HighTide has unveiled its exciting programming for the 2024 season, showcasing new writing talent in the East of England. The season kicks off with a script-in-hand reading of Molly Naylor’s comedy “Make Me”, directed by Blythe Stewart at the Norwich and Norfolk Festival on May 16. This will be followed by the world premiere of Martha Loader’s “Bindweed” at the Mercury Theatre on June 13, directed by Jen Tang.
In the autumn, HighTide will bring back “More…Ghost Stories by Candlelight”, written by East Anglian playwrights Tassa Deparis, James McDermott, Eloise Pennycott, and Aisha Zia. This spooky production will tour the East of England and be directed by Emily Ling Williams. The season will culminate with “HighTide Rising”, a one-day play reading festival celebrating the members of the HighTide Writers Group in Ipswich on November 23.
In addition to these exciting productions, Playwrights East will offer free workshops for writers throughout the year, thanks to funding from the Foyle Foundation. HighTide’s community program, Story Worlds, will engage primary school pupils in an 8-week creative program focused on storytelling through writing and performance.
Clare Slater, Artistic Director of HighTide, expressed her excitement about the upcoming season, highlighting the company’s commitment to showcasing the work of East of England playwrights. She also emphasized the importance of supporting and nurturing new talent in the local community through initiatives like Playwrights East and Story Worlds.
HighTide will also continue its Climate Dramaturgy Knowledge Exchange funded by Cambridge University, focusing on making climate-positive choices in artistic practice.
For more information about HighTide’s 2024 season and ticket details, visit their website.
