the crisis. Giving voice to the experiences of those who work within the medical profession, founder of the Empathy Museum Clare Patey talks about the organisation’s latest initiative – From Where I’m Standing. Both a physical and online exhibition, the initiative showcases 34 real life stories from the pandemic, audio clips further expanding on the participants experiences. Currently available to view and listen to, Clare tells us more about the exhibition which serves as an important historical archive of this year.
As we reach the end of the year, December offers a time to reflect on what has been a life changing, historical time period. Channelling the concept of reflection in their latest, and most powerful edition of their festival yet, Breakin’ Convention continue on with their tradition of showcasing both emerging and established Hip Hop talent in Social DisDancing.
Bringing in the festive season and marking the beginning of the gradual return of live theatre again, The London Cabaret Club welcome theatre goers back into their Central London based venue with their Christmas rendition of production London Never Dies, titled Christmas Royale.
Supporting our chamber musical theatre scene for many years, Adam Lenson of Adam Lenson Productions and Katy Lipson of Aria Entertainment have both championed the creation of new work, an area of musical theatre little served. In a year that has witnesses our theatre landscape change due to the pandemic, both producers have responded with online streamed performances, Aria Entertainment also staging an outdoor immersive work. Inspired to join forces to continue on from their mission of supporting new writing, they’ve created the ‘Chamber Musical Project’, an initiative awarding a winning creative team with funding and further development of their show. Katy tells us more about the project!
A thoughtful observation between the past, present and the future, Border Crossings’ Magnetic North: Voices from the Indigenous Arctic – forming part of their ORIGINS Festival in conjunction with Arctic: culture and climate exhibition – presents a profound filmic introspection addressing climate change.
This year has brought to the surface many inequalities – highlighting the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on particular communities. Based on his own personal experience of his family working on the frontline during the crisis, writer Kamal Kaan looks to explore the impact of this devastating year in his play Us, (Post 23/3), highlighting its impact within the British Asian community. Ahead of the show’s debut at Knaïve Theatre’s A Digital Lyceum platform, Kamal tells us more about the show.
Established a decade ago as a response to the lack of coverage given to our Off West-End theatre scene, The Off West-End Awards, also known as The Offies, have championed the great work produced by smaller independent venues and companies, these venues crucial to our theatrical ecosystem. Adapting to our newly established digital theatre world, OffWestEnd have introduced the ‘OnComm Award’, an online commendation highlighting the creativity of the theatre world during and post the Covid pandemic. OffWestEnd recently awarded Philip Ridley’s Poltergeist with an OnComm Award, marking the award’s 100th recommendation. Director Geoffrey Brown tells us more about these crucial awards and their impact within the theatre industry.