5 February 2008
the bee wins international awards
Soho Theatre and Noda Map’s critically acclaimed production of The Bee has made a clean sweep of Japan’s major theatre awards in 2007 with the announcement last week that it has won the Yomiuri Newspaper Theatre Awards’ Grand Prize, Best Play and Best Director and Actor awards. This award follows the Grand Prize from the Asahi Newspaper Theatre Awards, Best Artist at the Mainichi Newspaper Theatre Awards and Best Company at the Kinokuniya Theatre Awards. This is the first time that one production has been awarded four major awards in Japan.
4 February 2008
soho theatre on the radio
Soho Theatre has recently celebrated BBC Radio productions of Baghdad Wedding and The Estate.
Baghdad Wedding, by Hassan Abdulrazzak, was broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on 20 January, directed by Lisa Goldman and featuring the original cast. The play opened at Soho Theatre in 2007 to rave reviews, which have continued in its transition to radio with The Guardian calling the broadcast 'fresh, irreverent and blackly funny', while The Daily Telegraph simply declared 'It was a privilege to listen'. Soho Theatre and Tiata Fahodzi’s acclaimed co-production of The Estate by Oladipo Agboluaje was repeated on the BBC World Service on 2 February.
12 November 2007
verity bargate award 2007
The winner of the Verity Bargate Award 2007 is:
This Isn’t Romance by In-Sook Chappell
This Isn’t Romance was chosen from over 800 entrants in this prestigious biennial competition to find the best new play by an emerging writer. In-Sook’s prize is £5,000 and a residency at Soho Theatre.
The shortlist was considered by a judging panel comprised of former VBA winner Bonnie Greer, playwrights Bryony Lavery, Gupreet Bhatti and Philip Ridley, Noble+Silver’s Kim Noble and Stuart Silver, and Soho Theatre’s artistic director, Lisa Goldman.
“In-Sook is a thrilling discovery and I’m really looking forward to directing her play next year.”
Lisa Goldman, Artistic Director
“In-Sook's play has a brutal beauty which takes us into a hidden world. I can't think of any better definition for a prize-winning play.”
Bonnie Greer, VBA judge
For a list of runners-up, click here.
2 November 2007
joe guy: 'highlight of the year'
Roy Williams's slick, fast-paced story of identity, racial tensions and the corrupting power of celebrity receives rave reviews:
'...a new writing highlight of the year...'
**** whatsonstage.com
'Roy Williams’s new play explodes on to the stage like a firework.'
**** Metro
'Invigorating and thought-provoking.'
The Telegraph
'Femi Elufowoju, jr’s zestful, wickedly witty and beautifully acted co-production... an immensely charismatic tour de force of vulnerable swagger and sympathy-twisting tragicomedy by Abdul Salis...'
The Independent
'There’s much here that justifies Williams’s growing reputation as a terrific dramatist. He’s sharp, he’s funny, he writes cracking dialogue.'
The Times
'Femi Elufowoju, jr’s exhilarating production boasts a forceful, honest performance from Abdul Salis.'
**** Metro
'Williams’ dialogue ricochets around the stage like gunfire... energetic, exciting and entertaining.'
The Stage
'...the stunning young actor Abdul Salis in what is surely a career defining performance...'
**** whatsonstage.com
'...the whole thing is shot through with energetic urban authenticity and a lot of comic panache.'
The Telegraph
'Abdul Salis is outstanding...'
The Guardian
'Abdul Salis as Joe is excellent...'
The Stage
'...the supple humanity of the piece and its undoctrinaire flair make one grateful for the talent of Roy Williams.'
The Independent
'...a sharp confrontation with British multiculturalism that lets nobody off the hook.'
**** Metro
5 October 2007
moonwalking in chinatown
Soho Theatre's first walkabout performance was a massive success!
A thank you message from Suzanne Gorman - Director, Moonwalking in Chinatown
The project’s success has relied on the goodwill and dedication of our many volunteers, all of whom have given their time and energies for free I so I would like would like to add a special thanks to the following: everyone who told us their stories openly and to our translators who helped us hear them, to our actors who came to rehearsals so positively and performed the production in all weathers, to our assistant designers who made the design a reality and braved heights so that the magic of theatre could happen in Meard Street, to the assistant directors who trawled through the streets time and time again to ensure that the play would work like clockwork and finally to the ushers who made sure that the audience really saw the show. A great big thanks to you all from me and all at Soho Theatre!
Hear the cast and company speak about the project by clicking here, and read more about the daily perfomances with our moonblog.
What the papers said:
'An incredibly visceral experience... Young and Gorman's peephole into the community makes for fascinating viewing, guaranteeing you'll never see Chinatown in the same way again.'
