Jo Castleton and Jake McDaid in rehearsals for Vincent River, with The Bridge Theatre Artistic Director, Edward McMillan, in the background. Photo: Nick Corre.
Two strangers. One murder. A thousand secrets.
Our debut production, Vincent River by Philip Ridley, opens next week on Wednesday 20 October at Full Circle in Ixelles. Book your ticket now and be the first to experience this intimate and captivating play.
Vincent River is a play I have known about for some years, but only got round to reading in March of this year. I was so gripped when I read it, I re-read again straightaway afterwards. Philip Ridley, the playwright, skilfully manages to pull you straight into the action and allows you to experience the emotions of the piece — both the positive and the negative – in a very visceral way.
– Edward McMillan, Artistic Director of The Bridge Theatre
“It’s got to be cleaned!...Ooo, it’s gone a lovely colour. Could do with some curtains this shade.”
Vincent River is a two-hander with two very likeable protagonists - Anita and Davey. Both have secrets, both are grieving and both are lost and looking for comfort. They have so much in common, and yet they are generations apart and have so much to learn from each other.
The play is also an exploration of hate crime, something that unfortunately seems ever-relevant, even for relatively progressive cities, such as Brussels. Through the play, we can all become more aware of the dangers faced by marginalised communities and become their allies.
Tickets are selling fast and we encourage everyone to book tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you are not sure which date to book, consider joining our very exciting guests coming to our Gala on Thursday 21 October. And if you are looking for a bargain, we still have €15 tickets available at the 5pm performances on Friday 22 and Sunday 24 October.
Vincent River is 90 minutes long and is suitable for those aged 15 and over. There is a light amount of smoking during the performance.
Not Just Theatre…
As if West End quality was not enough, we are programming a series of post-show talks into our run. These 30-minute events will take place immediately after the performance. We already have a few scheduled, with more to come.
For three of our post-show talks, you will be able to get a closer look at the play through chats with the director of Vincent River, Robert Chevara, and our actors, Jake McDaid and Jo Castleton.
For the remaining post-show talks, we hope to unpack some of the issues presented in the play and put them into their local context; what does it really mean to be LGBTI+ in Brussels today? Our confirmed speakers so far Joris Wagemakers, who will give a young, gay male perspective on LGBTI+ support initiatives in Ixelles and across Brussels, and Rachael Parker, who will give a trans perspective on the play, on life in Brussels and on the support available to trans people in Belgium.
Post-show talks are included with your play ticket; just be sure to book the correct date!
Tickets on sale: All Together Now!, Sunday 14 November
Our community cast are currently busy giving up their weekends to bring to you a musical theatre feast. With 15 songs to learn in just 14 rehearsals, the work is intense. Nevertheless, the 35 singers are already sounding fantastic, with dance rehearsals just commencing. Along with rehearsals, our lucky participants are benefitting from two masterclasses by West End pros! What an experience!
For two shows only, our talented group of Brusselers of all stripes will bring you a one-hour extravaganza of musical theatre, featuring songs from Hairspray, Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, Rent and much, much more. We will be performing the show in the sumptuous Theatre du Vaudeville, located in the Galerie de la Reine.
So, if you are a fan of musical theatre or just want to be part of a community celebration of our renewed freedoms post-Covid (just about), then this family-friendly show is for you!
All Together Now! will take place on Sunday 14 November at the Theatre du Vaudeville in the centre of Brussels. Shows are at 5pm and 7.30pm.
You can buy tickets now.
Still Time To Vote!
You may have seen recently the ads on social media from the Commissioner for Brussels asking international Brusselers about their opinion – this is the same campaign that we are participating in!
Thank you to the 43 people who have already up-voted our idea for more English-language culture. Your support means that the Brussels government will be more favourable to the idea of a permanent English-language theatre as we continue our discussions with them.
You can vote for us by following the link on the button below (quick registration required).