25th - 28th June 2009
One theatrefest finished, the next already in the planning stages.
2008 saw a nearly three-fold increase in the number of companies taking part (from 8 to 23) and a more than two-fold increase in total box-office income (100% of which is returned to the companies).
The ambition for 2009 is to have three venues in the centre of Barnstaple within easy walking distance of each other in order to encourage multiple attendances. The challenge is to find a centrally placed venue big enough to accommodate dance and the more expansive productions. The availibility of whatever replaces The Factory is at present uncertain.
We're also looking to explore with partners in the Festival and in the town management how best to bring the streets of Barnstaple alive with the sounds of street-theatre over the duration.
All this is designed to generate even more excitement about the 66 shows that make up theatrefest and to entice more people - both from Barnstaple and its surrounds and from considerably further up-country - to delight in what's on offer.
"Congratulations to everyone involved in this theatrical adventure which provides audiences with a chance to eat one theatre piece after another - and still, somehow want more."
"What is fascinating about seeing one show after another is that each one offers its own reason for coming into existence and each sets its own standard."
"We all had a fabulous time and are planning to come next year!"
