Paines Plough
@painesplough
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Hi! We’re a touring theatre company led by Charlotte Bennett & Katie Posner. We champion, develop and tour new writing. Account monitored 10am-6pm, Mon-Fri
Joined July 2010
Announcing: the further line-up for our 50th Anniversary Gala on 10 February 2025 at Criterion Theatre 🌟 Tickets start at £23.25. Read the full announcement here: [THREAD]
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BOXING DAY PLAY TEXT GIVEAWAY! . It's that time of year again. Share and like to be in with a chance of winning three Paines Plough play texts of your choice. We will post them directly to the winner.
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"What becomes quickly and starkly apparent when you do a 360° evaluation of auditions is how often the process is stacked against the actor." .So we're making a pledge to all actors we audition. A set of promises from us to you. Read more here:
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We are delighted to announce this morning that Charlotte Bennett and Katie Posner will be taking over from James Grieve and George Perrin as joint Artistic Directors of Paines Plough in August.
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Here we go - OPEN CASTING CALL!.As per our Casting Pledge, we publish breakdowns for every role we’re casting so anyone and everyone can put themselves forward. We're casting for a major new play in co-production with @TRPlymouth. Interested? Apply here:
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We just did a double take. 🤔.
The Royal Exchange (@rxtheatre) has unveiled plans for a 180-seat pop-up venue called the Den, which will tour to local communities and allow the theatre to share work outside of the city centre
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We're absolutely thrilled that our Senior Producer Hanna Streeter has been appointed Executive Director of the Orange Tree Theatre @OrangeTreeThtr. Hanna has worked at PP since 2010. The PP team are very sad to see her go, but extremely proud of everything that she has achieved.
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Today we announce that after 10 yrs of leadership, George Perrin and James Grieve are stepping down as ADs of Paines Plough. ‘We’ll leave as we arrived: die-hard fans of the best new writing touring company in the world’. They leave us a formidable legacy.
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‘Read, watch, steal, write. And don’t give up.’ Some new writing inspo for the new year ✍️. We sat down with Simon Stephens and asked him one question: what’s your advice for playwrights?. Listen to his full answer at this link:.
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Calling all theatre companies, schools, clubs and community groups 📣📣📣.We’re having a clear-out of our playtexts and we want to share the #newwriting love. If you’d like a box containing a selection, drop us an email at ellen@painesplough.com – postage costs only!
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We're excited to introduce our new Producer, Matt Maltby! Matt joins PP from @youngvictheatre. He is one of the founding producers of @Pint_Sized_ . Welcome Matt! @MattMaltby
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BOXING DAY PLAYTEXT GIVE-AWAY: like and share before midnight to win three of our PP playtexts! You can find the £3 plays we have available in stock here -
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ANNOUNCEMENT: Our landmark production of #SeaWall by Simon Stephens starring Andrew Scott is back! We’re delighted to be part of @oldvictheatre’s 200th birthday celebrations. Only 14 performances. Advance booking essential. #OV200.📸@KCMANC .
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COMPETITION TIME. Like and retweet this tweet for the chance to win all three #RoundaboutPP plays.
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Digging through 50 years worth of archives can throw up some gems…. A printed second draft of Crave by Sarah Kane, August 1997. #painesplough50
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This still lives rent free in our heads.
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We need your help. What are the new writing shorts / scratch nights around the UK that we need to know about?.We want to make sure we're sending our scouts out to the right places. We'll compile a list and pop it on our website!.
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Today we’re making a promise to 2021, because the world has changed and so have we.
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📣 WRITERS 📣.Submissions are now open for the Yale Drama Series 2024 competition, for emerging playwrights worldwide. The winner will be selected by the brilliant @jeremyoharris with a $10k prize and publication by Yale University Press. More info here:
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We've made a list of opportunities for playwrights on our website. Pass it on to anyone who might be interested!
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Today we are delighted to reveal the 2021 judging panel:. Mel Kenyon (Chair).Arifa Akbar.Lucy Kirkwood.Jasmine Lee-Jones.Winsome Pinnock.Indhu Rubasingham.Jenny Sealey.Nina Steiger.Nicola Walker.Jodie Whittaker
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Team PP meeting their newest addition today, Neave Alicia Mary Bennett, whose fashion choices are already putting us to shame.
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OPEN AUDITIONS: We're running our next two sessions in London and Wales. Grab a partner and sign up on the blog:
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What an honour it’s been to read so many beautiful, captivating, compelling and courageous scripts, and to work with @WomensPlayPrize again to give this platform to this list of writers. Here it is. The longlist for the Women's Prize for Playwriting 2023. 🧵 THREAD 🧵
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Roundabout is back! . Over the next 4 months we’ll tour the UK, and instead of our usual stint at Edinburgh Fringe, from 19 - 29 August we'll be in Brixton for a 10-day celebration of new plays, drag, comedy, music and more! . Tickets are on sale now.
