A collaborative production between the award-winning, internationally recognised playwright Eve Leigh and Acting and Film and TV degree students at The Northern School of Art is heading to ARC theatre in Stockton on Tees on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 May 2022.

Called ‘Incense & Bleach’ the new work is a co-commission between ARC and the School as part of the two organisations’ ongoing partnership. The performances will provide an opportunity for the students to showcase their work ahead of graduation in an innovative and exciting new play.

The Northern School of Art’s Faculty Leader for Stage & Screen, Jonny Bussell, said: “We are really excited to continue our working relationship with Eve on this new project. It is great that the students get to work with such a great writer and also collaborate on a piece that will be their end of year showcase.

“The students have developed and grown so much during their three years studying with us, it will be fantastic opportunity for them to showcase their skills ahead of graduating.”

Third year acting student India Robertson, pictured above centre, said she was excited be working with Eve Leigh, a highly-regarded playwright, on a new piece exploring current issues adding: “I am looking forward to showcasing all of the skills that I have developed over the past three years.”

Aoife McKeown, a third year Film, TV & Theatre Production student, pictured above left, commented: “I’m really enjoying working with an industry professional and having the chance to collaborate on a full-scale production. It’s really exciting thinking about the opportunity to showcase my skills as a technician on this completely new piece of theatre.”

Gemma Blake, pictured above right, also a final year Acting degree student, said: “Creating new and exciting work is my passion and it’s great to work with Eve Leigh and be a part of her creative vision for ‘Incense & Bleach’.

“Using workshops allows Eve to truly see us as the passionate theatre makers we are and adapt the play to utilise the skills we have learnt and developed over the last three years. This play is a beautiful way for us to work together creatively before graduation and leave a positive impact on The Northern School of Art.”

• Incense & Bleach has been created collaboratively by playwright Eve Leigh (Midnight Movie & The Trick) and third year BA (Hons) Acting for Stage & Screen students supported by students from BA (Hons) Film, TV & Theatre Production. 

When Liv’s relationship turns nasty, she comes to live with her sister, Shane. But Shane lives in a commune – an intentional community, as she prefers to call it. It’s overcrowded, and everyone has to share the same space without sharing the same ideals, or life experience, or – much of anything. In the midst of a housing and cost-of-living crisis, this play asks: are there are better ways for us to live together?

Pay What You Decide tickets for Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 May at 7pm can be booked at: https://arconline.co.uk/whats-on/acting-showcase/

Further details about The Northern School of Art’s Stage & Screen degrees  are available HERE