Tag: Rachel Nott

Looking back at…Black Shuck

On By elliepitkinIn 10th Anniversary, Black Shuck

by Duncan Hands

11-19th May 2016, The Bedford
11-15th October, The Old Red Lion Theatre

“Sea-eagle to coot, come in please, can you hear me? Over.”

“Yes, yes, bloody yes!”

Rucksacks… Check. Walkie-Talkies… Check. Hip flask… Check. Gun… gun?!

Ruminating on the local myth of ghostly dog ‘Black Shuck’, two (inept) would-be smugglers await a shipment on the Norfolk Coast. Join us, where comedy meets horror in this hour-long new play by Duncan Hands.

Another bit of new writing being championed by Blackshaw you say? It’s almost like we have an MO…Duncan Hands blended the mystical, farcical and mundane in this black comedy. Rachel Nott and Alexander Pankhurst’s onstage chemistry really brought the whole thing to life. Special mention goes to Andrew Crane for once again delivering the quality aural goods to create the spookiest of atmospheres.

Listen to the audio drama
Photos & Interviews

engaging and dynamic…boundless energy and spirit…a little bit silly, a little bit scary and thoroughly worth a watch!

Theatre Bubble

a brilliantly written short piece…Rachel Nott is amazing…Art is played wonderfully by Alexander Pankhurst

London Theatre 1

a taut play that manages to walk the tightrope of genres but playing to the strength of all

Female Arts

CAST

Martha – Rachel Nott
Art – Alexander Pankhurst
Mr Big (voice only) – Tom Slatter
Fisherman (voice only) – Duncan Hands

CREATIVES

Director/Producer – Ellie Pitkin
Sound Design – Andrew Crane
Sound and Lightening Tech – Andrew Crane
Set and Costume Designer – Michelle Bristow
Set Builder – Tom Hurling
Design Assistant – Sophia Debus
Promotional Images – Robin Savage Photography
Production Photography – Richard Stratton

Looking back at…Staying Alive

On By elliepitkinIn 10th Anniversary, Staying Alive

written by Kat Roberts

15th January 2015, Pleasance Theatre
10-29th November 2015, Pleasance Theatre

“There’s nothing worse than old friends…they always think they know exactly who you are.”

Mary had a son. Now her son is dead. And that is all. But Jen is having a dinner party, just like they used to, a chance to catch up. No pressure. Nothing big. Just old friends. It would be great to see you. If you’re free. If you’re ready.

Staying Alive follows Mary’s efforts to build herself a life, after his death. Is it possible to regain any sense of normalcy? If not, how will her friends support her today, a year from now, 5 years from now?

Winner of the first annual Blackshaw Showcase Award, Staying Alive was developed with support from Blackshaw, culminating in a one night industry performance at the Pleasance Theatre in January 2015. The show returned to The Pleasance for a two week run and the playscript was published by Nick Hern Books. Kat Roberts’ Staying Alive is a real success story and one that Blackshaw is immensely proud of.

Proof that given enough time, talent and perseverance, theatre that really says something about the human condition can be made.

Female Arts

Highly original, nuanced and enlightening…deeply observed social comedy…compelling from start to finish.

Remote Goat

It’s so painfully familiar and human…an elegant exploration of how friendships can break down and change under the weight of tragedy.

Exeunt Magazine

CAST

Mary – Rachel Nott
Jack – Jonny McPherson/Alexander Pankhurst
Jenn – Eleanor Burke
Nathan – Brendan Jones
Portia/Sarah/Social Worker – Emily Rae
Will/Administrator – Stephen Ashmore-Blakely
Tom (voice) – Laura Mortimore

CREATIVES

Director/Producer – Ellie Pitkin
Assistant Director – Marcus Bazley
Set and Costume – Michelle Bristow
Lighting and Sound – Andrew Crane
Producer – Vikki Weston
Photography – Richard Stratton

We have tons of interviews, reviews, photos and more.

