This what the critics think about Old World at The Courtyard Theatre, Pitfield St. London N1 6EU:
Time Out London:
The Stage:
"A mature, reflective and ultimately moving production...amply captures the autumnal feel of Arbuzov’s gentle love story, with rain falling and leaves shimmering in the garden...creates some beautiful sequences with closely observed direction, allowing the story to develop at its own pace and rhythm and keeping the dialogue alive with controlled and precise work from his actors"
Bath Chronicle:
"Mesmerising to watch...seamless and witty...brilliant acting...simply beautiful"
Hampshire Chronicle:
"Moving and sensual without ever becoming heavy-handed...we are led beyond a simple romance, through the struggles of Soviet history to eternal questions about love, age, redemption and death...amid a minimal but versatile set that ingeniously conveys the faded grandeur of Riga, the two actors superbly convey both the humour and the pain of that journey"
Old World, by Aleksei Arbuzov, starring Kevin Colson and Ros Liddiard, continues at The Courtyard Theatre in Pitfield Street, London N1 6EU until 18th November.
For more details: http://www.primetheatre.com/
LISTING INFORMATION /
VENUE: The Courtyard Theatre – Pitfield Street, London. N1
DATES: Tuesday, 23 October to Saturday, 18 November 07
(except Monday’s)
TIME: 8pm
TICKETS: £16 / £12 conc
VENUE BOX OFFICE: 0870 163 0717
www.seetickets.com
EDITORS NOTES /
Prime Theatre was established by Ros and Peter Liddiard in 2006 with a remit to provide work opportunities for older artists, performing theatre and entertainments which would appeal primarily (but not exclusively) to older audiences. In March 2007, funding was awarded by The Arts Council and National Lottery (Awards for All).
‘Old World’ was first presented by the RSC at the Aldwych in 1976, with Peggy Ashcroft and Anthony Quayle, directed by Terry Hands. Peggy Ashcroft received the Society of West End Theatre Award for Actress of the Year in a New Play, 1976. The show, retitled ‘Do You Turn Somersaults?’ transferred to Broadway, with Mary Martin and Anthony Quayle.
The Courtyard Theatre Ltd, based in the Grade II listed, former Hoxton Library houses 7,000 square foot of performance, gallery and rehearsal space, including a 20 metre long, 4.5 metre high main house theatre, seating 150 and a further 15 metre long studio theatre seating 70. The new complex also complies with DDA guidelines and has disabled access to all parts of the premises.
Production photographs, cast photographs, and photographs of Patrons Edward Woodward, Michele Dotrice and Roy Dotrice are available on the web-site
www.primetheatre.com, or directly from Prime Theatre.
Prime Theatre’s contact details are:
Ros Liddiard – Artistic Director 01962 861758
07795 250155
Peter Liddiard – Company Manager 01962 861758
07736 792635
Press Release 9th October 2007
The Courtyard to re-open with
Prime Theatre’s ‘Old World’
Since relocating to the Grade II listed former Hoxton Library, The Courtyard is due to celebrate its public opening with an exciting autumn programme of theatre which will kick-off with newly established theatre company Prime Theatre and their production of Aleksei Arbuzov’s OLD WORLD on Tuesday, 23 October 07.
To commemorate the opening, a special performance and reception will take place on Thursday, 25 October.
With an emphasis on providing sensibly-paid work for more mature artists and, subsequently, offering projects of interest to senior sections of the community, Prime Theatre is delighted to be performing at The Courtyard, as Artistic Director Ros Liddiard comments: “It has been our ambition for some time to create a theatre company that helps cater for the growing concern of aging actors/actresses, writers and technicians. It has been particularly exciting realising our dream and feel ‘Old World’ could not be a more fitting play for our UK debut. We are especially pleased to be able to perform at a renowned venue such as The Courtyard and greatly look forward to launching the autumn season in their new home”.
