WARRINGTON is to be the creative home of a multi-award-winning theatre company for the next three years.
Not Too Tame will take up residency in the borough, performing in various venues around the borough, including pubs, working men’s clubs and live music venues. Rehearsals for various productions will begin at Pyramid Arts Centre in early next year.
The pioneering theatre company – which has also just been announced as the Associate Company of Shakespeare North Playhouse being built in Prescot – focuses on making theatre accessible and, since its inception in 2010, has worked to engage and inspire people who don’t think theatre is ‘for them’.
Not Too Tame has established a reputation for creating work that celebrates regional identity, champions community spirit and combines a high quality theatre experience with a “great night out”.
The theatre company is set to deliver a range of affordable shows and reach out to audiences who wouldn’t normally attend a theatre production. They will also work with young people in and around the borough to develop their knowledge and opportunities, helping to support the next generation of art and creative professionals.
Jimmy Fairhurst, artistic director of Not Too Tame, said the company was delighted to announce its partnership with the borough council and Culture Warrington.
He said “Over the next three years, we will present a menu of our high-quality, home grown theatre productions and events, before touring them around the UK with our Access All Areas (AAA) network. We will also look to create opportunities, access and learning for those with an interest in a career in the arts – particularly those from low income backgrounds.
“AAA touring network will forge relationships between the UK’s traditional theatres and a network of pubs, clubs and gig venues, challenging the preconceptions of what theatre can and should be. We are the antidote for those who feel theatre isn’t for them!”
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, the council’s cabinet member for culture, said: “We’re proud to announce this new partnership, which demonstrates our commitment to supporting live theatre in the town.
“The partnership will bring live theatre to our communities – including people who have never been to the theatre before – and will support young people wishing to pursue a career in the arts.
“We’ve been on a journey since our bid to be the UK City of Culture 2021, and the subsequent cultural commission set up to help grow the cultural offer in our town. I’m really pleased that we’ve taken the next step on our cultural journey with our Not Too Tame partnership.
Council leader, Cllr Russ Bowden, added: “This is a new direction for us, and we are really excited about this partnership. Not Too Tame have a fantastic pedigree for bringing theatre to communities and I’m looking forward to them engaging with people across Warrington, creating new cultural opportunities and inspiring creativity.
“We continue to invest in culture because we know that it can be a real driver for regeneration, and can bring huge benefits to people’s wellbeing. This new partnership, with an award-winning theatre company, is the latest example of the work we are doing to make arts and culture accessible for all.”
To find out more about the Not Too Tame theatre company, visit nottootame.com
