Drunken Chorus' 'NIGHTS' Return This Month

Contemporary performance company Drunken Chorus are back again this month with the return of DRUNKEN NIGHTS. Now a firm fixture on the London performance calendar, this unique series of live performance events for pubs, is now in its fourth year. Each night features a range of live artists, who have taken inspiration from the traditions of the Great British pub. Featuring unexpected theatre, off-beat stand-up comedy, experimental dance - and maybe even a good old fashioned sing-song. DRUNKEN NIGHTS is all about exciting contemporary performance in pubs - the producers throw out the rule books of theatres and galleries, and guarantee you a night of surprising, unexpected and extraordinary performance on tap. All of the acts take place in the main bar area so audiences can enjoy the evening from the comfort of their bar stool.

This year events will take place in London and Sheffield with the support of Theatre Delicatessen, and in Preston with the support of Derelict / University of Central Lancashire. There will be 6 events in total, and for the first time each will have a headline act. These headliners include Olivier Award-Winning cabaret artist Ursula Martinez, Sheffield based theatre pioneers Third Angel, and creator of the hit experimental theatre show This Is How We Die Christopher Brett Bailey. All events will be compered by performance artist Tom Marshman, who has been making work for over a decade.

Alongside the above headliners there will be performances from early career artists selected from an open call, who will have the chance to receive tailored development support from Drunken Chorus. Each year, the company provide three artists / companies with free rehearsal space, a small production budget, advice, and mentoring sessions with established artists. This year's mentors are Ursula Martinez, Third Angel and Nic Green.

Says Chris Williams, one of the producers of the project: 'This is an opportunity to see new performances made exclusively for local pubs - not for theatres above pubs, but actually in the main public bar spaces. And alongside this we're providing a very rare opportunity to see some of the UK's most exciting established artists like Christopher Brett Bailey and Ursula Martinez performing in pubs'.

This year, DRUNKEN NIGHTS in London returns to the historic George Tavern on Commercial Road (nearest station: Shadwell), which has attracted big names such as Kate Moss and Sir Ian McKellen to its 'Save the George Tavern' campaign. In Sheffield the events will be at The Devonshire Cat, and The Lamb & Packet in Preston.

This is the fourth year of the project, which this year is supported by Theatre Delicatessen, Derelict, Uppercut Collective, Sheffield Town Trust, Big Lottery Fund, South Yorkshire Community Foundation, Club Soda and Studio Film School.

Sheffield events will feature British Sign Language Interpreters, thanks to support from the South Yorkshire Community Foundation.

For more information on the project visit http://www.drunkennightsblog.wordpress.com or www.facebook.com/DrunkenChorus.

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