Arena Theatre Autumn 2023 Brochure

Autumn 2023

Theatre | Dance | Music | Comedy

ARENA THEATRE

Hello! Contents

Welcome to the Autumn 2023 season at the Arena Theatre, University of Wolverhampton.

You may notice we’ve had a bit of a brochure redesign after ten years! We now have some new, features inside: including interviews, a brand-new Friends of the Arena scheme, and lots more!

We’re delighted that we’re continuing as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation after successfully achieving funding last year, and our artist development, education, and community work is stronger than ever.

We’re continuing to bring an affordable night out to Wolverhampton and the Black Country, welcoming back companies such as London Classic Theatre with their adaptation of Faith Healer, and simultaneously introducing you to new companies such as Expial Atrocious who hail from Dudley, and are bringing us Butchered later this year.

If you’re looking for a bit of family theatre, look no further than Little Angel Theatre who are bringing us a Christmas treat of Wow! Said the Owl in early December.

You may have also heard we’re now screening National Theatre Live, and full details of dates we have coming up can be found in here too. You can keep an eye on our social media channels for screening announcements.

Our development evenings are going strong as a free night out too, including Arena Collaborative Theatremakers, Poetry and Story Tellers Assemble (PASTA) and How’ve Yow Been Dragged Up? showcasing the best in local, upcoming talent.

Myself and the team cannot wait to welcome you for another season, and we thank you for your ongoing support.

Performances p04 - p27

Arena Collaborative

Theatremakers p13

Poetry and Storytellers p14

Learning and Participation p28

At a Glance p38

How to Book p40

How to Find us p42

Neil Reading Artistic Director + The Team

Become a friend

The Arena Theatre is excited to be re-launching its Friends of the Arena membership scheme for Autumn 2023!

Tue 5 Sept

Wed 6 Sept

Thu 7 Sept

Fri 8 Sept and Sat 9 Sept 7.30pm

Tue, Thu and Sat only

Tickets £15 full price £12 concessions

RENT

Wolverhampton Youth Music Theatre

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.

Box office 01902 321 321

Book tickets online arena.wlv.ac.uk

All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.mtishows.co.uk

14/48 Wolverhampton

14/48 UK

7 writers, 7 directors, a team of actors, designers, and musicians + 48 hours = 14 world premier plays.

14/48 Wolverhampton is the Wolverhampton satellite of “the world’s quickest theatre festival” in which 14 new plays are written, directed and performed within a 48-hour timespan.

The concept is simple: assemble some of the most talented artists in the region, apply a stringent deadline, add a few extra resources for good measure

Fri 22 Sept and Sat 23 Sept 7.00pm and 9.30pm

and see where their combined creativity leads them.

The Arena Theatre is giving audiences the exciting opportunity to witness seven brand new plays each day –written, rehearsed and performed in 48 hours.

‘IT’S A BRILLIANT, AMAZING ENERGETIC NIGHT OF NEW THEATRE, TWICE. YOU’D BE MAD TO MISS IT!’

Image courtesy of Stephanie Gilford

Tickets

£12

Confetti

Quick Duck Theatre

Box office

01902 321 321

Book tickets online arena.wlv.ac.uk

Felix is uptight and unlucky in love. He’s the mate of honour at his best friend’s wedding – one they’ve been planning since childhood –and he’s going to make sure it’s absolutely perfect. That is, as long as there are no distractions along the way…

Will Jackson, star of Yours Sincerely (“A Rising Comic Star” Attitude Magazine), returns to the Arena Theatre with his new Edinburgh Fringe smash

hit. Unashamedly queer, Confetti is a celebration of the gay best friend – often sidelined in traditional rom-coms, Felix is the star of this show, wearing his heart on his sleeve and keeping the party going.

THE SCOTSMAN

“A GLEEFUL, GLITTERY ONE-MAN ROM-COM”

Wed 4 Oct and Thu 5 Oct 7.30pm Tickets £12

Directed by Tonia

Daley-Campbell

Wanted

In the midst of a time of uncertainty, division and political unrest, a young woman wrestles with her own isolation and call to respond……

WANTED! explores the stories of 5 extraordinary ordinary women who share a passion for standing up for what is right!

