What’s great about the UK in terms of theatre is that there is a wealth of shows to watch, and in a range of settings. We celebrate theatre, and support a range of venues, whether it be fringe theatre or larger scale theatres. The Theatre’s Trust is a leading advisory body for the sustainability of theatre in the UK, priding itself on the protection and preservation of UK theatres. The trust are also responsible for publishing the Theatre Buildings at Risk Register, informing the public of buildings that are deemed as being under threat from closure. Theatrefullstop were able to speak to the Theatre’s Trust to find out more about the trust.
“400 years on, Shakespeare’s plays continue to dominate stages worldwide, mostly of course in translation, challenging actors, directors, designers and audience.” Ian McKellen. BFI presents Shakespeare Lives, the biggest ever programme of Shakespeare in the UK and across the world, in collaboration with the British Council. In this two month long festival, there will be an international tour of 18 British films, new 4k restorations, and of course landmark films by Laurence Olivier, Orson Wells and Kenneth Branagh. In this introduction event, Shakespeare on Film, the BFI does not disappoint showcasing iconic film adaptations, the legend that is Ian McKellen and an in-depth analysis of adaptations over the years.
What’s great about theatre is that there isn’t a rule book as to what makes for a great show. The assumption is that if a show has a gripping narrative, then that’s 90% of the theatre experience covered, however, Trygve Wakenshaw subverts this notion, instead presenting a comic strip of absurd ideas that have the sold out auditorium chuckling from the get go.
Jean Baptiste Maillet and Romain Bermond, better known as STEREOPTIK, have entranced audiences alike since 2009 with their integration of cinematography and musical accompaniments to make pieces that truly stand out. A partnership that proves vital to the end result, Maillet and Bermond go beyond being performers of their pieces, designing every element, from the narrative, to the lighting, to the soundtrack embedded within each show. Ahead of their performance of Dark Circus at this year’s London International Festival, Theatrefullstop were able to speak Maillet and Bermond about performing at this year’s festival, how they both approach creating their work and the importance of LIMF for the promotion of physical and visual theatre.
Have you ever questioned your life, the moments of exaltation and events where you think this cannot get any better? Well in this presentation of making the most of moments, Baba Fish explore and interrogate the existence of life. An absurdist look into the life of an old man, this show is a journey of invention, memories and nostalgic occurrences. In collaboration with The London International Mime Festival, Baba Fish devise a production that is playful, melodramatic and contemplative.
Invigorating, thrilling and captivating to watch, it is no surprise Warhorse has had to increase its run at The New London Theatre this year. Capturing the flavour of Steven Spielberg’s movie adaption, yet adding in a further level of precision and drama to make it more palpable for the stage. However, as one might think, the puppetry totally overshadows the storyline and in true fact makes it more gripping to watch. The puppetry being put into practice on stage is like watching a professional masterclass, to the point where one is entranced by the mechanics and skill at which the horse is alive and breathing. Whether a horse lover or not one can appreciate the detail at which the animal is moving, eating and (not to sound too cliché) feeling.
We’ve just seen into the New Year, and Christmas appears to be a thing of the past. It feels like a lifetime ago since mince pies seemed to be the treat of choice, festive playlists dominated department stores, tinsel seemed to brighten up many a home and mulled wine livened up the coldest of seasons. In Rachel Claye’s production on The Lighthouse, Christmas makes a subtler appearance with a narrative driven by loss, dreams and strong will.
The genre of visual theatre may seem quite vague and confusing. The term refers to a form of theatre that uses techniques other than speech to communicate a story. This can be anything from mime, to physical theatre, art installations to puppetry. The Wrong Crowd proudly bear the torch for visual theatre, integrating visually stunning puppets with an inventive narrative. Ahead of The Wrong Crowd’s London International Mime Festival debut of their show, Kite, Theatrefullstop were able to speak to the theatre company’s co-director and puppet designer and director, Rachael Canning about the festival’s importance in the theatre world, Kite‘s central themes and other artists she is looking forward to watching at this year’s festival.
(There is also a contribution to this interview from Movement Director Eddie Kay).
Give Me Your Love explores the therapeutic potential of MDMA. We are (partially) introduced to Zach, a veteran of the Iraq war suffering from such severe post-traumatic stress that he is unable to leave his dilapidated cardboard box. Ieuan, Zach’s friend and fellow vet, takes matters into his own hands, smuggling him an ecstasy pill and coaxing him into exploring his wartime experience. The play marks the second instalment of Ridiculusmus’ trilogy which investigates innovative approaches to mental health.
Never when entering into a theatre space have I been told ‘don’t sit in the front row if you suffer from a nervous disposition’, this is a first, setting the scene for a show that would clearly present risks, simulating stunts and circus skills that are incredulous, Tipping Point does not fail to meet my expectations. Ockham’s Razor produced by Turtle Key Arts presents Tipping Point, in collaboration with London International Mime Festival. In this feast of modern visual theatre, Ockham’s Razor presents a twist to the traditional circus identity, in an attempt to demonstrate a magic, only derived from this sense of performance practice.
