The New Vic continues its 40th anniversary celebrations this summer with the launch of 40 Stories at 40, a new community storytelling programme bringing free storytelling sessions to libraries and community venues across Staffordshire. The anniversary celebrations also include an exhibition celebrating four decades of the theatre and a call for audiences to share their favourite memories of the New Vic.
40 Stories at 40 is a new initiative from the New Vic’s Education Team that celebrates the power of stories to inspire young imaginations. Running over the next six months, the free programme of events will take place at the New Vic and in libraries and local community venues across the region. Aimed at young children and their families, 40 Stories at 40 combines storytelling, gentle adventure and sensory-rich play and encourages young minds to explore stories in a playful, supportive environment. The first storytelling sessions take place in Staffordshire libraries from 3 – 7 July.
Visitors to the theatre across the summer months can explore a new 40th Anniversary Exhibition in the theatre’s Front of House area, displaying familiar props and images from memorable productions that have been produced for the New Vic’s unique stage over the past four decades. The exhibition includes photographs from Astley’s Astounding Adventures, The Nutcracker, The Company of Wolves and many others, celebrating the creativity of the theatre’s work from both on and off-stage teams across the past four decades.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, audiences are invited to share their favourite New Vic memories to mark the milestone year by signing the guest book in person or online. From unforgettable productions to family traditions and first visits, the theatre hopes to create a lasting record of the role it has played in the lives of local people since opening in 1986.
New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins said: “Across the last 40 years, the New Vic has been sharing stories, sparking ideas and creating unforgettable moments with our community, in our iconic in-the-round theatre. Our 40 Stories at 40 programme of storytelling events across Staffordshire will continue this tradition, introducing a new generation of young audiences to the magic of storytelling. We hope these sessions will inspire a lifelong love of theatre and encourage families to become part of the New Vic community for many years to come. We’re looking forward to welcoming both new and existing audiences to the next part of our special anniversary year celebrations.”
Celebrations will then continue into the autumn with a new production of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet starring Russell Kane and Natalie Casey, before the return of one of the New Vic’s best-loved Christmas productions, The Borrowers.
Alongside the anniversary programme, the theatre has announced a 40th Anniversary Appeal, aiming to raise £40,000 to support the theatre’s work with children and young people for generations to come.
For more information about the New Vic’s 40th anniversary celebrations, visit newvictheatre.org.uk or call Box Office on 01782 717962.