SEPTEMBER - JANUARY 2017 unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
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TAKE YOUR SEATS
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Due to the modular nature of our spaces our seating arrangements are subject to change. Please check the venue layout with Box Office.
BOOKING YOUR TICKETS Book online unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk Call a member of our friendly Box Office team 0151 709 4988 Visit us in person – our city centre box office is open Mon 1pm – 6pm, Tues – Sat 12midday – 6pm. On performance days the box office is open until the start of the performance. Box Office Address 1 Hope Place, Liverpool, L1 9BG
Fees - We charge 50p per transaction for card payments. All details in this brochure are correct at time of printing but we reserve the right to change any of the information herein. Please see unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk for the most up to date information. The boring bit: Ticket sales are subject to Unity Theatre’s current Terms and Conditions which may be viewed at unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk/t&c
ACCESS Unity Theatre has a ramped entrance, lift to all levels and accessible toilets. We have a radio hearing system in both our theatres and loops in the box office and bar. Enquire at the box office for details.
Unity Theatre is a private company limited by guarantee number 3333987. Registered charity number 1062 463
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WELCOME Welcome to Autumn Season 2016! Our work is always challenging, innovative, risky and unusual and this season is no different. We have lots of exciting performances on offer, including three Unity commissions, two major festival collaborations and the arrival of a Beast! This Autumn, we continue to work extensively throughout the community, offering bespoke
workshops and supporting those who are interested in pursuing, developing or establishing themselves creatively. In addition to our programme, we are also deep into development for our capital programme. More information on page 4. We look forward to welcoming you to Unity Theatre this season.
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS HAPPY HOUR
HOMOTOPIA
5 – 8 Oct 60 minutes of hilarious physical comedy from Liverpool favourite Tmesis Theatre. A Unity Theatre Commission.
1 – 12 November The UK’s foremost LGBT art & culture festival returns to the Unity to bring the best Queer art to Liverpool.
NINA – A STORY ABOUT ME AND NINA SIMONE
DADAFEST INTERNATIONAL 2016
15 – 29 Oct Don’t miss this powerful piece of music theatre which reflects on the life of the incomparable Nina Simone - featuring Unity Patron Josette Bushell-Mingo.
17 – 26 Nov Long running international festival DadaFest returns to Unity with a range of amazing productions which challenge ideals and celebrate disability culture.
BEASTIE
LITTLE RED AND THE BIG BAD WOLF
20 – 22 Oct Stories come to life like never before in this very special piece of immersive theatre. Storytelling for little Beasties only!
2 Dec 2016 – 7 Jan 2017 Continuing our hit collaboration with acclaimed children’s theatre company Action Transport Theatre, don’t miss this season’s must see Christmas Show filled with music, dance and song!
0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
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BUILD UNITY BETTER
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Unity Theatre is currently in the middle of a major capital redevelopment programme which will open out the front of house foyer and bar spaces, improve soundproofing between the two performance spaces, allowing both venues to be used together more often and, as a result, create more opportunities for work and artist development, as well as increasing revenue. The redevelopment will also ensure that Unity Theatre has a strong digital profile and is an environmentally sustainable venue. We’re very excited because we are about to finalise our design for the work ahead of construction. The Unity Theatre building will close to the public on 7 January 2017 and the redeveloped Unity Theatre will reopen week commencing April 24 2017. The capital redevelopment has been made possible due to generous support from Arts Council England who awarded £435,000 towards the £790,000 project and Liverpool City Council. We also give thanks for the generous donations from a number of trusts, independent bodies and personal giving. The warm reaction we have received from the Liverpool community and our audiences has been overwhelming.
“The opportunity to ensure that Unity Theatre is a theatre fit for the 21st Century is not something we take lightly. We have a responsibility to ensure that the organisation and its venue are strong and resilient for the next 30 years and more. The Capital Project planning is in its final stages and we cannot wait for building to begin so that we can deliver Liverpool a place for curious minds to engage with new and radical performing arts for years and years to come”
Matthew Linley Artistic Director and CEO
“We're thrilled with the design plans submitted by our chosen architects K2. The plans have realised what we had imagined for a Unity Theatre of the future - the project will enable the theatre to play an even bigger, more ambitious role in Liverpool, the region and beyond.”
Chris Bliss Chairman of Unity Theatre’s Board
Follow our progress on unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk/future-plans
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FUNDRAISING We’ve raised over £715k for our Building Unity Better capital redevelopment project with generous support from Arts Council England & Liverpool City Council, Trusts, Foundations and individual giving plus money we’ve saved. We still need your help to raise the last £75K. There are three easy ways to help us with our campaign to reach our £75K target by December.
Unity Funds Fundraising
DONATE ONLINE Visit unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk and click the ‘Support Us’ button on the top right hand corner of the home page to make a one-off online donation.
VISIT & DONATE Make sure you continue to support Unity Theatre by booking tickets for as much of our great programme as you can! There’s so much amazing theatre, comedy and performance available! You can donate when you buy your ticket, give to our collection boxes in the foyer or you can make a donation to our fundraising bucket at the end of the show.
GET INVOLVED Join us at one of our fundraising events – from auctions to special shows – or, if you’ve an idea about how you can help, please get in touch with us: suewilliams@unitytheatre.co.uk Give to our crowd funding campaign or donate a money-can’t-buy experience. Find out more about how you can get involved at unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk/future-plans
0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
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ET INVOLVE
PARTICIPATION IS CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING THAT WE DO AT UNITY THEATRE. From the first spark of an idea to collaboration with companies with long and distinguished careers, Unity Theatre works with artists and audiences at every stage of their creative journey. Unity Theatre is a home for research and development, work experience opportunities, training for budding technicians and we provide voluntary front of house positions. We host engaging performance workshops and seminars for artistic development and have a rolling programme of art exhibitions for visual artists in our gallery. Get involved today!
