Maggie Norris News

Opening New Diorama Theatre’s season this May is Between the Lines, a powerful play with music that looks at the importance of family, and freedom of expression, produced by The Big House and New Diorama Theatre.

Having taken up the post of Artistic Director and CEO in January 2024, Bec Martin’s first season at New Diorama Theatre is a battle cry, a new beginning and a statement of intent. Learn more about the lineup here!

The Realness, directed by Maggie Norris, is “an urban musical” that tells the story of Jay Johnson, a man who has been released from prison. Determined to change for the better, Jay is working to try to stay straight, but soon finds himself being pulled back into the world that had sent him to prison in the first place.

The Big House will be producing the first remounting of the urban musical The Realness since its sold-out debut at Hackney Downs Studios in 2014.

The winners of the 2022 Achates Philanthropy Prize, the only annual prize that celebrates first-time supporters of culture in the UK, were announced last night at a special ceremony at Birmingham Symphony Hall, presented by philanthropist and long-standing Symphony Hall donor, Peter How.

A gut-punching slab of immersive theatre that takes no prisoners may be just what the doctor ordered in these interesting times. The Big House’s Redemption doesn’t have the most enticing of titles but this layered drama takes place in a unique environment and punches well above its weight.

REDEMPTION, a play with music by James Meteyard and The Last Skeptik, will return to The Big House in their Islington venue, as part of their 10th anniversary celebrations - from Thursday 30th June to Saturday 13th August, with press night on Tuesday 5th July. Check out new photos of the company in action.

The Big House have today announced the cast and creative team for REDEMPTION, which will premiere at The Big House in their Islington venue - from Wednesday 17 November, with press night on Tuesday 23 November.

Redemption follows explosive Maz and her truth-telling bars as she rails at the world and runs from a life in care. When she meets Tayo, a gentle soul with silky smooth vocal folds, they take the first steps of their musical career, but can they hold on to each other when promised the bright lights of success? A powerful new play-with-music, Redemption explores themes of grief, trauma, family and forgiveness.

A charity transforming the lives of care-leavers using drama and long term support, The Big House returns to their highly praised production The Ballad of Corona V with an updated and remixed version.

Eleanor Wyld and Jermaine Freeman have been announced for The Big House's new, socially distanced show The Ballad of Corona V, opening 28th October with press night 3rd November.

Renowned British-Canadian musician, composer, conductor and pianist Clement Ishmael presents an intimate concert of classic poems set to music, performed with internationally acclaimed soloist, Melanie Marshall.

The Big House today announces the return of Bullet Tongue Reloaded a promenade piece at the new home of The Big House in Islington. Written by Andrew Day and Sonya Hale, the production tackles the topic of County Lines and was developed with a young cast many of whom are directly affected by this issue. The production opens on 24 May, with previews from 22 May and runs until 15 June.

When I won an award for best monologue with Heretic Voices at the Arcola Theatre, I was utterly delighted. However, the best was yet to come, as off the back of it Maggie Norris commissioned me to co-write the next show with Andrew Day for The Big House, [a charitable theatre and film company that works with young care leavers].

The Big House presents the world premiere of Bullet Tongue by Andrew Day and Sonya Hale, directed by Maggie Norris; Associate Director: Alex Brown; Producer: Ellie Keel; Designer: Zia Bergin-Holly; Lighting Designer: Michael Harpur; Sound Designer and Original Music: Ed Clarke; Video Designer: Mic Pool.

The Big House, a charity which enables care leavers and at risk young people to fulfil their potential through drama, wraparound support and long term mentoring, today announces new premises in Islington and the world premiere of Bullet Tongue by Andrew Day and Sonya Hale, a promenade piece through the new building, which will be developed with and performed by a group of young people at risk of social exclusion. The new building's inaugural production, directed by Artistic Director and CEO of The Big House, Maggie Norris, opens on 16 November, with previews from 14 November and runs until 8 December.

Eighteen-year-old Callum is taking his first steps out of care, dreaming of becoming a track star. He is immediately flung into a world of poverty and toxic company, and when his legs start to fail him, he loses the only control he has on his life.

Four years after the phenomenal success of their debut play 'Pheonix' - praised by critics, industry peers and audiences alike - The Big House is re-staging the play that launched them in 2013 in memory of one of the original cast members.

Director Maggie Norris is embarking on a new journey with Phoenix Rising. She explains why she started The Big House and how vital it is to give support to youngsters leaving care.

Four years after the phenomenal success of their debut play 'Pheonix' - praised by critics, industry peers and audiences alike - The Big House is re-staging the play that launched them in 2013 in memory of one of the original cast members.