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We are delighted to announce that @ace_national is continuing to support ROUNDABOUT for the next 3 years. You can read all about it and watch our lovely 'For ROUNDABOUT' video here:
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COME TO WHERE I AM: we’re going to be working with theatres across the UK to share with you 30 new short plays from writers about where they are right now. These will be released via our YouTube channel (captioned) and then performed nationally when we can all be together again.
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Here it is - the longlist for The Women's Prize for Playwriting 2020. 1169 scripts were submitted. Thank you to everyone who put a play forward. We hope to read your work again in the future. @WomensPlayPrize
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Alongside this pledge we'll be publishing casting breakdowns for all of our 2018 commissions. You'll have the chance to submit your CV for any show you'd like to be part of. Look out for our season launch. #PP2018 coming soon.
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In celebration of its publication by @NickHernBooks, we have 3 copies of 'PLAYWRITING' by the legendary Stephen Jeffreys to give away. SJ was Writer-in-Residence at PP in the 80s. The beautiful foreword by April De Angelis describes it as a 'gift of a book'. Like and share to win
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OPEN AUDITIONS: Sound the alarms. We're doing Open Auditions in London & Luton. Pass it on. All info on the blog:
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Who's bringing a piece of new writing to Edinburgh Fringe? Let’s make a Twitter programme in the replies 👇 . FLYERS, IMAGES, DATES, VENUES ALL WELCOME, TELL US WHAT THE SHOW MEANS TO YOU AND TO THE WORLD.
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We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the inaugural Women's Prize for Playwriting. 1169 plays were submitted in March, 70 were longlisted and 35 have made it to the shortlist. We will be announcing the finalists and winners in the autumn.
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We will be announcing Charlotte Bennett and Katie Posner's inaugral season a week today (Friday 04 October). This and several other BIG things are happening next week. Keep eyes and ears peeled. #PP2020 @charrrbennett @katieposner.
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Putting on a play is such a delicate thing, and that's what makes theatre a unique medium for storytelling. Every show is a fine balance of millions of factors. 🧵THREAD from #YouBuryMe.
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Evergreen message to writers to take us into a new year, from Simon Stephens. Write the play you wish somebody else had written. Read, watch, steal, write. And don't give up.
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We’re running open auditions again!. We’re teaming up with @NorthernStage to audition 85 actors who are currently unrepresented by an agent and who are from the following postcodes:. NE, SR, DH, DL or TS. Sign up before 10am on Monday 03 May:.
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Announcement! We are excited to let you know about the launch of new projects that you can experience online. We want to connect you and people across the World with great playwrights.
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📣 HERE WE GO 📣. Today we announce our new touring show for 2023 - Strategic Love Play by Miriam Battye - and our Roundabout at @Summerhallery programme at the Edinburgh Fringe in August. [IT'S THREAD TIME]
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CASTING: We're in the process of casting for our #RoundaboutPP shows and two touring shows. If you'd like to be considered for any of the roles you can submit here: Submissions close Wed 28 Feb 6pm.
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Just under six weeks left to submit your play for the Women's Prize for Playwriting! Deadline is Monday 02 March - get scribbling. .@WomensPlayPrize @EllieKeelProd.
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Announcing: the recipient of our 2023 Playwright Fellowship, Somebody Jones. We were blown away when we first read Somebody’s play How I Learned to Swim in 2021 for @WomensPlayPrize and have followed her other work closely since then, championing her development as a playwright.
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Who has a piece of new writing on at the mo? Let’s make a programme in the replies 👇.
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It's Boxing Day, which means it's time. for the annual Paines Plough play text giveaway! Like and retweet for the chance to win three PP play texts of your choice.
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Our amazing Charlotte became a mum to Margot just under two weeks ago. Like her mum, Margot was a force to be reckoned with for the 24 hours she was with us, and is loved so much. If you would like to donate to GOSH in Margot's memory you can do so here:
On Fri 2 July I became a mum for the first time to the most amazing, beautiful girl who looked just like her dad. For reasons we don’t yet understand we lost her just 24 hours later at Great Ormond Street. Margot Alicia Bennett may have only been with us a day but she made us….
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As we gear up for a big announcement in the new year, just letting you know about a few writing opportunities below. If we're missing anything, feel free to add to the thread and share the love🙏.
