The Albany Launches its New Studio Space

The beautiful Art Deco gem in the heart of Coventry, The Albany Theatre, presents an
enticing mix of professional dance, drama, music and comedy. The theatre is continuing to celebrate 2018 into February with the launch of their brand-new performance facility.

The Studio, part of The Albany's commitment to Coventry communities and their Arts for Life initiative, aims to host accessible, diverse and sometimes challenging work that is better suited to the new, flexible and more intimate performance space.

The Studio, housed in the East Wing of the building, launches its season on Thursday 1 March with an opening event followed by a performance from visiting company, acclaimed Ceridwen Theatre and their production of Macbeth: A Mind Tormented, an inventive and potent interpretation of Shakespeare's play set on the battlefields of WWI which follows Macbeth's loss of faith and descent into tragedy.

Following immediately on Friday 2 March is Lite, a one-woman, multi-media show that powerfully explores issues of identity, self-image and skin lightening through the eyes of a young black woman. There's an opportunity to meet and chat with the writer and performer in a Q&A session after the show.

The season continues on Wednesday 13 March with The Window, the world premiere of Coventry actor-director-writer, Paul Nolan's poignant and personal story based on the life and times of his relatives' involvement at Passchendaele. Commemorating the 100 years since Armistice Day, this timely piece tells the rich and compelling story of a young, eager soldier from Spon End.

Also scheduled are some events for younger audiences: half terms treats include a unique see and make experience with Castle Small Puppet Theatre on Tuesday 19 February, toe-tapping sing-along and storytelling from Penguin on Saturday 10 March and a brand-new play Honey which explores a patchwork of life in the Welsh mountains where bees, bomb disposal and autism, all wrapped-up in joyous folk music soundtrack.

Chief Executive, David Meredith explains, "This is the beginning of a new phase on this epic journey to bring The Albany alive again for all the people of Coventry. The Studio will play host to a variety of performances that will appeal to theatregoers old and new of all ages. As well as housing our new box office, we are consulting on plans for a gallery, café, and additional cultural and creative spaces that will be accessible to everyone as part of our Arts for Life project."

There's more to discover about events and opportunities at The Albany from the website www.albanytheatre.co.uk including details of all forthcoming shows in both the theatre and studio.