Norwich Theatre attempt to 'break boundaries' by putting plays on in city centre

It's called 'Norwich Theatre Beyond' and it plans to attract those who aren't typically interested in the arts

Author: Tom ClabonPublished 7th Aug 2022
Last updated 7th Aug 2022

Norwich Theatre will be trying to break boundaries next month when they take some of their best performing plays outside of their venues and into the city itself.

It's being done as part of their latest plans to get those who aren't typically interested in the arts, more involved in it.

It's called 'Norwich Theatre Beyond' and the play, Rebel Rabble produced by Norwich-based theatre company, Limbik, will starting it all off.

It's a large-scale, immersive event on Mousehold Heath, that's been inspired by the local history of Kett’s Rebellion.

"That just makes it that small step to get involved"

Jez Pike is their Artist Development Coordinator.

He told their thinking behind this approach:

"It's basically like taking on a whole new way of a new space, but instead of it being within four walls it's space out there in Norfolk and East Anglia and we anticipate that performances and theatre can be made in community spaces, out-door, in-door, old warehouses, schools, churches- you name it."

"When you know something interesting that you can get involved in is happening on your door-step, somewhere where you are already familiar where you already feel comfortable- that just makes it that small step to get involved. If somebody says do you want to get involved in acting, where you have to go to a theatre where you've never been before and there's lots of terminology and rehearsal rooms, that feels like quite a big step".

"Getting involved in anything still feels like a very big step"

Mr Pike says now is a perfect time to launch this:

"This is a really nice time to basically start a way of experiencing theatre that can also encourage people to take part in it and feel close to it. We're really excited about how that can help the continuing recovery, which is a long recovery for everyone. It still fells like we've gone through a very strange time and turning up to anything and getting involved in anything still feels like a very big step."

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