BIG BANG Inspiring the next generation
PARTNERSHIPS CHRIS JARVIS ON TOUR SEASON HIGHLIGHTS LEARNING AND PARTICIPATION WORKSHOPS
LEARNING & PARTICIPATION NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2018 / EDITION 9 01202 280000 www.lighthousepoole.co.uk IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
AND IT’S GOODNIGHT FROM HIM Dear Colleagues, Welcome to my last Big Bang newsletter. It is with a heavy heart that I bid goodbye to Lighthouse and move on to pastures new. Over the last two years Lighthouse has gone on an incredible journey. When I joined it was a building site (literal and metaphorical) and through an award-winning capital project and a rejuvenated learning and creative ambition we have set Lighthouse on a new course. My part, I believe, has been as a catalyst and driver of this ambition as well as a champion for the creative and learning communities we support, host and represent. It has been an honour and a delight to work here; Lighthouse represents for me everything that is vital about the arts and the role they play in our community. As we celebrate our 40th birthday it is humbling to think that over 40 years ago a team conceived and delivered the largest art centre outside of London to the town of Poole, and its surrounding communities, as a home for the brilliant Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and the arts in general. As I look through the archive and read of the feet that have trod our stages, from Eddie Izzard, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, Ian McKellen, Victoria Wood, and my personal favourite Duran Duran, and then think of the artists we have nurtured, both local and national, who look with affection and thanks to the opportunity we offered or the inspiration we provided. Associate artist Lorna Rees of Gobbledygook Theatre told me over coffee how she was one of a handful of people in our theatre watching Lindsay Kemp perform and how it had inspired her to become a theatre artist. That’s what we do. I have never doubted the transformational power of the arts and this one story encapsulates perfectly for me that hook and love. It reminds me we are always on a journey, or for the classicists amongst you, as Heraclitus would remind us, ‘Change is the only constant.’ The season ahead has some wonderful work: I am particularly proud to have played a part in bringing English Touring Theatre’s Othello and we are producing three extraordinary pieces of work; look out for John Retallack’s Hannah & Hanna in Dreamland in October, Dante or Die’s Take On Me (performed off-site at Rossmore Leisure Centre (the conclusion requires a swimming pool) and written by Poole native Andrew Muir and a festival of gender conversations in Come As You Are with Camden People’s Theatre, featuring Bullish by Milk Presents. There is of course (as always) so much more from Paines Plough’s Roundabout, which returns for a third and final time to us, Madama Butterfly, and The Play That Goes Wrong to name but a few. All that is left is for me is to say goodbye. Thank you for the support and your ongoing commitment to the arts. Thank you for your enthusiasm and for going the extra mile. I wish you all well in your journeys ahead and my profound thanks for your ongoing work with Lighthouse.
Stephen
2 EDITION 9 BIG BANG NEWSLETTER
CONTENTS PARTNERSHIPS Hannah and Hanna in Dreamland
4
Roundabout 5
CHRIS JARVIS ON TOUR Chris Jarvis On Tour
6
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS Othello 7
LEARNING AND PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES COMING UP FOR SCHOOLS National Theatre Live On The Big Screen Drama
8 8-9
Circus 10 Music 10 Dance And Physical Theatre
10
WORKSHOPS
Photo credit: Richard Budd
Lighthouse Led Workshops
11
Company Workshops
11
Behind The Scenes
11
BIG BANG NEWSLETTER EDITION 9 3
PARTNERSHIPS
UK Arts International, Theatre Royal Margate and Lighthouse present Thursday 18 – Saturday 20 October
HANNAH AND HANNA IN DREAMLAND We are delighted to announce that this upcoming Autumn season is peppered throughout with Lighthouse co-productions, the result of our ever-expanding artistic efforts! One of the shows that we are particularly excited to be working on is Hannah and Hanna in Dreamland, based on the original, critically acclaimed play by John Retallack. Exploring the story of two women, Hannah and Hanna, from radically different backgrounds, this show asks us to consider what unites us in a world where we are becoming more and more disparate. Act 1 recounts the well-known story of the original play which focuses on the girls’ first encounter - one a Margate local and the other a Kosovan asylum seeker. In Act 2 we are
4 EDITION 9 BIG BANG NEWSLETTER
catapulted sixteen years into the future, following the lives of Hannah and Hanna in the politically turbulent times of 2017. The production explores issues of tolerance and intolerance, the refugee crisis and national and local identity. In the wake of recent socio-economic and political events, themes such as these feel particularly relevant. Working on this show has been a truly rewarding, thought-provoking and exhilarating experience so far and we are proud to be introducing this wonderful story to our audiences in Poole. The show also comes with an engaging participation programme, inspired by the themes explored within the narrative. Two of our partner schools are taking part in creative workshops led by the company, where they will craft a film exploring what their local area means to them and their community. The students will then be invited in to Lighthouse for a VIP private view of their film before watching the show. Hannah and Hannah in Dreamland is at Lighthouse from Thursday 18 – Saturday 20 October in the Sherling Studio. Schools tickets are available!
