London’s best off-West end theatres – PART I
The Royal Court Theatre
Based in Sloane Square this is Britain’s leading national company and is dedicated to new work by innovative writers from the UK and around the world. I recently watched Martin McDonagh’s brilliant black comedy Hangmen here before its West End transfer.
Having at least 12 plays performed here each year means they are committed to new writing, and accept unsolicited scripts year round, receiving over 3,000. Their reading team of 4 permanent staff and 8-12 freelance readers includes writers, actors, directors with varied taste and backgrounds.
I spoke to Literary Manager Chris Campbell about life at The Royal Court and their approach to new writing.
“All we do is put on plays, we don’t workshop plays unless we genuinely believe we’re going to put them on. This means we can do a lot with our resources. Our history and reputation means we can attract the best talent to a play and we can bring a high production value to new plays. We can offer a National Theatre standard and a fringe feeling and commitment to the writers.”- Chris Campbell
Campbell explained how their readers are looking for any sign that the writers may be interesting to the Royal Court and then begin relationships with them. He spoke of their commitment to the writer being at the centre of Royal Court’s philosophy.
He went on to explain: “We’re looking for original plays that investigate the problems and possibilities of our time. We are looking for outstanding plays which are formally or thematically original and are unlikely to be produced elsewhere.”
Opportunities for writers:
– Writers Groups– are used practically to provide the theatre with plays that they can produce.
– Introduction to playwriting groups– opens in June. With no age limit these groups are the ideal environment for those new to playwriting to develop their voices.
– Invitation groups are for slightly more experienced writers with a couple of fringe performances behind them. They have invited and put on plays by the likes of Nick Payne, Penelope Skinner and E.V. Crowe. These are a chance to create long-standing relationships with writers.
– Bespoke groups with a senior playwright are used explore new plays and develop them further.
– A Young Writers Festival will be curated by young people and launches next Summer via the Royal Courts’ education department.
What’s On:
Escaped Alone by Carol Churchill
Runs: 21 Jan- 9 Mar
“I’m walking down the street and there’s a door in the fence open and inside there are three women I’ve seen before.”
Three old friends and a neighbour. A summer of afternoons in the back yard. Tea and catastrophe.
Caryl Churchill returns to the Royal Court with this new play directed by James Macdonald.
“Carol Churchill has remade the landscape of contemporary drama- and earned herself a place amongst the greats”- The Guardian
Recently on:
Yen by Anna Jordan
After a celebrated run in Manchester the production transfers to London.
“I’m Bobbie. As in Bobbie Dazzler, my Nan says, although I don’t know who that is. And this is my brother Hench. He’s got a face for radio”
Hench is 16, Bobbie is 13. They’re home alone in Feltham with their dog Taliban; playing PlayStation, streaming porn, watching the world go by.
Sometimes their mum Maggie visits, usually with empty pockets and empty promises.
Then Jenny shows up.
“She’s in our territory, bruv. She’s in our territory! She’s in our territory.”
Website: http://www.royalcourttheatre.com/
Royal Court Theatre
Sloane Square
London
SW1W 8AS
The Tricycle Theatre
Kilburn’s Tricycle Theatre is one of London’s most respected and loved theatres, producing a challenging and innovative programme of theatre which provokes debate and emotionally engages. Located in Brent, the most diverse borough in London, the Tricycle is a local venue with an international vision.
A Wolf In Snakesin Shoes, photo by Mark Douet
Artistic Associate Nic Wass explained their approach to their work and to new writing: “It’s important to programme plays not just for success – but because it’s a story worth telling.” Wass was proud of the range of voices and styles within their work and spoke of the need to reflect the multicultural society of Brent.
Her passion and respect for new writing was great to see and they have a collaborative approach to their work at The Tricycle. They provide hands on support to writers who are under commission, as they re-write, workshop and develop their plays to be performed on the Tricycle’s stage. The recent success of Red Velvet by Lolita Chakrabarti and Handbagged by Moira Buffini is down to a faith in these writers and a belief that people wanted to hear these stories, says Wass.
Opportunities:
– NW6 New Writer Programme
This helps to support UK-based artists. Writers with a different take on the world and a unique voice are sought after. This provides masterclasses and financial support as writers work towards first drafts of new plays. Scripts can be flexible in terms of length but must be strong and unexpected stories. A showcase of these new plays is planned for the Spring.
– Residencies
These provide international writing and collaboration opportunities. The Tricycle is currently working with a writer from India, and is welcoming a writer from Cuba through the World Stages programme. International residencies like these help to promote cultural exchange and connect with the theatre’s creative learning programmes with young people.
The Tricycle has its first playwright in residence through the Channel 4 Playwrights’ Scheme, Francis Turnly, who has received support from their NW6 programme. Wass mentioned how beneficial it is to have artists’ voices within the day to day life of the theatre.
Upcoming:
The Mother – until 12 March
Molière Award-winning playwright Florian Zeller returns to the Tricycle following 2015’s critically-acclaimed sell-out run of The Father with this compelling show starring the BAFTA Award-winning and Olivier nominated actress Gina McKee. Completing the cast are Richard Clothier, Frances McNamee and William Postlethwaite.
Red Velvet – until 27 February
Adrian Lester reprises his role as Ira Aldridge as this multi award-winning production transfers to the Garrick Theatre as part of Kenneth Branagh’s Plays at the Garrick Season
The Tricycle Theatre
269 Kilburn High Road
London
NW6 7JR
Website: http://www.tricycle.co.uk/
Check out part II tomorrow!
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Written by Martin Stocks | @Stocks1986
