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Live Theatre adapt to post-lockdown life by digitally screening their new programme, beginning with 10 Minutes To…
Despite being unable to re-open at full capacity, Newcastle’s Live Theatre are determined to continue to offer the innovative theatre that they are so renowned for. Aiming to reach a wider and more diverse audience, Live Theatre are adapting to post-lockdown life by digitally screening their new programme, Live Wired. Beginning early October, the programme will commence with their 10 Minutes To… series, a compilation of nine ten-minute plays unified by the theme of calling home.
Featuring both new and established writers, the nine plays were whittled down from over 300 entries after an open call-out during lockdown. “We have nine brilliant scripts from a huge range of writers,” says Graeme Thompson, Live Theatre’s Creative Producer. “Some of the writers are new to Live and some we know.” Many of the writers selected hail from the North East, including Rebecca Glendenning-Laycock, member of North East-based theatre company Bonnie & The Bonnettes, whose play Sheltered is set during an air raid over Northern England.
For new writer Ellen McNally, her play Off Peak will be her first piece of writing performed onstage. Ellen has a particular affinity with Live Theatre: “This year’s theme resonates with me; I was part of Live’s Youth Theatre when I was younger so having my first script produced here feels really special.”
Other plays include work by Benjamin Storey, Sarah Tarbit, Niall McCarthy, Olu Alakija, Mandi C, John Hickman and gobscure, representing a range of talent from across the country. “This project is really exciting,” says Graeme. “This time we are filming as opposed to performing live but there is always a buzz when we do this show and we are certain we can recreate that this time round.”
The plays will be free to access and will remain on the venue’s website. Keep an eye out for further performances as part of the Live Wired season.
