Group look to reinvent theatre

Jan 11 2013 by Ross Dunn, Irvine Herald

A group of actors and writers are hoping to change the face of theatre for the people of Irvine.

Ayrshire-based production group Theatre Soup are trying to breathe life into stage productions with their unique take on theatre.

The group are set to showcase their range of talents in a brand new show in February.

Instead of one long play, the group will showcase three half-hour shows that cover comedy and drama, called Up and Coming.

Writers, directors and actors have all been working hard on a show that will cater to different tastes, making the show as versatile as possible.

As the group’s creative director Dale Cowan explains, the group are trying to create a more original form of theatre. “We’re just trying to offer something a bit different to breathe life into theatre.

“At the moment, stage shows have a reputation of being long, boring and stuffy and not accessible to everyone and we’re trying to change that.

He continued: “If you come along to a show you get a show that lasts half an hour, and if you don’t like it, then there’s another show straight after that which showcases an entirely different tone and vibe.”

The group are in the midst of six weeks of preparation in the run-up to the shows at Irvine’s Harbour Arts Centre in February. In November 2012 the theatre group showcased The Giggle Palace, the story of a failing Ayrshire comedy club to raise money for Rainbow House.

Up and Coming, the all-ages show takes place on Thursday, February 7, and Friday, February 8.

For more information: see www.theatresoup.co.uk, or to book tickets, call the Harbour Arts Centre on 01294 274059.