Lyric Hammersmith fundraising gala
Students will discover how a play is planned, marketed and performed thanks to documentary footage being shot at the Lyric Hammersmith.
Filming began in July as producers discussed creating and promoting The Seagull, which opens on 11 October. The Lyric is financially supported by Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
As well as providing H&F’s secondary schools with teaching aids, the project means residents will be able to settle in deckchairs to watch free open-air screenings of plays next summer on the big screen in Lyric Square.
Cameras have been capturing conversations, workshops and rehearsals to build a picture of the creative process at the Lyric, and give an insight into how a show goes from page to stage.
The project is part of a partnership which will see Lyric plays being professionally filmed and made available worldwide.
H&F secondary schools will be invited to screenings of films in the Lyric’s new cinema, while drama teachers will have access to material explaining the mechanics of play production.
Lyric director Sian Alexander said the partnership would reinforce the Young Lyric programme, helping students consider artistic careers. “We are excited for the potential of this collaboration, enabled by the fantastic new facilities in our recently extended and refurbished building,” she said.
The new film studio, edit suite and screening room will be put to use, with students given the opportunity to learn new skills.
Fiona Lindsay, creative producer at partner Digital Theatre+, said the link would give students and teachers “access to content that motivates, inspires and is relevant to them”.
Founded in 2009, the firm has an archive of 370 filmed stage shows, plus interviews, documentaries and lectures.
The Lyric’s autumn production of The Seagull is now booking.
