Theatrical Production Coming to Coventry Cathedral Ruins this September
Coventry Cathedral ruins will be transformed this September into an open-air theatre, staging an exciting new theatre piece created by five local writers.
Meet Me In The Ruins, which is being produced in association with the Belgrade Theatre, explores five fixed points in history where people are at a crossroads in their lives and will run from September 6 to September 8 as part of the Plumb Line Festival.
Nick Walker, Alan Pollock, Ola Animashawun, Marcia Layne, and Paven Virk are penning original stories for the show.
Perrier nominated author Nick Walker – whose two imaginative black-comedy novels, Blackbox and Helloland, received critical acclaim is writing for, and directing Meet Me In The Ruins.
He has also written for several BBC Radio shows, including detective series Annika Stranded, which is set to be adapted for the small screen into a BBC television production.
Alan Pollock was the writer for Coventry-inspired play One Night in November – a Belgrade Theatre production – the gripping war time love story, set against the backdrop of the 1941 November blitz, which earned rave reviews from audiences and critics alike.
Working in theatre for over 30 years, Ola Animashawun is the associate director of the Royal Court theatre, and an industry expert. He has overseen countless workshops for young playwrights, and will use that expertise to write for the September show.
Award winning playwright Marcia Layne has written for BBC Radio 4 and her works include thought-provoking drama Off Camera, which won the 2003 Alfred Fagon prize. She is also a writer and producer for Yorkshire theatre company Hidden Gem Productions.
Paven Virk, who founded Second Generation Theatre Company at the age of 15, was part of the writer’s room for Channel 4’s cult favourite Skins. Her recent play Save Our School Dinners… Jamie! was performed at the Belgrade Theatre last year. She has also had work showcased across several major venues including the National Theatre, Hampstead Theatre, and the Old Rep.
Sam Williams, Cultural Programmer for Coventry Cathedral, said: “Meet Me in the Ruins is the Cathedral's vision for how we feel the ruins space should resonate in the city.
“Its lasting legacy will not only be the impact on audiences that see the show, but also the new relationships and working models that have been created by collaborating with Belgrade Theatre, independent writers and City of Culture team.”
The project has been funded through the Coventry City of Culture Trust’s Great Place Scheme.
Chenine Bhathena, Creative Director of Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “We saw through the City of Culture bid how people in the city came together and we are thrilled that this piece of theatre is going to be staged in the Cathedral Ruins. It’s brilliant to see this project come to life after John Witcombe, Dean of Coventry Cathedral, and writer Alan Pollock first discussed the idea during a City of Culture bid meeting.
“It’s a very exciting line-up of writers and it promises to be a truly memorable piece of work, particularly as it will be taking place in such atmospheric surroundings.”
Director Nick Walker said: “Each story captures the decades that we are celebrating, they are funny, moving and interesting small tales. I think there is something for everyone.”
Performances run 6.30pm daily as well as a 2pm matinee on Saturday 8 September.
For tickets or more information go to www.plumb-line2018.co.uk
