Come and see what’s on at Heartbreak in Leamington

In recent weeks audiences have tucked into strawberries and cream as they were entertained by outdoor performances of The Taming of the Shrew, Pinocchio and Pride and Prejudice in Jephson Gardens - and the feedback from these shows, says Heartbreak director Maddy Keer, has been “fantastic”.

And while the company, which is based in Spencer Yard, is known for its creative, interactive and tongue-in-cheek approach to classic theatre, it is quietly working hard on all manner of other projects with young people and community groups.

And its directors are keen to get more people involved.

Artistic director Peter Mimmack said: “What we are about is invention, passion, fun and interaction.

“We go into schools and visit community groups to get young people to get involved as directors and backstage as well as acting. We have done projects on drinking, road safety and unemployment.

“We would love to be able to connect more with the people who can get something out of this process.”

Heartbreak is currently working with a group of around 30 Leamington-based asylum seekers - mostly from Afghanistan - on a film about hopes and fears.

This follows on from a film young people worked on, with help from the BBC, about unemployment and redundancy in the Brunswick ward of Leamington.

Meanwhile every Saturday morning, Heartbreak Hub workshops welcome five to 16-year-olds to get involved in all aspects of theatre, culminating in performances at the company’s main space at North Hall in Spencer Yard.

Maddy said: “It’s about building confidence and improving listening and communication skills. We also get them involved in writing. It’s so they can develop their own voice.

“We are trying to raise the profile of how much talent and enthusiasm there is in and around Leamington.”

Professional filmmaking of weddings is another service the company has recently started offering, where films will be more interactive and story-like in nature than standard wedding footage.

Peter said: “There is a range of people who could use our services. We will tailor things to what the school or community group requires. We have the technical equipment and skills to put across the message they want to put across.”

Heartbreak’s main space is at North Hall, which they regularly rent out to a range of groups, including yoga, groovy tap dance, orchestras, for drawing classes and for corporate events.

Anyone who did not catch this summer’s performances in Jephson Gardens can see Pinocchio at Myton School on July 6 and 7 at 7pm, Taming of the Shrew at Charlecote Park near Wellesbourne on July 9 at 7.30pm and Pride and Prejudice at Charlecote on August 13 at 7.30pm.

For tickets and to find out more about Heartbreak’s projects, classes and workshops, visit the company at Spencer Yard, call 430307, or go online.