EDUCATION Unity Theatre's education programme is a brilliant educational resource, providing access to thought-provoking, highly engaging, creative and affordable professional theatre and workshops. We host over 100 different productions each year and offer a range of additional activities to enhance further study for Primary, Secondary, HE/FE, undergraduate and postgraduate pupils and students. We work with artists to design high quality, bespoke workshop packages in various art forms including: drama, dance, music, puppetry, physical theatre, and visual arts. We also organise: • Theatre tours with Q&A sessions with actors and theatre staff • Regular post-show discussions with most companies visiting our venue • Professional development sessions for creative practitioners • Links with community organisations and projects to create further access to the arts Unity theatre is an Arts Award Welcome venue, supporting 11-25 year olds who want to develop as artists and arts leaders and are taking part in the “Arts Award” national qualification. We also provide support for school registered with or considering applying for Artsmark.
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SPLATTERDAYS
Regular arts workshops for 5 – 13 years filled to the brim with making, acting, storytelling and play sessions. Two hours of safe supervised fun with highly experienced practitioners to learn new skills, gain self-confidence and meet new friends. Special Offer Splatterdays attendees get £3 off bookings for Beastie this autumn!
10am - 12pm for 5 – 8 years and 1pm - 3pm for 9 – 13 years September 17th, October 1st, 15th & 29th, November 12th & 26th Prices per session: £5 or £3 for those in receipt of low-income benefits. Look out for special Splatterdays events during our Christmas season in the Dark, Dark Wood…
WORKSHOPS
More information at unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk Wed 12th Oct, 6-8pm £10 TMESIS THEATRE WORKSHOP PHYSICAL THEATRE- THE EXPRESSIVE BODY Suitable for all levels, this workshop will focus on different ways in which you can use the body expressively to create characters, devise physical sequences and work as an ensemble to explore ideas. It will be a playful and energetic workshop with a focus on improvisation and being in the moment. Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement. See Tmesis’s company’s new national touring production, Happy Hour, this October at Unity
UNITY YOUTH THEATRE Working alongside professional theatre companies, performers and practitioners, Unity Youth Theatre members gain valuable experience in the performing arts, developing a wide variety of skills to create original performances on unity's stages. It’s open to all young people from the ages 14-18 years. We have a waiting list for places, however we run regular taster workshops and other opportunities for those on the list! Email or call Louise or Laura: uyt@unitytheatre.co.uk / 0151 709 6502
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT We are committed to supporting the emergence of new performance work, artists and companies. This season features Laurence Clark’s Independence, Tmesis Theatre’s Happy Hour and Homotopia’s The Rise and Fall of the Hamburger Queen, all of which have benefitted from R&D time at Unity Theatre. This Autumn we are hosting R&D for our own Little Red and the Big Bad Wolf and new work by Petite Ullaloom, Lizzie Nunnery, Box of Tricks and David Judge. For more information please visit unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk for R&D blogs and content. If you are an emerging artist or company you can contact us to find out more about support available through our Making Art programme. Get involved at Unity Theatre today! Contact Participation Coordinator louiseflooks@unitytheatre.co.uk
PLACEMENTS Placement opportunities are available at set periods throughout the year. A placement with Unity Theatre will: • Give you the broadest experience possible, adding detail and depth to your CV. • Show you the workings of Unity Theatre as a modern theatre venue. • Give you access to all Unity Theatre staff, their experience and expertise.
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0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
REDISCOVERING THE RADICAL THEATRE AND SOCIAL CHANGE
IN A RIGHT STATE! BANNER THEATRE
Thurs 1 – Sat 3 Sept EARLY BIRD OFFER Full conference pass £165 (students and concessions £80)
Thurs 1 Sept, 8pm £12 Paul McCartney Auditorium at LIPA
Rediscovering the Radical offers a unique opportunity for artists, activists, academics, change-makers, researchers and arts managers from around the world to share their thinking and practice, learn from each other, and develop new ideas around Theatre for Social Change (TFSC). The conference offers 48 hours of performances, workshops, discussions, and agitations; fringe events, installations and screenings; a bubbling sea of artists, activists and academics exploring how theatre can be a radical weapon in the armoury of change; a conference bar and conducive company. Keynote speaker - John Holloway, lawyer, sociologist and philosopher, Professor at the Autonomous University of Puebla, Mexico and author of How to Change the World Without Taking Power and Crack Capitalism. Live performance, film and debate include; Rev Billy (USA), Colectivo Sustento (Chile), Ice & Fire (UK), Cap-A-Pie (UK), The Vacuum Cleaner (UK), Theatre Budhan (India); Collective Encounters (UK) At Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) BOOK NOW www.rediscoveringtheradical.org.uk Developed and hosted by Collective Encounters and LIPA (the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts) in conjunction with Unity Theatre.
