Pleasance Theatre Islington Spring Brochure 2010

SPRING 2010

The Seagull by Anton Chekhov and The Factory Sunday 10 January 5pmWitness this ever evolving attempt to create a detailed and dynamic, never to be heard again, improvised translation of Chekhov’s masterpiece.

The Factory tell their version of this great story in the words that arrive in their heads at each moment, relating the dialogue to what they are being thrown by each other and the environment they find themselves in.

NOTE: As The Factory shall bring nothing with them, including sets, costume or props, you may be asked to lend some of your personal possessions for use in the show.Tickets £10

‘as unforgettable and moving as any theatre I’ve seen’ Guardian

The Factory at The PleasanceThe last 12 months have seen cutting edge theatre company, The Factory, continue their residency at Pleasance. Following their productions ofHamlet, Round 1 and The Seagull, make sure to keep an eye out for their work at The Pleasance during 2010. www.factorytheatre.co.uk‘the super cool company’ Independent

Welcome to our Spring programmeAs ever, here at Pleasance we have put together a veritable banquet of theatre, dance and comedy to ease you into 2010 with a smile! With warm-up shows from Dara O Briain, Mark Thomas, Chris Cox and Laura Solon, as well as many other sketch and stand-up comedy favourites this season, most priced at £10 or under, look no further for your January sales bargains!

Resident theatre company, The Factory, start the season off with a bang with their dynamic version of Chekhov’s The Seagull, and White Rose Theatre bring us a collection of six new full-length plays in the form of Lost Soul Music in February. You’ll also not want to miss the return of Pentabus to Pleasance, with Tales of the Country - based on the musings of The Independent columnist Brian Viner. Returning for a week long run is also I’ll Always Think Of You That Way, an Edinburgh Festival favourite from 2009.

We often add new shows to our programme at short notice, so keep checking www.pleasance.co.uk for up-to-date listings.

Lost Soul Music White Rose Theatre Tuesday 23 February - Sunday 14 March (not Mondays)Words by Chris Bush / Music by Ian McCluskeyOne stage. Six Stories. No Happy Endings.Chase away the winter blues with six deliciously different tales of dalliance and damnation from White Rose Theatre, creators of satirical smash TONY! The Blair Musical. Lost Soul Music is a Talking Heads for the Burlesque generation, a series of darkly intimate and devilishly funny new shows, each offering a unique theatrical treat and original toe-tapping score. Whether sold for a song, sacrificed for love or simply lost in the post, we’re sure you’ll never look at your soul in quite the same way again.

CAST: Kristin Atherton, James Duckworth, Alex Forsyth, Roxanna Klimaszewska, Ian McCluskey, Laurence Pears

Schedule: The Devil You Know / Simon Says: Tue 23 Feb, 2 & 9 Mar 7.30pm | Fri 26 Feb, 5 & 12 Mar 7.30pm | Sat 27 Feb, 6 & 13 Mar 8pmAll the Best Tunes / Soldier of Fortune: Thu 25 Feb, 4 & 11 Mar 7.30pm | Sat 27 Feb, 6 & 13 Mar 2pm | Sun 28 Feb, 7 & 14 Mar 5pmSigned, Sealed, Delivered / Fisher of Men:Wed 24 Feb, 3 & 10 Mar 7.30pm | Sat 27 Feb, 6 & 13 Mar 5pm | Sun 28 Feb, 7 & 14 Mar 8pm

‘Occasionally absurd and terribly enjoyable – a jolly ripping hour of fun’ êêêê British Theatre Guide

‘Fizzes with style, grace, humour and poignancy’ êêêêê Fringe Review‘Duckworth is truly excellent’ Scotsman‘Beautifully described – packed with wit and self deprecations.’ Musical Theatre Matters

Tickets £12 (£10) See all 3 double bills for £30 (£25) www.whiterosetheatre.co.uk

Pleasance ScratchMonday 18 January 7.30pmA totally new theatre scratch night at Pleasance. New theatre companies, alongside the more established, try out new and devised pieces in one great night of entertainment. Pick up your scratch ticket from the box office and stay for as many as you like.

