Groundbreaking Project Bourne At King’s & Theatre Royal

The King’s Theatre and Theatre Royal have been awarded £265,905 by the Scottish Arts Council (SAC) as part of a £2.5million National Lottery Inspire Fund; the largest project funding award to have been made to any Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) venue.

The award will enable the commissioning of a new, innovative and imaginative piece of theatre created by New Adventures Artistic Director, Matthew Bourne, “probably the world’s most successful choreographer” (The New Yorker). The production will premiere at the Theatre Royal in March 2011 followed by further performances within the UK.

Iain Munro, Co-Director Arts, Scottish Arts Council said: “Inspiring Communities focuses on projects which connect people and their communities through the arts and encourages long-lasting links between people, places and ideas. Each of these projects will create new opportunities for people who have had few opportunities to experience the arts to find authentic and meaningful ways to enjoy the best of Scotland’s arts.”

The project will also involve a partnership with West Dunbartonshire Council, establishing a new and long term relationship with the theatre and specifically the young men of the area offering them an opportunity to participate in a quality artistic experience.

Sandra Love from the West Dunbartonshire Council’s Department of Educational Services said “We are extremely excited to be able to work in partnership with Glasgow Theatre’s Ltd Creative Learning Department. The opportunity for our young people to participate with such professionals will be a boost to their self-esteem, stimulate latent talent and motivate them to greater personal achievement.”

Matthew Bourne commented: “We have built up over a number of years an excellent relationship with Ambassador Theatre Group and Scottish audiences. We are delighted to have been chosen by Glasgow theatres, and then funded by the SAC to initiate this unprecedented dance project in Glasgow. To combine the talents of professional dancers and promising young local talent to create an original production, using all of New Adventures world class creative team, is surely unique?”

“This will be the first major initiative for my charity Re Bourne, whose principal aim is to expand the accessibility and understanding of dance/theatre and to encourage widespread participation in dance both as participants and audience members. I am particularly happy that this project is aimed at young men and will help to lift the stigma that is still sometimes attached to their involvement in dance. New Adventures is grateful to everyone who has helped to make this ambitious project a reality”.

On news of the award Richard Wingate, Chief Executive of Glasgow Theatres Ltd, part of the Ambassador Theatre Group, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this substantial funding by the Scottish Arts Council, the largest project based award to have been made to any ATG venue to date. Matthew Bourne is an extraordinary choreographer and his involvement in creating a new production heralds a truly exciting period for Theatre Royal, the participants and the dance community at large.”