One of Southwark’s most celebrated theatres has released a new magazine in collaboration with local art students.
Southwark Playhouse have collaborated with BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism and Publishing students to produce ‘Next Stage’.
Students were given backstage access, free tickets and free rein to rummage through the theatre’s archives when producing the brand new booklet.
David Workman, Head of Participation at Southwark Playhouse said: “When I was approached by LCC, this seemed like a brilliant opportunity not only to engage with one of our neighbours in Elephant and Castle, but also a chance for us to take stock and reflect on all the participatory work that we undertake at Southwark Playhouse.
‘It’s been brilliant working with the students who have delivered some incisive and thoughtful material, which also looks beautiful!’
‘Next Stage’ covers the theatre’s ongoing and future projects, interviews with staff and actors and explores the students’ own experiences of working with the theatre.
The students interviewed Chris Smyrnios, Southwark Playhouse’s artistic director, Savannah Ayoade-Greaves of the Black Writers Collective and school projects facilitator Guleraana Mir.
They also put questions to actors from the theatre’s Elders Company, a theatre group for those over 65, and Nicky Hollinshead who facilities dramatic workshops for dementia sufferers.
Art student Roz Jones said: “The Playhouse was a pleasure to work with. On top of the access they provided, their feedback was always productive. They had a strong sense of what they wanted but were always flexible when they needed to be.
“Next Stage touches on different aspects of the Playhouse’s day-to-day operations, their history and future.
“We came up with the name in brainstorming how to relay that the Playhouse is forward-looking and excited about what’s to come.”
Southwark Playhouse is creating a new performance space that is set to open in Elephant and Castle this year.