SEP – DEC 2019
SEP – DEC 2019
unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
A genuinely shared experience for the whole family.” The Stage on Beasty Baby
“Piercing, relevant, terrifying and beautifully told.” What’s On Stage on Trojan Horse Fringe First Winner 2018
WELCOME TO Y “A brilliant new version of the alluring old Russian fairytale.” The Scotsman on Baba Yaga
“Hypocrisy-smashing new show about disability that’s hilarious, clever and depressingly vital viewing.” The Stage on Still No Idea
YOUR SEASON
“Their work is never less than sublime.” The Independent on Told by an Idiot
“Speaking truth to power: this is the rebirth of political theatre.” The Guardian on Truth to Power Café
CREATIVE
MEMBERSHIP
CUTTING EDGE THEATRE FOR £5 At Unity we’re passionate about supporting and developing our creative community, so we’re offering £5 tickets to Unity shows to aspiring and established artists of all ages and art forms. Creatives from all industries are welcomed – choreographers, musicians, writers, performers, arts workers… you name it! Find out more and sign up for free at unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk/creative-membership
UYCREATIVES Our new Unity Young Creatives programme enables young people aged 14 – 18 to explore their creative talents, learn new skills and work in partnership with industry professionals. Built on the foundations of Unity Youth Theatre, we are relaunching our programme and widening our offer for the evolving artistic landscape. Projects will offer opportunities to create performances, exhibitions, installations, develop new writing, and experiment with digital arts, alongside experiences in traditional performing arts. Email uycreatives@unitytheatre.co.uk for more information.
NATIONAL YOUTH THEATRE
LOST BOYS
by Luke Barnes. Directed by Zoe Lafferty A humorous and heartfelt play by nationally acclaimed, award-winning Formby playwright Luke Barnes. Featuring energetic original songs by long-time Kneehigh collaborator Dom Coyote and Britain’s best young talent from the National Youth Theatre. Playfully directed by Zoe Lafferty, Lost Boys is a play for everyone about growing up in a new northern town, exploring how where you’re from and gender identity affects who you are, who you become and your mental health. Wed 4 – Wed 11 September 7.30pm | £14 | £10 conc Creative membership £5 Unity 1
Book now: 0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
“A lucid, delightfully
“Essential viewing...
“Hilarious, clever
ironic and politically
sincere [and]
and vital viewing.”
piercing 80 minutes.”
incessantly funny.”
The Stage
The Guardian
WhatsOnStage
Bunny in association with Ellie Keel Productions and Traverse Theatre
STILL NO IDEA
by Lisa Hammond, Lee Simpson and Rachael Spence
Lisa and Rachael want to make a show, but there’s a problem: they don’t have any ideas. So who do they turn to? The Great British Public of course! Still No Idea is Lisa and Rachael’s quest: a mischievous look at two friends searching for drama, action, and a story to tell. Part-verbatim theatre, part-confession, part-comedy sketch show with a bit of singing and dancing thrown in. Turns out getting the public to write your story is quite an adventure. Ages 14+ Fri 13 & Sat 14 September |7.30pm £15 | £12 conc Creative Membership £5 Unity 1
Book now: 0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
Ben Phillips
A LONG WAY HOME Every year for the last 30 years, an absent father has sent his son an empty box for his birthday. This year, following his father’s death, his son resolves to find out why. A Long Way Home is a semi-autobiographical, fantastical, absurd quest to come to terms with a parent’s inheritance. A show devised by Ben Phillips in collaboration with John Wright (founder member of the acclaimed companies Told By and Idiot and Trestle). Ages 14+ Thur 26 September | 7.30pm £12 | £10 concs £5 Creative Membership Unity 1
