Here at Proteus, we are kicking off the new year with a packed spring season. There will be something for everyone as we introduce two new contemporary theatre shows, On Track and I Hate it Here which have toured around the country and been recognised by multiple theatre festivals. As the February half term holiday is upon us we have also added multiple creative and fun shows and events for families to attend together, such as our Family Fun Day and two Vinland art workshops. There will also be some dazzling nights out for over 18s, where your night out costs less than a pizza delivery! The Late Night Assembly are hosting Balloon Bending & Cocktails, fan favourite Musical Bingo and the return of cult classic The Late Night Assembly Cabaret. 

The Late Night Assembly have hosted many a big night out here at Proteus and always gets the crowd going. Hosted by the ever-loved Miss Becky Boobala, you will be guided through a night of laughs, cocktails and fun. Balloon Bending & Cocktails (on 3 March) will be a night which will teach you there is so much more than the balloon dog… Plus you can have a few tipples with friends while you play! Similarly, Musical Bingo (on 3 February) has an electric atmosphere by swapping the arts and craft aspect for a good old-fashioned game of bingo (but not as you know it). We’ll provide the fan favourite songs and bingo-themed cocktails, you bring the dance moves. And finally, the best cabaret show in Basingstoke returns to pull us out of our sofas for a night of circus, theatre, burlesque and variety performances! The Late Night Assembly Cabaret returns to Creation Space on the 14 April.

For something more family-friendly and for something to do in the half term holiday, don’t delay getting tickets to our Don’t Be Bored Family Fun Day! (16 February) The day will run from 10am - 3:30pm with a packed agenda to keep your little ones entertained. The day begins with some colouring and board games they might not have tried before, and a great way to make friends. In the afternoon we will kick off the fancy dress disco to get active and burn off some energy! Instead of setting a theme we want everyone to feel free to be as creative as they like! No need to dress up if it’s not your thing, but if it is…go crazy! We’ll have prizes for Best Presented (most commitment to the costume!), Best Homemade Element and Most Creative Costume. After we’ve exhausted ourselves, we will wind down with a family friendly film to all enjoy and chill out before heading home.

For calm and thought-provoking evening, local award-winning actor and writer Bryn Strudwick, returns to Creation Space with his latest collection of poems, sketches and reminiscences as part of his new show As Time Goes By. Bryn began writing poetry in his later life back in 2002 and discovered his immense talent for the art. Since then he has gone on to win over 50 awards for creative writing and his work has been escaped as “reminiscent of Pam Ayres at her wittiest.” You can see Bryn’s new show As Time Goes By on Friday 10 March at Creation Space.

Red Cape Theatre brings to Proteus their brand new show which explores mental health and tells the story of how, during the lockdown, a simple bicycle became a vehicle for freedom. On Track is a fantastically witty comedy which uses a mix of visual and physical theatre. The story follows Kit’s journey of discovery through the shocking history of women’s cycling. Riding at night, disguised as men, these cycling pioneers powered over Victorian ideals of the genteel, house-bound woman and opened up new worlds. You can see On Track at Proteus Creation Space on Tuesday 14 March. This production is also part of our Contemporary Theatre Double-bill! Buy tickets for On Track and I Hate it Here and get a discounted price!

Sweet Beef presents their new contemporary theatre show I Hate it Here which has the audience as part of the show! This interactive theatre piece is all about the zero-hour contract, where you will participate in games shows, sign up for shifts and have the power to change the outcome of the show. I Hate it Here has had sell-out runs at Camden People’s Theatre’s Spirit estival and Omnibus Theatre’s Vault Festival Rehomed Season. The show has also been shortlisted for both The Pleasant Charlie Harthill Award and Les Infants Terribles LET Award. Don’t miss this spectacular new show and catch it at Creation Space on Thursday 16 March, as part of our Contemporary Theatre double-bill discount.

And finally, a collection of events will be held at Creation Space courtesy of Jack Dean & Company, a Viking storytelling adventure show and two artistic workshops surrounding the creation of the performance. Vinland (4 April) tells the incredible tale of the Viking's last journey to North America and uses lyrical storytelling, animation and live music. The audience is truly immersed in the world of the story. All this creativity is hoped to spark some imagination of your own! The first family workshop, Comics and Cartoons: Create a Viking Workshop (6 April), teaches you about drawing, design and backstory to bring your character creation to life! In the second workshop, Comics and Cartoons: Live Drawing Workshop (6 April), you will be guided through live drawing, reacting to a range of different musical stimuli and discovering how music can be used as a tool for inspiration. Both the workshops and the show, Vinland, are fantastic experiences for families and are suitable for ages 8-12 years.

More information and tickets to all the events can be purchased from Proteus’ website.

News release provided by Proteus Creation Space. January 2023.