West End star Ray Shell’s new musical StarBoy will be among the new works to be showcased in a series of live-streamed read-through events at London’s Riverside Studios from next month.
The first reading and play-through of StarBoy written by Shell (Starlight Express, Five Guys Named Moe) and Christopher Van Cleave will be the closing production of the first season of Riverside Reads.
Streamed live from one of the new spaces within the Riverside Studios will launch with the play The Last Broadcast by Carey Crim. The live-stream on 1 September at 2pm BST will feature Sarah Alexander, Eleanor Crowe, Sandra Dickinson and Patrick Robinson with stage directions by Madeleine Gray.
Curated and directed by Hugh Wooldridge with leading West End producer Michael Codron as patron, the first season of Riverside Reads will focus on family relationships.
Announcing the series which will give paid work to over 100 unemployed, freelance actors and musicians, Riverside Studios creative director Rachel Tackley said: “With the cinema, television studios, restaurants and bars open and already welcoming the public, it’s a huge joy to bring theatre back to the heart of Riverside with ‘Riverside Reads’. As we emerge post the Covid-19 lockdown we have a responsibility to give voice new talent, and we’re delighted this season opens with four world premieres. ‘Riverside Reads’ is the start of what will be a return to a full theatre programme, as restrictions are eased and we can explore the full potential of our new performance spaces.”
Wooldridge added: “The first read-through, with the cast and author, is one of the most exciting moments in the production process of a new play. This read-through is usually intensely personal and very private. A first reading – good or bad – can completely alter how a play is produced; many changes may be made because of it.
“I am excited to share an insight into what actually happens. And, given the current appalling state of affairs facing the theatre industry globally, I am so pleased that ‘Riverside Reads’ may be able to provide a platform for these exciting new plays and musicals, whilst bringing together many out-of-work freelance professionals from throughout the industry.”
Each play or musical will be rehearsed in advance of the live stream. A limited number of tickets priced at £25 per person will be available to watch the reading at the venue adhering to social distancing rules. Tickets to watch the readings and the post-show discussion online start at £15 (the stream will be available for 28 days after purchase).
The second Riverside Reads will be Megan Van Dusen’s Scattered on 5 October, followed by Laura Tisdall’s fantasy musical The In-Between on 3 November and StarBoy on 2 February 2021.
Angela Thomas
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