Theatre Royal Stratford East

Imagine if you were able to create your own radically joyful future. What would that future look like for you? What would that future look like for everyone? During October half term we wanted to think about what a utopian future could look like for young people right now. An incredible group of young creatives (ages 13-17) worked with artists Tash Hymen and Nicola Chang over two days, to interrogate our current dystopia and imagine a brighter future. Together they created this audio piece exploring how our creativity can shape what comes next. Credits Lead facilitators: Tash Hyman (director) & Nicola Chang (sound designer) Flautist: Jaden Contributions from: Ayana, Jaden, Mimi, Makeba, Sev, Jadine, Dom This project was created and produced by Stratford East's Future Leaders with the support of the Learning & Participation team.

We recently commissioned 6 writers to create short, rapid response plays about the urgent political issues of today, and out of this, our Burn It Down series was born. These 6 short plays were rehearsed and performed in a single day, and we are thrilled to share a live audio recording of those performances. These plays are available to listen to, exclusively on the Stratford East Podcast until 16 August. It's Not Like It's Illegal by Amy Trigg A group of sixth formers face expulsion from their boarding school after throwing a party on school grounds. The promising students insist that the alleged party was simply a study group. But when Snapchat videos emerge of students necking booze with no homework in sight, things get a little tricky. With their futures at stake, the group of friends start to turn on one another. Soon, suspicion falls on Charlie, the only student who wasn't at the party… is he the whistleblower? And if he isn't, then why is he acting so weird? An angry comedy about politics, privilege, and parties. Performed Tue 03 May 2022. CAST Will Hislop Terique Jarrett Laurie Kynaston Ashna Rabheru Tanya Reynolds CREATIVE Written by Amy Trigg Directed by Jane Moriarty

We recently commissioned 6 writers to create short, rapid response plays about the urgent political issues of today, and out of this, our Burn It Down series was born. These 6 short plays were rehearsed and performed in a single day, and we are thrilled to share a live audio recording of those performances. These plays are available to listen to, exclusively on the Stratford East Podcast until 16 August. I Want To Live by Jamie Hale On the 20th March 2020, the wave of the pandemic was breaking across the UK. In London, Sam, a disabled health affairs journalist, values his independence and autonomy above all else. As the risks to him of contracting COVID-19 become clearer, he is forced to confront the gulf between the way he wants to be living and the reality he now has to face. Drawing on media from those frenzied days, and the interpersonal tensions that arise in the pressure-cooker of his flat as he navigates a new relationship and old fears, Sam has to ask, can he both have his life, and live? Performed Thu 28 Apr 2022. The transcript of I Want To Live is available to download here. CAST Jamie Hale Sapphire Joy Jonathan Livingston Mateo Oxley Reece Pantry Caroline Parker Sumayya Si-Tayeb CREATIVE Written by Jamie Hale Directed by Lilac Yosiphon

We recently commissioned 6 writers to create short, rapid response plays about the urgent political issues of today, and out of this, our Burn It Down series was born. These 6 short plays were rehearsed and performed in a single day, and we are thrilled to share a live audio recording of those performances. These plays are available to listen to, exclusively on the Stratford East Podcast until 16 August. If I Speak by Lettie Precious Papason is a passionate creative who wants to change the world. However, what they want to put out into the world may ruffle a few feathers - or be misconstrued as a terror attack on the government if the new immigration rules being pushed in Parliament are passed. Papason must decide what's more important to them, being British and being censored, or losing everything and risking deportation by speaking their truth and changing the world. Performed Tue 26 Apr 2022. CAST Tiegan Byrne Beverley Klein Shazia Nicholls Olisa Odele EM Williams CREATIVE Written by Lettie Precious Directed by Leian John-Baptiste

