Sunday Lunch Club

In 2008, Artistic Director Peter S Petralia was awarded a bursary from New Work Network (NWN) and Nuffield Theatre Lancaster as part of NWN’s Activator Bursary Scheme. He was tasked with conducting research into what networks might be missing from the northwest region and then producing some kind of program to address any gap identified. Over the course of several months, Peter interviewed artists, programmers and funders in the region to try and understand what the needs of the region might be. A summary of his findings is available for download here.

The resulting program that was created is called The Sunday Lunch Club and it is a theatrical work-share and networking event for contemporary performance makers centered on a generous exchange of ideas over a delicious Sunday lunch. The event is currently invitation only with participants suggesting new members on a regular basis. At each event, two to three artists show a work in progress and then the group provides facilitated feedback using Liz Lerman’s Critical Response feedback method. This results in generous and useful feedback that focuses on helping the artist understand what the audience experienced watching their work, as opposed to what the audience might have wanted. After showing work and receiving feedback, the group retires to a large Sunday lunch for more informal networking.

The Sunday Lunch Club helps to build a community organically and constructively. As one of the artists said, “Performing at the Sunday Lunch Club has been extremely rewarding and unique experience - and very very useful to hear everyone's feedback! I really do appreciate you setting up this kind of club - which makes you feel you belong to a community of artists (particularly important when producing solo work).” Not only does it build community though, it also has had practical implications for participants. As a result of the first four events in 2008, several artists have received Arts Council England funding, two have had show bookings and at least one has developed a new collaboration. Although the club is not about getting bookings, there can sometimes be side effects that are welcome.

Sunday Lunch Club is a Proto-type Theater initiative in partnership with Nuffield Theatre Lancaster.

Financially supported by Arts Council England, Live Art North West, Manchester Metropolitan University, New Work Network, Nuffield Theatre Lancaster, and Proto-type Theater. Participating venues (who have generously donated their space) include Lanternhouse / National Creation Centre, the Bluecoat, Greenroom, Nuffield Theatre Lancaster, Leeds Met Studio Theatre, Axis Theatre Crewe, UCLAN, and Rose Theatre Ormskirk.