Each year, talented and passionate amateur-theatre groups around the British Isles and beyond pit their productions against each other in competitive one-act play festivals – all in pursuit of unforgettable memories, a high mark from the adjudicator, and maybe even a trophy... But how do these festivals work, and how can your group get involved? … Continue reading How amateur-theatre festivals work – and why your group should enter one!
Directing
‘We shall never see his like again’ – a tribute to Mike Bradwell
Mike Bradwell – who died earlier this month at the age of 77 – left an indelible mark on British theatre. During his long and illustrious career as a theatre director, he founded, worked with and ran a variety of leading companies and venues, and gave early chances to many young playwrights who have gone … Continue reading ‘We shall never see his like again’ – a tribute to Mike Bradwell
‘Acting is an essential part of being human’: Declan Donnellan on how to bring performances to life
Internationally acclaimed theatre director Declan Donnellan co-founded Cheek by Jowl with designer Nick Ormerod. A focus on the actor's art has always been central to the company's work. Encapsulating this bold way of thinking about performance, his new book The Actor and the Space tackles the fundamental questions that face any actor, developing and extending … Continue reading ‘Acting is an essential part of being human’: Declan Donnellan on how to bring performances to life
‘Why write a book about women theatre directors? Because it didn’t exist’ – Rosemary Waugh on Running the Room
When arts journalist and critic Rosemary Waugh first had the idea of creating a collection of interviews with women theatre directors, she sought out existing books on the topic – only to find there were none. This gap in the literature spurred Rosemary to write her new book, Running the Room: Conversations with Women Theatre … Continue reading ‘Why write a book about women theatre directors? Because it didn’t exist’ – Rosemary Waugh on Running the Room
The primacy of the actor: renowned theatre director Mike Alfreds on the nature of theatre and what actors do
Mike Alfreds founded Shared Experience theatre company in 1975, and has since directed plays for the National Theatre, Shakespeare's Globe, the Royal Shakespeare Company and also extensively abroad. He is hugely respected within the profession, and his books Different Every Night and Then What Happens? are essential reading for actors and directors. His new book, … Continue reading The primacy of the actor: renowned theatre director Mike Alfreds on the nature of theatre and what actors do
Ten Years of Fleabag: inside the Edinburgh Fringe hit that went global
Ten years ago, in August 2013, the eyes of the theatre world turned – as they do at this time every year – to Edinburgh for the Festival Fringe. In amongst that year's programme of almost 2,900 different shows was a new, one-woman play by actor and writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge, called Fleabag. That premiere run … Continue reading Ten Years of Fleabag: inside the Edinburgh Fringe hit that went global
How to bring Shakespeare’s plays to life for young people
Working on Shakespeare's plays can be a transformational experience for young people. His stories resonate with everyone, whatever their age or background. His language may be challenging on the page, but it comes to life when spoken aloud; we use it in our daily lives, often without even realising it. Here, arts education consultant ALANNA … Continue reading How to bring Shakespeare’s plays to life for young people
‘He was a giant in the world of theatre’ – a tribute to Peter Brook
Peter Brook, who has sadly died at the age of 97, was one of the most influential and important figures in twentieth-century theatre – described by the Guardian as 'one of theatre’s most visionary and influential thinkers'. The New York Times called him 'a director of scale and humanity, who left an indelible mark'. Brook's … Continue reading ‘He was a giant in the world of theatre’ – a tribute to Peter Brook
‘Theatre needs to be reoccupied by the theatremakers’: Russell Lucas on breaking through industry barriers
Russell Lucas doesn't exist. At least, not according to conventional theatre categories. He's a writer, deviser, producer, actor and director – often all at once. He's a lecturer too. And why not? In his new book, 300 Thoughts for Theatremakers, he offers inspiration and encouragement for theatremakers everywhere, and argues that the maverick, hybrid, jack-of-all-trades … Continue reading ‘Theatre needs to be reoccupied by the theatremakers’: Russell Lucas on breaking through industry barriers
‘Traditional Shakespeare makes me shudder’ – Andrew Hilton on keeping the plays fresh
Over the course of his fifty-year career, Andrew Hilton has directed dozens of Shakespeare plays to widespread acclaim – including from the Guardian's Lyn Gardner, who has called him 'one of the great tellers of Shakespeare'. Hilton's new book, Shakespeare on the Factory Floor, draws on these decades of experience, offering insights for theatre-makers, students … Continue reading ‘Traditional Shakespeare makes me shudder’ – Andrew Hilton on keeping the plays fresh
The Prompt Book 