This powerful new play features an array of historical figures; Irena Sendler, who rescued more than 2,500 children from the

Warsaw ghetto during the Nazi occupation; Olive Morris, British Black Panther and avid activist for women and squatters’ rights; Phoolan Devi, the fearsome Bandit Queen, and Dr James Barry, a woman way ahead of her time,

Written by Tonia Daley-Campbell, Therese Collins and Gazebo

Artistic Director, Pamela ColeHudson, and featuring a cast of 5, WANTED is played out in Gazebo’s inimitable style; powerful drama littered with humour, honesty and heart.

GAZEBO are a National Portfolio Organisation 2023-2026

Box office 01902 321 321

Book tickets online arena.wlv.ac.uk

Gazebo Theatre

Sun 8 Oct 7.30pm

Tickets £18

Overlooked Musicals

Ian Stephenson

West End singers return to the West Midlands to perform their favourite ‘overlooked’ songs from popular, as well as less well-known musicals.

‘Overlooked’ will also showcase songs by event MD and composer, Ian Stephenson, in support of an off-Broadway staged reading of one of his four musicals currently in development.

Featuring: Chris Allen, Jaii Andrew, Chris Buckle, Tasheka Coe, Aiden Cutler, James Edge, Theo Jackson, Lucy Lacey, Lauren Lockley, Lydia Rae, Sam Robinson, Liam Sargeant, Laura Stanford, George Stuart, Cameron Sharp, and Jake Sharp.

Thur 12 Oct 7.30pm

Tickets £12

Feel Me

The Paper Birds

Feel Me is a new interactive theatre show from The Paper Birds, UK leaders in devised verbatim theatre. Feel Me asks, via your mobile phone, who and what you care about from the stories unfolding live on stage in front of you.

A stunning mixture of live performance, film, projection, dance and music, Feel Me will explore the different lenses through which we are told, and connect to stories in the modern digital world.

Please note: All performances have integrated captions

Thur 19 Oct 7.30pm

Tickets £12

Phil Okwedy: The Gods Are All Here

Adverse Camber

Sparked by the discovery of letters from his father in Nigeria to his mother in Wales.

First-class storyteller, Phil Okwedy, skilfully weaves myth, folktales and legends of the African diaspora, with an astonishing personal story, to create a compelling, funny and warm performance.

Fri 20 Oct 7.30pm

Tickets £12

Headset

Farnham Maltings

Victoria Melody has made a habit of embedding herself in the world of Britain’s enthusiasts. Now she’s trying to crack stand-up comedy.

Wearing technology that shows what happens to your body when you’re funny, Victoria combines storytelling, stand-up, mischief and research to lift the curtain on both the brain, and the secret world of stand-up. It’s a celebration of our messy and disordered brains.

Victoria has previously become a pigeon fancier, northern soul dancer, beauty queen, championship dog show handler and funeral director, all in the name of art.

Sat 21 Oct 7.30pm

Tickets

£22

Information on the festival can be found at www. infusionemporium.com

Infusion Emporium 11

Alexis Southall

Box office

01902 321 321

Book tickets online arena.wlv.ac.uk

Returning for its 11th year, Infusion Emporium showcases some of the most innovative choreographers and dancers to have emerged from the fusion scene.

Blending Raqs Sharqi (bellydance) with contemporary influences and elements, expect to be dazzled and amazed by the diversity and creativity of the dance.

Performers include Zoe Jakes who is well known for both her innovative flare and for her work as a member of the band Beats Antique (USA); Jillina, the former director of Miles Copeland’s Bellydance Superstars and current director of the world-renowned show and dance company Bellydance Evolution (USA); beloved Turkish male-bellydancer Ozgen (TRNC) and up-andcoming star in the scene, Emilie (Switzerland). Joining them is a host of UK and European-based talent.

Faith Healer by Brian Friel

London Classic Theatre

Frank Hardy has a gift. A gift of healing.

A frayed banner hangs outside a desolate village hall. The sick, the suffering and the desperate arrive from out of the wind and the rain. They come in search of restoration, a cure.

Through the 1950s and 1960s, Hardy and his wife, Grace, travel to remote corners of Scotland,

Accompanied by manager Teddy, they move from village to village, bringing an unpredictable mix of theatricality and the spiritual.

Using four enthralling monologues to interweave the stories of these three intriguing characters, Friel takes us on an extraordinary journey of shifting perspectives and uncertain memories.

Fri 27 Oct and Sat 28 Oct

7.30pm

Tickets

£12 Jaivant Patel Company is an associate of Arena Theatre and is excited to be premiering their new production in Wolverhampton.

