Press & Media Releases
Please find Media Releases for upcoming shows in this section.
Pilgrims' Progress?
17 May 2013
From suffragettes to Margaret Thatcher and beyond
>>Download a Word Version of this release
A century ago thousands of women marched across Britain to Hyde Park in London as part of the Great Suffrage Pilgrimage. A group of South West women walked from Land’s End, sharing the journey with others, holding meetings and rallies and recruiting for the cause. They stopped at places along route in order to campaign for the vote.
A panel discussion about women’s rights from 1913 to the present day is being hosted by the University of Exeter in collaboration with the Exeter Northcott Theatre on Thursday 23 May at 7pm.
As part of the event there will be a sneak preview of a new play that follows in the footsteps of the women who walked the South West route. It’s called Oxygen, and has been specially commissioned by Dreadnought South West Association a new organisation working with arts and heritage to champion women’s voices and stories. Written by Natalie McGrath, and directed by Josie Sutcliffe the Arts Council of England funded play, celebrates the centenary of The Great 1913 Suffrage Pilgrimage.
The death of Margaret Thatcher also gives a special urgency to the question of how much progress women have made and will form part of the debate which is anticipated to have some lively audience participation. Professor Helen Taylor co-organiser of the event explains the intention of the debate. She said:“This is a wonderful collaboration between the Exeter Northcott, Dreadnought South West and the University’s College of Humanities, to celebrate the role Cornish and Devonian women have played in a century of struggle for women’s political, social and economic rights.”
Feminist broadcaster, writer and critic Bidisha will be in the Chair and other speakers will include Historian and cultural commentator Rachel Holmes (co-editor of the new collection, 50 Shades of Feminism), and Exeter-based community historian Julia Neville, whose research on woman suffrage initially informed the play, which is due to be toured in June and July .Professor Michelle Ryan from the University of Exeter is one of two psychologists to define the “glass cliff”, a situation in which women and other minorities are likely to be placed in leadership positions that are risky or precarious.
While much has changed for women since the time of the suffrage social change has been incredibly variable across different spheres of social life according to Professor Ryan. She said: “While women have, for a long time, represented 50% of employees, they are still woefully represented in prestigious professions and powerful leadership roles. Change in these areas has moved with glacial slowness, and indeed at this rate it may be close to 80 years before we reach equality in these areas.”
Julia Neville’s research into the Devon suffragists who helped organise and galvanise women who walked the South West route of the pilgrimage to London to address the issues of ending child poverty, stopping the white slave trade and ending sweated labour. They recognised that change could only be addressed if women had the right to vote, hence their rally to recruit and to be heard in the face of opposition. Playwright McGrath said:“ I saw a sepia photograph of a group of women holding a banner saying, ‘National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies – Land’s End to London’. I wondered who they were and the idea of forming an organisation, grew out of the desire to honour and celebrate the voices and achievement of these women – we hope to do the same with many more women in the future”.
The debate: ‘Pilgrim’s Progress? From Suffragettes to Margaret Thatcher and Beyond’ is at the Exeter Northcott Theatr. Tickets can be bought via the Box Office (01392 493493) and the Exeter Northcott Theatre website.
ENDS
Editors Notes:
See www.dreadnoughtsouthwest.org.uk for tickets and tour schedule
About the University of Exeter
The Sunday Times University of the Year 2012-13, the University of Exeter is a Russell Group university and in the top one percent of institutions globally. It combines world-class research with very high levels of student satisfaction. Exeter has over 18,000 students and is ranked 7th in The Sunday Times University Guide, 10th in the UK in The Times Good University Guide 2012 and 10th in the Guardian University Guide. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 90% of the University’s research was rated as being at internationally recognised levels and 16 of its 31 subjects are ranked in the top 10, with 27 subjects ranked in the top 20.
The University has invested strategically to deliver more than £350 million worth of new facilities across its campuses for 2012, including landmark new student services centres - the Forum in Exeter and The Exchange in Cornwall - and world-class new facilities for Biosciences, the Business School and the Environment and Sustainability Institute.
For further information:
University of Exeter
Press Office
+44 (0)1392 722307
pressoffice@exeter.ac.uk
The Elves and The Shoemaker
13 May 2013
Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company presents
Wednesday 29– Fri 31 May 11am & 3pm
>>Download a Word version of this release
Sitting in his kitchen workshop, Sam Lacey makes terrible shoes and tries to sell them online.