If you’re interested in performing contact [email protected] £3

The Meeting Reuben JohnsonTuesday 2 - Sunday 7 February 8pmFollowing the success of his debut play Territory (NSDF Best Emerging Artists Award 2009), Reuben Johnson returns to Pleasance with his second play The Meeting.

Jake is a budding sportsman who is about to embark on a successful career. But his hopes are cut short when he finds himself impris-oned. Four years on Jake is set for an early release, but before he gets out, he has to face his biggest challenge yet..... The Meeting.

Engaging, witty, raw and heartfelt. The Meeting is a story of how one incident can change so many lives forever.Tickets £8 (£6)

Trouble & Desire Cloud Dance FestivalFriday 26 - Sunday 28 March 7.30pmCloud Dance Festival returns with its first festival of the year, bringing you a fresh selection of new, exciting, intriguing and quirky contemporary dance, with a few special guests.

Past performers have included Pair Dance, FFIN Dance, Ballet Black, Slanjayvah Danza, Drew McOnie Dance Theatre, Hagit Yakira and Dam Van Huynh. The lineup will be finalised on 9 February, so check www.cloud-dance-festival.org.uk for more details.‘...a medley of enthralling, surprising, moving and intriguing dance’ The Londonist‘...the general standard was a pleasing cut above Place Resolution and some of the curated Clore Studio events’ Ballet Magazine

Tickets £12 (£8)

Tales of the Country Pentabus TheatreTuesday 11 - Saturday 15 May 7.30pm, Sunday 16 May 5pmThe award winning Pentabus Theatre tell the story of Brian Viner and his family as they move from a terraced house in Crouch End to a rambling grange in rural Herefordshire.

Inspired by his popular weekly dispatches in The Independent and based on the wildly successful book of the same name, Tales of the Country is a heart-warming chronicle of the pleasures and pitfalls that await a family from the city chasing a rural idyll.

‘Brilliant. Sparkles with anecdotes, good jokes and hilarious observations’ Daily Mail

‘The excellent Pentabus’ Guardian

Tickets £10 (£9)

Trouble & Desire Cloud Dance FestivalFriday 26 - Sunday 28 March 7.30pmCloud Dance Festival returns with its first festival of the year, bringing you a fresh selection of new, exciting, intriguing and quirky contemporary dance, with a few special guests.Past performers have included Pair Dance, FFIN Dance, Ballet Black, Slanjayvah Danza, Drew McOnie Dance Theatre, Hagit Yakira and Dam Van Huynh. The lineup will be finalised on 9 February, so check www.cloud-dance-festival.org.uk for more details.‘...a medley of enthralling, surprising, moving and intriguing dance’ The Londonist‘...the general standard was a pleasing cut above Place Resolution and some of the curated Clore Studio events’ Ballet MagazineTickets £12 (£8)

Dara O BriainTuesday 5 and Saturday 9 January 8pm

Dara O Briain, the award-winning Irish comedian and television presenter, currently host of topical panel show Mock the Week, joins us for two very special ‘Work in progress’ performances.

‘If you don’t laugh at O Briain, check your pulse, you must be dead’ Evening Standard

Tickets £5

Mark Thomas:The ManifestoSaturday 9 & Wednesday 13 January 7.45pmAward-winning comedian and activist Mark Thomas brings us his total sell-out nationwide show The Manifesto.

Mark creates a manifesto - a policy paddle to help steer our way out of Shit Creek. Every audience gets to vote on the policies they like, Mark road tests them and then sets off to make them happen.

So far, policies voted through include:- introducing a national maximum wage - giving everyone their birthday off work- a three-day weekend - land instead of the dole

Two policies chosen so far are:1. Anyone who supports ID cards should be banned from having curtains.2. No one should be allowed a second home until everyone has a first home.