CT
FOR
PE
7+
AG E S
SUFFRAJITSU
RFE
T ED OU AT GH GR U TE RO IN TH L BS
Horse + Bamboo Theatre and Little Angel Theatre
From the cotton mills of the Lancashire hills to the big smoke of London, we follow Annie, a young mill lass as she fights for her right to vote. Inspired by true events, suffrajitsus used Jiu Jitsu to protect themselves from arrest and police brutality, and ultimately helped win the fight to give women the vote! Combining original music, puppetry and some graphic novel style ‘Ka-Pows!’, Suffrajitsu shows that you too can change the world, no matter who you are. Sat 28 September | 2pm £10 | £8 conc Creative Membership £5 Unity 1
“Wonderful work that celebrates the possibilities of theatre.” The Guardian on Little Angel Theatre
see back pages for deatils
Book now: 0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
LEAP DANCE FESTIVAL
New Art Club
CUPID’S REVENGE A joyful, physical and verbal outburst against the forces that masquerade as love. The latest Dance Theatre Comedy show by groundbreaking performance company, New Art Club, is about love. Cupid’s Revenge is a response to the cynicism and division that is all around us. It has been made with Love. Commissioned by Pavilion Dance South West and supported by Cambridge Junction, CIRID, De Montford University and using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. Friday 4 October | 7.30pm £10 | £8 conc £5 Creative Membership Unity 1
Alexandrina Hemsley and Seke Chimutengwende
BLACK HOLES
Weaving poetic text and movement, Alexandrina Hemsley and Seke Chimutengwende retell the universe’s history from big bang to death. Speculating on how to be, with bodies carrying histories of marginalisation and anti-blackness, they propel lived experiences onto a cosmic scale. Choreographed, written and performed by Seke Chimutengwende and Alexandrina Hemsley Sat 5 October | 7.30pm £10 | £8 concs £5 Creative Membership *See Black Holes & Scratch Night for £15* Unity 1
SCRATCH NIGHT An evening of new and experimental dance work from some of the most exciting artists working in the UK. Curated by Alexandrina Hemsley and Seke Chimutengwende. Sat 5 October | 6pm £7 | £5 concs £5 Creative Membership *See Black Holes & Scratch Night for £15* Unity 2
“Thrillingly theatrical”
“Mesmerising
The Guardian (on Narvik)
storytelling.” Liverpool Echo (on SparkPlug)
Box of Tricks
UNDER THREE MOONS by Daniel Kanaber Directed by Adam Quayle
Under Three Moons takes place on three nights across three decades of two friends’ lives. From a school trip to France as teenagers, to a surf shack in their twenties, to Christmas in their thirties, Mike and Paul talk into the night. From boyhood to manhood to fatherhood, these are the nights they share. A new play about friendship and growing up, exploring how men relate to each other today. From the company behind SparkPlug and Narvik, winner of Best New Play at the UK Theatre Awards 2017. Wed 9 – Sat 12 October | 7.30pm £12 | £10 conc Groups 8+ £5 Creative Membership £5 Unity 1
Matthew Linley Creative Projects A Big Imaginations commission in association with STUN and ARC, Stockton
STITCH BROTHERS, PATCHWORK WONDERS
Welcome to Patchwork Wonders, a genre-bursting mix of beatboxing, live drawing, animation, jazz, hip hop and South Asian folk music. Created and performed by a trio of world class artists – musician and composer Arun Ghosh, artist Fabric Lenny and composer, beatboxer and sound artist Jason Singh. Be transported into the wonky, magical, dreamlike world of the Stitch Brothers as they take you on a journey of discovery. Playful, engaging and fun.