More Staying Alive

Blackshaw Arts Hour – Episode 92

On By elliepitkinIn Arts HourLeave a comment

This episodes includes…

  • The fifth and final episode of ‘Black Shuck’ by Duncan Hands – Art and Martha were reunited, but that pesky fisherman has turned up and could ruin everything! Can Martha see him off before they’re discovered? In this, the final episode of the series, what will happen to Art and Martha out on the Norfolk Marshes? Will they make it back with their loot? Will they make it back at all…?
  • Another couple of clips from 2017’s Scare Slam – Big Eyes by Liam Steward-George (performed by Jessica Brindle), and The Watcher by Joseph Willis
  • PLUS a couple of clips from 2016’s Scare Slam (so retro) -Lucy’s Tea Party by Molly Beth Morossa, and The Dewey Ones by Ben Whitehead

Blackshaw Arts Hour – Episode 91

On By elliepitkinIn Arts HourLeave a comment
  • Matt reviews Ant Man & The Wasp/The Spy Who Dumped Me
  • The Scare Slam – it’s a-comin’! Apply to take part. Tickets now on sale.
  • We play a taste of what you can expect from the Scare Slam – a piece from last year’s show, The Fatberg of Whitechapel by Reece Connolly
  • We chat about Blackshaw’s mates, Non Zero One and their brilliant project, Put Her Forward
  • It’s that time again – Victoria Sadler’s round up of female playwrights at off-west end London theatres this year (Spoiler – representation is still a bit rubbish, boo!)
  • The penultimate episode of Black Shuck – Art and Martha heard a seal, and then a pair of glowing, spooky, eyes appeared – but turned out to be the lights of the boat – drop off secured, Martha was left alone…until the dog turned up…so where is Art? And is that dog, just a normal dog?!

Listen to the podcast here:

Relevant Links

Ant Man & The Wasp – https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5095030/?ref_=nv_sr_1 

The Spy Who Dumped Me – https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6663582/?ref_=nv_sr_1 

The Scare Slam Tickets – http://bit.ly/ScareSlam2018

The Scare Slam, apply to take part – http://blackshawonline.com/whats-on/ 

Non Zero One: Put Her Forward – http://putherforward.com/ and http://www.nonzeroone.com/projects/put-her-forward/ 

Victoria Sadler:  2018 Theatre in Review: Challenges for Female Playwrights Continues –  http://www.victoriasadler.com/2018-theatre-in-review-challenges-for-female-playwrights-continues/ 

 

Blackshaw Arts Hour – Episode 90

On By elliepitkinIn Arts HourLeave a comment

Ellie & Matt are on their holidays, so here’s a quick fix of the Blackshaw Arts Hour to keep you going –

Black Shuck Episode 3 – we’ve heard the tale of legendary Black Shuck, and poor old lopsided Rob’s Dad – we basically had the bejesus scared out of us – so, what was that terrifying noise?!

Talking of terrifying, we can now reveal that Blackshaw’s Scare Slam will be back at the London Horror Festival in October! Details here.

Listen to the podcast here:

 

Blackshaw Arts Hour – Episode 88

On By elliepitkinIn Arts HourLeave a comment
  • Matt reviews Mission Impossible: Fallout & The Incredibles 2
  • Ellie chats about Mama Mia: Here We Go Again
  • We play another round of Fringe Roulette
  • It’s the first episode of radio drama ‘Black Shuck’ by Duncan Hands!

 

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Black Shuck at the London Horror Festival: A Review

On By elliepitkinIn Black ShuckLeave a comment

black-shuck-banner

“Played by Alexander Pankhurst, it’s an enjoyable portrayal of this geeky character who is able to precisely name different birds by their call alone. He provides a wonderful foil to Martha played by Rachel Nott, a bolshie and dominating woman. The two of them are a comically incompetent pair.”

 

“There is a particularly well thought out lighting and sound design by Andrew Crane who helps to transport us to the night-time Norfolk Coast and give the play some eerie atmospheric effects. The aeroplane landing lights is particularly effective. The one simple piece of set, a groyne, also works wonders.”

 

Read the full review here.