The Lyric Hammersmith is West London’s largest producing theatre. Over its hundred year history it has been responsible for creating some of the UK’s most ground-breaking and celebrated theatrical work. At the same time it has gained a national reputation for its work with and for young people. The Lyric’s dual commitment to producing the highest quality contemporary theatre alongside nurturing the creativity of young people is what makes it unique within the theatre ecology of the UK. As it prepares to take the next steps into a future that will redefine it as one of the country’s leading cultural and educational institutions, it can look back across a year of growth, challenges and achievements.
Sean Holmes Artistic Director
Blasted (2010)
Jessica Hepburn Executive Director
Members of the Lyric Young Company
Over 222,000 people enjoyed 830 events and performances at the Lyric, in the West End and on tour 6,000 young people from West London and beyond took part in 645 workshops and activities 4,000 people who live or work in Hammersmith & Fulham attended a show at the Lyric for free as a part of our Free First Night scheme We were nominated for 15 awards Following a sell-out run at the Lyric, our production of Ghost Stories transferred into the West End where it ran for 13 months We worked with 600 artists, practitioners and industry professionals to deliver our projects with young people and work on stage As a part of our commitment to reducing our carbon emissions by 10% each year we were awarded the Greenest Theatre in London Award
A huge thank you to all of the following individuals and organisations who supported our work. We couldn’t have done it without you. Michael Alinek, Anonymous, John and Caroline Armstrong, Arts Council England, Michael Baker and Diana Baxter, Laura and John Banes, BBC Children In Need, Big Lottery Fund, British Council, Catherine Comerford, Chris and Amanda Curry, Daisy Trust, Janet Ellis, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Liz Elston Mayhew, The Feeling, Jane and David Fletcher, Roger de Freitas, Future Jobs Fund, Anita Gray, Charles Gurassa and Sheila Clarke, Help a Capital Child, Ironmongers’ Company, Jack Petchey Foundation, Ingrid Jacobson, Jakafraik Properties, Julia Lloyd-Hughes, London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, Lyric Friends, Kate McGrath, McGrath Charitable Trust, Caroline and Jim O’Neill, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Pearson Plc, Janet Robb, Sam Griffiths Foundation, NoraLee and Jon Sedmak, SHINE Trust, Mary Strang, Sunset + Vine, Niki Taljaard, Joe and Barbara Vittoria, Martha and David Winfield.
BLASTED ‘Utterly compelling.’ Guardian
WINNER Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre
A THOUSAND STARS EXPLODE IN THE SKY ‘Quietly, devastatingly beautiful.’ Time Out
WINNER Off West End Award for Best Actor – Danny Webb
PUNK ROCK – On Tour ‘A gripping show.’ Independent Lyric Hammersmith Sheffield Lyceum Kings Theatre, Edinburgh Birmingham Repertory Theatre Eastbourne Devonshire Park Salisbury Playhouse Theatre Royal, Plymouth Oxford Playhouse Leicester Curve Warwick Arts Centre
THE BIG FELLAH ‘Jaw-dropping laughs... cracking performances.’ Sunday Times
Improbable’s Lifegame ‘All heart, but with a mighty whack of skill thrown in.’ Guardian
DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT ‘A gloriously accomplished and delightfully witty evening’s entertainment.’ Evening Standard
Roald Dahl’s Twisted Tales ‘An evening of sadistic fun and juicy revenge...’ Financial Times
MOGADISHU ‘The play of the year? Quite possibly.’ Daily Telegraph
WINNER George Devine Award WINNER Bruntwood Playwriting Competition
MOGADdITION
START
A theatre project for secondary schools inspired by Vivienne Franzmann’s award-winning play, Mogadishu.
A rolling six-week training programme for young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) which supports them to re-engage with learning.
Lyric Young Company
PLAY UP, PAY BACK
West London’s largest youth theatre offering young people the chance to take part in workshops with industry professionals, perform on the Lyric stages and see Lyric shows for just £5.
CHILDREN’S SHOWS & MESSY PLAY A year-round programme of performances and activities for children under 11 and their families.
A project delivered in partnership with Hammersmith & Fulham’s Youth Offending Service providing a programme of activities on Friday and Saturday nights for young offenders on reparation orders.
Schools’ Workshops Bespoke workshops for local schools which support the national curriculum and help to deliver a top quality cultural education.
Young Associates
Lyric Lounge
A new scheme supported by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation to train and develop the young arts professionals of the future.
A monthly Open Mic event in the Lyric Studio produced by young emerging artists.
Total Cost: ÂŁ13.5million
Timetable: January 2012 – March 2013
Project Team: Architect: Rick Mather Architect Artists: David Batchelor and Richard Wentworth Contractor: Mace Plus Structural Engineer: Pell Frischmann Services Engineer: Mott MacDonald Theatre Consultant: Charcoal Blue Sustainability & BREEAM Consultant: Rickaby Thompson Access Consultant: David Bonnett Associates Public Art Consultant: Contemporary Art Society Project Management & Cost Consultant: EC Harris Contractual and Legal Advisor: Ashurt LLP & Farrer and Co
Key Funders: Arts Council England London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham Department for Education London Development Agency/ Greater London Authority