“I simply can’t speak highly enough of Banner Theatre! A brilliant mix of music, film, humour and politics. It’s a terrific way of reminding us why we need to keep angry, keep organising and keep fighting. Bring everyone you can, old and young – particularly young – to see this show.” Jon Berry, Secretary, St Albans TUC The production unpicks the government’s current neo-liberal austerity agenda with a particular focus on the NHS. It celebrates the struggles of past generations who fought to create the welfare state, and of current generations, such as the Save Lewisham Hospital Campaign, who are fighting to defend our services from the latest Tory surgical attacks. In A Right State! also includes dynamic stories of defiance from disability campaigners in Cardiff and anti-bedroom tax campaigners in Birmingham. These interviews, interwoven with powerful, poignant songs and images of struggle, offer an antidote to the Tory Blitzkrieg of cuts and privatisation.
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AN EVENING WITH JENNIFER JOHN AND LORNA BROOKS Thurs 8 – Fri 9 Sept, 8pm £15 (£12 conc) | Unity 1 Established singer-songwriters Jennifer John and Lorna Brooks come together for this unique evening of great musicianship, fantastic songs and the most beautiful voices. Jennifer is an integral member of the creative landscape in Liverpool; the founder of award winning singing organisation Sense of Sound. A tour de force in the world of music and choral development, she has worked with a diverse array of artists including Damon Albarn, Brian Eno, Patrick Wolf, Boy George, Paloma Faith, and Space. Jennifer is the lead singer in the band Killerfernandez. Lorna has opened for and toured with various artists including Loudon Wainwright III, Janis Ian, Candi Staton, Shawn Colvin, Martin Stephenson, Jimmy Sommerville, and Beth Nilson Chapman. Support: Liverpool based singer/songwriter Christina Malley
SCRATCH NIGHT Tues 13 Sept, 8pm Pay what you can | Unity 1 Brand new shows from local and national companies. See exciting excerpts of new work from the very best theatre makers. Watch as they experiment with new forms and test their talent to the limit. New work can only develop once it’s been seen by a wonderful audience. There’s no better place to experience this brave performance at its very ignition. See the future of theatre today!
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HACKSTAGE
EXPLORING THE SPACE BETWEEN THE LIVE & THE DIGITAL IN THEATRE Fri 16 Sept, 4pm FREE, Advance booking only | Unity Theatre For three days technologists, technicians and creatives are coming together to explore how digital technology can open up new forms of interaction in the theatrical / digital space. Over those three days ideas will be shared, teams will form around them, and these ideas will be developed into (paper) prototypes – all over the course of an intensive 48 hours of sharing, making and testing. Join us at 4pm on Friday 16 Septermber as the various teams present their ideas… and get to vote for the ‘audience favourite’. The event is free but tickets must be booked in advance. To find out more – or follow the hack online at hackstage.co.uk Produced in association with the hub and Liverpool DoES.
#hackstageliv
0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
DIGITAL THEATRE FORUM @ UNITY Fri 7 Oct, 2pm FREE, Advance booking only | Unity Theatre METRO-BOULOT-DODO host a free workshop and debate for writers, theatre-makers, designers, producers and venue managers, exploring ways that theatre can be experienced using digital technology. The day will begin with a presentation and demonstration of HACT, which explores blutooth beacon technology and 360 degree video to offer audiences an on demand theatrical experience and will be followed by an exciting debate. If you’re an artist, this event will introduce and develop your knowledge of digital theatre practices and will inform you of how your own work could be translated and hosted on METRO-BOULOT-DODO’s digital platform HACT. If you’re a producer or venue manager come along to discover how your venue could be part of a forward thinking consortium that will host this truly innovative and exciting digital platform.
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GHOST STREET BY JESSICA MAY BUXTON
Sat 17 Sept, 8pm £12 (£10 conc) | Unity 1 Up and down the UK the new government scheme for housing has been ripping down terraced houses and turfing out its tenants. In Liverpool they meet their match. Maureen has grown up, had children and even grandchildren on her street and nobody will make her move.
THE BRINK BY HELEN JEFFERY
Tues 20 Sept, 8pm £12 (£10 conc) | Unity 1 Holly's ready for motherhood. She's read the books, been to classes and written her birth plan. But what happens when things don't go to plan? The Brink is a powerful and moving show starring Leanne Martin (More Scouse Saddam) and Daniel Taylor (Blood Brothers) exploring the journey of first-time parents as they deal with the impact of severe postnatal illness. Based on true accounts. Original music by Daniel Taylor.
THE LIMA SYNDROME
TICKET TO WRITE
Wed 21- Thurs 22 Sept, 8pm £12 (£10 conc) | Unity 1
Liverpool’s Beatles themed play festival returns to Unity for its ‘Best’ year yet!
BY MARK MURPHY
‘He put the birthday card in his jacket pocket and straightened his tie. He always looked his best, even on days when he didn’t have anything special to do. He always wore a shirt and tie. He liked a nice, smart tie. It was the brown one I’d got him for Christmas. I remember thinking how spoiled it was later when it was covered in blood. I never could get the stain out afterwards.’ People say that opposites attract, but as we all know, this is simply not true. The Lima Syndrome brings together Sergei and June, two people more opposite than each of them could possibly imagine.
