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Theatre is a space for people to come together to feel.

A space we can hold contradictions.

A space to find out who we are, where we've come from, and who we might become.

 

We make work in theatre and film, telling delicate and visceral stories from around the world that are constantly curious in people; our relationships with each other, our communities, and our pasts.

We examine the extraordinariness of our ordinary lives.

​​​​​

Southern Magpie is the film and theatre company of writer and director Max Kirk.​

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"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

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Artistic Director - Max Kirk
Max is a theatre and film director and writer 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

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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"

Islington Tribune

"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

2021 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

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SKIN TIGHT

by Gary Henderson
Dir. Max Kirk
The Hope Theatre 2017 & 2021

Home: Inner_about

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

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Our Old Den
 
A short film by Max Kirk (2021)

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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 Isalnd International Film Festival.

We are currently developing a play and short film that uses access and integration to allows us to reach audeinces and push the language of our storytelling even further.

Please get in touch via email.

southernmagpietheatrecompany@gmail.com

max_kirk@outlook.com

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