Spyway produces Surprising theatre – emotionally engaging yet thoughtful and thought provoking. We specialise in producing performances of all sorts in unusual locations and work everywhere from large theatres, through village halls to cafes and pubs. Our creative impetus comes from writers, new, established and emerging. We aim to produce well-made perfomances through excellent acting, direction and design.
Spyway is a collaboration between theatre director and writer Peter Cooper and designer Annette Sumption as well as various other designers, musicians and artists. We are based in Dorset but produce work throughout the UK.
Artist Paul Nash coined the term "Seaside Surrealism" about Swanage and anybody who has visited this pretty little seaside town will quickly recognise the turquoise underbelly of madness verging on eccentricity.
"The Strange Sea Sighed" is a collection of Odd words about Swanage by award winning cult performer Peter John Cooper and readings from some
of the great writers and artists who found Swanage...well... just plain weird. With additional performances byTara Dominick and music by
Matt Wilknson.
"A fantastic performance. Moving, funny and inspiring"
Wednesday 4th August, Wednesday 18th August, Wednesday 25th August at 7.30 (Guaranteed to finish before the fireworks at 9.45)
The Arts Club Hall, 17 Commercial Road, Swanage, Dorset
Tickets £7 and £4 for under 18s.
Call 01929 424428 to reserve tickets or pay on the door.
Tea and cakes may well be served.
She Opened The Door - Premiere
Written by Peter Cooper
Tuesday, 27 July 2010 19:11
New play ‘She Opened the Door’ by Dorset playwright Peter John Cooper premieres at the 19th International Thomas Hardy Festival at the Corn Exchange, Dorchester on Sunday 1st August at 3.30pm (Note the afternoon time). Commissioned by AsOne Theatre Company
She Opened the Door is a fresh look at Thomas Hardy’s first wife Emma and her relationship with the literary genius and one of Dorset’s favourite sons; it takes place in the garden of their home at Max Gate.
Hardy’s possessive mother Jemima comes to visit for a first and only time, Mrs Florence Henniker who has written a novel with Hardy arrives on the new fangled bicycle; add a feisty house maid plus Emma’s tangled nerves and you have a powder keg ready to blow!
With music and songs by world renowned composer Roderick Skeaping, and design by the talented Annette Sumption AsOne promises an imaginative evening of quality and surprise.
The theatre company is proud to be the finale of the International Thomas Hardy Festival, Dorchester’s Corn Exchange, Sun 1 August 2010, 3.30 pm, and a part of the Bournemouth Literary Festival, Sun 24th October 2010 2.30 pm at The Royal Bath Hotel.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 27 July 2010 19:19
Field of Fantasy at The Square and Compass
Written by Peter Cooper
Wednesday, 19 May 2010 06:38
Funny and thought-provoking high energy performance by award winning Dorset live artist Peter John Cooper. With subjects ranging from motorbikes to madness, cricket to cheese and love and loss. Sing along to the famous Mud Chorus.
Matt Wilkinson plays bass, guitars, percussion and even sings.
NOW with exciting and expensive looking electronic effects!
A short compilation of clips of "Field of Fantasy" with Peter John Cooper and Matt Wilkinson is now available on YouTube. Made by Iosu Vakerizzo. Field of Fantasy at The Winchester, Bournemouth
Last Updated on Sunday, 30 May 2010 11:40
Get your copy of Flexigesis
Written by Peter Cooper
Sunday, 02 May 2010 19:53
It's extraordinary that Philip. K. Dick (one of my great literary heroes) should have produced a work that parallels what I was aiming for in "Flexigesis". That is called "The Exegesis". I hope we get some spin off sales. Contact Spyway to buy a copy of Flexigesis on c.d. Download as an Mp3 from Last FM. Or look on Peter John Cooper's You Tube chamnnel for a taster.