Written in 1975 by Aleksei Arbuzov (1908-1986), directed by Andy Burden and performed by Kevin Colson (Rodion Nikolayevich) and Ros Liddiard (Lidya Vasilyevna), ‘Old World’ is a touching story of hope and compassion with gentle hints of humour, proving that love can blossom in the most unlikely of places.
Well known for his work in the West End and on Broadway, Kevin Colson starred in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Aspects of Love’ in the West End, and on transfer to Broadway and was honoured with a Tony Award Nomination. Ros Liddiard has wide experience of theatre, film and T.V and was awarded Best Actress Award for her portrayal of Esmé in ‘Amy’s View’ at The Nuffield Theatre, Southampton.
“Mesmerising to watch… seamless and witty… brilliant acting… ingenious set… simply beautiful”
THE BATH CHRONICLE
The year is 1968. Russian tanks have just rolled into Prague, causing yet another Cold War crisis – and in swinging London ‘The Beatles’ raise eyebrows by recording ‘Back in the USSR’, but in a sanatorium set on the Baltic sea the tides of history – political or cultural – mean little to surgeon Rodion Nikolayevich and patient Lidya Vasilyevna. Lydia is an eccentric new patient at the sanatorium where Rodion is Medical Head. They are neither of them youthful, they have both suffered in life, they have very different characters, but something draws them to each other and a rapport is built beyond doctor-patient. When her stay is up, can Lydia leave him for Moscow?
This Prime Theatre production promises a heart-warming, poignant performance with a pleasant balance of wit and charm brought to life by some of the finest, talented cast and crew in the country.
‘Old World’ will be performing at The Courtyard every evening from 8pm until Saturday, 18 November. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the box office on 0870 163 0717 or online at www.seetickets.com
Release Ends – (498 words)
For further details, images, press tickets and interview requests please contact
LISA KINGSNORTH at SPIN on 0845 257 1479 or 07977 928571 / lisa@marketingspin.co.uk
LISTING INFORMATION /
VENUE: The Courtyard Theatre – Pitfield Street, London. N1
DATES: Tuesday, 23 October to Saturday, 18 November 07
(except Monday’s)
TIME: 8pm
TICKETS: £16 / £12 conc
VENUE BOX OFFICE: 0870 163 0717
www.seetickets.com
EDITORS NOTES /
Prime Theatre was established by Ros and Peter Liddiard in 2006 with a remit to provide work opportunities for older artists, performing theatre and entertainments which would appeal primarily (but not exclusively) to older audiences. In March 2007, funding was awarded by The Arts Council and National Lottery (Awards for All).
‘Old World’ was first presented by the RSC at the Aldwych in 1976, with Peggy Ashcroft and Anthony Quayle, directed by Terry Hands. Peggy Ashcroft received the Society of West End Theatre Award for Actress of the Year in a New Play, 1976. The show, retitled ‘Do You Turn Somersaults?’ transferred to Broadway, with Mary Martin and Anthony Quayle.
The Courtyard Theatre Ltd, based in the Grade II listed, former Hoxton Library houses 7,000 square foot of performance, gallery and rehearsal space, including a 20 metre long, 4.5 metre high main house theatre, seating 150 and a further 15 metre long studio theatre seating 70. The new complex also complies with DDA guidelines and has disabled access to all parts of the premises.
Production photographs, cast photographs, and photographs of Patrons Edward Woodward, Michele Dotrice and Roy Dotrice are available on the web-site
http://www.primetheatre.com/, or directly from Prime Theatre.
Prime Theatre’s contact details are:
Ros Liddiard – Artistic Director 01962 861758
07795 250155
Peter Liddiard – Company Manager 01962 861758
07736 792635
Press Release 5th September 2007
Prime Theatre presents
OLD WORLD by Aleksei Arbuzov
Directed by Andy Burden
Embarking on their debut UK tour, new-found theatre company PRIME THEATRE present their production of Alezsei Arbuzov’s OLD WORLD, commencing on 27 September.