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As of tonight #EveryBrilliantThing will have played to 50,000 people worldwide. We're very proud of this small show with a very big heart.
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ANNOUNCEMENT: @samueldbailey's striking new play SORRY, YOU’RE NOT A WINNER - a coming of age tale navigating class, friendship and new surroundings - in coproduction with @TRPlymouth where it debuts 24 Feb-12 Mar 2022 before going out on the road. Tickets coming soon 👀
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Right, it's new writing sharing time. Who has a show coming up?. Let's make a programme in the replies 👇.
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📢 Opportunity for emerging female identifying playwrights 📢.Submit your script to the Phoebe Frances Brown Award, an award from @Hamps_Theatre and @NottmPlayhouse to mark the memory of Phoebe Frances Brown. Apply by 23rd January. More info at this link:
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📣 WRITERS 📣.It's that time again. Submissions are open for the Yale Drama Series 2025 Award for emerging playwrights worldwide. The winner will receive $10,000 and publication by Yale University Press. More info here:
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Hiii theatre companies, schools, clubs, community groups. We're downsizing our office library and we want to upsize yours 📚. If you’d like a small box containing a selection of Paines Plough plays, please fill out this form (you just need to pay postage):
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Another pint. Another small plate of Padrón peppers. 🍻. London, sorry we had a lot on, but we can now announce that we're back by popular demand. Call it a second date. Strategic Love Play returns to @sohotheatre in 2024. 22 May – 15 June.On general sale this Friday at 8am.
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Congratulations to our Katherine Pearce who has won an Edinburgh Award from @TheStage for her performance in Simon Longman's #IslandTown
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Today's the day! Submissions to The Women’s Prize for Playwriting will open at 5pm this evening. Full prize guidelines, T&Cs and FAQs will also be available on the PP website and on the WPP website from 5pm. Submissions will close on Monday 2 March.
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#PP2019 features new plays from Zia Ahmed, Nathan Bryon, Ifeyinwa Fredrick, Daf James, Anna Jordan, Sarah McDonald-Hughes, Charley Miles and Sam Steiner. And much more…
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We are sad but excited to announce that our producer Sofia Stephanou will be leaving us after 4 years to take up the role of Line Producer at @BoulevardSoho in April. We are proud of everything she has achieved at PP. Farewell Sofia, you're a PP legend x.
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ANNOUNCEMENT: We're off to @edfringe again! Once again we'll be part of the mighty @Summerhallery programme. Check our the full #RoundaboutPP line-up on the blog:
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Want to send us your play? Our first submissions window is now open!. We want to begin a more meaningful dialogue with writers, and we hope this will be a stronger way for you to get to know us and us to get to know you. Find out more: .
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OPEN CASTING CALL. We’re casting for a new touring production that we’re taking out on the road in 2021, and we're looking to meet brilliant deaf and hearing actors for two roles. Check out the character break-downs and how to apply here:.
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Writers! We're hosting 2 zooms this Fri 27 March at 10.30am & 4.30pm. Want to hear how you are, understand what you're facing and consider how PP can help. Please share contact details and ideas for discussion here: Love and solidarity, Charlotte & Katie.
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✏️ TIME TO SUBMIT YOUR PLAY ✏️. Submissions are now OPEN for the Women's Prize for Playwriting 2023. This is your chance to win £12,000 and a production of your play. We can't wait to read your work. Deadline 5pm on 17th April. More info at this link:
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🏆 And the winner of the Women’s Prize for Playwriting 2023…. Intelligence by Sarah Grochala.
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Abigail needs money for her mum’s funeral. Luckily, the theatre will pay her to write something gritty, raw, working-class. Just like her. Presenting the trailer for My Mother’s Funeral: The Show by Kelly Jones. Directed by Charlotte Bennett. Touring from July to October.
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📢 This year, Paines Plough marks its 50th birthday, and Roundabout marks its 10th. So here it is: our celebration. Our Roundabout at @Summerhallery 2024 programme is announced, and on sale now. UNSPOOL THE THREAD 🧵👇.
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Announcing: the 5 finalist scripts for the Women's Prize for Playwriting 2023. * Bellringers by Daisy Hall.* LUMIN by Emma Gibson.* Intelligence by Sarah Grochala.* The Angels Were Worms by Shaan Sahota.* King Troll (The Fawn) by Sonali Bhattacharyya. @WomensPlayPrize .[🧵]
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ALRIGHT, LET'S DO THIS AGAIN COS WE LOVE IT. Who has a piece of new writing on at the mo? .Time to make a programme in the replies 👇.
