Darlington Hippodrome And ODDMANOUT Launch A New Community Theatre Company

Darlington Hippodrome is to strengthen links with local theatre production company ODDMANOUT to create a dynamic new community theatre company to be called The Foundry.

During the 18 month restoration of the Hippodrome the theatre and ODDMANOUT worked closely together on two major projects alongside performers from the local community creating a full-scale production of the Charles Dickens classic 'A Tale of Two Cities' and an immersive theatre experience titled 'Anywhere' which took place around the new Hippodrome building taking audiences on a 50 minute tour of the new venue and introducing characters that shaped the history of the theatre.

Following a successful bid to Arts Council England and support from Creative Darlington, The Foundry will build upon the desire shown by local performers who were involved in the two previous projects. The Foundry will open it's doors in 2019 to regional performers to embark on a 36 week programme of professional training and workshops across a range of dynamic contemporary theatre practice developed by ODDMANOUT through it's work across the globe over the last five years.

Scott Young from ODDMANOUT Theatre Company said "We are thrilled to be working with Darlington Hippodrome to offer a bespoke new training opportunity to local talent at The Foundry. It has always been our ambition to make the company's work as open and accessible as possible, The Foundry is the next phase of our work in achieving this. We want to be part of emerging artists' journey as they forge their careers and grow as theatre makers, and to be able to do this in our home town of Darlington is an exciting time in our organisations growth."

The Foundry will meet on Tuesday evenings at the Hippodrome for three 12 week terms. To find out more about The Foundry and how to get involved please visit the Hippodrome website www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk