WE’RE ON THE ROAD AGAIN!

As Autumn falls upon us, here at fEAST, we’re reflecting on our recent work whilst planning new adventures ahead.  What a ride we’ve had these past 8 months. From our family Christmas show Red Riding Hood by Nick Lane at Wells Maltings at the end of last year, closely followed by a tour of Rob John’s ‘compelling and thought provoking’ ‘The Hollyhock Trilogy’ culminating with Jeremy Page’s debut play ‘Elephant’, which toured Norfolk and Suffolk this Summer to critical acclaim.

We’re so grateful to have had the invaluable support from The Seagull Theatre, Sheringham Little Theatre, Wells Maltings and Norwich Arts Centre. All four venues generously gave support in kind and for that, we are incredibly grateful.

Celebrating East Anglia Through Theatre

An in depth Interview with Dawn Finnerty the Artistic Director of fEAST Theatre for Folk Features. Ahead of touring ‘Elephant’, a new play which is set in North Norfolk over the course of one day, Dawn explains how their work is very much rooted in celebrating East Anglia.

Click here for the full article:
Folk Features article

How Do we Stage a House Crumbling Into the Sea?

A house teetering on the edge of an eroded and crumbling Norfolk cliff is the setting of a new touring play. Elephant opened to a sellout audience in Sheringham on Thursday – the first of 12 performances in village halls and theatres across Norfolk and Suffolk, which has required some inventive staging …

An article about Elephant for the BBC by Zoe Applegate.

Click here for the full article:
BBC article on Elephant

The Hollyhock Trilogy

Review by George Norton

The Hollyhock Trilogy, the latest offering from the innovative fEast Theatre, is a trio of plays by Rob John – two monologues and a longer two-hander – all of which deal with loneliness and the search for love.

In the first, Post, we meet Sue on her fiftieth birthday as she awaits the arrival of her postman, Pat. ‘Do you have a black and white cat?’ she has asked when they first meet; Sue tells us that Pat laughed uproariously at this witticism. Still grieving the death of her domineering father and excluded from nights out with her Pilates class, Sue has developed a hierarchy of ‘potential scenarios’ about Pat (the f-word – fantasies – is not to be used in relation to him) to alleviate the lonely life she leads with Barbara, her dog. Dawn Finnerty’s sympathetic performance shows us that, very probably, Sue is only too aware of the ridiculousness of these potential scenarios with the impressively belegged, Carbonara-serving Pat, and this makes her situation all the sadder.

The second play, Gravity, tells the story of Frankie Mulligan, years ago the ‘catcher’ in an aerialist circus act. (You’d never think it to look at him now.) Although Frankie, like Sue, isn’t ‘a social animal’, he still manages to attract the attentions of Bella and Maria, his airborne co-stars. It doesn’t end at all well but a later visit to an upmarket Hoxton bakery affords us the frailest of hopes for Frankie’s romantic future (and some sharp jokes about the price of baked goods in London).

Another tentative romance between accountant-turned-gardener, Graham, and primary schoolteacher, Cath is the subject of the final piece, Hollyhocks.

As the pair come together, awkwardly and uneasily, difficult truths from their pasts are revealed and the writing takes on a much darker tone. Again, the ending has a brittle optimism but asks difficult questions about what we’re prepared to ignore when looking for love.

On the night I saw The Hollyhock Trilogy, Robin McLoughlin was a late replacement for the stricken Owen Evans, playing both Frankie Mulligan and gentle, self-effacing Graham. He was splendid in both roles, a confident but subtle stage presence; I quickly forgot he was reading his lines.

Cupcakes feature in each of these sad, funny plays but they are linked by far more than confectionary. All are meditations on the need to be loved, and the miscommunications, evasions and inevitable compromises involved in romantic relationships. All three also reflect on the nature of stories and of story-telling, and the connections between stories and romance. Together they make for a compelling and thought-provoking evening.

The Hollyhock Trilogy tours various Norfolk venues until 17 March; catch it if you can.

The Hollyhock Trilogy

fEAST Theatre one of the region’s leading touring theatre companies will be bringing a brand new show to venues across Norfolk in February and March.

Written by Rob John (The Canada Boys / Rosa Mendoza) The Hollyhock Trilogy presents three strange but poignant love stories.