WALTZING THE BLUE GODS is supported by Arts Council England with seed commissioning from Arena Theatre, Midlands Arts Centre, GemArts, Kalasangham Arts and Black Country Touring. Box office 01902 321 321

Book tickets online arena.wlv.ac.uk

Waltzing the Blue Gods

Jaivant Patel Company

WALTZING THE BLUE GODS is a liberating tale in two parts, that reimagines the Queer symbolism of the Hindu gods, Shiva and Krishna.

This perfomance looks at the role they played in Jaivant Patel’s sexual awakening and spiritual relationship to faith, to becoming an openly homosexual British-Indian man.

Part auto-biographical, part fantasy, the evening celebrates new possibilities for a rich and traditional art form, Kathak, in the context of modern contemporary Britain that’s proud of its LGBTQI+ narratives.

OFFICE 01902 321

Featuring some of South Asian Arts’ globally respected choreographers, composers, and musicians, expect beautiful, authentic choreography by Urja Desi Thakore and Jaivant Patel, soulful rhythms composed by Alap Desai, paired with heartfelt, live music performed by, Yadav Yadavan, Vijay Venkat, John Ball and Sahib Sehmbey.

Jaivant Patel Company is an award-winning arts organisation rooted in Wolverhampton (UK) and is considered one of the leading voices in South Asian LGBTQI+ narratives, intersecting across the boundaries of race, gender, sexuality, faith, and spirituality.

Images courtesy of Boneshaker Photography.

Are you an emerging artist based in Wolverhampton?

Are you a student studying the Performing Arts, or with an interest in any aspect of the performing arts?

We are looking for writers, performers, devisers, directors and designers to join us.

Arena Collaborative Theatremakers (ACT) allows artists the space to develop

their own work, with support from industry professionals.

The collective meets in the Tilstone Studio at the Arena, giving an opportunity for artists to present their ‘work in progress’ to a small audience, allowing them to develop their projects in a safe, creative space.

ACT meeting dates this Autumn:

Tuesdays 7.30pm

12 Sept

3 Oct

7 Nov

Free to attend.

Meeting dates this Autumn:

ACT meeting dates this spring:Tuesdays

7.30pm

19 Sept

17 Oct

5 Dec

Free to attend.

Poets and Storytellers Assemble

PASTA is an open mic night with a difference.

Each month we ask people to perform a piece they’ve written on a theme which was chosen at the previous event. (We’ll advertise the theme on social media and online so everyone can join in).

Then we have a break so folk can grab a drink and have a chat. Depending on numbers and the vibe we might draw

another theme out the hat and see what people can create in the short time of the break – a chance to try your hand at speed writing and see what you come up with. Or, if people prefer, we may just come back and open the floor for open mics on any subject.

If you want to perform simply pop along to the night and see Emma, Dave, or Steve. Slots are about five minutes long, and we’re especially keen to welcome people who haven’t performed before.

Meeting dates this Autumn:

ACT meeting dates this spring:Tuesdays 7.30pm 26 Sept 31 Oct 28 Nov

Free to attend.

How’ve Yow Been Dragged Up?

Are you a local drag artist who has been itching to perform your latest act?

Are you passionate about drag as an artform?

How’ve Yow Been Dragged Up?

Is the newest addition to the Arena Theatre’s development programme, providing a safe and inclusive platform for local drag artists to try out and receive

feedback on their latest acts and projects. Hosted by a local West Midlands artist, How’ve Yow Been Dragged Up? will meet in the Tilstone Studio at the Arena Theatre, and the evening will welcome drag artists (regardless of experience and background) to come and develop their work in front of a small audience of fellow professionals and enthusiasts.

To book your slot, please e-mail our Access and Inclusion Manager, Kirsty Povey, at K.Povey2@wlv.ac.uk

National Theatre Live

The Arena Theatre is excited to be of British theatre to its audiences, featuring a series of acclaimed productions classic plays and contemporary dramas, by some of the UK’s most talented

Keep an eye on our social media for title announcements

National Theatre Live screenings will become an ever-present on the theatre’s programme of activities, and tickets are available online, over the phone and at the box office.

The Arena Theatre encourages everyone to check the theatre’s website and social media for the full schedule of screenings, and to reserve their seats well in advance.

to be bringing the best audiences, with the programme acclaimed productions including contemporary dramas, performed talented actors.

