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A space for people to come together and experience feeling.
A time to hold contradictions.
A moment that unlocks the extraordinariness of our ordinary lives.
Southern Magpie is the film and theatre company of writer and director Max Kirk.
"passion, playfulness, tenderness and brutality all flicker between them like lightning sparks... Southern Magpie are clearly one to watch."
Islington Tribune
Contact: southernmagpietheatrecompany@gmail.com
Artistic Director - Max Kirk
Max is a theatremaker, writer and director with tri-nationality (New Zealand, Ireland, United Kingdom). He graduated LAMDA's MA Directing programme in 2017 and has assisted directors including Rebecca Frecknall and Ria Parry, and observed Mike Longhurst and Te Rākau theatre company in Aotearoa, NZ.
For more info on Max's other writing/directing work click here
Stories from around the world that are constantly curious in people; our relationships with each other, the places we've been, and the people we might become.
Designer - Tomás Palmer
Lighting Design - Chris McDonnell
Sound Design - Marie Zschommler
Stage Manager - Elinor Albu
Associate Producer - Samantha Gruskin
CAST
Doug - Seb Carington
Kayleen - Katie Matsell
“Matsell and Carrington bounce off one another brilliantly and are a joy to watch”
**** theatre and tonic
“Taut revival of Rajiv Joseph’s grisly play gets under your skin”
The Stage
“A wicked sense of humour. Highly recommended!”
**** Londontheatre1
“the audience could feel the raw emotion... touching and heartfelt”
South London News
GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES
by Rajiv Joseph
Dir. Max Kirk
The Glitch/VAULT Creative Arts, March 2025
Off West End Award Finalist 2021 - Best Movement
Off West End Award Nomination 2017 - Best Director
CRITICS CHOICE BEST SHOW 2017 - London Pub Theatres
***** View from the Outside
***** Close Up Culture
"A polished piece of work from an exciting new company. Southern Magpie are clearly one to watch."
***** thespyinthestalls
"Moving, provocative, and truly original as a piece of art"
"fervently brought to life... we should highly anticipate what is next to come from Southern Magpie Theatre"
***** londonpubtheatres
"solid writing and superb acting really draws the audience in and holds them spellbound"
***** londontheatre1
****1/2 Breakingthefourthwall **** Love London Culture
2021 Production
Designed by Rachael Twyford
Lighting Design by Oliver Bush
Costume Design by Kilah Williams
Produced by Cindy McClean-Bibby for Southern Magpie Theatre
CAST
Tom - Philippe Edwards
Elizabeth - Louise Hoare
2017 Production
Original Design by Rachael Twyford
Lighting Design by Chris McDonnell
Additional Set & Costume by Rachael Light
Assitant Producer - Rachel Harley
Produced by Cindy McClean-Bibby for Southern Magpie Theatre
CAST
Tom - Adam Slynn
Elizabeth - Louise Hoare
SKIN TIGHT
by Gary Henderson
Dir. Max Kirk
The Hope Theatre 2017 & 2021
WINNER Best Cinematography - SENE Film Festival
BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM - Runner Up - SENE Film Festival
SEMI FINALIST - Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTION - Lighthouse International Film Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTION - Fastnet Film Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTION - Scout Film Festical
LONGLIST - National Youth Film Awards
Written and Directed by Max Kirk
Cast: Jenny Wall, Rebecca Tebbett, James Musgrave
Animation: Ana Caro
Cinematography: Natalja Safronova
Editor: Emil Joseph
Original Music: Adam Double
Sound Design: Adam Woodhams
Produced by Samantha Gruskin and Jenny Wall
A Southern Magpie Film
Our Old Den
A short film by Max Kirk (2021)
History
Southern Magpie was founded as Southern Magpie Theatre in 2017 with the aim of discovering bold and moving stories from from around the world, with a particular focus on Aotearoa, New Zealand, and staging them for audiences around the UK. Our debut production of Skin Tight by Gary Henderson played at the Hope Theatre, Islington and recieved numerous 5 star reviews. Its revival post pandemic, garnered further acclaim and on Offie Finalist Award for Best Movement.
As the scope of the company has broadened, our first short film Our Old Den, premiered at Fastnet Film Festival, Ireland and went on to play at festivals across the UK, Ireland and America, including as a Semi-Finalist at Academy Award Qualifying Flickers Rhode Island International Film Festival. And the american play Gruesome Playground Injuries by Pulitzer Prize Finalist Rajiv Joseph, played at VAULT Creative Arts' new home, The Glitch, in March 2025, in its first UK revival since its European premier in 2013.
We are currently developing a short film which will explore integrating creative access alongside a mix of animation and live action film and are always excited to hear from new artists and collaborators.
Please get in touch via one of the emails below :)