‘COULDN’T BE MORE TOPICAL’ THE GUARDIAN
PARTNERSHIPS Thursday 27 – Sunday 30 September
ROUNDABOUT Back by popular demand, Paines Plough are set to once again thrill the people of Poole with three new performances in their unique pop up theatre in-the-round.
‘PAINES PLOUGH’S ROUNDABOUT: IT’S NOT JUST ONE OF FRINGE’S MOST EXCITING VENUES, BUT ONE OF BRITAIN’S.’ THE STAGE
This year we are teaming up with Pavilion Dance South West and Arts by the Sea Festival to bring you an array of exciting shows. Taking place during the rest of the Arts by the Sea festivities in Bournemouth, the tent will reside on the terrace of Pavilion Dance for a week and will feature a diverse and inspiring programme of events. The line-up will include shows from local artists, stand up heroes and community groups, as well as a selection of Paines Plough’s world-renowned performances, crafted specifically for the Roundabout Festival. Of particular interest to schools and younger audiences is Georgia Christou’s How to Spot an Alien. Suitable for space cadets aged 5 plus, this play tells the story of Jelly and Jonjo, who have suspicions that their Aunty may (almost definitely) be an alien. Join this delightful duo on a rip-roaring journey, exploring space, friendship and flying saucers. Up next is Sticks and Stones by BAFTA nominated writer Vinay Patel, which explores issues of communication in an age where we are more connected than ever. Immerse yourself in a razorsharp satire about the search for a sure footing in an uncertain world. Last up is Island Town, Simon Longman’s production that tells the tale of Kate, Sam and Pete and their dreams of escape. Stuck in a small town, they spend their days drinking, joking and wondering if they will ever get out. A must-see performance that will have you laughing out loud until “suddenly, with a shock, the jokes start to feel like kicks to the gut” (Catherine Love, The Guardian). To support these shows we have programmed a diverse variety of work from local and national producers, such as the well renowned Comedy Club 4 Kids. Described by The Guardian as “a highlight for children,” this show brings the UK’s best loved comedians to the Roundabout stage but leaves out the rude bits! The festival this year is so packed full of wacky and wonderful opportunities that there really is something for everyone. For more information and the full line up, take a look at our website.
Lighthouse in association with Arts by the Sea Festival, Activate and Pavilion Dance South West.
BIG BANG NEWSLETTER EDITION 9 5
CHRIS JARVIS ON TOUR A few weeks ago, Perdie, our Artistic and Learning Assistant, and our panto star Chris Jarvis went on a grand tour of local schools, talking all things pantomime. Here’s Perdie to tell us all about their time on the road. Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas…. Okay, okay, it definitely isn’t! In fact, in the middle of this heatwave it’s hard to imagine such a thing as Christmas exists, but rest assured it does and its coming around a lot quicker than you think. If there’s one thing working in a theatre has taught me, it’s that you’re always thinking at least six months ahead. Take last week for instance. During one of the hottest weeks of the summer so far, myself and our Dick Whittington panto star Chris Jarvis did a mammoth tour of local primary schools. Over three days we visited a grand total of 15 schools, delivering an exciting and informative storytelling presentation, as well as a Q&A session where the students were encouraged to ask Chris questions about careers in the media and creative industries. There was, of course, a good deal of panto fun thrown into the mix and Chris gave us all a wonderful taste of the silliness to come with a rousing performance of Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes (which he did a wonderful job of 15 times!). Despite the seasonal mismatch, we were very well received by every school. I noticed lots of starstruck little ones (and some older fans!), who were absolutely thrilled to have Chris in their school. It was a pleasure to visit each of the schools and hopefully we will be welcoming some of their students and teachers to Lighthouse at Christmas time for Dick Whittington.
6 EDITION 9 BIG BANG NEWSLETTER
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS English Touring Theatre, Oxford Playhouse and Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory present Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 November
OTHELLO Lighthouse has such an action-packed programme every season, that it is often difficult to select specific highlights to recommend. This season is absolutely no exception, however, one show we are particularly over the moon to be bringing to our audiences is English Touring Theatre’s Othello. Often described as Shakespeare’s most tragic tragedy (what an accolade!), the play is startlingly contemporary in the themes and ideas that it explores. An engaging thriller and a masterful depiction of a world where racism and prejudice are allowed to flourish, this production feels every bit as relevant now as it did 400 years ago.