A woman reveals an unrequited passion for her postman, an aging trapeze artist dreams of the beautiful woman who dropped him and a chance remark about hollyhocks changes the lives of two strangers for ever.

‘We want to take our audience on three separate but connected journeys,’ says Rob John. ‘This is a show about people in love but it’s also a show about story-telling ; the magic of sitting down in a darkened room and listening to a story.’

Starring Owen Evans (The Nimmo Twins)  and Dawn Finnerty (The Canada Boys /Rosa Mendoza) fEAST Theatre promises that ‘these darkly funny tales of loneliness and lust are guaranteed to warm the coldest winter evening.’

News Update: November 2023.

Three brand new fEAST shows are on the way

We may not have staged any new shows so far in 2023 but behind the scenes we have been busy. Applications for funding have been written, research and development projects have been undertaken, new plays have been commissioned and new relationships developed with artists and venues. All this effort has paid off and we are now delighted to announce an exciting programme of new work coming your way over the next few months.

First up is Little Red Riding Hood another co-production with Well Maltings. Think you know this classic fairy tale? Think again! Written by acclaimed children’s dramatist Nick Lane (T’was the Night Before Christmas / Hansel and Gretel) this is a fast moving, rib tickling show for all the family. Full of silly stories, madcap songs and ridiculous rhymes this is Little Red Riding Hood like you’ve never seen it before. The show opens at Wells Maltings on 15th December and runs there until Christmas Eve.

In February the second production in our new programme takes to the road heading for venues across the region. Written by Rob John (The Canada Boys / Rosa Mendoza) The Hollyhock Trilogy presents three strange and poignant love stories. A woman reveals an unrequited passion for her postman, an aging trapeze artist dreams of the beautiful woman who dropped him and a chance remark about hollyhocks changes the lives of two strangers for ever.

Starring Owen Evans and Dawn Finnerty these darkly funny tales of loneliness and lust are guaranteed to warm the coldest winter evening.

Finally we are proud to announce the world premier of Jeremy Page’s new play Elephant which will be touring in June. Commissioned by fEAST and supported by Arts Council England this production has been underpinned by a very successful research and development project which was generously funded by The Seagull Theatre Lowestoft. Set in a house balancing on an eroding cliff in North Norfolk Jeremy’s beautiful play tells the story of four damaged characters brought together under bizarre circumstances. As the house begins to collapse the truths that have brought these characters together and the lies that they’ve told each other become exposed.

We are aware that this exciting programme would not have been possible without the help of our many fEAST supporters. In the last few months we have been particularly grateful to Debbie Thompson at Sheringham Little Theatre, Des Reynolds at The Seagull Theatre Lowestoft and Simon Daykin at Wells Maltings.

Elephant: Research and Development

On Friday 2nd June 2023 fEAST presented extracts from Elephant at The Seagull Theatre.

In a project funded by a bursary from The Seagull four actors, (Mark Finbow, Henri Merriam, Ben Elder, Anna Buttery) director Dawn Finnerty, designer Fern Blevins and sound designer Mark Fawcett began to explore the characters, dynamics and the technical challenges of a story set in a house which is falling into the North Sea.

Elephant R and D Contd.

THEATRE AWARD NOMINATION FOR FEAST

We’re pleased as punch to announce that our 10^th anniversary season has been nominated for THE DICK CONDON THEATRE AWARD 2022 by Norfolk Arts Awards.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Norwich on 5^th November.

You can read more in this article here:

https://www.edp24.co.uk/things-to-do/days-out/norfolk-arts-awards-2022-nominees-announced-9094486

Theatre Award nomination for fEAST

And That’s a Wrap …..

On the 5th March the curtain closed on our 10^th anniversary season with The Canada Boys at Sheringham Little Theatre. The past two years have dealt us all an extraordinary rollercoaster of highs and lows and this tour was definitely a high, the Canada Boys has always been a hit for fEAST and this time round was no different. We had unanimous praise and positive feedback from new and old fEAST fans.  We really do appreciate your support and feedback – it has indeed been a challenging time for theatre makers, producers and venues.

Theatre Award nomination for fEAST

Research and development

After an incredible jam- packed 10 months on the touring circuit, fEAST have switched to concentrate on research and development for two exciting new plays. Both have been commissioned for production in our next season; ‘Elephant’ by Jeremy Page and ‘The Peggottys by Robin McLoughlin. The company is also currently holding talks to develop exciting partnerships with other arts organisations.

