Lisa Spirling News

Due to popular demand, a further six performances have been confirmed for Vardy v Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial

Adapted from seven days of the High Court transcript by Liv Hennessy (finalist in the Paines Plough's Women's Prize for Playwriting) and directed by Lisa Spirling (Artistic Director of Theatre503), Vardy v Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial will bring the dramatic legal action to life. 

For one night only, theatre audiences will be able to watch the trial that gripped the nation.  Adapted from seven days of the High Court transcript by Liv Hennessy (finalist in the Paines Plough's Women's Prize for Playwriting) and directed by Lisa Spirling (Artistic Director of Theatre503), Vardy v Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial will bring the dramatic legal action to life. 

Theatre503 has announced its programme until June 2023, featuring six world premieres by outstanding debut playwrights. Two brand new Theatre503 productions open alongside co-productions with emerging and established theatre companies and producers, including plays by writers discovered through the Theatre503 International Playwriting Award and 503Five alumni, plus 503Studio Masterclasses.

From modern day inequities to porn addiction, betting shops, spiritual and sexual liberation and an octopus taught to believe in God, 17 new plays have been longlisted for the 40th anniversary of Soho Theatre's Character 7 sponsored Verity Bargate Award.

Andrew Shepherd has been appointed the new Executive Director of Selladoor Worldwide, co-leading the company alongside Creative Director Naomi James, and working with CEO David Hutchinson to take Selladoor into a new chapter of opportunity and growth.

As the Orange Tree Theatre continues to celebrate its 50th Anniversary year, Artistic Director Paul Miller and Executive Director Hanna Streeter today announce a new season of plays until March 2023, marking Miller's outgoing season as Artistic Director. 

Straight from her National Theatre debut, Nancy Medina (Trouble in Mind) directs the following cast: Sebastián Capitán Viveros (Sweat, Donmar Warehouse) as Luis Moreno, Joseph Black (Sessions, Paine's Plough/Soho Theatre) as Ezekiel Williams, Hayden Mclean (ear for eye, Royal Court) as Cre'von Garcon, and Matt Whitchurch (Milk and Gall, Theatre503) as Danny Lombardo.

Dare Aiyegbayo, Tabby Lamb, Sorcha McCaffrey, Martha Reed and Kaamil Shah were today announced as the 503Five, Theatre503's pioneering programme for early career playwrights. Chosen from 548 applicants, they receive a £2,000 seed commission to write their full-length professional debut, as well as creative support from Theatre503 over 18 months. The 503Five is made possible through the support of the Carne Trust and The Orseis Trust.

45North, led by Creative Director Jessica McVay and Creative Producers Emily Carewe and Charlie Lees-Massey, today announces that they will join Theatre503 as Associate Company.

Milk and Gall exposes the messy reality of new motherhood in the shadow of one of the most divisive moments in modern American history. It is a theatrically dazzling, surreal and funny new play about the overnight birth of two screaming tyrants, and the shattered identity left in their wake.

The company also reveals major changes to its producing model including the elimination of hire fees to visiting companies, following the recent announcement of the 503Studio at Nine Elms and plans for a physically accessible Latchmere space.

With a £250,000 contribution from Galliard towards its fit out, the 503Studio at Nine Elms will include a rehearsal suite, multi-purpose event spaces, a creative area for writers including desks and a reading room, as well as housing the administrative offices of Theatre503.

Theatre503 announced US playwright and activist Pravin Wilkins as the winner of the 2020 Theatre503 International Playwriting Award. Pravin accepted the Award from his home in Pittsburgh at an online event attended Theatre503's community of writers, industry & friends, hosted by the theatre's Chair Erica Whyman and Artistic Director Lisa Spirling.

Panto's back... and this time it's digital! Theatre503 keeps the magic of panto alive with livestreamed, interactive performances of its hit Christmas show.

From a long list of 121 nominations, Theatre Centre, with Theatre503, has been announced as the National Showcase Organisation for London for this year's Achates Philanthropy Prize.

Five outstanding new writers from the UK, Australia and the US are the finalists for the 2020 Theatre503 International Playwriting. Ayad Andrews, Gina Stevensen, Pravin Wilkins, Safaa Benson-Effiom and Zoe Ashford Cooper were chosen from 1,719 scripts sent in from 45 countries.

Theatre503 today announces an online Autumn Writers Programme to launch the new 503Studio, including masterclasses from Anna Jordan, Jasmine Lee-Jones, Simon Stephens and other leading playwrights.

Theatre Centre, in collaboration with Theatre503, has commissioned 19 playwrights to write a series of short pieces for the nation, for anyone to read and record a performance.

Arts Council England has agreed to provide a written response to and in person meeting on recommendations for gender equality emerging from last week's major Women in Theatre Forum at Trafalgar Studios in London.