Kneehigh Theatre Company marks 30th anniversary with revolutionary new performing space and revivals of three classic shows. Kneehigh Theatre Company celebrates its 30th year in 2010, and will do so in The Asylum - a massive, specially commissioned dome tent within which the company can present shows, hold parties, exhibit work and much more. In The Asylum, Kneehigh will be reviving three of its most successful shows of the last three decades: The Red Shoes, Blast! and Nick Darke's The King of Prussia.
The Asylum sees Kneehigh apply its unique ambitious and inventive vision to its own home. The Asylum will revolutionise the way Kneehigh operates, making it a touring company with a permanent home. While continuing to tour to, and work with, national and international partner venues, Kneehigh will now be able to reach new audiences with its own portable venue. The companywill enjoy all the security and facilities of a permanent home well into the future, without the overheads and restrictions of a building-based company.Gil Gillilan of The Dome Company has worked closely with the Kneehigh team to design a bespoke tent that affords the company complete flexibility to play to audiences of 250 to 1000, depending on the show, the set up of the space or even the environment within which the tent is placed. Standing at 45m long x 30m wide, the design concept is the only one of its size and kind in the world. Its design has been inspired by ancient building methods and is rooted in the idea of circus, troubadour, and folk traditions. Co-artistic director Mike Shepherd and Producer Paul Crewes are leading the project for Kneehigh.
Kneehigh has worked hard to secure income from international touring. Re-investing this, plus crucial investment from Arts Council England, Cornwall Council, trusts, foundations and vital individual supporters, means The Asylum is set to become a reality.
The three shows which will be revived in The Asylum are key shows from Kneehigh's journey to this point:
Kneehigh's award-winning production of The Red Shoes was first performed in 2002. Passionate, funny and rude, it tells Hans Christian Andersen's menacing fairy tale through a surreal and sensuous mix of theatre, dance, music and imagery. Directed and adapted by Emma Rice, from the story by Hans Christian Andersen, and the poetry of Anna Maria Murphy, The Red Shoes tells the story of a young girl whose shoes just won't let her stop dancing.Their rehearsal base is a National Trust barn on the cliffs near Mevagissey and their office is in Truro.
Dates
The Red Shoes Tue-Sun 27th July - 29th August (not 6, 13, 20-27 Aug)
Blast! 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th August
Nick Darke's The King of Prussia 21st - 26th August (not 23 Aug)
Videos