We recently commissioned 6 writers to create short, rapid response plays about the urgent political issues of today, and out of this, our Burn It Down series was born. These 6 short plays were rehearsed and performed in a single day, and we are thrilled to share a live audio recording of those performances. These plays are available to listen to, exclusively on the Stratford East Podcast until 16 August. yummy by babriye bukilwa The year is unknown. The players are nameless. Money is king. Being picked is God. Four Black femmes have made it to the last round of the game, everything is at stake yet nobody is eating. yummy examines the relationship between diet culture, fatphobia, anti-Blackness, self-harm, class and misogyny. yummy contains strong language and explores fatphobia, eating disorders and racism. Performed Thu 21 Apr 2022. CAST Omolabake Jolaoso Rachel Nwokoro Unique Spencer Shiloh Coke CREATIVE Written by babirye bukilwa Directed by malakaï sargeant

We recently commissioned 6 writers to create short, rapid response plays about the urgent political issues of today, and out of this, our Burn It Down series was born. These 6 short plays were rehearsed and performed in a single day, and we are thrilled to share a live audio recording of those performances. These plays are available to listen to, exclusively on the Stratford East Podcast until 16 August. The Expendables by Timberlake Wertenbaker “Protect the economy and if that means some pensioners die, too bad.” Words attributed to Dominic Cummings in February 2020, denied by him. How economically useful are you? How much would you be willing to do for the economy? The Expendables explores the value of human life, who determines it and how we define it. Performed Tue 19 Apr 2022. CAST Sara Kestelman Simon Manyonda CREATIVE Written by Timberlake Wertenbaker Directed by Anthony Lau

Stratford East has commissioned 6 writers to create urgent, political short plays in a new series called BURN IT DOWN. We'll be interviewing the 12 writers and directors in the series. In this episode, we spoke to Travis Alabanza about their play I'm tired of waiting, someone pass me the duct tape.

Stratford East has commissioned 6 writers to create urgent, political short plays in a new series called BURN IT DOWN. We'll be interviewing the 12 writers and directors in the series. In this episode, we spoke to Amy Trigg and Jane Moriarty about their play It's Not Like It's Illegal.

Stratford East has commissioned 6 writers to create urgent, political short plays in a new series called BURN IT DOWN. We'll be interviewing the 12 writers and directors in the series. In this episode, we spoke to Timberlake Wertenbaker and Anthony Lau about their play The Expendables.

Stratford East has commissioned 6 writers to create urgent, political short plays in a new series called BURN IT DOWN. We'll be interviewing the 12 writers and directors in the series. In this episode, we spoke to babirye bukilwa and malakaï sargeant about their play yummy. Find out more about our Burn It Down series here.

Stratford East has commissioned 6 writers to create urgent, political short plays in a new series called BURN IT DOWN. We'll be interviewing the 12 writers and directors in the series, kicking off with Lettie Precious and Leian John-Baptiste who tell us all about their play IF I SPEAK. Find out more about BURN IT DOWN here.

We spoke to actors Amaka Okafor and Nick Blood about starring in Dennis Kelly's AFTER THE END. They give us a great insight into the play as well as advice for folks starting out in the industry, plus some of their music, TV and theatre recommendations. AFTER THE END is playing at Stratford East until Sat 26 March 2022, book online: www.stratfordeast.com/aftertheend

We caught up with actors Michelle Fox and Curtis-Lee Ashqar from the Shining City company. Conor McPherson's Dublin ghost story SHINING CITY is playing at Stratford East until Sat 23 Oct. Tickets and info: https://www.stratfordeast.com/shiningcity

Live theatre is back at Stratford East and we are thrilled to welcoming audiences into the building. In this episode, we talk to writer April De Angelis about her new plat EXTINCT, which tackles the climate emergency head on. EXTINCT will play at Stratford East from Wed 30 Jun - Sat 17 Jul, and is available to watch online from 13-18 Jul. Tickets and info: www.stratfordeast.com/extinct

In this episode, our Artistic Director, Nadia Fall, chats with performance artist Tabby Lamb about being one of our newly appointed Sky Arts Artistic Associates.

In this episode, our Artistic Director, Nadia Fall, chats with writer and director Mina Barber about being one of our newly appointed Sky Arts Artistic Associates.

