Written by award winning actress and playwright, Danai Gurira, Eclipsed is a production that amplifies the female voice. Set in Liberia, in 2003 during the Civil War, 5 women find their worlds colliding as they are uprooted from their homes and placed on a rebel army base. As the war wages on, can they all put all of their differences aside? Set to play at the Gate Theatre from Thursday 23rd April, actress Joan Iyiola steps into the role of Bessie. Ahead of the production, Theatrefullstop are lucky enough to speak to Joan about the importance of focusing on the female voice, whether there are any similarities between Bessie and herself and why she was drawn to the production.

Hi Joan, it’s lovely speaking with you again! You’ll be starring in Danai Gurira’s Eclipsed at the Gate Theatre from Thursday 23rd April, how are you feeling ahead of the first show?

Nervous! But excited to move into the theatre and share what we have made.

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If you were to walk past the Latchmere Pub in Battersea, you would be mistaken as to think that the venue was devoted to solely serving the very best ales, spirits and wines. However, the venue, also known as Theatre 503, has been at the forefront of showcasing the very best of new writing for over three decades. Having taken on the role of Artistic Director in 2012, Paul Robinson has continued on in true Theatre503 tradition, by championing new writing with the addition of Theatre 503 Playwriting Award. In one of the most theatrically diverse cities in the world, in terms of the small scale fringe shows, West End Shows, Off West End Shows, Outdoor performances… the list goes on, it may be deemed as being financially safe to keep to well known productions to draw the crowds in. Theatrefullstop were lucky enough to speak with Paul about taking risks in a new writing venue, the importance of funding to support Theatre 503s work and talks about the various opportunities available for budding writers!

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For all of you budding costume and stage designers looking to give your newest creations that little bit extra, or you drama school students looking to add a new lease of life to an otherwise mundane piece of material, look no further, as Theatrefullstop have teamed up with world renowned textile dye company DYLON. With over 60 years of adding a kaleidoscope of colour to clothing, accessories and a range of indoor settings, DYLON know how to reinvigorate materials!

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In recent months, there has been a lot of press about the power of small theatres and the high standard of plays they produce. I visited the New Diorama Theatre, Camden, last week. This small, intimate space is perfect for presenting the close and inescapable bond between siblings that Plastic Figurines explores.

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Ever sit down in the theatre and realise the play is in Russian? Because that will happen if you visit the Barbican Centre and to see Cheek by Jowl‘s Measure for Measure. 

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BareTruth Theatre‘s latest work sees them partner up with production company, Time Won’t Wait and charities Plan UK and Forward UK to produce a piece of theatre shedding light on a subject matter that has only recently started to receive awareness within the west. Statistics show that there are currently 170,000 women living with the affliction of FGM, and have until now lived in silence. Although there is a slight awareness in the west, there is still very little knowledge of the life threatening practise.

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As the lights go down in the Savoy Theatre we are treated to Jule Styne’s swinging overture played by the live orchestra. The curtain goes up to reveal a raggle-taggle bunch of child vaudeville auditions acts only for Mama Rose (Imelda Staunton) to interrupt, bustling her way through the audience to rapturous applause.

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Whispering Beasts puts on Irish plays exploring what they call the Irish voice. It would be wonderful to hear their thoughts on the country’s best known playwright writing much of his work in French but that is irrelevant to this review. That playwright is of course Samuel Beckett. Beasts are now putting on three of his lesser know short works at the Old Red Lion, a venue perfect for the intimate, disturbing feel of the plays.

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How many times have you seen 38 performers on the same stage? Have you ever? What does it even look like? Well it is awe inspiring, especially when those 38 are members of the talented National Youth Dance Company and guided by the talent of Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui.

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