CT
FOR
PE
5+
AG E S
RFE
Tue 15 Oct | 3pm & 7pm £12 adults | £10 children Creative Membership £5 Unity 1
Book now: 0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
Windmill Theatre Company and Imaginate
that it proves irresistible!” The Times
Vaselina lives the quiet life, working as a receptionist in a very tall apartment block. But all that changes when she is forced to confront a terrifying resident who plays her music far too loudly and eats jelly babies with her mouth open. Who is this mysterious neighbour? Will she ever turn the music down? And what exactly is she planning for dinner? Direct from critically acclaimed seasons at the 2018 Edinburgh International Children’s Festival and 2019 Adelaide Festival. WINNER Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland 2019: Best Design Fri 25 October | 3pm £12 adults | £10 children Creative Membership £5 Unity 1
CT
FOR
7+
AG E S
RFE
bold and silly
By Christine Johnston, Rosemary Myers and Shona Reppe
PE
“ So outrageous,
BABA YAGA
“A sensual feast of colour, sound and movement.” Western Daily Press on Farfalle
Compagnia TPO
MINI
Combining theatre and interactive play, mini is a bold, unforgettable theatrical experience for young children and their families. Audiences are invited to join another world; a light-filled, colour-soaked landscape where two dancers meet and play. The children take to the stage, bursts of shapes and sound come to life real-time as they play and explore. A unique, magical experience for 2-4 year olds that inspires creativity, imagination and dynamism.
CT
FOR
PE
2+
AG E S
RFE
Wed 30 October | 2pm & 3pm (35mins) £9 adults | £8.50 children Unity 1
Book now: 0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
“Boldly physical and passionate.” The Independent
“An urgent, important play.” British Theatre Guide
LUNG
TROJAN HORSE
By Helen Monks and Matt Woodhead Trojan Horse was a local story that hit the national press, accusing ‘hardline’ Muslim teachers and governors of plotting extremism in Birmingham schools. Adapted from the real-life testimonies of those at the heart of the UK Government’s inquiry, critically acclaimed theatre company LUNG investigates what really happened. Originally developed with Leeds Playhouse, Amnesty International Freedom of Expression & Fringe First Award-winning production, Trojan Horse is the story of a community torn apart by racial division, ‘British values’ and the culture of Prevent. WINNER Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award WINNER Fringe First Award 2018 Fri 18 & Sat 19 Oct | 7.30pm £12.50 | £10.50 concs Creative Membership £5 Unity 1
“Piercing, relevant, terrifying and beautifully told.” WhatsOnStage see back pages for details
A Paines Plough and Tamasha production
I WANNA BE YOURS By Zia Ahmed
Ella is from Yorkshire. Haseeb is from London. They order a pizza. House red for Ella. Hot chocolate for Haseeb. “I think I’m falling in love with you.” A tender, funny, lyrical play about finding love and holding onto it with everything you’ve got. I Wanna Be Yours is the debut play from Zia Ahmed. Ages 14+ #IWANNABEYOURS Fri 25 October | 7:30pm £15 | £12 concs £5 Creative Membership Unity 1
“The lifeblood of the UK’s
“Tamasha is a mirror reflecting a nation
theatre ecosystem.”
of continuing change and creativity.”
The Guardian on Paines Plough
Journalist Yasmin Alibhai-Brown Book now: 0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
HOMOTOPIA FESTIVAL 2019: RESIST! RESIST! Glittering, brave, bold and daring, Homotopia Festival is back this November with 10 days of the very best international, national and local LGBTQ+ artists and performers. Featuring theatre, visual art, dance and cabaret, Homotopia is the UK’s longest running LGBTQ+ arts & culture festival. This year’s festival theme is Resist! Resist! so expect dissent, cutting political commentary and identity interrogation. See unitytheatre.co.uk for this year’s full line up. Tues 5 Nov – Sat 9 Nov See website for sales info
co-production
Kitchen Sink Live in association with Unity Theatre and 20 Stories High
REAL-EYES
By Abby Melia | Directed by Julia Samuels Be the first to see this hard-hitting, funny and heartwarming work-inprogress based on a true story. Sophie and her Mum live under the same roof... but they just don’t seem to connect like they used to. So when new boyfriend Phil moves in to take the role of stepdad, Sophie feels pushed out even more… Kitchen Sink Live is a new Liverpool Theatre company dedicated to making Real authentic theatre with and for young people. Kitchen Sink Live are graduates of LAUNCH, a professional development programme for emerging theatre-makers from Merseyside. Ages 13+ Tue 29 October | 7.30pm £5 all tickets Unity 2
Book now: 0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
Graeae and Theatre Royal Plymouth
ONE UNDER “A company that refuses to be relegated to the sidelines.” The Guardian on Graeae
“Forceful, thrilling, stunning.” The Daily Telegraph on The Solid Life of Sugar Water
Amit Sharma’s spot-on production.”
