Fringe Awards Archive
Founded in 1995 as Venue 45 The Space UK has developed into one of the festivals most popular independent theatre companies. In that time the majority of our shows have received feature coverage and have been nominated for major fringe awards. Amongst them Mulberry School (Fringe First 2009) Corocosmia (Fringe First 2008) Territory (NSDF awards for best emerging show and best ensemble) Leeds University were runners up in The Guardian Student Theatre Awards', Z Theatre Company won The Guild of Great Britain Award for New Writing in 2004 and in 2006 'Sing a Song of Blackbirds' was nominated for the top fringe award of Best Ensemble, The Stage Awards for Acting Excellence, this put them in the top 1% of shows at the fringe.
We've catered for major productions from Berkhoff's Fall of the House of Usher - 5 stars (1999), to an amazing production from Orkney with 41 cast members - 5 stars and award nomination (2000 & 2003). In 2005 and 2006 Blunderbus theatre company sold out for its full run of 21 shows. Over 75% of theatre companies that have used Venue 45 have returned to perform again.
2009
NDSF winner TERRITORY at Pleasance, Islington
Extra Performances Added
NSDF and Methuen Drama in association with The Pleasance and Spotlight are pleased to announce the winner of the Edinburgh Emerging Artists' Competition 2009
Territory by Reuben Johnson
Set in Salford, Manchester, Territory observes a group of boys spending an evening in the woods. When one of the boys brings his older, successful brother to join them, the status within the group is challenged. Leading the characters through self-discovery and self-destruction, Territory is a touching and humorous reminder of what it is to be young.
'Gritty and powerful... from one so young this is frighteningly accomplished.' (Matt Brereton, The Scotsman)
Performance times and dates:
24th September @ 7.45pm
25th September @ 7.15pm and 9.00pm
26th September @ 3pm and 7.45pm
27th September @ 3pm and 7.45pm
at Pleasance Theatre, Islington (running time 60mins)
To book tickets contact the Pleasance Box Office on 020 7609 1800 or www.pleasance.co.uk - £8 (£6 concessions).
2008
It was a very successful year with many shows selling out and attaining a high level of review in all our theatres.
Many congratulations to Little Bulb Theatre Company and their show Crocosmia performing at The Space on the Mile @ The Radisson, the company not only won a prestigious Scotsman Fringe First Award (this award is the festivals top award and recognises outstanding new writing), but they also won The Total Theatre Award for Best New Graduate Company.
2007
At Venue 45 Mendhi Nights won critical acclaim, gaining full feature coverage from the English nationals and several 4/5 star reviews. Sell out shows included 45 Minutes (5 Stars), Asbo! the Musical (Z Theatre) and Black Comedy by Peter Schaffer. The Selfish Crocodile (5 Stars) sold out 18 of it's 23 shows in the theatre performing in front of nearly 2000 audience members during it's Edinburgh run. The Perse School was deservedly awarded a sell out show 2007 cert by the fringe.
At Venue 260 sell out shows included, One for My Baby & 2ToGo! 5 star reviews and live coverage from BBC News. 45 Minutes 5 stars, The End of the World and Other Concerns 4 stars, and The Athiest, Wormholes and Arseholes and The Bench all received a selection of acclaimed reviews from the popular press.
2006
Another year of sell out shows and award nominations at Venue 45. Congratulations to Tale on Fire Theatre Company who's show 'Sing a Song of Blackbirds' was nominated for the Best Ensemble, The Stage Awards for Acting Excellence 2006.
Blunderbus Theatre Company again took the 'bums on seat' prize for 2006, their performance of 'The Rainbow Fish' caught the imagination and both morning shows and afternoon workshops (in our sister Venue 260) were a constant sell out.
Award winning Z theatre company again brought their mixture of new writing and musical collaborations - notably 'JFK the Musical' performed to big houses and drew a fair amount of critical acclaim. 'Illiad Fall of Troy' by 'Livewire' followed on from their sell out success in 2005, audiences weren't disappointed as the show sold out yet again. Queen Mary University came to Venue 45 for the 11th year in a row, their new writings 'The Circle' and 'Speakers Corner' engaged audiences both young and old and received credible press reviews. Slippery Rock University from the US have already booked for another run at V45 for 2008 but their performance of 'Dark North' will be remembered not only for it's critical acclaim but also for the companies immense ability to simply enjoy themselves.
This was our first year at Venue 260. 'The Rainbow Fish' workshops were a huge success incorporating the basics of performance with puppetry and face painting in an interactive show for children and parents alike. 'Magpie' by Quirky Productions, 'What Lies Between' by 'Frank Theatre' along with 'Infinite Space' by 'Red Folder Productions' from Switzerland helped make 2006 a good first year with healthy audiences and solid reviews. This gives us a good basis for both returning and new companies who come to this intimate space in 2007.
2005
A BBC online daily diary brought the media spot-light to Venue 45. Troika's performance of 'Edith Piaf' led the way, a huge success gaining 4/5 star reviews from both the local press and London's national daily's.
Blunderbus Theatre Company returned to Venue 45 with a version of the children's show 'Elmer the Elephant'. The 23 show run received several 4/5 star reviews and sold out.
'The Flickering Truths of a Cruel and Dirty Bitch' by Laura Griffin received 4/5 star reviews as did student pieces from award winning Hull University's Z Theatre and London's Love Child Productions. Other successes included 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' and 'Don't be Afraid to Try!' a musical collaboration by Charlie Chuck and friends.
2004
Winners of Great Britain New Writing Award - Several shows received 4/5 star reviews from the Scotsman Newspaper, as well as critical acclaim from The BBC, The Guardian, Metro, Three Weeks and Fest Online. One in particular, 'Ofsted the Musical!' performed by Z theatre company and written by 20 year old student David Byrne, was awarded The Writers Guild of Great Britain Award for a New Writing. The show, a total sell out, helped make this the most successful year yet at Venue 45.
Making Edinburgh Happen
On the Royal Mile - outside The Space on the Mile @ The Radisson
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About theSpaceUK
theSpaceUK is a production company specialising in live theatre, music and event production.
We have 20 years experience in producing an array of live production across all genres of performance art. Our Award winning Edinburgh Festival venues have become widely established and continue to host some of the festivals most talked about shows. We have extensive knowledge of all aspects that go into producing a show at the fringe. Please do feel free to talk to us about any of the following:
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Testimonials
Read feedback we've received from returning companies.