BIG IMAGINATIONS FESTIVAL 2019: A captivating mix of children’s shows with music, dance and stories from all over the world. MATTHEW LINLEY CREATIVE PROJECTS A BIG IMAGINATIONS COMMISSION IN ASSOCIATION WITH STUN AND ARC, STOCKTON
STITCH BROTHERS, PATCHWORK WONDERS
A genre-bursting mix of beatboxing, live drawing, animation, jazz, hip hop and South Asian folk music. A wonky, magical, dreamlike world! Tue 15 Oct | 3pm & 7pm £12 adults, £10 children Unity 1
A WINDMILL THEATRE COMPANY AND IMAGINATE PRODUCTION
BABA YAGA
By Christine Johnston, Rosemary Myers and Shona Reppe Direct from a critically acclaimed, sell out season at the 2018 Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, Baba Yaga is a brand new take on an old Russian folktale. Fri 25 October | 3pm £12 adults, £10 children Unity 1
COMPAGNIA TPO
MINI
A bold, unforgettable theatrical experience for young children and their families. Enter a light-filled, colour-soaked landscape where the audience take to the stage. Wed 30 October | 2pm & 3pm £9 adults, £8.50 children Unity 1
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 don’t seem to connect like they used to. 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
SEX EDUCATION A blend of startling performance and moving storytelling as Harry Clayton-Wright delves into his sexual past, live on stage. This show contains themes that some audience members may find distressing and explicit sexual content. Ages 18yrs+ Tues 5 November | 7.30pm £8.50 | £6.50 conc Unity 2
NIGHTCLUBBING Rachael Young and her badass band of superhumans embrace Afrofuturism and the cult of Grace Jones in NIGHTCLUBBING – an explosive new performance bringing visceral live music and intergalactic visions to start a revolution. Wed 6 November | 7.30pm £9.50 | £7.50 conc Unity 1
Glittering, brave, bold and daring, Homotopia is back!
STARS A concept album for the stage. Told by a solo performer and a live DJ with projected animation. One woman’s moving, funny, space odyssey in search of her own orgasm. Ages 14+ Thurs 7 November | 7.30pm £6.50 | £5 conc Unity 1
THE GLOOP SHOW Our leading green autistic drag queen takes you on a psychomagical trip… THE GLOOP SHOW restitches the fabric of our reality and charts sublime new political territories. This is your survival guide to the 21st century! Explicit content | Contains haze/strobe lighting.. Ages 18+ Fri 8 November | 7.30pm £9.50 | £7.50 conc Unity 1
Book now: 0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
SPLIT BRITCHES A humorous slant on love, life, gender and sexuality, featuring much-loved moments from Split Britches shows. A greatest hits for fans and the perfect primer for the uninitiated! Sat 9 November | 7pm £10.50 | £8.50 conc Unity 1
JOAN Courage, conviction and hope: this is Joan of Arc performed by drag king champion Lucy Jane Parkinson. A fusion of lyrical new writing and cabaret prowess. A fearless solo play, with uproarious songs. Sat 9 November | 9pm £7.50 | £5.50 conc Unity 2
GRAEAE THEATRE AND THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH
ONE UNDER
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 Graeae’s associate director Amit Sharma join forces to explore the fragility of human relationships in this reimagining of 2005 play of the same name. 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. Thu 14 & Fri 15 November | 7.30pm £14 | £10 conc Unity 1
“A company that refuses to be relegated to the sidelines.” The Guardian on Graeae “Forceful, thrilling, stunning.” The Guardian on The Solid Life of Sugar Water
Book now: 0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
TRUTH TO POWER CAFE 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 simply your best friend? It’s time to tell them the truth before it’s too late. Sat 16 November | 7.30pm £14 | £12 conc Unity 1
SIGN UP TO PARTICIPATE AT TRUTHTOPOWER.CO.UK
“The revolutionary potential of theatre... at its simplest and most direct.” The Guardian
UGLY BUCKET THEATRE
GOOD GRIEF Directed by Rachael Smart and Grace Gallagher A dying man’s wish; for Ugly Bucket to create a show about death. Will it be subtle? Will it be profound? Probably not. But it’s his funeral. Literally. Ugly Bucket process the death of a friend in the only way they know how; through a high energy maelstrom of clowning, slapstick, verbatim, and thumping techno tracks. Good Grief is a paranormal physical performance of loss and the memories left behind. Thurs 28 November | 7.30pm £12 | £10 concs £5 Creative Membership Unity 2
Supported
“A fast paced, frenetic maelstrom of clowning, dancing, slapstick and techno.” The Stage on Bost-Uni Plues
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. Using an inspired mix of puppetry and live music, Theatre-Rites creates a funny and magical shared experience for the whole family, to warm up those cold winter days. Ages 3+ Tue 10 - Sat 28 December | various times £12 adults | £10 children £13 & £11 with ice cream *pre-booked only Unity 1
“Utterly enchanting.” Exeunt Magazine
“An imaginative bundle of joy.”
