Cast announcements: Spring 2024 shows

Many thanks to all who came to auditions for our spring 2024 shows – we were very impressed with the high standard, and the directors had difficult decisions to make.

We have now posted the casts for all three shows on our website – please click on the links below to find out more about each show!

X
Written by Alistair McDowall
Directed by Lloyd Smith
Staged at Barons Court Theatre from 19 to 23 March 2024

A Weekend Away at the Hotel Decevoir
Written and directed by Kimberley Taylor
Staged at White Bear Theatre from 26 to 30 March 2024

13
Written by Mike Bartlett
Directed by Saskia van ‘t Hoff
Staged at Drayton Arms Theatre from 2 to 6 April 2024

Tickets for all shows will be on sale soon.

Thanks again to all who auditioned for your interest in our company and shows. Keep an eye on our social media or sign for our newsletter to be the first to know about the next auditions!

KDC Curry Night Social

It’s spring social time – all are welcome to join us for KDC Curry Night!

Location: Masala, Brick Lane
Time: Saturday 24th February, 7pm
Cost: £20 per person (includes a start, rice, naan and any curry on the menu)
For alcohol, it is BYOB – Bring Your Own Bottle/Booze

To help us plan numbers with the restaurant, please let us know if you’re planning to come at the link below:

PLEASE SIGN UP HERE!


See you at the social – and don’t forget to RSVP!

Spring season 2024 auditions

Announcing auditions for actors for our spring 2024 productions!

We have three shows in spring 2024, and you can audition for all on the same day!

X
Written by Alistair McDowall
Directed by Lloyd Smith
Staged at Barons Court Theatre from 19 to 23 March 2024
Audition notice

A Weekend Away at the Hotel Decevoir
Written and directed by Kimberley Taylor
Staged at White Bear Theatre from 26 to 30 March 2024
Audition notice

13
Written by Mike Bartlett
Directed by Saskia van ‘t Hoff
Staged at Drayton Arms Theatre from 2 to 6 April 2024
Audition notice

Auditions are free and open to all. Please pick one of the dates to attend and read the audition notices carefully to prepare.

Don’t forget to fill out the audition form before you audition!

Dates: Tues 16 or Wed 17 January 2024 (please choose one of these dates to attend)
Time: 6.45pm welcome and registration to ~10pm
Location: Theatre Deli Leadenhall, 107 Leadenhall Street, EC3A 4AF, London

Recalls by invitation are Sat 20 January 2024, 12-3pm at Theatre Deli Leadenhall.

If you’d like to hear the directors speak about their productions and ask them any questions, you can meet them at the KDC Spring Season Launch on Thursday 11 January, 7.30pm at the Theatre Deli Leadenhall bar. You can also talk to them about getting involved in other backstage ways.

We look forward to seeing you at auditions soon!

Masterclasses & Workshops

In addition to stage shows, KDC Theatre also offers a programme of masterclasses and workshops. The programme evolves regularly so keep checking back on the schedule below, sign up for our Showdown newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter , or Instagram.

Programme for 2023 / 2024

Audition prep

Auditions do not have to be scary, anxiety-inducing events – no, really! With the right preparation it becomes a lot more fun and relaxing. Our Audition Prep workshop takes you through what you can expect during auditions, what the (casting) directors are expecting from you and what they will be looking for, and how to come prepared to make your experience not only more fun but (hopefully) also more successful!

We will explain how auditions work, we will let you experience some exercises and directions that are commonly used during auditions, and we will share many tips & tricks to be as prepared as you can and stand out from the rest. Join us for a confident boost for your next audition!

Spaces are limited so book now! Please book your slot HERE.

Date: Wednesday 13 December 2023

Time: 7-9.30pm

Location: Theatre Deli, Leadenhall
Tickets: £15 / £13.50 for KDC members

Previous workshops:

Acting for Beginners

Join our Artistic Director in exploring the fundamentals of acting: reading and understanding scripts, how to create your character, and what method of acting suits you best. We’ll explore these topics through exercises, example texts, and sharing experiences. This masterclass gives you the foundation to get up on stage and be the best Hamlet, Hamilton, or Hemione you can be!

This masterclass is targeted at beginners with no or little experience in acting, but is open to everyone. Please wear comfortable clothing you can move around in.

Date: 24 October 2023
Time: 7-9.30pm
Location: Cockpit Theatre
Tickets: £15 / £13.50 for KDC members

Stage combat

Have you ever wondered how actors fight on stage without hurting each other? This masterclass will reveal all the secrets! How to grab someone by the hair, punch a person in the face, fight another person hand-to-hand, and how to be on the receiving end of it convincingly. Performance Combat Instructor & Coordinator Katy Treble will walk you through stage combat step by step so you can put on an amazing stage fight in your next production.