SCREENINGS: Wed 29 Nov 7.30pm

Tickets £12

Fri 3 Nov and Sat 4 Nov 7.30pm

Tickets

£12

full price

£10 concessions

Age guidance

All ages Info

This amateur production of ‘Allo ‘Allo is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www. concordtheatricals. co.uk

Box office 01902 321 321

Book tickets online arena.wlv.ac.uk

‘Allo Allo by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft

Starcross Youth Theatre

“Listen very carefully, I shall say this only once”

Do not miss joining Starcross Youth Theatre this November at the Arena as they continue their 30th Anniversary year celebrations with their hilarious production of ‘Allo ‘Allo.

Based on the hugely successful television series, this uproarious comedy relates the adventures of a hapless café owner, Rene’, in occupied France. Rene’ and his tone death wife, Edith, have stashed a priceless portrait

stolen by the Nazis in a sausage in the cellar, where two British airmen are also hiding until the Resistance can repatriate them. Communications with London using a wireless that is disguised as a cockatoo add to the many embarrassments this intrepid proprietor endures. News that the Fuhrer is scheduled to visit the town bring further complications. Meaning Rene’ will need to summon all the wit he can muster to save his café and his life!

Butchered

Expial Atrocious

Welcome to the kitchen where dreams come to die.

After working in a basement kitchen for as long as they can remember, Master Sausage only knows one thing. Eat, sleep, sausage, repeat. They cannot imagine their life beyond the butchery.

But when a babbling, freshfaced Apprentice arrives, a harsh reality is brought with them and sinister questions rear their heads. What does it mean to be happy? Is there more to life than this? What’s in those sausages anyway?

‘Sweeney Todd’ meets ‘The Trap Door’ in this blood-thirsty absurdist thriller about doing what has to be done…

Fri 10 Nov 7.30pm

Tickets £12

BAD ALTITUDE

Joseph Hancock

The Great British Mysteries team return with a high-octane, low-budget action thriller set 30,000 feet above sea level.

Olive and Teddy are back. And this time, it’s vertical. With sold-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and Soho Theatre under their thermal belts, Great British Mysteries are thrilled to be bringing the extremely tall tale to the Arena Theatre. It’s 1985, and past-it explorer Teddy Tyrell has blindly pledged to both find, then conquer, a mountain bigger than Everest. Even with his ever-doting assistant, Olive Bacon, by his side, surely this is one boast too far. Or is it? Is there really anything bigger than Everest? Will their crampons give them cramp? And is it actually possible for two performers to look like they’re climbing a mountain while only two feet off the ground?

Age guidance 14 years+

Sat 11 Nov 12.00pm, 2.00pm, 4.00pm, and 6.00pm

Tickets £12

Choosing Children

Ben Fredericks Collaborations

The future of genetic engineering is here. The DNA of your child can be altered even before its life has begun. But how far should we go? How far would you go?

From the pioneering studio Ben Fredericks Collaborations, ‘Choosing Children’ puts you face to face with some of the most urgent and challenging questions of our time and asks you to choose.

Spectacular and otherworldly, ‘Choosing Children’ blends theatre and digital projections to create a truly immersive experience. Accessible by design, this new interactive show asks you to play a role and discover the impact this new technology will have on humanity’s future.

Thu 16 Nov 7.30pm

Tickets £12

Brazen

Lorna Meehan

Remember dancing around your room to a band who felt like they were made for just for you?

Remember how good it felt to not give a damn about all your adolescent awkwardness and just feel brave and sexy and free?

Adventurous over thinker Lorna remembers vividly because she never grew out of her teenage obsession, it grew up with her.

A one woman show about coming of age, the nature of idolatry and the transformative power of music, Brazen explores why teenage girls get obsessed with rock stars and questions why we are told to grow out of it.

Fri 17 Nov 7.30pm

Tickets £12

Do You Understand Me?

Laura Hague

Through dance, projection and art installation, ‘Do You Understand Me?’ follows the journey of someone with dementia navigating an ever changing world and the new limits they face.

Choreography: Laura Hague

Projection & installation: Jack Wates

Music: Matthew Orrell

Supported by Newhampton Arts Centre, C-DaRE, Fieldworks Dance

Wed 22 Nov 7.30pm

No Refusal Film Screening

University of Wolverhampton Alumni Association

Manoj, a migrant taxi driver in Kolkata from Bihar, has learnt a new way of living through frequent racial discrimination as an outsider in the city.