Fri 23 - Sat 24 Sept, 7:30pm £12 (£10 conc) | Unity 1
Drums Along The Mersey by Peter Harrison. Featuring 5th Beatle Pete Best, the play takes an affectionate look at the role of Pete’s mother Mona as the Godmother of Merseybeat. Shake It Up Baby by Suzan Holder. A powerful yet moving story of a passionate Beatlesfan who gets more than she bargained for when seeking an internet romance. Artistic director Francesca Goodridge (LIPA). Guest director Sarah Gallegos (LIPA)
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0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
AS THE LABOUR PARTY CONFERENCE COMES TO TOWN… LIVE FROM THE BROAD CHURCH ALFIE BROWN - AHIR SHAH - LIAM WILLIAMS Tues 27 Sept, 8pm £5 (£10 conc) | Unity 1 Three of Britain's best political stand-up comedians take to the stage at the Unity Theatre during Labour conference. It'll be like other political events, but substantially funnier and less harrowing and there'll be beer. (Essentially, it'll be better than other political events.) Featuring: Alfie Brown, Liam Williams, Ahir Shah "Quite simply the future of British stand-up" The List "Passionate, poetic and powerfully funny" The List "A gripping slice of black comedy" The Guardian
WHAT I LEARNED FROM JONNY BEVAN Wed 28 Sept, 8pm £14 (£12 conc) | Unity 1 At university Jonny saved Nick from his middle-class bubble with politics, music and literature. Twenty years later can Nick save Jonny from himself? Luke Wright performs this award-winning show taking British politics head on with humour and humanity.
FUTURE ASSEMBLY SEMINAR Tues 27 Sept, 6.30pm FREE, Advanced booking advised | Unity 2 The Future Assembly starts a national conversation to uncover visions of possible futures that can inspire us all. After Brexit the country feels divided and uncertainty about the future is prevalent. What we all share is a sense of powerlessness, uncertainty and a knowledge of our fractured communities. More than anything we need a vision of our collective future that we can all believe in. Our future belongs to all of us – so we have to work together to shape it. Earlier this year Unity hosted one of five Future Assemblies which brought together teenagers and over 60’s to start creating a vision of the future in a 2 day intensive change lab. This seminar will share the findings of the Liverpool lab, as well as the findings from similar labs in Newcastle, Cornwall, Ipswich and London.
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DOUBLE BILL
BEC HILL & TIERNAN DOUIEB Thurs 29 Sept, 8pm £8 | Unity 1 Acclaimed Australian Bec Hill brings her hilarious show about her biggest regrets. Tiernan Dioub has supported Frankie Boyle and presents satirical podcast PARTY POLITICAL BROADCAST. TW HOU O R LO SHO NG WS FOR JUST £8!
TIFF STEVENSON Fri 30 Sept, 8pm £10 | Unity 1 Tiff appeared on Mock The Week, Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central, Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled and was the UK correspondent for hit Australian show The Weekly with Charlie Pickering. She also appeared on Drunk History and as a regular role on BBC Three’s People Just Do Nothing which returns in 2016.
SIMON MUNNERY STANDING STILL
Sat 1 Oct, 7:30pm £12 (£10 conc) | Unity 1 Multi award-winning Simon Munnery offers his brand new stand-up show. An opening to die for, seven wry observations, a tone poem, four fresh skits and two new commandments. ‘Convention defying, innovative stuff. Simon Munnery is a brilliant comedian’ The Times
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60 MINUTES OF HILARIOUS PHYSICAL COMEDY! Wed 5 - Sat 8 Oct, 8pm Sat 8 Oct, 2pm £14 (£12 conc) £10 Wed | Unity 1
0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
‘Glorious’ The Guardian On That’s Amoré 2016
A poignant, fast paced, hilarious comedy exploring our 21st century obsession with happiness and success. Can we learn to be happy? Can our emotions be bought and sold? The ‘happiness industry’ would have us think so... Combining Tmesis Theatre’ trademark physicality with humour, music, and text from long-term collaborator Chris Fittock. A Tmesis Theatre production A Unity Theatre commission. Part of a National Tour for full tour dates please see tmesistheatre.com
WORKSHOPS PHYSICAL THEATRE (14-19 YEAR OLDS) Mon 19 Sept, 6-8pm, £10 includes Ticket to Happy Hour – Quote Happy when booking.
THE EXPRESSIVE BODY Wed 12 Oct, 6-8pm, £10 Suitable for all levels, this workshop will focus on different ways in which you can use the body expressively. Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement.
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Travelling by Train E ST ANHOP STUnity Theatre is a 15 minute walk from either Lime Street or Central station. For train travel information, please visit nationalrail.co.uk. ES
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There are secure car parks on: • • • • •
Renshaw Street (8 min walk) Mount Pleasant (10 min walk) Duke Street (10 min walk) Hanover Street (15 min walk) Lime Street Station (15 min walk)
Travelling by Bus For bus details please visit merseytravel.gov.uk Dial-a-ride Merseylink is Merseytravel's dial-a-ride service for people with impaired mobility. For further information call 0151 709 1929
Nina 0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
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A STORY ABOUT ME AND NINA SIMONE Sat 15 – Sat 29 Oct, 8pm Early Bird All Seats £15* Thereafter £12 - £20 (conc available.) BSL Signed Performance: Thurs 20 October Unity 1 *book before August 31 (except 15, 18, 28 & 29 October) A Unity Theatre and Riksteatern (Sweden) production.
Olivier Award-nominated West End actor Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE (Disney’s The Lion King) reflects on the iconic life of Nina Simone. Through Nina’s music Josette creates a theatrical explosion about life beyond the limit. Touching upon the 1960’s Civil Rights movement, Nina’s struggles as well as her own personal challenges, Josette uses text, music and song to take audiences deep into the hopes, dreams, sorrows and successes of both herself and the incomparable Nina.