They are so bad that no-one really wants them, not even his neighbour (who thinks he should give up and get a real job!).
Then one night, two tiny visitors climb in through the window and start cutting and stitching and gluing...and Sam's life is never quite the same again!
Following their sell-out shows, The Enormous Turnip, Little Red Hen and 3 Little Pigs, the inescapably eccentric Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company return with an up-to-date, size 13½ retelling of everyone's favourite story about Elves and Shoes.
There are stunning puppets, music and surprises aplenty in a show for everyone aged 3 and above.
“The rather super Stuff and Nonsense theatre company has again hit pitch perfect in its innovative version of the Brothers Grimm fairytale”
THE STAGE
“A wonderful gem that will appeal to children and adults alike”
THE BOURNMOUTH ECHO
Tickets: £10
Family Ticket: £24 for 3 + up to 3 more £8 each
Age: Children aged 3-7 and their families
Running Time: 85 mins
Book Online: www.exeternorthcott.co.uk
Box Office: 01392 493 493
-ends-
For more information and images, please contact Jenny Hogg on 01392 223 989 or email her at j.l.hogg@exeter.ac.uk
Notes to editors
Since 2001 Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company have been creating fun-filled, thought provoking, mischievous, inventive and dynamic theatre productions for young children and their parents. The Elves and The Shoemaker follows in the footsteps of the company’s other sell out productions: The Little Red Hen, The Enormous Turnip, 3 Little Pigs, Dragon’s Teeth and Other Tales, Across the Deep Blue Sea and The Breathtaking Story of Dusty the Vacuum Cleaner Boy.
For more information on Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company, please visit www.aloadofstuffandnonsense.co.uk/
Varmints
07 May 2013
Travelling Light presents an East London Dance, Sadler’s Wells and Stratford Circus production
Tues 28 May 3pm & 7pm
>>Download a Word version of this release
There was once only the sound of bees and the wind in the wiry grass, the low murmuring of moles in the cool dark earth, and the song of birds in the high blue sky.
Varmints, a rich visual piece of original dance theatre for young people aged 8 and their families, comes to the Exeter Northcott Theatre for two performances in May.
Based on the award-winning book Varmints by Helen Ward and Marc Craste, this production is a poignant tale of a world which is buried under the relentless march of progress. Every day the city grows larger and the noise grows louder, until there is so much noise that no-one can hear themselves think. This exhilarating new dance-theatre performance explores the struggles of one small creature to preserve a world in danger of being lost forever.
Sally Cookson specialises in children’s theatre productions, and has recently enjoyed a five star run at Bristol Old Vic with Christmas hit Peter Pan. Sally and Sadler’s Wells New Wave Associate Wilkie Branson are reunited after working together on highly acclaimed dance show BOING!, which performed to rave reviews and full houses at Sadler’s Wells over Christmas 2011 and again in 2012. The rich and diverse soundtrack is composed and performed by musician and composer Benji Bower who regularly collaborates with Sally.
Emma Gladstone, Sadler’s Wells’ Artistic Producer says about Varmints:
“We have been developing this show for a while, and so I cannot quite believe we have finally got to the point of starting in. I am genuinely excited by the artists involved and in particular where Choreographer Wilkie Branson and Director Sally Cookson decide to take the intriguing story, after their previous hits together. For me its essential for us to commission new work for young audiences like this, work that’s contemporary, and inviting, with high production values.”
“Utterly dazzling.. rumbustious, exhilarating dance theatre, enrapturing for children and adults alike” The Guardian
“Poetic, moving, witty and wonderful!” Venue Magazine
Press reviews on Sally’s and Wilkie’s most recent collaboration BOING!
Tickets: £12.50
Concs: £2 off
Family Ticket: £30 for 3 + up to 3 more £10 each
Schools: £7.50 for groups 10+
Student Standby: £8
Age: 8yrs+
Running Time: TBC
Post Show Talk: Tues 28 May 7pm
Book Online: www.exeternorthcott.co.uk
Box Office: 01392 493 493
-ends-
For more information, please contact Jenny Hogg on 01392 223 989 or email her at j.l.hogg@exeter.ac.uk
Notes to Editors
Discover Varmints can be accessible from 17th May 2013 on http://discovervarmints.com/.
Varmints is supported by Arts Council England, Bristol Old Vic and Pavilion Dance South West, with additional support from the Unity Theatre Trust and The Legacy List.
The Legacy List was set up in 2011 to help make creative connections between people, the future Queen Elizabeth Olympic park and its surroundings in the areas of arts, culture, education and skills.