£1* with Ticket T&C’s apply
The Stage
“Exquisite… truthful and touching.” The Guardian
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
CT
signed performance using British Sign Language.
FOR
3+
PE
less formal performances, in a more supportive atmosphere to reduce anxiety levels.
BSL
AG E S
RFE
captioning or audio description direct to a mobile device.
RELAXED
Book now: 0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
AT
TURNTABLE IN ASSOCIATION WITH UNITY THEATRE
FOUR TO THE FLOOR Directed by Matt Rutter and Chris Tomlinson Devised by the Company Produced by Sarah Lovell Associate Artist - Robert Farquhar The developers are moving in… so you’re invited to the closing party of the century. Immersive theatre with an electronic heartbeat, Four to the Floor uncovers the history of dance music – from disco, into the all night underground scene - the invention of the Four to the Floor beat synonymous with every dance record. Stories of illegal raves, warehouse parties, political movements, youth culture and super star djs....here we go! Ages 16+
Wed 22 – Sat 25 January | 7.30pm £10 – 15 Off-site at Invisible Wind Factory, L3 7DS
co-production
Audience praise for Four to the Floor preview performance “Brilliant work… excellent night of immersive theatre, dancing and thumping tunes.” “YES to TurnTable for a great success - everyone beaming at the end. Loved it!”
20 STORIES HIGH AND NATHAN POWELL IN ASSOCIATION WITH UNITY THEATRE
THE SPINE
A new play about goals, brotherhood and the football academy system. Kyle, Liam and Hakeem dream of football, fame and fortune...now the premier league is at their fingertips. But the cracks begin to appear as the pressure of academy life takes its toll. An explosive new show that shines a spotlight on a system that promises the world but leaves over 99% of young men on the sidelines. Thurs 13 - Sat 15 February | 7.30pm £10 | £8 concs £5 Creative Membership Unity 1
“A theatrical gem... a social outcry.” Everything Theatre on Nathan Powell’s Takeaway
co-production
Book now: 0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
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 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!
co-production
Tue 18 - Sat 22 February 7.30pm, Sat matinee 2pm £16 / £14 | £12 conc Unity 1
DADAFEST
DADA SCRATCH A unique opportunity to experience brand new, exciting work from four emerging artists. Helen Cherry, Amina Atiq, Tammy Reynolds and Bethany Murray will be using spoken word, dance and creative writing to explore a range of topics. Audio description and BSL will be available for this event. This is a relaxed event which means you can expect a comfortable, well-lit environment. Part of Dada and Unity’s shared programme of talent development. Thurs 27 February | 6.30 – 8.30pm Pay from just £3 Unity 1 DaDaFest believes events should be accessible for all and is operating a pay what you like scheme for this event.
Book now: 0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
I AM ECHOBORG Rik Lander and Phil D Hall A funny, thought-provoking show created afresh each time by the audience in conversation with an artificial intelligence. Can the audience agree a best possible outcome for relations between humans and intelligent machines? The AI has its own agenda, but it can also learn. The content, tone and ending of each show are different each time depending on the conversation that ensues. Fri 6 March | 7.30pm £14 | £10 concs |£5 Creative Membership Unity 1
“I had tears running down my eyes I was laughing so hard. 10/10, would Echoborg again.” Audience member “Somewhere between participatory theatre and open warfare.” Audience member
TMESIS THEATRE CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2020 #EACHFOREQUAL
WICKED WOMEN (30 mins) An uplifting physical performance celebrating extraordinary women from history that changed the world. Wed 11 March | 4pm & 7pm £6/5 Unity 1
BORN AT DEVOTED & DISGRUNTLED: Vital conversation for women in the arts. “How do we build a gender balanced world in the arts, challenge stereotypes, broaden perceptions, change situations?” Wed 11 March | 11am-3pm £5 Unity 2
YOUNG BORN AT D & D A free conversation exploring gender balance, for women aged 14-19, to ensure the voices of young women are heard. Wed 11 March | 5 - 6.30pm Free Unity 2
VAMOS THEATRE, IN A CO-PRODUCTION WITH CORN EXCHANGE NEWBURY AND A CO-COMMISSION WITH LONDON INTERNATIONAL MIME FESTIVAL
DEAD GOOD
Bob and Bernard have only two things in common: they’re both dying… and they’re not going down without a fight. So, with a bottle of Bollinger and the keys to Bernard’s Bentley in hand, they decide to hit the road, and take on one final, death-defying adventure. Funny and poignant in equal measure, Dead Good is the hotly anticipated new production from full mask maestros, Vamos Theatre. Fri 20 March | 7.30pm £15.50 | £13.50 concs £5 Creative Membership / Under 25s Unity 1
“Spellbinding... powerful and thought-provoking.” Liverpool Echo on A Brave Face
SCOTTEE & FRIENDS LTD
CLASS
Scottee grew up around mould, mice and clothes off the market, but he knew he didn’t want to be common. In his final solo show Scottee uncovers what it is to be embarrassed about where you’re from, how you can pretend to be posher than you are and explores why we all get a thrill playing god with green tokens from Waitrose. This is a show for the middle classes. Fri 17 April | 7.30pm £14 | £10 concs £5 Creative Membership Unity 1
