London offers some of the best theatre in the world. The West End is home to outstanding shows from the emotional drama that is War Horse to the smash hit musical Mamma Mia!
But for theatre enthusiasts who wish to pursue a career in this industry, it is not as easy as it may seem. For that reason drama graduate, theatre lover and new London resident, Joe Allan, has decided to take matters into his own hands and not let this stop him following his dream.
Setting up his own company, ‘Closing the Gap’, along with designer Nicki Martin Harper and producer Todd Cooper, they aim to “break down the traditional structure of theatre, where the audience are expected to sit in the dark in silence, and explore ways to connect and interact with an audience” taking their inspiration from Theatre of the Absurd.
On Tuesday night, I joined more than 40 others at The Winchester in Islington to celebrate the launch of the company. As the guests arrived and chatted amongst themselves, an argument broke out at the bar. As we turned to see what was going on, it dawned on us this was the sneak preview of the performance. Devised in an hour and a half that afternoon with two of the cast members, it was innovative, funny and incredibly clever.
Joe Allan – Artistic Director
Millie Manders
After the performance the guests were treated to a selection of songs from the extremely talented Millie Manders, who sung a beautiful cover of James Browns ‘I Feel Good’ as well as a selection of her own songs including the very funny and catchy ‘Thoroughbred Potato Head’
The launch party was also a fundraiser as the company and its 6 cast members prepare for the Camden Fringe. Their debut show ‘An Evening of the Absurd: Are we all still waiting for Godot?’ will be on at The Camden People’s Theatre from the 5th -7th August and if what they pulled off in an hour and a half is anything to go by, you do not want to miss it!
Check out Closing the Gap on Facebook and Twitter.
