Theatre Award for Chiswick Producer

Nick Hennegan recognised for London Literary Pub Crawl

Chiswick based pub theatre writer and producer Nick Hennegan has won a prestigious West End Theatre Award.

Stage One, the charitable arm of The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) gave Nick a new producer's bursary award for his London Literary Pub Crawl - a promenade show that doesn't go near a theatre but was inspired by Nick's work at The Billesley - a Birmingham pub where he created the city's first full time pub theatre.

"I'm incredibly flattered to win this award from SOLT. They make and represent the biggest and best theatre in the world," said Nick. "I also love the fact that a council estate kid from Brum can play with the big boys in London. When I first got to London and sat in the Fitzroy Tavern in Fitzrovia with pictures of Dylan Thomas, George Orwell and others I thought, there must be some stories here. It was a process we'd used to create new work using Birmingham stories. The result was the London Literary Pub Crawl - a promenade theatre production that has been very well received - and SOLT have kindly recognised this." Nick moved to London three years ago to take a Masters degree and a PRIME business qualification.

Nick set up the Maverick Theatre Company in 1994 with a mission to increase access to the performing arts. His play P.A.L.S, about four kids growing up in Birmingham, received universal audience and critical acclaim. His version of the Shakespeare classic, ‘Henry V - Lion of England’ has gone on to tour the UK, the USA and is touring again next year.

Next year will also be the 20th anniversary of Maverick Theatre. To celebrate they are releasing a book by Nick about Maverick Theatre entitled ‘How To Make A Crisis Out Of A Drama!’ Next month sees the release of Maverick’s first book, the autobiography of a Birmingham Butcher, called ‘Confessions of a Brummie Boy.’

The New Producers Bursary, awarded by SOLT's charitable arm, Stage One, is given to those considered to have an exceptional idea for a production and is designed to support the early West End careers of theatre entrepreneurs. There is a cash award and desk space in Carnaby Street.

November 29, 2013