“Scottee’s work often comes in camouflage. Its flippancy conceals its fight.” The Guardian “A progressive sensibility with tits-n-teeth showmanship.” Time Out
Book now: 0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
TEATRO POMODORO IN ASSOCIATION WITH UNITY THEATRE
SIRENS, MEN AND CRABS
Welcome to a world where the Sirens are the unsung heroines, Ulysses will never be the hero he wants to be and Giant Crabs are taking over. Sirens, Men and Crabs is a surreal blend of clown and dark comedy that will turn Ancient Greece upside down. This farce takes you through a bizarre and politically relevant journey that will leave you in stitches. Award winning company Teatro Pomodoro are back. Thur 23 – Sat 25 April | 7.30pm £14 | £12 concs £5 Creative Membership Unity 1
“Teatro Pomodoro are always a delight.” North West End
Supported
SHOW AND TELL IN ASSOCIATION WITH SOHO THEATRE
SH!T THEATRE DRINK RUM WITH EXPATS
Celebrating their final year as Europeans, island-monkeys Becca and Louise were invited to the 2018 European Capital of Culture in Malta. They went to drink rum with Brits abroad but found a lot more than they expected. Lads on tour Sh!t Theatre want to talk about home, your home, what we are doing in your home, what you might be doing in our home and how cheap the beers are. Fri 1 - Sat 2 May | 7.30pm £14 | £12 concs £5 Creative Membership Unity 1
WINNER: FRINGE FIRST 2019
“Political theatre that is true, and hilarious, and horrifying.” The Independent
Book now: 0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
UYCREATIVES
A HAND-MADE TALE Using techniques derived from puppetry, UYC present a thought-provoking and inspiring tale exploring themes of control and manipulation; a critical look at contemporary politics. Produced in association with Headstrung Puppets 13 - 14 March | 7.30pm Pay By Donation | £8, £10, £15, £20 Unity 2 Our 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. Email uycreatives@unitytheatre.co.uk for more information.
A grassroots, 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. Jan 14 | Feb 11 | Mar 10 | Apr 14 | May 12 (10.30am - 12.30pm) Pay by Donation Book online at unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
MEET THE PLAYWRIGHT
SLATE SOCIALS
Meet One Under’s playwright Winsome Pinnock and gain an insight into her writing process. Winsome will discuss storytelling and technical aspects of the Graeae play. A fully interactive session, questions and discussions are welcome.
Slate is a new international programme in the North of England that aims to support thousands of Black Independent Artists by increasing access to local, national and international networks. Artists looking for support, and details of Slate’s monthly socials in the Unity Theatre Bar, can contact saphena@eclipsehteatre.org.uk. eclipsetheatre.org.uk/slate
Winsome Pinnock is an award winning writer for stage, radio, and television. Her new play ROCKETS AND BLUE LIGHTS was the winner of the prestigious Alfred Fagon Award 2018. Most recently a revival of her 1987 play LEAVE TAKING played at the Bush Theatre to critical and commercial success. Fri 15 November | 1pm FREE with a ticket to One Under (14 & Fri 15 Nov)
Travelled Companions and Unity Theatre
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.
Feb 27 | March 5 | March 12 | March 19 | March 26 | April 2 10.30am £4 adults | £3.50 children | £2.50 grandparents
CREATIVE
MEMBERSHIP
Free events to help you get more out of your experience. Debates, Q&As, screenings, podcasts & more… Look out for extras and events and find out more at unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
CUTTING EDGE THEATRE FOR £5 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
A UNIQUE SPACE FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT
Unity has intimate spaces and a personal approach to match your venue hire and event needs. Accessible and friendly, we have two theatre spaces and a bar area for hire and can offer access to artists, technical support, AV and catering as part of our delegate package for meetings of up to 150 people. Get in touch and see how we can support you and your next meeting. info@unitytheatre.co.uk
THANK YOU TO OUR MAJOR FUNDERS FOR THEIR INVALUABLE ONGOING SUPPORT
SUPPORT US SUPPORT THEM
AND TO OUR CAPITAL REDEVELOPMENT FUNDERS.
UNITY THEATRE PATRONS
Bill Kenwright CBE
Josette Bushell Mingo OBE
Andrew Lancel
David Morrissey
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 Theatre has been developing artists, supporting ground-breaking productions, and working with hard to reach communities to develop new audiences for over 40 years. We are eternally grateful to our sponsors, benefactors and funding organisations that have supported us through the years; we couldn’t do it without them. We continue to find new ways to embrace new audiences and challenge the status quo with innovative theatre and we need your help.
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.
As a registered charity, there are many ways to support us from one-off donations to regular giving through direct debit, gift aid and sponsorship. Simply contact us to find out more: info@unitytheatre.co.uk
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