With one show for all the family and one for older audiences, London’s Free Open-Air Theatre Season aims to make theatre more accessible than ever before whilst not compromising on quality. In 2014, 10% of the audience at The Scoop had never been to the theatre before with three quarters claiming price as a major inhibitor to attending productions in more traditional environments. This season aims to continue introducing new audiences - irrespective of age, education, financial circumstances, physical ability or ethnicity - while still welcoming avid theatre fans. There’s no need to book – just turn up and take a seat!
In the last 12 years, Gods and Monsters Theatre have performed to over 280,000 people at The Scoop, entirely for free. In difficult economic times, the importance of having free access of high quality arts is more important than ever before and The Scoop has the most socially, ethnically and culturally diverse audience in London.
2015’s two exciting new productions are:
Captain Show-Off! - adapted from the Roman comedies of Plautus by Phil Willmott, with original music by Theo Holloway, 6pm
This joyous family show invites you to the bustling Roman town that is the home of self- proclaimed war hero Captain Show-Off. But, if he thinks everyone will join his fan club he's in for a shock. Expect chaos, confusion and mix-ups galore as a colourful cast of clever slaves, daring lovers and cunning tricksters take full advantage of the mayhem caused by his arrogance. This brand new show is based on the comedies of Plautus, whose jokes and japes inspired modern pantomime, a hit Stephen Sondheim musical, Frankie Howerd's Up Pompeii and lots of our favourite sitcoms.
Women of Troy - adapted by Lisa Kuma from Euripides' Trojan War Trilogy, 8pm
As the skies darken over The Scoop so does our story. In some of the most powerful drama ever written, the Ancient Greek playwright Euripides spins his gripping account of the courageous women on opposing sides of the Trojan War - their sacrifices, triumphs and tragedies. This new adaptation by Lisa Kuma of Iphigenia at Aulis, Hecuba and The Trojan Women will resonate powerfully today, as the brutal use and abuse of women in conflicts around the world remains an urgent and burning issue.
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, comments; Come rain or shine, the Open Air Theatre at The Scoop has been delighting audiences since 2003, with a terrific free programme that has ranged from lively musicals to Greek classics. Long may it continue!
Artistic Director, Phil Willmott, comments; This summer London theatre's liveliest family show and most passionate, poignant drama is once again free for everyone! I'm so proud to be taking the capital's award winning free outdoor theatre festival into its 13th year with a regular attendance of over 30,000 people, statistically the most culturally diverse audience in the city and with more first-time theatre goers than any other venue enjoying our daring repertoire.
Gods and Monsters is a theatre company dedicated to sharing the myths and legends of the recent and distant past which define who we are today.
The theatre season is part of More London’s free outdoor festival which takes place in this inimitable setting. The More London Free Festival runs from 3rd June – 24th September 2015 and boasts a schedule packed with exciting and varied events, including live music, an outdoor theatre season, and sports and film screenings.
Title London’s Free Open-Air Theatre Season 2015:
Captain Show-Off! Women of Troy
Performance Dates Wednesday 5th – Sunday 30th August
Wednesday to Sunday, 6pm and 8pm
Post show chats with the company: 13th, 20th, 27th August Stagetext captioned performances: 21st August
Running time Captain Show-Off! 1 hour 30 minutes
Women of Troy 2 hours 30 minutes (including interval)
Tickets This theatre season offers free exhilarating theatre to
audiences from all over the capital and indeed all over the world. Donations are most gratefully received. There’s no need to book – just turn up and take a seat!
Twitter @ScoopTheatre
Website www.godsandmonsterstheatre.com
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