He’s earning his bread and butter in the city for his family with a pregnant wife staying at his village in Bihar. Accidentally he runs over a person on the street and escapes from the city. No direction home, Manoj, interacts with an old peasant in a roadside crop field where it surfaces the villagers’ miseries due to the state policies’ incapabilities leading to producing migrant labourers to the big cities from the village.

Fri 24 Nov 7.30pm

Tickets £12

Empty Orchestra

Lewys Holt

Three dancers perform their favourite karaoke hits. As each dancer takes their turn at the mic, the remaining two take to the space, becoming backing dancers, lip-syncing and encouraging each other into the spotlight.

Through the revealing act of singing, Empty Orchestra creates a safe space to embrace both the wild, diva-like highs and deep, uncomfortable feelings of cringe inherent to karaoke.

See the pains, pleasures and coping strategies of each dancer unfold as they share their joy, timidity and power. Featuring classics ranging from Dolly Parton’s Jolene to Simon and Garfunkel’s Sound of Silence. And yes - you’re allowed to sing along.

Diwali Utsav: Sitaron Ke Sang

Jaivant Patel Company and Arena Theatre presents

‘Sitaron Ke Sang’ - a radiant brightness the stars illuminate in their togetherness; refers to Diwali, more popularly known as the Indian festival of lights.

Arena Theatre Associate, Jaivant Patel Company once again presents a vibrant evening of South Asian Dance featuring Bollywood, Kathak, Bharatanatyam to Bhangara and Dandiya Raas, in Celebration of Diwali.

Diwali celebrates the joyous commencement of the New Year. It marks the start of new beginnings, the triumph of good over evil and

Sat 25 Nov 7.30pm

light over darkness. This globally celebrated festival is a time when families and friends come together for goodwill, feasting, fireworks and dancing.

This uplifting, family friendly and entertaining celebration features some of the best British South Asian Dance artists, companies and community groups from the West Midlands and across the UK.

All are welcome to come and join us in celebrating this fantastic, diverse festival for all in the community.

For more information on Jaivant Patel Company please visit www.JaivantPatelCompany.com #JPCoDiwali23

Tickets £12 Box office 01902 321 321

Image courtesy of Matthew Cawrey.

Thur 30 Nov 7.30pm

Solastagia

Kasia Witek

Solastalgia is a new work by Polish-born dance artist

Kasia Witek.

Tickets

£12 Box office 01902 321 321

Book tickets online arena.wlv.ac.uk

Drawing on Deborah Hay’s choreographic practice, the philosopher Timothy Morton’s writings on nature, and the work of Yorkshire-raised environmental artist Andy Goldsworthy, Solastalgia questions our perception of nature as “other”, inviting both performers and audience to fully experience the range of emotions the climate crisis evokes.

Sat 2 Dec

Sun 3 Dec 11.00am and 2.00pm

Tickets £8

Wow! Said the Owl

Little Angel Theatre

Explore the wonderful world of colours with a curious little owl, who is determined to stay awake and see what daylight brings.

From the warm, pink glow of dawn through to a day filled with the bright colours of green leaves, blue sky, white clouds and, finally, a stunning rainbow — ‘WOW!’. But despite the beauty of the daytime world, the little owl decides that the night-time stars are the most beautiful of all.

WOW! Said the Owl, the acclaimed children’s book by award winning author, Tim Hopgood, is brought to life through a blend of beautiful storytelling, puppetry and music.

Directed by Joy Haynes, this show will delight and excite very young audiences.

Relaxed performances at 2.00pm both days

Age guidance 2-5 years old

Wed 6 Dec 7.30pm

Tickets £5

frivolities are back!

Join the staff, associate artists and partners of the Arena Theatre as we celebrate the Christmas season with live entertainment made up of Arena Theatre partners and Associate Artists, and highlights from our Development Programme for 2023.

Hosted by BBC WM’s Elise Evans.

Wed 13 Dec and Thur 14 Dec and Fri 15 Dec 7.30pm

Dark Tales in Winter

Arena Theatre and Beautiful Shadows Theatre Company

The Carnivorine by Lucy H. Hooper, adapted by Matt Beames

Tickets £12

The Body Snatcher by Robert Louis Stevenson, adapted by Hannah Torrance

Fri 7.30pm only

In the midst of winter, the Arena Theatre and Beautiful Shadows bring you two chilling, classic tales adapted for the stage by a contemporary playwright and brought to life by talented performers.

