SAVE OUR SCHOOL DINNERS... JAMIE! Comes To The Belgrade Theatre

Something unusual is on the menu for Coventry audiences next season. This September, the Belgrade Theatre will be serving up a slice of fresh, homemade comedy drama, lovingly cooked up by Midlands writer Paven Virk.

First seen at the Belgrade while still in development on International Women's Day 2017, Save Our School Dinners... Jamie! now returns in a new and improved form next month, with a whole heap of new ingredients thrown into the mix.

Shining a spotlight on the Midlands' multicultural communities, this fun, feelgood story offers an authentic and down-to-earth celebration of diversity, following a group of dynamic dinner ladies, all living in the region but originating from all around the world.

Inspired by celebrity chef and champion of quality school meals Jamie Oliver, this tenacious team step up to the plate when the only school in their small community is faced with disaster, taking it upon themselves to save the school one inventive dinner at a time - anyone for curry mash?

Writer Paven Virk said: "I knew I wanted to write a full play representing fresh voices and an array of strong female characters with a universal connection through food. Having recently becoming a mother I knew I had to do something about how class, cultural backgrounds and even your postcode helps form your child's future. My way of exploring this was through these women who become more than a dinner lady to a child."

"Since becoming a mum and relocating back home to Coventry, where I began my career in the Belgrade Youth Theatre, I have increased my storytelling workshops and seen the impact it has on individuals and diverse communities. I believe if I can make theatre that is celebratory, relevant and diverse, I can be a role model for underrepresented communities making engagement and careers in the Arts seem more achievable

Paven Virk's playwriting career began early when she founded the Second Generation Theatre Company at the age of just 15. Since then she's gone on to have work shown at Hampstead Theatre, the National Theatre, Tricycle Theatre and the Old Rep as well as at the Belgrade Theatre.

She is an alumnus of the Royal Court Young Writers scheme, and has also taken part in Theatre Royal Stratford East's Musical Writing residency, the National Theatre Writers' attachment and Working Title Films' prestigious writing residency at the Hay Festival. She is currently working on A New Television drama series, and her first feature film is scheduled for shooting next year.

Save Our School Dinners... Jamie! is directed by Alison Belbin, whose theatre credits include shows for Birmingham REP, Women and Theatre and Moving Hands. Casting for the show includes Elizabeth Adejimi as Akuada, Nunt Ruddit as Althea, Tonia Daley-Campbell as Gloria and Laurence Saunders as the Headteacher.

Expect creative concoctions, blossoming romance and a cast of fabulously funny women when the show arrives on the Belgrade's B2 Stage - a guaranteed recipe for success!

Save Our School Dinners... Jamie! runs at the Belgrade Theatre Coventry from Wednesday 12 until Saturday 15 September. Tickets are available to book now by calling the box office on 024 7655 3055, or visiting www.belgrade.co.uk where prices are even cheaper.

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