Prema Performances and What’s On

Prema, from its very inception, has always had an eye on what’s just around the corner. We have earned a national reputation for showing tomorrow’s mainstream today, securing a place for Prema as one of the key venues in the UK for showing challenging, thought-provoking theatre and performance.

“Prema is the envy of many a metropolitan venue”

We have a particular interest in contemporary theatre and performance work – physical theatre, live animation, visual theatre and all the areas in between. We tend not to put on “plays” as such. Prema enjoys artists and companies telling stories in a visual and not necessarily narrative way.

Our performances take place in our Upstairs Room – meaning that for the audience member, the experience is intimate and has a powerful resonance. Theatre companies hold Prema in fond regard – as a quirky little venue which takes risks and whose theatre space makes for an intense and remarkable performance for their production.

From time-to-time, Prema promotes an evening of contemporary dance or dance theatre (sometimes showcasing Bharat Natyam). We recognize that dance is a beautiful visual language that often helps a narrative to unfold.

Rehearsal/Devising Spaces

Prema seeks to help originators of exciting new work by occasionally offering rehearsal space or room in which to devise and experiment with the ideas for making new shows.

The Upstairs Room is available for hire and is ripe for a whole host of creative possibilities (from parties to wedding functions, workshops to private functions for bands and theatre companies). Do you need to film a performance or dance event? Prema has a comprehensive lighting rig and sound desk, meaning that it’s possible to spend time in creating your film in the quiet, inspiring space at Prema.

On occasion, we donate the space to companies and makers whose work has a strong resonance with our own programming policy. To this end, we are working with Theatre Gloucestershire, Theatre Bristol and Gloucestershire Dance to lend space to makers and practitioners in live art, physical theatre, visual theatre and contemporary dance. Companies who have utilized Prema’s gorgeous building as a rural retreat include Third Angel, The Special Guests, Rogue Theatre, The Ding Foundation, Gemma Bowell, and Marie-Louise Flexen & Russell Boodie.

Are you looking for space to hire? Contact Prema’s Artistic Director, Gordon Scott, by emailing gordon@prema.org.uk or by calling 01453 860703