We had a chat with actor Maimuna Memon, who plays Ava in the upcoming broadcast of WELCOME TO IRAN. After having to cancel our production of WELCOME TO IRAN in April 2020, we are thrilled that a new version has been specially recorded for radio and will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on Sun 11 Apr, 7.30pm. You can listen to the broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and the BBC Sounds App.

We spoke to performer and writer Rebecca Buckle about her show HYSTERICAL! A HILARIOUS HISTORY OF HYSTERIA. We filmed her lecture, which will be available to watch from Mon 29 Mar 2021 at www.stratfordeast.com/hysterical

We spoke to actor Tigger Blaize about his career and also LGBTQ+ History Month. Tigger Twitter: www.twitter.com/TiggerBlaize Consultancy: bounce@tiggerblaize.co.uk

We had a chat with movement director and PETRICHOR co-creator Jess Williams about creating a VR theatre experience during lockdown. ThickSkin new show runs at Stratford East from 07 - 13 Dec. Get booking!

Spotlight on Freelancers We're chatting to stage and screenwriter Matilda Ibini about her route into the arts, from writing Scooby Doo fan fiction to her semi-autobiographic play Little Miss Burden. See more from our Spotlight series on our Blog - www.stratfordeast.com/blog

Spotlight on Freelancers We're chatting to actor, writer, teacher and director Anni Domingo about her route into the arts, from starting out in Sierra Leone to performing in Three Sisters at the National Theatre. See more from our Spotlight series on our Blog - www.stratfordeast.com/blog

Spotlight on Freelancers We're chatting to director and producer Ben Quashie about his route into the arts. Ben is Artistic Director of Nuu Theatre and Assistant Producer at English Touring Theatre. See more from our Spotlight series on our Blog - www.stratfordeast.com/blog

On Mon 25 May 2020, a police officer in Minneapolis killed George Floyd by kneeling on his neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. This brutal murder ignited a global surge of anger and pain. An ocean away, from the Windrush scandal to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, racist oppression is very much alive in the UK. Acclaimed playwright Roy Williams brought together 14 writers to respond artistically to George Floyd’s murder and the Black Lives Matter Movement. From this came 846 – a collection of short pieces. Each is a standalone exploration of racial inequality and oppression, but together they form a powerful tapestry of voices. 846 is directed by Ola Ince and features a soundscape by Donato Wharton. Please note that 846 contains very strong language and discusses themes some may find sensitive or upsetting. 846 has been supported by the Royal Docks Team. In this episode: SUCK. YOUR. MUM. by Nathan Powell, performed by Kevin Harvey THE TIME WHEN by Ishy Din, performed by Shane Zaza TRIGGERED by Clint Dyer, performed by Clint Dyer MY PART by Selina Thompson, performed by Jude Akuwudike, Doreene Blackstock, Carlos Byles, Dona Croll, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Martina Laird, Rebekah Murrell

On Mon 25 May 2020, a police officer in Minneapolis killed George Floyd by kneeling on his neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. This brutal murder ignited a global surge of anger and pain. An ocean away, from the Windrush scandal to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, racist oppression is very much alive in the UK. Acclaimed playwright Roy Williams brought together 14 writers to respond artistically to George Floyd’s murder and the Black Lives Matter Movement. From this came 846 – a collection of short pieces. Each is a standalone exploration of racial inequality and oppression, but together they form a powerful tapestry of voices. 846 is directed by Ola Ince and features a soundscape by Donato Wharton. Please note that 846 contains very strong language and discusses themes some may find sensitive or upsetting. 846 has been supported by the Royal Docks Team. In this episode: I WITNESSED A MURDER by Eddie Botsio, performed by Tamara Lawrence IC3 by Nathaniel Martello-White, performed by Kirsty Bushell FONG LEE by David K.S. Tse, performed by Tuyen Do COP by Avril E. Russell, performed by Cherrelle Skeete SAY THEIR NAMES by Sumerah Srivastav, performed by Will Edgerton

