Philippa Kaur

More stories

  • 75 Shares129 Views

    in Theater

    Venues: The Bread and Roses Theatre

    As theatres begin to re-open everywhere, we thought what a good time to actually dig a little deeper into some of the wonderful fringe venues hidden away throughout London, and the people who make them tick.

    First up then is The Bread and Roses Theatre. The theatre can be found above the pub of the same name, right in the heart of Clapham. It’s just a short walk from both Northern line and Overground stations, so there really is little excuse for not checking it out.

    Need further reasons you should go? Well, we thought why not ask someone right at the heart of what they do to tell us more.

    Hello there, shall we start with introductions?

    Hello, I’m Velenzia Spearpoint, the Artistic Director of The Bread and Roses Theatre

    Ok, we know where to find you, but what’s the size and layout style of your space?

    We’re an intimate, 40-60 seat venue above the Bread and Roses Pub in Clapham. We have a flexible auditorium so productions can be staged end-on or as a thrust. For I and the Village (showing at the time of the interview), it’s in a thrust. Currently, we’re opening a reduced capacity welcoming 20-25 people each night, so it will be slightly different, but we very much hope you’ll come on this adventure with us. 

    What type of shows do you usually put on? 

    For the shows we produce ourselves, we choose from our Bread and Roses Playwriting Award every two years, after reading through around 500 submissions by talented writers. You can find out more here

    The play we’re reopening with, I and the Village, sheds light on the Direct Provision System, for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Ireland. It sheds light on life behind years of waiting, unable to work or make any personal progress. I and the Village explores the consequences of long term confinement in a system designed to be flawed. A story of longing, survival and hope.

    For all other shows, they are produced by visiting companies and we share the risk by offering a transparent box office deal. Artistic quality and representation of our societies’ real diversity are at the heart of the theatre’s programming with a focus on new writing, underrepresented voices, distinctive work and the development of new work and opportunities. If you’re interested in bringing a show, find out more here. 

    What can people normally expect to pay to see a show with you?

    We are always aiming to keep prices as affordable as possible, for work in progress shows and our Clapham Fringe Festival, it can start from as little as £5, for full length show it tends to be a maximum of £15. 

    You’re above the pub, would you recommend it as a nice place to come pre-show for a drink and bite to eat? And post show to chat about what you’ve just watched?
    The kitchen is ran by the Uk’s first gourmet corndog company ‘Twodogs Down‘, American comfort food at its best. The pub has two beer gardens front and back and plenty of space inside to enjoy pre-show drinks. With happy hour Monday to Friday between 4pm and 7pm, it’s £4 on selected beers and wines. The pub also offers free live music on weekends, with genres ranging from blues, folk, reggae and more. 
    We’re sold, we’ll get our order in now.

    Any particular highlights from your past shows? Any actors or shows start here that are your “they played here first” stories you tell everyone about? 

    Jamie Beamish who’s gone on to work in big tv shows, such as Bridgerton and Derry Girls bought his Cat The Play, co-written with Richard Hardwick, to us in the first year we were open in 2015. 

    What are the plans for the coming months then, what exciting shows have you got lined up for us?

    So apart from our very own playwriting award winner 19/20, I and the Village by Darren Donohue opening on the 25 May 2021, we’ve got an exciting line-up for the months ahead, highlights include:Stray Dogs by an aspiring up & coming Producer Justin Treadwell.There’s a trio of improv events, including where you can see Pippa Evans: And many many more, check out the full programme here & follow us on social media to be the first to hear.

    So tell us just why we should all come along to see a show at The Bread and Roses? What’s your unique selling point? 

    As we briefly mentioned, we want to champion theatre-makers at all stages of their career and are one of the very few venues in London that operates in the business model (box office splits with no hidden fees) that we do. Obviously, we all still know far too well that starting out in theatre-making is very challenging, but audiences can come in the knowledge theatre-makers are being nurtured and supported as much as possible in the process.

    Finally, and quite possibly the most important question of all, how comfy are your seats?

    Haha, good question

    Thanks, we thought so too, we’re going to ask everyone this in the future.

    They’re okay, all chairs rather than stalls, so should be fairly comfy. 

    Our thanks to Velenzia for her time to chat about the theatre. If you’d like to see shows we’ve previously reviewed at the venue, you can find them via the below link. Please do also give the theatre a follow on their social media channels, it really does help. You can find them all below as well. More

  • 88 Shares129 Views

    in Theater

    Playlist: ET radio show 26 May 2021

    Author: Everything Theatre

    in Radio playlist

    27 May 2021

    13 Views

    Shows Mentioned

    Links are for reviews, unless noted otherwise.

    Podcasts

    https://twitter.com/lprpod – Listening Party Revelations podcast. Hear everyday people chat about their love of music, based around the #TimsTwitterListeningParty’s

    Interview with Brian Penn

    Part 1 – Abba Mania review

    Part 2 – Eurovision Song Contest conversation

    Part 3 – Brian’s favourite shows

    Music Playlist

    Sugarcubes – BirthdayTanita Tikaram – Twist In My SobrietyPenfriend – Exotic MonstersPrefab Sprout – When The AngelsBoo Radleys – Wish I Was SkinnyAbba – Mamma MiaBryan Ferry – Let’s Stick TogetherTears for Fears – Mad WorldLloyd Cole and the Commotions – Perfect SkinOMD – Joan of ArcGrandaddy – Hewletts DaughterJesus Jones – International Bright Young ThingTrampoline – Imagine Something YesterdayAztec Camera – ObliviousFontains DC – Roy’s TuneFrank Turner – Little ChangesThe Icicle Works – EvangelineGlasvegas – GeraldineThe Staves – Don’t Let Me DownBon Iver – Skinny LoveDoves – There Goes The Fear More

  • 88 Shares129 Views

    in Theater

    Playlist: ET radio show 19 May 2021

    Founded in 2011, Everything Theatre started life as a pokey blog run by two theatre enthusiasts and – thanks to the Entry Pass Scheme for 16-25 year olds – regular National Theatre goers. Today, we are run by part-time volunteers from a wide array of backgrounds. Among our various contributors are people who work in […] More

  • 50 Shares119 Views

    in Theater

    Interview: Louise Breckon-Richards uncloaked

    The Space Arts Centre is always a great place to venture if you are looking for exciting, fresh new writing. Even better now, if you can’t actually get there in person, you can watch all their shows streamed online via their upgraded webcam equipment, opening up a whole new audience to this wonderful old building.

    To welcome audiences back in person, they have announced a jam-packed new season. Included in that schedule is Antandre Productions‘ The Cloak of Visibility. This play explores the pressure society places on a woman to be seen to ‘have it all’. As if she didn’t already have enough on her plate as the show goes through final rehearsals, we caught up with writer Louise Breckon-Richards to chat about its central themes and whether it’s really possible for anyone to have it all?

    Hi Louise. We’ve touched briefly on what the play is about, but do you want to give us a more in-depth description?

    The play centres around a woman Amy, who on the surface seems to have it all, and is living a full, balanced life, but as we follow her story, we realise that all is not what it seems. It explores themes of loss, visibility, disappointment and hope, in a society where she is feeling like she is being slowly erased.

    Amy is a more mature woman; do you feel there is generally a lack of writing focusing on older women?

    I do. There is still some lazy storytelling written for women over forty, where we are often a stereotype, or a vessel for other characters to have a more fun, interesting journey. I like to put my older female characters at the centre of the story, where they lead the action rather than just react or sidestep it.

    Are there any autobiographical elements within the play, or is it based on women you have met along the way?

    No, there aren’t any autobiographical elements in the play, but I have met and talked at length with women who have experienced some of the more traumatic parts of the piece. I can relate more to the themes of the play rather than what happens. I have felt deep grief and loss, lack of hope, and have many times felt invisible as I’ve got older, but I also wanted to show the fun, more anarchic side of Amy too, which is definitely in me.

    As well as a playwright, you’re also an actor. Did you ever consider playing Amy yourself?

    No. I performed a one woman piece not so long ago called Can You Hear Me Running and it was a great, empowering experience, but I’m happier acting with others on stage for now. I would like to write something for myself soon though.

    The play is being put on by Antandre Productions, a female-focused production company. Was that important to you when deciding on who to give the play to?

    Yes, it was definitely important. Marie (Marie-Elena Nash), who runs the company, put a call out initially, and I sent her the play, which happened to fit with what Antandre’s intentions and goals are. I knew after the first time we did it that I wanted to develop it further with the company and her determination has managed, throughout a very difficult year, to get us this far. I love that she is giving a voice to unheard stories and works hard to be the most supportive producer to everyone involved.

