The Original Theatre Company

About

Formed in 2004 by Creative Director Alastair Whatley, The Original Theatre Company is an acclaimed touring theatre company based in the market town of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk

The company has built up its ever increasing reputation performing Shakespeare and classical texts with its own brand of daring innovation and bloody minded determination; playing often in unconventional locations (Cliff tops, Abbey Ruins, School yards, Stately homes, Libraries, Football grounds and pub gardens) in unconventional weather (rain, hail, sun and flooding...).

Since 2004 we have gone on to produce 6 touring shows, corporate commissions and a host of education projects travelling over 180,000 miles up and down the length and breadth of The United Kingdom playing to hundreds of thousands of people.

Touring theatre is at the heart and soul of everything we do, taking diverse and engaging theatre of the highest quality to as much of the UK as possible. We like to think our work is characterised by its vitality, honesty and humour alongside the passionate and dedicated approach by everyone both in front and behind the curtain.

With an increasing following and ever growing reputation we are expanding into new areas of work. 2009 sees our first piece of new writing being produced in the heart of London as well as 4 touring shows.

Earlier this year we were invited to become a resident company at South Hill Park Arts Centre in Bracknell with whom we continue to work closely. We are also delighted to be teaming up for the first time with The Icarus Theatre Collective on Vincent in Brixton

The People

Alastair Whatley - Creative Director

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 the national tours of Journey’s End (2010), Shakespeare’s R&J (2008), Twelfth Night (2005), The Taming of The Shrew (2006) and A Midsummer Night's Dream (2006). Other Directing credits include The Merry Wives of Windsor (2006) and Henry V (2007) for South Hill Park Arts Centre and the rehearsed readings of Mallard and Beneath the Marble Palace. In 2007, Alastair also worked as ‘The Director in Residence’ at The Powell Theatre in Sherborne where he directed Twelfth Night for the second time.

His acting credits include: Journey’s End (National Tour), Vincent in Brixton (National Tour) Henry V (RSC), Romeo and Juliet, Robin Hood, Twelfth Night (National Tour), Henry V (South Hill Park) A Midsummer Night's Dream (Harrogate Sun Pavilion and National Tour), A Desire to Kill on Tip of The Tongue (Edinburgh Festival) and touring internationally with the one man show The Importance of Being Oscar.

As a producer he has worked on all the Company's past shows, from Twelfth Night in 2005 to The Madness of George in 2010. His next project is directing Brian Friel’s Olivier Award winning play, Dancing at Lughnasa

He is the recipient of The Max Cary Award for innovation from The University of London and in 2010 was awarded The Stage One Bursary for young producers presented by The Society of London Theatre

Sonja Drew - General Manager

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. Most recently he played the colonel for us Journey's End and is playing the role of Willis in our forthcoming production of The Madness of George III

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.

Alan Valentine - Associate Designer

Alan has worked on a diverse range of shows, including Cabaret, Up ‘N Under, The Adventures of Mr Toad, Henry V, Talking Heads, House and Garden, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and the outdoor celebratory arts event Wildefire, all for South Hill Park, Bracknell. He lit Raksha’s production of Arabian Nights, which toured Munich and Prague; Road, 12 Angry Men and He Who Says Yes / He Who Says No for The Castle, Wellingborough, and Gilgamesh at Jersey Arts Centre. He lit the British premiere of Solitary Animals at The Hackney Empire Studio, and Never Knowingly Understood at The Bloomsbury Theatre, London. Recent productions include thedead’s Apollo / Dionysus cycle, and national tours of Shakespeare’s R&J (for Original Theatre), The Cherry Orchard (for Blackeyed Theatre).and the current tour of Vincent in Brixton (for Original Theatre)

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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