DRUNKEN NIGHTS

The three artists presenting work in March were selected from 18 scratch performances in 2014 (which in turn had been selected from almost 100 proposals to perform at DRUNKEN NIGHTS). The final three received a career-changing package of development support throughout January and February 2015, with residencies at Rich Mix in Bethnal Green and Live at LICA in Lancaster. They received a small budget, production support and mentoring sessions with established artists. Mentors included Louise Mari (founding member of Shunt, and creator of Nigel & Louise’s Basement Grotto), Jon Haynes (founder and joint director of Ridiculusmus, currently touring The Eradication of Schizophrenia in Western Lapland) and Andy Smith (solo performer and collaborator with Tim Crouch - most recently on Adler & Gibb at the Royal Court Theatre).


Sheena Holliday, Co-Director of Drunken Chorus says: ‘This project is different to what a lot of people think of as ‘pub theatre’ - we’re not hidden away upstairs or in a back room - we’re right there in the bar, where the rules of theatre don’t apply and anything can happen. The events are free and anyone can just turn up on the night, so we get lots of unsuspecting drinkers and passers by. We love the sense of risk that creates.’


Events are compered by the Non Applicables, who were supported in the first year of DRUNKEN NIGHTS, with their Guide To The Perfect Night Out, and have since performed at festivals and events around the country. They now return to guide audiences through the latest series of pub performances.


This is the third year of the project, which is once again supported by Arts Council England, with continued support from Rich Mix in London, and new partners making the project possible in the North-West - Live at LICA and Lancaster Arts City.

Image Credit: Sheena Holliday



ABOUT DRUNKEN CHORUS:
Drunken Chorus is a contemporary performance company based in London. Under the direction of Chris Williams and Sheena Holliday, the company creates a range of theatre shows and events in London, around the UK and abroad. Whilst the company's work often changes dramatically from one project to the next, it has at its core a strong visual style. The work often plays with theatrical landscapes through text, soundscapes and movement sequences. Drunken Chorus are constantly seeking to explore new ground, to find new ways of making work - from text-based comedy, to a wordless horror performance - nothing is ever off the table!

The Venues
The George Tavern: http://www.thegeorgetavern.co.uk/

Rich Mix: http://www.richmix.org.uk

Wagon & Horses: http://www.wagonandhorseslancaster.co.uk

Live at LICA: https://www.liveatlica.org

The Mentors
Louise Mari: http://www.shunt.co.uk

Andy Smith: http://www.asmithontheinternet.com

Jon Haynes: http://www.ridiculusmus.com