Suzy Humphries set up Looping the Loop and will talk about current projects, the job of building the partnerships and funding needed to create new theatre work, and how we hope a revitalised Theatre Royal Margate may be possible.

Looping the Loop was set up by charity Ramsgate Arts in 2013, responding to a callout from Battersea Arts Centre for towns around England, suffering from deprivation, to join a new programme – the Collaborative Touring Network. The aim – to rethink the notion of ‘touring theatre’, to make it less about piloting in and disappearing straight after the last show but about really involving, working with and supporting the towns and people that shows visit.

In 2019 Looping the Loop became a separate Community Interest Company and is still creating theatre here in Thanet. They have worked with people of all ages and groups including Inspiration Creative, East Kent Mencap, Newington Community Centre, Copper Kettle Home, Homefleet House, Jo Jo’s Dance School and migrant families in Cliftonville, involving people directly in shows and projects, building a stronger community through the sense of belonging and purpose gained through the group dynamic. Some members may have seen Bunker of Zion in 2022, a joyous celebration of Zimbabwean dance and music; Inspiration Creative members worked with the company for a week and were a principal part of the performances in this national touring production.

The talk will take place at the San Clu Hotel in their downstairs meeting room with full disabled access and much nearby on street parking. To attend you must book in advance at £2 (+88p Eventbrite fee) a ticket. Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start. Non members of the Ramsgate Society are requested to make a further voluntary donation of £3.

Tickets available from: https://bit.ly/LoopingtheLoopTalk or just click on the website link below.