Arts of the UK 2020: Making theatre fairer for women writers through empowering new company Burn Bright

LONDON – With plays by writers who identify as women still struggling to breakout on the larger stages, writers Tori Allen-Martin and Sarah Henley have come together to launch Burn Bright, a new not-for-profit organisation driving positive change for the next generation of women in the creative industry. Fuelled by the erasure of their work, this inspirational pair have founded the organisation to create a … Continue reading Arts of the UK 2020: Making theatre fairer for women writers through empowering new company Burn Bright

Arts of the UK 2020: Be The Star of New Musical Cautionary Tale From The Comfort of Home

LONDON – Brand new musical Cautionary Tale was deep in development when the Covid-19 pandemic struck and the workshop performances had to be cancelled. But despite this, the effort has not gone to waste. Now, the writers are giving people the opportunity to stage it in their own homes and share their recordings online. For five weeks, they will release sheet music and backing tracks, … Continue reading Arts of the UK 2020: Be The Star of New Musical Cautionary Tale From The Comfort of Home

Arts of the UK 2020: Women Modern Masters at The Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh

EDINBURGH – Women have always been integral to the institution of art but, despite this, many women artists have found opposition in the narrative of art history, facing difficulty in gaining recognition. Women Modern Masters at Edinburgh’s The Scottish Gallery seeks to look back as well as forward, celebrating major female artists throughout their history. The exhibition revisits some of the great names of the … Continue reading Arts of the UK 2020: Women Modern Masters at The Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh

Arts of the UK 2020: Artist Maxwell Fine donates percentage of profits to Switchboard as calls to their LGBTQ+ helplines rise during COVID-19

LONDON – Amidst stark warnings that the LGBTQ+ community is at increased risk of suicide and depression if observing lockdown in unsupportive or abusive homes, Maxwell Fine is donating a percentage of the sales of his dynamic typographical prints and sculptures to the helpline, Switchboard. A long-time supporter of the LGBTQ+ charity, the artist and designer turned to the helpline himself while in a shattering, … Continue reading Arts of the UK 2020: Artist Maxwell Fine donates percentage of profits to Switchboard as calls to their LGBTQ+ helplines rise during COVID-19

Arts of the UK 2020: Theatre Centre looks ahead with a season with a difference, offering new educational initiatives

LONDON – Rob Watt’s striking inaugural season as interim Artistic Director of Theatre Centre launches with a digital writing course led by exceptional professional writers to champion the next generation of voices. Alongside this are two fantastic new collaborations: 19 new commissions as part of ImagiNation, a digital anthology with Theatre503 to be presented by the nation; and a tour of a powerful new writing … Continue reading Arts of the UK 2020: Theatre Centre looks ahead with a season with a difference, offering new educational initiatives

In London’s (Off) West End 2020: The Pleasance Theatre Trust suspend planning for 2020 Edinburgh Festival Fringe

LONDON – As part of a collective agreement with other venue operators and The Festival Fringe Society, it is with great sadness that The Pleasance Theatre Trust has taken the decision to suspend planning for the 2020 Edinburgh Festival Fringe season. This follows the suspension of operations at the Pleasance Theatre in London earlier this month. While the Pleasance remains hopeful that we will be through … Continue reading In London’s (Off) West End 2020: The Pleasance Theatre Trust suspend planning for 2020 Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Arts of the UK 2020: Creating entirely new Micro-Operitas online with #OperaHarmony

LONDON – Connecting creativity in the Coronavirus Crisis, #OperaHarmony looks to assemble teams from across the globe for all new homemade micro-operitas to be shared online. With ongoing support, composers will be paired with librettists to build the pieces on the themes of ‘distance’ or ‘community’ before being matched with directors and singers to record and turn their microopera into an online reality to share … Continue reading Arts of the UK 2020: Creating entirely new Micro-Operitas online with #OperaHarmony

Arts of the UK 2020: Britain’s ‘Sistine Chapel’ , the magnificent Painted Hall, goes digital

LONDON – Although it’s not possible to visit in person at the present time, the Old Royal Naval College, part of Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site, has ensured that the public can still marvel at their iconic attraction. A free 360-degree interactive virtual tour of the magnificent Painted Hall has been launched to provide visitors with the opportunity to explore Britain’s Sistine Chapel up … Continue reading Arts of the UK 2020: Britain’s ‘Sistine Chapel’ , the magnificent Painted Hall, goes digital

In London’s (Off) West End 2019: Surviving the lockdown through Improv, Hoopla Improv Festival Takes to Zoom

LONDON – It’s often said that laughter is the best medicine and, Hoopla, the UK’s first improv theatre, are injecting comedy into the current crisis with online improv classes for those on lockdown. Following the cancellation of their normal workshops and the delay to their annual improv festival, the company have created online drop-in sessions, bringing improvisation to one’s living room-turned-home-office. Packed with 100s of improv … Continue reading In London’s (Off) West End 2019: Surviving the lockdown through Improv, Hoopla Improv Festival Takes to Zoom

Arts of the UK 2020: Hotel Paradiso by Lost in Translation (Preview)

LONDON – Check into the Hotel Paradiso this April as Lost in Translation, one of the UK’s leading contemporary circus companies, bring their circus spectacular to Newcastle and Kent. An establishment like no other, Hotel Paradiso is a hilarious and boisterous family show for adults and children alike. Doing battle with the dastardly Banker, the hapless and charming staff must tumble and swing to catch … Continue reading Arts of the UK 2020: Hotel Paradiso by Lost in Translation (Preview)