A THEATRE company which recently took up residency in Warrington is bringing resident’s stories to life to raise funds for those affected by Covid-19.
Not Too Tame (NTT), which set up a base in Warrington last year, is appealing for stories about local legends for an online mini series to be performed and streamed by professional artists.
Jimmy Fairhurst, NTT’s artistic director who grew up in Burtonwood, explained: “Our regions and neighbourhoods are filled with brilliant and bold characters that you’d have to see to be believed.
“We want to hear about all these local legends and craft them into captivating re-tellings by exceptional performers.
“We want to celebrate our own communities and champion those fighting on the front line during this Covid chaos and this is Not Too Tame’s way of doing that”
NTT has assembled a team of writers and performers who are donating their time and talent to the project.
Artists who are currently confirmed include Maxine Peake, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Danny Kirrane, Sue Devaney, John McArdle and Toria Garbutt among others.
Some have worked on the likes of Coronation Street, Shameless, Dinner Ladies and Poldark.
The artists will work together with the NTT team of directors, Jimmy Fairhurst and Louise Haggerty, and producer Conrad Lynch, to create a series of monologues.
These will then be captured and streamed both online and on radio for communities across the UK to enjoy.
Not Too Tame set up residency in Warrington at the end of last year, with the aim of performing in various venues around the town, including pubs, working men’s clubs and live music venues.
The convention-breaking company focuses on making theatre more accessible and creating stories that celebrate regional identity and community spirit.
Shows are immersive and site specific which break the boundaries of tame, polite theatre to create unique productions perfect for the entire community.
Not Too Tame recieves regular funding from Warrington Borough Council and project funding from Arts Council England.
Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet member responsible for culture, Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, added: “This is a fantastic initiative with a first-class line-up of artists which will celebrate everything that is great about theatre, performance and the arts, in Warrington and the wider region.
“It will be a real showcase of the power of cultural projects to tell important stories and to raise money for communities.
“If you have a story to tell about a local legend, make sure you get involved – and you could see your story brought to life.”
Those wishing to submit a story idea should visit nottootame.com/locallegends.
Submissions should include a 100 word summary, a potential duration of the monologue and potential casting requirements.
A #LocalLegends fund has also been set up alongside the project, in partnership with Collctiv, to raise vital funds for Warrington charities and community groups.
The #LocalLegends fund will support projects that help people on the fringes of the community, and NTT is working in partnership with Warrington Voluntary Action to identify communities in need to ensure a targeted distribution of all funds raised.
Donations to #LocalLegends can be made at pay.collctiv.com/not-too-tame-local-legends-fund-89008.
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