Can you tell us a bit about LAStheatre?
L: LAStheatre is a touring theatre company based in Kent. We produce exceptional arts projects and theatre productions for and with communities across the UK. LAS is a word in the Irish language. It means to turn on or set alight. In all our work, we aim to kindle important conversations and ignite imaginations.
What kind of theatre do you love making?
L: Our work is all about tackling important topics in a fun and accessible way. All our productions are created in collaboration with our audiences and our local community in East Kent. We are passionate about creating work for families, each of our shows is carefully crafted for intergenerational audiences. Ensuring there is something for all ages and acknowledging that even our youngest audience members are complex and discerning theatregoers.
You were last at the Albany with your shows The Rascally Diner in 2022 and The Lion Inside in 2020. What do you remember being your favourite thing about those productions?
L: The Albany staff! They were so supportive and friendly during a strange and COVIDY time. Both shows were outdoor, performed on our converted caravan theatre which we built during the pandemic so that we could continue to perform our work and connect with families across the UK. The Albany’s garden was a perfect setting for the shows and we had glorious weather on both days, if we remember right. The Lion Inside was particularly special as it was one of the first shows at the Albany after lockdown and it was a joy to provide many of our young audience members with their first theatrical experience.
What are you most excited about for your Christmas production this year at the Albany, The Light Princess?
L: The Light Princess is an exciting new show for us. We believe that the story has important things to say about the world and we have built an incredible creative team that will bring it to life in a truly breathtaking way. The music is just electrifying, making The Light Princess a grown-up musical for all ages. The set is going to be an exciting, colourful and clever creation with lots of tricks to wow our audiences. And the video design! Not only will the video design feature breath taking visuals, it will allow us to provide audiences with creative captions across the run ensuring The Light Princess is as accessible as possible. The show also features integrated Audio Description and look out for our BSL dates too.
LAStheatre producer Liz Bate
Book tickets for The Light Princess at the Albany in December 2023.
