The Greedy Pig Theatre Company
News
Bath Spa alumni found critically acclaimed, Bath-based theatre company
Thursday, 23 November, 2023Bath Spa University alumni have taken to the stage, utilising skills mastered at university to create the Greedy Pig Theatre Company – a critically acclaimed, Bath-based theatre company that highlights discussions surrounding gender and sexuality. Now set to run their next show, ‘The Stolen Winter Light’, to audiences at the Rondo Theatre in Bath, the company will bring to life the story of Clementine - the thief of light in a dark Midwinter.
Founded by Bath Spa University alumni, the Greedy Pig Theatre company came into fruition when Bath Spa graduates, Douglas Murdoch and Lex Kaby met at the University’s Musical Theatre society. Recently graduated and keen to pursue their creative passions post-university, the two decided to throw themselves into the deep end, starting a theatre company from scratch. With a combination of talent, perseverance, passion, and industry links nurtured at Bath Spa, the pair built the Greedy Pig Theatre Company from the ground up.
On a mission to create performances that resonate with their audiences, the theatre showcases LGBTQIA+ and feminist stories and, hoping to empower their audiences, inclusion is at the heart of everything they do. Bridging the gap between theatre and accessibility, ‘The Stolen Winter Light’ will run fully accessible, British Sign Language interpreted shows, bringing the industry one step closer to creating theatre for everyone.
Robin Mukherjee, lecturer in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University, has watched the theatre grow from a pipe dream into a critically acclaimed company. Reflecting on the company’s success, he said:
“It is a remarkable achievement to gain funding to run a company, to put on plays that now support other creatives in their work. This is a broad vision for a theatre community, which is exactly what’s needed to bring to fruition not just our personal ambitions but the ambitions of others. It’s such a great demonstration of the principle that success comes from working with others to a common purpose.”
Debuting their first production at Bath Spa’s SparkFest - a five-week celebration of creative work from students, alumni, partners and collaborators at Bath Spa School of Music and Performing Arts - the theatre’s relationship with the University has continued to grow. Working to engage Bath Spa students and alumni since its inception, Greedy Pig continues to platform the University’s top emerging talent, offering placement and shadowing opportunities. The company’s co-founders have even been offered opportunities to return to their old stomping ground to speak to current students about their journey.
Writer and co-founder, Douglas Murdoch, graduated from Bath Spa with a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing and an MA in Scriptwriting. Crediting the University for bringing creative artists to the Bath area, Douglas said:
“I think the support from Bath Spa has been essential in getting us off the ground. When you’re just starting out, being able to try things without the massive financial pressure is incredibly helpful. Our first production was a part of SparkFest, and being able to find our feet under the umbrella of the festival’s support was amazing.”
He continued:
“We’re proud to have offered many Bath Spa creatives their first paid credit. By looking for upcoming talent, we often find ourselves speaking to students and graduates from the University. We also have an amazing relationship with Bath Spa when it comes to developing ourselves as individuals.”
The co-founders used their degrees to hone areas of expertise. Attributing her course to the decision to pursue a career in the industry, BA Drama graduate and current MA Performance Directing student, Lex Kaby, spoke about how her lecturers have bolstered her dreams and sharpened her talent throughout her time at Bath Spa:
“My course helped me decide that I wanted to go into the industry. I realised directing was something I had a passion for and that was where my skill set landed. Through my MA, I’ve gained the confidence through talking to people like Sita Calvert-Ennals, Senior lecturer in Drama, to jump headfirst and make a career.”
The Greedy Pig Theatre Company’s upcoming show, ‘The Stolen Winter Light’ will debut at the Rondo Theatre in Bath on 13 December and run until 24 December 2023. With live music, humour for all ages, and bold storytelling, the show features a cast of Bath Spa alumni and promises a ‘bewitching and hilarious festive tale.’ Tickets are available through the Rondo Theatre website.
