Can life truly imitate art?
For one unforgettable night, on Wednesday, November 15th 2023 at Marylebone Theatre, Ye You Productions is set to bring a series of riveting performances from the canvas to the stage.
Picture This promises to take audiences on an exciting journey of ekphrastic storytelling, showcasing a diverse range of new writing by established and emerging literary talents nestled amongst a curated collection of timeless classics.
George Chilcott (String v SPITTA, Songlines, Swansong) will be directing the evening, consolidating the writing into a mesmerising theatrical experience, united by the shared theme and challenge of writing in response to art. Our audience will become immersed in the artwork whilst witnessing its transformation into a live performance.
The impressive literary line-up includes award-winning writers Mike Bartlett (Cock, Dr Foster, Bull) and Amy Rosenthal (Sitting Pretty, Henna Night), as well as the brilliant minds of Barney Fishwick, Philippa Lawford, John Akinde, Oliver Forsyth, Joe McArdle, Georgia Frost, Samson Ajewole, Sophie Bentinck, Jimmy Essex and hand picked work from David Ireland all of our writers have thoughtfully penned pieces for the night alone, so Picture This will be your only opportunity to see them performed.
Externalising inspiration has proved an exciting challenge for our writers - “With this project the process had to change. Instead of waiting for a character to emerge, new and fully formed, I had to piece one together from the work in front of me. This changed it from a solo exercise into a conversation with someone I'd never met” - Oliver Forsyth
Don't miss your chance to be part of this unique celebration of the blurred lines between art forms and the many ways creativity begets more of itself.
Reserve your tickets
here for PICTURE THIS and be part of an unforgettable evening.
ALL PROCEEDSAt Ye You Productions, we believe in supporting the next generation of artists. That's why we're thrilled to announce that all proceeds from ticket sales will be dedicated to a private charitable trust committed to providing financial aid and resources to emerging artists. By eliminating financial barriers, the trust supports artists to focus on and further their practice.
OUR DIRECTORGeorge Chilcott founded DugOut Theatre in 2012 and continues to be the company’s Artistic Director. George also directs comedy and is the director of Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominated sketch duo Goodbear.
Some credits include; String v SPITTA (Soho Theatre), Agatha (Theatre 503), Goodbear: Dougal (Soho Theatre), Songlines (HighTide Theatre), Replay (Theatre E59E/ Brits Off Broadway), Swansong (Lowry Theatre) and Inheritance Blues (Soho Theatre). In 2022, George loves to make work that is big-hearted, funny, musical and, above all, tells a good story.
OUR WRITERSMike Bartlett is an English playwright and screenwriter for film and TV series. His 2015 psychological thriller TV series, Doctor Foster, starring Suranne Jones, won the New Drama award from National Television Awards. Bartlett's play Bull won Best New Play at The National Theatre Awards. Cock starring Andrew Scott and Ben Whishaw won Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre alongside King Charles III which won Olivier Award for Best New Play.
Amy Rosenthal is an acclaimed playwright whose work has been performed internationally. Stage plays include Sitting Pretty, Henna Night and On The Rocks (nominated for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize). Amy currently has a screenplay in development with Atlas Films. Her most recent play, The Party Girls will be produced by the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, and she is under commission to Manhattan Theatre Club.
Georgia Frost is an Actor, Writer and Maker. Although writing has always been a part of Georgia’s practice, sharing their work is fairly new. Currently in the works is a short film and one man show Georgia hopes to stage in the new year. Acting credits include: Henry V (The Globe), Gaia (BBC Short Film), This Is Going To Hurt (BBC), Dead Dog In A Suitcase (Kneehigh), The Other One (BBC) and Monster Calls (Old Vic).
Oliver Forsyth is a writer for theatre and television. He currently has two plays under commission and is developing original TV scripts. Previous work includes 'Cash Cow' (Hampstead Theatre) 'Kings' (New Diorama Theatre) and 'Such Filthy F*cks' (The Pleasance/New Diorama Theatre/Smoke & Oakum Theatre)'.
Philippa Lawford is a writer-director from London. Her debut play, Ikaria, won a runner-up award from the ATG Playwrights’ Prize and an OFFIE Short Run Commendation, and was named no. 2 on Broadway World’s list of Best Theatre of 2022. Ikaria returns to London after a 7 venue UK tour in Autumn, this time to the Park Theatre.
Samson Ajewole is an actor and emerging writer. Having most recently written BFI-funded short film ‘ An Eighth of Him’ He is best known for being featured in HBO’s Bafta award-winning series 'I May Destroy You' and most recently appearing in “ A Little Life” at the Savoy Theatre.
Barney Fishwick is an actor and writer. As a writer, he has been nominated for a Writer’s Guild Award for Best Online Comedy as well as a BBC Audio Drama Award for Best Longform Comedy. As an actor, his credits include the Academy Award-nominated film Living, HBO’s House of the Dragon and new Apple TV drama The Buccaneers.
Jimmy Essex is a British actor/writer, known for his performances on both stage and screen. From his portrayal of Adam, in the long-running series Hollyoaks and Netflix's The Sandman, To playing Robert in the play GHBOY.
Joe McArdle is an award-winning actor, writer and stand-up comedian. He has been writing and performing comedies, tragedies, and everything in-between, for just over a decade. With a distinctive style yet eclectic CV, Joe has credits that vary between theatre, radio, screen, graphic novel, documentary and stand-up comedy. Joe is also the writing partner of satirist Munya Chawawa and co-wrote on two BAFTA-nominated shows; Race Around Britain (YouTube) and How To Survive A Dictator (C4).
John Akinde is a multifaceted creative and educator on a mission to make a positive impact. Since 2014, he has led diverse community and youth engagement projects across London and the UK. As a writer, John has produced compelling work for major outlets like HuffPost, Warner Records, Metro, the BBC and Sky.
Sophie Bentinck is an award-winning writer and actor from North London. Her debut show Pauline was nominated for an Offie for Best Theatre Show in Edinburgh 2022 and a People’s Choice Award at VAULT Festival. As Curtis Brown’s Breakthrough Memoir Scholar they continue to support her writing.
OUR PRODUCERSOlivia Lindsay has a background in acting and a deep love for theatre and film. Olivia has worked on prestigious projects, including Howard Davies’ The Last Of The Hausmann’s (National Theatre) starring actors Helen McCrory, Julie Walters, and Rory Kinnear. Martin McDonagh’s A Skull In Connemara (Nottingham Playhouse) directed by Fiona Buffini. Beckett's No’s Knife, (Old Vic Theatre) starring Lisa Dwan and directed by Joe Murphy.
Kat Maxse is an independent producer collaborating with Ye You on its exciting new slate. With a diverse background spanning Film, TV, and Theatre, Kat brings extensive expertise in Production and Development to the table. Her accredited productions include The Critic (directed by Anand Tucker), The Shepherd (directed by Iain Softley), Hamlet (directed by Sean Mathias), and Heathers: The Musical (directed by Andy Fickman).