On Mon 25 May 2020, a police officer in Minneapolis killed George Floyd by kneeling on his neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. This brutal murder ignited a global surge of anger and pain. An ocean away, from the Windrush scandal to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, racist oppression is very much alive in the UK. Acclaimed playwright Roy Williams brought together 14 writers to respond artistically to George Floyd’s murder and the Black Lives Matter Movement. From this came 846 – a collection of short pieces. Each is a standalone exploration of racial inequality and oppression, but together they form a powerful tapestry of voices. 846 is directed by Ola Ince and features a soundscape by Donato Wharton. Please note that 846 contains very strong language and discusses themes some may find sensitive or upsetting. 846 has been supported by the Royal Docks Team. In this episode: 8 MINUTES 46 SECONDS by Roy Williams, performed by Elijah Ansah SYRITA by Carol Russell, performed by Carol Russell THE REVOLUTION WILL BE TELEVISED by Lettie Precious, performed by Jade Anouka I CAN BREATHE BUT I DON’T by Samina Baig, performed by Stephanie Street SHEHE by Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti, performed by Paapa Essiedu

THE REVIVAL is a brand new, digital documentary series created by Nottingham Playhouse and Theatre Royal Stratford East. Each episode explores a different production and gives audiences a new perspective of the work. In this first episode, Artistic Directors Adam Penford and Nadia Fall chat to some of the team from Nottingham Playhouse's landmark 2018 production The Madness of George III, which went on to become the theatre's best-selling show to date and was broadcast via NT Live. Hear from cast members Mark Gatiss, Adrian Scarborough, Debra Gillet, Sara Powell and Adam Karim, alongside Professor of History, Arthur Burns, who provided insight during the rehearsal process for the production.

I THINK WE ARE ALONE - Tue 28 Feb - Sat 21 Mar 2020 We had a chat with I THINK WE ARE ALONE cast members Chizzy Akudolu and Andy Turner about the ups and downs of working as actors. Frantic Assembly's new play, written by Sally Abbott and co-directed by Kathy Burke and Scott Graham, runs at Stratford East until Sat 21 Mar.

THE GIFT Wed 29 Jan - Sat 15 Feb 2020 We spoke to cast member Donna Berlin about Eclipse Theatre's new play THE GIFT by Janice Okoh and directed by Dawn Walton.

THE GIFT Wed 29 Jan - Sat 15 Feb 2020 Eclipse theatre company present THE GIFT, a brand new comedy drama from Bruntwood Prize-winner Janice Okoh, directed by Dawn Walton. Janice and Dawn sat down with Belgrade Theatre Coventry for a chat about the play and what audiences can expect.

DICK WHITTINGTON Sat 23 Nov 2019 - Sat 11 Jan 2020 We spoke with #StratfordPanto cast members Severine Howell-Meri, Tom Giles and Harry Jardine about all-things panto! (Oh, yes we did)

OUR LADY OF KIBEHO by Katori Hall, directed by James Dacre 25 Sep - 02 Nov 2019 We spoke with cast members Taz Munya and Michelle Asante about this critically-acclaimed play. Hailed as one of 'the 50 best theatre shows of the 21st century' (The Guardian) and 'the most important play of the year' (The Wall Street Journal, 2014), this vibrantly theatrical meditation on faith, doubt and miracles is inspired by the extraordinary events in Rwanda that captured the world’s attention. OUR LADY OF KIBEHO is the latest work from Olivier Award-winning writer Katori Hall, whose previous plays include Tina: The Tina Turner Musical and The Mountaintop.

Oliver Twist Episode 9 - Stratford East Podcast We are thrilled to announce the fourth Ramps on the Moon production will be a new adaptation of Charles Dickens' OLIVER TWIST. We spoke with Agent for Change, Kate Lovell, about the show and Ramps on the Moon project. Now in its fourth year (after the huge successes of The Government Inspector, Tommy and Our Country's Good), this pioneering initiative from seven major UK theatre organisations is committed to putting D/deaf and disabled artists and audiences at the centre of their work. 28 May – 6 June Theatre Royal Stratford East TOUR 28 Feb – 21 March Leeds Playhouse 25 March - 4 April New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich 16 – 25 April Nottingham Playhouse 29 April – 9 May Birmingham Repertory Theatre 13 – 23 May Crucible Theatre, Sheffield

KING HEDLEY II Episode 8 - Stratford East Podcast We spoke with Constanza Romero Wilson about August Wilson's legacy, specially King Hedley II, taking place at Stratford East from 17 May - 15 Jun 2019.

