Nottingham Playhouse announces ‘Unlocked’ festival of live and livestreamed shows

Nottingham Playhouse has unveiled a new season of shows this autumn.

Nottingham Playhouse Unlocked will feature a line up of both productions which can be watched both in person and online.

It’s the first time the venue has opened its doors since March with social distancing measures in place and a strictly limited number of tickets to attend the live events held in the theatre auditorium to ensure that a safe environment is created for audiences and performers alike. All the events will also be streamed live for audiences to attend virtually who are not able to attend in person.

The festival line up includes West End stars Jodie Prenger, Rosalie Craig and Sandra Marvin with a programme of songs that made their careers, East Midlands based writer Naomi Obeng’s new work about mixed race identity, Mark Gatiss reading ghost stories on Halloween, and a new work from playwright James Graham.

Artistic Director of Nottingham Playhouse, Adam Penford said: “Whilst we’ve continued to make work online throughout the pandemic, it’s time to reengage audiences and artists on stage again. We’ve curated a programme that combines local theatre-makers and our associate companies, alongside household names, including the world premiere of a new James Graham play, providing employment and encouraging audiences back into the venue. The festival will be stripped-back and simple, top-class talent coming live from the Playhouse stage.”

See an overview of the festival below. For tickets and more information visit the Nottingham Playhouse here.

Nottingham Playhouse Unlocked programme

Wednesday 21 October – Rootless Island Baby
Directed by Madeleine Kludje, a staged reading of a brand-new play from Nottingham Playhouse Associate Artist Sarah ‘Rain’ Kolawole.

Friday 23 October to Saturday 24 October – Bubble
Nottingham Playhouse Associate Artist, James Graham (Ink, This House, ITV’s Quiz), returns to his home city with a love story for today. Starring Jessica Raine (Call the Midwife) and Pearl Mackie (Doctor Who).

Tuesday 27 October – Major Labia
Major Labia is a comedy collective of witty women. Here to tackle inequality through vaginal comedy. Creative Associates at Nottingham Playhouse.

Wednesday 28 October – A Double Bill of New Work by East Midlands Talent
Ben Norris: A Short Tour of the Heart and Naomi Obeng: Where it lands

Friday 30 October to Saturday 31 October- Ghost Stories with Mark Gatiss
As the nights draw in this autumn, the master of spooky tales, Mark Gatiss, invites you to turn the lights down low and gather round to hear him read some of his favourite ghost stories, live from the Nottingham Playhouse stage. Featuring Jade Anouka.

Tuesday 3 November – New Commission
A work-in-progress performance of the winner of Nottingham Playhouse’s recent call out for a new piece of work by an East Midlands artist/s or company. The call out deadline is 1 September 2020 and details of the winning submission will be announced at a later date.

Wednesday 4 November – WOLF
Armed with just a chair, Lewis Doherty mimes every prop, makes every sound effect and brings to life over thirty characters in this cyberpunk, neon-noir, one man action packed blockbuster movie!

Friday 6 November to Saturday 7 November – Rosalie, Sandra and Jodie: Live in Concert
A trio of West End leading ladies perform a programme of the songs which made their careers. Rosalie Craig, Sandra Marvin and Jodie Prenger are joined by Amy Shackcloth on keys.