Nina Simone was one of the most extraordinary artists of the twentieth century and an icon of American music. She was the consummate musical storyteller who used her remarkable talent to create a legacy of liberation, empowerment, and love through a magnificent body of work. Nina: a story about me and Nina Simone celebrates how Nina changed the world and in turn, changed us all. Unity Theatre patron Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE returns to her artistic spiritual home to bring this brand new play to Liverpool. Josette is joined by award-winning director Dritëro Kasapi and a band of extraordinary musicians. Concept: Josette Bushell-Mingo Devised by Josette Bushell-Mingo and Dritëro Kasapi Directed by Dritëro Kasapi Dramaturgy Christina Anderson Design/costume by Rosa Maggiora Musical Director Shapor Bastansiar. #NinaStory
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Thurs 20 – Sat 22 Oct Schools: Thurs & Fri 10am & 1:30pm Public performance: Thurs, Fri 4:30pm & Sat 10am, 1:30pm & 4:30pm £8 children only. Max 12 places per performance. Unity 2
0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
Who’s that hiding around the corner? What’s that moving in the trees? Did you just see what I saw? Take a magical adventure with Lone Twin this Autumn time. Inspired by the imagination of young people Beastie is an innovative participatory performance for children aged 6 – 10. The children share a jaw-dropping secret and take charge as they create their own stories and explore their surroundings hand-in-hand with a very special new friend. The result is a playful, active and engaging experience for small groups of children and one big surprise for adults! Directed by Gregg Whelan and Gary Winters, Lone Twin are acclaimed for making an ever diverse range of intimate, hopeful and entertaining projects. Beastie combines this extensive theatrical experience with Gregg and Gary’s work writing for children’s television. Schools performances: Bring 12 students per time slot or book a large group experience (class size). Please contact the box office for details.
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IN RESPONSE TO NINA
A SERIES OF PERFORMANCES ACCOMPANYING AND REFLECTING NINA – A STORY ABOUT ME AND NINA SIMONE.
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SEE T SHO WO W ONE S IN NIGH T!
WORD
WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY JAMAL HAREWOOD Tues 25 Oct, 6pm £6 | Unity 2 They’re pretty special. They give a person the opportunity to express themselves. They can be read. They can be heard. They can be spoken. They allow us to communicate with one another. I was always told that it’s not what you say, but how you say it - is this true? A new work in progress from the artist who created the acclaimed and controversial The Privileged. www.harewooo.com #word
WORKLIGHT THEATRE PRESENTS
LABELS
BY JOE SELLMAN-LEAVA DIRECTED BY KATHARINA REINTHALLER Wed 26 Oct, 6pm | £6 | Unity 2 Worklight Theatre’s multi-award winning show offers a human story from multicultural Britain. It’s a funny, moving and honest story about mixed heritage and immigration. Charting a childhood in 90’s Devon, shifting political landscapes and global refugee crisis, the show uses comedy, storytelling and spoken word. Expect paper planes, racist romances and lots of sticky labels! “Powerful, important and funny” Emma Thompson “Terrific and really thoughtful” Lyn Gardner The Guardian
CALL AND RESPONSE – A REACTION TO NINA Fri 28 – Sat 29 Oct, 6pm | Pay what you can | Unity 2 Three artists respond to Nina – A Story about me and Nina Simone. The responses are completely autonomous, taking you deeper into the rich tapestry of Nina Simone’s phenomenal musical legacy.
0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
OMOTOPI
DANCE TRIPLE BILL
Tues 1 Nov, 7:30pm | £8 (£6 Conc) | Unity 1 An evening of dance & physical theatre featuring new work by local, national & international artists WILD THING BY CARBON CADENCE Through the expression of contemporary dance Wild Thing delves into club culture, homophobia and unity to depict an honest view of the life of young gay men in today's society. PASSIONARIA: A FANTASIA OF HAM AND SEQUINS BY CARLOS PONS GUERRA FOR DENADA DANCE THEATRE Passionaria, an anxiously hilarious solo of drag, murder, sequins and ham, sings an ode to all those who fight for the right to become their true selves.
DIVA DEBATE: FORBIDDEN LIVES Thurs 3 Nov, 6pm £5 (£4 Conc) | Unity 1
Join author Diana Souhami (The Trials of Radclyffe Hall), Nigerian activist and LGBT Equality Advocate Aderonke Apata, The Rt Hon. The Baroness Barker and Valentino Vecchietti, intersex lesbian activist and academic as they discuss forbidden lesbian and bi women’s lives from the past to the present with DIVA editor Jane Czyzselska.
A BLIGHTED LIFE CHOREOGRAPHED AND DIRECTED BY GAVIN COWARD A concoction of world dance, raw physicality and fleeting commentary. Exploring contrasting and extreme attitudes towards homosexuality from around the globe. Performed by Gavin Coward, Patrick Ziza and Alicia Colette Meehan “A Blighted Life “ A curious? festival 2016 commission |Produced by pin point productions
THE RISE AND FALL OF THE HAMBURGER QUEEN
CREATED BY PAUL BURKE AND ASHLEIGH OWEN. PERFORMED BY ASHLEIGH OWEN Thur 3 – Sat 5 Nov 8pm | Sat 7pm | £10 (Conc £8) | Unity 2 Inspired by the success of her award winning cabaret piece ‘Fat Girl's History of Dance’ Ashleigh Owen presents a one woman show parody. Through comedic characterizations, dazzling dance routines and a show stopping voice (she can do it all) Ashleigh takes you on a journey through her life; from Liverpool to London, rags to riches, Chicken Cottage to Nando’s.
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ZOE LYONS
BIRMINGHAM REPERTORY THEATRE IN ASSOCIATION WITH HOMOTOPIA AND SHOUT FESTIVAL PRESENT
Zoe hits the road with a brand new show for 2016 after a year that has seen her appear on Live at the Apollo (BBC2), The John Bishop show (BBC1) and win the Chortle Best comic award. You might also recognise her from Alan Davies As Yet Untitled, and her regular stints on Mock the Week and The News Quiz.
