Episode 8: OWEN CALVERT-LYONS - Artistic Director of the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds

The Suffolk Pod Show

Owen is internationally renowned as a visionary producer and director. He has an extraordinary talent for uniting theatre companies with communities and taking theatre into new dimensions by pushing boundaries on the traditional.
www.theatreroyal.org
Show Notes: Owen was born and grew in Birmingham. His family didn’t work in the theatre but took him regularly as a child. In Owen’s earliest days he became passionate about the stage and acting and joined a youth theatre. Owen reminisces about big musical productions every summer at his school. At the age of 17 his drama teacher took a year out from the school and nominated Owen and Ian to direct the annual school production – A Little Shop of Horrrors. Owen talks about the experience and the opportunity.

Following the success of his first co-production as a director Owen knew he wanted to become a Theatre Director so he followed his dream and ambition and went to Bristol University. During his degree course he met (then an external theatre practitioner) Rod Dixon who is now Artistic Director of the Red Ladder Theatre in Leeds. Owen tells a very funny story about him meeting Rod and following his advice – quite literally.

Owen’s own production of Demolition Party, performed at the Oval House was a very special and unique in a production itself but also in theatre history. The Oval House was steeped in cultural history and Owen wanted to create a final production that reflected and celebrated the 55 years of such a progressive theatre. Demolition Party was a collaborative piece of incredible theatre work with artists literally demolishing the theatre alongside structural engineers, engineers and demolition experts. ‘We Dig’ included digging a 2m hole right through the stage and into the foundations. Every night artists would break through onto the stage from the dressing rooms wielding sledge hammers and performances included live demolition with well known actress Emma Franklin and her team of artists – drilling through the walls.
Owen talks about the amazing immersive Walking Stories which are available online, to download, through the Theatre website. He describes them as ‘beautiful things’ . Owen and his team worked with local writers and created eight mesmerising stories that everyone can listen to. Walking Stories tell the a story around a real space in Bury St Edmunds, Hesset, Newmarket, Thurston and Lavenham. Owen reflects on the beginning of his Walking Stories from 2012 where he and his team created an original version whilst working with the Punch Drunk Company,

Owen talks about how the Theatre Royal plays such an important and active role in the immediate and wider community. He sees this role as critical. He talks about the many youth theatres set up, as well as starting classes for disabled children and the Over 55 club ‘Act Your Age’. Owen also talks about how the Theatre works with Women’s Refuge.

There are several ways to get involved with the Theatre Royal by becoming:

A Participant – You can participate now, through the many active groups, and Owen mentions that new projects will soon be launched so he advises to register an interest.

An Audience member – which entitles you to the latest news as well as 5% discount off A and B band tickets (please note discount is not applicable to Children’s Shows, Fundraising and Community Events & Pantomime). Owen says the best way to support your local theatre is to buy tickets.

As Patrons and donors – Owen talks about the magnitude of help the theatre receives from patrons and donors and how important they are to the theatre’s life.

Visit www.theatreroyal.org for tickets, Walking Stories, membership and news.
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