The company, which formally launched on 5 September 07, has already attracted considerable interest, not only in theatrical circles, but also from the wider community. With an emphasis on providing sensibly-paid work for more mature artists and, subsequently, offering projects of interest to senior sections of the community, Prime Theatre has received high-level backing with patrons including Michelle Dotrice, Roy Dotrice and Edward Woodward.
Commenting on the company Edward Woodward says: “Prime Theatre is a bridge builder in every sense and it is much needed, but the most important thing is that it is here now.”
Written in 1975 by Aleksei Arbuzov (1908-1986), directed by Andy Burden and performed by Kevin Colson (Rodion Nikolayevich) and Ros Liddiard (Lidya Vasilyevna), ‘Old World’ is a touching story of hope and compassion with gentle hints of humour, proving that love can blossom in the most unlikely of places.
The year is 1968. Russian tanks have just rolled into Prague, causing yet another Cold War crisis – and in swinging London ‘The Beatles’ raise eyebrows by recording ‘Back in the USSR’, but in a sanatorium set on the Baltic sea the tides of history – political or cultural mean little to surgeon Rodion Nikolayevich and patient Lidya Vasilyevna. Lydia is an eccentric new patient at the sanatorium where Rodion is medical head. They are neither of them youthful, they have both suffered in life, they have very different characters, but something draws them to each other and a rapport is built beyond doctor-patient. When her stay is up can Lydia leave him for Moscow?
Founder Peter Liddiard comments on their new tour: “In ‘Old World’ the characters, the plot, and its intentions and style, fit perfectly with Prime Theatre philosophy; to deny ‘old age’ and show that older actors, writers and technicians do not lose the motivation and dedication of their youth. ‘Old World’ offers the perfect balance and can be enjoyed by theatre-goers, young and old.”
This Prime Theatre production promises a heart-warming, poignant performance with a pleasant balance of wit and charm brought to life by some of the finest, talented cast and crew in the country.
‘Old World’ can be seen at venues across the UK, commencing at Bath’s Rondo Theatre on 27 September, performing eight further venues, culminating with a special opening-night performance for the recently relocated Courtyard Theatre, Islington on 26 October (see tour schedule for further details).
Word Count / 433
EDITORS NOTES /
Prime Theatre was established by Ros and Peter Liddiard in 2006 with a remit to provide work opportunities for older artists, performing theatre and entertainments which would appeal primarily (but not exclusively) to older audiences. In March 2007, funding was awarded by The Arts Council and National Lottery (Awards for All).
‘Old World’ was first presented by the RSC at the Aldwych in 1976, with Peggy Ashcroft and Anthony Quayle, directed by Terry Hands. Peggy Ashcroft received the Society of West End Theatre Award for Actress of the Year in a New Play, 1976. The show, retitled ‘Do You Turn Somersaults?’ transferred to Broadway, with Mary Martin and Anthony Quayle.
TOUR SCHEDULE /
Venue
Dates
Time
Box Office
Web-site
Rondo Theatre,
Bath
Thursday 27th –
Sat 29th September
8.00pm
01225 463362
Bath Festivals Box Office
www.rondotheatre.co.uk
Havant Arts Centre
Wednesday 3rd October
1.45pm
02392 472700
www.havantartscentre.co.uk
Phoenix Theatre,
Bordon
Friday 5th October
8.00pm
01420 472664
www.phoenixarts.co.uk
Quay Arts Centre, Newport, IoW
Saturday 6th October
8.00pm
01983 822490
www.quayarts.org
Central Studio, Basingstoke
Tuesday 9th October
7.45pm
01256 418318
www.centralstudio.co.uk
South Hill Park,
Bracknell
Wednesday 10th October
7.30pm
01344 484123
www.southhillpark.org.uk
Thursday 11th October
2.30 & 7.30pm
Norden Farm Arts Centre, Maidenhead
Friday 12th October
7.30pm
01628 788997
www.nordenfarm.org
Chesil Theatre, Winchester
Wed 17th - Fri 19th October
7.45pm
01962 840440
Theatre Royal, Winchester
www.chesiltheatre.org.uk
Saturday 20th October
3.00 & 7.45pm
The Courtyard Theatre, Islington, London
Tuesday 23rd October – Saturday 18th November
8.00pm
0870 163 0717
www.seetickets.com
See Web Ticket Agency
(Really Useful Theatre Company)
www.thecourtyard.org.uk
Press Release 16th September 2007
PRIME actors
EDWARD WOODWARD & MICHELE DOTRICE launch new theatre company
Prime Theatre, a new professional theatre company established with the primary aim of providing meaningful employment opportunities for older professionals, celebrated its official launch last week, in the presence of patrons Edward Woodward and Michele Dotrice and invited guests, with a delightful 1930s style tea dance.