Travelling Light
Travelling Light has been creating exciting and ground-breaking theatre and inspiring young people since 1984, when it was founded in Bristol. The company combines a variety of art forms and collaborates with other companies and theatres to produce innovative work that tours throughout UK and abroad.
Sadler’s Wells
The UK's leading dance house, uniquely dedicated to producing, commissioning, and presenting the very best international and UK dance to London audiences. Under the Artistic Directorship of Alistair Spalding the theatre’s cutting edge programme spans dance in all its forms, from contemporary to flamenco, Bollywood to ballet, salsa to street dance and tango to tap.
Stratford Circus
Stratford Circus is a vibrant performing arts centre driven by great artistic experiences and the diverse communities of east London, dedicated to inspire audiences and develop local talent by working with the best UK and international artists.
East London Dance
East London Dance works to develop a dynamic, diverse and inclusive dance culture for communities and artists across, and beyond, East London. ELD works to promote the value of dance in developing healthy, cohesive communities, encouraging access to dance for all, regardless of ability or age.
Creative Team and Cast
Director – Sally Cookson
Choreographer – Wilkie Branson
Set and Costume Designer – Holly Waddington
Lighting Designer – Guy Hoare
Composer – Benji Bower
Dramaturg – Adam Peck
Projection Designer – Yoav Segal
Performers – Wilkie Branson, Mariana Camiloti, Femi M Oyewole, Letitia Simpson
New Shows Now On Sale
29 Apr 2013
Exeter Northcott Theatre is delighted to announce five new shows that are now on sale.
>>Download a Word version of this release
Two exciting additions to our summer season are Grandpa in my Pocket, which comes to the Exeter Northcott stage on Wednesday 7 until Sunday 11 August, and a new Summer School which follows between Monday 12 and Saturday 24 August.
Grandpa in my Pocket is a new ‘Grandpa’ theatre experience for young fans of the hugely popular CBeebies television series. A brand new story told by a young ensemble cast who bring all your favourite Sunnysands characters and places to life before your eyes. Imaginative and highly theatrical, children will fall in love with Grandpa in my Pocket all over again.
The Summer School with Devon Youth Theatre's Artistic Director Erin Walcon will enable participants, aged between 13 and 18, to work with a skilled team at the Exeter Northcott Theatre to develop a professional piece of theatre culminating in two performances at the theatre on Saturday 24 August.
As well as those wishing to develop performance skills, there are also places in the Summer School for those who are interested in technical theatre, marketing and wardrobe, with access to the theatre's costume stores.
As well as the summer additions, the month of May will see Dreadnought South West present a panel discussion to be held in the Exeter Northcott auditorium. Pilgrims’ Progress? From Suffragettes to Margaret Thatcher and Beyond is inspired by the Great Suffrage Pilgrimage of 1913. An Exeter-based group of women walked from Land’s End, sharing the journey with others, focussed on problems of child poverty, people trafficking and sweated labour.
The Exeter Northcott Theatre is collaborating with the University of Exeter to host the panel discussion, which will be chaired by Feminist broadcaster, writer and critic Bidisha, about women’s rights from 1913 to the present day.
On Wednesday 17 July, New Devon Opera’s Viva Verdi! offer a celebration to Verdi in his bicentennial year. In concert format with a stellar cast, pianoforte accompaniment, and with a "golden thread" about Verdi's life linking the whole performance, this opera gala production has all the ingredients to be an exceptional operatic experience.
Finally, for Exeter Northcott’s winter season, on Sunday 1 December, Chris Ramsey will muse on life, mistakes, expectation and offense. After being “sent off” the Soccer AM sofa last year for misbehaving, Chris wonders whether he really is the Most Dangerous Man on Saturday Morning TV. Taking his brush with on air censorship as a jumping off point, he examines what happens when you say the wrong thing in the wrong place at the wrong time
-ends-
For more information and images, please contact Jenny Hogg on 01392 223 989 or email her.
I Was A Rat!
25 Apr 2013
By Philip Pullman. Adapted & directed by Teresa Ludovico. English version by David Watson
Weds 15, Thurs 16 & Sat 18 May | 7pm
Schools Matinees Thurs 1:30pm & Fri 10:30am; Sat Matinee 3pm
>>Download a Word version of this release
This rat’s tale comes to the Exeter Northcott Theatre on Wednesday 15 until Sat 18 May and promises to be a gripping story full of music, comedy and fantastic physical performances.