**** Metro
'Touching, charming and terrific fun.'
**** The Times
'A bold departure for the previously building-based Soho Theatre and a commendable one, too.'
Evening Standard
'Suzanne Gorman directs stupendously.'
Time Out - Critics' Choice
24 September 2007
soho talks: october
Neil Boorman discusses the trials and rewards of ethical living, Mute Magazine explores the implications of a global economy structured by debt, Kerry Katona opens debate on our obsession with celebrity culture, and Zoe Margolis talks sex, blogs and feminism.
book for 3 talks, pay for 2!
2 August 2007
moonwalking in chinatown by justin young
Volunteer Actors Wanted!
We are looking for volunteers
Act alongside our professional cast for this moonlit promenade production. We are particularly looking for people to take on the following roles:
Sue
Late 40s, lived in London since she was 10 but originally
Hong Kong Chinese
Dave
Late 40s, British born Chinese
Amy
38, Malaysian Chinese
Moonface
Under 11, Amy's daughter, British born Chinese
Eddie
Late teens, British born Chinese
Winnie
Late teens, British born Chinese
Howard
Early 20s, British born Chinese
Keung
Early 20s, British born Chinese
Non speaking roles:
Mrs Tse’s mother, (a ghost), 30s, Chinese
The Mah Jong Players
Mrs Fong, Elderly, Hong Kong Chinese or Chinese
Mrs Chang, Elderly, Hong Kong Chinese or Chinese
You will need to be committed to part-time rehearsals from 15 August and the performances will be from 19–22 and 26–29 September in the evenings (and afternoon performances on Saturdays) Depending on the part that you are given you may not be required to perform in all of the shows as we will be doubling up some of the roles.
If you are interested in taking part then please contact nadine@sohotheatre.com.
________________________________________________
Volunteer Technical Crew Wanted!
Be an integral part of the production working alongside our professional as a member of the Technical Crew.
You will be part of this dynamic team responsible for ensuring that the technical side of the show runs smoothly.
Performances will be from 19–22 and 26–29 September, although you may not need to be available for all performances. You will need to be committed to some technical rehearsals. If you are interested in taking part then please contact jennifer@sohotheatre.com.
________________________________________________
Sound Designer Required!
Soho Theatre is looking for a Sound Designer to work on this promenade piece to celebrate the Chinese Autumn Moon Festival. This is a fantastic opportunity to be involved in a participatory project between the theatre and the local community.
You will play an important part in creating a magical landscape that will provide the backdrop to the story. The show takes the audience through the landmarks, alleyways and hidden corners of Chinatown, portraying three generations of Chinese Londoners whose lives intersect one unforgettable night in Soho.
You will be responsible for creating a soundscape for the production, including sourcing music.
There will be a small fee, according to experience, to be negotiated.
Performance dates are 19–22 and 26–29 September.
If you would like to discuss this further please contact Suzanne Gorman at suzanne@sohotheatre.com.
25 July 2007
welcome to soho theatre's autumn season
This autumn, our provocative, magical and inspiring line-up includes premieres from some breathtakingly original writers and artists – Marisa Carnesky, Stewart Lee, Anthony Neilson, Luke Sutherland, The Trachtenburg Family, Roy Williams and many more.
Behind the scenes, our unique Writers’ Centre continues to support thousands of theatre writers including Michael Bhim, whose beautiful first play Pure Gold opens in September. We are also working with local residents to create our first walkabout performance, Moonwalking in Chinatown by Justin Young. And check out our distinctive new programme of talks and events – guests include Hari Kunzru and Kerry Katona.
Enjoy!
Lisa Goldman
Artistic Director
Ps. Book early for £10 tickets!
5 July 2007
critics rave for baghdad wedding
'The Prime Minister and his cabinet should take a brief course in political illumination. They should go to see Baghdad Wedding. Hot theatre.'
Nicholas de Jongh, Evening Standard ****
'There could hardly be a more timely play than this... Lisa Goldman directs a lucid production that finds all the play's strengths, and the leading roles are splendidly played... This is undoubtedly an important, topical play. Better yet, it is also superbly entertaining.'
Charles Spencer, The Telegraph
'A highly arresting debut… Lisa Goldman's vibrant, well-judged production feels well timed and salutary… What impresses are the play's fresh, vivid insights into the difficulties and contradictions of life during the war for Iraqis. A blackly funny and irreverent first play.'
Paul Taylor, The Independent ****
'Hassan Abdulrazzak’s Baghdad Wedding hits its mark... Lisa Goldman’s production fizzes with energy... Abdulrazzak writes sharp, witty dialogue, builds tension, holds the attention, and does much that one would expect of a seasoned dramatist... We’ve heard all about the agonies of Baghdad before... but here’s a play that will make you see and feel it afresh.'
