Chronicle Spring 2022

19 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

The North Wall programme includes professional theatre, music, comedy, dance, exhibitions and talks and we welcome around 30,000 visitors each year. The building design has won awards from the Royal Institute of British Architects and encompasses an impressive 200-seat flexible theatre, a beautiful gallery and two studio spaces. We have received critical acclaim for our in-house productions, including a Scotsman Fringe First Award for Best New Writing, and a Stage Award recognising outstanding theatre performances at the Edinburgh Festival. Alongside the professional programme, we are committed to nurturing the creativity and development of young people and early-career artists. The Participation Department offers a huge variety of workshops, courses and events for our local young people and community, and The North Wall is a long-term partner of the National Theatre to produce Connections Festival. Our ArtsLab programme offers residencies and masterclasses to early- career writers, directors, performers, technicians, designers and producers, allowing them to develop their craft, and to progress in their chosen field. Our annual Alchymy Festival showcases new work from super-talented early-career artists, and attracts audiences from across the UK. As Co-Directors of The North Wall we lead a small but brilliant staff team.

The technical staff move between working on the public programme and supporting school exams, classes and productions. Teddies pupils have regular access to the theatre and gallery for their productions and exhibitions and we work closely with the Drama Department to facilitate professional performances and workshops that are relevant and inspiring for the school community. We are often able to arrange exclusive access to work-in-progress shows and technical rehearsals, tailored workshops, and co-commissions with exciting playwrights for the School’s annual Edinburgh Festival production. We regularly collaborate with the School on creative projects, including: Inspiring People – a series of public conversations with inspirational individuals – kickstarted by Sir Nicholas Hytner as the inaugural guest, and with Zing Tsjeng who spoke on International Women’s Day earlier this month; several themed exhibitions, including Backstage at the Ballet opened by Dame Darcey Bussell; and an annual event in the Ogston Music School, most recently a public recital from world-class pianist Gala Chistiakova, which was accompanied by masterclasses for Teddies pupils with Gala herself (see page 45). We are proud to run The North Wall as an organisation with a national reputation that firmly believes in combining access and excellence. We are united with St Edward’s

School in our joint mission to support the education and inspiration of young people, and we do this by extending an invitation to immerse yourself in the best and brightest creative experiences. Parents are able to sign up for a free annual membership, via the ‘Parents’ Pass’, which provides various discounts and exclusive invitations. We have a wonderful programme coming up, including award-winning Funeral Flowers by Emma Dennis-Edwards, family favourites M6 Theatre with Pebble on the Beach , the phenomenal Camille O’Sullivan performing songs by Nick Cave, and fabulous comedy from Mark Watson. We look forward to welcoming you to The North Wall – visit www.thenorthwall.com to find out more and to book.

Parents’ Pass Unlock the

arts at Teddies

The North Wall Parents’ Pass allows holders to purchase two tickets for theatre events at The North Wall for £10 each and gives a discount of 10% at The North Wall bar. Pass holders are also invited to opening nights and private views. If you would like a Parents’ Pass, please register at The North Wall Box Office: 01865 319 450 / contact@thenorthwall.com