In 2009 Bench Theatre will be 40 years old. To celebrate 40 years of diverse drama, we will be holding a special series of plays with the theme "State of the Nation". We will produce one play typifying the UK in each decade of the company's existance, with the play celebrating the current decade a brand new full length piece selected by our play competition.
Our 40th season is varied and exciting, featuring a play from each of the decades of our history, plus one entirely new piece chosen from a play competition.
During August, a major exhibition of Bench history will take place at HAC, culminating in a large-cast, anthology production and celebration on Saturday August 1st. The achievements of the Bench will be marked with a public performance involving as many members (past and present) as possible. Zoe Chapman, supported by John Scadding, is leading this project.
Although most of our performances will be at Havant Arts Centre, we will be seeking ways to take our work into the wider community. Bench has done this before, touring a production of 'Shakers' in 2003, and we hope to build on this experience. We are presently looking for potential venues to perform and would love to hear from anyone with suggestions to make.