Stage One backs three 'commercial' productions at St James Theatre
© Helen Maybanks
Stage One has announced the three "commercial productions" that its emerging producers will stage at the St James Theatre this autumn.
The charity, which is committed to developing and supporting producers for the commercial theatre industry, invited emerging producers to pitch a production to a panel of industry professionals. The panel selected three that it felt had commercial potential, and would "most enhance the future prospects of the producer".
The season will open on 3 September 2014 with Breeders, a new comedy by former Olivier-nominee Ben Ockrent, directed by Tamara Harvey (From Here to Eternity, In the Vale of Health) and produced by Vicky Graham.
Inspired by Ockrent’s real-life experience, the play offers a "new perspective on how and why we make babies". It follows the story of Andrea and her wife Caroline in their quest to have a child that shares both of their DNA, with the help of Andrea’s brother.
From 8 October 2014, Emily Dobbs will produce a new version of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya by rising star Anya Reiss, directed by Russell Bolam. The production follows reunites the team behind The Seagull and Uncle Vanya, both staged at Southwark Playhouse.
And for the final production in the season, opening on 12 November 2014, producer Nicola Seed will present a revival of Accolade by Emlyn Williams, directed by Blanche McIntyre.
With support from a Stage One Bursary, Seed first produced Accolade at the Finborough Theatre in 2011, for which McIntyre was awarded Best Newcomer at the Critics' Circle Awards.
According to Stage One, the organisation, a former adopted charity of the WhatsOnStage Awards, has "curated the initiative in order that each producer will experience all the challenges and potential risks involved in the theatre producing industry."
