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Closing The Gap is a young, London-based theatre company devising original, experiential theatre.

 

We want to close the gap between the theatregoers and theatre-makers, taking you out of the darkness of the auditorium and into the light of the world we create. We will challenge your perceptions of theatre and your expectations of what your role as an audience member is.

 

Being influenced by Theatre of the Absurd, we combine immersive and interactive styles into our work, creating productions that remain relevant and accessible to a modern-day audience.

 

Closing the Gap was founded by Artistic Director, Joe Allan; Producer, Todd Cooper and Designer, Nicki Martin-Harper. We currently have two permanent roles: Producer & Artistic Director. 

 

 

Joe Allan - Artistic Director

After graduating from the University of the West of England with a BSc (Hons) in Drama & Psychology, Joe has been involved in a number of community and youth theatre projects in his hometown of Winchester especially Discarded Nut Theatre Company & Encore Youth Theatre.

Since moving to London In 2013 he has assisted at the Spill Festival 2013 and at a number of promenade performances with The Performer Project at The Albert Centre, London. In October 2014 he directed an adaption of Chekhov's 'The Proposal' for Goblin Baby Theatre Co. at the Hen & Chickens Theatre; and two one-night, new writing shows; one for 'Briefs' at Waterloo East in October with West Avenue Theatre Co. & 'Qualified to date' at The London Theatre in November for Fragmental Theatre. 2015 saw him direct two pieces at the Bread & Roses Theatre, Clapham; 'Special Ones' as part of 'The Platform' & '15 minutes of silence' which was part of the 'Unheard Festival'; as well as a return to 'Briefs' to direct 'Sex & Pyjamas' at Waterloo East. He also directed 'Athens' as part of Rapid Write Response at Theatre503. So far in 2016, Joe has directed work at Vaults Festival, Theatre N16 and The Old Red Lion as well as returning to Briefs at Waterloo East & Rapid Write Response for Theatre 503. He is currently directing What happended this morning at the Lion & Unicorn Theatre and the UK debut of Circa at the Vaults Theatre.

Joe is a member of the Young Vic Directors Program & Stage Directors UK.

His main interests lie in experiential theatre, in particular those related to Theatre of the Absurd.  

When not in the theatre, Joe can be found travelling the world or sitting in a field, enjoying music at a festival. 

 

Todd Cooper - Producer

Todd recently graduated with a BA in Anthropology from the University of Sussex, however after being involved with performing arts since the age of four has decided to study further towards a masters degree in Arts Management.  He is passionate about a great variety of art forms, however is particularly enthusiastic about theatre and music.  Having previously been a performer and secretary for amateur theatre groups, Todd is now excited to use his understanding and skills to produce performances that can both introduce people to the arts and change the perceptions of performance for both newcomers and established theatregoers alike. 

During 2015 Todd is travelling the globe making his dreams a reality. He is keeping a travelling vlog of all his adventures which you can follow at: www.topcattravels.co.uk 

Jenny Coyle - Creative Producer

Jenny trained in Musical Theatre, graduating in 2011 and moving straight down to London to throw herself into as much theatre as she possibly could.  After gaining experience as a Production Assistant on various West End concerts and productions, Jenny started devising , directing and performing in the critically acclaimed ‘Back to the Musicals’, which took place at The Pheasantry in Chelsea. 

In November 2014, Jenny produced and performed her one-woman show ‘Qualified to Date’ with Fragment.al Theatre which was performed at The London Theatre, New Cross. 

She also freelances for company Your Face Here UK where she project manages social media campaigns – including Closing the Gap! 

Aside from Closing the Gap work or her own acting career, Jenny loves being creative and creating new pieces of work; writing her own form of text/poetry/spoken word and writing her own music (she even wrote the theme tune for Todd's travel vlog!)

Closing the Gap has been shaped by:

Abby Restall

Alan Bradley

Alex Fisher

Ally Mitchell (Assistant Director)

Anoushka Bonwick (Assistant Director)

Beth Watson

Briony Wyatt

Emma Jane Barnard

Felicity Bartlett

Guy Hodgkinson

Hannah Blaikie

Inina Opstrup-Holland

Jarrah Newman (Assistant Director)

Jennifer Coyle (Creative Producer)

Joanna Harrington

Kate Hume

Kathleen Douglas

Meg Matthews

Nicki Martin-Harper (Co-founder & Designer)

Ray Bethley

Sofia Moura

Sophia Start (Assistant Director)

Stefan Stuart

Tara Godolphin

Tiana Khan

Tomas Mountain

Kindly supported by:

BestBadges.co.uk

The Carpenters Arms, Marble Arch

'[Closing The Gap] advocate a form of engaging, challenging drama with scripts written from improvised dialogue using actors starting out in the industry.'

- Middlepeg Review
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