Following on from our recent news items announcing the reopening of various venues, we can now add The Old Red Lion to that list. This family run pub-theatre is a regular for us, so all the more reason we should sing our joy at the news it is back. And for those who enjoy a little meal with your theatre, the great news is that they have partnered with another local family business, Bombay Burrito, to provide substantial meals to patrons in line with the latest government regulations.
Reflecting on the eventful year, the post-lockdown season of work will offer a streamlined programme of eclectic new writing, providing a live platform for shows that were denied their run at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer, or were created during lockdown. With financial aid from the Arts Council England Cultural Recovery Fund, the venue is now able to welcome back theatre makers and audiences as it continues to champion fringe theatre.
To remain Covid-Secure, and ensure social distancing is adhered to, The Old Red Lion, has reconfigured the theatre space to accommodate live audiences. The theatre will run with a reduced capacity of 20 people, offering two performances each evening (6pm and 8.30pm). Social distancing will be in effect throughout the venue, with the use of facemasks and the NHS check-in app as mandatory requirements.
The currently planned shows can be found below. Do take a look and if you can, get along to support this lovely venue. Click on the show image to be taking to The Old Red Lion’s booking site.
Campfire
Friday 18 and Monday 21 December
The Campfire is an improvised comedy-horror show. We are to horror what darts is to sport
and what Ed Sheeran is to grime. So, come join us around our Christmas Campfire as we
improvise some of the spookiest nonsense you’ve ever seen since Jennifer Aniston’s appearance
in The Leprechaun 2.
Bark
Thursday 17 and Saturday 19 December
Helen and Grace, two women who meet in the TV room of a hospital, become unlikely but firm
friends. With Christmas coming up, Helen plans something special, only for the night to fall into
ruin when she discovers something about her new friend that will change everything.
As they battle their illnesses and try to understand their place in the world, they face the ultimate question: What does it mean to live?
Truth/Reconciliation
Monday 28 to Wednesday 30 December
Two people come apart.
Two opposing stories.
They can’t both be true, right?
Performed by a real-life couple, Truth/Reconciliation is a reflective show about the nature of truth, the need to tell stories and theatre itself.
Happenings
Monday 4 to Friday 8 January 2021
In these tough times, Life’s a struggle. There are unfulfilled expectations. Humdrum existences needing an injection of life. Millions wishing something would happen to them, to fill the void in their lives. Clearly everyone “else” is happy. Online celebrations and holiday pics prove it. Jane can’t take it anymore. She needs that something, anything! But how far is she willing to go to get it? Jo didn’t understand. Jo is happy to just get along. Having normal couple conversations and disagreements. Why do they see the world so differently? Maybe “Mad Fran” has the answer. She at least has the life experience that would suggest she could help.
Saving Britney
Wednesday 13 to Saturday 16 January 2021
She was on national TV by the time she was seven. She was an international superstar by sixteen. By 25 she was committed to a mental institution. For Millennials like Jean, they grew up with Britney Spears. They listened to her music. They watched her movies. She was their idol. Over the course of an hour we see the iconic star from Jean’s perspective; why the Princess of Pop influenced her life and how the connections shared between them eventually lead Jean to an unbelievable moment of self-discovery.
Inspired by the #FreeBritney movement, Saving Britney is a hilarious and heartbreaking look at celebrity obsession, sexuality and growing up in the early noughties.
The Count of Monte Cristo
Tuesday 26 to Saturday 31 January 2021
Three intrepid actors embark on an ambitious attempt to bring to life the classic novel, The
Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas (author of The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas). Adventure, intrigue, romance and revenge. Like Oceans 11 but live, onstage and with one fewer George Clooneys. Our story starts in 1815 (Ancient France). Employee of the month and all-round nice guy, Edmond Dantes, is wrongfully imprisoned, betrayed by those closest to him. After years of suffering, hidden away in an island prison, he escapes and methodically sets a web of intricate traps with which to take his vengeance. Who will suffer, who will be spared? Will Dantes realise his revenge or will it consume him?