Elephant  –  Jeremy Page

In a house balanced on an eroding cliff in North Norfolk, local recluse Manny gets a surprise visit from his estranged sister, Jessie, whom he’s not seen for a year. She’s wildly unpredictable, searching for a long lost family secret, and has inexplicably brought along with her a petty criminal, Lee Farrier, trussed up in a sack. Jessie describes an unlucky series of events that have conspired to her making such a poor and rash decision, but Manny’s believing none of it. She’s done this kind of thing before.

As a rising tide eats away at the foundations, it’s the sudden appearance of a local girl, Cally, arriving with a damaged reputation and an uncanny ability to read minds, that forces all four of them to try and salvage something from the day before it’s too late.

REVIEW OF THE CANADA BOYS

by Chris Sadler

East Anglia’s premier touring theatre company, fEAST, kicked off their latest regional tour tonight with a welcome reprise of their classic play Canada Boys at Wells Maltings.

Crisply directed by Rob John, the play follows two brothers offered the chance to emigrate to Canada to start a new life in 1912; an opportunity provided by their employer, the legendary Colmans of Norwich. The conflict of known against unknown, the turmoil of choosing security over adventure, is explored thoroughly as each man’s life events influence his decision.

The audience is given time to connect with the characters and the play benefits hugely from this as seeds of empathy are sown, then bloom.

Canada Boys is engaging, funny, and moving.

The dialogue benefits from John’s characteristic comfort with the rhythm of language. And he’s not afraid to sugar the dish with odd moments of hilarity to sweeten and complement the meal.

All four cast members are uniformly excellent throughout. Robin McLoughlin delivers superbly as sympathetic firebrand Jack Craske.

FEAST THEATRE. TEN YEARS ON.

fEAST has travelled thousands of miles and has performed in theatres, schools, dozens of village halls and once in a world famous mustard factory. And yes those audiences did come. The company has slowly won a loyal and enthusiastic following and many of their recent shows have been sell-outs. In addition to touring and performing fEAST is proud of the work they have done in helping writers new develop new work, in mentoring young actors at the start of their careers and in running educational workshops with students in schools and colleges across the region. The company has recently completed its first residency,  a Christmas show which ran for 18 performances at the newly refurbished Maltings theatre at Wells. In 2019 the company were nominated for the Norfolk Arts Award for theatre.

In 2018 Mandy and Rob stepped down as co-directors of the company and handed over the reins to Artistic Director Dawn Finnerty and Associate Director Robin McLoughlin. Plans were developed for an ambitious programme of productions in 2020 to mark fEAST’s first ten years.

Cast Announced For Twas The Night Before Christmas

Twas the Night Before Christmas has now been cast and we’re delighted in introduce two newcomers to fEAST:
Marcus Churchill who will be playing the villain of the piece – Elderberry Yacht.
Amy Lunn who will be playing our heroine Emily.

Marcus trained at The School of The Arts, University of Northampton. Theatre credits include The Monkeys Paw (Bread & Roses Theatre), Area Belle (Bacchae Theatre Company), Peter Pan (Camberley Theatre, Bouncers (BlackBox Theatre Company), There Be Migrants Here (Minty Fresh Productions), TRIBE (London Theatre Workshop), Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles & The Railway Children UK & China Tour (Chapterhouse Theatre Company), D!CK the Adult Panto (Guildford Fringe Theatre Company), Sell-By-Date (Marbleglass Theatre Company), The Crucible (Looking Glass Theatre), The Bacchae (Royal & Derngate), The Fall of the House of Usher (Alias Theatre).

Film and Radio credits include Mordecai’s Girl (Jace Pictures), Wuthering Heights (Three Pigs Films), Nature’s Way (John Pictures), Wasteland (Crow for the Masses), Madame X (Okai Collier Company), Pathfinder Legends (Big Finish), Endurance (Word of Mouth Productions).

Amy grew up in West Norfolk, before training at Drama Studio, London. Since graduating in 2018, Amy’s theatre credits include: Nellie in The Lurking Fearat The Olde Red Lion Theatre (London); Ka in Strange Fascination’s summer tour of The Jungle Book (UK Tour); and the verbatim piece, Street Life (Norwich Theatre Royal, as part of their Creative Matters season). She has also become a series regular on the radio series Devine Comedy, directed by Jo Malone and Paul Schlesinger.

