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We are an established all-female company run by Co-Artistic Directors Hannah Stone and Ria Ashcroft who are both theatre making mammas. We create contemporary, playful, high quality theatre, which puts women centre stage.
We make theatre that is relevant and responsive but has hope and change at its heart. Our work is always narrative based and uses appropriate theatrical tools from physical theatre, to circus and projection to bring them to life.
We tell stories that are rooted in the community, inspired by women’s voices and reach far and wide.
Company Background
We tour our work locally, regionally and nationally to small and medium scale venues.
“Their work is always inventive, surprising and above all entertaining, each of their shows has the feeling of being a special event, subtly unique and unrepeatable” (Nathan Miller, HATCH)
The Gramophones have toured extensively with rural touring schemes and to small-mid scale theatre venues across the UK. We have received eight successful Grants for the Arts to make and tour work. In 2011 we were encouraged to apply for theatre Writing Partnership’s Crossover scheme where we worked with writer Clare Duffy to create an interactive show for children. We were later awarded a grant by them to go on a journey; travelling from Lands End to John O’Groats on as many forms of transport as we could and then make a show about this experience. In 2012 New Perspectives Theatre Company selected us as their Step Up Company, mentoring us for a year. In 2014 we were selected by Curve and Ideas Tap as a Breakthrough Company, receiving mentoring, workshops and showcase at Curve Theatre. Our show End to End was nominated best show at Buxton Fringe and received 4 and 5 star reviews at Edinburgh Fringe. In 2016 we were commissioned by Derby Feste to make Tarzanna, an aerial theatre show for families.
★★★★★“An injection of optimism…energetic storytelling” Broadway Baby on End to End, nominated best show and best new writing at Buxton Fringe
★★★★“This is all told with imagination, inventiveness, energy, emotion and sensitivity; making for an excellent evening at the theatre” The Good review On Wanderlust
“Tarzanna was wonderful! Just loved how everyone from 9 months to 90 “got it”– beautiful production!” David Lane, Programmer