NOUGHTS & CROSSES Episode 7 - Stratford East Podcast We're chatting with actors Kimisha Lewis and Jack Condon about being in Pilot Theatre's production of NOUGHTS & CROSSES. We also spoke with Pilot Theatre about the NOUGHTS & CROSSES YOUNG PEOPLE'S FESTIVAL, taking place at Stratford East on Mon 29 Apr. NOUGHTS & CROSSES Wed 24 Apr - Sat 04 May 2019 NOUGHTS & CROSSES YOUNG PEOPLE'S FESTIVAL Mon 29 Apr 2019 Tickets: http://stratfordeast.com/whats-on/all-shows/noughts-and-crosses-young-peoples-festival

EQUUS Episode 6 - Stratford East Podcast We're chatting with Movement Director Shelley Maxwell and performer Ira Mandela Siobhan about how they created the movement for EQUUS by Peter Shaffer, directed by Ned Bennett in co-production with English Touring Theatre. EQUUS FRI 15 FEB - SAT 23 MAR 2019 Tickets: bit.ly/Equus-StratfordEast Tour dates: Cambridge Arts Theatre 26 Mar — 30 Mar Theatre Royal Bath 02 Apr — 06 Apr 2019 Bristol Old Vic 16 Apr — 20 Apr 2019 The Lowry, Salford 23 Apr — 27 Apr 2019 Northern Stage, Newcastle 30 Apr — 04 May 2019 Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford 07 May — 11 May 2019

EQUUS Episode 5 - Stratford East Podcast We're chatting with actors Ethan Kai and Norah Lopez Holden about EQUUS by Peter Shaffer, directed by Ned Bennett in co-production with English Touring Theatre. EQUUS FRI 15 FEB - SAT 23 MAR 2019 Tickets: http://bit.ly/Equus-StratfordEast Tour dates: Cambridge Arts Theatre 26 Mar — 30 Mar Theatre Royal Bath 02 Apr — 06 Apr 2019 Bristol Old Vic 16 Apr — 20 Apr 2019 The Lowry, Salford 23 Apr — 27 Apr 2019 Northern Stage, Newcastle 30 Apr — 04 May 2019 Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford 07 May — 11 May 2019

THE UNRETURNING Episode 4 - Stratford East Podcast. We're chatting with actors Kieton Saunders-Browne and Jonnie Riordan about THE UNRETURNING, the new Frantic Assembly show written by Anna Jordan. THE UNRETURNING Wed 16 Jan - Sat 02 Feb 2019 Tickets: http://bit.ly/TheUnreturning-StratfordEast

THE WOLVES Episode 3 - Stratford East Podcast. We're chat with playwright Sarah DeLappe and director Ellen McDougall about THE WOLVES. THE WOLVES Wed 24 Oct - Sat 17 Nov 2018 Tickets: http://bit.ly/TheWolves-Stratford-East

QUEER LATES Episode 2 - Stratford East Podcast In this episode we chat with Drag Queen Dolly Trolley about our upcoming show QUEER LATES (Thu 08 Nov 2018). QUEER LATES - a celebration of all things Queer, proud and powerful featuring Trolly Dolley, Kate Butch, Chiyo, Benjamin Butch, Rhys's Pieces, Rubyyy Jones, Freida Slaves and Gals Aloud. Thu 08 Nov 2018 from 9pm Tickets: http://www.stratfordeast.com/whats-on/all-shows/queer-lates

THE VILLAGE Episode 1 - Stratford East Podcast Welcome to the very first episode of the Stratford East Podcast, hosted by Assistant Producer Daisy Hale and Marketing Officer Sean Brooks. On this episode, we speak to Stratford East Artistic Director, Nadia Fall, and acclaimed playwright April De Angelis about their production THE VILLAGE. If you want to get in touch then email podcast@stratfordeast.com