Benedict Nightingale, The Times ****
'Adulrazzak’s text is beautifully written, highly imaginative and emotionally true - it’s a great mix of anger, humour and poetry, spiced with a fine perception of the workings of the human heart. Fluidly directed with great flair by Lisa Goldman, this production offers a satisfying mixture of laughter and horror… A thrilling experience.'
Aleks Sierz, The Stage
'In less than two hours, Abdulrazzak not only covers an enormous amount of territory, he also reminds us of the infinite human contradictions within any nation.'
Michael Billington, The Guardian
28 June 2007
soho gets social
Soho Theatre is now part of online social networks myspace and facebook, so you can meet and chat with like-minded Soho enthusiasts, keep up to date with all the latest Soho gossip, and receive exclusive offers and discounts. All you have to do is be our friend!
If you're already a myspace member, add us to your friends list at www.myspace.com/sohotheatre.
To become a facebook friend, or join our group, click here.
14 June 2007
russell brand sells out in an hour!
Russell Brand makes yet another welcome return to Soho Theatre for the fourth consecutive year.
Russell first appeared at Soho in September 2004, receiving rave reviews, and was launched as one of the best new comedians in the country.
Public previews for Russell's new show, Only Joking, playing at Soho on 19 and 20 June, sold out within an hour. Don't miss out by becoming a Soho Friend and take advantage of exclusive previews, one-off shows and other great last minute deals.
11 June 2007
the christ of coldharbour lane - 'fizzing, feisty, energetic' metro****
'Whipsmart comedy... Paulette Randall's fizzing, feisty, energetic production plays delightfully.'
The Metro****
'Hugely enjoyable satirical comedy... Jimmy Akingbola is excellent as the self-styled prophet who is certain that Brixton can be the new Jerusalem.'
The Guardian
'The multi-cultural melting pot of Brixton is evoked through cast members being master of many an accent and subtle quick change artists.'
London Theatre Guide
'...a very funny and thought-provoking piece of original theatre.'
The Stage
30 May 2007
the christ of coldharbour lane
An anarchic physical comedy from the writer of last year's sell-out The Estate.
A young man is released from prison onto the frenetic streets of a buzzing Brixton – a place high on false prophets but desperately in need of a saviour. Sure that this saviour is him, Omo sets about to dismantle 'the wilful peace', leading an uprising against passivity and faithlessness, and offering hope to those whose idea of a miracle is having their lottery numbers come up…
Oladipo Agboluaje’s The Christ of Coldharbour Lane stars Jimmy Akingbola (Holby Blue), Kay Bridgeman, Dona Croll, Nadine Marshall, Mark Monero and Javone Prince and is directed by acclaimed theatre director and TV producer Paulette Randall.
Click here to view the trailer
Book early for £10 tickets
29 May 2007
soho theatre goes international
Soho Theatre goes international this summer taking The Bee to Tokyo, Japan.
First performed at Soho Theatre in summer 2006 in collaboration with Noda Map, this years' production of The Bee is a co-production with Noda Map and Setagaya Public Theatre.
Based upon Plucking at Each Other by Yasutaka Tsutsui, The Bee is legendary Japanese director Hideki Noda's first play originated in English co-written with Colin Teevan who is well known for his innovative translations and adaptations of world classics. The collaboration captures Hideki’s mythical theatrical style, using a worldwide palette of movement, verse and humour. Working with a cast which includes the Olivier award-winning Kathryn Hunter opposite director Hideki Noda in the lead roles, the production is indicative of Soho Theatre's commitment to working internationally with reknowned artists to create exciting new work.
The Bee opens on 22 June with a Japanese translation of the play by Hideki Noda, the original English play opens on 12 July and runs until 29 July at Theatre Tram, Setagaya Public Theatre, Tokyo, Japan with performances at 4pm and 7pm.
16 May 2007
leaves of glass receives rave reviews
‘... like a shard of glass plunged straight into the heart…the cast are superb.’
The Guardian ****
‘Lucid and restrained. The writing is packed with meaning. Listen hard. Every word matters.’
The Sunday Times ****
‘Ben Whishaw gives a terrifically intense, nuanced performance as the emotionally handicapped Steven…Trystan Gravelle also impresses as Barry, conveying a strong sense of anger born of trauma.’
What’s on Stage ****
'Fluid and well acted…it’s a work of considerable intelligence, and it’s child’s-eye view of events…is hauntingly vivid.’
The Times
'A brilliantly written, imaginative and genuinely chilling account of evil in everyday life... a must-see.'
