Starts with Sheila Hancock in Henry V retelling

After opening Chiswick Fair last week, actress Sheila Hancock CBE stayed on to launch the new Chiswick People's Theatre Company by giving a short performance of 'Henry V - Lion of England.'

The Chiswick Peoples Company is a pro/am theatre concept aimed at raising the creative and artistic standards of the participants.  It was started by Maverick Theatre, described by Miss Hancock as "a remarkable company". Maverick was launched in 1994, but only began London operations last year.

'Henry V - Lion of England' is the retelling of Shakespeare's famous play, written by Artistic Director Nick Hennegan. "Sheila was marvellous", said Hennegan. "Her talent shone through and it was perfect that a pro/am theatre concept should be launched by one of the top theatre professionals."

The other actors in the nine minute reading included a recent drama school graduate who has just moved to Chiswick, a regular local amateur dramatics actor, a technician who wanted to try acting and a rock musician who wanted to write music for the performance.  

"A perfect mix of skills, talents and aspirations and just what the People's Company is all about.,"  said Hennegan.  "The future is dependant on funding, but we hope to attract local sponsors and mount a full-bloodied, large cast new play or Shakespeare in the next few months. We're also looking for our own performance space, so if anyone runs a bar or restaurant and has a free space or wants to host us and our new audiences, please get in touch."

Further contact details (and photos of Chiswick Fair) are available on the website - www.mavericktheatre.co.uk.

July 16, 2011