On Stage | January 2017

At The Lanterns Studio Theatre
Welcome to the latest entry in our performance and rehearsal journal here at the Lanterns Studio Theatre where we aim to keep you up to date with the news, progress and upcoming programmes for East London’s Isle of Dogs newest Theatre & Production venue. The Theatre has seen a lot of use over the last performance season, and here we will take a look at some of the many exciting visitors who have come through our doors over the last 6 months…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US! It seems like only yesterday that the Lanterns Studio Theatre opened its doors for the first time to the public. With colourful performances from all persuasions, ages and varieties gracing our newly built stage, we hit the ground running with our “Opening Night,” event. At this time, many questioned whether a performance and rehearsal venue in the South Quay, Canary Wharf Central Area would be a viable option for production companies looking to house their rehearsal residencies, while also nurturing new creative talents and servicing our local community. 5 years on and the Lanterns Studio Theatre is in rude health, with the passing 2016 year a testament to the many exciting projects, rehearsals and performances held her at the venue, with even more ahead of us in 2017 and beyond.

2016 began with the arrival of Groundhog Day, a new musical written by Danny Rubin with music and lyrics form Tim Minchin. The musical is based on the 1993 Columbia Pictures film, and was met with critical acclaim after opening in September at the Old Vic. Look out for the wonderful poster that was kindly donated to the Venue earlier this year.

Creating quite the buzz around the Performing Arts this year across both Dance and Musical Theatre was the announcement of the new musical, An American in Paris. Winner of 4 Tony Awards, and based on the original MGM motion Picture, the auditions held at the Lanterns Studio Theatre attracted classical ballet dancers from around the world, eager to have the rare opportunity to work with renowned ballet choreographer Christopher Wheeldon. After a successful run on Broadway, the musical will begin rehearsal in early 2017, and we look forward to welcoming back the new cast ahead of their opening in March 2017.

It was a pleasure to welcome back the National Theatre, rehearsing for their continued run of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time. The Lanterns Studio Theatre was keen to welcome its first Canine performer, and even more surprised to welcome the best trained Rats in showbiz! Curious and its full cast of both animals and humans will give its final performance on 3rd June 2017. VISIT www.curiousonstage.com

The Cast of “Jesus Christ Superstar” in Rehearsal

Other West End Musicals visiting the space throughout 2016 included “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Regents Park Open Air Theatre, and the touring production of “A Sunny Afternoon.” The Lanterns Studio theatre would like to wish all of the Casts in all of these musicals the best of luck with the remainder of their performances, and we look forward to welcoming many familiar faces back to the space over the coming year. Be sure to look out for the many Posters and other memorabilia left behind as gifts to the venue by all of our visiting companies & Artists.

Returning to the space for their longest rehearsal residency yet, the New English Ballet Theatre spent 10 weeks at the venue preparing their latest season, “Quint-essential.” The programme premiered on 9th November at Sadlers Wells Theatre, London, featuring choreography from 5 new and exciting voices in choreography, with works on show by Daniela Cardim, Kristen Mcnally, George Williamson, Valentino Zucchetti and Marcelino Sambé. However most exciting of all was the opportunity for local students of The Lanterns School of the Performing Arts to get involved and have the chance to experience the company up close and personal through a series of Open Classes, an Open Rehearsal and a Masterclass taught by NEBT’s own Ballet Mistress Jessica Edgley. Pupils of the school were able to take part in the various day events, and even appeared the following week in local newspaper and firm supporter of the venue, The Wharf Paper. The Lanterns Studio Theatre continues to support the New English Ballet Theatre, and we look forward to welcoming them back in 2017, with even more educational opportunities for ballet lovers both young and old.

An American In Paris, Coming 2017

And so we look to the year ahead, where in celebrating our 5th year we hope to bring you even more from the world of the Performing Arts, Stage and Theatre. We begin our year welcoming the Hofesh Shechter Company for their first residency with us, and be sure to visit their website for information on the planned February Intensive; www.hofesh.co.uk

Now is the time to join our new Facebook community page by searching for “Lanterns Studio Theatre”. Here we will be bringing you up to date information about what is currently going on at the venue as well as exciting behind the scenes photos and the latest news.

For any further information or to send in your ideas and thoughts, please do not hesitate to leave me a Facebook message, send me a tweet or drop an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

Jamiel Laurence
Project Manager