LOOKING FOR JOHN
LITTLE MISFIT Sat 5 Nov, 9pm | £14 | Unity 1
Not bad for a girl who has never really felt part of the gang. She was the awkward gay kid at school with a different accent and quite a severe bout of alopecia. Never easy for a girl to fit in if she is sporting a massive comb over while harbouring secret desires for Charlies Angels (The blonde one mostly, but with a comb over, who can afford to be fussy?). Thankfully Zoe has reached that point in her life when the thought of actually fitting in would be utterly terrifying. She doesn’t want to be in anybody’s gang, she is now far happier being a Little Misfit. “Lyons has what it takes to delight any crowd” The Guardian “Confident and razor sharp” Observer “Quick fire observational gags delivered with utter conviction” Chortle "Proper laugh out loud one liners” The Herald
PENNY ARCADE LONGING LASTS LONGER Thurs 10 Nov, 9pm £12 (£10 Conc) | Unity 1
Longing Lasts Longer is her double award-winning Edinburgh show, which turns contemporary stand-up on its head to create a crack in the post-gentrified landscape. Driven by her magnetic rock ‘n' roll energy, Arcade's razor-sharp satire is mixed live to euphoric soundscapes inspired by four decades of pop culture. It's a passionate performance anthem where you can think, laugh and dance at the same time. "Penny Arcade is hot and hysterically funny" New York Post
DAVID HOYLE
IN THE COMPANY OF FRIENDS Sat 12 Nov, 9pm £12 (£10 Conc) | Unity 1 England’s avant-guardian David Hoyle returns to Homotopia hosting a night of live music, dance and spoken word. Featuring Gem Andrews & Band and Gerry Potter.
WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY TONY TIMBERLAKE Thurs 10 – Sat 12 Nov, 7.30pm £12 (£10 Conc) | Unity 2 'As I watched him it was me gliding, spinning, twisting, and turning, every gesture so precise and expressive. Loving it all, dancing and skating, watching him, me being him' 1976. 19 million people watched Birmingham-born skater John Curry win Olympic Gold. Just hours after his victory, he was outed by a German tabloid. For one young boy, John’s iconic Olympic routine and subsequent personal unravelling changed his life forever. Looking For John is a powerful, heartfelt and comic story of one man’s obsession with a forgotten icon and his journey to get a forgotten hero celebrated once more.
ADAFES
2016
0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
ASSISTED SUICIDE THE MUSICAL WRITTEN & PERFORMED BY LIZ CARR Thurs 17 – Fri 18 Nov, 8pm £10 (£8 conc) | Unity 1 Disabled activist, actor and comedian Liz Carr has chosen the spectacular world of musical theatre as the backdrop to exploring the complex and controversial subject of assisted suicide in her new show, Assisted Suicide: The Musical. Directed by Mark Whitelaw.
SWAGGA PROJECT O Mon 21 Nov, 8pm £10 (£8 conc) | Unity 1 SWAGGA is dance crafted out of everyday bullsh*t, strong wills and trembling flesh. SWAGGA is for anyone who is habitually pushed aside, spoken over, ignored, misrecognised and snubbed. SWAGGA unfolds the map, draws the battlelines and readies an arsenal...We are hungry, we don't know our place and we don't play nice… 14years+. Contains nudity, flashing lights and strong language
SEE 3 PERFORMANCES £25 UNITY THEATRE FESTIVAL PASS (ALL SHOWS): £40
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GIVE ME A REASON TO LIVE
CAN I START AGAIN PLEASE
CHOREOGRAPHY & PERFORMANCE: CLAIRE CUNNINGHAM
CONCEIVED, WRITTEN & CO-DIRECTION: SUE MACLAINE PERFORMED: SUE MACLAINE & NADIA NADARAJAH DRAMATURGY & CO-DIRECTION: JONATHAN BURROWS
Wed 23 Nov, 8pm £10 (£8 conc) | Unity 1 Give Me a Reason to Live is a stripped bare, physically powerful work, dedicated to the approximately 70,000 disabled victims of the Nazi Aktion T4 euthanasia program, the performance exists as a live memorial to these individuals and the current disabled victims of the present UK government’s so-called ‘welfare reform’. Herald Scotland “There is so much heart and intellect, courage and integrity here: Cunningham pushes boundaries not just for disability rights, but for us all.”
Thurs 24 Nov, 8pm £10 (£8 conc) | Unity 2 Can I Start Again Please desiccates and dissects childhood trauma via an exploration of Wittgenstein and semantics. What is being investigated is the power and failings of language language that tells and hides truths – sparring across the heard and the unheard, the spoken and the unspoken. "MacLaine’s challenging, devastating and devastatingly good piece" The Guardian
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LAURENCE CLARK: INDEPENDENCE Fri 25 - Sat 26 Nov, 8pm £10 (£8 conc) | Unity 2 Everybody seems to want their independence right now – but be very careful what you wish for! Laurence spins his tales of adolescence, love and Harry Potter, discovering he doesn’t have to be Superman and do everything himself. But life sometimes throws up the unexpected when you depend on someone else to fasten your jeans for you... "Wickedly funny” Herald
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0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
Fri 2 Dec 2016 – Sat 7 Jan 2017 | Unity 1 A small figure sets off, with red cloak and hood, to Grandma’s they go, the other side of the woods. Do not stop to smell the flowers, or sing to the birds, or climb a tall tree, remember these words… ‘Do not leave the path, for you’d make a tasty treat, for the hungriest wolf of all, who is ready to eat!' Join us this Christmas time for our funny, inventive show filled with music, dance and song. Continuing Unity Theatre’s successful partnership with acclaimed children’s theatre company Action Transport Theatre, don’t miss this theatrical family, festive feast! Perfect for ages 5+ and their families. BSL and relaxed performances available please see performance schedule.
