A NEW non-commercial theatre group has started up in Solihull.
Creators Theatre Company is the newest addition to the West Midlands’ thriving amateur theatre circuit and grew out of its founders desire to present innovative, exciting and, above all, professional standard productions with a small and dedicated cast.
And for their inaugural production they are to put on Jonathan Larson’s seminal work ‘Rent’ which premiered on Broadway 25 years ago.
Set against the backdrop of the Aids crisis, the musical is a retelling of Puccini’s opera La Bohème and follows the ups and downs of a year in the life of a group of impoverished, artistic friends living in Manhattan’s East Village.
The group’s dreams, losses and love stories weave through the musical’s narration to paint a stunningly raw and emotional portrait of the gritty bohemian world of New York City.
Creators Theatre Company’s production was originally scheduled to take to the stage in May but due to the pandemic, was delayed until
September.
The group planned and replanned rehearsals, painstakingly risk-assessed getting their cast together and worked their way through rehearsals, firstly over Zoom, then in person adhering to the ‘rule of six’, before finally (and euphorically) meeting as a full cast outdoors for the first time in July.
It’s now a race to the finish-line as they make up for lost time to bring a polished and professional show to the stage at The Dovehouse Theatre, Solihull.
The company are performing nightly from September 23 to October 2 with matinee performances on September 25 and October 2.
In addition to the run of ten performances, they are also hosting a very special charity gala performance on September 28 in aid of the Terrence Higgins Trust, the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity.
Richard Agg, director said: “As the world begins to emerge from a fight with a deadly disease, we are once again reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of community. Rent perfectly encapsulates the message of hope, solidarity and, above all, love.
“Our diverse and talented cast have been working so hard to bring this iconic piece of theatre to the stage.
“We can’t wait for you to see it!”
Tickets cost from £18 at ticketsource.co.uk/creators. For more on the company, visit: creatorstheatre.com