    As the writer, do you have much involvement with rehearsals, or are you politely ushered out of the room?

    It’s been tricky with Covid, as normally I’d love to be in the same room as the actor, in case there are any questions or alterations needed in the moment. We have, however, done well to have meetings online to talk through the play and any changes that may be needed. I like to get my plays as near to ready for rehearsals, especially as this was a one woman show and I knew Sally (Vanderpump) would need to cement learning it without me throwing anything in at the last minute.

    So finally, what do you hope people will take away after watching the play?

    I hope they will take away a better understanding of what can easily happen to anyone when faced with a huge loss or trauma. I also hope, however, they will have managed to find the humour and entertainment in the piece. And on another level, after the year we’ve had, I hope the audience achieve a feeling of having been taken somewhere else for a moment, in the way only theatre can: a welcome reunion, sitting with others in an auditorium, finally experiencing live theatre…together.

    ============================================================================

    Our thanks to Louise for finding time to chat to us. You can see The Cloak of Visibility at The Space Arts Centre between Tuesday 1 and Saturday 5 June, with an additional matinee on the Saturday. The show is also available to live stream on Thursday 3 June.

    Louise will be taking part in a live Q&A after the show on 3 June, which is available to book for free along with a ticket to the show, either live or online. Full details can be found on The Space’s website via the below link. More

  • 88 Shares129 Views

    in Theater

    Playlist: ET radio show 12 May 2021

    Author: Everything Theatre

    in Features and Interviews, Radio playlist

    14 May 2021

    10 Views

    The following shows are those mentioned during the show. (Links are for reviews unless noted otherwise.)

    Music playlist

    Badly Drawn Boy – Tony Wilson SaidIndian Queen’s – BubblewrapSophia Anne Caruso – Life on Mars (taken from Lazarus soundtrack)David Bowie – Five YearsJulian Cope – TrampolineIsobel Campbell – Running Down A dreamBelle & Sebastian – Seeing Other PeopleThe Anchoress feat James Dean Bradfield – The ExchangeGreen Day – American IdiotDoves – CarouselsAlfie Templeman – Film Scene DaydreamNick Cave and the Bad Seeds – Into My ArmsKae Tempest – FiresmokeEyre Llew – BlocSuede – Still LifeModerate Rebels – Perfect Grey DayThe The – That sinking FeelingBeck – Devil’s HaircutGoat Girl – BadibadaMetronony – Love Letters More

  • 113 Shares109 Views

    in Theater

    Preview: The Cloak of Visibility, The Space Arts Centre

    Author: Everything Theatre

    in Features and Interviews, News

    12 May 2021

    14 Views

    People are looking at me! It’s my cloak of visibility.FInally.A warrior, with a purpose.All this time I was wearing it the wrong way.Just turn it round and you are …seen.

    Playing at The Space Arts Centre, 1 to 5 June

    Live stream also available on 3 June.

    Meet busy, juggling, cool mum, Amy. She’s popular, successful and has mastered the ‘slut drop’. Wearing her cloak of visibility, Amy is a ‘warrior with a purpose’. Pass the gin.

    So why is she aimlessly wandering the streets of London?

    The Cloak of Visibility is an exciting and thought-provoking one-woman show exploring the pressure, that many women feel, to be seen to ‘have it all’. The play tackles rarely spoken about issues with humour and compassion. More

  • 113 Shares189 Views

    in Movies

    New 'The Batman' Leaked Video See Catwoman in Action

    Warner Bros. Pictures

    Reportedly part of an upcoming Catwoman documentary, the footage also features Zoe Kravitz describing her iteration of the anti-hero in the Matt Reeves-directed movie.

    May 6, 2021

    AceShowbiz –
    Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Films have not released another official sneak-peek of “The Batman”, but a new look at the movie has landed online. A featurette centering on Selina Kyle a.k.a. Catwoman has made its way around the Internet, giving a look at Zoe Kravitz’s iteration of the anti-hero.

    In the scenes from the upcoming movie, Catwoman is seen in action. She suits up in her black leather suit complete with her mask on while seemingly trying to break into a vault. In another moment, she’s crouching on the floor while looking alert, while another scene briefly shows her in a duel with Batman.