This masterclass is open to everyone with an interest in stage combat; directors, actors, choreographers, writers, and everyone else. Please wear comfortable clothing you can move around in.

Date: Friday 03 November 2023
Time: 7-9.30pm
Location: Theatre Deli, Leadenhall
Tickets: £20 / £18 for KDC members

Hamlet: A Chamber Play

KDC Theatre presents William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” in an adapted version.

“The play’s the thing!”

14 – 18 November 2023
at Barons Court Theatre

Tickets: £16.50 (KDC members £12)

BUY TICKETS

About

Shakespeare’s greatest work is presented in an intimate, stripped down production that ventures to answer the question, “Who’s there?”

Our version of Hamlet will show that everyone can play Hamlet. Or Ophelia. Or Horatio, Rosencrantz, or… You get the idea. We will be exploring who Hamlet and the other characters are when they are played by actors of all backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, and genders. We’ll keep all the famous speeches, do away with anything that isn’t interesting, and create our own version of this fantastic story.

Cast:
Elshadai Biru
Sean Calvey
El Chen
Janina Enrile
Jonathan Lazarovitch
Yen-yen Loke
Oral Norville
Josie Stephens
Tanvi Surana

Crew:
Director – Karack Osborn

Venue: Barons Court Theatre

Hans, the Witch and the Gobbin

KDC Theatre presents Alan Cullen’s “Hans, the Witch and the Gobbin”

21 – 25 November 2023
at Barons Court Theatre

Tickets: £16.50 (KDC members £12)

BUY TICKETS

download programme

About

Hans, the Witch and the Gobbin by Alan Cullen is a fun fairytale frolic through a fantasy forest. It has princesses, witches, forest queens, goblin-like creatures, fairy swineherds, and useless court physicians. Expect silly voices, big characters, and mistaken identities. Come and escape a cold autumn night for a few hours, and forget your troubles!

While the show is suitable for all ages, we judge it’s best enjoyed by an adult audience, glass of wine in hand.

Cast:
Hans – Theo Tompkins
Princess Alicia – Mhairi Boyle
Castor – James Cross
Senna – Dan Struthers
King Rufus – Peader Donnelly
Scratch – Georgina Whittaker
Daisy – Sarah Beebe
Crabtree – Alice McCartney
Sylvester – Simon Berry
Queen of the Forest – Sarah Jost
Gobbin – Hannah Brown

Crew:
Director – Gabriella Guymer-Davies
Assistant Director – Freddie Wride
Stage Manager – Flick Hemming

Poster by Jake Guymer-Davies

Venue: Barons Court Theatre

Autumn season 2023 auditions

Announcing auditions for actors for our autumn productions!

We have two shows in autumn 2023, and you can audition for both on the same day!

Hamlet: A Chamber Play
Written by William Shakespeare
Adapted and directed by Karack Osborn
Staged at Barons Court Theatre from 14 to 18 November 2023
Audition notice

Hans, The Witch and The Gobbin
Written by Alan Cullen
Directed by Gabriella Guymer-Davies
Staged at Barons Court Theatre from 21 to 25 November 2023
Audition notice

Auditions are free and open to all. Please pick one of the dates to attend and read the audition notices carefully to prepare.

Don’t forget to fill out the audition form before you audition!

Dates: Tues 12 or Wed 13 September 2023 (please choose one of these dates to attend)
Time: 6.45pm welcome and registration to ~10pm
Location: Theatre Deli Leadenhall, 107 Leadenhall Street, EC3A 4AF, London

Recalls by invitation are Sat 16 September, 12-4 at Theatre Deli Leadenhall.

If you’d like to hear the directors speak about their productions and ask them any questions, you can meet them at the KDC Autumn Season Launch on Monday 11 September, 7.30pm at the Theatre Deli Leadenhall bar. You can also talk to them about getting involved in other backstage ways.

We look forward to seeing you there!

KDC Theatre Awards & Cabaret 2023

Please join us for the second annual KDC Awards Nights on Friday 1 September, 8pm. We’ll be handing out awards, getting together with casts form the past year, and generally having a good old time!

Bored of the same-old standard awards categories? Us too. Rather than best actor, best director etc, we’re opting for awards that recognise some great moments in each show from the past year. You can vote right now, using this form and the winners will be recognised on the night!

Featuring some familiar KDC faces from the last year, the night is an excuse to remember some of your favourite moments from each show. If you’ve been involved in – or have seen – a KDC show in the last year, come along to cheer on the nominees as we celebrate a fabulous time spend making some great theatre together.

Venue: The top floor @ The Castle, 44 Commercial Road, London E1 1LN

Tickets: £9

Buy tickets here

Call time: 8pm

Your entrance: Arrival bubbles (on us)

Dress code: Up to you of course, but we’ll be dressed to the nines

Awards ceremony: From 8.30pm, with an interval

Post awards: Dancing and drinks till the early hours- same venue

FAQs

What’s the vibe?  Irreverent, informal with a touch of glamour.