Marcus is also passionate about working with children and has been involved in several Youth Theatre groups in the East and South of England, promoting and encouraging life skills, self-confidence and teamwork with young people.

Wells Maltings Serves Up a
Christmas fEAST

This festive period Wells Maltings is teaming up with much loved local theatre company fEAST to produce a family show, ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas’ by Nick Lane, to be staged at the recently transformed North Norfolk venue throughout December.

The story of plucky young Emily and a Christmas showdown with her nemesis, the villainous Elderberry Yacht, was previously staged at Hull Truck in 2004 and is being reworked by the writer and fEAST to reflect a new setting in Norfolk.

Since its creation in 2010 fEAST theatre has brought to life an array of locally-set stories and has gained a loyal following with a deft mix of humour, pathos and genuine Norfolk voices.

Their most recent tour was ‘Into Thin Air’, the heartbreaking story of the decades-long impact of the disappearance of a Norfolk schoolgirl which performed at Wells Maltings in 2018 to a sell-our audience.

This new collaboration between fEAST and Wells Maltings brings the very best of each of them together, to delight family audiences and school parties at Christmas.

fEAST director Dawn Finnerty says ‘Our previous shows have dealt mainly with adult themes so we’re incredibly keen to extend our reach by presenting a theatrical experience that will be hugely entertaining and fun for the whole family. We are working with Nick Lane to tweak the original script to put fEAST’s Norfolk spin on what is already an original and inventive piece. The story is universal, but it’s important for it to resonate with our local audience who are at the very heart of what we do. We promise it will be a Christmas show with a difference – short, punchy and peppered with humour for all ages. We very much hope that regulars and newcomers to fEAST shows will come along and bring their children or grandchildren with them!

The Maltings is a unique and vibrant cultural Landmark in North Norfolk and we have a shared commitment to deliver high quality, accessible theatre. We are very proud to be working together to produce theatre for locals and visitors alike in their newly restored, dynamic and intimate venue.’

Director of Wells Maltings Simon Daykin is also enthusiastic about the collaboration: ‘We are really excited to be working with fEAST theatre in bringing some festive family fun to Wells this Christmas, and reaching out to everyone across the county and beyond to be part of something really special. It’s a real first for us both- and who can resist the chance to save Christmas in the company of some fabulous characters?’‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ will run at Wells Maltings from the 5th to the 28th of December 2019.

Tickets via the Wells Maltings box office
01328 710885,
or online www.wellsmaltings.org.uk.

Theatre Award nomination for fEAST

fEAST are thrilled to have been nominated for The Theatre Award 2019 by Norfolk Arts – an annual awards event that celebrates creative talent in Norfolk. The awards ceremony takes place at St Georges Theatre in Great Yarmouth where the winners will be announced.

Follow this link to the EDP page that details the nominees for the Norfolk Arts Awards: Norfolk Arts Awards Nominees.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ review: a warm, lovely production

‘Twas The Night Before Chirstmas is a live professional show currently playing at Wells Maltings Theatre.

It will charm all children as well as any sceptical adult dragged along, under pressure, for a family treat.

The plot is a rich plum pudding of fairy tale, broad humorous, song and dance, telling of wicked Elderberry Yacht and his plot to steal Christmas. He is ably opposed by redoubtable eight year old Emily (with a nice Norfolk accent), trying to thwart his evil machinations. It involves moths scattering dream dust, Alan the Red-nosed Reindeer (brother of Rudolph), a sympathetic garden gnome, and Father Time. High jinks indeed!

It was written ten years ago for Hull Truck company and taken on, this year, by fEAST Theatre Company. This warm, lovely production is worth catching. After all, we are told that all Santas gather on Christmas eve at Kings Lynn Bus Depot; could there be another more apt local venue?

Calling all Playwrights!

Calling all Playwrights! We are looking for an unperformed small cast play to be a part of our tenth anniversary season next year. Some link to Norfolk or the East of England (you or the play) preferred. If successful this will be a paid gig. If you have submitted before we may have missed it so please send again. Submissions to info@feasttheatre.com