By Winsome Pinnock Commissioned by Ramps on the Moon in association with Curve One Under is an evocative play about the power of guilt and the quest for atonement. Award-winning playwright Winsome Pinnock and Deputy Artistic Director at Birmingham Rep Amit Sharma join forces to explore the fragility of human relationships in this reimagining of the 2005 play of the same name. When a young man jumps in front of a train Cyrus is driving, the mysterious circumstances prompt him to search for answers… Graeae are world-renowned for placing D/deaf and disabled artists centre-stage. All performances of One Under will feature creative captioning and audio description.
The Guardian on The Solid Life of Sugar Water Thur 14 – Fri 15 November | 7.30pm £14 | £10 concs Creative membership £5 Unity 1
see back pages for details
Book now: 0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
“The revolutionary potential of theatre... at its simplest and most direct.” The Guardian
TRUTH TO POWER CAFÉ Created by Jeremy Goldstein Verse by Henry Woolf Directed by Jen Heyes
A moving performance event mixing memoir, image, poetry, music; live and spontaneous testimony from participants in response to ‘who has power over you and what do you want to say to them?’ Is it to your parents, a sibling, politician, lover, landlord, neighbour, religious leader, boss, banker, or your best friend? It’s time to tell them the truth before it’s too late. Participants are cast in advance from the people of Liverpool. Sat 16 November | 7:30pm £14 | £12 concs Creative Membership £5 Unity 1
“Pure theatrical gold.” The Gay UK
AT E AT K IP .U IC .CO RT ER PA OW TO OP T UP TH GN RU SI T
co-production
A Told by an Idiot & Theatre Royal Plymouth production
THE STRANGE TALE OF CHARLIE CHAPLIN AND STAN LAUREL with Royal & Derngate, Northampton and Unity Theatre, Liverpool
Created by Told by an Idiot In 1910 Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel set sail for New York as part of Fred Karno’s music hall troupe, with Stan as Charlie’s understudy. Stan later found success with Oliver Hardy and Charlie quickly became world famous. In Charlie Chaplin’s autobiography Stan Laurel is never mentioned. Stan talked about Charlie all his life. Co-commissioned by London International Mime Festival. The events in this play are fictional. This play is certainly not endorsed by the estates of Charlie Chaplin, Stan Laurel or anyone else for that matter! Tue 18 – Sat 22 February 2020 7:30pm | Sat Matinee 2pm Relaxed performance Wed 19 Feb £12 - £16 |£10.50 conc Groups 8+ £8 Creative Membership £5 Unity 1
“Theatre about as inventive, imaginative and fantastical as it gets.” Time Out on Told by an Idiot see back pages for details
Book now: 0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
Theatre-Rites
BEASTY BABY Deep in the forest, in a wintry land, lives a gorgeously grizzly Beasty Baby. Mayhem and laughter await around every corner as three people embark on a wild adventure to bring up this mischievous and totally loveable child. This December, escape the cold with an enchanting festive encounter for young children and their families. Theatre-Rites return after the runaway success of Big Up! to bring us a unique seasonal treat that will charm and delight little ones and their grown-ups alike. Using an inspired mix of puppetry and live music, Theatre-Rites create a funny and magical shared experience for the whole family, to warm up those cold winter days.
