New To You Theatre - #N2UT
New Works for New Audiences
Is a new theatre company launched in 2022.
Firstly, it is to showcase Martin's work in theatres, ostensibly within the north of England or further afield if opportunities permit. The intention is to provide opportunities for locally based performers and to bring them and a new repertoire to a range of local theatres: put simply, bringing together new works and new faces to new venues with a view to attracting new audiences for them.
Martin firmly believes that new works and new writers have the potential to attract the audiences theatres would like to have - and there is evidence to prove that it is a credible approach. This is essential in maintaining footfall in small local theatres and ensuring that the turnover in (to be very honest) an ageing core of patrons is being replenished AND that such theatres have traction and an identity in the communities they are embedded in - especially those communities who have never been in their local theatre before.
In time, once a portfolio of venues who have engaged come on board, he wants to use the experience and contacts to facilitate other new writers and their works in getting the stage and the audience they deserve.
The venture is not to make money but simply, to make theatre.
So far ...
During summer of 2022, several venues staged 'Gymnopedies' to very positive reviews and audience feedback.
Building on this, 2023 saw a small and successful tour of two one-act plays, 'Ancient and Modern' and 'Last Bus to Whitby.'
2024 sees 'Opposites in Common' taken to a small number of local venues.
In doing so, we've found new writers to encourage and venues who just needed a little nudge to open their doors. Just on that count, it's been worth the cost, the effort and the sleepless nights ... ish!