On Stage | March 2018
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 events held at East London’s Isle of Dogs most unique Theatre & Production venue. 2018 has been running full steam ahead, with rehearsals kicking off just days after seeing in the new year, and here we will take a look at some of the many exciting visitors that have passed through our doors over the last few months…
Dancers in workshops as part of the Hofesh Shechter in rehearsal.
Firstly, we would like to congratulate the Hofesh Shechter Company on being nominated for the 2018 Laurence Olivier award for ‘Best New Dance Production’ for their highly acclaimed work, “Grand Finale.”
Described as a “Magnificent work” by The Stage in its 5 Star review, Grand Finale draws inspiration from the Apocalypse, and was originally conceived and created right here at the Lanterns Studio Theatre.
Now touring the piece internationally, the company have also been rehearsing various other works and running courses in the Theatre for over a year, and now also hold their rehearsals for their apprentice company Shechter II at the venue.
Beyond their performances, the Hofesh Shechter company also engaged a group of dancers as part of their inaugural professional Intensive 2018. The specially designed course was led by the Company Rehearsal Assistant Frédéric Despierre, and explored the fundamental principles of Hofesh’s signature choreographic style.
Kerry Nicholls prepares her dancers for another day of Hard Work!
Programmes and Intensives such as these are an essential part of any dancer’s career and personal development, and in February, The Lanterns Studio Theatre was pleased to welcome Kerry Nicholls Dance to the venue for their February masterclasses and individual Creative Coaching.
Kerry Nicholls has over 25 years of acclaimed international experience in the Dance sector, and her organisation offers wide ranging opportunities including Choreography, Teaching, Creative Coaching, Choreographic mentoring, Direction and Consultancy.
Kerry’s courses are also known to sell out in a matter of hours, so be sure to look out for details of her next set of masterclasses being held at the Lanterns Studio Theatre in May of this year. More info can be found at: www.kerrynicholls.com.
The Lanterns Studio Theatres Yamaha CIII Grand Piano being used for class with KND Dance.
We were pleased to welcome back Matthew Bournes New Adventures to the venue, holding their largest audition yet for their upcoming award winning production of Swan Lake.
Thrilling, audacious, witty and emotional, Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake is perhaps still best known for replacing the female corps-de-ballet with a menacing male ensemble, which shattered conventions, turned tradition upside down and took the dance world by storm.
Swan Lake will be toured around the UK, and for more information please visit: https://new-adventures.net/swan-lake.
Strictly Ballroom the Musical chose the Lanterns Studio Theatre as the venue to rehearse for the upcoming shows at London’s Piccadilly Theatre.
The star-studded cast not only features West End regulars Jonny Labey & Zizi Strallen, but is also choreographed by the Olivier Award winning choreographer Drew McOnie, and Pop Sensation Will Young.
The all-male corps of in Swan Lake
The show is adapted from Baz Luhrmann’s beloved and award-winning film, Strictly Ballroom and has been transformed into a glorious stage musical.
Combining the story’s heart, comedy and drama with white-hot dance and eye-popping costumes by four-time Oscar-winner Catherine Martin, the musical features over 40 classic chart hits including “Time After Time,” “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps” and “Love is in the Air.” For more information be sure to visit: https://strictlyballroomthemusical.com/
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
Jamiel Laurence
Project Manager
