News

2022 will see the launch of London’s newest venue – Seven Dials Playhouse. Set to be the only studio receiving house in the West End, this 100-seat venue will present a year-round programme of world-class quality theatre consisting of contemporary text-based plays and musicals, as well as an Associated Programme of events which respond directly to the themes of each production. 

Opening the venue will be Steve directed by Andrew Keates (Director: Dark Sublime, Trafalgar Studios; As Is, Finborough Theatre; Dessa Rose, Trafalgar Studios. Performance Director Ghostbusters: The Gates Of Gozer, Secret Cinema) and starring Holby City’s David Ames (The Temperamentals, Greenwich Theatre; I Am Montana, The Arcola) and Tony Award nominee and Olivier Award-winner Jenna Russell (Guys and Dolls, PiccadillyTheatre: Sunday In The Park With George, Wyndham’s Theatre; Fun Home,Young Vic) running from 8th February – 5th March 2022.  Written by Mark Gerrard, Steve debuted in 2015 in New York’s Pershing Square Signature Center, directed by Cynthia Nixon.

Presented by Seven Dials Playhouse and M. Green Productions, the long-awaited European Premiere of The New York Times’ Critic’s Pick will offer audiences the option to book on-stage cabaret tables and indulge in themed cocktails throughout, in order to experience the production in a more intimate way. A heartfelt, hysterical, and sharp-witted comedy, Steve seamlessly integrates the highs and lows of getting older, long-term friendships, monogamy, saying goodbye and being alive. 

Seven Dials Playhouse is the West End’s home for the development of professional theatre and artists.  It seeks to provide opportunities for people to collaborate on bold, creative and high quality work while providing journeys of enlightenment and entertainment for artists and audiences alike.  The theatre programme will present 4 - 6 week runs working with high-profile, leading practitioners across all creative programmes with an emphasis on collaboration and support.

The theatre programme and Associated Programme will bring an ever-changing and exciting perspective into the organisation with each production.  The events in the Associated Programme will encompass workshops, live music, masterclasses, work-in-progress readings, seminars, cast and creative Q&As and more.  They will use each production as a stimulus for a variety of bespoke curated events created in tandem with the visiting company and Seven Dials Playhouse. 

Seven Dials Playhouse is a rebrand of The Actors Centre, following an extensive overhaul of its programming structure and business model. Opening up the organisation to appeal to the entire creative industry will mark the theatre as a truly inclusive and open organisation. Seven Dials Playhouse is a relevant, dynamic and exciting organisation that responds to what the industry needs today.

Amanda Davey, Chief Executive of Seven Dials Playhouse comments, When I took over as Chief Executive of The Actors Centre in October 2019, I could never have imagined what was to come. These incredibly challenging 18 months have, ironically, provided us with the opportunity to radically rethink, refocus, and reshape our work. When the organisation first opened in 1978, it was conceived as a place for actors to hone their craft and create networks.  Many see it as a safe space in the heart of the West End.  Talking to those same people, in recent months, and to those working in the industry I’ve heard a message – that we need to do more and to change in response to changes in the world and the industry.

Our renewed mission is to be the West End's creative home for the development of professional theatre and artists.  But we’ll do more.  We’ll make spaces for creatives from many disciplines to collaborate on bold theatre work.  We’ll create development opportunities for those who wish to keep learning.  And we’ll deliver high-quality on-stage productions.  What makes this unique is the intersection between these elements, with the programming responding to emerging themes or the artist/company producing in the theatre. Our promise is that whatever we do, it will be dynamic, exciting, and challenging.

Andrew Keates, director of Steve comments, I’m known by many producers for my secret little book of extraordinary new plays.  Steve by Mark Gerrard has been hidden with in those pages for the right time, venue, cast, production team and producer.  And at last all of those things have come together in harmony for this long overdue European premiere.  As a gay man I’ve found myself questioning how my relationships (both romantic and personal) can function as I grow older.  I think we all strive for a legacy in the performing arts and it’s an honour to know part of mine will be being the first director to launch Seven Dials Playhouse with this stunning new LGBTQ+ play.

Seven Dials Playhouse is helmed by Chief Executive Amanda Davey, with Executive Creative Producer Mitchell Reeve leading on producing and programming, and Head of Marketing and Communications Jamie Tuohy leading on organisational marketing, communications and PR strategy.

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All enquiries, high res images and further information:

Georgie Blyth, Chloé Nelkin Consulting

E: georgie@chloenelkinconsulting.com, M: 07852 986 421

W: www.chloenelkinconsulting.com