Box office

01902 321 321

Book tickets online arena.wlv.ac.uk

These Dark Tales in Winter are set together in an evening of entertainment that will bring a delightful chill to the season. Keep an eye on the Arena Theatre’s website and social media for performance and casting announcements.

‘THESE DARK TALES IN WINTER HAVE BEEN PUT TOGETHER FOR A THRILLING EVENING OF ENTERTAINMENT, CERTAINLY A STRIKING CONTRAST TO SHOWS TYPICAL OF THE FESTIVE. BROADWAYBABY

Tues 19 Dec 7.30pm

Tickets £10

FDC In Motion

Flexus Dance Collective

FDC in Motion is an intimate performance event, showcasing and sharing new works in progress by young people, emerging artists, and professional artists affiliated with Flexus Dance Collective.

Sterran Dance Scholarship Award:

Sponsored by Arena Theatre Wolverhampton, the Sterran Dance Scholarship Award is offered to Sterran Touring Company dancers to support young dancers in training, providing incentive and ambition for youth dancers to follow and pursue careers in the Arts.

The Award provides a 50% reduction in Company Fees for the 2023-24 academic year, and additional mentor support in sourcing appropriate progression routes in Arts subjects at FE & HE Level.

Flexus Dance Collective Youth Company Auditions

Sunday 24th September at Coppice Performing Arts School

CALL OUT FOR YOUTH DANCERS AGED 11-21 YEARS

The Youth Companies of Flexus Dance Collective hold an excellent reputation, based on the standards, creativity, and discipline nurtured in the dancers. Company members receive high-quality technical training and artistic development in the creation of new works each year.

Flexus Youth Dance: 11-17 years

Sterran Touring Company: 15-21 years

Application Deadline: Friday 15th September

For further information and an audition application form, please contact flexusdanceco@outlook.com

Project Xpedition

Delivered by the Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, and Flexus Dance Collective, Project Xpedition is an arts management programme for young people (aged 12 – 21 years old) based in Wolverhampton and the Black Country, Telford and Shropshire and Staffordshire who are interested in pursuing a career in the Creative Industries.

Over twelve months, young people will participate in workshops and discussions with creative professionals focused around project co-ordination, event management, marketing and technical roles – such as lighting, sound and design – with Project Xpedition culminating in an annual Arts Event for which the young people will have complete ownership over the design and development.

Alongside this, young people will be instrumental in shaping the offers – including the programming and outreach work – of the Arena Theatre and Flexus Dance Collective, ensuring both organisations remain in touch with an inspiring and influential generation.

Project Xpedition includes:

• Silver Arts Award qualification

•Development of a Creative Industry toolkit

•Design and delivery of a youth led arts event in a professional venue

• Mentoring opportunities from creative professionals

As part of the programme, young people will also receive:

• A reference from creative professionals and CV development

• Complimentary tickets to Arena Theatre performances and events

• Opportunity for work experience with both the Arena Theatre and Flexus Dance Collective

• The chance to work under creative professionals, receiving valuable careers advice and guidance.

If you are interested in applying for the 2023/24 intake of Project Xpedition, please e-mail our Education and Outreach Manager, Sam Fleming on Sam.Fleming@ wlv.ac.uk, to receive an application form.

My name is Verity Dowding, I’m 15 years old and very passionate about the performing arts. I have danced for over 13 years and am currently dancing in Sterran Touring Company. I took part in Project Xpedition in 2022 and became an ambassador for 2023.

What first interested you about Project Xpedition and the Arena Theatre?

I wanted to partake in Project Xpedition because I wanted to experience the theatre in more than a performance role. I wanted to understand what happened backstage and before performances to develop my knowledge of theatre.

What was your favourite element/ workshop from Project Xpedition?

I really enjoyed learning about access. The workshops and practical were extremely fun and learning what the staff do to make the theatre an experience for everybody has opened my eyes to the challenges others take to do something we may take for granted.

What did you learn on Project Xpedition that you didn’t think you would learn?

Going into Project Xpedition, I thought I was only going to be learning about the technical aspect of putting on a show (lighting, set and sound) and while we did learn about this, I have also learned many new skills; working as a team member, time management.

What has been biggest takeaway from Project Xpedition?

Having achieved my Silver Arts Award has further educated me about the hard work and time spent for a creative team to put on a show. Project Xpedition has allowed me to appreciate all elements of theatre and how hard people work to make sure as many people as possible can enjoy the theatre.