With rave reviews from students, teachers and critics alike, the show promises to be a truly wonderful one. Othello features on both the GCSE and the A Level curriculum and seeing it on stage is perhaps the best way for students to engage with and relate to the characters, story and language within the play. Several students have already commented on this, with one teacher noting “the students were buzzing after the performance, it absolutely unlocked sections of the language and the performances were unanimously fantastic.” Additionally, English Touring Theatre have produced an excellent education pack to accompany the show, stuffed to the brim with lesson plans, ideas to engage students with the performance and background information about the play. You can access this on the Learning section of Lighthouse’s website – we recommend you take a moment to read through it, it’s great!
Othello is at Lighthouse from Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 November and schools tickets are available!
BIG BANG NEWSLETTER EDITION 9 7
LEARNING AND PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES COMING UP FOR SCHOOLS As ever, Lighthouse is offering a wide variety of activities and shows to see or get involved in. Check out the Lighthouse programme or our website for a full list of shows and events, as there are additional opportunities that may be of interest beyond what is listed here.
DRAMA
Many shows have discounts for students/school groups. We also run a ‘Live for 5’ scheme for 14-25 year olds, which allows entry to many shows for only £5 if signed up. Phone Box Office on 01202 280000 or visit www.lighthousepoole.co.uk for ticket details.
NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE Thursday 27 September
KING LEAR A chance to see Ian Mckellen’s ‘extraordinarily moving portrayal’ (Independent) of King Lear. Considered by many the greatest tragedy ever written, this contemporary retelling has been lavished with five-star reviews and is certainly not one to miss.
’IAN MCKELLEN REIGNS SUPREME IN THIS TRIUMPHANT PRODUCTION’ HHHHH DAILY TELEGRAPH
Thursday 20 – Saturday 22 September Theatre6 presents
JANE AUSTEN’S PERSUASION A masterclass of story-telling, awash with love, loss and longing, Persuasion is Austen’s most romantic comedy. Following the story of Anne Elliot, a young woman in love with dashing but dreadfully poor Captain Wentworth, the show has been praised by audiences and critics alike.
THEATRE
‘A REWARDING, HAUNTING EVENING’ THE TELEGRAPH
Monday 1 – Saturday 6 October
THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG Returning for yet another calamitous week, the multi awardwinning West End smash hit comedy is back at Lighthouse following its sell-out success in 2017. Nab your tickets quick because these are bound to disappear!
THEATRE
8 EDITION 9 BIG BANG NEWSLETTER
Saturday 6 October
JAY FOREMAN’S DISGUSTING SONGS FOR REVOLTING CHILDREN A regular sell out show at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Jay Foreman’s mix of devilishly cheeky songs, poems and comedy promises to entertain children and adults alike!
STUDIO Thursday 18 – Saturday 20 October Lighthouse and UK Arts International present
HANNAH AND HANNA IN DREAMLAND Building on John Retallack’s critically acclaimed play, Hannah and Hanna, the show follows the story of an unlikely friendship between two girls from very different worlds.
STUDIO Tuesday 23 October Mumble Crust Theatre presents
THE TALE OF THE COCKATRICE Join us for a performance of a dark and winding fable for monster-lovers young and old. Featuring puppetry and spinetingling live music, this award-winning show is sure to entertain all the family.
STUDIO
Wednesday 7 November LipService Theatre presents
WITHERING LOOKS Britain’s favourite literary lunatics are back by popular demand. An “authentic” look at the lives and works of the Bronte sisters, the show is peopled with many of the characters we know and love. Don’t miss a chance to share in this wonderful silliness!
THEATRE Saturday 10 November Taking Flight Theatre presents
YOU’VE GOT DRAGONS A delightful tale of one child’s journey to come to terms with their dragons told in Taking Flight’s unique style. With live, original music, this highly visual, sensitive production is a humorous and touching exploration of the dragons we all face.
STUDIO Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 November English Touring Theatre presents
OTHELLO See page …
THEATRE Friday 30 November & Saturday 1 December Milk presents
BULLISH Headlining Come As You Are festival, Bullish pits ancient mythology against modern gender navigation to furiously disrupt, traverse and rewrite the rulebook. Stepping into the ring with a gender fierce ensemble of hopers and renegades, Bullish is a story about packing, passing, and gambling your way out of the labyrinth.
Age Guidance 16+ STUDIO
Thursday 25 October
GUTTED Liz has got an embarrassing problem, and these yogurts aren’t helping: her body’s acting up. Touring after acclaimed performances across the UK, Gutted is Liz Richardson’s story as she tells it, living as a twenty-something with an inflammatory bowel disease.
