H&F's People's Theatre Company Hits Fundraising Goal

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Local community now invited to take on roles in big stage production

 

Hammersmith and Fulham is set to have its own People's Theatre Company, open to all, after the project hit its fundraising target on H&F Spacehive.

The project launched by Maverick Theatre Company needed to raise £29,561 - and did it just days before the closing date with the support of 65 backers.

Maverick's Artistic Director Nick Hennegan says: " We’re delighted we’ve made the target. Even the funding keeps to the principle of the People's Company - there were small pledges from school kids and large pledges from famous faces - and some anonymous pledges too."

Celebrity supporters included Sir Derek Jacobi, West End producers Peter Wilson and Trish Wadley, comedian Arthur Smith, and H&F Council also gave the project its backing with a donation of £5,000.

Celebrity supporter Derek Jacobi

The project now has its own website, Maverick People's Company and Nick says, now the funding is in place, it is looking for the local community to get involved - both groups and individuals who would like to learn about all aspects of the theatre, including upfront and behind the scenes roles.

He says: "We’re now looking for a venue to present the show. We will rehearse two or three evenings a week and some weekends, so it won’t interfere with anyone’s jobs or school, for about ten weeks. There will then be performances over four days.

"Its working title is 'London'. It will look at 24 hours in the life of West London, specifically H&F. There will be a number of lead characters to lead the drama, but there will be guest spots for ANY other organisation that would like to get involved - youth club, scout or guide band, dance school, seniors group, etc.

"The exact shape of the production will be decided by the company, of course. The whole idea is that anyone that wants to learn anything about putting on a show can just come along. No auctions or interviews - just a desire to learn. And most of the funding is going to pay some of the top people in the theatre world to come along and teach and mentor.

"As we’re now about to start the process, we’re looking for anyone that might like to learn about theatre producing or administration, to be our producers and administrators! And we’ve got a new website Maverick People's Company which lists all the roles. "

He adds: "It’s also a place where people can still donate to the project if they want to help, now the official Crowdfunding is over."

You can find out more abut H&F Spacehive and other community projects currently crowdfunding here.

February 21, 2020