house southeast theatre network announces support for four theatre shows this autumn.

Led and delivered by Surrey based powerhouse Farnham Maltings, house is now in its 14th year of supporting touring theatre across the South East. Earlier this year, our spring season welcomed nearly 1,000 new audience members into their local theatres and arts centres.

Our autumn programme continues to promise audiences in the region yet more world-class performances on local stages. Our season kicks off with Down to Chance from theatre company Maybe You Like It, which will tour to 15 venues across October. This fast-paced multi-rolling drama is based on a true-life story and follows Genie Chance, a part-time radio reporter, along with her teenage intern who find themselves at the centre of a remarkable relief effort following the largest earthquake in US History.

Next up is The Shivers from emma + pj, set to wow young audiences aged 7-11 with its explosive soundtrack, live video trickery and larger than life characters. This ingenious piece of theatre is the perfect conversation opener for grown-ups to talk to children about spotting misinformation, how to stay safe online and trust their intuition. The Shivers will tour to six venues in the region, with two of these also offering audiences a post-show space for them to stay and talk about its themes together.

For our very youngest audiences, industry pioneers Tiny & Tall Productions bring A Tale of Us; an invitation to join Ivy and her baby’s story of their first year of life together. Theatre and multi-sensory playtime will offer grown-ups a space to celebrate themselves and their little ones, as well as the joys and challenges of becoming a parent. A Tale of Us is the perfect introduction to theatre for babies and their grown-ups, with each performance followed by a beautifully guided Stay and Play session.

Finally, Anthem for Dissatisfaction, produced by SkelpieLimmer Productions & Brassneck Theatre Company wraps the season up to the defiant soundtrack of Oasis, Bruce Springsteen and Sam Fender. This protest gig-theatre show is set against the narrative of 2000’s austerity Britain. Its sharply funny script, whilst painfully current against the current cost-of-living crisis, remains unapologetically hopeful and will have audiences dancing in their seats. The show will tour to 15 venues in November; a generation-spanning piece of theatre that will resonate with all ages.

Senior Producer, Harriet Bolwell says:

“The four pieces have been carefully chosen for their ability to connect with audiences, provoke conversation and give friends, family and individuals a brilliant slice of escapism. By supporting incredible artists to take their shows into regional theatres, we hope we can help venues attract even more people through their doors to experience the magic of live theatre."