Young theatre companies take over Southwark Playhouse for Spring Festival

A brand new festival will take over Southwark Playhouse this May to showcase the talent of exciting young theatre companies.

Forge Festival, which runs from May 13 to 17 at Southwark Playhouse Borough, features world premieres from Shepard Tone, Speakbeat Collective, November Theatre and Visual Sauce.

Ebenezer Bamgboye, programming associate and creator of the FORGE scheme, said: “This festival comes at a time of sharp decline in spaces and opportunities for talented artists of younger generations to get an exciting new idea up on its feet and in front of an audience for the first time. 

“Fun, generational, moving and entertaining-these are the perfect set of shows to see a new frontier in theatrical storytelling and witness the next generation in action.”

So, who are these groups and what can audiences expect ?

Formed in 2018, Shepard Tone is an experimental theatre group which creates unashamedly fun and interactive works about cultural phenomena.

As part of the programme they will present Director’s Cut, a feel good character comedy about one of Hollywood’s most prolific – and terrible – directors, Alan Smithee.

In reality, Alan Smithee doesn’t exist. He is part of a Hollywood conspiracy concealed for decades. 

In this entirely made up life story, Directors Cut, allows the worst director you’ve never heard of to tell his own side of the story.

Elsewhere in the festival, Speakbeat Collective will present Up(Beat) by Sarah Huckin.

A female-led theatre company, Speakbeat Collective tells bold, socially charged narratives with soundtracks by collaborating with DJs, sound designers, performers and artists.

Up(Beat) follows a DJ finding her way back through life in the city with music after losing herself to substances, people and shame.

Taking on the climate crisis, November Theatre will present Sail the House Home by Isabella Waldron.

November Theatre uses community workshops to create positive, child friendly productions built for both stages and community spaces.

By weaving together real conversations about the climate with young people, Sail the House Home tells the story of a family in a sinking house.

Passing by talking pine trees and glacier funerals, the joyful show for audiences aged 10+ offers a hopeful new future at the end of the world.

Finally, an award winning company which has staged productions at venues like Pleasance London, Theatre Peckham and Summerhall, Visual Sauce will present Positive, by Temi Majekodunmi.

Positive reflects on the relationship between two friends Malachi – newly singly and eager to explore his sexuality – and Ade – who harbours a secret love while hiding his HIV-positive status.

Their lives intersect in a play which confronts what it truly means to live authentically.

Forge Festival comes off the back of a year’s residency at Southwark Playhouse as part of the Forge artist development scheme.

Chris Smyrnios, artistic director, said: “It’s a great privilege to have been able to play a small part in supporting these talented companies in developing their wonderful shows.  

“I wholeheartedly encourage people to buy a ticket to the Forge Festival. You will not only have a great night out, but you will also have the warm glow of supporting some epically courageous emerging artists and theatre companies.”

Tickets are now on sale for all four shows and can be accessed via this link. Festival tickets are also available which provide discounts when buying tickets for multiple shows.

Pictured top: Speakbeat Collective at Southwark Playhouse Borough (Picture: David Jensen)