Croydonites Festival of New Theatre

CroydoNites is a festival of new theatre and performance for Croydon, featuring artists from across the UK. The inaugural event will take place between 12-20 November, when four companies will present work at the newly launched Theatre Utopia at Matthews Yard, and the recently refurbished Stanley Halls.

The line-up includes Jonzi D, artistic director of Breakin' Convention and the father of Hip Hop Theatre. Jonzi was offered an MBE in 2011 for services to dance. Not knowing whether to accept it, he made 'The Letter – to be or to…MBE?' to help him decide. Told through the eyes of a colourful cast of characters, Jonzi uses choreo-poetic language, politics and wit to paint a picture of “stunning rhythmical clarity” - The Stage. Did he accept? You’ll have to come along to find out.

Kate O’Donnell is a contemporary queer theatre performer and cabaret artist. Big Girl’s Blouse is her story of growing up as a boy in Coventry where she got all of the lead female roles in plays at her all boy’s school. This gently political performance exudes pride and strength in being a transgender woman and sees Kate make a song and dance about her life using humour, music and costume. “Furiously funny” - Sunday Times, Style Magazine, “A Manchester legend” - Time Out Manchester