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PUBLIC PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
SCHOOLS PERFORMANCE
DECEMBER
DECEMBER
Fri 2
6pm
Sat 3
2pm
Sat 10 Fri 16
11am
Mon 5
1:30pm
Tue 6
10am
1:30pm
2:30pm
Wed 7
10am
1:30pm
6pm
Thu 8
10am
1:30pm
Sat 17
11am
2:30pm
Fri 9
10am
1:30pm
Thu 22
2pm
6pm
Mon 12
10am
1:30pm
Fri 23
11am
2:30pm
Tue 13
10am
1:30pm
Sat 24
11am
2:30pm
Wed 14
10am
1:30pm
Wed 28
2pm
6pm
Thu 15
10am
1:30pm
Thu 29
11am
2:30pm
Fri 16
Fri 30
11am
2:30pm
Mon 19
10am
1:30pm
Sat 31
11am
2:30pm
Tue 20
10am
1:30pm
JANUARY
1:30pm
JANUARY
Tue 3
2pm
6pm
Wed 4
10am
1:30pm
Sat 7
11am
2:30pm
Thu 5
10am
1:30pm
Fri 6
10am
1:30pm
TICKET PRICES £14 all tickets | £12 child £48 (4 tickets - min 1 child) £12 all tickets | £10 child £40 (4 tickets - min 1 child) £10 all tickets | £8 child £32 (4 tickets - min 1 child) £8 all tickets | preview £30 (4 tickets - min 1 child)
TICKET PRICES £6.00 per person (£5.00 excl VAT) Pupils and Teachers the same price BSL signed performance Relaxed performance
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0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
HIRE OUR SPACES Looking for an inspirational space?
DARK, DARK WOOD Thurs 8th- Sat 31st Dec, Prices Vary | Unity 2 Between 8 - 31 December Unity 2 will be transformed into the Dark, Dark Wood – a place where Little Red and countless others have been lost, and found! It’s a space for children and adults A space where extraordinary things will happen. Check out unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk in September for the announcement of some very special events happening in the Dark, Dark Wood
For children’s Christmas Splatterdays sessions in the Dark, Dark Wood, please see unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk Artist Opportunity: ‘Wood’ you like to host an event or activity in the Dark, Dark Wood? Please contact Annemarie Martin via email annemariemartin@unitytheatre.co.uk or call 0151 702 7365 for more information.
Our spaces range from our intimate bar to the main theatre, seating around 150. Perfect for rehearsals, meetings, away days, launches, workshops and interviews – hire a room with a theatrical twist. More information: unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk/hireus
GALLERY Unity Theatre has its very own gallery space for new and established artists. Open during normal box office opening times, come and visit the great new work displayed on our walls. Entrance is free – you may even get the opportunity to purchase some great new work! This autumn season we exhibit great art from Jennie Wishart: View from the Sofa (6 Sept – 1 Oct) and a retrospective of artist Nick Thompson as part of Liverpool Mental Health Festival (3 - 29 Oct). Please see unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk for more information. Artist Opportunity: Want to exhibit your work at Unity Theatre? Please contact House Manager and Galley Curator Chris Hennessey via email chrishennessey@unitytheatre.co.uk or call 0151 702 7368.
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THANK YOU
We are a registered Charity (1062 463) and gratefully acknowledge the support of our funders, donors and audiences. A private company limited by guarantee number 333987.
CAPITAL REDEVELOPMENT FUNDERS
FOR THEIR ONGOING FINANCIAL SUPPORT
PROGRAMME FUNDERS
THE RAVENSDALE TRUST THE REX MAKIN FAMILY
UNITY THEATRE PATRONS
Bill Kenwright CBE
Josette Bushell Mingo OBE
David Morrissey
Andrew Lancel
John Bishop
UNITY THEATRE ANGELS Mr Terence Davis, Mr Joe Farrag, Mrs Fran Flooks, Mrs Carol Frood, Ms Mary Morgans, Mr Nicholas Orr, Mr Martin Powell, Mr and Mrs Stone, Mr Frank Thompson, Ms Vivienne Ruth Tyler, Mr & Mrs Mark White, Ms Sue Williams.
