Lyttelton Arts Factory Artist Exchange Programme

Since ERT’s inception in 2014, a creative tie has developed from the professional relationship between LAF’s Creative Director, Mike Friend, and ERT’s Artistic Director, Adrian Rawlins.

Mike’s unique directorial and lighting design has served ERT from its early days with world class physical theatre shows such as A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist, and Sparrow.

An exchange programme began in 2016 after ERT’s show Oliver Twist was produced at LAF with two of the original UK cast, Clive Kneller and Annie Kirkman, joining the New Zealand Company. The collaborative outcome was an overwhelming success for performers and audiences in New Zealand.

The programme has since developed on an informal basis with UK artists Hester Ullyart and Annie Kirkman raising the stakes in The Butler Dresses Again in 2017 at LAF, followed by two outstanding solo shows from Evie Guttridge (Spoonface Steinberg) and Hester Ullyart (Paragon Station) in 2018. 

LAF’s biggest community theatre event yet Our Town, January 2019, was also made possible by this artist exchange when Hester Ullyart returned as Assistant Director to Mike Friend. 

Our latest collaboration with LAF is a new work Chippy by Joe Bennett which was directed by Adrian Rawlins in the UK starring Tom Trevella and Hester Ullyart. This new work returned to LAF in 2020 when Hester revisited NZ. Having spent the pandemic in NZ, Hester benefitted from many creative opportunities through her connection with LAF. 

In 2022, Mike Friend will return to ERT for a 7-month programme of events – not to be missed!
An image of our first production of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'. The stage is full of musicians and people singing with the central character of the play holding one arm to the air in jubilation.

News

We’re celebrating our 10th anniversary!
We’re celebrating our 10th anniversary!
This year sees our 10th anniversary since we opened our doors in 2014. We have lots of exciting plans to celebrate this occasion and we look forward to revealing more over the weeks and months ahead… So, watch this space!
‘Toad on the Wolds’ was an outstanding success!
‘Toad on the Wolds’ was an outstanding success!
Running throughout December 2023, Our seasonal production – ‘Toad on the Wolds’ – was enjoyed by many families across the region. The Writer (Gordon Meredith), Director (Richard Avery) and Producer (Sue Kirkman), along with all our amazing cast and production crew, have all received outstanding praise for their efforts. Here are just a few reviews […]
Lairgate Financial are proud sponsors of our seasonal production, ‘Toad on the Wolds’
Lairgate Financial are proud sponsors of our seasonal production, ‘Toad on the Wolds’
Photograph: Diane Claughton, ERT Corporate Sponsorship with Lairgate Financial Director Phillip Betts “ERT Brings a high standard of Theatre, Comedy and Music to the heart of the Beverley Community, Lairgate Financial are proud to continue its sponsorship with this year’s Christmas production – Toad on the Wolds”. Phillip Betts
Thank you BRBN!
Thank you BRBN!
East Riding Theatre (ERT) wants to say a huge thank you to the Beverley Referral Business Network (BRBN) for their generous donation of £500.
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