Theatre Royal Plymouth’s Lab Company have formed the production company Fishwives Theatre Company and are gearing up for their show Better Times Inc this summer (19–22 July).
Over the past nine months, the group of 12 have been provided with training, advice and mentoring in order to form their own company. Each member has been given a role in the show, either within the production team or the cast.
Where would you explore if the world gave you a door?
It’s 2054. Why travel abroad when you can travel in time?
Welcome to Better Times Inc, the UK’s most luxurious time travel agency.
After scouting the 16th Century for a marketing pitch, George returns to the present only to realise she’s brought someone with her: Hester, a character too eccentric even for the court of Queen Mary.
Bittersweet, wacky, and full of charm, Better Times Inc is a bold vision of love, self-acceptance, and finding your voice in a cacophony of thousands, blending elements of history, sci-fi, and Shakespearean comedy.
The Lab Company is a year-long training programme for people aged 18-30 from the Plymouth area, who are looking to work in the theatre industry professionally. They have taken part workshops run by theatre companies such as Complicitè and Frantic Assembly.
Lab Company participant Millie said: “I’ve absolutely loved being part of the Lab Company and it’s given me so many opportunities and experiences. I’ve really enjoyed finding out about every aspect of theatre.”
Ryan Wilce, Engagement & Learning Associate at Theatre Royal Plymouth, said: “This year’s Lab Company have been absolutely fantastic. They’ve come from all walks of life, all with different levels of experience and it’s been really beautiful to see them all come together and create what I think is a special show.”
Tickets for Better Times Inc are currently on-sale on the Theatre Royal Plymouth website.