In Yer Face Theatre
With just over a week left, tickets are selling fast for Philip Ridley's Leaves of Glass. If you haven't seen it yet, book now to experience this 'taut and compelling production' What's on Stage.
23 April 2007
vacancy: marketing and development director
Soho Theatre is looking to appoint a talented Marketing and Development Director with a proven track record to lead this department and play a key role in the Senior Management team. To be responsible for delivering our ambitious fundraising and sponsorship objectives and meeting box office and audience development targets.
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000
For an informal discussion please call Mark Godfrey, Executive Director on 020 7478 0127.
Deadline for applications: 5pm Monday 14th May 2007.
Click here for more information.
18 April 2007
gala performance leaves of glass
Much requested and long awaited – Soho Theatre is delighted to be hosting a Soho Theatre Gala Performance. In celebration of Lisa Goldman’s inaugural season as artistic director, the Gala Performance will take place on Wednesday 16 May. Guests will be invited to join us for the Leaves of Glass performance that evening, which commences at 7.30pm, followed by a sumptuous Indian feast downstairs at the newly refurbished Lazeez @ Soho Theatre.
A special fundraising event, tickets are available exclusively to Soho Theatre Donors and will be priced at £70, which includes all the entertainment for the evening. We’re thrilled that Philip Ridley, Lisa Goldman and the production’s stellar cast; including Ben Whishaw, Maxine Peake, Ruth Sheen and Trystan Gravelle, will be joining us for dinner.
Contact Zoe Crick, Development Manager on dl 020 7478 0109, or email zoe@sohotheatre.com to register your interest or make a booking.
16 April 2007
leaves of glass by philip ridley
Soho Theatre presents the World premiere of Leaves of Glass, an exciting collaboration between the influential and maverick writer Philip Ridley (Mercury Fur, The Pitchfork Disney, The Krays) and Soho’s new ground breaking artistic director, Lisa Goldman (Hoxton Stories, The Bogus Woman) starring Ben Whishaw (Perfume, Mercury Fur) and Maxine Peake (Shameless).
2 April 2007
spring-summer season launch
We’re thrilled to invite you to experience a theatre of innovation, exhilaration and dissent.
Three distinctive and provocative new Soho Theatre plays kick off an imaginative and entertaining season. Enter the beautiful and devastating world of Leaves of Glass by Philip Ridley; anarchic comedy The Christ of Coldharbour Lane by Oladipo Agboluaje and Baghdad Wedding, the first play by Iraqi writer Hassan Abdulrazzak.
Celebrate radical performance and comic brilliance including Japanese punk duo Gamarjobat, performance artists Noble and Silver and wayward genius Simon Munnery.
Check out our inspiring new programme of talks and events. Highlights include Iain Sinclair head to head with Stewart Home and Pink Iraq, a talk chaired by Peter Tatchell.
Continue the debate downstairs in the new and cheaper Soho Theatre bar.
Enjoy!
Lisa Goldman
Artistic Director
22 March 2007
switch on to the blue zone
SPILL Festival, in collaboration with Soho Theatre, will bring you free downloadable goodies direct to your mobile. These bluecasts are available throughout Soho Theatre simply by setting your handset to receive information via bluetooth.
Not only are these downloads free of charge but they’re also quick to arrive on your mobile.
So all you need do in order to take home your very own piece of contemporary performance, and to take advantage of special offers between 26 March and 22 April, is turn up, tune in, and download.
The only good reason to be blue this SPILL!
16 March 2007
new soho theatre bar
Our bar and basement restaurant are under new management.
Due for a full relaunch in June, the ground floor bar is now Soho Theatre Bar, open from 11am until late, serving some of the most affordable drinks on Dean Street - with house wine*, bottled beer*, house spirits and a daily house cocktail all at £3.
In the basement, Lazeez remains one of the classiest Indian restaurants in town, serving famously good food in a serene environment. Theatre ticket holders click here for a 25% discount.
We hope to see you soon!
*San Miguel beer, 175ml house red and white wine, single measure house spirit and mixer
17 January 2007
a one night stand with tim crouch
Tim Crouch's award-winning play, An Oak Tree, makes its London debut on 7 February.
A unique two hander, Tim performs with an actor who has never seen or read a word of the play they're in. In today's Guardian, he describes how it feels to play opposite a new co-star each night.
11 January 2007
kate dickie named as britain's most up and coming actor in today's guardian
Kate Dickie was yesterday named as Britain's most up and coming actor among 25 chosen across Europe for the annual Shooting Stars event at the Berlin film festival. For the last 10 years the umbrella group European Film Promotion has chosen the actors it regards as having the brightest futures. Previous choices include Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz and Daniel Bruhl. Dickie's powerful and raw performance as a CCTV operator in Andrea Arnold's Red Road won her a best actress award at the British Independent Film Awards and she is due to join the 24 others in Berlin on February 10.