Mark has become one of Britain’s most acclaimed comics as well as one of Britain’s most recognised and influential activists. www.markthomasinfo.comTickets £12

The Al Pitcher Picture ShowFriday 15 January 8pmEvery day we see things we’ve never seen before, things that strike us as odd or beautiful, and things that we’ve seen so many times we don’t even notice them any more... Not Al Pitcher. His mind is constantly twisting, flipping and distorting what he sees, igniting the mundane, weaving the events of his day into a truly unique and hilarious one-off show.

Time Out Sydney People’s Choice Award 2009Best Show, Leicester Comedy Festival 2009Director’s Pick, Newcastle Comedy Festival 2009

‘one of the true gems of the comedy scene’ Time Out

Tickets £6

WitTankTuesday 26 January 8pmWitness the unacceptable mess as WitTank mix razor-sharp wit with shambolic charm. An hour of boundless energy, infectious fun and above all great jokes, leaving behind fond memories and possibly a restraining order. Forget your troubles and immerse yourself in theirs.

êêêê ‘As uniquely inventive as they are downright funny…. Brilliant’ List Tickets £5

Rabbit Faced Story SoupLaura SolonMonday 25 January 8pmPerrier award winning comedienne Laura Solon brings us her excellent Edinburgh show.

It’s like The Wire. But with character comedy. And EVERYTHING from The Wire taken out.

‘Gag-driven, no-extra-fat character comedy.’ êêêê Independent

Tickets £5

A Study Of Embarrassment By A Guy With Two BumholesSaturday 30 January 8pmNew comedy show from Joe Bor, one half of superb Edinburgh Festival hits The Gadabouts.

‘...An expert communicator... he has an engaging style of delivery, slipping skilfully into characters and effortlessly spreads good spirits with his chatty, confident and fluid manner… an energetic stage presence and natural comic ability, Bor makes for a solidly entertaining act...’ Chortle

‘Hugely talented character comic’ Scotsman

Tickets £5

Sophie Black: The LiftFriday 29 January 8pmSophie Black tries out some new characters in preparation for the 2010 Edinburgh Fringe.

Meet Belarus’s first female drag act, the radio DJ who’s the eighth (or ninth) person they call if someone drops out of Hole in the Wall and discover how “an embarrassing mix-up” led to a one-night stand with Norfolk farmer Tony Martin.

As part of Fat Tongue, Sophie was nominated for an if.comedy best newcomer award and Chortle best sketch group award. Tickets £5

delete the banjaxWednesday 27 & Thursday 28 January 8pmQuickly building a reputation as one of the most exciting live sketch acts on the circuit delete the banjax have become known for their charmingly chaotic performance style following two critically acclaimed Edinburgh Fringes.

‘Hilarious’ ThreeWeeks‘They successfully freshen the sketch format ... laugh out loud’ Scotsmanêêêê Chortle, ThreeWeeks & EdinburghIsFunny

Tickets £6

Chris Cox : Mind Over PatterMonday 8 - Sunday 14 March 8pmThe award winning, Edinburgh Fringe sell out and self proclaimed mind-reader who can’t read minds.

Chris Cox will perform his 2009 Edinburgh show Mind Over Patter, a selection of previously unseen feats to frazzle your brains. Off the back of a successful UK tour Chris will astound, astonish and make you say the ‘wow’ word with his mongrel hybrid mix of mind-reading related nonsense.

This year he’ll be attempting to turn you into a mind-reader, making the day to day more magical and an imperfect world perfect, in a warm, entertaining, engaging, funny, jaw-dropping and pretty damn amazing show that’ll make you love Cox.

