The Original Theatre Company

About

The Original Theatre Company was set up in 2004 with the aim of bringing the magic of Shakespeare and theatre to all four corners of the British Isles, to revive it as it once was. We envisaged not only creating theatre, but also sharing the creative processes through hands on, practical workshops made accessible to all.

As a company we believe that Theatre is not a passive form of entertainment, but rather it should actively awake the audience through a sensory enlightenment. Theatre is not film; it is not a set of still images watched in a multiplex. It is live and it is in your face, it should provoke and disturb but primarily it should entertain.

Original Theatre wishes to bring Shakespeare and theatre outside the monochromic world of the West End and into people's lives, not just those who can afford expensive theatre tickets or have the luxury of access to education, for whatever ways and means.

The People

Alastair Whatley - Creative Director

A director, actor and producer, Alastair founded The Original Theatre Company in 2005 having graduated from Royal Holloway, University of London. Directing credits for the company include Twelfth Night (2005), The Taming of The Shrew (2006) and A Midsummer Night's Dream (2006). For South Hill Park Alastair directed a modern update of Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of Windsor and more recently a promenade production of Henry V in the Wilde Theatre.

In January 2007, Alastair took up a residency at The Powell Theatre in Sherborne for six months where he directed a hugely successful production of Twelfth Night and other smaller studio work.

His acting credits include Henry V at The RSC and at South Hill Park (both 2007), Romeo and Juliet (Royal Armouries Leeds and Portsmouth), Robin Hood (Spinning Wheel Theatre), Twelfth Night (National Tour), A Midsummer Night's Dream (Harrogate Sun Pavillion and National Tour), A Desire to Kill on Tip of The Tongue (Edinburgh Festival), The Three Sisters, Crackers at Christmas (tour)

Alastair is currently in rehearsals directing R+J at South Hill Park Arts Centre which opens in late June.

As a producer he has worked on all the Company's past shows including last years Midsummer Night's Dream. Forthcoming work includes the award winning Vincent in Brixton, another collaboration with Icarus Theatre on Othello and Bart Lee's knock out ghost play, Norfolk's Rose. He is a resident creative artist at South Hill Park and an associate artist of the ground breaking Flashpoint Project based at The Royal Armouries.

Knight Mantell - Associate Director

A graduate of Manchester University drama department, Knight has more than 40 years experience as actor, director and theatre producer. Knight has worked with the British Actors Company and has completed many television projects.

Max Lewendel - Associate Producer

In 2004 Max Lewendel founded The Icarus Theatre Collective (www.icarustheatre.co.uk) where he directs most of their plays. The Finborough Theatre commissioned Max to direct James Graham’s Albert’s Boy (which won the Pearson Playwright Award) starring Tony Award winner Victor Spinetti. Max also directed Coyote Ugly (no relation to the film) and co-produced the British premiere of Frank McGuinness’ Gates of Gold for the Finborough, both Time Out Critics’ Choice. He is developing a World Premiere of Philip Ridley’s next play and directing two mid-scale tours in 2009: Othello & Nicholas Wright’s Vincent in Brixton. Last year Max directed an international tour of Ionesco's The Lesson which transferred to the Assembly Rooms, Old Red Lion Theatre, and Romania. He also co-directed Engage's production of Lost Children in September which tours East Anglia, Holland, and Kenya.

At Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois, Max completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Theatre Arts with an emphasis on directing and minors in French Language and Business Administration.

Victoria Spearing - Associate Designer

Victoria is designing Original Theatre's touring production of R+J, before which she worked with Alastair on their landmark production of Henry V. Victoria is the resident designer at South Hill Park Arts Centre with whom she has produced sets for countless pantomimes, musicals and community shows.

Fiona Davis - Associate Designer

Fiona was educated at The North Oxfordshire College of Art and Design. She graduated with both HND and a BA Honours degree in Design Crafts, which culminated in two exhibitions in Banbury and two exhibitions at the New Designers show in Islington London. Keen to pursue a career in costume and design she then worked with the Pegasus Theatre production of Phillip Pullman’s ‘I was a rat’ where she worked as prop and mask maker. She has worked as a designer and prop maker for their production of Norton Juster’s ‘The Phantom Toll Booth’ and was set and costume designer for ‘Wonky Towers’, an adaptation of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory. As well as working as a production tutor for Pegasus, Fiona has assisted in a number of independent projects, including costume design and wardrobe for The Null Youth Arts Festival.

Incredibly passionate for costume Fiona continues to work as a freelance costume designer who enjoys working closely with directors and performers to capture their vision.

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