The Guardian (11 January 2007)
See her at Soho in Aalst from 17-28 April, click here for more information.
10 January 2007
mark watson named favourite comedian of 2006 (time out)
Congratulation to Mark Watson for being named Critics' Choice in Time Out for 2006.
Time Out's comedy editor picked his favourite comedians of the year and Mark came out on top. The number one spot was awarded to the 'man whose imagination ran riot in 2006'.
12 December 2006
oladipo agboluaje
Oladipo Agboluaje, Writer-On-Attachment to Soho in 2005 and author of Soho's summer hit The Estate (Tiata Fahodzi), has been awarded a Pearson Bursary. The scheme awards four bursaries each year to emerging playwrights to fund a residency in a participating theatre. We are delighted that Oladipo will be our writer-in-residence next year.
12 December 2006
past soho staff produce elsewhere...
Tim Whitehead who helped establish Soho's comedy programme, is currently Theatre Director at the East End's pop-up venue, The Reindeer. The line-up includes Soho favourites Kiki + Herb, Pam Ann and The Tiger Lillies amongst others.
For further information, click here.
Zoe Reed and Carole Winter, who have both been Marketing and Development Directors at Soho, now head up MJE Productions producing new work in the West End. Following its success with Blackbird in the West End, MJE produces Underneath the Lintel at the Duchess Theatre on 7 February.
For further information, click here.
15 November 2006
amy lamé on bbc radio
Amy's show Mama Cass Family Singers opens tonight. You can listen to her inerview with BBC Radio 4 by clicking here.
For more information and to book click here.
10 October 2006
bussmann's holiday extended
Due to popular demand Jane Bussmann has added two extra shows to her run here at Soho. Bussmann's Holiday, in addition to the 8pm performances, will also be performed on 13 and 14 October at 9.45pm.
For more information and to book, call 0870 429 6883 or click here.
29 September 2006
post-show debate at soho theatre, mon 9th october, 7.30pm
Does a form of passive apartheid operate in the UK countryside?
White Open Spaces is a play by Shropshire-based company Pentabus Theatre, sparked by Trevor Phillips’ comment that a form of ‘passive apartheid’ exists in the UK countryside. It runs at Soho Theatre from 26 September to 14 October.
On 9th October, following the show, Soho Theatre is hosting a debate around the subject at the heart of the play. Is the countryside a no-go area for black Britons? (Shropshire, for instance, is 98.5% white). Or does a play like this only exacerbate the divide between town and country?
The participants will be:
Louise Doughty - author of 5 novels & 5 plays for radio, and a critic and cultural commentator. Her most recent novel, Stone Cradle (2006) is based on her own Romany ancestors.
Tim Pemberton - Managing Editor, BBC Radio Bristol. Tim previously was Managing Editor at BBC Radio Shropshire and was interviewed by Pentabus as part of their research for White Open Spaces.
Samenua Sesher - Director, decibel legacy, Arts Council England's programme for culturally diverse arts.
Jacqui Stearn - Diversity Review Programme Manager for the Countryside Agency, which is currently consulting on the 'Outdoors for All?' Draft Diversity Action Plan.
The debate will be chaired by Soho Theatre's Associate Director Jonathan Lloyd and members of Pentabus Theatre and some of the play's writers will be in the audience.
To book, call 0870 429 6883 or click here.
11 September 2006
limited £7.50 tickets to see white open spaces
Is there an apartheid in the UK?
A white man blanks his black girlfriend at a society wedding. A black landlord pins a 'no travellers' sign to his pub door. A farmer's wife rams her shopping trolley into a stranger in the village:
‘Everyone just turned around and stared like I was from Mars or something.’
‘Excellent performances and some spellbinding writing coincide in a tightly directed and provocative piece of theatre.’
The Stage
The first 50 people to book for performances on 26-30 September can get tickets for just £7.50. Call 0870 429 6883 and quote 'news offer'.
Subject to availability.
For more information click here.
11 September 2006
if.comeddies best newcomer josie long extended due to popular demand
Due to popular demand Josie Long has extended her run here at Soho. She will now perform in the main house on 29 and 30 September at 9.30pm.
To book, call 0870 429 6883 or click here.
30/08/06
Josie Long has won the if.comeddies award (formerly the Perrier Award) for Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Josie comes to London for her Soho Theatre debut on 21 September for 3 nights only.
'It's a rare comedy talent and one worth cherishing.'
Metro****
'She is silly... magical... bewitching.'
