Theatre gets £30k for William the Conqueror play

Rabble Theatre staged Henry I above the king's body in the ruins of Reading Abbey

Rabble Theatre in Reading has been awarded £30,000 by Arts Council England to produce a new play about William the Conqueror.

It will be a prequel to the company's Henry I which was staged to great acclaim inside the ruins of Reading Abbey in 2023.

Rabble said in a time when wonderful organisations across the country were fighting for existence it was "delighted, humbled and honoured to have received the investment".

Arts Council England said the "inspiring project" combined bold creative collaboration with a focus on reaching young people.

A production of Henry I was staged in 2023

Rabble's aim is to have the play ready by 2027 when the 1,000th anniversary of William the Conqueror's birth will be marked with events across England and Normandy.

It will be written by Beth Flintoff, Rabble's associate playwright, and will be worked on during a week of research and development later this year.

Toby Davies, Rabble's co-artistic director, said: "This is without doubt our most ambitious and exciting creative adventure and we're very grateful to ACE and everyone who plays the lottery."

Hazel Edwards, south east area director for Arts Council England, said: "This inspiring project combines bold creative collaboration with a focus on reaching young people in challenging circumstances.

"It exemplifies our shared commitment to fostering inclusive, high-quality cultural experiences that engage and uplift communities."

Rabble Theatre moved into Caversham Stables in 2021 but now has to relocate

The independent theatre company is known for performing in a variety of locations and venues but last May said it was having to leave the Grade II listed building where it rehearsed.

About £1m was needed to make the council-owned building fit for purpose.

Reading Borough Council said the company could remain there until the site was sold and it would "do its best to help Rabble Theatre relocate to affordable premises".