After receiving more than 100 applications, Home, Manchester, has announced London’s energetic musical duo Bourgeois & Maurice as its first T1 Commission.
Part of Home’s talent development programme, the new pioneering project, the T1 Commission, provides an opportunity for mid-career theatre makers to work with Home. Together they reat a new piece of work to be presented on Home’s Theatre 1 stage in Spring 2019.
The unique commission includes a bespoke two-year residency with training, shadowing opportunities, practical R&D and mentoring from HOME’s creative team alongside international industry professionals.
Speaking of the commission, Home’s Walter Meierjohann commented: “We want HOME to be a creative hub where local and world-class talent of all backgrounds and disciplines are discovered, nurtured and showcased. The T1 Commission is a one of a kind project which provides an exciting opportunity to create work for our stage. We are thrilled that Bourgeois & Maurice will be working with us and look forward to seeing what they create in 2019”.
The part cabaret, part theatre, part catwalk freak show duo Bourgeois & Maurice, George Heyworth and Liv Morris, began their career working in the bards and clubs of London, before appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe and moving to regular performances at Soho Theatre. Their music explores the mundane absurdity of modern life and wraps it up neatly in a catchy pop hook. Armed with acid wit, a piano and several inches of make-up, the pair are innovative, provocative and irresistible.
George Heyworth & Liv Morris added: “We are beyond excited to have been awarded the T1 Commission and to become part of the HOME team. It’s a completely unique opportunity for us to take our ten years of experience making satirical musical and theatre work for small to medium size stages, and apply it to a main stage show, with the support and advice of a brilliantly experienced team. We plan to explore stories and themes that are pertinent within contemporary UK society, through music, humour, satire and a chorus of 45 dancers, huge pyrotechnics, a children’s choir, possibly a flying helicopter and stadium level lasers. Those last few are still to be confirmed at the moment, but either way we really can’t wait to make something big, bold and bonkers. Thanks HOME for giving us this career-changing opportunity.”
Bourgeois and Maurice image by Christa Holka and Alexander Innes