Traditionally dressed Lyons Corner House waitresses, affectionately referred to as Nippies, served guests with tea and delicious homemade cakes. Afterwards the guests, many dressed in 1930’s outfits, took to the floor and danced to the sounds of Fred Astaire, Victor Sylvester, Glenn Miller etc.
Edward Woodward, best remembered for his roles in The Wicker Man, Callan and The Equaliser, proposed the toast. He spoke of his admiration for Ros and Peter Liddiard, the Winchester couple who set up Prime Theatre. He said “Even today, actors still suffer badly from ageism. By providing work for older actors, Prime Theatre is filling a much needed gap in the profession.” He then joked “Maybe they could give me a job”.
After the toast, Michele Dotrice, Edward’s wife and fellow Prime Theatre patron, and their daughter, Emily, cut the celebratory cake bearing the theatre’s logo.
Guest, Gavin Stride, Artistic Director of the Farnham Maltings, and representing the Arts Council England South East, congratulated Prime Theatre on their funding, enabling them to take on their inaugural tour, a production of Old World by Aleksei Arbuzov.
Old World is a delightfully observed and touching story, reminding us that it's never too late to find someone to grow old with.
Old World opens for a pre-London run at Bath’s Rondo Theatre on the 27th September 2007, before a tour of Theatres and Arts Centres in the south.
Old World will then transfer to the new The Courtyard Theatre, Pitfield Street, London N1 6EU from 22nd October, 2007, where it be the first production in its new location.
Please see http://www.primetheatre.com/ for full information.
(312 words)
Notes to Editors
· Edward Woodward is shown being interviewed at Prime Theatre’s launch tea dance on the following web-site:
http://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/news/video/index.var.7427.0.0.php
· Prime Theatre has received funding from Arts Council England, S.E., The National Lottery (Awards for All), Winchester City Council, Hampshire County Council, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Leigh Park Community Chest.
· Prime Theatre has been established with the primary aim of providing meaningful
employment opportunities for older artists, writers and directors.
· Prime Theatre also undertake Nostalgia Entertainments for older sections of
the community - for more details contact Prime Theatre's Artistic Director, Ros Liddiard, 07775 502061.
· Details of tour dates and venues for Old World see - www.primetheatre.com
Press release - 27th August 2007
Time Out London:
The Stage:
"A mature, reflective and ultimately moving production...amply captures the autumnal feel of Arbuzov’s gentle love story, with rain falling and leaves shimmering in the garden...creates some beautiful sequences with closely observed direction, allowing the story to develop at its own pace and rhythm and keeping the dialogue alive with controlled and precise work from his actors"
Bath Chronicle:
"Mesmerising to watch...seamless and witty...brilliant acting...simply beautiful"
Hampshire Chronicle:
"Moving and sensual without ever becoming heavy-handed...we are led beyond a simple romance, through the struggles of Soviet history to eternal questions about love, age, redemption and death...amid a minimal but versatile set that ingeniously conveys the faded grandeur of Riga, the two actors superbly convey both the humour and the pain of that journey"
Old World, by Aleksei Arbuzov, starring Kevin Colson and Ros Liddiard, continues at The Courtyard Theatre in Pitfield Street, London N1 6EU until 18th November.