The Independent****
'Josie Long's show is unpolished, rambling and lovely.'
The Guardian
'It would be hard to leave this show without a smile. Even a certain Steve Coogan who was in the crowd was beaming from ear to ear as he left.'
The Scotsman
21-23 September, 8pm
To book, call 0870 429 6883 or click here
16 August 2006
acclaimed new york theatre company the civilians are coming to soho for their london debut with (i am) nobody's lunch.
They have received outstanding reviews and a Fringe First award at the Edinburgh Festival.
'It's a piece that bristles with ideas.'
The Scotsman*****
(click here to read the full review)
'Disarmingly pretty songs and eccentric robotic dancing... it makes for a heady mix of poignancy and mirth.'
The Telegraph
(click here to read the full review)
'Intriguing, funny... beautiful songs.'
The Guardian
(click here to read the full review)
6-23 September. To book, call 0870 429 6883 or click here.
27/07/06
NYT: Six plays, six decades, six writers
The National Youth Theatre's season totally sold out last summer and we are delighted to welcome them back to Soho this August with their new season, Sextet.
This year, the season features a range of established and emerging talents including Richard Wilson, Diana Quick, Rebecca Lenkiewicz who was a Soho Writer on Attachment in 2004 and was the writer of Soho’s 2005 production Shoreditch Madonna.
Joining Rebecca will be other acclaimed writers Samuel Adamson (Southwark Fair, Pillars of the Community at the National Theatre), Stella Duffy (writer of acclaimed novels including Parallel Lines), Amy Evans (joint winner of Soho’s Verity Bargate Award 2002, and writer of Achidi J’s Final Hours), Barrie Keeffe (writer of many plays at the Soho Poly -Barbarian, Gimme Shelter and the screenplay for The Long Good Friday) and Al Smith (winner of the Sunday Times playwriting Award 2005 for Enola).
Running in repertoire each play focuses on one decade from the 1950s to the present, celebrating lost tribes and iconic moments.
28 June 2006
outstanding reviews for soho's new show
'This is a highly unusual theatrical gem... both beautiful and beguilingly idiosyncratic.'
Time Out*****
'This adaptation of a story by Yasutaka Tsutsui revels in ingenious deployment of simple objects to create a world that is playful and sinister, beautiful and brutal.'
Financial Times****
'As self-destructive as a bee's sting... the evening swings from hyperactive satire to thought-provoking nightmare... Make a beeline for it.'
The Telegraph
'Classically streamlined... magnificently played.'
Evening Standard ****
'Lurid, fast-moving, preoccupied with sex and violence, this collaboration between the Japanese director and actor Hideki Noda and the British writer Colin Teevan resembles a Manga cartoon... This is vivid, imaginative work.'
The Times
'(The Bee) is extremely simple but lifted out of the ordinary by Kathryn Hunter's superb gender-bending performance as the ruthless Mr Ido, and by Hideki Noda's production in which the everyday and the bizarre, the real and the surreal become as mangled as a bowl of noodles.'
The Guardian
To read all the reviews in full click here.
Until July 15. To book, call 0870 429 6883 or click here.
26 June 2006
free post-show discussion
with co-writers of The Bee Hideki Noda and Colin Teevan, Olivier winning actress Kathryn Hunter and Yellow Earth artistic director, David Tse
Plus tickets for just £10 (normally £15)
Following the performance of The Bee on Monday 26 June, director, co writer and actor in the show, Hideki Noda, will join writer Colin Teevan, actress Kathryn Hunter and David Tse to talk about the process of putting on the play and how East Asian artists can work with British artists to gain a deeper cross-cultural understanding. Questions from the audience are welcome.
Hideki Noda is recognised as one of the most important practitioners in Japan. In addition to creating numerous original plays, he is known for his versions of Shakespeare and his unique updated versions of Kabuki classics – groundbreaking as nobody had been allowed to adapt Kabuki previously. His fascination with the similarities and disparities between Japanese and British culture has lead him to work with key figure in British theatre. For The Bee he collaborated with acclaimed British playwright, Colin Teevan.
Colin Teevan's original plays include How Many Miles to Basra (for Radio 3 and to be staged at West Yorkshire Playhouse this year), Missing Persons (at Edinburgh and Trafalgar Studios) and The Walls (National). Adaptations include Monkey! (Young Vic) and Svejk (Gate Theatre and TFNA on Broadway). He has translated works from Ancient Greek, Italian and French, including Bacchai, directed by Peter Hall for the National Theatre and at Epidaurus, and Cuckoos at the Gate and the Barbican.
