*** THEATRE ROYAL STRATFORD EAST WINS
LAURENCE OLIVIER AWARD ****

 

 

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT OR PERFORMANCE IN AN AFFILIATE THEATRE

PIED PIPER
At Theatre Royal, Stratford East for a powerful season of provocative work, reaching new audiences.

Twice nominated, THEATRE ROYAL STRATFORD EAST is celebrating today after winning an OLIVER AWARD for their bold and contemporary hip-hop street dance interpretation of the Robert Browing poem THE PIED PIPER OF HAMLYN which originally ran in October last year. Produced with BLUE BOY ENTERTAINMENT, a remarkably vibrant local dance company, and directed by ULTZ, PIED PIPER thrilled audiences with its inventive story-telling through breath-taking dance. The theatre was particularly acknowledged as successful in reaching new audiences.

Kerry Michael, Artistic Director said today:

“With 77% audience capacity for the year (compared to a London average of 62%*) and box office income increasing by 300% in the last four years and now a prestigious Oliver Award we have a great deal to celebrate. This theatre is proud to be at the heart of what is perhaps one of the most vibrant and diverse communities in the UK and an Olivier Award is an achievement to be proud of.

With the run up to the Olympics, the world will be looking in on Stratford and we will continue to be utterly committed to our unique and diverse audiences by staging thrilling and provocative theatre as well as nurturing local artists (young and old) with our free training and education programme.”

And audiences who missed the highlight of the Olivier Award nominated season THE HARDER THEY COME can see it now at Stratford East. The production, directed by KERRY MICHAEL and DAWN REID, went on to break box office records at Stratford East, was the longest running show at the theatre (since the 1950’s) and gained rave reviews:

“This superb production faithfully captured not just the movie’s music and characters, but also, somehow, it’s soul” EVENING STANDARD

For further press information please contact Hob Publicity: SALLY HOMER sally@hobpublicity.co.uk 07973 142127

Ends

Notes for Editors:

Box Office:
• In 2006, over 100,000 people enjoyed shows on the main stage (and a further 40,000+ loved the free live music and comedy in the Theatre Royal Bar)
• In 2006, 77% of seats were sold, compared to 62% for similar London theatres (*source: SOLT Box Office Data Report 2005 average)

Ethnicity
Stratford East has one of the most diverse audiences around. In 2006:
• Black 55%
• White 20%
• Asian: 20%
• Other: 5%
(Source: audience surveys plus observation)

Age
Across the UK, theatre audiences are getting older. But not at Stratford East! Over 40% of our audience is either under 16 or full time students. (Source: analysis of Box Office data)