For more details: http://www.primetheatre.com/
LISTING INFORMATION /
VENUE: The Courtyard Theatre – Pitfield Street, London. N1
DATES: Tuesday, 23 October to Saturday, 18 November 07
(except Monday’s)
TIME: 8pm
TICKETS: £16 / £12 conc
VENUE BOX OFFICE: 0870 163 0717
www.seetickets.com
EDITORS NOTES /
Prime Theatre was established by Ros and Peter Liddiard in 2006 with a remit to provide work opportunities for older artists, performing theatre and entertainments which would appeal primarily (but not exclusively) to older audiences. In March 2007, funding was awarded by The Arts Council and National Lottery (Awards for All).
‘Old World’ was first presented by the RSC at the Aldwych in 1976, with Peggy Ashcroft and Anthony Quayle, directed by Terry Hands. Peggy Ashcroft received the Society of West End Theatre Award for Actress of the Year in a New Play, 1976. The show, retitled ‘Do You Turn Somersaults?’ transferred to Broadway, with Mary Martin and Anthony Quayle.
The Courtyard Theatre Ltd, based in the Grade II listed, former Hoxton Library houses 7,000 square foot of performance, gallery and rehearsal space, including a 20 metre long, 4.5 metre high main house theatre, seating 150 and a further 15 metre long studio theatre seating 70. The new complex also complies with DDA guidelines and has disabled access to all parts of the premises.
Production photographs, cast photographs, and photographs of Patrons Edward Woodward, Michele Dotrice and Roy Dotrice are available on the web-site
www.primetheatre.com, or directly from Prime Theatre.
Prime Theatre’s contact details are:
Ros Liddiard – Artistic Director 01962 861758
07795 250155
Peter Liddiard – Company Manager 01962 861758
07736 792635
|
Venue |
Dates |
Time |
Box Office |
Web-site |
|
Rondo Theatre, Bath |
Thursday 27th – Sat 29th September |
8.00pm |
01225 463362 Bath Festivals Box Office |
www.rondotheatre.co.uk |
|
Havant Arts Centre |
Wednesday 3rd October |
1.45pm |
02392 472700 |
www.havantartscentre.co.uk |
|
Phoenix Theatre, Bordon |
Friday 5th October |
8.00pm |
01420 472664 |
www.phoenixarts.co.uk |
|
Quay Arts Centre, Newport, IoW |
Saturday 6th October |
8.00pm |
01983 822490 |
www.quayarts.org |
|
Central Studio, Basingstoke |
Tuesday 9th October |
7.45pm |
01256 418318 |
www.centralstudio.co.uk |
|
South Hill Park, Bracknell |
Wednesday 10th October |
7.30pm |
01344 484123 |
www.southhillpark.org.uk |
|
Thursday 11th October |
2.30 & 7.30pm |
|||
|
Norden Farm Arts Centre, Maidenhead |
Friday 12th October |
7.30pm |
01628 788997 |
www.nordenfarm.org |
|
Chesil Theatre, Winchester |
Wed 17th - Fri 19th October |
7.45pm |
01962 840440 Theatre Royal, Winchester |
www.chesiltheatre.org.uk |
|
Saturday 20th October |
3.00 & 7.45pm |
|||
|
The Courtyard Theatre, Islington, London |
Tuesday 23rd October – Saturday 18th November |
8.00pm |
0870 163 0717 See Web Ticket Agency (Really Useful Theatre Company) |
www.thecourtyard.org.uk |
Press Release 16th September 2007
PRIME actors
EDWARD WOODWARD & MICHELE DOTRICE launch new theatre company
Old World opens for a pre-London run at Bath’s Rondo Theatre on the 27th September 2007, before a tour of Theatres and Arts Centres in the south.
Old World will then transfer to the new The Courtyard Theatre, Pitfield Street, London N1 6EU from 22nd October, 2007, where it be the first production in its new location.
employment opportunities for older artists, writers and directors.
the community - for more details contact Prime Theatre's Artistic Director, Ros Liddiard, 07775 502061.