Tickets £9.50 (£8.50)

‘Hugely entertaining’ Observer

‘Lovable, geeky and deceptively talented’ Time Out

‘Properly impressive...you’ll be gobsmacked’ Chortle

‘Funny and amazing’ Sunday Times

I’ll Always Think of You That Way Mackenzie & McGuireMonday 15 - Sunday 21 March 8pmAlison loves cake, and needs to get over it. Savannah lives part-time in Sunnydale Rehabilitation Retreat, full-time in her head. They meet somewhere inbetween.Eventually one of them is left behind to remember... Mackenzie & McGuire bring you their comic play about two unlikely friends who meet in rehab, and the bizarre array of characters that inhabit their world.

‘Deftly written, impeccably acted. Must see’ Telegraph‘A French and Saunders for the Facebook generation’ êêêê British Theatre Guide‘Fresh, zany and surprising’ êêêê ListPick Of The Day - Guardian Tickets £8 (£7)

Kevin Bridges Warm up showSaturday 27 & Sunday 28 March 8pmFresh from a 2009 Edinburgh Comedy Awards nomination (Best Newcomer) and a critically acclaimed sell-out run at this year’s Fringe, Kevin Bridges is Scotland’s ‘young comedy prodigy’ (Guardian).

Kevin’s delightfully well observed debut show reveals his innermost thoughts on a variety of topics from his homeland of Scotland to the world beyond.

‘...master of stand up at just 22. This is unmissable stuff’ êêêêê Mirror‘Observational comedy at its very best’ Edinburgh Evening NewsTickets £6

Crash Test ComedyMonday 15 February, Monday 22 March 8pmIdiots of Ants host this once a month sketch, stand up, music and character comedy night where the best acts on the London circuit ‘Crash Test’ their most recent material.Acts are announced nearer the time, but previous acts included Stephen Merchant, Pappy’s Fun Club, Tommy and The Weeks, Cardinal Burns, Sunday Defensive, Isy Suttie, Simon Brodkin, Ginger and Black, Zimbani, Nick Mohammed, Wil Hodgson, The Penny Dreadfuls, Steve Mould, Paul Chowdry, Josie Long and many more.Check pleasance.co.uk for full lineup, or join our mailing list to receive listings.‘Quite simply the best sketch and character comedy night in town’ Time Out

Tickets £6

Idiots of Ants: New Material NightsMonday 29 and Tuesday 30 March 8pm

The Idiots return to their spiritual home to perform a plethora of brand-new sketches. It’s simply too early guess what the sketches will be about but rest assured some of them might be quite good. However, others will never be seen again...but that’s what makes new material nights so exciting!

Join Idiots of Ants and guests (To be announced!) on the road to Edinburgh.

‘An astonishing hit rate…stiletto sharp…Everything is executed with verve…Not sick, dark or fashionably twisted, just very, very funny…Laugh? I even put my pen down to applaud’ Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard

‘Very slick and very funny…marvellous’ Time Out

‘Sheer excellence’Scotland on Sunday

Tickets £6

Drama ClassesClasses are run by Dominique Gerrard who is a professional actress and a highly experienced drama facilitator and director. She has worked with adults and young people in many different settings and prioritises enabling people of varying abilities to use drama to enhance their confidence, self-expression, creativity, vocal and physical flexibility and performance skills. Her teaching style is warm, open, fun and dynamic.

Drama Classes for Adults - Wednesdays 7pm - 9pmPleasance Adult Drama Group is a stimulating weekly drama class using games, exercises and improvisation to help you gain confidence and explore ideas. This is a relaxed and fun class suitable for those with all levels of experience including complete newcomers, is open to all levels of ability and focuses on confidence building and performance skills.

Prices For 13 week period starting 6 January with a showcase performance on 31 March - £100We are still offering the chance to ‘drop in’ to this class for £10 per week but you will need to be able to commit to at least Wed 24th & 31st March and sign up in advance to secure your place.

Young Pleasance Drama Classes for ages 7 - 18 years- Sundays Sign up now for Young Pleasance Spring Term Classes!

Come along to play games, build your confidence and learn a whole host of performance skills including improvisation, devising, script work, voice, movement and character work. For younger members, the focus will be on fun, imaginative play and developing social and communication skills.

