Edinburgh Fringe favourites, The Letter Room, has joined forces with The Lowry on its latest production, Five Feet in Front.
The company, which is based in Newcastle, has been appointed to the art centre’s ‘Developed with’ scheme – which looks to develop the knowledge, skills and practice of the next generation of theatre makers.
Five Feet in Front tells the musical story of a small town in the thick of a Dust Bowl storm. It will premiere in The Aldridge Studio on Friday 25 June. Tickets are on sale now at: www.thelowry.com
Being a ‘Developed with The Lowry’ production, Five Feet in Front will benefit from a package of financial support, rehearsal space, technical and marketing support, professional development and mentorship. They will also feature in The Lowry Studio’s annual Studio Showcase in front of an invited audience of programmers and producers from across the UK. This will help them to potentially find future touring partners for the show.
The Lowry’s artist development programme is supported by the Jerwood Charitable Foundation and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
Commenting on The Letter Room’s appointment to the scheme, Matthew Eames, associate studio programmer / producer, said: “Their show Bonenkai was a real highlight of the Edinburgh Fringe for me. It’s rare, in a Studio context, to find a seven strong ensemble that devise, create and perform together in such a collaborative, innovative manner.”
“After seeing – and hearing – what outstanding musicians they all are I am excited to see how far they can continue to stretch the form of musical theatre in Five Feet in Front with The Lowry’s support and guidance. I am certain that their thumping Mumford & Sons-style folk storytelling will be another ‘Developed with The Lowry’ success story and really popular with our Studio audience.”
Stan Hodgson, company member of The Letter Room, said: “We are so excited to be working on Five Feet in Front with Matt and the team at The Lowry. Being ‘Developed with’ them represents a big step up for us as a company, and their package of support will allow us to make a brand new piece of work, improve our skills, and grow as The Letter Room. We can’t wait to see what Studio audiences think of us. Hopefully they’ll have a proper, raucous ball!”
For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/wearetheletterroom. You can also follow them on Twitter: @TheLetterRoom
