Theatre company launches new three-year 'pay on your terms' programme at Northampton abbey to boost inclusion

Warts and All Theatre has been unveiled as Delapré Abbey’s new resident theatre company where youngsters can pay as they feel in a bid to break down barriers in participation.

Together they will perform loud productions on the Abbey’s lawns, take part in thought-provoking young actor workshops, 'not-your-average' holiday programmes and energetic activities for older generations and young families.

Christopher Elmer-Gorry, artistic director and CEO of Warts and All Theatre, said: “Warts and All Theatre is all about making extraordinary theatre in unexpected places with everyone.

"We don’t discriminate, we give everyone a voice and a chance and we want everyone to speak their truth. That’s why this partnership with Delapré Abbey makes sense. It will give us a unique base to lead a radical programme that will provoke, champion diversity, and importantly, give young people from across our local communities an environment to thrive.

“Our new ‘Pay On Your Terms’ payment plan that we are introducing from September, will now also give everyone the chance to join one of our programmes, regardless of their circumstances. By working in partnership with local schools and Delapré Abbey, we hope to extend our programmes, and reach as many people as possible in the coming months.”

As part of its residency, from September, Warts and All Theatre will also move into offices tucked inside the 12th-century Northampton abbey, creating a new headquarters.

Over the past five months, Warts and All Theatre has been running online masterclasses with some of the leading lights in the theatre world such as Rob Brydon and Julie Walters, which has meant that young people have continued to have the chance to share their experiences and express themselves during lockdown.

Destiny Sanyaolu, 20, from Kingsley said: “I’m so excited. Finally, we will have a space of our own with no interruptions or limitations, which feels like a sign that we as a group will be capable of doing so much more than before.

"This change is a sign of freedom, especially after the trying times we have had in 2020; a reminder that there are people looking out for us and wanting the best for us.”

From September, Warts and All Theatre will be launching a new series of programmes including their already popular young actors sessions for young people aged 4-21, a youth social action group funded through Northamptonshire Community Foundation’s #IWill fund, and a new wellbeing programme for young families and older people, which aims to increase local residents’ sense of belonging through therapeutic arts activities.

Christopher added: “Both organisations are passionate about the abbey becoming a home for the community to thrive, and we both believe that the new wellbeing programme will provide opportunities to combat social isolation for some of the most vulnerable who are on the abbey’s doorstep.”

Warts and All Theatre are now recruiting for their activities at the abbey and everyone can register their interest by clicking here.