WORDTheatreUK LTD

WORDTheatreUK LTD (Charity number 1203917) is a United Kingdom-based nonprofit organization dedicated to championing literature through the performance of contemporary short stories. Founded as the UK branch of the international literary arts organization WORDTheatre, it received charitable status from the UK Charity Commission in the fall of 2023[1].

History

WORDTheatre was originally founded in 2003 in Los Angeles by Cedering Fox, a producer, theatre director, and voiceover artist. Fox’s vision was to bring great literature to life through live staged readings performed by renowned actors and writers. The US company quickly expanded its reach with performances in Los Angeles and New York.

WORDTheatreUK was launched later that same year in London, co-founded by Kirsty Peart, a writer of animation for film and television, and collaborator of Fox. Since its inception, WORDTheatreUK has collaborated closely with the US parent organization to produce hundreds of bespoke theatrical events, featuring live readings and post-performance discussions with authors[1].

Activities and Programs

WORDTheatreUK produces a variety of programs that engage audiences by combining the literary arts with theatrical performance:

• Writer/Actor Series: Live readings of contemporary short stories performed by esteemed actors, frequently with the author present for Q&A sessions and book signings. This program has been presented in prestigious venues and literary awards events across the UK and the US. Since 2021, a free weekly podcast featuring these readings has broadened the organization’s worldwide audience[5].

• Themed Events: Productions explore compelling themes such as jazz history, the cosmos, love letters, cricket, and celebrations of notable literary figures including Langston Hughes, Isak Dinesen, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and Stefan Zweig. Themed concerts resonate with contemporary audiences while honoring literary traditions.

• Benefit Events: WORDTheatreUK creates original theatrical productions aimed at raising awareness and funds for important social causes. Topics have included autism, mental health, Parkinson’s disease, support for at-risk youth, community college programs, and domestic violence prevention. These benefit events use literature and performance to foster empathy and engage communities in meaningful dialogue[5].

Recognition

WORDTheatreUK’s recognition as a registered charity in 2023 formalized its status in the UK arts and nonprofit sectors. The organization continues to be noted for its innovative approach to literature and theatre by connecting audiences with the written word through compelling live and streamed performances[1].

WORDTheatreUK LTD continues to contribute vitally to the cultural and theatrical landscape in the UK by fostering a vibrant intersection of literature, performance, and social engagement.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WordTheatre [2] https://wordtheatre.org [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theatre_of_the_United_Kingdom [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UK_Theatre_Awards [5] https://wordtheatre.org/about/