    The video also features commentaries from the star and the crew about the character. “The villains are often some of the most, if not the most exciting part of the movies,” director Matt Reeves says of what to expect when watching the character in the movie.

    He goes on explaining, “I mean, the rogues gallery is incredible, and what I wanted to do was I wanted to see a Batman that wasn’t an origin tale, but was sort of in his early days, but that meant that a lot of the characters that are the rogues gallery of characters, are in their origins in a way. So we have a Selina Kyle who’s not yet Catwoman.”

      See also…

    Kravitz explains the nature of her character, “Selina can take care of herself. She really wants to fight for those that don’t have someone else to fight for them. I think that is where Batman and she really connect.”

    Producer Dylan Clark echoes the actress’ claims as he weighs in, “What’s really interesting about Selina Kyle is that she represents the savior for the ill-treated, the forgotten, the people that haven’t had anybody looking out for them. She’s also very complicated, you don’t quite know exactly where her loyalty or allegiance lies.”

    The leaked footage is reportedly taken from a documentary on iTunes called “Catwoman: The Feline Femme Fatale” that’s bundled with any of the four original Batman films.

    “The Batman” stars Robert Pattinson in the lead role, with Paul Dano as Riddler, Jeffrey Wright as James Gordon, John Turturro as Carmine Falcone, Peter Sarsgaard as Gil Colson, Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth and Colin Farrell as Penguin. Filming wrapped in March and the movie is slated to arrive on March 4, 2022.

    You can share this post!

    Next article

    Lala Kent on Unfollowing Ariana Madix: ‘Let’s Not Pretend’ Caring for Each Other

    Related Posts More

  • 163 Shares129 Views

    in Television

    Get the Official First Look at Cast of HBO's 'House of the Dragon'

    HBO

    The network shares a look at Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, Prince Daemon Targaryen, Lord Corlys Velaryon, a.k.a. The Sea Snake, as well as Otto Hightower and his daughter Alicent.

    May 6, 2021

    AceShowbiz –
    HBO has offered a slew of first-look pictures of its upcoming show “House of the Dragon”. Shared on the show’s official Instagram account on Wednesday, May 5, the pictures feature Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Prince Daemon Targaryen which are played by Emma D’Arcy And Matt Smith respectively.

    In the photo, Emma’s Rhaehyra is standing in front of Matt’s Daemon. Both of them are seen donning Targaryen’s signature platinum blonde hair and royal gowns while having an intense meeting by the shore.

    In the official character description, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, the first-born child of King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine), is depicted as a dragonrider and of pure Valyrian blood. “Many would say that Rhaenyra was born with everything… but she was not born a man,” reads the description. Meanwhile, Daemon Targaryen, the king’s younger brother and heir to the throne, is described as “a peerless warrior and a dragonrider” who “possesses the true blood of the dragon. But it is said that whenever a Targaryen is born, the gods toss a coin in the air.”

    The network also shares a look at Lord Corlys Velaryon, a.k.a. The Sea Snake, who is portrayed by Steve Toussaint. In the character’s first-look picture, he can be seen posing by the ocean. The Lord of House Velaryon is a Valyrian bloodline as old as House Targaryen. Known as the most famed nautical adventurer in the history of Westeros, he “built his house into a powerful seat that is even richer than the Lannisters and that claims the largest navy in the world.”

      See also…

    Fans are also offered the look at the Hightowers. In the last photo that are shared by the network, Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) is joined by his daughter Alicent (Olivia Cooke). Otto is Hand of the King who loyally and faithfully serves both Viserys and his realm. “As the Hand sees it, the greatest threat to the realm is the king’s brother, Daemon, and his position as heir to the throne,” the official character description reads.

    As for Alicent, she is depicted as a “comely woman in the Seven Kingdoms. She was raised in the Red Keep, close to the king and his innermost circle; she possesses both a courtly grace and a keen political acumen.”

    Based on George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood”, “House of Dragon” is set 300 years before the events of “Game of Thrones” and will follow the House Targaryen. Miguel Sapochnik and Ryan Condal are the “Game of Thrones” spin-off’s showrunners with Martin serving as executive producer.

    As the production started in April, “House of the Dragon” is set to arrive sometime in 2022.

    You can share this post!

    Next article

    Ben Affleck Plans on ‘Hanging Out Again’ With Jennifer Lopez After Amid Reconciliation Rumors

    Related Posts More