Arts Council England invest £30,000 in the development of RABBLE’s next production, William the Conqueror
RABBLE Theatre are pleased to announce that Arts Council England are investing £30,000 into the development of the professional theatre company’s new play, William the Conqueror.
The major new project will be the prequel to RABBLE’s Henry I which was produced in 2023 inside Reading Abbey, Winchester Great Hall and The Actor’s Church, Covent Garden to significant critical acclaim (Telegraph Top 5 UK Show, OffComm Commendation, SITS Regional Production of the Year, Muddy Stilettos Winner, 11 x 5 Star reviews).
Beth Flintoff, RABBLE’s associate playwright, will be writing the play again, which will be worked on by a number of familiar names in the creative team, alongside exciting new influences, during a week of Research & Development starting on 23rd June.
At the end of the week, on Saturday 28th June, the professional company will open their doors to the public for a rare and exclusive “Come and See” event, with performances of work-in-progress scenes, demonstrations of how the music is created, talks from project partners and presentations from the core team. Tickets for this will be released in due course.
Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director, Arts Council England, said: “We are delighted to support RABBLE Theatre in the development of this ambitious new play, thanks to National Lottery funding. This inspiring project combines bold creative collaboration with a focus on reaching young people in challenging circumstances. It exemplifies our shared commitment to fostering inclusive, high-quality cultural experiences that engage and uplift communities.”
Toby Davies, RABBLE’s Co-Artistic Director said "In a time when 82% of applications to Arts Council England are rejected and wonderful organisations across the country are fighting for existence, we are delighted, humbled and honoured to have received this investment from ACE. The potential is significant. This is without doubt our most ambitious and exciting creative adventure and we’re very grateful to ACE and everyone who plays the lottery.”
2027 will be the 1,000th birthday of William, marked with significant events across England and Normandy and the year that RABBLE aim to produce the play.
More details, such as tickets, job opportunities, work experience, volunteer opportunities and other ways to get involved with the production will be released by RABBLE soon. Please visit rabbletheatre.com or email admin@rabbletheatre.com.