What were you most proud of?

It feels so rewarding to be able to say I have put on a show with my team and I am very proud of the work I put into achieving my Silver Arts Award. I am also incredibly proud of how I have developed my confidence

How do you feel you have developed?

I feel that I have developed as a person and learned about how to be a better leader and communicator within my team of pioneers. I have become more confident and adaptable for different situations.

What piece of advice would you give young people wanting to pursue careers in the Creative Industries?

Make sure that you take any opportunities that you are given and try your best to make connections with as many people in the arts, because it opens up many new opportunities! You should never give up what you’re passionate about, even if people tell you that you can’t do something, do it anyway!

What are your ambitions for the future?

To further develop my skills through higher education studying Performing Arts, Dance and Drama at sixth form. I also wish to complete my Gold Arts Awards in the next few years.

Education and Outreach

Grand Arena Youth Theatre

The Grand Arena Youth Theatre is an exciting collaboration between the Arena Theatre and Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, where young people work alongside a professional director to grow and improve their acting and devising skills.

Sessions focus on technique, as well as working towards two performances staged at the Arena Theatre.

Youth Theatre members have the opportunity to participate in specialist workshops with professional touring companies, and attend performances at both theatres each term at a heavily discounted rate.

Weekly rehearsals take place every Monday evening – excluding half-terms and Bank Holidays – here at the Arena Theatre.

Juniors: Ages 9-13

Rehearsals: 6pm – 7:30pm

Performance: July 2024

Seniors: Aged 14-18

Rehearsals: 8pm – 9:30pm

Performance: February 2024

For prices, please contact the Grand Theatre on 01902 322 646.

Grand Arena Youth Theatre

Meeting dates this Autumn term

Mon 11 Sep

Mon 18 Sep

Mon 25 Sep

Monday 2 Oct

Mon 9 Oct

Mon 16 Oct

Mon 23 Oct

Mon 6 Nov

Mon 13 Nov

Mon 20 Nov

Mon 27 Nov

Mon 4 Dec

Monday 11 Dec

Monday 18 Dec

“THIS WAS THE MOST USEFUL TO DEVELOPING MY PRACTICE, AND THE WORKSHOP WAS DELIVERED IN A PARTICULARLY INCLUSIVE, FRIENDLY, KIND, AND SUPPORTIVE WAY.”

NATIONAL THEATRE DRAMA TEACHER’S PARTICIPANT IN VAMOS THEATRE REVEALING THE MASK

Revealing the Mask

This energetic and creative full mask course, suitable for teachers, lecturers, and educators at any level, introduces participants to full mask.

Using games, exercises and shared exploration, the workshops carefully guide participants through the basics mask skills through to devising mask work. It is a course that will inspire and feed your teaching!

During the course we will cover:

- Characterisation

- Physicality

- Focus and clarity of movement

- Devising and internal monologue

- Creating mask script,

- The role of music and sound

- How you can use mask as part of your wider teaching.

Fri

13 Oct 10am –4pm

Places are LIMITED!

Tickets £50 per teacher

ACT meeting dates this

Friends Membership

spring:

Priority booking and discounts on selected performances for one person and a £10 contribution to support Arena Theatre.

Become a Friend for just £15 per year.

Joint Friend

Priority booking and discounts on selected performances for two people and a £15 contribution to support the Arena Theatre.

Become a Joint Friend today for £20 per year.

Family Friend

Priority booking and discounts on selected performances for up to four people, and a £20 contribution to support the Arena Theatre.

Become a Family Friend today for £25 per year.

Join Today!

Become a Friend of the Arena Theatre today by giving our Box Office a call on 01902 321 321 or popping in to see us in-person!

Friend of the Arena Theatre

Join

Your membership includes a donation to the support the venue, ensuring we can keep continue to offer artist development opportunities, and education packages to our local community.

PART OF DISCOVER! CREATIVE CAREERS WEEK

PRIMARY PANEL

(AGES 8-11 YEARS OLD)

11:00AM – 12:00PM

SECONDARY PANEL (AGES 12-16 YEARS OLD)

1.00PM – 2.00PM

A Creative Career Conversation

Join the Arena Theatre, and members and venues of Wolverhampton Cultural Education Partnership as we shine the spotlight on careers in the Creative Industry by bringing together two panels of professionals who have forged careers.