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Sad times in the PP office today as we say goodbye to the absolute superstar that is Harriet Bolwell, producer extraordinaire. Good luck HB, we will miss you.
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We're delighted to announce the first Re:Assemble cohort. This team will identify the best conditions in which bold, eclectic and visionary writers can thrive, and build a resource which will be made available as an open-source guide to best practise.
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Who's up at @edfringe? Drop us a tweet to let us know. We'll pop you on our must-see list. We're at @Summerhallery:
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ROUNDABOUT Ensemble 2019 CASTING CALL-OUT: As part of our pledge to actors, we publish breakdowns for every part we’re casting, and anyone can submit themselves for consideration. Read our casting breakdowns and apply for consideration here:
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Are you an emerging theatre company, producer or artist committed to touring your work nation-wide? We want to hear from you! . More information here: Sign up before 10am Monday 15 June.
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Announcing: playwright Shahid Iqbal Khan will join Team Paines Plough on attachment in 2024 ✨
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TW // Death & grief. Charlotte Bennett has written an article piece about her year of death, why we should speak more openly about dying, and how it led us to My Mother's Funeral: The Show by @KMJwriter. Click the link below to read @charrrbennett's words.
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In honour of today's two-show day of Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz and Stage Manager @AimeNeeme, here are some of the best bits from her post-show reports, but as inspirational quotes. [1/4].
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We are delighted to announce our brilliant cast and creative team for our autumn tour of I WANNA BE YOURS by Zia Ahmed, a co-production with @tamashatheatre and in association with @bushtheatre You can check them out here #iwannabeyours.
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Applications for Open Auditions are now open! A reminder that this year we are auditioning everyone via Zoom, and that we are looking for actors who are not currently represented by agents. Deadline for applications is Tuesday 13 October. #FestivalAtHome.
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She said WHAT?!!
Keeping Glastonbury jealousy at bay by reminding myself of one of my core principles
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50 NOT OUT. This year, Paines Plough turns 50. To celebrate, today we announce a brand new show, and a new home in Coventry 🎉. Since 1974, we’ve worked with over 500 playwrights, and produced, commissioned or supported more than 400 plays…. [1/8].
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We'll take the Dorfman.
My take that no one is asking for. Give each space at the National Theatre to a different Artistic Director.
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We are delighted to announce that YOU STUPID DARKNESS! by Sam Steiner will be transferring to Southwark Playhouse in the new year! A co-production with @TRPlymouth, it will run from 16 - 22 February 2020 and will be directed by James Grieve. @swkplay
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This is how Joint Artistic Directors James & George decide who will direct the next PP show.
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🟡 ROUNDABOUT 2023, COMPLETED IT MATE. Last night we did a little dance-cry to the final song in the final show and raised a toast to everyone (present or otherwise) who made it happen. Today we’re proud and grateful for the programme our small and mighty team put together.
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WE ARE OBSESSED. Super super proud that Baby Reindeer's first home was at Roundabout (way back in the 2019 beforetimes), and to see that journey continue to the 'Flix. Watch it. Big up Richard Gadd and @FMP_Theatre 👏🎊.
BABY REINDEER is now streaming!. Based on a compelling true story, the hit 2019 Edinburgh Fringe one-man stage-play follows the writer/performer Richard Gadd’s warped relationship with his female stalker and the impact it has on him as he is ultimately forced to face a deep, dark
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OPPORTUNITY 📢 .We're looking for a Deputy Artistic Director to support the company whilst one of the Joint Artistic Directors is on maternity leave. If, like us, you believe in the power of storytelling, collaboration and community, then take a look ⬇️.
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ANNOUNCEMENT: Meet the team behind Zia Ahmed's debut play #IWannaBeYours. 📸 by @helenmurraypix
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We are delighted and proud to announce that our former Artistic Directors, James Grieve and George Perrin, have been nominated for MBEs for their services to theatre. Congratulations! James Grieve’s production of YOU STUPID DARKNESS! By Sam Steiner opens at @swkplay 16 January.
Elton John, Floella Benjamin, Sam Mendes, Olivia Newton-John and more make the New Year's Honours List
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We are delighted to announce the cast for RUN SISTER RUN by Chloë Moss. RUNS SISTER RUN will be directed by our Joint Artistic Director Charlotte Bennett and will open at Sheffield Theatres on 27 Feb before transferring to @sohotheatre 25 March - 02 May.
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ANNOUNCEMENT: Meet the team behind #RoundaboutPP 2018. Full details on the blog including: casting, creative team and tour dates. 📸 by Rebecca Need-Menear.
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Sun is shining. Weather is sweet. Geodesic dome is being constructed in the Summerhall courtyard.
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