Troubadour Stageworks announce outdoor summer theatre programme

Bristol’s Troubadour Stageworks are a registered theatre charity dedicated to bringing new communities into heritage spaces, through the provision of fun and accessible cultural experiences.

They are working with Artspace Lifespace and the Churches Conservation Trust to deliver their ambitious summer programme for 2022, which will see them staging productions at the Church of Thomas the Martyr, Ashton Court Estate and St John on the Wall respectively.

The run opens with Shakespeare’s much-loved comedies Much Ado About Nothing on June 17-18, and Twelth Night on June 19-20. Troubadour’s take on these classic stories is musical, fun, family friendly and punchy, running at a swift 90 minutes – including a 15 minute interval.

Concluding the programme on June 21, In The Stones tells the magical tale of Childe Roland, who journies to the Other World to reclaim his sister from the Elf King.

Artistic director Mingma Hughes shared some insights about the history and ethos of the company, and how the summer shows are shaping up:

Troubadour Stageworks – photo: Luke Hughes

What prompted the formation of Troubadour Stageworks?

“We wanted to explore ways to create a stage in any space: most of the theatre which took place in unusual venues seemed to fall into two categories – tours with full staging set up which changed very little depending on location or the site specific, entirely tailored to one location but unable to move.

“We were interested in the middle path: shows that respond to the environment but are not reliant on it, which feel like unique evenings in and of themselves.

“We also wanted to make stories we love feel more accessible to less theatre-going audiences, and to bring new people into beautiful heritage spaces – above all, we want our theatre to feel magical, rather than challenging.”

Photo: Luke Hughes

How has the company evolved in the last five years?

“Over the past five years the company has ultimately evolved with us – going from a student-run company in Bristol to a nationally touring charity.

“Post-covid, the shows become less about showcasing our own work and much more about finding ways to bring a bit of joy into the communities we visit. From workshops to our accessible performances, those moments have become the most rewarding thing about running the charity.”

In what way has outdoor performance allowed you not only to increase numbers, but to widen the demographic of audiences who come?

“Outdoor theatre enormously widens the demographic of audiences who come because we can take the stories and the theatre to the audiences rather than expecting them to travel to us.

“If you are intending to reach communities in cultural deserts, where school children ask us quite literally “what is drama?”, it is very hard to convince anyone of the benefit of sitting through a two hour Shakespeare, and paying for the pleasure, without making it convenient, accessible and local.

“By minimising set, electricity and staging requirements we ensure our shows are minimally disruptive and can go virtually anywhere.”

Troubadour Stageworks at St John on the Wall – photo: Mingma Hughes

Is there a particular style of writing or genre that lends itself to a Troubadour Stageworks adaptation?

“What lends itself to Troubadour adaptations all responsive stories that people can relate to. We are good at Shakespeare, and it is a much easier sell for a young company – plus we love it and want to pass on that love to others – so that is always a focus.

“The other style of show we concentrate on is community-centric at the moment: a composite narrative of folklore and history generally associated with universal landmark the British countryside (ie. rivers, churches, forests) which can be tailored to incorporate this is specific local stories of the area we travel to, and has room for community participation.”

How do you cast your shows?

“Our casting is interesting because as a Rep company the priority is casting a troupe rather than casting the characters in a single play. The focus is on building a balanced set of skills in the troupe, and find a group who can happily tour for a long time together.

“Every year we start with an open casting call and whittle down through multiple rounds to our core troupe. Once that is decided, then we cast the roles in the shows.”

Photo: Luke Hughes

Lastly, can you give us a flavour of what to expect from the summer tour?

“Our Shakespeare’s are pacey, relaxed, funny and accessible. In our adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing, we are exploring the themes of rumour and gossip, while Twelfth Night centres on the strength of restricted emotion: grief, joy and love.

“And In The Stones is lyrical, comic and musical – a new fairytale through which children and families can learn about local history.

“Ultimately, through all our summer productions, the greatest flavour should be fun and laughter. We feel we have succeeded in the show when the audience leaving feel that day is better for having seen the story we have just told.”

For more information on all Troubadour Stageworks summer productions, as well as ticket links for all shows, visit www.troubadourstageworks.com.

Main photo: Luke Hughes

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