Leamington creative company shows what else it can do

After a summer of particularly bad weather during which the company survived three UK-wide tours of outdoor performances, Heartbreak is now starting its line up of performances, films and workshops to take it through the winter.

The Heartbreak Hub has already started their workshops for five to 16-year-olds, with many youngsters grabbing their first taste of theatre and film.

Held in Spencer Yard on Saturday mornings, these creative sessions are run by drama professionals in age-appropriate groups.

Jouvan Fucini, the Hub’s coordinator, said: “We focus on the fun aspects in these workshops as we want the young people to explore creatively, make friends and most importantly, enjoy themselves as they develop their communication, team-building and performance skills.”

Also taking place in Spencer Yard this autumn are two very different productions - My Name Is Rachel Corrie and an adaptation of the classic Stephen King thriller, Misery.

Maddy Kerr, Heartbreak’s executive director, said: “We are probably best known for our open air work, so in the autumn and winter we really enjoy working with other professional production companies and putting on shows that reveal a different side to us – Rachel Corrie and Misery certainly do that.”

Heartbreak is also continuing to develop its film section with workshops, training and recording opportunities and are about to reveal the company’s two latest creations – The Olympic Torch Relay and Documentary of a Heartbreak Summer.

Artistic director Peter Mimmack said: “We were really honoured to be chosen by Warwick District Council to film the Olympic Torch as it was carried through the area and loved capturing the extraordinary spirit of the day.

“The Documentary of a Heartbreak Summer is more a ‘mockumentary’ and takes a light-hearted look at the trials and tribulations of our summer shows from the auditions to the final curtain. It is hugely entertaining.”

Both these films are in the final editing phase and will be available to view online and on DVD in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, the company has also begun planning for next summer’s open-air tours and it is promising a selection of contrasting tales of power, passion and adventure.

For further details and listings and to book tickets and places on workshops, call 430307 or go online.