CAPITAL REDEVELOPMENT DONORS Miss Victoria Adlard, Mr Peter Allan, Jennifer Allanson, Mr Robert Anderson, Ms Lily Andrassy, Apollo Colours, Mr Alan Armstrong, Sam Bennett, Steve Bennett, Mr Timothy Bennett, Ms Kate Bickerstaffe, Mr Mark Billing, Ms Christine Billinge, Mr Thomas Billingham, Mrs Stephanie Brada, Miss Susan Branch, Prof John Brennan, Mr Nick Broadhead, Mr Jim Brown, Mr Carl Buckley, Mrs Barbara Burton, Mr Oliver Bush, Mrs Helen Capstick, Mrs Frances Carleton, Mr Chris Carney, Miss Lisa Chae, Rhys Chamberlain, Miss Leila Chebbi, Miss Grace Cherry, Ms Lisa Cooper, Mrs Virginia Corker, Mr Pete Coulson, Mr James Culshaw, Josephine Dalton, Dr John Davies, Miss Jennifer De Ornellas, Mr Brain Dhenin, Mr Paul Doran, Mr Malcolm Dorr, Miss Lynne Dwyer, Mr Richard Edwards, Mr Michael Egerton, Mr Matthew Elliott, Mrs Lorraine Fay, Mr Mark Featherstone-Witty, Mr Edward Feery, Mrs Ann Ferguson, Miss Colette Fitzgerald, Ms Michelle French, Mr Ralf Ganza, Paul Goetzee, Mr Peter Gowan, Ms Val Hall, Ms Catherine Hannah, Mr Victor Hansen, Gina Harris, Mrs Joyce Harwood, Mr Edmund Haygarth, Mr Alan Henry, Mr Daniel Hermon, Mr Ian Hill, Ms Margaret Hirons, Mr John Hogarth, Mr Matthew Horner, Gillian Horton, Mr Michael Howard, Judy Hughes, Sandi Hughes, Mr & Mrs Jackson, Mrs Linda Jones, Mr Joe Kelly, Mr Alex Lambert, Ms Dee Lanski, Mr David Large, Mr Patrick Maguire, Mrs Ginni Manning, Mrs Paula Mason-Barney, Ms Sian McArthur, Mr Peter McCann, Miss Alison Mcconnell, Ms Jane McGuffog, Mr Terence Molloy, Prof Malcolm Molyneux, Miss Tabitha Morton, Mr RJ Murray, Ms Susan Murray, Miss Laura Owen, Ms Sheila Partington, Mrs Margaret Pegg, Mrs Barbara Penney, Mr Jeff Poole, Mrs Stephanie Preston, Mr James Price, Mr Gerry Proctor, Nicola Pugh, Mrs Annette Quirke, Miss Sharren Redmond, Mr Luke Reeve, Mrs Margaret Richards, Mrs Johanna Roberts, Ms Rachel Rogers, Miss Moya Rosemore, Mr Phil Rowley, Dr Katherine Rugen, Mr Michael Ryan, Simeon Scheuber, Mr Lee Shannon, Mr Kevin Sharp, Mr Bill Sharpe, John Smith, Guy Snaith, Ms Claire Stevens, Mrs Valerie Strauss, Ms M Sullivan, Ray Swaith, Miss Evelyn Swinburne, Ms Jolanta Tanianis, Bettina Taylor, Miss Michelle Tilley, Mr Liam Tobin, Ms Siobhan Twomey, Viv Tyler, Mr George Vicars, Patricia Walker, Mr Stephen Walkinshaw, Mr Peter Wallace, Mr Craig Ward, Mrs Janet Ward, Miss Clare Warner, Miss Jennifer Williams, Stephen Williams, Ms Esther Wilson, Mr Sam Wong, Ms Sally Woodward. Thanks also to all anonymous & point of sale donors. A very special thank you to our Unity Theatre volunteers.
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0151 709 4988 | unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
DIARY Date
Event
Time
U
SEP - JAN 2017
Date
1: Unity 1 2: Unity 2 B: Both spaces
Event
Time
U
1
Homotopia: Dance Triple Bill
8pm
1
3
Homotopia: Diva Debate
6pm
1
3–5
Homotopia: The Rise and Fall of the Hamburger Queen
8pm (3/4) 7pm (5)
2
5
Homotopia: Zoe Lyons - Little Misfit
9pm
1
10–12
Homotopia: Looking for John
7:30pm
2
10
Homotopia: Penny Arcade - Longing Lasts Longer
9pm
1
12
Homotopia: David Hoyle In the Company of Friends
9pm
1
12
Splatterdays
10am & 1pm
2
17–18
DadaFest: Assisted Suicide the Musical
8pm
1
21
DadaFest: Swagga
8pm
1
23
DadaFest: Give Me A Reason To Live
8pm
1
24
DadaFest: Can I Start Again Please
8pm
1
NOVEMBER
SEPTEMBER 8–9
An Evening with Jennifer John and Lorna Brooks
8pm
1
13
Scratch Night
8pm
1
16
HACKstage
4pm
B
17
Ghost Street
8pm
1
17
Splatterdays
10am & 1pm
2
20
The Brink
8pm
1
21–22
The Lima Syndrome
8pm
1
23–24
Ticket to Write
7:30pm
1
27
Live from the Broad Church
8pm
1
27
Future Assembly Seminar
6:30pm
2
28
What I Learned from Jonny Bevan
8pm
1
29
Double Bill: Bec Hill & Tiernan Douieb
8pm
1
30
Tiff Stevenson
8pm
1
1
Simon Munnery: Standing Still
7:30pm
1
1
Splatterdays
10am & 1pm
2
25–26
DadaFest: Laurence Clark: Independence
8pm
2
5–8
Happy Hour
8pm (8 Oct + 2pm)
1
26
Splatterdays
10am & 1pm
2
7
Digital Theatre Forum
2pm
B
Nina - a story about me and Nina Simone
8pm
1
2 Dec – 7 Jan
Little Red and the Big Bad Wolf
Times Vary
1
15–29
8–31
Dark, Dark Wood
Splatterdays
10am & 1pm
2
Times Vary
2
15 20–22
Beastie
Times Vary
2
25
Word
6pm
2
26
Labels
6pm
2
28–29
Call and Response A reaction to Nina
6pm
2
29
Splatterdays
10am & 1pm
2
OCTOBER
DECEMBER