Picture: Danté K Photography
West End stars Maria Friedman and Adrian Der Gregorian have launched a new production company aimed at bringing the magic of live theatre to the people.
Backed by leading figures within the theatre community including Cameron Mackintosh, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group and Nica Burns, Doorstep Productions will bring professional quality theatrical entertainment to doorsteps, drives and gardens across the country.
Explaining the ethos behind the new company, Friedman said: “Doorstep Productions started as an idea to go and spread some joy at Christmas. We were to be dressed head to toe in beautiful, Dickensian costumes, holding lanterns and singing carols outside hospice windows, care home gardens and some other socially isolated folk. Everything would be Covid safe. It then suddenly struck me, ‘Why not do what we do best, but on the street where you live…?’ Everything seems to be ‘deliverable’ these days, so why not the West End?
“We can make such a difference to the isolated, the lonely, the grandmother separated from her daughter and grandchildren – we can bring people closer together, or celebrate a wedding or anniversary. Before lockdown, your family may have had to wait a year to see their favourite show. Well now you don’t have to miss it. We can bring the best bits to you, and you don’t even have to face the tubes and crowds. We can now bring it to your doorstep.
“I felt as though it was so important to get members of my profession up, out and doing what they do best: touching people’s hearts, singing at the top of their voices, dancing, entertaining and making people feel loved and alive, reminding them that they are worthwhile and along the way help them pay a few bills.”
By visiting the Doorstep Productions, theatre fans will be able to book from two to six performers to provide a bespoke show created with the help of the company’s expert creative team.
For the festive season, the company is offering a Dickensian close harmony carol singing experience which will include the provision of candles, lanterns and song sheets to allow friends and neighbours to join in the outdoor fun.
Suppliers who have provided their services free of charge include: Nica Burns, Sonia Friedman Productions, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group, Cameron Mackintosh, musical director Fiz Shapur, costume designer Jonathan Lipman, costumiers Angels, wig makers Campbell Young Associates, Richard Mawbey, Lizzie Frankel for Propworks, Dean St Studios, Dewynters and Bob King Creative.
As well as providing work for actors, singers, dancers and musicians, Doorstep Productions will make a donation to various acting charities for each booking. The socially distanced performers will remain three metres from doorsteps.
One of musical theatre’s most enduringly popular leading ladies and the winner of four Olivier Awards, Friedman’s stellar CV includes starring roles in Chicago, The Witches of Eastwick, Ragtime and Trevor Nunn’s recent critically- acclaimed production of Fiddler on the Roof.
Der Gregorian made his professional and West End debut in Bombay Dreams in 2002. The actor appeared in the world premieres of The Woman in White and Made in Dagenham and was most recently seen in Jamie Lloyd’s Olivier Award-winning production of Cyrano De Bergerac at the Playhouse Theatre.
Angela Thomas
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