“Utterly enchanting.” Exeunt Magazine
£1* with Ticket T&C’s apply
10 – 28 December | various times £12 adults | £10 children | £13 & £11 with ice cream *pre booked only Unity 1
AT “An imaginative bundle of joy.” The Stage DECEMBER Tue 10
10am
1pm
Wed 11
10am
1pm
Thu 12
10am
1pm
Fri 13
10am
1pm
Sat 14
11am
2:30pm
Mon 16
10am
1pm
Tue 17
10am
1pm
Wed 18
10am
1pm
Thu 19
11am
2:30pm
Fri 20
11am
2:30pm
Sat 21
11am
2:30pm
Mon 23
11am
2:30pm
Tue 24
11am
2:30pm
Wed 25
NO PERFORMANCE
Thu 26
NO PERFORMANCE
Fri 27
11am
2:30pm
Sat 28
11am
2:30pm
DIFFERENCE ENGINE
RELAXED
CT
signed performance using British Sign Language.
FOR
3+
PE
less formal performances, in a more supportive atmosphere to reduce anxiety levels.
AG E S
RFE
captioning or audio description direct to a mobile device.
BSL
“Exquisite… truthful and touching.” The Guardian Book now: 0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
Travelled Companions and Unity Theatre
EARLY YEARS CREATIVE PLAY
Creative and interactive play sessions for young children, combining live music, movement, storytelling and sensory play and based on different exciting themes each week. Family members of all ages are encouraged to attend. Thursdays 7 November - 12 December 10. 30am £4 adults | £3.50 children | £2.50 grandparents
Mothers Who Make is a grass roots, national initiative, dedicated to supporting mothers. Monthly sessions are held at Unity, led by Tmesis Theatre’s Claire Bigley. Sessions are open to all mothers who make - painters, writers, actors, dancers, producers, film-makers - every kind of maker, is welcomed, and every kind of mother. Those with babies and preschool children can bring them along. August 13 (offsite special!) | September 10 | October 8 | November 12 | December 3 10. 30am – 12.30am Pay By Donation Book online at unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
Free events to help you get more out of your experience. Debates, Q&As, screenings, podcasts & more…. Look out for extras and events throughout this guide and more as they are announced at unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
Support Us Unity Theatre is a registered charity and we cannot survive on ticket sales alone. We depend on one-off donations and regular contributions from individuals and organisations to stage exciting, ambitious productions for and with the people of Merseyside. Donations can help us sustain our award-winning Youth Theatre and develop the most dynamic, talented new writers, directors & performers in the North West. To find out more about how to support our work, see unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk/support-us THANK YOU TO OUR MAJOR FUNDERS FOR THEIR INVALUABLE ONGOING SUPPORT
AND TO OUR CAPITAL REDEVELOPMENT FUNDERS.
THE RAVENSDALE TRUST
THE REX MAKIN FAMILY
UNITY THEATRE PATRONS
Bill Kenwright CBE
Josette Bushell Mingo OBE
David Morrissey
Andrew Lancel
John Bishop
UNITY THEATRE ANGELS Mr Terence Davis, Mr Joe Farrag, Mrs Frances Flooks, Mrs Carol Frood, Ms Mary Morgans, Mr Nicholas Orr, Mr Martin Powell, Mr and Mrs Stone, Mr Frank Thompson, Ms Vivienne Ruth Tyler, Mr & Mrs Mark White, Ms Sue Williams.
UNITY ASSOCIATES
A very special thank you to all Unity Volunteers. We are a registered charity (1062 463) and gratefully acknowledge the support of our funders, donors and audiences. A private company limited by guarantee - number 3333987.
Photo by Robert Workman
presents
"An imaginative bundle of joy� The Stage
A magical Christmas treat, especially for 3-6 year olds and their families.
Tue 10 - Sat 28 December 2019 unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk 0151 709 4988 www.theatre-rites.co.uk @theatrerites #beastybaby Originally co-produced with Polka Theatre