Iconic pop-up theatre to ignite Kingston’s cultural scene and boost local economy
One of the most iconic venues of the Edinburgh Festival is due to arrive in Kingston this summer with an exciting programme of three brand new plays, including a family show, with more to be announced
Roundabout, the award-winning portable pop-up venue from acclaimed touring theatre company Paines Plough, will touch down in Memorial Gardens for a two week run of shows from 11 July.
The programme will feature world premieres of three new plays by some of the UK’s most exciting upcoming playwrights
Kingston has a proud history of supporting the arts and a strong cultural and community heritage. Organised as a new creative venture between the Rose Theatre and Paines Plough, and supported by Kingston Council, Roundabout is another new exciting addition aimed at boosting the local economy. Alongside Fuse International and Kingston’s first International Film Festival, Paines Plough’s Roundabout demonstrates the council’s commitment to supporting arts and culture on the high street.
Leader of Kingston Council, Cllr Andreas Kirsch said:
“I’m hugely excited that families across our borough and beyond will be able to experience Roundabout’s pop-up theatre this summer. It will provide a unique space in the heart of the town for community events and performances, as well as theatre skills workshops for schools, groups and local artists.
“We want our town centres and high streets to be places people visit for a whole host of cultural, leisure and entertainment experiences, as well as shopping. The pop-up theatre will be a wonderful draw to Kingston town centre.”
Cllr Kirsch also highlighted the significant role the Memorial Gardens play in our community:
“The special significance of the Memorial Gardens as a place dedicated to remembering the human cost of war and the sacrifice of our fallen heroes will be acknowledged throughout the programme. One of the plays to be staged tells the story of a mother and daughter attempting to navigate a hostile immigration system and will offer the opportunity to tell contemporary stories of the impact of conflict on families and individuals.”
The Rose’s Artistic Director, Chris Haydon said:
“The Rose plays an essential role in the creative lives of the people of Kingston and its surrounding areas, and we want to reach ever deeper into the heart of the communities we serve. Paines Plough are an internationally renowned company and our partnership with them presents an exciting opportunity to entertain and delight audiences of all ages in the welcoming and lively Roundabout venue. 2022 will be a fantastic summer of culture in the town.”
Tickets are now on sale at rosetheatre.org/whats-on/roundabout. The core artistic programme will comprise three new plays from three of the UK’s most exciting playwrights.