"I Was A Rat!" insists a scruffy page boy who turns up one evening on the doorstep of old married couple Bob and Joan.
But what is he now? A terrifying monster rampaging in the sewers? A money-spinning fairground freak? A champion wriggler and a downy card? Or just an ordinary boy, though a little ratty in his habits?
Philip Pullman's glorious and gripping story is brought to life on the professional stage for the first time in the UK.
Combining humour, fantasy and adventure, this moving and darkly comic tale slowly reveals its connection to one of the most famous fairy tales of all time.
Full of music and unforgettable images, I Was A Rat! will surprise, delight and move audiences of all ages.
“It is a show to please all ages, it is supremely theatrical, and it has a heart.”
The Telegraph
“Genuine wit and style”
The Guardian ****
“A superb evening of entertainment”
What’s on Stage *****
Tickets: £12.50
Family ticket: £30 for 3 + up to 3 more £10 each
Schools: £7.50 for groups 10+
Student Standby: £8
Age: 7yrs+
Running Time: 1hr 50mins
Post Show Talks: Thurs 16 May 1.30pm & 7pm; Fri 17 May 10.30am
BSL Interpreted performance: Sat 18 May 3pm
Audio-described performance: Sat 18 May 3pm
Book Online: www.exeternorthcott.co.uk
Box Office: 01392 493 493
-ends-
For more information, please contact Jenny Hogg on 01392 223 989 or email her at j.l.hogg@exeter.ac.uk
Notes to editors
Nottingham Playhouse Theatre Company in association with Birmingham Repertory Theatre The New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich and Teatro Kismet Italy present Philip Pullman's I Was A Rat.
Fox Jackson-Keen -Roger
Lorna Gayle - Joan
Tyrone Huggins - Bob
TJ Holmes - Ensemble
Joey Hickman - Ensemble
Jack Jones - Ensemble
Dodger Phillips - Ensemble
Christopher Dingli - Ensemble
Fox Jackson – Keen was the 16th boy to play Billy Elliot in the West End and is available for interviews.
A link to an interview with Phillip Pullman can be found here: http://youtu.be/kEIE6nJXJMs
Founded as a co-operative in 1981, Teatro Kismet has grown to become one of Italy’s leading theatre companies, producing innovative work for its own cultural centre in Bari, southern Italy, as well as touring internationally. The company now programmes and manages two theatres in Puglia, runs a successful annual children’s theatre festival, Maggio all’ Infanzia, and is dedicated to research and development as well as creating new work for national and international touring.
Teatro Kismet continues to be recognized as one of Europe’s most imaginative and dynamic companies.
For more information on Teatro Kismet, please visit www.iwasarat.co.uk/cast-and-creatives/teatro-kismet/
![Image of The Complete Works of Shakespeare (abridged) [revised]](http://assets4.exeternorthcott.co.uk/images/RSC_Shakespeare_ActorsOnly_51752471ac635.jpg)
The Complete Works of Shakespeare (abridged) [revised]
22 Apr 2013
Fri 10 May 6pm & 9pm
>>Download a Word version of this release
The self-proclaimed ‘other RSC’ return to the Exeter Northcott Theatre to present their irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard's plays.The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) was London's longest running comedy, having clocked a very palpable nine years in London’s West End at the Criterion Theatre.
And now The Reduced Shakespeare Company is back with the same recycled jokes, just put in a different order!
These madcap men-in-tights will weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare's comedies, histories and tragedies in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter.
"If you like Shakespeare, you’ll love this show. If you hate Shakespeare, you’ll love this show! "
The Today Show
“Stupendous, anchorless joy!”
Times
Tickets: £18.00
Concs: £2 off
Age: 10yrs+
Running Time: 1hr 55mins
Book Online: www.exeternorthcott.co.uk
Box Office: 01392 493 493
-ends-
For more information, please contact Jenny Hogg on 01392 223 989 or email her.
Notes to editors
Reduced Shakespeare Company present The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) (revised)
Written Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield
The Reduced Shakespeare Company is a three-man comedy troupe that takes long, serious subjects and reduces them to short, sharp comedies. The “Bad Boys of Abridgement” have created seven stage shows, two television specials, several failed TV pilots, and numerous radio pieces – all of which have been performed, seen, and heard the world over.
For more information on The Reduced Shakespeare Company, please visit www.reducedshakespeare.com/
Follow us on