Preview: Alphabetti Theatre Announces Exciting Spring Season of Work Under New Artistic Leadership

Alphabetti Theatre Announces Exciting Spring Season of Work Under New Artistic Leadership

Alphabetti Theatre has announced its upcoming spring season, marking the first season of work programmed by the venue under new leadership. In a statement, new Artistic & Executive Director Ed Cole said: “I am very excited to be able to announce Alphabetti’s first season of programming since my arrival in June last year.  Since I arrived in my role the staff here at Alphabetti have wasted no time in making me feel like a member of the family, and I owe a huge degree of gratitude to them for negotiating the first stages of this transitional period with incredible professionalism, care, and proactive optimism.”

The upcoming season reflects Alphabetti’s ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming space for artists, audiences, and communities to share stories, develop ideas, and create change. With a diverse programme of theatre, comedy, cabaret, music, and poetry, as well as hosting four separate festivals, the spring season promises to provide something for everyone.

Highlights of the Spring Season

The season kicks off with a mix of familiar faces and new ventures, showcasing the incredible talent of the North East and beyond. Among the highlights are:

• FLUFF (March 14 – March 15): Winner of the Best Theatre Production at the Buxton Fringe 2024, alongside awards for Best Performance and Best New Piece at the Birmingham Fringe 2023. The non-linear plot line allows the audience to feel, first hand, the devastating effects of dementia, through joining Fluff in her journey to uncover her life’s memories. Full NETG Preview: LINK

• GROUNDED (May 22 – May 24): A play filled with music and movement that affirms life by confronting loss, giving a fresh take on the importance of place for experiences of grief; forging spaces of hope, solidarity, and mutual support.

• SH*T LIFE CRISIS (5 June – 7 June): Grace smashed cancer, but victory feels like a bad joke. While throwing a memorial for Abbie, her ride-or-die chemo buddy, Grace lays bare how surviving turned her life inside out. This darkly hilarious karaoke theatre show cranks up the tunes while Grace unpacks her broken pieces, with live music throughout and a full-blown karaoke party to end!

Photo: Anete Sooda

In addition to these productions Alphabetti will continue its tradition of developing new work and platforming creative voices, with a variety of one-off performances and regular events. The season will also see Alphabetti host four festivals - Newcastle Fringe Festival, Northern Pride, Tête-à-Tête Opera Festival and Classics Fest.

A Commitment to Fairness and Sustainability

This season marks a shift in Alphabetti’s approach to programming, responding directly to the fiscal challenges facing the creative sector. Previous seasons have centred around three-week runs of new productions, and Alphabetti is committed to continuing to platform new work but must respond to the current funding landscape. Ed Cole explained: “Our main aim is to avoid a situation where productions have to be delayed, scaled down or cancelled due to lack of funds.

As such, you’ll spot there are one or two gaps in the programme where we hope we will be able to programme shows but are having to wait on the outcome of funding bids. You can rest assured that we’ll be shouting from the rooftops when these shows are ready to be announced.’

A New Chapter for Alphabetti

This season is the first step in a broader period of organisational development at Alphabetti, generously funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and Arts Council England. This funding has enabled the theatre to bring in external consultation from Ned Glasier, founder of Company Three, to help shape a new company vision, while staff will embark on training in crucial services including BSL and mental health first aid.

Ed emphasised the importance of this transitional period: “Alphabetti has a responsibility to our artists, our audiences and our communities to create a welcoming space where people can share stories, develop ideas, and create change. We must also be honest about the challenges facing the creative sector in the present day, and work with partners across the city and beyond to ensure that everyone can be optimistic about the creative future of Newcastle and the North East.”

A Warm Welcome Awaits

Alphabetti’s bar has also had a makeover, with a range of delicious new bar snacks on offer to complement the theatre’s warm and welcoming atmosphere. Ed concluded: “Alphabetti, like all independent venues, relies on people making the brave decision to put on a coat, hop on a bus, a bike, or a train, and have a night out. We believe this fantastic season of work will mean the decision to spend an evening at Alphabetti is always going to be the right one, and we can’t wait to welcome you in the coming weeks and months”.

Tickets:

The spring season at Alphabetti Theatre promises to be a celebration of creativity, community, and change. For more information about the programme and to book tickets, visit www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk.