Belgrade Theatre ‘Unplugged’ Returns For 2015

Kenilworth Castle and Gardens

The Belgrade theatre's Unplugged has returned for Summer 2015. First launched in 2013, the week-long performance programme taking place at venues throughout Coventry and Warwickshire will once again offer audiences a unique opportunity to preview rehearsed readings from the Belgrade’s Autumn season of home-produced drama. 

Building on the great success of Unplugged 2013 and 2014, this year’s event will see the Belgrade theatre leave its home to visit a host of exciting new locations across Coventry and Warwickshire, giving both new and existing audiences a rare opportunity to preview the Belgrade Theatre’s programme of forthcoming work in production. 

Rehearsed readings will take place in a series of unique settings around Coventry and Warwickshire, which this year include the stunning Kenilworth Castle, Nicholas Chamberlaine Almshouses, Bedworth,Coombe Abbey Hotel, The Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s Parkridge Centre in Brueton Park, Solihull,The Merchants Inn, Rugby, Coventry’s new creative quarter – Fargo Village – and the newly refurbished Old Grammar School, Coventry.

Audiences can enjoy rehearsed readings from a selection of upcoming productions which include the U.K stage premieres of Crush – a sizzling new musical comedy by Maureen Chadwick and The Silver Sword, based on the much-loved children’s novel by Ian Serraillier. There will also be the opportunity to preview this year’s alternative B2 Xmas show, Vampomime – a fangtastic festive comedy written by Coventry playwright Nick Walker plus, looking ahead to 2016, audiences can enjoy a preview of our forthcoming comedy, The Sisterhood by Moliere. 

There is also be the opportunity to preview scenes from forthcoming work by our recognised Community & Education Company.

The Belgrade’s Artistic Director Hamish Glen said: 
"I’m delighted that the Belgrade will once again be bringing Unplugged to the people of Coventry and Warwickshire. These events have been devised to offer people the chance to come and hear excerpts from our forthcoming autumn season in the form of rehearsed readings in interesting and inspiring settings. They aren’t fully realised productions with big sets and lighting; they are stripped back, “unplugged” readings that I’m putting together with a group of talented professional actors, to give you a unique taste of what’s in store at the Belgrade throughout the rest of the year. This year will see the Belgrade visit some of Coventry and Warwickshire’s favourite locations, from the magnificent grounds of Kenilworth Castle to the creative hustle and bustle of Fargo Village. I’m really looking forward to showcasing some of the highlights of our Autumn season and look forward to introducing audiences, both old and new, to what promises to be a very exciting programme of drama"

The first performance kicked off in the B4 Grill on 20 June, moving onto the delightful Nicholas Chamberlain Almshouses in Bedworth on Monday 22 June at 7.30pm. Situated in the heart of Bedworth, this beautiful setting provides the perfect backdrop in which to enjoy live theatre. Commemorating the 300th anniversary of the death of Nicholas Chamberlain, this year’s performance will once again take place in the central courtyard. In the event of bad weather, performances will be moved into the residents’ lounge.

Nature lovers can look forward to an afternoon of live theatre in the open air as Belgrade Unplugged moves to The Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s Parkridge Centre in Brueton Park on Tuesday 23 June at 2.30pm. Set in the middle of Brueton Park, on the edge of Solihull Town Centre, the Parkridge Centre and its 5.5 acre nature reserve offers a beautiful and tranquil backdrop against which to enjoy a spot of free afternoon entertainment. If the weather is kind, performances will take place just outside the café but if not, the company will re-locate indoors.

The stunning setting of Coombe Abbey’s Abbeygate will be hosting Unplugged on Wednesday 24 June at 3pm. World-renowned for its magnificent grounds, first-class accommodation and stunning facilities, the award-winning Coombe Abbey Hotel boasts 500 acres of parkland plus a thriving events and conferencing programme. On arrival at Coombe Abbey Hotel, audiences will be directed from the reception to the venue’s premiere entertaining space, Abbeygate. Afternoon Tea can be purchased in advance directly with Coombe Abbey by calling 024 7645 0450.

For anyone who enjoys a play and a pint, The Merchants Inn, Rugby will play host to the fifth Belgrade Unplugged performance on Wednesday 24 June at 7.30pm. Taking place as part of the Rugby Festival of Culture, this intimate setting provides the perfect backdrop in which to enjoy a post-show drink and a bite to eat with friends.

Coventry’s newest creative hub, Fargo Village, will be opening late on Friday 26 June to host what promises to be an exciting and unique Unplugged performance in Market Hall. Food, drink and shopping will be available throughout the evening.

This will be followed with a visit to the historic Kenilworth Castle on Saturday 27 June at 2pm. From medieval fortress to Elizabethan palace, Kenilworth Castle has been at the centre of English affairs for much of its 900 year history. Performances will take place outside the restaurant or inside if the weather is inclement. Please note, Kenilworth Castle charge an entrance fee to their property as standard.

Completing this year’s Unplugged tour, the Belgrade will be back in Coventry for a one-off performance at the newly renovated Old Grammar School on Saturday 27 June at 7.30pm, which celebrates its official re-opening this year. Located next to the Coventry Transport Museum, this Grade 1 listed building at the heart of the city is one of Coventry’s foremost cultural landmarks with a history stretching back as far as 1185 AD. This year’s Belgrade Unplugged will mark the first public performance at the venue since its refurbishment.

Tickets to all readings are free, although Kenilworth Castle charge an entrance fee to their property as standard. For more information about all of The Belgrade Theatre Unplugged events click here.