David Tse is Artistic Director of Yellow Earth, a company dedicated to promoting cultural diversity in Theatre. He recently directed The Nightingale and acted in Yellow Gentlemen and he will adapt and direct King Lear for the Royal Shakespeare Company this autumn. He has worked with Soho for many years pioneering innovative projects such as Yellow Ink and Typhoon – a festival celebrating East Asian new writing.
Kathryn Hunter has worked extensively as a performer and director with many leading companies. She won the Olivier Award for Best Actress for The Visit (National) and a Time Out Award and Olivier nomination for Skriker (National). She has played male roles to great acclaim in previous productions including the title roles in Richard III (Globe), King Lear (Leicester Haymarket) and Dr Barry in Whistling Pysche. For film she starred in Mike Leigh’s All or Nothing and has recently completed filming on the next Harry Potter instalment.
The performance of The Bee begins at 7.30pm and will be approx 1hr 15 min. The post show discussion will be in the theatre 15 minutes after The Bee finishes and will last for approx 30 minutes. Entrance to the discussion will only be permitted with ticket for the performance.
To book your discounted ticket, call 0870 429 6883 and quote ‘discussion’.
For more information on Yellow Earth click here.
Tickets are subject to availability and offer is only vaild for Monday 26 June
7 June 2006
janey godley - best international comedian
Janey Godley was nominated as 'Best International Comedian' and won the 'Spirit of the Festival' award at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival last week.
The Theatre Review, New Zealand said ‘The best stuff is unlike anything I've heard from a stand-up comic before.’
Janey is undoubtedly one of the critics’ favorites and is frequently referred to as ‘The female Billy Connolly’ (The Independent and The Sun). The Evening Standard says ‘Take equal pinches of Billy Connolly and Jerry Sadowitz and you are getting some way towards the genius of Godley’ whilst The Guardian describes her as ‘brilliantly funny’.
Janey performs her new show Janey Godley’s Blog-Live for 3 nights only from 29 June. Click here for more information.
22 May 2006
exceptional reviews for soho new talent
Reviewers have declared Moses Raine an astonishingly talented new writer. Here are just a few comments from the critics:
‘Moses Raine’s 50-minute first play is almost indecently bursting with talent... the actors, and Maria Aberg’s direction are tough and flawless.’
Sunday Times
'It is fresh as new-mown hay, and, like Catcher in the Rye, it captures the drift of teenage years... (Raine is) undoubtedly talented.'
The Guardian
‘Spellbinding… exceptional dialogue.’
The Observer
'A 50-minute voyage around the unconscious... a work of mythic archetypes and poetic associations.'
Time Out
'a genuinely arresting portrait of separation and loss.... the production inhabits a shadowy realm where dream merges into nightmare.'
Offtheatre.com
‘a young playwright (who) has a distinctive and energetic authorial voice and something interesting to say… Shrieks of Laughter combines elements of Martin Crimp and Samuel Beckett… Raine has a talent for writing pacy, realistic speech that can be elliptical or meaningful by turns…'
British Theatre Guide
‘An astonishingly assured piece… Judging by this promising debut, I think we will be seeing and hearing a lot more from Moses Raine.’
Theatreworld
For more information on the play and to book, click here.
27 April 2006
soho theatre announces new artistic director
We are delighted to announce that Lisa Goldman has been appointed as Artistic Director at Soho Theatre. She will join the company later this year.
Lisa Goldman co-founded the new writing company, The Red Room, in 1995 and is currently its Artistic Director. At The Red Room, she has established herself as a passionate and courageous artist who creates beautiful work which, in her own words, aims to ‘free the imagination to challenge the status quo’.
On limited resources, she has championed outstanding theatre, always political and immediate, which has included Kay Adshead’s The Bogus Woman, Anthony Neilson’s Stitching and The Censor, and Parv Bancil’s Made in England.
Last year she wrote and directed a groundbreaking walkabout performance Hoxton Story and we quote from the Guardian’s review to give a flavour of her style ‘the bastard child of fashionable verbatim theatre and today’s many life-is-shit council estate plays. It has absolutely no manners, and is all the better for it… in weaving stories, it reveals truths… the divisions between art and life blur, in a show that is rooted in the community and probes the very nature of community itself.’
Lisa Goldman says:
'I'm thrilled to be joining the remarkable team at Soho Theatre. I look forward to engaging audiences and artists with relevant, exceptional and daring new theatre, befitting these turbulent times.'
Soho’s Chair, Nicholas Allott says:
'I’m delighted to welcome Lisa as Artistic Director. There has been tremendous interest in this position and Lisa’s vision shone out from an incredibly strong field. Building on our track record of innovation and good management, Soho has been able to make a bold appointment. Lisa’s approach will be distinctive, contemporary and provocative and will build on the Company’s excellent existing programme to take us in challenging new directions.'
