Imagine Gormenghast, that ageless castle. Picture its ivy-choked turrets and cobwebbed attics; picture the great forgotten pavement between the rooftops; picture the Tower of Flints, roosting-place of a thousand merciless owls.
Blackshaw is nearing the end of a two-year quest to bring Gormenghast, the otherworldly setting for Mervyn Peake's classic 20th century novels Titus Groan and Gormenghast, off the page. We want to invite Peake's many fans to walk in his world, and introduce a whole new audience to his work.
With the support of Mervyn Peake's estate, we've penned a brand new stage adaptation of Titus Groan. Our production team is assembled and ready. And we've found the perfect venue. We just need your help to secure it.
The Actors' Church in London's Covent Garden is that venue. The church's blend of architectural styles gives it the exact timeless quality Ellie Pitkin, Artistic Director of Blackshaw and director of Gormenghast: Titus Groan, has had in mind since she started work on the production two years ago. Our designer, Zahra Mansouri, took one look at the place and was so inspired she hardly stopped sketching for the next 12 hours.
With your help we can hire the Actors' Church for the production's entire planned run (11-14 April), and stage Gormenghast: Titus Groan in a setting befitting Mervyn Peake's beloved creation.
Video music composed and performed by Greg Harradine. This piece, along with others will be used in Gormenghast: Titus Groan