Older members can expect to hone their skills in performance, learning about what it really takes to be an actor and creating their own drama through devising and performing in showcases at Pleasance Islington.

PricesFor the term starting Sunday 10 January - Sunday 28 March (Half-term 21 February) 7-9 year olds 12:30pm-13:30pm £3510-12 year olds 13:30pm-15:00pm £5013+ year olds 15:15pm-16:45pm £50

To bookFor more information or to book your place, email [email protected] or contact Pleasance box office on 020 7609 1800.

Rehearsal Spaces at PleasancePleasance has many fantastic new rehearsal studios for hire. Ranging from smaller sound-proofed studios, to larger glass-fronted rooms, there are many spaces of various square footage that are available to hire for variable rates.

In addition, we have two larger self-contained studios with kitchen and bathroom facilities that available to hire from as little as £50.

Studio115Large upstairs space, stairs leading down to another large space. Kitchenette, bathroom.Alternative entrance for Wheelchair users.

Studio 106Partially accessible to wheelchair users. With kitchenette, mezzanine and double height ceiling, Light and airy.

Rates1/2 day £501 Day £807 Days £400

Hours of operation10am - 8pm Monday - Saturday12noon - 6pm Sunday.

For floor plans, more photos and further information, see pleasance.co.uk/rehearsalPleasance Islington, North Road, London, N7 9EF | Nearest Tube: Caledonian Road

Booking informationCall 020 7609 1800 or email [email protected]

Topham Brothers Music & Sound recording studioIntroductory rates Engineer included 4 hours £76 (£19 per/hour)8 hours £149 (£18.63 p/h)16 hours £ 289 (£18.06 p/h)24 hours £429 (£17.88 p/h)32 hours £549 (£17.16 p/h)40 hours £649 (£16.23 p/h) For all enquiries please contact [email protected]

Accessible through United House, this space is available every day from 10am - 8pm

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KIDS SHOWSMUSIC & DRAMA WEEKENDACTIVITIES

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BY PHONECall Pleasance Box Office on 020 7609 1800

Open10am-8pm Monday - Saturday and 12noon - 6pm Sundays

ONLINE Visit www.pleasance.co.uk

for up-to-date listings and to purchase tickets

IN PERSON at Pleasance Theatre, Carpenters Mews, North Road, London, N7 9EF

HOW TO FIND US

HOW TO BOOK

Pleasance Islington is located halfway along North Road in London N7. We can be easily reached by

both public transport and car. There is metered on-street parking outside (charged daytime only)

BY TUBECaledonian Road station (Piccadilly Line, Zone

2) is an easy 5 minute walk. Simply turn left out of the station, walk over the bridge, and North Road

is the first street on the left. Pleasance is 200m along North Road on the left-hand side.

BY TRAINCaledonian Road & Barnsbury

Overground service. Pleasance is a 15 minute walk north up Caledonian Road from the station, but

buses 259, 17 and 91 all stop outside the station.

Kings Cross/St Pancras Mainline Intercity, International and local services:

either take the Piccadilly Line northbound one stop to Caledonian Road station or buses 259, 17,

91 northbound outside Kings Cross station.

BY BUSBus 393 stops right outside the theatre, and buses 17, 91, 259, and N91 all stop

outside Caledonian Road Tube Station, about a 5 minute walk away.

IMPORTANT TICKET INFORMATIONAll tickets are sold on a non-refundable, non-exchangeable basis.

Tickets purchased over the phone and online are subject to a £1 fee per transaction, and there is an additional 50p charge to have your tickets posted to you.

Please arrive at the theatre in plenty of time , especially if collecting tickets, because latecomers may not be admitted.

This season, Pleasance has been kindly supported by

SIGN UP FOR FREE TODAY & WE’LL LET YOU KNOW WHAT’S ON

Pleasance Theatre Islington Spring Brochure 2010

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