Who will be there?  Cast, crew and KDC-ers new and old.

Do I have to be a member of KDC or have been in a show in the last year to come?  Not at all. Everyone’s welcome. Come with your friends, former cast mates or just come by yourself to get to know KDC- we’re a friendly bunch. Plus ones welcome.

Should I eat beforehand?  Yes, if you think you’ll be hungry. If you forget to eat earlier and fancy ordering takeout later in the night to the dance floor, that’s A-OK with the venue.

Will there be awards for best actor, director, etc?  We thought about this for a minute but we’re not really looking to judge our wonderful cast, creatives and crew. Look out for awards categories that celebrate the love and sweat that goes into each show.

Will there be any performances from shows I’ve missed on the night?  There might be, yes…

What does the ticket cost cover?  Welcome drinks and the costs of putting on the event.

Notice of the KDC Theatre AGM 2023

NOTICE IS GIVEN that an Annual General Meeting of KDC Theatre will be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 9 August 2023 at Theatre Deli, 107 Leadenhall St, London EC3A 4AF, to transact the following business:

AGENDA

  1. Reports and accounts
  • Introduction and verbal report from the Chair, Sarah Dobson.
  • Verbal report from the Artistic Director, Saskia van ‘t Hoff.
  • Verbal report from the Treasurer, Hugo Wilson, alongside the accounts for the year ending 31 July 2023.
  1. Member proposed resolutions

Details of any proposed resolutions will be made available. Proposed resolutions should be sent to the Secretary by 11pm on 5 August 2023. If applicable, a revised agenda will be issued prior to the AGM. 

NB. Proposed resolutions may be submitted by full members of KDC by emailing helen@kdctheatre.com with the subject line “Proposed Resolution”.  Find out who is a full KDC member here.

  1. Appointment of charity trustees

Nominations are required for the following officers: Chair, Artistic Director, Treasurer. 

Nominations for all trustees, including non-officers, must be received by 11pm on 5 August 2023. 

UPDATE: Due to technical issues with the nominations form, nominations are extended to 11pm on 8 August 2023.

NB Details of how to make a nomination are available from the KDC website (click here).

  1. Appointment of non-trustees to specified roles to assist in the running of the charity

Nominations of non-trustees to specified roles to assist in the running of the charity must be received by 11pm on 5 August 2023. 

NB Details of how to make a nomination are available from the KDC website (click here).

  1. Any other business

To deal with any matters raised at the meeting.

On behalf of the Board of charity trustees,

Helen Dickens

Secretary

KDC Theatre

RSVP

We would love to see you at the AGM! This is your chance to grill the committee, hear about our progress over the last year and (if you’re a member of KDC Theatre) vote in committee members. Please let us know if you can join us:

RSVP here

Want to be part of the best committee in town?

Can you make KDC Theatre even better? We need new committee members with the enthusiasm, passion and a small amount of time to help us do more of what we do best!

If you’d like to join our friendly committee and you’ve been involved in KDC in the last year, your friendly KDC Secretary can help you with that. Email helen@kdctheatre.com for a chat ahead of the AGM.

KDC members can nominate and be nominated for committee positions at https://www.kdctheatre.com/committee/.

Details of committee positions are here.

A Package Deal

Join KDC Theatre in our 7th annual new writing anthology, and experience a collection of stories about a mysterious package sent by Charlie. Everything from poorly planned prison break outs and intergalactic missions, to ex-boyfriends and moments of intergenerational connection; come along to find out… what’s in the box?

Our summer show, “A Package Deal” presents 6 new short plays by 6 different writers, the 2023 winners in KDC Theatre’s annual new writing competition.

BUY TICKETS
27 June – 1 July 2023, 7:30pm
Hen & Chickens Theatre, 109 St Paul’s Road, London N1 2NA

CAST AND CREW

Cast

Sanhita Athalye
Vincent Bakare
Labrini Balomenou
Mhairi Boyle
Rachel Brown
Laurence Childs
Peadar Donnelly
Honor Leveson Gower
Kelsey McOwat
Esme Niblett
Nathan Paul-Collis
Gabriel Romero Day
Adam Stockley
Toni Tobi-Lawal

Writers: Chelyn Cousar, Beth Dickens Assaf, Pamela Kingsley, Maya Owen, Matthew Partridge, Chris Stooke.

Directors: Elshadai Biru, Anna Markland, Zora Owen, Linda Reddy, Ayan Said, Lauren Stevens, Lena Sami.

WRITING COMPETITION

The Full Stack project is KDC Theatre’s annual new writing competition and show. Each year we set a brand new brief, and invite writers to submit new short plays. The winning entries are honed into a one-of-a-kind intertwined production, with a group of actors, directors and writers collaborating to bring the theme to life.