DAME JUDI DENCH UNVEILED AS OMNIBUS THEATRE PATRON TO MARK VENUE’S 5TH BIRTHDAY
Omnibus Theatre celebrates its 5th Birthday on the 10th November by announcing Dame Judi Dench as its newest Patron. She joins a roster of high profile figures from across the arts and theatre community who are supporting our award-winning Off-West End venue and helping to build its London-wide profile.
Dame Judi comments: “Small theatres such as Omnibus are the lifeblood of our industry. Without them, many actors – myself included – would not have had the same opportunity to hone our craft. I am delighted to be joining as a patron of Omnibus Theatre as it begins its next exciting chapter. It is a wonderful theatre, brimming with talent.”
Omnibus Theatre’s patrons also include Sir Michael Gambon, the Old Vic’s Artistic Director Matthew Warchus, acclaimed director Richard Eyre and Maggi Hambling CBE. Since launching in 2013 as an independent theatre in Clapham, South London, the venue has gone on to produce six critically acclaimed productions including Woyzeck (2013), Macbeth (2014), Colour (2015), Mule (2016), Spring Offensive (2017) and Zeraffa Giraffa (2017) and hosted 2,513 performances and events.
Artistic Director Marie McCarthy says: “Omnibus Theatre has come a long way in a short space of time. It’s taken a monumental, combined effort from our dedicated team, supporters and loyal audience to get to this point and we are thrilled that Dame Judi Dench has joined us on our shared mission. Her support is phenomenal news for an Off-West End theatre like ours that survives without any core-funding.”
To also celebrate the occasion, actor Bill Nighy will be talking to broadcaster and journalist Miranda Sawyer for a unique In Conversation With followed by an opportunity for an audience Q&A.
The day will also be filled with free activities, interactive installations, exhibits chroniciling the theatre’s journey so far and performances, including a sharing by Actors Alive, Omnibus youth theatre, a special reading by local award-winning chldren’s author Dianne Hofmeyr of her new book Tiger Walk.
The full schedule:
2pm – Actors Alive sharing – Enjoy a snippet of work from our wonderful youth theatre as they give audiences their take on the last 5 years. FREE EVENT
2pm – 3.30pm – Open House – Join us for some birthday cake and enjoy free events, recieve a personalised poem by poet Liz Ward who will be taking up residence for the afternoon and a drawing workshop by Scott Turnbull, the talented theatre-maker behind the production SMOG. FREE EVENT
2.45pm-3.30pm – Join acclaimed children’s author Dianne Hofmeyr on a journey through the jungle as she reads her new book Tiger Walk. Recommended ages 5-9. FREE EVENT
4pm – In Conversation with… Bill Nighy. See website for booking details,
7.30pm – The Pit and the Pendulum. Edgar Allen Poe’s classic tale is reimagined. A political prisoner wakes in a pitch-black cell, unable to see what terror hides in the darkness. As tension and fear escalate, the chances of survival grow slim. Award-winning Creation Theatre Company return to Omnibus Theatre with an immersive experience like no other. £16 | £13 Conc.
9pm – Where Do All the Dead Pigeons Go? With felt-tip pens and his ex-girlfriend’s overhead projector, Scott Turnbull takes us on a journey through space and time. This frolic of cartoon and comic reason miraculously weaves science fiction, memoir, parable, fairy-tale and farce. With live drawings and absurd, existential musings – it’s funny and heart-breaking all at the same time. £13 | £11 Conc.
ENDS-
For more information, interviews or images please contact Diana Whitehead, Omnibus PR on 07939 149887 or email diana.whitehead@omnibus-clapham.org
Notes to Editors:
About Omnibus
Omnibus Theatre is a multi-award winning independent theatre in Clapham, South London. A recipient of the Peter Brook/Royal Court Theatre Support Award 2016 and Offie winner 2018. The heart of our ambitious programme, inspired by our building’s literary heritage, lies in both classics re-imagined and contemporary storytelling. We provide a platform for new writing and interdisciplinary work, aiming to give voice to the underrepresented and challenge perceptions. We believe in affordable tickets and theatre for all. Since opening in 2013 notable in-house productions include Woyzeck (2013), Macbeth (2014), Colour (2015), Mule (2016), Spring Offensive(2017) and Zeraffa Giraffa (2017). Omnibus Theatre is led by Artistic Director Marie McCarthy. Patrons include Sir Michael Gambon, Matthew Warchus, Sir Richard Eyre and Maggi Hambling. We are a registered charity and receive no core funding. Omnibus_theatre | @Omnibus_Theatre
