New Sheffield political theatre group Next Left aims to create a message of hope

Next Left is a new political theatre project led by three Sheffield actors that will bring actors, poets, writers, directors and musicians together to explore the theme of hope.
Julia Armstrong
By Julia Armstrong
Published 16th Jan 2020, 10:41 BST
Updated 20th Jan 2020, 14:46 BST
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The three project founders all work as actors and have reached out to colleagues in the industry to pull together the first show very quickly so that audiences and participants can debate and discuss issues, such as the general election, which are fresh in the city’s collective memory.

The first event takes place at 7.30pm on Monday, January 27 at DINA Venue, Cambridge Street, Sheffield.

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Kate Rutter, who is known for her film roles in The Full Monty, I Daniel Blake, Peterloo and as Coronation Street’s DS Beckett, initiated the idea.

Sheffield actor Kate Rutter with Dave Johns in a scene from I, Daniel BlakeSheffield actor Kate Rutter with Dave Johns in a scene from I, Daniel Blake
Sheffield actor Kate Rutter with Dave Johns in a scene from I, Daniel Blake

She said: “The recent election generated so much positive energy, particularly among young people, that I wanted to help build on that. In our divided society culture and politics can combine and play an important part in bringing people together and in seeking out the truth.”

Kate was inspired by a Manchester initiative, Take Back Theatre, where she met Nadia Emam, an actor and poet who has recently joined Sheffield Theatres’ cohort of supported artists. The pair agreed to work together to set up a similar project for Sheffield.

Completing the Next Left team is actor and voice artist Melanie Crawley. Melanie joins the project between tour dates for the play Tannie & Tannie.

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The team have asked professional and emerging writers to submit short scenes to be performed by professional actors. The show is rehearsed, built and performed all on the same day, script in hand.

Poets and musicians will join in on the night.

Melanie said: “It’s an exciting, seat-of-your-pants experience for everyone involved and relies on the participants’ skill, experience and sense of adventure to work!”

The team are aiming to bring emerging talent from varied cultures, ages and backgrounds to all of their forthcoming events. The project currently operates with no funding and everyone involved works voluntarily with support from Sheffield’s creative community and from DINA.

Tickets are now on sale and can be booked via www.nextleft.co.uk

Related topics:SheffieldSheffield Theatres