Festival Of New Work, Playmill 18, Comes to The King's Head Theatre In July

The King's Head Theatre announces Playmill; a curated three-week festival of new work from emerging companies, committed to paying actors. 35 brand new shows from the UK's most exciting emerging companies are set to hit the stage at the King's Head Theatre this July. Playmill is a three-week, curated season featuring drama, comedy, storytelling and musical theatre.

Featuring world premieres alongside transfers from the UK's biggest arts festivals, Playmill will build upon the success of last year's festival of new work which featured 20 companies and was attended by over 2,000 people across 13 days. Highlights from this year's festival include Life by the Throat by Eve Steele, a witty, touching and remarkable one-woman show depicting the life of Jamie Joseph Patrick Keogh, inspired by interviews with men who have been through the criminal justice system. Plus recent graduates from the King's Head Theatre's Trainee Resident Director's scheme; Siobhan James-Elliott directs Mermaids, a dark comedy about Lia, a working class trans woman; and Catherine Expósito writes and directs Immaculate Correction, a brand new piece exploring sex education in working class Catholic Scotland.

Artistic Director of the King's Head Theatre, Adam Spreadbury-Maher, says: "Playmill is a vital part of our programme, which reflects and embodies our commitment to championing new writing. We believe passionately in the importance of providing a platform for artists to cut their teeth and perform within a professional context. I can't wait for audiences to see the unapologetic collision of genres in our biggest and best festival yet."

The King's Head Theatre was established in 1970. Passionate about championing ethically produced fringe theatre, we are known for our challenging work and support of young artists. Last year 116,151 audience members saw a show of ours: 44,607 at our 110-seater home on Upper Street and 71,544 elsewhere. At our home in Islington we had 774 performances last year of 95 different shows. We are committed to fighting prejudice through the work we stage, the artists and staff we work with and by producing work for minority audience groups. We believe in fair pay for all on the fringe and create accessible routes for early career artists to stage their work; work we are passionate about. Last year we announced the theatre is on the move. Subject to a fundraising campaign, the King's Head Theatre will move into a custom-built space in the heart of Islington Square, directly behind its current home securing the future of the venue for generations to come.

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