Old Vic New Voices plans epic new musical & teams with Underbelly

Highlights include an epic new musical, titled Epidemic, to be staged in the Old Vic Tunnels in April and May, and a partnership with the Edinburgh Underbelly that will see OVNV present five new plays at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Epidemic, the company’s largest project to date, will be written by playwright Morgan Lloyd Malcolm (Belongings) and focus on global health and hygiene. It’s billed as a “multimedia musical” that will bring together a  “multicultural, trans-generational group of over 100 individuals from across London”, with auditions opening next month.

In addition, OVNV and The Old Vic Tunnels are offering up to 21 slots for performance as part of their 2012 programme. Projects from plays to club nights will be open to consideration, with the Tunnels team offering “support, help and guidance”.

This summer, in partnership with IdeasTap and Underbelly, OVNV will present five new plays at the Edinburgh Fringe, selected from its pool of emerging talent. The platform at Underbelly, offering expert technical and marketing support will provide the “perfect showcase for new writers”.

Other highlights of the 2012 season include the annual The 24 Hour Plays: Old Vic New Voices gala in October, and a new Theatre in Schools production titled Health Wealth.

OVNV director Steve Winter told Whatsonstage.com: “Our mission for this year is ‘putting things on’. We want to offer more opportunities than ever to make work with us, which has provided the impetus for our new season with opportunities available for all ages, disciplines and experience.”

For more information on Old Vic New Voices, see www.ideastap.com/Partners/ovnv