Andrew Lloyd Webber with wife Madeleine (photo: Dan Wooller)
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Lloyd Webber Foundation gives 150k to Paines Plough's Roundabout project

The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation has donated £150,000 to new writing company Paines Plough to design and build the "first-ever fully self-contained portable Roundabout auditorium".

Last year the company built a prototype of the auditorium (pictured below) and toured it to Sheffield Theatres, with whom they co-produced the season, and Shoreditch Town Hall.

According to a press statement, "It was the company's ambition to be able to tour this model, taking new plays across the UK to both established theatre spaces, and non-traditional theatre venues. This ambition can now be realised this year thanks to the financial support of The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation."

Designed by Lucy Osborne, the 111-seat venue will be built using sustainable materials and will flat pack into a single lorry. It can then 'pop up' in any space from existing theatres to village halls, community and sport centres, warehouses and parks.

Madeleine Lloyd Webber, a trustee of her husband's foundation, said: "The Foundation is very proud to be funding this completely innovative performing space for Paines Plough. Paines Plough brings excellent theatrical productions to regions across the UK often to places that have no access to traditional theatres and we hope the new space will help enhance the work they already do." 

James Grieve and George Perrin, joint artistic directors at Paines Plough, added: "We are thrilled the Foundation shares our passion for finding new ways to enable more people around the country to experience new plays. Its support will play a major role in making Roundabout possible, meaning our pop-up in-the-round touring amphitheatre will hit the road with a repertory of three outstanding new plays, offering audiences everywhere a unique theatrical experience."

Last year the Lloyd Webber Foundation, which was founded in 1992, donated £150,000 to the Royal Court Studio, and in 2011 is gave £3.5million to Arts Educational School in London.

- by Theo Bosanquet

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