An innovative production of King Lear, directed by Bristol University drama graduate Paul Stebbings for international musical theatre company TNT, is one of the highlights of the new autumn season at the Wickham Theatre.
One of the best equipped studio theatres at a British university, the Wickham Theatre, named after Professor Glynne Wickham, founder of Bristol’s Department of Drama: Theatre, Film and Television and of university Theatre Studies in this country, brings a mix of provocative productions to its intimate space.
The new season also features Birmingham’s Big Brum Theatre company, Sheffield’s Unlimited Theatre and the best in student theatre produced by members of the Department of Drama.
The season starts with a visit from Big Brum Theatre Company and The Balancing Act on Saturday 28 October, 7.30pm. This piece was written especially for the company by Edward Bond, one of the UK’s most distinguished playwrights, as part of an ongoing unique relationship between the company and writer. The Balancing Act is a black comedy exploring what happens when the world, dominated by irrational ideas, obsession and fanaticism, descends into chaos. Big Brum and Edward Bond are renowned for producing gripping theatre that tackles complex social and political issues, aimed at both young people and the wider community. (Tickets £8, concs £5).
Double Fringe First winners, the acclaimed Unlimited Theatre are firm Edinburgh Festival favourites. They bring their latest show Tangle to the Wickham on Friday 3 November, 7.30pm which claims to mix quantum physics with urban myth, and humour with ethics. Masters of the surreal, they have developed their own particular brand of theatre and are in high demand across the globe. Drawing on such influences as The Wombles, Moonlighting and Dr Who, Tangle is edifying, funny and full of unexpected connections, and promises to change the audiences’ view of the world. (Tickets £8, concs £5).
TNT Music Theatre presents King Lear, Shakespeare’s magnificent tragedy, on Tuesday 7 November, 7.30pm. TNT tour works by Shakespeare and other classics internationally, and have a significant reputation for their intelligent approach. This latest production seamlessly integrates live music, as it would have done originally at The Globe. TNT allows Shakespeare’s remarkable language to breathe whilst using music to heighten the emotional response. The score includes cello, violin, percussion and stunning five-part harmony. This production has won acclaim from both the public and critics alike across Europe, America, Asia and the Middle East. The role of Lear is played by veteran RSC actor Anthony Pedley. TNT founder members are graduates of the Department of Drama, and this is a rare return visit. (Tickets £8, concs £5).
The final event of the season is an in-house production by students of the Drama Department in January. decisions, decisions, decisions is led by Bristol-based professional director and choreographer Charlotte Hacker, with sound design by Matthew Olden and runs from Thursday 25 to Saturday 27 January, 7.30pm. This new, experimental piece of theatre explores the process of decision-making, using contemporary performance techniques and physical theatre to intrigue and challenge audiences. (Tickets £4, concs £3).
Box Office 0117 987 7877 (via Bristol Old Vic).