Age Guidance 14+ STUDIO
‘REFRESHINGLY FRANK’ HHHHH NORTH WEST END REVIEW
BIG BANG NEWSLETTER EDITION 9 9
LEARNING AND PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES COMING UP FOR SCHOOLS CIRCUS
DANCE AND PHYSICAL THEATRE Tuesday 9 & Wednesday 10 October Avant Garde Dance Company & The Place present
TONY ADIGUN’S FAGIN’S TWIST A tale you think you know, retold in ways you never could have imagined. See Dickens’ Oliver Twist in a new light as the show, imbued with an unmatched contemporary hip hop style, flips your expectations on their head.
THEATRE Wednesday 24 & Thursday 25 October Barely Methodical Troupe
SHIFT Saturday 27 October PanGottic Theatre presents
LONG SHOT
Pushing at physical limits, altering perspectives and challenging gravity, Shift is an explosive display of power-based acrobatics. Join us and enter their awe inspiring world.
THEATRE Tuesday 30 & Wednesday 31 October
Join us for a catapultastic evening of clowning, contraptions, comedy and courage, as one man’s belief in the near impossible is put to the test. Part non-verbal circus performance, part behind the scenes ‘making of’, Long Shot will have you on the edge of your seat.
RAMBERT2
STUDIO
THEATRE
Thursday 8 November Gandini Juggling presents
SIGMA A beautiful new show exploring the interaction between juggling, geometry and classical Indian dance.
THEATRE
MUSIC Wednesday 26 September
W-RAP From Bakelite through to Tupperware, Nylons through to Vinyl and current developments in ‘eco-plastics’ and beyond. This is a new experimental music-theatre work exploring the light and dark faces of plastic in our times.
STUDIO
10 EDITION 9 BIG BANG NEWSLETTER
Made up of the world’s most exhilarating early career dancers, the brand new Rambert2 attacks works from some of the world’s most thrilling choreographers.
WORKSHOPS LIGHTHOUSE LED WORKSHOPS YOUNG TECHNICIANS Following a successful run of Young Technicians in the Spring of this year, we are once again launching our exciting, hands on learning programme for budding creatives! Young Technicians is a vibrant and diverse programme designed to get kids excited about learning outside of the classroom. The participants will be led by a professional Lighthouse technician and given masterclasses on various aspects of technical theatre such as lighting, sound and stage management. Participants will also get the chance to work on Lighthouse co-productions, such as Light Up Poole and Studio Jazz concerts. If you are interested in taking part – or know someone who might be, please email learning@lighthousepoole.co.uk.
BEHIND THE SCENES ‘Behind the Scenes’: Pre and Post Show talks with industry professionals. Want to know more about the thinking behind a production? Attend a FREE pre or post show talk and discover more…
PRE SHOW DISCUSSION
Tuesday 20 November
Othello THEATRE POST SHOW DISCUSSION
Friday 5 October
The Play That Goes Wrong THEATRE
Thursday 25 October
Gutted STUDIO
Tuesday 30 October
Rambert2 THEATRE
Thursday 8 November
COMPANY WORKSHOPS Several visiting companies are offering workshops in tandem with their shows. Cost and fees range from free to £700 depending on the nature and funding of the workshop. If you are interested in bringing top professional companies/artists into your schools, please contact learning@lighthousepoole.co.uk and we will facilitate the booking process. Workshop dates often have some flexibility beyond the dates of the show.
September – November (various dates)
DANTE OR DIE, TAKE ON ME This November, in association with Lighthouse, the wonderful Dante or Die are bringing their new show Take On Me to Poole. The company are offering various workshops and residencies for anyone interested in singing, dancing or acting and there is even a chance to participate in the show. For more information about how to get involved email gemma@danteordie.com.
Around 9 October
AVANT GARDE DANCE COMPANY Bringing their retelling of Fagin’s Twist to Lighthouse in October, the company offer a huge variety of bespoke opportunities for various different groups of participants. With an awareness of the popularity of street and hip-hop art forms amongst yovung audiences, they capitalise on this to capture their attention, with the hope to inspire, educate and excite them!
Saturday 10 November
DRAGON TAMING WORKSHOP
Finding Joy
Taking Flight Theatre are running a free, short workshop aimed at children and their families to provide some simple techniques to build resilience in mental health. This workshop has been developed with clinical psychologist Dr Sara Rhys- Jones and will be led by Taking Flight. At the end of the session, you will have a practical toolkit for your children to use to combat anxiety and support wellbeing.
STUDIO
FREE
Sigma THEATRE
Thursday 22 November
BIG BANG NEWSLETTER EDITION 9 11
01202 280000 www.lighthousepoole.co.uk