Pollyanna Newcombe

I am a fierce believer in theatre’s ability to interrogate, illuminate and decipher the world we find ourselves in. I am interested in theatre which shocks and surprises audiences and makes them sit up and have a conversation with themselves. Most of my work has a focus on the championing of unheard voices in inventive ways.

The visual aspect of my work is something which I take great time considering. I have tended to focus a lot of time on during projects on utilising inventive movement; I come from a contemporary dance background and was lucky enough to work with Hofesh Shechter’s company on a piece so would say contemporary dance is a huge influence on my work.

I really enjoy developing new writing; so far in my career, I have almost exclusively directed new writing (from first draft) from a range of writers with very different voices and styles. I also co-founded a new writing theatre company early this year, Brutal Bliss Productions, which champions queer voices.

Credits

Director, Becoming the Invisible Woman, Tristan Bates/Drayton Arms/ Milton Keynes Theatre (Skyroom), 3 nights/1 week/ 1 day, 2018/2019.

Director, Harper Regan, The Tabard, 3.5 weeks, 2019

Director, A Sticky Season, Tristan Bates/Drayton Arms, 2 nights/ 1 week, 2019

Director, Your Way or Mine, Theatre 503, 2 nights, 2019

Director, Specky Ginger C*nt, Katzpace, 2 nights, 2018

Director, She's Fit Just Kiss Her, Southwark Playhouse (Large), 2 nights, 2018

Director, Homo Superior, Karamel Club, 5 nights, 2018

Director, Soulmates, The Space, 1 night, 2019

Director, Leave The Tape Running, Radio play (Jungle Studios), 2018

Director, Mother Teresa is Dead, Mountview internal showcase, 2 nights, 2018

Co-assistant Director, Speculators, New Diorama, 4 nights, 2019

Assistant Director, Diamond, The Bush/ Underbelly, One Month, 2018

Assistant Director, For King and Country, Southwark Playhouse (Large), One Month, 2018]

Assistant Director, As You Like It, Mountview internal showcase, 3 nights, 2018

Assistant Director, Actor Showcase, Soho Theatre Main House, 2 nights, 2018

Assistant Director, The Music Man, Mountview internal showcase, 3 nights, 2018

Training

MA in Theatre Directing (Mountview)
Doorway to Movement with Kate Flatt (Young Vic)
Movement Directing Workshop with Rachael Nanyonjo (Young Vic)
Meisner for Directors 2 day course (Young Vic)
Introduction to Michael Chekov with Rebecca Frecknell
Viewpoints with Ned Bennett
Adaptation with Mark Ravenhill
Site-Specific Theatre with Geraldine Pilgrim
Elements of RADA (classical text and movement)
Raindance Director Training Scheme
Performance Studies A-Level (A) with a focus on directing movement orientated pieces.