Improbable to create space for artists who 'don't fit in'

Theatre company Improbable is planning to launch a creation centre for people who do not feel they have a home elsewhere in the industry. 

Co-artistic director Phelim McDermott revealed the plans at The Stage Awards 2023, where Improbable scooped Producer of the Year, sponsored by TodayTix Group. 

The company, which was founded 26 years ago and centres its work around improvisation, is collaborating with a venue called Bore Place in Kent on the project. 

Improbable has previously hosted events at the country estate, which is home to not-for-profit sustainability organisation the Commonwork Trust.

McDermott said: "We’re on a journey to create a space, so we’re collaborating with Bore Place.

"We’re going to create a creation centre that will be a home for lots of people in the industry who feel they don’t necessarily have a home."

McDermott said this included people who engage with Improbable’s Devoted and Disgruntled discussion events.

He added: "It’s probably at least a 10-year journey to create that space, but ultimately it’s going to be a home for people who often don’t sense they belong in the usual places, a lot of the freelancers, a lot of the people who have particular skills that don’t quite fit into the traditional boxes."

The Stage Awards 2023, which celebrate achievements in theatre over the past 12 months, took place at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London on January 30.