Lisa joins the Company five years after it acquired and opened its permanent home at 21 Dean Street; it has seen year on year growth with audiences rising from 30,000 initially to over 80,000 last year. Recent successes include Other Hands by Olivier nominated Laura Wade and Shoreditch Madonna from Rebecca Lenkiewicz – both playwrights from Soho’s innovative Writers’ Attachment Programme; On Ego, a collaboration to launch Mick Gordon’s new company On Theatre; and working with the RSC to bring a new audience to its New Work Festival.
Over the past five years, Soho has also developed a successful comedy and late night performance programme which has presented the UK’s biggest names alongside emerging talents and has contributed to the venue’s young and diverse audience base. Lisa joins an experienced management team which includes Mark Godfrey (Executive Director) and Nina Steiger (Writers’ Centre Director).
31 March 2006
following on from a highly successful start to 2006, soho theatre launches its spring-summer season.
Highlights include two plays from writers on our current Attachment Programme - Moses Raine (Shrieks of Laughter) and Oladipo Agboluaje (The Estate). Exciting new talent Maria Aberg directs at Soho for the first time on Shrieks of Laughter and we're delighted to work with the UK's leading African theatre company Tiata Fahodzi on The Estate.
Other eagerly anticipated collaborations include Dysfunction presented by the UK's only Deaf theatre company, Deafinitely Theatre, and an international co-production with the legendary Japanese director Hideki Noda who will work with a British cast and creative team including acclaimed actor Kathryn Hunter on The Bee.
Culurally diverse and from different traditions of theatre-making, these plays share strong stories with a universal appeal. They are joined by Soho's ever more eclectic late night programme with work better described as performance - the 'brilliantly twisted' (The Guardian) Tiger Lillies and a new show from cult performance artist David Hoyle, formerly known as the Divine David, back on the stage for the first time in six years.
There's a full comedy programme including the Soho debut of the very talented Gina Yashere and a residency for one of the industry's best kept secrets The Ornate Johnsons. In August we'll be back at the Edinburgh Festival with Amy Lamé, co-founder of the Olivier award winning club/performance promoters Duckie, in her first stage show in ten years. Back in London we welcome back The National Youth Theatre to celebrate their 50th Anniversary with six new plays.
29 March 2006
soho theatre joins forces with duckie
Soho Theatre is joining forces with South London's legendary post-gay performance club Duckie. Winners of an Olivier award for C'est Barbican in 2004, Duckie are now celebrating their 10th anniversary with a season of spectacular shows.
Soho is joining the party by welcoming back to the theatre scene one of Duckie's most notorious performers David Hoyle (formerly the Divine David) in his first show in six years David Hoyle:SOS.
Seen on countless TV shows and a regular on BBC radio, Duckie's co-founder Amy Lamé is also set to return to the stage. Her new Soho produced solo show Amy Lamé's Mama Cass Family Singers will premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this August.
For full details of all Duckie's forthcoming shows visit www.duckie.co.uk
21 February 2006
soho theatre recruiting new artistic director
Soho Theatre is looking for a candidate with the vision and drive to take the Company forward into the next phase of its development. S/he will build on current strengths and look afresh at directions for the pursuit of innovation and excellence whilst continuing to reach the broadest audience. They may be a director, writer, performer or from a related discipline.
Established in 1969, Soho Theatre has made a remarkable journey which has led it to its own home in the heart of the West End. The Company opened its new Dean Street building in spring 2000 and, in the first full five years, saw year on year growth with performances rising from 488 in the first year to 851 last year whilst audiences increased from 38,000 to 81,000.
The deadline for application has now closed.
21 February 2006
laura wade: winner of critics' circle award for most promising playwright
Two weeks ago the Olivier Award panel announced that Laura Wade had been nominated in the category for Outstanding Achievement.
In 2005 Laura won the Pearson Best Play Award and was joint winner of the George Devine Award.
Now she has won the Critics' Circle Award for Most Promising Playwright. The award is for the exceptional success of her plays Colder Than Here which played at Soho and Breathing Corpses which was shown at the Royal Court. Her eagerly awaited new play Other Hands opens at Soho on 15 February.
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Bleak House lovers reunited in Laura Wade's new play
Following their recent union as Esther Summerson and Allan Woodcourt in the BBC's Bleak House, Anna Maxwell Martin and Richard Harrington play an on-stage couple in trouble in Other Hands. They are joined by Katherine Parkinson, who can currently be seen as Jen in Channel 4's The IT Crowd and Michael Gould who recently played Knap in Pillars of the Community at the National Theatre.
For more information and to book for Other Hands click here.