From offering invaluable advice on navigating a competitive industry, to sharing their own personal stories: professionals will offer insight into the diverse

paths that led them to where they are now, with panelists boasting expertise in the visual and performing arts, music, and much more.

Whether you’re an aspiring artist, or simply curious about what the Creative Industries could entail for you, come along for this free event: you will not want to miss your opportunity to ask the panelists those burning questions!

Wed 15 Nov 10am –4pm

Tickets FREE entry

Access

Access Performances

The Arena Theatre is open and accessible to all customers and has an extensive range of services to ensure you have an enjoyable and comfortable experience.

If you require any assistance, information or support before, during or after your visit with us, please inform the box office when booking your tickets, this way we can find the best seats for you and ensure you have a great experience with us.

This information is also available online: wlv.ac.uk/arena-theatre/access/

Across our season we offer (where possible) a range of accessible performances. These include Audio Described, BSL-interpreted and captioned performances. We also offer Relaxed and Dementia-Friendly performances. You can find these earmarked throughout our brochure.

Accessible performances

Captioned Performances

Lift access to all levels

*(Please reserve your headset at the Box Office when booking your ticket)

Booking and your visit

Box Office and opening hours

The Arena Theatre’s box office is open 24/7 online for bookings. We are open 10am –5pm, Monday to Friday, for over the phone and in-person bookings. The box office will be open for bookings until 6pm when we have an evening performance.

Cancellations, refunds and exchanges

In the unfortunate event that a performance is cancelled, we will automatically offer you either a full refund, an exchange to another performance or a voucher that is valid across our professional season at the Arena Theatre.

Payments

We are now a cashless venue, so please bring your debit or credit card if you are making a purchase at the venue. We accept all forms of card apart from American Express. We do not accept theatre tokens.

Electronic tickets (E-Tickets)

Once you have booked your tickets online or in-person you will be sent a confirmation email which will contain your electronic tickets. When you arrive at the venue for a performance, you can either show us your electronic ticket or give us the name your booking was made under. You can also print your tickets at home and bring a paper version.

If your show or event is online, your e-ticket will contain any links and passwords you need to access the event. You can contact the Box Office with any issues regarding an online ticket.

If you are unable to attend the performance for any reason (excluding COVID-19), we will offer you either a voucher of the same amount or an exchange for another performance. We cannot offer a full refund unless it is COVID-19 related.

Schools, colleges and group bookings

Tickets for schools and colleges are our standard rate for that season, with one free ticket being offered for every ten. Teacher and carer tickets are free. This also applies to group bookings on groups over 10+. Any further discounts can be discussed directly with the venue.

Schools can reserve their tickets in advance, and final numbers and payment will not be taken until two weeks prior to the show date. We accept card and BACS payment from schools.

If you would like to come and see us in advance of your visit, to familiarise yourself with the Theatre, spaces, and facilities, please contact the box office: 01902 321 321.

Seating plan

Reserved seating

When booking your tickets you can choose where you sit (subject to availability). Simply choose from the seating plan below.

Thank you to our partners

Dr. Kinny Gardner BEM

Arena Theatre Patron

Dave Pitt Associate Artist Katy Sterran Associate Artist Jaivant Patel Associate Artist

Find us

By car

The Arena is easily accessible by road. Signs to ‘University (South)’ will lead you to Wulfruna street. Limited street parking is available outside. The nearby Broad Street car park is open 24-hours a day, and is just a three to four minute walk from the theatre. You can pay for parking at Broad Street with the RingGo app which is available for most phone devices.

For Google Maps and Sat Navs, input the postcode WV1 1SE for the Arena Theatre, and WV1 1JD for Broad Street car park. If Broad Street is full, Faulkland Street is the next nearest car park to the theatre - again this is payable with the RingGo app. The postcode for Faulkland Street is WV1 1JN. Please check the closing times when parking on the Wolverhampton Civic Centre car park, as this can sometimes shut at 8.00pm before shows at the theatre are finished.

By cycle

Bicycle parking is available outside of the theatre. Alternatively, we are happy to store bicycles in the box office for safekeeping.

By train

Wolverhampton train station is just a five-minute walk away from the Arena Theatre.

By bus and metro

Wolverhampton is served by bus companies who link all the surrounding towns in the area. Wolverhampton bus and metro stations are just a five-minute walk away.

By taxi

If arriving by taxi, please be aware there is no designated drop off zone so the driver may drop you off a little further down on Wulfruna Street. The box office are more than happy to book your return taxi on request.