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We’re proud to be supporting Sadler’s Wells and Jonathan Church Productions in their upcoming touring productions through Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants.

£630,660 has been awarded to Sadler’s Wells for an ambitious three-year hip-hop project, Breakin’ Out, which builds on the legacy and 15 years of experience of Breakin’ Convention. Breakin' Convention has provided progression routes for hip hop artists through professional development and education programmes, while attracting diverse, increasing audiences to its festivals. Through this National Lottery Project Grant, Breakin’ Out will continue this work through grass roots partnerships, 34 performances on two national tours, and artist development opportunities.

The two national tours will head to Norwich, Blackpool, Doncaster, Canterbury, Brighton, Birmingham and more in both 2020 and 2022.

Jonzi D, Sadler’s Wells’ Associate Artist and artistic director of Breakin’ Convention, recently said:

“Breakin’ Convention has been a catalyst in the exposure and development of hip hop in the theatre. A hunger from artists and audiences has been created! We have a responsibility to continue supporting hip hop culture and this funding will enable us to strengthen the sector, and to prepare for the opening of Sadler’s Wells’ hip-hop theatre academy in 2022.”

Joyce Wilson, London Area Director, Arts Council England, recently said:

“These National Lottery funded touring productions will connect artists, venues and audiences at a national scale, providing more people with the opportunity to see world class dance and theatre right on their doorstep. I look forward to seeing these projects develop, and the benefits they will bring to people up and down the country.”

£213,500 was also awarded to Jonathan Church Productions to tour the critically acclaimed Olivier Award-winning adaptation of Patrick Ness’ A Monster Calls across the UK, following its premiere at The Old Vic (London) and Bristol Old Vic in 2018.

A Monster Calls, directed by Sally Cookson, and adapted from Patrick Ness’ piercing novel (inspired by an idea from Siobhan Dowd) about love, life and healing, received rave reviews and stimulated conversations about the widespread themes of grief and mental health. Through this funding, Jonathan Church Productions will bring these highly relevant topics to theatres across the UK from February 2020. The UK tour of A Monster Calls is produced by Jonathan Church Productions, Global Creatures and Chichester Festival Theatre, and is an Old Vic production in association with Bristol Old Vic.

Jonathan Church, Director, Jonathan Church Productions, recently said: 

"We're thrilled to have received support from Arts Council England to tour the Olivier award-winning production of A Monster Calls, adapted from Patrick Ness' critically acclaimed novel. All of the organisations and individuals involved in this production are passionate about bringing this important story to audiences across the UK. With the Arts Council's support, we will deliver a tailored programme of outreach activity, host access performances and create opportunities for a wider audience to experience this exceptional production."

Click here for the full press release