AN award-winning theatre company which specialises in productions for people who do not think stage shows are ‘for them’ is taking up a residency in Warrington.

Not Too Tame will be performing in various venues around the town, including pubs, working men’s clubs and live music venues, from next year.

Rehearsals for various productions will begin at the Pyramid arts centre in early 2020.

The convention breaking company focuses on making theatre more accessible and creating stories that celebrate regional identity and community spirit.

Not Too Tame, led by Jimmy Fairhurst who grew up in Burtonwood, is set to present a range of affordable shows and reach out to audiences who wouldn’t normally attend a theatre production.

The team will also work with young people in Warrington to offer them opportunities to work in the arts in a variety of roles.

Jimmy, artistic director of Not Too Tame, said: “We’re delighted to announce our partnership with Warrington Borough Council and Culture Warrington which will see Not Too Tame return home to Warrington as its first professional theatre company.

“Over the next three years, we will present a menu of our high-quality, home grown theatre productions and events, before touring them around the UK with our ‘Access All Areas’ network.

“We will also look to create opportunities, access and learning for those with an interest in a career in the arts – particularly those from low income backgrounds.

“Our touring network will forge relationships between the UK’s traditional theatre buildings and a network of pubs, clubs and gig venues, challenging the preconceptions of what theatre can and should be. We are the antidote for those who feel theatre isn’t for them.”

Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for culture, added: “We’re proud to announce this new partnership.

“The partnership will bring live theatre to our communities – including people who have never been to the theatre before – and will support young people wishing to pursue a career in the arts.

“We’ve been on a journey since our bid to be the UK City of Culture 2021, and the subsequent cultural commission set up to help grow the cultural offer in our town. I’m really pleased that we’ve taken the next step on our cultural journey with our Not Too Tame partnership.

“This is an exciting time for culture in Warrington, working with a dynamic theatre company to grow the audience base and reach into communities where some may have little opportunity to experience theatre productions.

“We want to work together to support the creative economy and make Warrington an attractive cultural destination where real value is placed on creativity.”

It will be a busy year for Not Too Tame, which opened Shanghai International Festival with their show Electric Eden in 2017.

As well as the team’s Warrington residency, they have been announced as an associate company of Shakespeare North Playhouse which is being built in Prescot.

Council leader Russ Bowden, said: “This is a new direction for us, and we are really excited about this partnership. Not Too Tame have a fantastic pedigree for bringing theatre to communities and I’m looking forward to them engaging with people across Warrington, creating new cultural opportunities and inspiring creativity.

“We continue to invest in culture because we know that it can be a real driver for regeneration, and can bring huge benefits to people’s wellbeing. This new partnership, with an award-winning theatre company, is the latest example of the work we are doing to make arts and culture accessible for all.”

DAVID MORGAN