Hull Truck Theatre
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The Hull Truck Theatre is a theatre in Kingston upon Hull, England which presents high quality drama productions.[1] It also tours its productions on a regular basis.
The theatre was founded in 1971 by actor Mike Bradwell when he could not find work. He placed an ad' in Time Out magazine saying, "Half-formed theatre company seeks other half". The first production, "The Children of the Lost Planet" was a success though, like many new companies, it had meagre audiences. This experience led the company to fall back on performing plays for children. They started to get a good reputation for children's theatre. However, in 1974, the play "Knowledge" was performed and, although over half the audience had walked out, the critical acclaim of Guardian reviewer Robin Thornber led to the Bush Theatre becoming interested and staging the production.[2]
John Godber become artistic director in 1984 although at first he was unaware of how much the Hull Truck Theatre was struggling financially. He had been making a good living as a teacher but the idea of being able to produce some of his own works led him to accept the post. He decided that the best way to improve sales and the success of the company was to write a play relevant to its audiences. He wrote "Up n’ Under" a play about the rugby league in Hull. This was a success.
One of Hull Trucks most performed and famous plays is John Godbers "Bouncers". This celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2007.[3]
A new 440 seat theatre is currently being built for the company, as part of the St. Stephen's development, which is expected for completion in 2008.[4]
[edit] References
- ^ Hull Truck Theatre:About Us. Hull Truck Theatre Company (2008). Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
- ^ Hull Truck Theatre:About Us:History. Hull Truck Theatre Company (2008). Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
- ^ Hull Truck Theatre:About Us. John Godber. Hull Truck Theatre Company. Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
- ^ Hull Truck Theatre: New Building. Hull Truck Thetre Company (2008). Retrieved on 2008-02-04.
[edit] External links
[edit] Other sources
Meyer- Dinkgrafe, Daniel. The Professions in Contemporary Drama. Bristol : Intellect Books, 2003.
Kershaw, Baz. The Politics of Performance: Radical Theatre As Culltural Intervention. London : New York Routledge, 1992.
Bennett, John. “Three careful owners: Divergent methodologies and shifting critical perceptions of the Hull Truck Theatre Company.” Studies in Theatre and Performance 26.3 (2006): 273
“Review: Arts: THEATRE: For the love of Godber: Hull Truck hits 30, the Globe dons his pyjamas but Gagarin keeps his boots on at the Barbican.” The Observer 15 July 2001
Hickling, Alfred. Thirty years ago it had no home and next to no audience. Now Hull Truck is a national institution, responsible for some of Britain ’s best- loved plays.” The Guardian 27 June 2001
Shannon, David. “The people’s choice; John Godber. (Features).” Sunday Times 23 Jan 1994
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