New Theatre Company Primed For Launch
Members of Prime Theatre, Winchester’s newest professional theatre company, will be celebrating their official launch with patrons Edward Woodward and Michele Dotrice on Wednesday 5 September.
The launch celebrations will begin with a champagne reception and luncheon at the Hotel du Vin, followed by a 1930s style Tea Dance, sponsored by Mentzendorff Bollinger and Twinings, at the 12th century Saint Peter upon Chesulle church in Winchester.
Representatives from Arts Council England South East, the National Lottery (Awards for All) and local authorities will join patrons and guests for dancing, afternoon tea and homemade cakes, served by traditional Lyons Corner House waitresses, affectionately referred to as “Nippies”.
Edward Woodward is perhaps best remembered for his roles in The Wicker Man, Callan and The Equaliser. Michele Dotrice, his wife and fellow Prime patron, is well known for her portrayal of Betty, the long suffering wife of Frank Spencer in Some Mothers do ‘Ave Em.
Michele’s father, Roy Dotrice, is also a celebrated actor and a patron of Prime Theatre. He said “Prime Theatre is serving a very worthwhile and so often neglected side of our profession - to support and promote the more ‘mature’ members of our grossly overcrowded profession.”
Prime Theatre’s Artistic Director, Ros Liddiard added, “We are delighted to be celebrating the launch with our Patrons and are grateful to all the supporters helping to fund our inaugural tour of Old World written by Aleksei Arbuzov, and the accompanying Nostalgic Entertainment pieces. Our funders’ belief in Prime Theatre and its aims has turned a dream into a reality”.
Notes to Editors
In addition to support from Arts Council England South East and National Lottery, local authorities Hampshire County Council, Winchester City Council, Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council, and Leigh Park Community Chest have offered significant support for the Nostalgia Entertainments.
For more information and further press invitations to this launch event, or to discuss photo opportunities, please contact Prime Theatre's Artistic Director, Ros Liddiard 07775 502061.
Prime Theatre's launch event - a tea dance - will be held at:
Saint Peter upon Chesulle church, home of The Chesil Theatre, Chesil Street, Winchester, SO23 0HU, on Wednesday 5th September 2007; 2.30pm - 4.30pm.
Prime Theatre has been established with the primary aim of providing meaningful employment opportunities for older artists.
Prime Theatre also undertake Nostalgia Entertainments for older sections of the community - for more details contact Prime Theatre's Artistic Director, Ros Liddiard 07775 502061.
Press release - 19th August 2007
THANKS FOR THE MEMORY
Nostalgia entertainment for people in their prime!
Prime Theatre, a new theatre company for older artists, announces their programme of Nostalgia Entertainments
Prime Theatre is delighted to announce the first round of their Nostalgia shows, Thanks for the Memory. The shows fulfil Prime Theatre’s aims to provide employment for older artists, and entertainments with appeal for older people.
Thanks for the Memory has been devised by the performers who are seniors themselves, and able to relate to their audiences, with whom they will much in common.
Thanks for the Memory takes nostalgic look back at the 30s, 40s & 50s, through the music, words, artefacts and events of the time. The audience will be invited to join in with singing and participation in the show and, most importantly, to reminisce about times and events of real relevance to their lives.
These nostalgia entertainments, presented free of charge, are run in association with Prime Theatre's upcoming touring production of Old World by Aleksei Arbuzov. The venues for the nostalgia shows are in the areas where Old World will perform in October. The cast of Thanks for the Memory will encourage their audience to see Old World when it visits their local theatre in October.
Prime Theatre has support funding from a number Local Authorities and, in these areas, subsidised tickets and travel will be offered to the seniors to see Old World.
