From 9 to 15 June, the work of Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre is being taken off the stage and into some unique settings within Coventry and Warwickshire, in order to meet new people and reach new audiences.
The Belgrade Theatre Unplugged – Artistic Director Hamish Glen at the Charterhouse
These exclusive events, called The Belgrade Theatre Unplugged, will see professional actors perform rehearsed readings of scenes from some of the Belgrade’s upcoming productions, including Charlie Peace: His Amazing Life and Astounding Legend, Coventry Blitz play One Night in November and new musical The Prodigals. There will also be the chance to get a sneak preview of a play that the Belgrade hopes to stage in early 2014.
The readings will take place in a series of unique settings around Coventry & Warwickshire, including Coventry’s medieval Charterhouse, Draycote Water, Warwickshire’s award-winning art gallery, Compton Verney, The Butchers Arms Restaurant in Priors Hardwick, Rugby School’s Lewis Art Gallery and Foleshill Road’s Edgewick Play Centre.
The Belgrade’s Artistic Director Hamish Glen said, “These events will offer people the chance to come and hear excerpts from our forthcoming autumn season productions in the form of rehearsed readings in interesting and inspiring settings. They aren’t fully realised productions with big sets and lighting; they are stripped back “unplugged” readings that I’m putting together with a group of talented actors, to give you a unique taste of what’s in store back at the Belgrade throughout the rest of the year. Whether you’re a theatre aficionado or just looking for a fun and entertaining cultural experience, The Belgrade Theatre Unplugged is sure to be a great showcase of some of the exciting theatre that awaits you on your doorstep.”
The first event will take place in the grounds of Compton Verney at 1pm on Sunday 9 June.
Compton Verney
Tickets to The Belgrade Theatre Unplugged are included with admission for Compton Verney, which starts from £5.40. They can be purchased on the day of the event. Further details of admission prices can be found at www.comptonverney.org.uk
There will be the opportunity to enjoy the readings over a meal at The Butchers Arms Restaurant in Priors Hardwick on Wednesday 12 June. Reservations must be made in advance by calling the restaurant on 01327 260 504. Set menu details can be found online via www.thebutchersarms.com.
On Thursday 13 June it will not only be the work of the Belgrade on display as the action moves to Rugby School’s Lewis Art Gallery. Entrance to this event is free and includes an introduction by the Curator of the gallery, who will combine the Belgrade’s rehearsed readings with a private viewing of the art on display.
This will be followed by a reading at Foleshill Road’s Edgewick Play Centre on Friday 14 June at 1pm. Attendance at this event is free.
The final day of The Belgrade Theatre Unplugged offers another chance to enjoy the readings in picturesque outdoor settings on Saturday 15 June as the performances make their way to Draycote Water at 1pm and the grounds of Coventry’s medieval Charterhouse at 6pm.
Entrance to the event at Draycote Water is free and people can either bring their own picnic or purchase food from the reservoir’s newly re-opened visitor centre. Entrance to The Charterhouse, which is one of Coventry’s oldest buildings, is £3.50 and this includes a tour of the medieval Grade I listed building. Tickets can be purchased via the Belgrade’s Box Office on 024 7655 3055 or online via www.belgrade.co.uk/unplugged.
Although free to attend, it is advised that tickets are booked in advance for the events at the Lewis Art Gallery, Edgewick Play Centre and Draycote Water via the Belgrade’s Box Office.
Luxury hampers by Warwickshire butchers Aubrey Allen can be ordered in advance via the Belgrade’s Box Office for the events at Compton Verney and The Charterhouse.
Those events that are due to take place outdoors will be moved indoors in the case of wet weather.
