PLATFORM

Performance of PLATFORM at The Old Vic Tunnels 2010
Photograph by Lucy Cullen

A fantastical love story, PLATFORM took audiences on a journey to every corner of the city. Written by two OVNV Club writers and involving 100 volunteer Londoners aged from 16-76, the project was a massive success.

Our most recent community production, PLATFORM, played to capacity audiences in The Old Vic Tunnels from 7-14 November 2010. The audience were taken on a London adventure, from a broken down tube, to an East End bar, a City restaurant to a South London estate, the show revealed the hopes and dreams of the capital's citizens at the end of the first decade of the new millennium.

PLATFORM was created to establish a new community theatre company, and to create a dynamic platform that addressed social inclusion, community cohesion and the development of creative talent. Beginning in March, theatre professionals and volunteers from the community set about gathering research material to take the temperature of London in 2010. Rich stories and raw talent were discovered in every compass point of the capital, from teenagers in Lewisham and black cab drivers in Clapham to city workers and tea-dancers in the East End.

Over 700 people attended our Open Audition weekend housed in The Old VicTunnels, and from this a dynamic and talented cast of 61 were chosen to perform in the final piece and over 50 were invited to learn backstage skills running the show. Following an intensive rehearsal period, PLATFORM opened its doors in The Old Vic Tunnels and invited in a total audience of 2,500 people absolutely free of charge.

Reviews for PLATFORM

British Theatre Guide - 'A real sense of adventure and magic ... truly inventive ... a celebration of London in all her gritty glory'

Making Underground Voices Heard

PLATFORM Documentary from Old Vic New Voices on Vimeo.