The current schedule for Thanks for the Memory is:
|
Acorn Centre, Wecock Farm, Waterlooville |
Monday 20th August |
1.15 pm |
|
Winnall Community Centre, Winchester |
Tuesday 21st August |
10.30 am |
|
St John’s Charity Almshouses, Winchester |
Tuesday 21st August |
3.30 pm |
|
Melrose Community Centre, Popley, Basingstoke |
Thursday 23rd August |
10.30 am |
|
Riverside Centre, Newport, Isle of Wight |
Friday 24th August |
11.00 am |
|
Freshwater Memorial Hall, Freshwater, Isle of Wight |
Friday 24th August |
3.30 am |
|
Ambrose Allen Centre, Tadley, Basingstoke |
Tuesday 28th August |
11.00 am |
|
Kerrigan House, Southampton |
Wednesday 29th August |
10.00 am |
|
Battery Club, St Mark’s Church, Olivers Battery, Winchester |
Wednesday 29th August |
2.00 pm |
|
Leigh Park Community Centre, Havant |
Thursday 30th August |
11.00 am |
|
Bordon Working Men’s Club, Bordon |
Friday 31st August |
3.00 pm |
|
|
|
|
More venues are currently being organised.
Notes for Editors:
· Thanks for the Memory entertainments are performed by partners Ros & Peter Liddiard, Artistic Director and Company Manager of Prime Theatre respectively. Their photograph is attached.
· Ros and Peter Liddiard can be contacted on 07775 502061 and at primetheatre@btinternet.com
. “Of Course We Can Still Dance”, the motif for Thanks for the Memory was painted by artist and actress Una Stubbs. It is used with her kind permission.
· Support funding for Thanks for the Memory has been obtained from Prime Theatre’s principal funders, The National Lottery (Awards for All), and Arts Council England, South East, together with local funding from (currently: Hampshire County Council, Winchester City Council, Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council, Leigh Park Community Chest - Havant). Additional local funding is being sought to extend the areas for the Nostalgia performances.
· Details of Prime Theatre’s tour of Old World, by Aleksei Arbuzov, and Thanks for the Memory, can be found on the web-site http://www.primetheatre.com/ , including information about their patrons, Edward Woodward, Michele Dotrice and Roy Dotrice.
Press Release - 12th April 2007
Funding Boost for Actors in their Prime
Prime Theatre, a new theatre company based in
celebrating funding awards from both the National Lottery and the Arts Council.
Prime Theatre has been set up primarily to promote and encourage the talents of
mature artists, and to tour projects that will be of interest to older sections of the
community. Their aim is to "use, not lose" the talents of senior artists.
The company, soon to be launched formally, has been in existence for only a few
months. It has already attracted considerable interest, not only in theatrical circles,
but also from the wider community. It is the emphasis on providing sensibly-paid
work for senior artists, with projects of interest to senior sections of the community,
which has attracted so much attention, particularly with their plans to run
Reminiscence Sessions in conjunction with their major productions.
And Prime Theatre also has some high level backing of a different sort. Their
patrons are celebrated film, TV and stage actors Edward Woodward,
Michele Dotrice and Roy Dotrice, each of whom has given their wholehearted
backing to this new venture.
Artistic Director Ros Liddiard says:
"Prime Theatre has been an exciting company to help create; we are thrilled to
have so many expressions of interest and support offered to us. We are
particularly grateful to the Arts Council and the National Lottery for their generous
awards. These two significant supporters of theatre enterprise have, by their
grants, demonstrated that the plans of this new company are valid and worthwhile."
"We plan to launch Prime Theatre shortly, along with our plans for a tour of our
first production, Aleksei Arbuzov's Old World, and the associated Reminiscence
Sessions. Prime Theatre hopes to encourage people in the prime of their lives
to go out and enjoy theatre. Not, of course, that we want to exclude younger or
regular theatre-goers; we want to emphasise that our programme will have appeal
for a wide range of ages and tastes."
The National Lottery, through Awards for All, has provided funds to Prime Theatre
to support the setting up of the company, and to extend the tour of Old World to
London and Bath - details to be announced. The Arts Council awarded
Prime Theatre funds to support the tour of
together with the setting up of the associated Reminiscence Sessions. These
sessions will run through September/October - details to be announced.
Actor and Patron Edward Woodward says:
but the most important thing is that it is here now."