Courtyard Theatre rebrands as residence for new writing

Hoxton’s Courtyard Theatre is to relaunch as a residence for new writing, immediately after handing more than the programming of its main space to a enterprise that nurtures emerging talent. Get more information about IAPWE review

From May, the Courtyard’s 150-seat theatre space will likely be programmed by theatre corporation Writers Avenue, which was founded six years ago by Sandra Thompson-Quartey to find out new writing talent.

Preceding writers it has worked with incorporate Chris Urch and Rose Lewenstein.

Functioning at the Courtyard, Writers Avenue will produce function across a array of genres from diverse writers, using the aim of staging shows that reflect “contemporary Britain”.

Writers Avenue will also programme shows from external businesses and host development initiatives in regions for example producing and directing.

Courtyard artistic director Tim Gill mentioned: "We want the Courtyard to become synonymous with new writing and for people to really feel like it is the 'go to' theatre to see new and diverse works."

The move has been welcomed by sector figures which includes Simeilia Hodge-Dallaway, who runs Artistic Directors with the Future.

She said Thompson-Quartey would “inspire a new way of pondering, cultivate groundbreaking collaborations and bring fresh and thrilling talent towards the theatre scene”.

The Courtyard’s studio space, which seats 80 men and women, will continue to become programmed by the theatre itself. The Courtyard has been operating for practically 30 years and moved into its existing premises in Hoxton in 2007.