First Professional Drama At Wimbledon's New Arts Space


Great Expectations in the new Merton Arts Space

The first professional theatre show in the new Merton Arts Space in Wimbledon Library will be Great Expectations, which runs from November 30-December 18.

It will also mark director Louise Hill's final show with Attic Theatre Company after two and a half years at the helm.

Louise has been Artistic Director with Attic Theatre Company since 2014 and has been a driving force in the conception and realisation of the new Merton Arts Space.

She said: "In 2014 the libraries team invited us to stage our new writing festival in Wimbledon Library, as a way of trying out the space for theatre. It has such a buzz about it - there's a feeling of being where you shouldn't be, making theatre (and noise!) in a library after hours. It feels appropriate, as we tell the story of Great Expectations, to be surrounded by the hundreds of stories waiting to be discovered on the library shelves.

“Attic has a deep-rooted commitment to bringing exciting theatre to its home borough of Merton, so I'm delighted that my final production marks the opening of the new Merton Arts Space, a brand new resource for the local community."

Theresa Heskins' adaptation of Great Expectations brings Dickens' epic tale of romance, ruthless ambition and revenge to the newly redeveloped performance venue.

The production will be designed by final year Theatre Design students from Wimbledon College of Art, with mentor support from professional theatre designer Alex Marker.

Alex trained at Wimbledon School of Art, and is currently Resident Designer and Deputy Chief Executive of the Finborough Theatre, where he has designed more than 35 productions.

As part of the events programme surrounding the show, local actor Jason Flemyng, who played Joe in the 2012 film of Great Expectations, will give a reading from the novel on 7 December.

Jason said: "It's great to see arts companies and libraries collaborating in this way, especially when cuts to both are rife, and as a result of this venture we have a unique new performance space in the region. I'm proud to be supporting Attic and can't wait to see their new staging of Dickens' popular tale."

November 23, 2016