This year, HOME turns up the volume on its talent development programme, with the launch of a new, distinctive and pioneering project, the T1 Commission.
Following a nationwide call out, over 100 applications and a two-month selection process, HOME has announced London’s energetic musical duo, Bourgeois & Maurice, George Heyworth and Liv Morris, as its first T1 Commission.
With generous support from the Foyle Foundation, the T1 Commission provides an unrivalled opportunity for mid-career theatre makers to work with HOME, to create for the first time a new piece of work to be presented on HOME’s Theatre 1 stage in Spring 2019. The unique commission includes a bespoke two-year residency with training, shadowing opportunities, practical R&D and mentoring from HOME’s creative team alongside international industry professionals.
HOME Artistic Director Walter Meierjohann explains how “…we want HOME to be a creative hub where local and world-class talent of all backgrounds and disciplines are discovered, nurtured and showcased. The T1 Commission is a one of a kind project which provides an exciting opportunity to create work for our stage.”
Bourgeois & Maurice are a musical duo with style as sharp as their wit. They began their career working in the bars and clubs of London, and cutting their teeth at the Edinburgh Fringe, before moving into performing regularly at Soho Theatre and touring the UK and abroad.
Part cabaret, part theatre, part catwalk freak show, their music explores the mundane absurdity of modern life and wraps it up neatly in a catchy pop hook. Armed with acid wit, a piano and several inches of make-up, the pair are innovative, provocative and irresistible.
Bourgeois & Maurice have been widely critically-acclaimed, deemed as a dynamic and debauched ‘must-see’. They first performed at HOME in December with the well-received Christmas cabaret Yule Be Sorry, and will return to HOME as part of its Orbit Festival in September 2017.
George & Liv have both added that they are “…beyond excited to have been awarded the T1 Commission and to become part of the HOME team. It’s a completely unique opportunity for us to take our ten years of experience making satirical musical and theatre work for small to medium size stages, and apply it to a main stage show, with the support and advice of a brilliantly experienced team. We plan to explore stories and themes that are pertinent within contemporary UK society, through music, humour, satire and a chorus of 45 dancers, huge pyrotechnics, a children’s choir, possibly a flying helicopter and stadium level lasers. Those last few are still to be confirmed at the moment, but either way we really can’t wait to make something big, bold and bonkers. Thanks HOME for giving us this career-changing opportunity.“
HOME, 2 Tony Wilson, Manchester M15 4FN
0161 212 3461
www.HOMEmcr.org
