Four Artists From The Lowry's 'Musical Rewrites' Season Secure Pitch For National BEAM Musical Theatre Showcase

BEAM2018 is a two day biennial industry showcase of new British musical theatre. New work by up to 40 British writers will be presented at the event which is co-produced by Musical Theatre Network and Mercury Musical Developments at Theatre Royal Stratford East, London on 1st - 2nd March 2018.

As part of 'Musical Rewrites' at The Lowry, artists presented musicals in the very early stages of development. It was a series of double bills with all-singing, all-dancing new productions alongside works-in-progress and featured additional workshops and discussions.

The Letter Room have previously been supported by The Lowry's 'Developed With' artist development scheme to produce 'Five Feet in Front' and their Edinburgh hit 'No Miracles Here' headlined the Musical Rewrites season. Spitlip, which includes three members of The Lowry's associate artists Kill the Beast previewed a short section of their show 'Operation Mincemeat' as part of the Shoots scratch session and House of Blakewell and Sheep Soup Collective both performed works-in-progress.

Matthew Eames, programmer and producer at The Lowry launched The Lowry's first ever 'Musical Rewrites' season in September 2017. He said; "It's great that four of the companies who performed in Musical Rewrites have been recognised at BEAM and I look forward to seeing how they progress. I am sure that they will be popular with other programmers and producers from across the country." High Res Images Ends Media enquiries

The Lowry is a large arts and entertainment venue based in Salford, housing two galleries, three theatres, and a bar and restaurant called Pier Eight. Named after the painter LS Lowry, the building is home to the worlds largest collection of his works, and has a dedicated gallery to them. The second gallery presents exciting new exhibitions from contemporary artists. The three theatres present productions of all sizes including dance, drama, musicals, circus, opera, music, comedy and family shows. Pier Eight is a new development of the bar and restaurant area, serving two modern British menus including a casual dining bar menu and formal menu within the restaurant.

Artist Development
The Lowry's artist development scheme is made of three core strategic areas of focus. Studio Members, Developed With, and Associate Artists.

Studio Members is a free scheme for aspiring theatre makers of all ages who are keen to learn more about working professionally. Members have access to a dedicated programme of workshops, masterclasses and seminars, performance opportunities, discounted tickets and one-to-one advice surgeries.

Developed With is The Lowry's flagship artist development programme. Since 2009 The Lowry has supported over 40 artists and companies to create new touring productions through this programme. Artists receive both commissioning funds and a bespoke year-long programme of professional development support as they take a significant leap forward in their practice.

Associate Artist allows The Lowry to develop deep and long term relationships with a small number of locally-based companies with outstanding potential. They receive core funding, commissioning opportunities and highly specialised bespoke support as they establish themselves on the national stage.
The Lowry's Associate Artist programme is generously supported by Arts Council England and The Eranda Rothschild Foundation.

Under26 Scheme
The Lowry's Under26 scheme launched in 2016 to ensure that money isn't a barrier to young people experiencing the arts. The Under26 scheme offers cheap tickets to shows at The Lowry through regular emails. Shows include drama, musicals, circus, dance and much more for no more than £10!

To be eligible, people need to be aged between 16 and 25 and can sign up here. The first time Under 26's book tickets, they will need to pick them up from The Lowry's box office and bring along some ID to prove their age. With an Under26 ticket, patrons are also eligible for discounts on food & drink in the bar.

Access at The Lowry
The Lowry is an accessible venue with a range of facilities to meet visitors' requirements. All visitors are welcome and the venue strives to meet all individuals needs where possible. The Lowry has a Silver award from 'Attitude is Everything' for its dedication enabling access to the venue.

Audio Described, BSL Interpreted, Baby Friendly, Captioned and Dementia Friendly Performances and Audio Described and BSL Delivered Gallery Tours are among the accessible events on offer at The Lowry.
Photo: No Miracles Here by The Letter Room

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