Since its beginnings in 2009, The Lowry’s ‘Developed With’ scheme has supported 36 productions to achieve a future touring life after premiering at the Salford venue and this year sees Manchester performer Fat Roland enjoying success, ready for 2018.
Following a national open call for submissions, Fat Roland developed a new show responding to the theme ‘coming of age’ and as a result, will will premiere new work at Week 53 Festival in May 2018. Before then he will receive a bespoke package of support from The Lowry, including funding and support for professional development that extends well beyond the life of this project.
Claire Symonds, programmer and producer at The Lowry said; “We had over 150 applications from all across the country to join our Developed With The Lowry programme for theatre, dance, circus and music shows. Fat Roland’s proposal intrigued us with its combination of deadpan comedy, surreal characters and unique props, and his interview had us in stitches. Fat Roland is one of a kind and we are delighted to be working with him as he makes this new show.”
Manchester based spoken word performer Fat Roland said; “I’ll be celebrating my 45th birthday next year. As a result, I’m looking forward to developing a new show themed on 45rpm records and metaphors around music’s digital coming of age for Week 53 Festival.
“I often uses props such as life-size cardboard cut-outs, a 50-foot scroll, words on bread, and cartoons of startled animals. I’ve presented my work at Edinburgh Fringe Festival and I’m delighted to be a part of The Lowry’s ‘Developed With’ scheme.”
Week 53 was launched last year and is a cross arts festival of national and international work comprising 63 performances by 200 artists across 11 days. Week 53 opened up The Lowry building – inviting audiences to experience work in a series of spaces normally off-limits to the public.
Week 53 Festival returns in May 2018 where Fat Roland’s new piece will run for the first two nights.
The Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ
0843 208 6000
https://www.thelowry.com/
