The line-up for this year’s PULSE Festival has been revealed, including a new day for emerging companies experimenting with new ways of working and more work showcasing the impact Ipswich has on the industry.
Curated by The New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich and China Plate, the 10-day contemporary theatre festival runs from May 26–June 4. It features 27 fully finished shows, 20 new works in development and returning companies and artists including Caroline Horton, John Osborne, Two Destination Language, Figs In Wigs and Made In China.
“It’s been such a privilege working with the New Wolsey Theatre programming our fourth PULSE, bringing together some of the most exciting work happening anywhere in the country. We hope we’ve gathered together a body of work that will delight audiences from Ipswich and beyond reflecting the vibrancy of the local and national theatre scene,” said Ed Collier, co-director of China Plate.
The themed day features Le Gateau Chocolat’s work in progress of new family show Duckie; the New Wolsey Theatre’s People You May Know stage The Goldilocks Principle, about hoping for happiness and settling for success while Worklight Theatre present their multi-award winning show Labels, a story about mixed heritage.
The Suitcase Prize Day returns, which sees artists compete to be the best environmentally sustainable show that can be toured on public transport. So does the Scratch Day, featuring works in progress.
As part of We Are Ipswich – a collaboration of local arts venues and organisations – PULSE will include Gecko’s work in progress The Wedding, Eastern Angles present Tara Lepore’s The Fitting Room and Dance Day is back with two performances programmed by DanceEast from Rhiannon Faith and The Hiccup Project.
This year’s Spring Festival Commission is Jamal Harewood’s Word. Other highlights include Jamie Wood’s psychedelic ride O No; Third Angel’s stand up meets astrophysics lesson 600 People and Nigel and Louise’s This Is What Men Do, commissioned by the New Wolsey Theatre, working with women from Ipswich.
Each day will end with free music in the New Wolsey bar.
“It’s almost impossible to pick out single shows among this programme and we encourage people to take advantage of the fantastic multiple ticket deals and come along to see a number of things -from fresh ideas from the artists’ sketchbook during Scratch Day and Suitcase Day to taking over the main stage with Spy Monkey and Tim Crouch presenting all of the deaths in Shakespeare’s plays there really is something for everyone,” added China Plate co-director Paul Warwick.
The New Wolsey has also announced three new commissions to be premiered at next year’s festival, aimed at developing new work by deaf and disabled artists. Applicants should email proposals to the theatre’s agent for change, Jamie Beddard, at jbeddard@wolseytheatre.co.uk by September 30.
For the full line-up click here.
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